Shirakawa's home wasn't far from Sobu High. A ten-minute train ride was all it took. While waiting for the train—
He happened to see a familiar face.
Yotsuya Miko, on her way to school with her best friend, Hana Yurikawa. The warding array only extended around his apartment, so once they were outside that comfort zone—
You could tell just by Miko's tense expression.
The ghosts constantly drawn to Hana Yurikawa's immense life force were still hovering nearby, always close. And for someone like Miko, who could see them—
It was an exhausting trial.
Shirakawa had once explained: "Just act like you can't see them, and they'll mostly leave you alone." But that was easier said than done.
"Good morning, Shirakawa-san!"
Prompted by Hana, Miko noticed him standing on the platform ahead. Her surprise quickly gave way to relief.
As long as Shirakawa was nearby—
The spirits would always steer far clear. And while Miko had yet to realize it herself, this gentle boy who had helped her so much...
Had already found a place in her heart.
Waving with a smile, she said softly, "Morning, Shirakawa-kun. I didn't expect to see you here."
"Well, I still have to go to school."
In another world, he might've been a certified psychic, but here in high school, he was just another student. And honestly—
He didn't hate this mundane life.
It had its charms. Especially being surrounded by beautiful girls wasn't exactly a bad deal. After exchanging simple greetings—
He quietly activated his "Exorcist" skill, the Diamond Body.
The spirits—who had kept a ten-meter distance—immediately scattered as soon as they felt his aura.
"How have you been lately?"
"Much better than before."
Her sleep had improved. With a ghost-free home and no lingering anxiety, even the dark circles under her eyes had faded.
They were both spiritually sensitive.
And Shirakawa, being an exorcist, understood the subtext. Miko gave him a thankful look. "Thank you so much, Shirakawa-kun. The apartment's been wonderful."
"Oh, right! Especially the master bedroom—it gets such nice morning light!"
Hana Yurikawa nodded in full agreement. For a place with such low rent, the environment was amazing. Their time living together hadn't been long...
But her affection for him had skyrocketed.
"As long as you're comfortable."
She might be a ditzy beauty, but Hana's personality was genuinely pleasant. Shirakawa casually scanned her with spiritual sense.
He hadn't had time to check yesterday—
But there was still a faint residue of grudge energy. It seemed that spirit hadn't fully let go yet. He'd need to take care of it soon.
The train arrived shortly.
There were lots of students commuting this early. Once Shirakawa and Miko got on, they found it hard to even locate a seat.
"Once I turn 18 and get my license, I should consider getting a car..."
Watching the scenery blur past the window, Shirakawa mused silently. With his bank balance, money wasn't an issue.
A light orchid fragrance brushed his nose.
He turned slightly—and saw Miko standing beside him. She noticed his gaze, tilted her head, and her perfect profile came into view.
Softly, she asked, "Shirakawa-kun? Is there something on my face?"
"I just suddenly thought... maybe I should get a car."
He didn't hide his thoughts. Watching her eyelashes tremble, Shirakawa smiled and added:
"But now that I think about it... maybe I don't need one."
"With your finances, I doubt the issue is money—it's whether you pass the driving test, right?"
Miko tilted her head, genuinely curious. But the moment their eyes met, she quickly looked away, flustered.
"If I could see you every morning and evening during my commute..."
"Then what's the point of getting a car?"
His tone was casual—but those words made Miko's pale cheeks flush bright red. She didn't say a word.
She simply turned her head, hiding her face.
Saying stuff like that... really isn't fair!!
Soubu High
Class 2-F.
Aside from a few nameless classmates being replaced by Yotsuya Miko and Hana Yurikawa, the classroom hadn't changed much.
The usual cliques—led by Hayama Hayato and Miura—still existed. And Shirakawa's own position in the class?
Firmly at the top.
A landlord with a cushy home life.
Academically ranked in the top three since first year. Easygoing and well-liked, he got along with nearly everyone.
After exchanging greetings, Shirakawa had just placed his bag on the desk when—
A tall woman in a sleek black business suit appeared at the classroom door.
Her slender figure filled out the suit perfectly. Long black hair draped over her shoulders. Hiratsuka Shizuka glanced around—
And then smiled when her eyes met Shirakawa's.
"Shirakawa, come with me to the office!"
"..."
He had been hoping to dodge her today—since they didn't have Japanese class. He hadn't expected her to come looking for him.
Click, click—the sound of her heels echoed.
Hiratsuka-sensei was only half a head shorter than him. As they passed by classmates in the hallway—
A girl with blonde hair and a tote bag walked past.
Miura Yumiko.
One of the top ten beauties at Soubu High, no question. Though... her personality had a touch of classic tsundere.
They hadn't interacted much since the semester began—
But today, something about her felt off. Compared to usual, Miura Yumiko looked downright drained.
Activating his "Exorcist" spiritual vision—
He could immediately detect the overwhelmingly strong aura of spirit surrounding her. That surprised him slightly. Ever since Miko Yotsuya transferred schools...
The mundane was no longer mundane.
Supernatural entities had begun affecting other students. This might be a side effect of a shift in the world's structure, a gradual collapse of the former worldview.
But he didn't dwell on it for long.
Following her footsteps, he arrived at the faculty lounge. Sitting boldly on the sofa, he noticed the mature woman, Shizuka Hiratsuka, crossing her legs—but his brows furrowed slightly.
She pulled a packet of women's cigarettes from her blazer pocket.
Lighting one for herself, she took a deep drag, then finally turned her gaze toward Shirakawa.
"Hey, Shirakawa. Does the Classic Literature Club still need more members?"
"..."
He thought she was going to ask about the leave of absence.
Shirakawa hadn't expected her to bring up club-related matters. He shook his head and replied, "We currently have five members."
"Myself, Chitanda, Yotsuya, a first-year named Rikka Takanashi, and a senior girl from the third year."
"..."
"There's a student from the class 2-J, Yukino Yukinoshita—you've heard of her, right?"
Hiratsuka's gaze turned serious as she continued,
"Lately, Yukinoshita's been wanting to form a new club. But we're running out of available clubrooms."
"I came to you to ask—would you be open to sharing your room with her club?"