The boy beside Nozomi had a shit-eating grin on his face. The rest of his group was busy praising Hina. They were still trying to score something with Hina. Nozomi had chosen to ignore them because they were not too much of a nuisance and had not gone overboard with anything.
However, this was the first time she was approached instead of Hina.
‘Did I look THAT pitiful?’
“Hey, let’s play another round, I’ll help her this time, yeah? I’m good at this.”
“Standby with your hands like this...” Goro said, preparing Nozomi for the start of the song. He stood close to her and casually touched her hands like they were familiar with each other. “Watanabe-san, you asked me what era I was from, didn’t you?” “Hm? Yeah?” [Coast is clear!] BaoBao gave the green light. “How about you guess?” She sneered and turned her face to look at Goro. Goro was met with her discoloured face that had streaks of black. He yelped and jumped back in fright. “Wh- Wh- Wh- What are you?!” His huge reaction drew some stares from those closer in proximity. However, Nozomi had already changed back to normal. “I told you to guess.” She said too softly for anyone to hear above the blaring music and noise all around. He shook his head and pointed at her. “You’re a freak!” His expression was pale. [Go again!] Others had already returned their attention to their games. Nozomi changed into her dark form and appeared inches before his face within a
The days passed uneventfully, and White’s Day came upon everyone. Hikaru had prepared simple mass-produced gifts to return the favour that he had received on Valentine’s Day. He would have loved to announce his status as attached, but he still worried about Nozomi’s age. He sighed inwardly. He was torn between wanting time to stop and wanting time to speed up. Meanwhile, Nozomi watched Hikaru pack his bag for school. He had already warned her beforehand and she could empathise with how he felt about what should be done. So, why did she still feel this angsty and stuffy inside? ‘Is this my feeling or because of how affiliated with the dark I am? ...Ah, it’s likely both. How annoying.’ When Hikaru caught her staring, he suggested, “You can follow me around in my shadow, if you’d like.” Nozomi’s eyes widened. “What for?” Hikaru smiled with a knowing look. “Actually, I have something for y
Soon, it was the end of school and the start of spring break.Nozomi’s mother was still considered a new hire, so she could only have a break close to the end of their vacation. “Don’t worry about mother and enjoy yourself, okay, Mi-chan?”“Mm.” Nozomi nodded. Her mother gave her some pocket money to spend again. It was Nozomi’s second date with Hikaru. This time, everyone knew about their plans. Hina did not sulk either, but she made them promise to have a group outing to the amusement park some day after their date. They held hands and headed straight for Tenki shrine together. In front of the shrine, there was a small but lively festival. A lot of plum products were displayed and put on sale. The trees surrounding the area had small pink buds emerging, signaling the approach of the cherry blossom season. It was quite a lovely sight. ‘It’d be nice
When the couple was done, it was still too early for dinner. “How’re you feeling?” Hikaru asked upon passing through the Torri gate again.“Hm? I’m fine?”“I’m referring to the discomfort you had by entering sacred grounds.” Hikaru said with a wry smile and tucked her hair behind her ear. “Sorry it ended up a lot longer than I had intended it to be.”“Oh, that. It’s really fine. I didn’t even think of the discomfort until you reminded me of it.”“Oh, okay, then. Hm, should we go for tea or a quiet stroll?” “...Even though you’re raring to go somewhere to train now?” Nozomi asked with a knowing look.Hikaru lightly pursed his lips. “Was it that obvious?” Nozomi shook her head. “We’re just similar enough.” “So, y
While Hikaru washed up, Nozomi reflected on her summoning earlier. She was sorely lacking in control. At least she had figured out that the words did not matter. It was her intention, confidence, and willpower. She had to borrow some of her experience from the world where she was a wolf. Being an alpha wolf had helped her a lot. ‘Lucky me. Hah. To think I’d have a day when I’d call myself lucky.’Her thoughts quickly drifted to what happened after that. ‘But... What exactly made Hikaru lose control that way?’She recalled his expression when she found him staring at her. ‘Does he have some kink for bad girls or something...?’ Come to think of it, he had no trouble accepting her questionable activities, such as stalking him. The corners of her mouth curved up as she thought of ways she could play and tease him once she could. Then, she would have answer to
“Yosuke will meet us at the entrance of the park.” Hikaru told Hina while they were leaving their house. “Yosuke? That guy’s coming?” Makoto, who had been waiting at the front of their house, asked.“You didn’t tell him?” Hikaru raised an eyebrow. “I may have forgotten to... Sorry, Ma-kun!” Hina put her hands together in front of her face. Makoto looked helplessly at Hina and sighed. “Never mind, let’s go.”Hina occupied Nozomi for the entire trip and continued to hog her after they reached their destination. “Amusement parks are a must, especially when you’re still young!” Hina emphasized when Nozomi looked less than thrilled.“I didn't know you enjoy partying with beings from the other side too.” Nozomi mumbled. The number of monsters lurking around was not much lower than the numb
At the exit, Yosuke and Hina alighted the ride with their backs hunched and expressions gloomy. They were worn out from keeping their guard up for the entire time. They did not know if or when they needed to intervene. With the CCTV cameras in the attraction, they could not simply change just for their peace of mind.“Was it THAT scary?” Makoto looked genuinely worried for them. He glanced at Nozomi and Hikaru, who looked better than when they boarded the ride.“I’m not the only one who finds this haunted house sub-par, am I?” Nozomi shook her head, while Hikaru replied with laughter in his voice, “The haunted house was quite shit.”“...How about you all wait here? I’ll get something sweet for Hina. Do you both want anything too?”“One chocolate and one lemon lime would do.” Hikaru ordered on Nozomi’s behalf.&ldqu
Everything wrapped up nicely and everyone returned to their respective homes. That night, Yosuke and Hina learned of the details of Nozomi's and Hikaru's trip to Tenki shrine and their plans.“We want in.”Both of their eyes were burning with determination and hope, each holding a different intention. One for his family's honour and pride. Another for an easier life with no night patrols. Yosuke and Hina visited Tenki shrine on their own. Upon meeting the head priest, they cited Hikaru and Nozomi as their referrals and sought guidance. Tenki's head priest was more than happy to accept Hina as his disciple, for she had the same attribute as him and he had no successor. Although rejected, Yosuke was satisfied with the answers and tips he had received, which he shared with his family.Just like that, the four began their secret training in different places, and the day of their family vacation quickly arrived.