Chapter 2: The girl in the tower and the chestnut tea towel.

　　　　one

　September 1st.

　Koharu stood in front of the mirror in her room and tightly tied the ribbon around her chest.

"--All right."

　She had neatly brushed hair, a brown jacket, a white blouse with an azuki bean ribbon, a tartan pleated skirt that matched the color of the jacket, and a cream-colored summer knit vest.

　These were all new school uniforms, and busy days awaited Koharu when she returned to Gion from Tokyo.

　I obtained the necessary documents to submit to the private high school I wanted to attend and studied hard for the transfer exam.

　Thanks to that, I passed the exam with ease, and without even a moment to catch my breath, I was busy running around to complete the official procedures, get measured for my uniform, and purchase the required items.

　Still, I'm glad I passed the exam.

　Suddenly, a feeling of relief welled up inside me, and I stroked my chest in front of the mirror.

　I think I studied really hard, but it was a short period of time.

　The reason he was able to pass the transfer exam was probably because the questions on the exam happened to be ones he was good at, and also because Yoshino is an old acquaintance of the principal of the prestigious private high school he wanted to attend.

　I also heard that the principal was very sympathetic to Koharu's "apparent circumstances" - that she "stopped going to school in the middle of junior high school because she was hurt by malicious comments online" - and was very understanding of her situation.

"Toku-chan hates nasty backbiting."

　Koharu's grandmother, Yoshino, spoke with emotion as she sat sewing in front of the wooden counter where the cash register was located on the first floor of Sakuraan, a Japanese general store.

　At that time, the customers had just left the store and it was quiet.

　Until recently, the store was filled with summer colors, such as goldfish, fans, and accessories to go with yukata, but now the products are gradually being replaced with autumnal ones.

　However, the heat is still lingering and the mood is still that of summer.

"Who is Toku-chan?"

　Koharu, who was putting out the goods, turned around and asked.

"It's the principal of the school you go to. I believe he's the third generation and his name is Tokumatsu Masato. I call him Toku-san."

　By chance, Soujirou, who had just come down from the kitchen on the second floor, answered halfway up the stairs.

　The university president, who hates malicious gossip, is named Tokumatsu Masato.

　Perhaps, as his name suggests, he is a "righteous person" who hates crooked things.

　A school with such a person as its president must be a great place.

　While Koharu was feeling reassured, Sojiro said, "That's right," and crossed his arms.

"Toku-san, you used to get bullied, right?"

"That's right," Yoshino nodded, and Koharu was surprised, asking, "Are you a victim of bullying?"

"Oh, and it seems that grandma was always helping her out. That explains why she still can't stand up to grandma and hates people talking behind her back."

"Grandma, don't say that. I don't remember helping you or anything. I just didn't like anything shady."

　Yoshino said this while continuing her sewing, and Koharu chuckled.

"That sounds like you, Grandma. How did you help her?"

"Yeah, Toku-chan was a kid who would cry easily, and made a big fuss just because there was a snake in his desk. I couldn't stand to see that, so I grabbed the snake's head and went after the boy who'd put it in the desk, and then he started screaming and crying until he lost his nerve. Now that I think about it, we were all really crybabies."

　Yoshino stopped what she was doing and shrugged her shoulders, saying, "Oh well."

"...Huh, charge with the snake's head, Grandmother."

"Hey, you used to be a young lady, right?"

"That's right. She's the daughter of Kamo. So, I didn't really want to do anything like that, but she's not Mioto-chan, so there's no way I could provoke her."

『In the first place, the thought of inciting someone is not what a young lady would think.』

　Next to Sojiro, who shrugged in exasperation, Yoshino acted nonchalantly.

　Remembering that exchange, Koharu smiles in front of the mirror.

　This is a very Yoshino-like episode.

　In other words, the president of the school was Yoshino's former classmate.

　Still, that's reassuring.

　Koharu nodded and checked her belongings.

　I was so excited this morning that I woke up at 5am. I took a shower, had breakfast, brushed my teeth, got dressed, and here I am now.

"Well then, I'm off."

　When I emerged into the living room with my school bag in hand, Sojiro, who was already in the kitchen making Japanese sweets, turned to me and said, "Hey."

"Hey, where's your grandmother?"

"Isn't it the shop downstairs?"

"Eh, already?"

　It's still just before seven o'clock.

　This is usually the time when I would be relaxing in the living room.

　Koharu quickly walks down the stairs. By the way, this house is a two-story Japanese house.

　The first floor is a store and the second floor is a residence.

　All the living areas were concentrated on the second floor.

　I craned my neck and looked into the shops on the first floor, but Yoshino was nowhere to be seen.

"Grandma, I'm off."

　Koharu raised her voice, feeling that he must be somewhere, and Yoshino came out in a panic from the back room.

"It's almost time. Koharu, take this."

　Saying this, he handed me a small package decorated with a cosmos flower pattern.

"this is?"

"It's a charm imbued with magic. I don't know if it will work, but if you carry it with you, it might help you hear your inner voice a little better. Keep it in your uniform pocket."

　It was a small amulet that suppressed Koharu's unique ability.

"--Thank you, Grandma."

　Yoshino's thoughtfulness makes me feel even more happy.

　Koharu herself was feeling anxious, despite trying to act tough.

　I wondered if I would be able to navigate my new school life while trying to avoid eye contact as much as possible and being careful not to listen to what was going on inside my head.

　Even if I could, I was worried that people would think I was a rude person.

　Koharu placed the amulet in the breast pocket of her jacket.

　I was also pleased that it was just the right size to fit in my breast pocket.

"Well then, I'm off."

　Waving to Yoshino who was smiling as she saw me off, I cheerfully left the store and headed towards Higashi Ooji-dori Street.

　Take a bus from the Gion stop in front of Yasaka Shrine to the Kita-Kita-Ooji Station bus terminal, then change to a bus going further north.

　The school I will be attending is a private high school attached to a university, called Gakutoku Gakuen University High School.

　It is located in the mountains of Kamigamo, Kitakita Ward, Kyoto, and the high school and university buildings are adjacent to each other on a large site. Although not on the same site, the kindergarten, elementary school, and junior high school buildings are nearby.

　Although the university's deviation score is high, the academic level in junior and senior high school is average or above average.

　Apparently, in order to go on to university, he needs to enter an advanced class.

　By the way, Koharu, who enrolled mid-year, was scheduled to be transferred to a regular class.

　Gakutoku Gakuen has an impressive school building made of bricks.

　Kyoto is not only home to Japanese-style buildings, but also to many Western-style buildings reminiscent of the Meiji and Taisho eras. The Gakutoku Gakuen school building was founded in the Taisho era, and has a modern appearance that incorporates Western architecture. When Koharu first visited the school, she felt her heart pounding in front of the exotic school building.

Right now, I'm too worn out to think that I'd like to make lots of friends, but I get a little excited when I think about studying in that school building.

