405 Great Misfortune (1/2)
She typically charged for such a service?
Spiritual Ability users… did Spirit Controllers typically do such things!?
Mika's mouth was now wide agape in astonishment.
”Teehee…* Ruri giggled at this.
She clutched her arms as she covered her mouth and laughed. There was an alluring light in her red eyes.
”Hee hee hee… I was just joking.”
”Eh?”
”I was just joking, making things up,” Ruri stated in a casual manner. ”I didn't expect that you'd treat it all as real, and even had such an expression. You're so cute.”
Mika was left speechless.
”M… Master!”
This joke was a bit overboard! Mika's expression became angry.
Ruri smiled as she looked at Mika's face. Something flashed in Ruri's eyes.
”Although I was joking, I basically understand now that you're an honest and well-behaved child.”
”Er?”
”If you chose to 'take care' of the matter in either fashion, I really do have the power to do what I just said. But, you didn't choose to do so, how well-behaved of you… or should I call you naïve?”
Ruri reached out with her hand and smiled ambiguously as she caressed Mika on the cheek.
”I don't dislike disciples like you.”
Mika didn't know what to say as she felt the touch of Ruri's hand on her cheek.
”Heh heh.” The red-eyed young woman retracted her hand. ”See you later this afternoon, Mika.”
She turned around and left with her hair flowing in the wind.
Stunned, Mika simply stared at Ruri's disappearing figure.
She felt something indescribable in her heart… she didn't regain her senses until a familiar voice called out to her.
”What's the matter, being so lost in your thoughts? Did you fall in love with your beautiful teacher?” Chiaki joked.
Then, she saw that Mika had a complex expression.
”What's with your expression? Did something happen?”
”No… it's nothing.” Mika averted her gaze.
It was quite obvious that it wasn't nothing.
Seiji and Chiaki exchanged awkward glances.
”What exactly happened, Mika? Is there something weird about that teacher of yours?” 'This identically named Ruri isn't actually a chuunibyou as well, is she?' Seiji thought the last part to himself.
The twintailed girl fell silent for a moment.
”Should I say that she's a little weird, or terrible…?” she muttered to herself.
Seiji and Chiaki were both mystified.
”I think it should be fine… probably.” Mika sighed after struggling with her inner conflict.
After that, she didn't say anything else.
Although they were still somewhat worried about Mika's condition, Seiji and Chiaki were unable to pry any further since Mika herself said that things ”should be fine.”
Afterwards, the three of them returned to the Uehara apartments.
The moment Seiji entered his apartment, he saw that Kaede was in the living room playing games together with Reo.
”Happy New Year, Harano-kun.”
”Happy New Year, Juumonji-sensei.” Seiji looked at her. ”We're about to go greet the New Year. Would you like to come with us, Sensei?”
”Sure.” Kaede smiled as she agreed.
After taking the loli and the mature woman with him, he saw the widow from next door.
”Happy New Year, everyone.” Nozomi Uehara greeted them.
Seiji and the others wished her a Happy New Year as well.
Then, Nozomi gave Reo some money as a New Year's present, and Reo delightedly thanked Nozomi.
'Should I be giving Reo some spending money as well?' Seiji wondered to himself.
Their procession headed for the shrine.
”Seigo, when we're drawing fortunes for this new year, let's have a competition about who has the best fortune.” Chiaki started a topic of conversation.
”Alright then, what should we bet on for winning and losing?” Seiji accepted.
”If I win, you have to sleep with me.”
”Don't immediately ask for something ridiculous!”
”If I lose, I have to sleep with you.”
”Hey! Isn't that the exact same thing!”
”If I can have Harano-kun sleep with me if I win, then I want to join this little betting competition as well.” Kaede grinned as she joined in.
”Sensei, please take more care of yourself!” Mika retorted.