113 Reaper’s Curse (1/2)

Natsuya Yoruhana didn’t pick up her phone when Seiji tried calling her.

Perhaps she was busy or resting. At any rate, this wasn’t a good time for her.

Seiji gave up on attempting to contact her. She was probably worried about the upcoming Yin Yang Master duel, so bothering her about another matter seemed inappropriate to him.

Shika Kagura’s issue wasn’t something that needed to be solved immediately. While he sympathized with her, she had already lived with her condition for a long time, so one or two more days probably wouldn’t make a difference.

The most important part was that she herself had given up on asking for help.

Seiji sighed at the situation.

If he was able to meet her again tomorrow and have a discussion again, then he would try contacting Natsuya one more time.

‘Let’s stop thinking about it for now.’

Seiji returned to his apartment.

After turning on his computer and checking his email, he noticed that Editor Yoshizawa had sent him a message.

The message basically said that his final draft of ”I’ll Die If I Don’t Become Handsome” was excellent and asked whether it was his final version which would be published by Thunderbolt Literature.

If so, he needed to fill out some forms via email.

‘Final version to be published… of course, yes.’

Seiji filled out all the necessary applications and sent the confirmation to Editor Yoshizawa.

It was now time for his usual grinding session.

Oh, starting from today, he planned to begin grinding [art] as well…

…

The next day.

Seiji and Mika walked to school together with Kaede Juumonji for the second time.

Kaede began the conversation with normal topics. She didn’t talk about anything strange.

Seiji, however, considered this to be only natural.

If Kaede acted up every single morning, then that would give him and Mika an excuse to refuse to walk together with her, so of course she wouldn’t behave that way.

Since Kaede was making normal conversation, Seiji also responded in turn and smoothly pulled Mika into the conversation.

And so, they reached school with no conflict whatsoever between the trio.

After splitting up from Kaede and meeting up with Chiaki, Seiji suddenly remembered the drama club president’s kidnapping… er,”capturing” of Shika Kagura. Did something happen to the drama club president as well then?

”Chiaki, has something unlucky happened in the drama club recently?”

The tomboy blinked in surprise.”Why do you suddenly ask?”

”Because I heard some strange rumors… so I just wanted to ask.” Seiji acted rather casual about it.

”Hmm…” Chiaki looked deeply at him before running her hand through her hair as she considered things.

”Our demonic vice president has been feeling tons of stress lately due to the upcoming school festival. Her forceful comments and book throwing ability have greatly improved as a result. Everyone in the club has been victims, especially the club president! Does this… count?”

Seiji was rendered speechless upon hearing this.

”What strange rumors were you talking about?” Chiaki asked a question of her own.

Mika also looked in his direction curiously.

Seiji rubbed his chin.

About Shika Kagura… he felt that it might have something to do with ”mystical abilities,” so he didn’t really want to say it out loud.

”Not much of a big deal, really… Just leave it at that for now. If it becomes something, I’ll let you guys know.”

Chiaki tilted her head slightly.

Mika reflexively copied her and also tilted her head.

”Okay, that’s that, then.” The tomboy accepted it for what it was, and didn’t pry further into the matter.

The pigtailed girl had a confused expression on her face.

…

In between classes.

Seiji received a call from Natsuya.

”Sorry for not picking up your call yesterday, Harano-kun.”

”Not a problem, President. I’m the one who should apologize for bothering you so impulsively when I know you have so much on your plate…”

Natsuya smiled at hearing Seiji’s apologetic tone.

”Since you knew all that and still contacted me, it must have been something important.”

”Important…? To tell the truth, I don’t really know.” Seiji paused for a moment.”President, do you know the middle school second-year student named Shika Kagura?”

There was nothing but silence on the other end of the phone.

”President?” Seiji had an ominous premonition.

”Shika Kagura… I know her name,” Natsuya answered in a calm tone.

Seiji raised his eyebrows.

The president actually knew Shika’s name, and had such a tone, which meant…