　Although I don't have high hopes, my high school life is about to begin.

　I hope something good happens.

　Koharu held on tightly to the railing and gazed upon the passing scenery with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety in her heart.

　　　　two

　The sound of the bell at Gakutoku Gakuen was an unfamiliar "chi-rin, chi-rin" sound.

　For Koharu, who had only ever heard the sound of traditional bells until then, the sound of this school bell felt very fresh.

"It sounds like a handbell, doesn't it?"

　The one who spoke with a smile was the homeroom teacher who was walking ahead of me. She had long hair neatly tied up, was a woman wearing a long skirt, and had a gentle aura.

　Her name is Hayasatome Otometen Noriko, and she appears to be in her mid-thirties.

　Koharu nodded, "Yes," and walked after her.

　The handbell-like sound of the bell suited the school building very well. Not only the exterior, but the interior was also retro-modern, with stone staircases and vermilion carpeting, making it seem like a historic building. Still, on the walls of the hallway were flyers inviting students to join clubs such as "Come on, Tennis Club!" and "Beginners Welcome, Brass Band Club," as well as health notices saying "Don't forget to gargle and wash your hands," and Koharu felt a little relieved to see that it was no different from a normal school.

　However, the view outside the window is like a foreign land.

　A Western-style brick building that stands out against the greenery of the trees. A tall tower in the courtyard. A large bell on top and small windows. It looks just like a tower in which a princess from a fairy tale is imprisoned.

　As she was admiring it, thinking how beautiful it was, Koharu squinted her eyes when she saw a girl standing next to the bell at the top of the tower.

　The girl is resting her hands on a pillar and looking down, her long hair fluttering in the wind.

　Isn't it dangerous to stand in a place like that?

　When the homeroom teacher noticed Koharu staring out the window, she gently stopped.

"That place used to be a girls' dormitory. It's not in use anymore, it's a warehouse."

　By the time those words reached his ears, the girl's silhouette had disappeared.

"Why isn't it being used now?"

　Koharu asked, still looking out the window.

　Since I was wearing the amulet Yoshino had given me, I was sure that she wouldn't be able to hear my thoughts, but I still felt scared and hesitated to make eye contact with her.

"That's because the dormitory system at this school has been abolished."

　I see, I nodded and turned forward, suddenly meeting the eyes of my homeroom teacher.

(It brings back memories. Living in the dorms there...)

　At the same time, Koharu's heart made an unpleasant noise as she heard the voice in her mind.

　I could hear the teacher's inner voice.

　I thought I'd be okay because I had my grandmother's protection.

　However, my grandmother also said, "I don't know if it will work," so I guess it wasn't effective.

"...Are you a graduate of this school, Sensei?"

　From the disappointment, the question that had arisen in my mind came out as if I was exhaling.

"Eh?" he asked, looking at her with confused eyes, and Koharu cringed, thinking, "Damn."

"Eh, well, you looked kind of nostalgic, so..."

　When I hastily added that, the homeroom teacher seemed to understand.

"That's right. I'm also a graduate here and lived in the dorms in that tower."

　The words not only evoke a sense of nostalgia, but also a slightly sad tone.

　I wondered if something had happened, but I didn't want to find out.

"If we keep talking we'll be late. Let's go."

　The homeroom teacher started walking a little faster, and Koharu nodded and followed behind him.

"Well then, everyone, this is Sakurai-san from Tokyo."

　As soon as she entered the classroom, the homeroom teacher wrote "Sakurai Koharu" on the board and turned to face the students.

　Perhaps the principal had said something to her, or perhaps it was just her own consideration, but the homeroom teacher gave no hint at Koharu's circumstances and introduced her as if she were an ordinary transfer student.

　Everyone in the class is paying attention to Koharu with sparkling eyes, as she is an unusual transfer student.

　Although there are only girls in the classroom, it is not an all-girls high school.

　This school only has co-educational education up until the elementary school, and from the middle school onwards, boys and girls have separate classrooms. This is because the idea that "boys and girls should not sit together after the age of seven" is deeply rooted in the school.

　Koharu somehow managed to force a smile into her distorted face and raised her head.

　However, he quickly looks down.

　What should I do? If I even lift my head even a little, my eyes will definitely meet with someone's.

　The voices in her mind were pure curiosity, not anything important. But having so many people focusing their attention on her was like having everyone talking to her at once, and it was hard to bear.

"Now, Sakurai-san, please say hello."

　At her homeroom teacher's urging, Koharu bows.

"I'm Sakurai Koharu. I'm from Tokyo and currently live in Gion. Nice to meet you."

"Where do they live now?" was the question that came to mind most often, so I answered yes.

　However, that appears to have had the opposite effect.

　It seemed surprising to them that I had come from Tokyo and was living in Gion, and the voices in everyone's hearts grew even louder.

"Sakurai-san, please take the window seat at the very back for now. We'll change seats again soon."

　The seat at the very back by the window. It felt like a place that had obviously been made for an unexpected transfer student.

　Koharu bowed and sat down in the seat at the very back by the window.

"Well then, we will now move to the auditorium for the opening ceremony."

　As the homeroom teacher held up the black attendance book, everyone stood up in unison and said, "Yes."

"Grandma, today's Japanese sweets are ready, so please leave them here."

　In Gion, when Sojiro went down to the first floor with a food bat in hand, he saw Yoshino standing in the middle of the store, pale-faced and holding a cosmos charm.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

　Sojiro quickly placed the food tray on top of the display case and looked in at Yoshino, who turned around vigorously.

"--No, this is terrible."

"What's that?"

"I made a mistake with the amulet I gave to Koharu."

"Huh?"

"I gave the item Yayoi Yayoi's grandson had asked for. This was Koharu's."

　Holding the same package with a cosmos pattern, Yoshino slumps her shoulders and says, "What an idiot."

"...I don't know what it is, but it can't be helped. Anyway, I'd like some Japanese sweets."

"Yeah, that's really stupid," he muttered frustratedly, peering into the food tub.

"--What is this?"

"Today marks the start of September, so here's our new fall lineup."

　In addition to the classic Japanese-style macarons, there were also matcha chocolates and Japanese-style sweet potatoes on display.

"This matcha chocolate was made from cocoa beans, so it was a lot of work."

　Yoshino narrowed her eyes coldly at Sojiro, who proudly puffed out his chest.

"...Macaroons, chocolate, and sweet potatoes."

"That's great. I'm still inexperienced when it comes to matcha chocolate, but I want to improve my skills and make it a staple here. Both chocolate and matcha are year-round items, so it would be great if we could attract customers."

"You can't really call this 'Japanese sweets' anymore. This is a bit of a fraud. You should stop calling yourself a Japanese sweets craftsman."

"What's the matter? Don't take it out on me just because you made a mistake. By the way, what kind of charm did you give to Koharu? If it's related to warding off bad luck, there shouldn't be any problem with her having it."

