Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the large window, casting a gentle light across the room. Outside, the world was just beginning to stir—birds sang their early melodies, and a crisp breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the scent of fresh earth and dew. But inside, a heavy weight settled in my chest, unmoved by the warmth of the rising sun.
"What if death is what I want?"
Suguru let out a slow, heavy sigh that ghosted against my ear and placed his hands on my shoulders, his grip firm yet gentle. His touch was grounding, pulling me back from the abyss of my thoughts. "If that's truly what you desire..." He paused, his fingers tightening slightly. "I simply can't allow it."
His voice carried something unshakable—not just concern, but a quiet, unyielding resolve. He moved around, stepping into the fading light before settling beside me. His dark eyes held mine, unwavering.
"Trust me, there's no peace in death. The curses... they're waiting. Patiently. And once you cross that line, there's no telling what will happen."
He lifted a hand, ticking off each grim possibility with a slow, deliberate motion.
"First, a strong curse might take control of your body. And that?" He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "That is absolutely not an option."
His eyes darkened as he continued, his tone growing more solemn. "Second, you could spend eternity tormented by those very curses, never knowing rest."
A moment of silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken truths. Then, his lips curled into something almost unreadable—neither a smirk nor a frown, just an acknowledgment of the final, cruel fate.
"And lastly... number three." His gaze never wavered. "You become one of them. A curse spirit yourself."
The weight of his words settled over me like a heavy fog. The world outside remained beautiful, untouched. But in here, within this quiet, dimly lit room, reality was far less forgiving.
Our gaze met, even past that spill of evil and possibilities. I couldn't help but be curious... and that's when I knew I have made up my mind.
"Fine... I will do it" I reluctantly agreed.
He smiled and clapped his hands together "I knew you would have made the right choice!" He stood up and ruffled my hair "Good girl. I will see you around Sunshine" he walked away, and disappeared into the hallway.
"Sunshine?" I muttered under my breath. "What a funny thing to say."
————— TIME SKIP ——————-
After my intense conversation with Suguru, I decided to clear my mind with some fresh air. A walk through the gardens always had a way of soothing me, and today was no exception. The air carried the perfect blend of crisp grass and the sweet perfume of flowers, a scent that brought a sense of calm over me.
I wandered for a while, letting my fingers trail over the soft petals of roses and camellias, before finally settling onto a wooden bench nestled beside a patch of blooming lavender. Closing my eyes for a moment, I inhaled deeply, letting the calming aroma wash over me. The world felt peaceful—at least for a moment.
"Can we please go!?"
A voice broke through the tranquility, followed by the unmistakable sound of an argument.
"Sorry, girls, but I can't. You know Geto and I have an important meeting to attend soo—"
"Pleaseee!!!"
I opened my eyes, amusement flickering across my face as I recognized the voices. Mimiko and Nanako were pleading with Manami, their persistence growing by the second. I stood, brushing off my dress before making my way toward them.
"Hey, guys!" I called, waving as I approached.
The twins immediately brightened, their earlier frustration forgotten in an instant. They ran up to me, each grabbing onto my hands with eager energy.
"Y/N! Can you please take us to the crêpe shop downtown!?" Nanako begged, her eyes wide with excitement. She tugged on my sleeve, and Mimiko quickly joined in.
"They're sooo good! We promise you'll love them too!"
Manami let out a sigh, placing a hand on her hip as she shot the girls a pointed look. "Girls! That's not how we treat our new members!" Her voice carried a tinge of irritation, but it was clear she was more exasperated than truly angry.
I laughed softly, reaching out to pat the twins on the head. "It's alright, Manami. I don't mind at all. I have some free time, and honestly, I'd love to take them downtown. I can keep an eye on them for the day."
Manami glanced at her watch, then at the girls, before sighing in relief. "You're a lifesaver, Y/N. Thank you. I'll make sure to let Suguru know at the meeting—" she shot the twins a sharp look, "—and you two better behave."
"We will!!" the girls chimed in unison, practically vibrating with excitement as Manami hurried off.
I shook my head, smiling as I turned to them. "Alright then, let's go get those crêpes."
The girls cheered, each grabbing one of my hands as we started toward the city, their laughter filling the air like the sweetest melody.
