CHAPTER XXXII
-We’re Not Friends—Yet-
Rin stood there for a moment, swaying slightly, as if the weight of everything he’d just poured out was still clinging to his shoulders. His eyes were red, his cheeks damp, but the grin on his face—though cracked—was unmistakably Rin.
He pointed dramatically at the ceiling.“Note to self: never confess feelings without a backup playlist and emotional support snacks. Rookie mistake. That’s on me.”
The Korobokkuru, still huddled near his feet, looked up at him with wide, worried eyes. One of them tugged at his pant leg with a tiny squeak.
Rin looked down and gave them a crooked smile. “Hey, hey… don’t look at me like that. I’m not down bad, I’m just… emotionally speedrunning character development, okay?”
He turned toward the chalkboard, grabbed a piece of chalk, and scribbled in big, messy letters:“Rin was here. Heartbroken but still hot.”Then underneath, in smaller letters:“P.S. Don’t fall for girls who smile like the sun. It burns.”
He stepped back, admiring his work with a mock-serious nod. “Art.”
Then, spinning on his heel, he grabbed a chair, climbed on top of it, and struck a dramatic pose—one hand to his chest, the other pointed toward the sky.
“From this day forward,” he declared, voice echoing theatrically through the empty classroom, “I vow to become the mysterious, emotionally unavailable side character with a tragic backstory and killer fashion sense. No more feelings. Just ✨vibes✨.”
The Korobokkuru burst into tiny cheers, clapping their hands and bouncing around him like confetti.
Rin hopped down, ruffled one of their heads, and opened the classroom door. “Alright, squad. Let’s roll. I’m thinking vending machine therapy followed by a dramatic walk under the sunset. Maybe I’ll even cry in silhouette. That’s peak aesthetic.”
And with that, he marched down the hallway, the Korobokkuru trailing behind him like loyal sidekicks, their laughter and tiny footsteps echoing through the corridors—leaving behind a chalkboard confession, a puddle of tears, and a boy who masked his heartbreak with humor, but felt every word he never got to hear.
On their way to the Teacher Staffroom to swipe a drink from the vending machine, Rin and the Korobokkuru cut through the 3rd floor, hugging the Left Wing. Suddenly, the muffled sound of crying drifted through the silent corridor, sharp against the late-evening hush.
Drawn by curiosity—and maybe the promise of another distraction—they hurried toward the staircase. There, on the cold steps, was a woman: tall and striking, shrouded in tattered funeral cloth. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, her face slick with tears that seemed to shimmer unnaturally. A heavy, torn veil was draped over her head, shadowing her features yet barely masking the sorrow that poured from her.
Without thinking, Rin started down the stairs, his steps tentative as the Korobokkuru hung back nervously. He almost called out, “What’s wrong, ma’am?”—the words on the tip of his tongue—when it struck him again: he was supernatural. To the living, he might as well be part of the breeze. She can’t see him.
He hesitated mid-stair, a frown creasing his brow, and turned to climb back up—
With hurried footsteps and her bag slung carelessly over one shoulder, Yuzuki darted through the deserted ground floor corridors. The end-of-day sunlight spilled into the hall, stretching her shadow ahead as she rounded the final corner. Just as she stepped out onto the school yard, a sudden, sharp tug on her sleeve yanked her off balance—her bag swung awkwardly, nearly sending her stumbling.
“YUZUKI-CHAN!”Ayaka’s voice rang out, unmistakable, as she clung to Yuzuki’s sleeve with relentless cheer.
Yuzuki wrenched her hand free, lips pressed tight, and strode ahead without a word.
“Yuzuki-chan! Wait for meeee~” Ayaka sang behind her, hopping forward and looping both arms around Yuzuki’s. She clung with the desperate energy of friendship refusing to be shaken off.
Ayaka pouted as she explained, “I know I promised I’d be back by 6 PM and I showed up early, but, well, my supernatural’s got some business, so I had to duck out.” She nudged Yuzuki’s cheek with a sing-song, “Yuzuki-chan~,” her finger tapping insistently.
Yuzuki’s jaw tightened. She didn’t say a word, but her anger was there—sharp and silent, simmering beneath the surface.
“Yuzukiiiii!” Ayaka sang again, stretching out the sound like a plea, like she could sing Yuzuki’s anger away.
This time, Yuzuki snapped. She yanked free, whirling on Ayaka as they reached the school’s entrance gate. Her voice burst out, raw and furious, “WHAT DO YOU WANT, AYAKA-SAN? I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR YOU!” She brushed past, headed out into the world.