"No. If it was to ward off bad luck, it might have had some effect, but I gave him a charm that was completely different from what I was looking for. Seriously. Why did I try so hard to pray?"

　Yoshino looked deeply depressed and let out a deep sigh.

"Well, being a clumsy girl when you're an old lady is pretty depressing."

"Shut up, seriously! I'll throw salt in your face."

"I told you not to hit me! So what kind of charm did you give me?"

"That's... the same one as this one."

　As Yoshino pointed to the talisman on the shelf and sighed, Soujiro's face changed color.

"That's... difficult."

　--After the opening ceremony in the auditorium ended, Koharu returned to the classroom with her classmates, who gathered around her as if they had been waiting for her.

"Where in Gion do you live, Sakurai-san?"

"It's unusual to move from Tokyo to live in Gion."

Have you gotten used to Kyoto?

　Koharu was a little surprised that everyone was speaking standard Japanese, even though their energy and intonation were different.

"...Hey, everyone. We're all talking at once, Sakurai-san is surprised."

　While Koharu was feeling overwhelmed, the girl sitting next to her across the aisle calmly told her.

　She has a name tag on her chest that reads "Mizuhara Ai."

　She is slim and fair-skinned. She has a neat short haircut and wears clear rimless glasses. Behind her are very wide eyes, and although she gives off a plain impression at first glance, she is a very intelligent and beautiful girl.

"Oh, sorry, that must be a surprise."

　Everyone looked instantly apologetic, and Koharu shook her head and said, "Uh, no."

"I was surprised that everyone wasn't speaking in Kyoto dialect."

　When Koharu said that, everyone looked at each other and said, "Oh, I see."

"There are a lot of kids in my class whose parents are from Kanto, so it just happened naturally."

"Those who want to be voice actors or announcers tend to use standard Japanese."

"I speak Kyoto dialect, but some people say that standard Japanese is cooler and still speak it. But I don't really like kids of my generation who still speak Kyoto dialect these days."

　That's right. Everyone nodded in agreement, and Koharu responded with an "Oh really?"

　This is what an average high school girl living in Kyoto City looks like.

　It must be different from the streets of Gion, where thick Kyoto dialect is constantly being spoken.

"By the way, where in Gion do you live, Sakurai-san?"

　When asked again, Koharu nodded and said, "Ah, yes."

"It's near Tatsumi Inari Shrine in Gion, and it's my grandmother's house."

"Grandma's house?"

"Yes, I've lived in Gion for a long time... and now I live in that house with my grandmother."

　As I said that, I noticed that the girl next to me, Mizuhara Ai, twitched her shoulders.

　Before I knew it, I was wondering what was going on.

"Wow, it's nice to live in Gion."

"But there's a lot of tourists."

　While I was talking with everyone, the bell rang to signal the start of class.

"Well then, Sakurai-san, see you later."

"If there's anything you don't understand, just ask," they said, waving their hands and quickly taking their seats.

　Koharu bowed and said, "Thank you," then placed her hand on her chest in relief.

　Perhaps it's because it's a novelty, but everyone there is so kind and welcoming.

I could hear the voice in his heart saying, "I want to be helpful."

　Maybe I could manage in a class like this.

　Feeling happy and excited, Koharu begins preparing for class.

　Although the first period was the opening ceremony, classes continued as normal after that.

　There's six hours of class today.

　As I was leafing through the textbook, anxious about what the content of the class would be like, Mizuhara Ai, who was sitting next to me, quietly spoke to me, "Sakurai-san."

　I tilted my head and turned towards her, wondering what it was.

"...I live with my grandmother too."

　She said with her eyes downcast.

　It was a very quiet voice, almost like he was mumbling to himself.

　Koharu nodded in agreement, but was unsure of how to respond.

"Is your grandmother kind, Mizuhara-san?"

　Koharu replied with those words and immediately regretted it.

　Her grandmother wasn't necessarily a nice person.

"Yes, they are very kind. My grandparents are more than just kind; they are almost too sweet."

　As Mizuhara Ai continued like this, Koharu felt relieved and a smile spread across her cheeks.

　My grandmother, no matter what you say, is very kind to me.

　I guess that's what grandparents are like.

"Hey, Sakurai-san, maybe you too..."

　Mizuhara Ai started to say that, but then she stopped talking.

　Just as Koharu leaned forward and said, "Hmm?", the classroom door slid open and the math teacher appeared.

　At the same time, the person on duty stood up straight and spoke up.

"stand up"

　When the signal comes that it is their turn, everyone stands up at once and bows in unison with the voice saying "rei."

　It was a beautiful bow, with hands on waists and without bending the neck, only the upper body tilted at 45 degrees from the waist. The students in the lecture hall all performed this bow at the same time, and it was very elegant.

「............」

　Grandma, this must be a "school for rich girls" right?

　Come to think of it, at a family meeting in Tokyo, when I told my parents that I wanted to go to Gakutoku Gakuen, they had looked somewhat resigned to the idea of ​​school, but suddenly their expressions brightened up and they looked at each other with ecstatic expressions, saying to themselves, "If I can get there, that would be great."

　I had assumed that the two of them would be delighted and think, "It would be a blessing if there is a school that will accept us," but in fact that was not the case; perhaps this school had a very good image in the public eye.

　If it really was a "school for rich girls," she wondered if a commoner like her could keep up, Koharu shrugged as she sat down with the others.

　　　　three

　--Lunch break.

"...It just feels weird."

　After finishing her morning classes of math, chemistry, and history at the opening ceremony and eating her lunch with everyone, Koharu felt like she wanted to be alone so she sat down in the garden behind the school building.

　All my classmates were as kind as ever.

　The inner thoughts that fly around behind the conversation are within the realm of imagination, and there's nothing particularly surprising about them.

　Still, being in a group made me feel short of breath and even nauseous.

　The feeling was similar to being intoxicated by people.

　...I thought that after working at the store for so long, I'd gotten used to people.

　Maybe it was because it was the first day and I had to keep concentrating.

　I try to avoid making eye contact as much as possible, but I feel bad about continuing to look away, so when I lift my head just for a moment, my eyes meet with several people and in an instant, I hear the voices of many people in my head.

　People often have many thoughts going through their minds in a single moment.

　Being hit by all of that at once caused confusion in my head and I felt as if my consciousness had become marbled and sludgy.

　Eventually, feeling nauseous, Koharu sneaked out of the classroom and crouched down in the deserted backyard.

"--Haa."

　I got down on my knees on the grass, put my hands on my chest, and closed my eyes tightly.

　I thought it might be okay in the morning...

　It would be one thing if everyone was really unpleasant and the atmosphere was uncomfortable, but what is it about me that makes me feel so bad in such a nice class?

　The reason I had been able to live a normal life up until now was simply because my grandmother's house in Gion was special.

　Maybe becoming a high school girl is just not possible for me after all.

I realized once again that something I once took for granted, like "going to school," is now very difficult for me, and I felt helpless.

