Chapter 24

The next morning, as Yui entered the classroom, Yuki was already sitting next to her. Although she had come on foot and was a bit late, she was usually the earlier one. So, it was quite unusual.

Since the umbrella stand was full, she hung her umbrella beside her desk. The forecast said that the typhoon would approach from this evening to tomorrow, so it would be foolish to forget her umbrella.

"Good morning."

As soon as she put her bag on the desk, Yuki turned to greet her. Being greeted first was, of course, a first for her. She almost braced herself, wondering what was going on, but she maintained a calm surface and replied.

"Good morning."

"You look sleepy."

"You too."

Yuki, who usually looked sleepy, had kept her awake last night, and the sound of the wind had made it even worse. She wasn't particularly a morning person to begin with. When she sat down, Yuki, unusually, turned her body towards her and extended her arm.

"I was going to give you this."

"Huh?"

"A present."

In Yuki's palm was something that looked like an accessory. A small, milky white stone with a yellowish tinge, attached to a strap.

It didn't look like a common stone. It reflected the light and shimmered. As Yui hesitantly examined it, Yuki brought it closer, and Yui, confused, took it.

"Wow, it's beautiful. This is...?"

"It's something called a power stone. I'm giving it to you."

"Really? ...Is it okay to accept this?"

"Sure. My dad likes collecting these kinds of things, and we have a lot at home."

"Wow... Thank you."

Despite being taken aback by Yuki's sudden action, Yui thanked her, and Yuki smiled back. Yui's heart skipped a beat, not in a clichéd manga way, but because it was rare to see Yuki smile.

While making excuses in her head, Yui tried to hide her surprise.

"But... what's this for? Why suddenly?"

"It's supposed to help with mental stability and reduce stress."

"Wow... In modern society, stress is inevitable, I guess."

"Especially for you, it seems like your mental state is quite fragile."

"Who are you calling a mentally unstable girl?"

Before she knew it, she was snapping back. She had accepted the beautiful stone, but now she understood its purpose. She had been wary of Yuki's sudden "present," but this made her feel more at ease.

But she couldn't say, "You're the cause of my stress!" After yesterday's incident, she must have been seen as some strange girl. Maybe Yuki thought she was playing a game to make all the boys around her fall in love with her.

"...I'm not that kind of person, you know?"

"You're saying that, but..."

"No, I mean, maybe you're misunderstanding something."

"Quick, hold the stone!"

"Stop being so pushy."

Feeling like she was being urged to use a recovery item, Yui reluctantly clenched the stone. She felt a bit of her stress dissipate as she channeled her anger into it.

(But is that how you're supposed to use it?)

Gripping it so tightly, she looked like she might punch someone. She had hoped it would heal her with some invisible, mysterious power.

Seeing Yui calm down a bit, Yuki extended her arm again.

"Give me your hand."

"What now?"

"Just do it."

Today, Yuki was unusually pushy. Despite her wariness, Yui extended her hand, and a small, round object was placed in her palm.

"What's this?"

"A candy."

"Are you treating me like a child?"

"It's not a marble."

"I know that."

Yui popped the candy into her mouth and chewed it.

"What's with you today? What's going on?"

"I have chocolate too."

"Answer my question."

As Yuki rummaged in her bag, Yui stopped her. Yuki smiled and looked at her.

"I think there's some kind of connection. Like, sitting next to each other."

"Okay, and...?"

"If you have any problems, I'll try to help. If you have any worries..."

Yuki's voice was unusually gentle, and her tone was soft. Yui thought, if she whispered in her ear, it might be dangerous... but she quickly regained her composure.

"Hmm...? For example?"

"For example? Hmm, tell me something you wish for as a test."

If she said, "I want a boyfriend," Yuki might say, "That's tough," or something like that. She could even say, "I only want to make you fall in love, Yuki. Like me."

(But that's ridiculous.)

It was clearly a trap. A visible landmine. There was no way she could say such an embarrassing line.

"Are you teasing me?"

"Uh... That's what I'd say."

Indeed, that made sense. She was clearly being teased.

"So, you're just retaliating because I did something to you. Huh."

"You're as stubborn as ever..."

"What do you mean by 'as usual'?"

She glared, but Yuki laughed lightly, and Yui felt like she was pushing against a door.

But Yuki's attitude was like that of an older brother dealing with a whiny, spoiled sister. Was this related to the previous conversation about her being like a sister?

(Wait a minute? Could this ease...?)

Maybe Yuki had noticed her feelings after yesterday's incident. The change from yesterday to today suggested a high possibility.

In other words, the person she was trying to make fall in love with was already in love, and she had been found out. It was a complicated situation, but if that was the case, it was very bad.

If she gave in now, the power balance would be set, and it would be impossible to change. She had to make Yuki fall in love and confess first.

She couldn't be flustered by this.

"Yuki, what's with you? Suddenly being so nice. Have you finally realized Yui's charm?"

"Yeah, I've been thinking. I might have misunderstood you a bit."

What had she misunderstood? Was she really found out? She felt like she was still being misunderstood, and Yuki was completely unreadable.

"Ugh..."

"What's wrong?"

Yuki was strong. This laid-back guy showed no signs of his feelings. What should she do?

"I'm glad you like it. It will be very useful from now on."

Yui smiled, but her hand, slightly trembling, was already overusing the power stone.