I was so immersed in Tamae's sad monologue, that I had built up a genuine hatred for whoever put her through that. That newfound hatred caused me to fly into a rage that almost blew apart Tamae's house. I had let my spiritual energy "leak", and I was so caught up in the "I'll protect you" cliche that I had shown off my collection of demon weapons. I don't mean to brag, but my mere presence was causing the surrounding area to reverberate. However, the cat was, more or less, out of the bag. Not that I intended to hide my true nature to begin with. Naturally, this event began the whole "What are you?" Discussion. We can skip that, since I've already had a few of those.
At the time, I was worried about leaving Tamae on her own because of her circumstances. Then I thought about having to stay at her house for a few days, and my attitude changed. Another thing I subconsciously accepted and feared is that Tamae would most likely be overjoyed at the thought of me staying at her place. I didn't want to think about that.
I was one hundred percent against the idea of staying at Tamae's place, so naturally, I made the right choice.
"Tamae, is it okay if I stay here for a few days?"
"Yes! That's something I've always imagined hearing from you and now it's really happening."
I knew this was going to happen, but I brought myself into it. Just to make sure she's safe.
"So you don't want to know my reason for asking?"
"I don't need to know. If it's you, anything's okay."
That remark piqued the interest of my devilish side. I wasn't going to do perverted things, it just ran across my mind that I might be able to get her help if I need it later on.
"Then, I'll be sleeping on the couch for the next few days."
"That's not necessary, you can share the bed with me."
"No."
"Why not? It's not like I'm implying anything sexual, though I'm not entirely opposed to the idea. I just thought that we could enjoy each other's company more that way. Also, I think you shouldn't have to sleep on the couch when you're doing this much for me."
"I appreciate the thought, but I still decline. We can enjoy each other's company without sharing a bed."
Then a thought entered my mind, "Wait. I don't need sleep."
Since I returned to the living world, I've been living my daily routine as an alive person would. I eat meals and sleep, even though I don't need to. Still, even self reflection wasn't enough to stop me from living a normal life.
"You're that much against sharing my bed, Yuji? Do I not do it for you? Am I not good enough?"
"Where's all this coming from? I never implied any of that. If you weren't 'good enough', I wouldn't have asked to stay over and I wouldn't have gotten as mad as I did when you told me about how you were used to cover up a crime. I don't get so worked up over just anyone you know."
I may have given her the wrong idea by using the phrase "good enough", but I think she got what I was trying to say.
"I'm glad that you can see me as a woman, Yuji."
She definitely got the wrong idea, but why did she make my heart flutter just then?
I am way too indecisive with girls. I suppose it's a result of having so many girls around me. I did find it odd that since my return from death, I hadn't met a single guy.
"I think I'm going to reconsider things a bit."
I could visibly tell that Tamae was nervous just hearing that and not knowing what I was going to say next. I'll skip the theatrics, but Tamae was able to make my heart pound, with her own unique charm. She got me to agree to share the bed with her.
Cut to later that night.
We were in the same bed, facing away from each other. That didn't change the fact that I was sleeping with a teacher. Not my teacher, but you get it. Tastefully, I was wearing pajamas. Tamae, however, was a stubborn child about it and wanted to stay in her underwear. Truthfully I tried to get her to put some layers on, but I couldn't convince her.
"You know Yuji, before I switched schools, I was having a hard time working. Because im shy around most people, it's hard for me to remain calm and confident when teaching. It's also really difficult for me to keep my class in check, or correct a students behavior. I also was generally disliked, because word had gotten out that I had feelings for a student. Nothing serious ever came of it, since I never spoke about it and there was no proof. Though, there would often be mean notes left on my desk or trash scattered in my classroom, because I guess students thought less of me due to my alleged liking of a student. Although I should have just dismissed it as child's play, it actually got to me and hurt me inside, it's not like I can control who I fall for. It me really sad, and eventually I was in a constant melancholic state."
"I don't think you should have just dismissed those things that you were out through. Even if it was just students throwing malice at you because they could, that much negativity will affect a person, and no one should have to bear that. I wish I was there to help you during that time."
"It's okay, because there was someone who was able to make me happy. He never approached me and we never talked, but just seeing him made me happy and it gave me the energy to get through the day. He's the aforementioned student I had feelings for."
I knew where this was headed.
"When the incident happened and I was forced to transfer schools, I was put in major shock and despair from not being able to see him anymore. I still cope with feeling that way."
I'm not dense.
"But after the incident, I was able to see him again, and he made me really happy."
I can put two and two together.
"You get what I'm saying, right?"
"Yeah, I get it. I'm the student that you have feelings for. And I'm sorry that I wasn't aware of you or how you felt when you needed support the most."
We turned around to face each other.
"But, I'm here now. And I want to help you, and protect you. I want to be there for you. I want to be the shoulder you can cry on. I need to be your cornerstone."
Tamae was confused yet ecstatic. I had no idea what was going on with me.
"What's important is that now I can stand and drive away anything that wants to hurt you. I'll take care of anything that wants to cause pain to my Tamae."
Did I just say that?
"I can do this now, and that is what's important."
I meant these words.
"Tamae, I understand your feelings, and I acknowledge them. I don't know what's happened to me, but I reciprocate your feelings."
That was enough to invoke a smile so bright it could push the moon away and stand in its place.
"You don't have to say anything. You've been through so much, you deserve the love and support that you really want."
I instinctively got closer to her. My hand ran through her soft, silk like hair.
"I like you, Tamae."
That much was true.
"I love you, Yuji."
I got closer, and placed my lips on hers. We embraced in a sufficiently long kiss. That kiss was better than any other kiss, or any other feeling of ecstasy I had ever experienced. Tamae and I fell asleep in each other's arms.
So much can happen in just one day.