　As I crouched down, trying to hold back my tears, I heard the sound of a crow cawing, as if it was flying somewhere.

　As she sat there with a blank look in her eyes, listening to the not uncommon sound of the crows' cries, the cawing of them gradually getting louder and louder, Koharu furrowed her brows.

「............？」

　Just how many crows are there?

　Confused, Koharu looked up at the sky and saw many crows circling overhead.

"Eh, what's with that amount of crows?"

　I stood up in shock as if I had been shot,

"--Ah, so you were here."

　A familiar voice came from behind her, and Koharu's shoulders shook in surprise.

　At the same time, the scent of plums arrives, which is out of season.

　Maybe, I think back.

　At that moment, crows flew in all directions, making a flapping noise.

"Hello, Koharu-chan."

　He smiled as black feathers fell.

"--Mio-san."

　Yes, he was my grandmother's younger brother's grandson, her second cousin, Kamo Mioto.

　With her unique Kyoto intonation, glossy black hair, handsome features, and gentle demeanor, she is as beautiful as ever.

　Today he is dressed in a white jacket and black hakama.

"Wh-why?"

　There were so many things I wanted to ask.

　Why am I here?

　Why is he dressed like that?

　And more importantly, what on earth happened to those crows?

"Oh, don't you know? I'm a college student here."

　As Mioto said this, he pointed to the university building that was visible from here.

"Oh, is that so?"

　Koharu blinked vigorously.

"That's right. My father and the principal here are good friends. Well, it was through Yoshino-san though."

　He was a student at Gakutoku Gakuen College.

　That means we're in the same school building on the same campus.

「............」

　If that's the case, why didn't my grandmother tell me about this beforehand?

　Koharu frowned, thinking that it would have been reassuring if she had known earlier that he was attending the same university as her.

"Hey Koharu, have you heard anything from Yoshino?"

"Y-yes, I didn't hear that."

"Yoshino-san has a mischievous side, so she probably wanted to surprise me."

　Koharu nodded in understanding at what Mioto said.

　If it was my grandmother, that would be quite possible.

"You were surprised," a mischievous smile appeared on his face.

"...Um, so, Mioto-san, what's with that outfit?"

　White top and black hakama.

　It suits her so well that it doesn't feel out of place at all.

"Oh, I'm in the Kyudo club. This is my Kyudo uniform."

Koharu blinked, "Archery club!"

　Hearing this makes me think that there may be no sport that suits him better than Kyudo.

"That's right. I was practicing at the archery range, and when I took a break I peeked into the classroom to see how Koharu was doing, but she wasn't there, so I got curious."

"Did you come to class?"

"Just a quick peek."

「............」

　Her classmates must have been surprised to see such a beautiful person peeking into the classroom in this outfit.

"I thought that Harun might have been exposed to the wind outside, but this grounds is spacious, and I asked the kids from before to help me look for it," Mioto said, looking up at the sky.

"Those kids from earlier..."

　Koharu also looked up at the sky and saw the few crows still remaining.

　Suddenly, the words Yoshino had said the other day when we were talking about snakes came to mind.

"Well, I didn't really want to do anything like that, but you're not Mioto, so there's no way I could provoke you."

　I was curious about what that meant, but the conversation moved on, and maybe...

"R-Reito-san, can you control animals?"

"'Manipulation' isn't such a scary thing. I was just helping out."

　As Mioto smiled and waved his hand, Koharu's cheek twitched and she asked, "Does that mean you can control it?"

　Mioto sent a crow to find out where I was.

　Although he had sensed that, like himself and Yoshino, Mioto possessed a "special power", when he saw it with his own eyes, he was overwhelmed.

"Koharu-chan, are you feeling tired?"

　Hearing the worried question, Koharu came to her senses and nodded.

"Yes, I am. I was forced to live in a group all of a sudden and it was too much for me. I thought I was used to it while working at the store, but it seems that's not the case."

　"Haa," Koharu sighed.

"I can't help it. It's not like I'm working at the store."

　Just as Mioto said, it was completely different from interacting with people while working at a store.

　This is because customers don't pay much attention to store clerks.

"My grandmother even made me a charm, but it didn't work."

"Did Yoshino's charm not work?"

　Koharu felt embarrassed when Mioto looked like he couldn't believe it.

"Y-Yes."

"Can you show me?"

"Ah, yes. This is it."

　Koharu took out a charm wrapped in a cosmos pattern from her breast pocket.

「............」

　Mioto gently touched the amulet and narrowed his eyes.

"...Koharu-chan, this isn't a 'Sealing Amulet'."

"Huh?"

"Maybe Yoshino-san gave it to the wrong person by mistake. She's a reliable person, but sometimes she can be a bit careless."

"Well, then, if I still had the amulet that Grandma was supposed to give me, then will it be okay?"

"I guess it's okay to a certain extent. But there are limits."

"What do you mean by limit?"

"You can turn off the little voices in your mind, but if your emotions are strong, you'll end up accepting them."

　This means that while you can shut out the harmless noise of your inner voice, you will still receive the strong voice of your inner voice.

　It's great to be able to block out all that noise, but strong emotions can have a mental impact, which can be problematic in its own way.

　Koharu responded with a serious look on her face.

"So, from now on, Koharu-chan, you'll need to learn to control your powers."

"Will I be able to control it?"

"That's right. But I need some training."

「訓練？」

"For example, Koharu, you can't really read my mind, can you?"

　Koharu's heart began pounding as Mioto locked eyes with her, peering intently into her face.

(You can't really read my mind, can you?)

　At the same time, Mioto's inner voice reached him, and it was the same as what he had spoken.

　Come to think of it, Mioto is always like that. The words he says and the voice in his heart are almost always the same.

　So I was very relieved, but...

"Y-Yes. It's not that I couldn't read it, it was the same as the words coming out of my mouth."

"The truth is, I'm hiding my true feelings even further inside."

　Koharu's eyes widened as Mioto smiled brightly and she said, "Eh?"

"This is something I learned through training."

"I-I see. But why did you do that kind of training?"

"Well, I'm a shaman, so it's a way to stop the enemy from reading my mind and finding out my weaknesses. It's like opening another door in my heart."

"Y-yes, the enemy..."

　The story was so far removed from reality that Koharu could only make a silly noise.

　Still, it made sense. Even though Koharu had been listening to Mioto's thoughts up until now, she still felt like there was more to it than that.

"So, with some training, Koharu-chan, I think you'll be able to control that power."

"How should I train them?"

"That's right... If you want, I'll help you."

"I-I'd like to ask you a favor."

　It may be possible to curb this power.

　This ray of hope seemed to brighten Koharu's heavy heart.

"Well, next time, I'll teach you in detail."

"Thank you. Is that at my place?"

"No, no, if I say I'm going to give a special lecture in Koharu's room, Soujirou will throw salt all over me."

　Mioto shook his head and shrugged.

