Chapter 68: Yukino’s Request? Hiratsuka Shizuka in Black Stockings Would Be Stunning

After seeing a ghost in the Classic Literature Club, Yukinoshita Yukino no longer regarded Shirakawa as just a high-achieving student.

He understood the nature of ghosts and how to handle them.

He had to be one of those "exorcists" that people talked about online.

When asked, she didn't hide her thoughts. Her tone remained cool as always. "I don't know why, but I can now see ghosts as well."

She briefly explained her current condition. This flower of Sobu High cast a glance filled with faint apology toward Shirakawa.

She took the initiative. "It was a misunderstanding during lunch the day before yesterday."

"Shirakawa-san, I apologize for my rash and thoughtless behavior. I hope you can forgive me. Also..."

"..."

Watching Yukino's bashful manner, even though she didn't know what had happened after she left the Classic Literature Club—

From the conversation—

Miura Yumiko could guess some details. Most people wouldn't believe in ghosts even if told.

Let alone—

Someone like Yukinoshita, who had a difficult personality and a sharp tongue.

Since she had offended Shirakawa—even if he was a shameless flirt—she couldn't allow her "other self" to be disliked by someone annoying.

When not alone with him—

Compared to the energetic girl persona she showed Shirakawa, Miura Yumiko now had a cold smile tugging at her lips.

"Do you think an apology is enough?"

"If you didn't believe in ghosts, you should stick to that. Now you run to Shirakawa-kun the moment you're in trouble?"

"You're hogging all the good things for yourself!"

Faced with such merciless criticism, Yukinoshita Yukino surprisingly said nothing. She simply looked toward Shirakawa.

She remembered his conversation with Miura Yumiko—that it wouldn't be easy to solve the problem, and there would be a price to pay.

Her tone was serious. "I don't know what conditions Shirakawa-san needs to help me resolve this, but if it's money—name your price."

"..."

As for Miura Yumiko's attitude—

Shirakawa found it acceptable. He figured it probably stemmed from when he gave Yukinoshita temporary spiritual vision in the Classic Literature Club.

Maybe it activated something in her.

She offered money in exchange for help. But he shook his head and spread his hands helplessly. There were 60 tenants in his apartment building.

Even excluding Izumi Iori—

There were still 59. The shop spaces alone brought in enough monthly rent that, even after taxes, left him with 8 million yen in net profit.

Money...

Was just numbers for him now. More importantly, Miura had only gained her ghost-fighting powers after becoming a "Chosen One."

Helping Yukinoshita actually had no cost.

The real issue was—why should he help her, and from what standpoint?

Shirakawa firmly refused.

"This isn't about money. Miura Yumiko only has her abilities because all the conditions were met. I can't help you."

"And most importantly—I don't need the money."

"Conditions?"

Yukinoshita wasn't discouraged. She nodded and smiled slightly. "Since Miura-san can do it, I believe I should be able to as well. What should I do?"

Surely it wasn't going to be "offer your body, your soul, and your faith"? That would solidify his identity as a perverted exorcist.

Looking at Yukinoshita's persistence—

Shirakawa shrugged and didn't give his answer right away. Instead, he asked, "Alright, let's assume you meet the conditions."

"But why should I help you?"

"..."

Yukinoshita didn't show any emotional reaction. She simply nodded, seemingly reflecting. The reason she started the Service Club was simple.

Those who have should show compassion to those who lack. That's what we call "volunteering."

Just like developed countries offering aid, or people giving food to the homeless, or girls talking to unpopular guys.

The Service Club was about helping people in need.

She found it ironic that the more capable someone was, the more miserable they seemed. That's why she wanted to change everyone—and the world.

But—

When it happened to her, when she became the one needing help, she failed to show the proper humility.

"I'm sorry."

"My attitude earlier was... presumptuous. Ever since I left the Classic Literature Club two days ago, I've been able to see ghosts."

"And that continues even today."

"So I want to ask Shirakawa-san to please... help me resolve this issue."

Her attitude changed quickly.

And Shirakawa didn't think he had done anything to deserve her usual venomous sarcasm. Her sincere request must have taken courage.

"For sure, I can help with this. Just wait until you're truly prepared, then message me on Line."

"If your offer is good enough, I'll consider it."

His sharp senses picked up on approaching footsteps. Shirakawa had no intention of staying longer and left with Miura Yumiko.

