"Hisaki! I can't accept this!"
Mari quickly shook her head, refusing the bracelet from her best friend.
Hisaki softly tried to persuade her, "Please, Mari. I really want to give this jade to you. The priests at the temple said this bracelet can keep you away from danger. If you don't want to wear it, just keep it close to you."
Mari was baffled hearing Hisaki's explanation. Even though most in the society still believed in superstition, she didn't expect that Hisaki would be one of them.
"Then, shouldn't you be the one wearing the jade? Why don't you think of yourself first?"
Hisaki took Mari's right hand. She quickly clasped the bracelet in the latter's palm. Her tone was laced with desperation when she looked directly into Mari's eyes.
"Please, I'll just request this of you. At least, bring it together anywhere you go."