　It was easy to imagine Sojiro sprinkling salt on her and saying, "Go home, Poison Flower. Don't deceive my daughter!" Koharu laughed and said, "That's true."

"Oh, but I'm so happy. Now I can do my best in my afternoon classes."

　Koharu smiles and places the charm Yoshino gave her into her inner pocket.

"Oh, I forgot something important."

"Is it important?"

"Koharu-chan, your power is only temporary, so should I seal it for you?"

"Is that even possible?"

"It's only temporary, but I've been prepared for it."

"P-please."

　If it lasts until after school, that would be great.

　As Koharu bowed her head deeply, Mioto gave a wry smile as if he was weak.

"Actually, it might be a little embarrassing."

"Are you embarrassed?" Koharu asked, tilting her head. Miohto replied, "Well, it's okay," and took something out of his pocket, walking towards Koharu.

　He suddenly got so close to me that my heart skipped a beat.

　Mioto then reached out, pushed Koharu's bangs aside, and brought his mouth closer to hers.

"────!"

　A kiss on the forehead?

　Koharu tense up, so tense she thought she might stop breathing, while Mioto muttered something lowly into her forehead and blew on her.

　Koharu instinctively closed her eyes tightly.

　Y-yes, this is really embarrassing and my heart feels like it's going to explode.

　The next moment, something was stuck on my forehead.

"Huh?"

　What was pasted on it?

　Koharu immediately puts her hand to her forehead.

　Apparently this is...

"Should I use a bandage?"

"That's right, there is something called a 'third eye' on the forehead, and Koharu's third eye was also overactive."

"Y-Yes."

"So I performed a sealing spell and stuck a bandage with the sealing curse written on it on it. I know it's embarrassing to put a bandage on your forehead, but I'm sorry. It's just a quickie, not something I prayed over properly, so it only works if you stick it directly on your forehead. But I thought it would at least look cute, so I picked this out at the shop."

　Mioto said, showing a bandage with a black cat design.

"Oh, so cute, black cat."

　Sure, having a band-aid on your forehead is a little embarrassing, but this pattern is a little better, and best of all, it's a lot better than being on the receiving end of a random bunch of thoughts.

　But still, a black cat...

　Reminds me of Wakamiya-kun.

　Koharu's cheeks relaxed as she imagined the young dragon god with lustrous black hair, wearing a mizuginu (traditional Japanese kimono), and smiling fondly.

"Actually, there's a way to make it work without using this kind of sticker."

"Well, what method is that?"

"It would be more effective to put your mouth directly on the forehead and strongly press the character 'seal', but that would be like kissing the forehead, so that's probably not a good idea."

　When Mioto said that, Koharu let out a "huh?" and her cheeks visibly flushed.

"But really, do you prefer a kiss to a band-aid?" Mioto tilted his head to look at me, and my heart skipped a beat.

"No, no, a bandaid will do."

"That's right. If we did that, Soujirou would probably come yelling at us."

　Mioto laughs, "Fufufufu," but Koharu feels embarrassed and can't say anything.

"The rest is the nape."

"Nape?"

"That's right. Put it on your nape too. Koharu-chan, stay still."

　Mioto pulled Koharu's hair back and put a bandage on her nape.

　The sensation makes my body tremble.

"Sorry. This is a separate issue from the voice of your heart, but there is something like an entrance at the nape of your neck, and many different 'thoughts' come in through here. Koharu-chan, this opening is also wide open, so I closed it off. Now you can't hear the voice of your heart, right?"

　Saying this, Mioto looked him in the eye.

　This time I hear nothing.

　Even the inner voice that Mioto was likely uttering through camouflage.

"Y-yes, I can't hear anything."

"That's good. However, this will dull your 'normal instincts' too, so it's not a very good idea, so it's just a temporary measure. Take it off when you leave school. It's quite dangerous to walk outside with your instincts dulled."

"...Even normal intuition becomes dull."

　At that moment, the warning bell rang.

"Ah, it's time."

"Y-Yes."

"Well then, Koharu-chan, see you later."

"Oh, thank you."

　Mioto smiled and raised his hand, then turned away.

　When he disappeared from sight, Koharu let out a hot sigh, "Haaah."

　W-what should I do? My heart won't stop pounding.

　Mioto-san is just so beautiful.

　Koharu pressed the back of her hand against her flushed cheeks to cool them down as she headed to the classroom.

　When Koharu returned to the classroom, her classmates were squealing and making a fuss, as if they were excited about something.

"Hey Sakurai-san."

"Um, what happened to your forehead?"

　Everyone simultaneously focuses on Koharu's forehead.

　Koharu was so moved that her heart trembled when their eyes met but no one said a word.

　I really... really can't hear anything. I'm so happy!

　Mioto, you're amazing!

　Koharu was so happy that tears welled up in her eyes, and her classmates waved impatiently.

"Did you fall? Are you okay?"

"Oh, yeah. Well, just a little."

　Koharu stepped back, hiding the bandage with her bangs as if to disguise it.

　At that moment, he hit his hip against the corner of the desk, cried out "Ouch," and as he moved his hand to rub his hip, he hit his elbow instead.

"--!" Everyone in the class was stunned as Koharu writhed in agony from the numbness.

"S-Sakurai-san, are you a clumsy girl?"

"Be careful."

"Uh, yeah, thank you."

　So this is what it means for normal intuition to become dull, Koharu thought, rubbing her numb elbow.

　Perhaps, without even realizing it, people use their intuition to protect themselves.

　It would certainly be dangerous to go outside the school building with this bandage on.

"Even so, Sakurai-san, it's a shame you weren't in the classroom."

"Hey, that's really unfortunate."

　Everyone looks at each other with joy.

"What a shame, did something happen?"

"Actually, there is a really beautiful girl in the university's archery club."

"We've taken the liberty of calling her 'My Beautiful Lady,' and she actually came to visit our class!"

"And what's more, he was still wearing his archery uniform!"

　With that said, everyone let out high-pitched squeals.

「............」

　There's no doubt about it, it was Mioto, Koharu thought, her cheek twitching.

　Mioto was sure that his classmates must have been surprised when they peeked into the classroom, but rather than being surprised, it turned into more of an ''incident.''

"I wish I could have shown it to Sakurai-san too."

"That's right, I'm sure it's hard to find such a wonderful person even in Tokyo."

　Koharu also agreed with those words.

　It's hard to find someone so beautiful, even in Tokyo.

　Although everyone in the class admires Mioto, none of them seem to know his name.

　Since the man's name wasn't mentioned, it would be odd to say "He's a relative of mine," so Koharu nodded in agreement and sat down carefully.

　I was checking my timetable wondering what classes I had in the afternoon, when...

"...On your first day at school, you were flirting with the guy in the backyard. Sakurai-san, you're amazing."

　Mizuhara Ai, who was sitting next to me, spoke coldly in a very small voice.

"Huh?"