Meanwhile, Yukinoshita Yukino quietly stood in place, pondering Shirakawa's words. What did he mean by "true preparedness"...?

She didn't understand.

But the good news for now was that her situation with seeing ghosts might be turning around. She just didn't get what exactly did Shirakawa want?

"How should I even put this..."

---

"I've really held it in long enough when it comes to Yukinoshita!"

As the top of the social chain at Sobu High, Miura Yumiko vented her frustration with satisfaction, especially after realizing she had misunderstood Shirakawa.

She just couldn't hold it back.

However, seeing Shirakawa's calm expression made her a little uneasy. She asked, "Um... what I did just now won't mess up your plans, right?"

"No plans."

On the way back to the school building, with no other students in sight, Shirakawa was just about to wrap his arm around Miura Yumiko's waist when she suddenly quickened her pace.

By coincidence...

His hand landed on her butt. With his enhanced physical senses as a transcendent, he clearly felt the soft elasticity unique to a girl.

"…"

As the sensation jolted through her body like electricity, Miura Yumiko's face instantly flushed red. She glanced at him with playful reproach, then looked around briefly.

After making sure no students were around, she gently tapped Shirakawa's hand and narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "What are you trying to do?"

"You know."

He pointed toward the distant restroom. As a god of pleasure, how could Shirakawa not have wild ideas in a school setting?

There was still plenty of time.

Thirty minutes—plenty for a quick encounter.

"…"

"You've lost your mind!"

Miura Yumiko blushed and glared at Shirakawa. But as one of the Chosen of the God of Pleasure, the thrilling sensations ignited something in her.

"What if we get caught by other students?"

"Then we stop."

"Like you'd really stop if I said no? Fine... the girls' restroom. That place doesn't get much crowded..." As she made the suggestion herself, she felt like she was going crazy.

But the temptation was too much to resist. After making sure there were no cameras and that the restroom was empty—

She took Shirakawa's hand herself.

"There's still over thirty minutes... You know what, do as you please. If we're late, then we're late!"

"Consider it covered."

Because the restroom wasn't frequently used by students and was regularly cleaned by staff, the stalls were dry and didn't smell.

Though the space was a bit cramped.

Shirakawa infused his magic into his senses and scanned the entire restroom in an instant. After confirming there were no suspicious objects—

Who says you need twin-tails for handlebars?

A single ponytail works just as well. After all, the strong don't complain about their environment.

As the perennial top student of the second year at Sobu High, Shirakawa's mastery of academic contents gave him a clear edge in helping Miura Yumiko, who was average in her studies.

He was especially helpful with Japanese, English, and physical education.

Since becoming a transcendent, his tutoring efficiency had greatly improved. Almost every concept he taught, Miura Yumiko could quickly grasp.

And give feedback too.

But the sheer amount of knowledge wore her out physically. She could finally understand how Shirakawa held the top spot.

His study methods were clearly beyond normal comprehension.

Having never been a particularly strong student, Miura Yumiko had no intention of secretly trying to compete. When she heard footsteps approaching—

To avoid seeming like a try-hard—

She quickly covered her mouth to avoid being misunderstood by the other girls. Meanwhile, Shirakawa continued tutoring her enthusiastically.

Still full of energy.

"…"

Miura Yumiko could only protest silently with her eyes, desperately holding back any sound. The other girls—

Were just here to check themselves in the mirror.

Probably good friends?

"I haven't seen Shirakawa-senpai around lately... I even wrote a love letter but didn't get the chance to give it to him..."

"Shirakawa-senpai's grades are just as stable as ever."

"Even Yukinoshita-senpai couldn't shake his position. Whether it's academics or sports, I think someone that perfect..."

"...definitely has a girlfriend, right?"

"…"

Even from several meters away, Miura Yumiko could clearly hear the girls praising Shirakawa. She turned her head to look at him as he continued tutoring her.

He really was that good in every aspect.

Girls were even writing him love letters—just knowing that made her feel happier. Having the popular Shirakawa personally tutoring her gave her a strange sense of accomplishment.

"…"

But.

Shirakawa, also hearing the compliments, sped up his tutoring as if to prove a point—so much that Miura Yumiko could barely keep up.

"Learning is what matters most!"

Being late was inevitable, but Miura Yumiko, now freshly 'charged' with knowledge, calmly faced even the homeroom teacher, Hiratsuka Shizuka.