But Ayaka latched on once more, voice rising with sudden urgency as she tugged Yuzuki’s sleeve, refusing to let go.“Yuzuki-san! Listen—you and me, we’re the only ones who can see supernaturals. If the exorcists ever figure it out, we’ll be the first ones on the chopping block. Like it or not, we need each other. We have to stick together if we want to survive. No one else understands this, Yuzuki-chan! Please…”
Against the fading noise of the schoolyard, Ayaka’s voice—earnest and afraid beneath its usual brightness—lingered in the air, a lifeline stretched out in desperation: a reminder that in a world brimming with secret dangers and unseen threats, sometimes, friendship wasn’t a choice, but a necessity.
Yuzuki bit her lips and tried to walk away, but Ayaka’s hand slid into hers, fingers laced with effortless determination as they paced together across the schoolyard.
“Yuzuki-chan, why’re you angry?” Ayaka asked, her tone light but her eyes watchful.
Yuzuki snapped, “Do not call me ‘Yuzuki-chan’—we’re not even friends.” Her words were sharp, but Ayaka only tightened her grip.
“Says who? We are now!” Ayaka declared, swinging their joined hands up victoriously and then—unable to help herself—used her other hand to poke Yuzuki’s cheek. “Anyways~ Your supernatural’s pretty cute. What’s his name?”
Yuzuki’s jaw set as she glared. “What’s his name? That’s none of your business.” Her stride quickened but Ayaka still clung to her hand.
“Awee! Why so secretive? Did he do something? You seem pretty mad,” Ayaka pressed, eyes wide with innocent curiosity.
“I’M MAD AT MYSELF!” Yuzuki exploded, coming to a halt and facing Ayaka head-on, their hands still joined.
“What for?” Ayaka tilted her head, poking her own cheek with a thoughtful finger.
Tears welled up in Yuzuki’s eyes and, almost against her will, began streaming down her cheeks. Ayaka stopped, her own eyes widening in shock. “Wha? Why are you crying?” she asked, alarmed.
Yuzuki broke, burying her face in her hands—her voice splintering with sobs as Ayaka pulled her close, wrapping her arms around her in a worried hug.“Yuzuki… you can tell me,” Ayaka murmured, letting Yuzuki’s head rest on her shoulder.
Yuzuki sobbed out, “I-I’m such a fool. I should’ve said something. At—At least one thing. At—At least I should’ve opened my mouth. AHHHhhh… I’m such a fool. If only—only I told him I needed time. I needed time to think. Wha-what if the boy I met during the stormy night was really him? How—how would I have even known? I don’t even kn-know him.”She began to sob harder, “I would’ve regretted if I—if I had openly rejected him. I… I didn’t want to live with that regret. S-so I—I chose silen-silence over it…”
Ayaka’s thoughts flickered: So that little boy confessed to her? That must be why she’s been mad—she couldn’t say anything back. Poor thing. Ayaka gently patted Yuzuki’s back, letting her cry.
“It’s okay, Yuzuki. I know it hurts,” Ayaka said softly, then pulled Yuzuki back so she could see her face, her gaze sincere. “But tell you what! Take your time knowing him. If his love for you was true, then it wouldn’t die this fast. He might supress his love for you know and say he doesn’t like you anymore, but that’s what all guys do! Trust me! He’ll like you back if his love is true. Just take your time understanding him. Tell him that you need time. Apologize to him for not giving him a direct reply. Tell him how you felt when he confessed. Tell him you’re confused. Tell him you need time to know him first. Tell him you didn’t reject him or anything, you were just left in shock! Tell him! Tell him everything! Communication is step one to a healthy relationship! Tell you what! Bake him cookies and have a face to face conversation with him on this! Otherwise, if you can’t directly face him anymore, write it! Write him a letter telling him about the sort of pressure you were in and the thoughts that engulfed you upon his confession! I’m sure he’ll understand!”
Yuzuki soaked in every word, her tears slowing, her breathing calming.
She wiped her face, still held gently by Ayaka. “M-maybe… you’re right.”
“That’s the spirit!” Ayaka grinned, that familiar brightness returning.
“Sure is,” Yuzuki replied curtly, pulling her arms free and starting to walk off.
“Huh? HUH? Wait for me, Yuzuki-chan!” chirped Ayaka, skipping forward to catch up, not letting Yuzuki outpace her.
“Stop calling me that.”
“Whaaat? I give relationship advice, and you just run away? No thank yous at all?” Ayaka huffed, feigning dramatics as she skipped beside her.
“Oh please. Don’t think I forgot all the stuff you’ve put me through,” Yuzuki replied, rolling her eyes with a smirk.
“Aghhh! Come on, can’t we put that all in the past? That was back when I was young,” Ayaka protested, waving off her own reputation.
Yuzuki gave her a long-suffering stare. “Aha? And now you’re old? Cool. I’ve got errands to run now. So, leave me be.”
“Errands? What kind of errands?” Ayaka leaned in, blocking her path with a mischievous grin.
Ugh. She’s impossible, Yuzuki thought. She sighed, “What do you want, Ayaka-san?”
“Hehe! I just want to talk to you. You’re literally the only person I can spill all my supernatural spice with!” Ayaka declared, swinging their hands as she dragged Yuzuki along.