"Well, it has nothing to do with me. It's okay, I don't intend to spread rumors or anything."

　Mizuhara Ai said this casually and began preparing for her afternoon classes.

"Oh, no, it's not like that."

　Despite his hasty words, she showed no signs of listening, so Koharu remained silent.

　It was the first day of high school, and I couldn't help but feel that the future was difficult.

　　　　Four

"I'm back."

　After her first day of school, Koharu walks through the curtain of Sakuraan, a Japanese general store.

　It was already closing time, so there were no customers in the store.

"Koharu!"

　Yoshino, who was standing at the wooden cash register, jumped up briskly, and then Koharu was startled to hear the sound of Sojiro's footsteps running down the stairs from the second floor, calling out, "Koharu!"

"I'm sorry, Koharu. I gave you the wrong amulet."

"Grandma Grandma"

　Koharu agreed, saying, "So that's what I thought."

"Koharu, are you okay?"

　Soujiro's face was filled with fear.

　Koharu gave a wry smile at the serious expression on Sojiro's face, who was always carefree and unfazed by anything.

"A-Are you okay? Soujirou, you're exaggerating a lot."

　Still, Koharu was happy that he was worried about her.

　Realizing that they were protecting me, my heart grew warm.

"Thank you both. It was okay."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah. Anyway, it's time to close up shop. I'll help you."

　The exhausted tiredness she had felt up until then suddenly seemed energetic, and Koharu put her bag on the floor and went outside the store to clear away the cart and the curtain.

　It was six o'clock in the evening. The autumn sky was already dark at dusk.

　While the western sky is a vivid orange, the eastern sky is a very deep dark blue.

　The sound of a bell ringing out.

　The sound of drums can be heard from somewhere.

　I felt soothed by the unchanging, emotional scenery.

　Koharu looked up at the sky and straightened her back.

　After closing up shop, I take a bath and change into my loungewear, which doubles as pajamas.

"It's dinner time."

　I replied "yes" to Yoshino's voice and popped into the living room to see hot tofu, tempura, and cooked rice laid out on the low table.

"Wow, it looks delicious! It's all my favorite things."

"It's your first day," Yoshino said as she poured roasted green tea into a teacup.

"Just so you know, I was the one who fried the tempura."

　Sojiro said with a proud look on his face as he took out a bottle of beer from the fridge.

"Thank you, I'm happy."

　The three of them sat down at the low table, put their hands together and said, "Itadakimasu (thank you for the meal)."

　Taking a bite of the shrimp tempura, Koharu narrowed her eyes at the crunchy texture and said, "Hmm."

"It's delicious, it tastes just like tempura you get at a restaurant. Soujiro, you're amazing."

"Hey, what are you saying, catching the 'Prince of Kitchen Cooking'? I'll make any ingredient look its best."

　Yoshino casts a cold look at Sojiro, who is holding the tempura with his chopsticks and making a determined face, like a character in a social game.

"Koharu, don't bother with idiots."

"Yeah, I know."

"You two, I don't think it's right to treat someone so coldly after they've worked so hard on the food."

"Hey, Soujiro-san."

　Koharu burst out laughing, feeling genuinely relieved at this usual conversation.

　Going out into the world and then coming back like this makes you appreciate your home.

"So, Koharu. Was everything really okay?"

　Soujiro asked as if he had just remembered something, and Koharu nodded and said, "Yes."

"Yeah, somehow. At first I tried really hard not to make eye contact with them. Oh, everyone in my class is really nice."

　As Koharu was about to say that, Soujirou frowned.

"That's not what I'm worried about. I'm just asking if any bad bugs have come near you."

"A bad bug?"

　Koharu's eyes widened.

"This old lady accidentally gave you that troublesome amulet of all things."

　Soujirou glanced at Yoshino out of the corner of his eye.

"Don't call your mother 'Grandma'"

　Yoshino said nonchalantly and took a big bite of the shishito taro tempura.

"What troublesome amulet?"

　Koharu leaned forward and Yoshino shrugged awkwardly.

"...Yayoi-san's grandson asked me to."

Yayoi-san is a friend of Yoshino's and the owner of Nishimuramura Pickle Shop, also in Gion.

He is also a fan of Yoshino, nicknamed "the Gion Prayer Maiden," and has a strong image of her frequently coming over to ask for "paper talismans to be written."

"Not only Yayoi, but even your granddaughter has asked you for this," Koharu agreed, impressed.

"Is Yayoi-san's grandson about the same age as Koharu?"

"No, she's an office lady now. And she says she doesn't have any opportunities to meet people. But recently, she's found someone she likes in the same building."

"Wow," Koharu's eyes lit up at the unexpected "love story."

"But, since they couldn't get close to each other, they asked me for a talisman to bring the person they wanted closer. But I gave it to you by mistake."

"... a charm to bring the person of your dreams to you."

　Koharu blurted this out, her cheeks flushing as she recalled Miohito appearing in front of her during the lunch break.

"Hey, what's with your face all red? Something must have happened. Could it be that that poisonous flower came here to trick you?"

　Koharu shook her head vigorously at Sojiro who spoke enthusiastically.

"I-I'm not here to deceive you!"

"Really?"

"Oh, really!"

　He was just here to help me, not to "trick" me.

　So it's not a lie.

　Koharu was unable to lift her face due to her burning cheeks, and as she brought the food to her mouth, Sojiro let out a small sigh.

"Well, never mind. Seriously, Koharu, be careful of that guy."

"...Don't talk like Mioto is a bad person."

"I don't think he's a bad person. But he's the worst thing you could ever consider as a love interest. He's not someone you can handle."

　Those words made me feel as if they were saying, "He's too much for you," and it made me feel even more uneasy.

　However, I also agreed with what Sojiro said.

　Although they are somewhat distant relatives, they also share special powers.

　Still, I can't help but feel that he lives in a different world from me.

"I, I know that."

　Koharu continues to eat her food heartily, then clasps her hands together and says, "Thank you for the delicious meal."

"What's wrong with you? You eat so fast. By the way, after the meal I want you to try some of our 'Autumn Lineup'. Matcha chocolate, Japanese-style sweet potato. They all seem to be things you like, right?"

　Koharu gave a wry smile as Sojiro's eyes lit up.

"...I've had a lot to eat, so I won't be going in today. Even so, chocolate and sweet potato pie doesn't really look like 'Japanese sweets' at all. I'm tired today, so I'm going to rest in my room for a bit."

　Koharu went to the kitchen with her dishes in hand, and after washing her own dishes as usual,

"Good night," he said, and quietly left the living room.

「............」

　Sojiro pursed his mouth like a rabbit, holding the teacup in his hand.

"It's really unpopular. Everyone is horrible and they don't even eat it," he said, slumping.

"How stupid. You shouldn't interfere in other people's love affairs. It will only make things more exciting."

　Yoshino shook her shoulders in amazement and gobbled down the pickles.

