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As they listened, I continued, "In Japan, there are no hunters and monsters, so the public thinks we are lucky. Most people in the world hate Japan because of jealousy, but if we reveal curses, then those negative energies of jealousy and envy will be reduced. We can control the fear of curses by not describing cursed spirits too much, just telling them to stay fit, happy, and so on. With those announcements, many who want to help but can't fight will open stores like stress relief centers, hot springs, or others."
Hearing me, Yuki said, "That's true, but don't always think positively. Think of the disadvantages too. What if suddenly a bunch of guys started a religion that worships cursed spirits, or criminals use curses as a means to rob or kill?"
To her questions, Hikari couldn't answer more. He said that all in a wimpy manner. He's just a 20-year-old in soul and 16 in mind. He's not built the same as Gojo. Hikari grew up in a safe environment without any knowledge of curses whatsoever, so he still has a childish mind. But to Yuki's question, he started to think.
Yuki intervened, rubbing Hikari's head. "Your idea is great, but it needs maintenance. Now, leave everything to your nesan. I will choose your route and make it perfect."
Embarrassed by Yuki rubbing his hair and treating him like a boy, Hikari brushed off her hand, saying, "Don't touch me casually." But Yuki laughed it off.
Now outside, it was already starting to get dark. Yuki got on her bike, and before she rode off, she said, "Goodbye." Just as she was about to ride far away, she shouted back, "Oh, and Hikari, don't worry about Riko and Tengen anymore. Tengen has already found a new vessel." And then she disappeared into the distance.
Sighing, Hikari and Geto also went their separate ways, each heading to their respective destinations.
On the other hand, there was a girls' talk happening. Riko and Sumiko were sitting on Shoko's bed, the three of them engaged in a nighttime chat. Although Shoko preferred to be alone and smoke, both Riko and Sumiko had entered her room with some snacks and juice.
Sumiko complained with a hint of irritation, "Why in the world did Haibara come just to tell me his preferences? And what's with his 'types'? I knew from the start that he's a playboy."
As Sumiko kept complaining, Riko interjected, her tone tinged with defense and sincerity. "But he's not that bad, Sumiko. And he's definitely not a playboy. I've known him since childhood," she said, her voice carrying a mix of loyalty and trust in her long-standing friendship with Hikari.
Shoko observed her cute junior babbling about Hikari, pondering for a moment before speaking. Her words caught Sumiko and Riko by surprise as she asked, "Do both of you like Hikari?"
There was a moment of stunned silence as Sumiko and Riko exchanged glances, their expressions betraying a mix of confusion and uncertainty. Sumiko's cheeks flushed slightly, her feelings unknown even to herself, leaving her at a loss for words. Meanwhile, Riko's heart skipped a beat as her eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing with the realization that she might have a crush on Hikari.
Sumiko, feeling the pressure of the unexpected question, quickly tried to defend herself. "Who, like, who, me? A beauty queen and him, a... handsome but annoying and irritating bastard," she stammered, her words a mix of denial and frustration. Despite her attempt to brush off the question with a touch of humor, there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice, as if she was struggling to reconcile her feelings about Hikari.
"You're not fooling me with that," said Shoko with a hint of amusement but also a murmur of understanding. "But that's true, should I say handsome or girlish? His body is perfect, but his hair is making him look like a girl. Riko, shouldn't you tell him to cut his hair?" She added, her words teasing yet thoughtful, as she nudged Riko to consider the implications of Hikari's appearance on her feelings for him.
As Shoko asked, she turned to look at Riko, who seemed lost in thought, not immediately responding. Caught in a daze, Riko muttered to herself, "Do I fit into his preferences? I am short, and... my chest... but he said size doesn't matter... I am included, right?"
Seeing Riko in this uncertain state, both Shoko and Sumiko exchanged a glance, unsure of what to say. After a moment of awkward silence, they burst into a loud laugh, breaking the tension with shared amusement.
Riko was taken aback by the sudden outburst of laughter, her frustration bubbling up as she asked, "Why are you both laughing? And why do I feel like you're both laughing at me?"
To her questions, both Shoko and Sumiko responded with a casual "Nothing," their laughter dying down but amusement still dancing in their eyes. Shoko gently placed a hand on Riko's shoulder, attempting to soothe her irritation. "Come on, Riko, don't be angry," she said, her tone reassuring.
Despite Shoko's attempt to calm her, Riko couldn't shake off her frustration. Sumiko, meanwhile, kept her thoughts to herself, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. "Yeah, right. He already has Riko, and why would I like that bastard?" she mused silently. "Though I don't want Riko to date a bastard like him, she likes him. So, even if it irritates me, I will help her." With a resigned sigh, she resolved to put aside her own feelings for the sake of her friend's happiness, even if it meant swallowing her pride.
Shoko, suddenly remembering something, asked, "Oh, Sumiko, what about that mission you and Hikari have coming up? You mentioned it earlier."
Sumiko sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Oh, right. We're supposed to investigate a series of disturbances in the old district tomorrow. It's quite far away, and there have been reports of a particularly nasty cursed spirit causing havoc."
Riko, her curiosity piqued, leaned in closer. "What's bothering you? Is it the mission itself?"
Sumiko shook her head, a frown forming on her face. "No, it's not that. It's just... I'm paired with Hikari. I can't stand his carefree attitude, especially during serious missions."
Shoko raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why did they pair you two together?"
Sumiko shrugged, her frustration evident. "Apparently, it's his first mission and I have to babysit him half the time. It's frustrating."
Riko tried to reassure her friend. "Maybe it's because they see potential in you two working together. You did say you managed to exorcise that powerful spirit last time."
Sumiko sighed, her annoyance slightly softening. "Yeah, but it's still frustrating. He's so laid back, and I worry he's not taking things seriously."
Shoko nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. But maybe this mission will give you both a chance to understand each other better. Who knows, it might go smoother than you think."
Sumiko sighed again, leaning back on the bed. "I hope so. I just wish it wasn't so complicated."
Riko smiled supportively. "We'll be cheering you on, Sumiko. And if Hikari gets too annoyed, just remind him who's in charge."
Sumiko chuckled at that, feeling a bit better. "Thanks, Riko. I'll try to keep that in mind."
The girls continued to chat, shifting from the upcoming mission to lighter topics, easing Sumiko's mind and strengthening their bond as friends. As the night wore on, the conversation meandered from school gossip to weekend plans, and finally to dreams for the future. Sumiko felt a sense of relief, grateful for the support and understanding of her friends.
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I need friends.
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