“Supernatural Spice? What’s that?” Yuzuki asked suspiciously as Ayaka led them down a detour to the nearest park.
“Oooo~ You don’t know? I knew it! I’ll tell you. You’re in for a loooong conversation!” Ayaka beamed, her eyes twinkling as they wandered off together—Yuzuki still outwardly annoyed, but her heart now just a bit lighter in Ayaka’s insistent company.
At the park, Ayaka tossed her bag onto the swing’s pole and immediately flopped onto the nearest swing, pumping her legs and soaring back and forth—her laughter bubbling childlike through the quiet dusk. Yuzuki lingered at the opposite pole, watching Ayaka’s carefree silhouette in the golden light before finally settling onto the other swing, bag by her feet, posture resigned.
“If you’re done, I have places to be,” Yuzuki called over, her impatience clear with restless.
“Oh, c’mon! Don’t be so bossy! Swing with me, Yuzuki-chann!” Ayaka teased, kicking higher. Her voice was pure mischief, refusing to let go.
Yuzuki hesitated, then settled stiffly into the swing, gripping the chains, gaze distant.Sigh… I really should’ve said something to Rin… More importantly… I’M GONNA BREAK THAT SHINGURE’S HEAD TOMORROW. HOW DARE HE HURT RIN??? The memory of Shingure’s smug face flashed before her, fury boiling beneath her exhausted exterior.
“Yuzuki-chan,” Ayaka called, slowing her momentum. Yuzuki finally met her gaze.
Ayaka dragged her feet in the sand, stopping herself gently. “Did you tell your family about all this?”
Yuzuki’s mouth twisted. “About seeing supernaturals? Yeah… I’ve thought about it a million times, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it. My mom already has enough on her plate—her business life… I’d just be another burden for her to worry about. I can’t do that to her.”
Ayaka listened, nodding in solidarity. “I get it. I tried telling my parents a few days ago, you know? They just laughed it off, said I was being weird. Told me I needed a doctor—a mental hospital, even.” She gave a fragile smile, eyes stinging. “I figured they wouldn’t believe me right away, but… honestly? I just wanted them to consider I might be telling the truth. I guess expectations always hurt the most.”
Yuzuki’s expression softened. “They dismissed what you said?” She looked away. “I figured Reina would act the same… That’s why I stayed quiet, too.”
Ayaka fixed her gaze on the ground. “Yeah… That’s why after that day, I just stopped telling anyone.”
A beat passed before Yuzuki spoke, her tone low. “You know… Kaito-kun? He’s an exorcist.”
Ayaka let out a small laugh. “Yeah, I know. Why else would he disappear from class all the time? Honestly, I think Toma-sensei’s in on it too, right?”
“Yeah, I think so too.” Yuzuki nodded.
There was a pause before Ayaka leaned back, grin returning. “Anyway! Guess what that thing hanging over us today was called?”
Yuzuki didn’t miss a beat. “Yes. Akarui.”
Ayaka’s eyes gleamed, childlike once more as the soft dusk settled over the empty swing set, and the uneasy peace of shared secrets hung in the evening air. “Oho! So you have been doing your supernatural homework. Respect, Yuzuki-chan.”
They shared a look—something quiet, understanding, and new in their strange alliance. Supernatural secrets, hurt, and hope tangled together under the fading sky.
Ayaka’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Well~ I had to ask my supernatural. I had no clue until he explained it to me,” she said, her voice lively.
Yuzuki arched a brow. “Is that why you said you’d be back by 6 PM?”
“Yeeah. I was hoping to talk to him, but he was totally busy, so I just left early,” Ayaka replied, swinging a little slower.
“Ah… I see,” Yuzuki responded, her voice fading into thought.
Suddenly, Ayaka bounced back, her tone mischievous. “Anyway… my supernatural isn’t nearly as cute as yours. I’m actually really jealous! He’s such a cute boy.”
Yuzuki shot her a look. “Keep your eyes off him. He’s mine.”
“Ohhho~ Yours now, huh? Funny—last I checked, you were just crying about breaking his heart,” Ayaka teased, her grin broadening.
“So what? He’s still mine,” Yuzuki insisted, defiant.
“Wait… have you been tethered to him?” Ayaka asked, pausing mid-swing.
“Yeah,” Yuzuki muttered.
“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAA?? For real? No fair. Wait—Never mind, I got tethered just this morning!” Ayaka exclaimed, eyes wide.
“Bruh,” was all Yuzuki could manage, rolling her eyes.
Yuzuki perked up, lowering her voice. “Oh, by the way… did you know even the male janitor on the 3rd floor can see supernaturals like us?”
“Really?” Ayaka’s jaw dropped. Then she squinted, curious. “But wait…why are you friends with Kaito if you know he’s an exorcist?”
To be Continued...
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