"Well, I suppose so. I understand the reasoning behind it."

"You're really hopeless when it comes to Koharu."

"Well, she's my adorable niece after all. But I'm the one who's so sweet to Koharu."

"That's right. Grandchildren are cute."

　Yoshino put the shiso leaf tempura into her mouth, and nodded in approval at the crunchy texture.

"You know, the tempura you make is so good! Why don't you quit being a pastry chef and start a tempura restaurant?"

"I'm a Japanese confectioner, you nasty old lady!"

"Grandma, don't say that!"

　While her grandmother and uncle were having a parent-child quarrel in the living room, Koharu went into her room and jumped into bed.

"Not an opponent we can handle, huh?"

　I took a deep breath, took out my notebook and opened it.

　There was a black cat bandage stuck on it.

　...Mioto-san.

　When he remembered Mioto blowing on his forehead and putting the bandage on, his cheeks got hot and he covered his face with both hands.

　--But still, is a kiss better than a band-aid?

　When he said that line, Mioto just peeked into her face, but it felt exaggerated, as if someone was whispering in her ear, and Koharu cried out, "Hyaa!" and pressed her face against the cushion.

　M-M-Mujiro is right, people like that are too stimulating for me.

　But the problem is, he's just too handsome and I can't get him out of my head.

　As she rolled around with her face pressed against the cushion, she heard a cat meowing "meow" from the window, and Koharu stopped moving.

「............」

　Do you have a cat?

　I quietly got out of bed, opened the curtains, and saw a black kitten sitting on a balcony so tiny it was barely big enough to hold a flower pot.

"Black cat..."

　The kitten looked up at Koharu and let out a "meow."

"Could that be, Wakamiya-kun?"

　Before Koharu had a chance to hesitate, Kuroneko entered the room.

"You must be Wakamiya-kun, right? Wow, I'm so happy, you came."

　Koharu closed the window and gave a bright smile, but the black cat was lying on the rug with its head down.

"Oh, maybe you're not Wakamiya-kun? Just a black cat?"

　When Koharu leaned forward, the black cat narrowed its eyes and then softly changed shape.

　The figure of a young boy. He appears to be around ten years old. Wearing a light purple kimono and a hat, the adorable boy, almost like a young girl, is sitting upright with his knees together.

　It is the incarnation of a baby dragon that lives in Shinsenen Garden.

"I thought so, Wakamiya-kun," Koharu said, clapping her hands,

「............」

　The young prince kept his head down.

"Wakamiya-kun, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

"Nothing. I was just feeling lonely."

"It's lonely..."

　Come to think of it, I haven't been to Shinsenen even once since returning to Kyoto.

　When I was in Tokyo, I had hoped that upon returning to Kyoto, I would immediately go to Shinsenen to tell the young prince that I had been reconciled with my parents.

　But despite that, she was so busy preparing for school that before she knew it, the time had come until now, Koharu said, shrugging.

"I'm sorry, I wanted to go to Shinsenen but I've been so busy."

"It's not like that," Wakamiya sighed softly.

"Well, then, what were you missing?"

"...The truth is, I was worried about you, so I went with you to Tokyo."

"Huh?"

"If you called on me, I would be ready to help you at any time."

"Oh, so that's how it was."

　Come to think of it, when I arrived in Tokyo, I felt like my senses had become extremely sharp.

　Perhaps it was because Wakamiya-kun was with me.

"The same thing happened at school today. I was right there with you. If you had called my name, I would have been there, ready to help you."

"R-Really?"

"And yet you never asked me for help."

　Wakamiya's shoulders slumped in disappointment.

"Wow, Wakamiya-kun."

"Well, I'm just a young dragon. I'm not very trusting."

　Saying this, Wakamiya rolled over on the rug as if sulking, and transformed back into a black cat.

"Wow, Wakamiya-kun."

　Indeed, while Koharu was calling out to her grandmother, Sojiro, and Mioto for help in her heart, she did not call out Wakamiya's name.

　She never imagined that he would stay by her side all this time, trying to help her.

　And yet he never called me by my name.

　As Koharu waited, she imagined how Wakamiya must have felt when he wasn't called, and she felt sorry.

"I-It's not that I didn't ask for Wakamiya-kun's help because I felt uneasy. Wakamiya-kun is the 'Dragon God' after all... I just felt like I shouldn't ask for help so easily."

　This was not a lie.

　At Shinsenen, the young dragon god said to me, "I will always be there to help you when you're in trouble. Please call on me anytime."

　Although I was happy to hear that, I felt that I shouldn't call him that name so lightly.

　It's similar to the feeling of not being able to call an ambulance when you're just injured.

　I thought it would be useful in a life-threatening situation.

　Wakamiya, who had transformed into a black cat, sat up at the words and gently turned around.

"A lot of things happened to me in Tokyo, but I now understand that in the end, everything went well because Wakamiya-kun was by my side and protected me. Thank you so much."

　As Koharu said this and bowed her head, Wakamiya shook his head vigorously,

"That's not true, Koharu. Everything went well because you worked hard. I'm really glad for you," she said with a smile.

"Thank you, Wakamiya-kun."

"From now on, if you need anything, please rely on me."

"I-Is it okay?"

『Yes, I will help you when I need to, and I won't help you when it's best not to, so please don't hesitate to ask.』

　Those words were so godlike that a smile broke down on my cheeks.

"Above all, you're special."

　As Wakamiya continued, Koharu smiled and said, "Thank you."

　What he means by "special" is that he must be feeling grateful for having been brought to Shinsenen in the past.

"Still... it feels kind of weird to talk in cat form."

"That being said, no matter what form I take, I'm not using my vocal cords to speak."

"Huh?"

"I am speaking to your heart. Have you felt like you can hear with your ears?"

　The voice reached me like this, just like normal. I hadn't even thought about where it was coming from.

　Ignoring Koharu's confusion, Wakamiya walked up to her, climbed onto her lap, and let out a "meow."

　Koharu laughed and stroked his back. The soft, fluffy feeling was pleasant.

"Hey, Wakamiya-kun, it's getting late so why don't you stay here tonight? I'll make your bed for you," Koharu said, clapping her hands as if she had suddenly thought of something.

"Eh, is that okay?" asked Wakamiya with shining eyes, and Koharu nodded in agreement.

"Because I have a nice fluffy round cushion."

　Koharu placed a circular cushion at the foot of the bed and pointed to it, saying, "Here you go," and Wakamiya curled up on it, looking very happy.

　Koharu didn't notice at the time.

　The next morning, she wakes up to find that the black cat on her cushion has turned into a black snake, and she screams.

　　　　five

"Good morning, everyone."

　The teacher's clear voice echoed throughout the classroom.

"good morning"

　The classmates, who had been sitting upright, placed their hands on their stomachs, tilted their upper bodies at a 45-degree angle from the waist without bending their necks, and then sat down smoothly in their chairs.

　Koharu bowed her head like the others and sat down in a chair.

