Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Between Friends and Spirits
DingDangDongDeng
The school bell rang, announcing the end of the school day. Students quickly began gathering their books and belongings into their bags, ready to leave.
"Ichigo, tell Dad I'll be late getting home today," said Ren as he grabbed his bag, knowing he would be out late since he already had plans.
"Are you going on another date?" Ichigo asked with a frown. "You know how annoying the old man gets about timing, especially if you skip meals."
"No need to worry about the old man," Ren smiled indifferently. He didn't care much about his father—the old stinky man was hiding a lot from them and Ren wasn't in the mood to listen. "He'd actually be happy if I told him I intend to get him a daughter-in-law."
"Ren, don't tell me you're…" Upon hearing Ren's words, Ichigo frowned, afraid his twin had reverted to being a playboy like in middle school. Though Ichigo didn't finish his sentence, Ren understood perfectly what he meant.
"No worries. I'm not who I used to be," Ren smirked sarcastically and shook his head. During his three years in middle school, he had been infamous as a playboy who changed girlfriends every few days. This behavior stopped only after entering high school about a year ago, when the old man gave him a serious scolding for his reckless attitude.
"That's somewhat reassuring…" Ichigo muttered with a sigh, then looked at him suspiciously. "But I still don't get it… what do you actually do?"
"I'll tell you later," Ren stared deeply at Ichigo for a moment, then lightly shook his head. "This isn't the right time or place for that kind of talk."
"Alright, then be careful," Ichigo looked at Ren for a good moment before waving goodbye and heading toward the main gate, while Ren went elsewhere to meet someone he needed to see.
Ren and Ichigo were in class 1-B, but Ren's destination was 1-D, where someone awaited him.
Ren walked slowly down the hallway, observing the simple, natural scene of students leaving after a hard day of studying. He couldn't help but smile slightly.
Although his life had turned upside down in the past three days, nothing around him had changed. Everyone was still enjoying and living their exhausting teenage years carefree and without responsibility, bringing some peace to Ren's troubled heart in recent days.
…but deep inside, he knew this peace wouldn't last long.
He arrived in front of the door to class 1-D, where the wooden sign with the class name hung slightly askew, reflecting the condition of some students inside. Opposite the door by the window stood a beautiful girl with long black hair playing with her phone a little, apparently waiting for someone.
"Sorry for being late, Miko," Ren said with a slight smile as he looked at Yotsuya Miko—a beautiful and attractive girl with long black hair ending in purple tips and a pair of golden eyes.
Although Miko used makeup to hide the dark circles under her eyes and the exhaustion from recent events, Ren's enhanced senses noticed everything at a glance. He said nothing, as he already knew everything. The day before, he had agreed with Miko—his childhood friend—to search for something to help protect her from evil spirits.
Because they were childhood friends, Miko knew that Ren and Ichigo could see ghosts, but she didn't care much. Ren was her friend, and it didn't matter if he was a little strange. However, when she suddenly started seeing ghosts a week ago, she told Ren, who didn't pay much attention as the ghosts were usually weak and harmless. But two days ago, she began seeing evil spirits—or as the two called them, these fierce ghosts with malicious and hostile intentions toward humans.
What really puzzled Ren was that although he had been able to see ghosts for a long time, he had never seen any evil spirits before. But for Miko's reassurance, the two were going to search today for something to help protect her from these evil spirits.
"No need to apologize—you're the one accompanying me," Miko smiled lightly, happy to see that Ren was ready to help her find tools to protect herself from evil spirits. She could only thank herself in the past for not abandoning her friendship with such a loyal and wonderful friend.
"Alright, are you ready?" Ren asked, lifting his bag onto his shoulder and nodding toward the hallway leading to the back stairs.
"Yes, I finished my lessons. We can go whenever you want," Miko replied with a gentle smile, walking beside him while holding her phone in one hand and putting the other in her jacket pocket. "By the way, do we have a specific destination?"
"Actually, no. I've never faced evil spirits before, so I have no knowledge of protective items," Ren said with some sadness, hoping to help his childhood friend but unfortunately lacking the ability. "But don't worry—I don't intend to return without getting you some means to protect yourself."
"Thank you…" Miko whispered, feeling warmth in her chest and a slight blush on her ears. She added, "But make sure to be careful—I don't want you to get hurt because of me."
Ren smiled quietly, then turned his face away for a moment so she wouldn't see the serious look that appeared in his eyes.
"I don't mind getting hurt…" he said in a low voice but continued confidently, "As long as it means I can protect you."
Miko paused for a moment, feeling her heart beat faster than usual, but she said nothing. She just continued walking silently, seeming to avoid looking directly at him.
They passed through the school's back gate and entered a quiet alley leading to a small street unknown to many students. The street was partially covered by cherry trees, and their fallen petals spread a light, soothing fragrance.
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