With a composed look, she said apologetically, "Sorry, Hiratsuka-sensei. I missed the train this morning, so I'm about 20 minutes late..."

"No problem."

Hiratsuka was generally understanding about student tardiness—especially when it was due to something like a missed train.

Seeing the sweat sticking Miura Yumiko's hair to her cheek, she could guess it was from rushing to school. She gently waved it off and said, "Even as a high school student, you should still be careful getting to school."

"Thank you, teacher."

Having no hesitation about selling someone out, Miura Yumiko sat down by the window at the back of the classroom.

She glanced at Shirakawa, who was now being stopped by Hiratsuka.

Giving him a helpless look.

As if saying: you brought this on yourself for not treating me like a human being!

"…"

"And you?"

Hiratsuka's face was calm, but her fists were clenched. She couldn't believe Shirakawa had tricked her.

In exchange for her approval—

He was supposed to share the clubroom between Yukinoshita and the Classics Club. But instead, he just passed the club president title to Chitanda.

Clearly—

He never intended to show up to the club at all!

Still—

Recalling Yukinoshita's difficult personality, Hiratsuka released her clenched fist and casually lit a cigarette.

"Not going to explain?"

"I was tutoring a classmate late last night and overslept this morning. That's why I was late. And honestly, if I didn't want to come to school..."

"I could've just asked for leave, right?"

It was true—he had been tutoring Miura Yumiko the night before and again this morning. Facing Hiratsuka's gaze, Shirakawa answered sincerely.

Looking at her now—

Wearing a white outer coat and a stylish black-and-white suit underneath, her looks and figure were both top-tier.

But perhaps due to poor sleep, she had light dark circles under her eyes, and a faint aura of resentment surrounded her.

A spirit?

Considering the world was slowly shifting in that direction, it wouldn't be surprising.

"I'm not talking about that!"

Sensing he was trying to dodge, Hiratsuka shook her head in exasperation. His difficult personality was almost on par with Haruno's.

Without asking for his permission—

"Come with me to the office."

"Alright."

It was the same familiar office. The other teachers still had a good impression of Shirakawa—his requests for leave didn't make him seem arrogant at all.

Just because your grades are good doesn't mean you can slack off.

In the break room, Hiratsuka Shizuka sat on the couch with her legs crossed, puffing on a cigarette in an attempt to relieve her exhaustion. She didn't care at all about appearances.

Sitting across from her.

Although nothing risqué happened, the slightly tired Shizuka at this moment was undeniably alluring. She wore low black heels, and her legs were flawless. Under the room's lighting, her fair skin looked even more refined. From the perspective of a rebellious student confronting his teacher—

If Hiratsuka-sensei ever wore black stockings...

It'd definitely be worth worshipping.

Compared to lewd fantasies, Shirakawa was more curious about what had actually happened to her. He could still sense a trace of lingering resentment in her.

"Sensei, did you not sleep well?"

"Don't think pretending to care will get you out of this."

Massaging her temples, Shizuka sighed and didn't hide anything from Shirakawa.

"It probably wasn't because of drinking... just had a weird dream."

"Hmm?"

Seeing that Shirakawa looked like he was genuinely listening, Shizuka didn't bother hiding anything and continued after thinking for a bit.

"It was the day before yesterday... I went out drinking with Haruno—an alumna from Sobu High. On the way back home, we ran into a stray dog."

"I happened to have some food in hand..."

"And you gave it to the dog?"

He could already guess where this was going. Shirakawa frowned slightly.

"Yeah."

"I'm way too busy to keep a dog. It kept following me, but I ignored it and went home."

"And then the nightmares started."

She didn't think too deeply about it. Nightmares could come from stress, and with how intense her job was, it made sense she'd dream of that stray dog.

She stubbed out her cigarette.

"Anyway, that's about it. You said you didn't sleep well either. Want a can of black coffee?"

Still her usual pushy self.

A can of coffee was pushed in front of him. Shirakawa didn't even have time to thank her—because what she said had caught his attention.

Something felt oddly familiar.

Feeding a stray dog out of kindness, only to be haunted by nightmares—that sounded exactly like an urban legend.

And sure enough—

The image of a human-faced dog flashed through his mind. Shirakawa couldn't help but twitch at the thought.

Could it really be that kind of coincidence?