　It's been a week since Koharu came to Gakutoku Gakuen.

　Thanks to the effect of Yoshino's "Proper Amulet," he was able to shut out the noise-like voice in his head, and somehow managed to get through school life.

"So, starting today and for the next three weeks, our class will be on cleaning duty for the tower."

　When Koharu heard what her homeroom teacher said and thought 'I didn't know there was such a thing as cleaning duty for the tower', a loud 'Whoa!' rang out in the classroom.

"He finally came to my class."

"Wh-what should I do?"

　As everyone started to get noisy, the homeroom teacher took a sigh and clapped his hands.

"...It's only been three weeks. There's no need to make such a fuss. Although a lot of things have been said, they're all just rumors."

　After the teacher gave them a stern warning, everyone fell quiet.

"The bell area at the top has been closed off as it is dangerous, so cleaning should only be done from the first floor to the fifth floor. As for the order of duty, the two rows from the windows will be on duty starting from today for the first week, the two rows in the middle for the second week, and the two rows by the walls for the third week. Everyone in the two rows by the windows will be given their keys after school, so please clean the tower."

　The usually cheerful homeroom teacher spoke in a very businesslike manner, and the two rows of students by the windows, including Koharu, nodded in approval.

　As soon as morning homeroom ended, my classmates let out cries of despair, "Ahh."

"That's no good. Cleaning the tower. Of all places, why start from the window row?"

"But if it's going to come around eventually, I think it's better to do it sooner rather than later."

　Everyone let this slip out in disappointment.

"Um... what exactly happened with the tower? What are those 'rumours' that sensei was talking about?"

　Because he is wearing Yoshino's "Omamori", he is able to avoid catching the voices of her inner thoughts. However, as Mioto said, that is only to a certain extent, and he still picks up on strong emotions.

　The emotion that the classmates were currently emanating was "fear."

　Why are you so afraid of the tower?

　Then everyone looked at Koharu and sighed deeply.

"It's famous for appearing in that tower."

"Go out?"

"The ghost of a woman with long hair!"

　When she said that firmly, everyone shouted "Nooo."

　Hearing that, Koharu let out a "Ah..."

　On my first day of school, when I saw the tower in the hallway, I thought there was a girl with long hair at the top, but I wondered if that was it.

　Although I thought that, strangely, I didn't feel any fear.

　Because the silhouette I saw at that time didn't give me any sense of fear.

"The truth is, 17 years ago, a student here committed suicide by jumping off that tower. You see, they said the bell part was closed, right? They say he jumped from there."

"That was the trigger for the dorms to be abolished."

"The reason for his suicide is unclear, but he was a very sickly student who was often absent from school. Rumor has it that he realized he didn't have much time left, so he took his own life, and now that he's become a ghost, he wanders around the tower, envious of the students."

　As everyone agreed, Koharu nodded in agreement, saying, "I see."

"...Aren't you scared, Sakurai-san?"

　Everyone looks taken aback when Koharu doesn't seem to react much.

"Um, no, it's not like that. How should I put it, it just doesn't feel real."

　Koharu shook her head in a panic, and I replied, "I see."

"We've heard a lot of eyewitness accounts."

"She has long hair and is wearing our school uniform."

"Everyone who witnessed it said they were bedridden."

　No matter how much I listened to the story, I never felt scared.

　I guess I used to be a bit of a scaredy-cat too.

　However, Koharu nodded as she listened to the others' stories, and perhaps she had gotten used to it because of the special experiences she had under her grandmother, who was nicknamed "Gion's Prayer Maiden."

　Mizuhara Ai, who was sitting next to Koharu, watched her in silence.

　Eventually, it was lunchtime and Koharu smiled as she finally had her lunch.

　Today's lunch was something I made myself.

　However, it was simply stuffed with last night's dinner leftovers and topped with eggs that I had cooked myself, so it wasn't something I could be proud of and say I had made it.

　Koharu excitedly reached for the hook on the side of the desk, then realized that the tote bag she was holding her lunchbox in was gone. She checked and asked, "Huh?", then opened her eyes wide in surprise.

　Oh no, I forgot my tote bag when I was putting on my shoes at the entrance.

　What should I do? There was a purse in there too.

　If you have no money, you can't eat anything for lunch.

　I can't ask my friends in class to lend me some money...

　Suddenly, Mioto's face came into his mind, but he shook his head and said, "I can't say it any more."

　I have no choice, I'll skip lunch today. Diet, diet.

　When I picked up my smartphone to remind myself,

"You idiot, you forgot your lunch. I'll wait for you at the school gate."

　Koharu's eyes lit up when she received this email from Sojiro.

　That's great, thank you, Sojiro!

"Thank you, I'll be there now," I replied, and hurried out of the classroom.

　Koharu left the school building with a spring in her step, but as soon as she saw the school gate, her steps became heavy.

　In front of the school gate, Sojiro was standing in front of his jet black motorcycle, waiting for Koharu.

　He was wearing jeans, a white V-neck shirt, a black jacket, and a black helmet under his arm, gazing out at the school building with eyes that seemed to be looking into the distance.

　He looked like he was on the cover of a men's magazine, attracting the attention of women passing by.

"Hey, he's handsome! He looks like a model."

"Maybe he's waiting for her?"

　I can even hear whispers.

　...What should I do?

　At first glance, Sojiro was so handsome that I suddenly felt like running away.

　As Koharu averted her eyes and walked towards the school gate, Sojiro called out, "Yo."

"Here you go, Clumsy," he said, handing me the tote bag.

"Oh, thank you, Uncle Sojiro."

　When I deliberately added "uncle" to make it clear to those around me, Sojiro visibly frowned and raised his hand holding his tote bag.

"What are you saying to my kind brother Soujirou, who took the trouble to come and deliver it to me?"

"S-sorry, Soujirou."

"Hmm, I can't hear you."

"I'm sorry, my dear brother Sojiro. And thank you."

"Well well, there's no other way."

　Sojiro handed Koharu the tote bag and patted her head in satisfaction.

　From the corner of my eye, I saw the women around me blushing and holding their hands over their mouths.

"What an age-gap couple!" I can hear someone say from somewhere.

「............」

　I want to scream out loud, "It's you, uncle!"

"Listen, today is the last day I'll be delivering bento."

"Uh, yeah, thank you. I'll be more careful from now on. Sorry for bothering you while I'm at work."

"Well, I wanted to see this school building for myself too, so it was a nice change of pace."

"... Soujirou-san."

　Sojiro put on his helmet and raised one hand, saying, "Well then."

"Thank you so much."

　Soujirou nodded and rode off on his bike.

　...Soujiro came to see what the school I go to is like.

　It's not just my grandmother who is sweet. Sojiro is sweet too.

　But I'm very grateful.

　Feeling warm inside, Koharu picked up her bag and headed straight out to the courtyard.

　There are many benches there, but perhaps because it is close to the haunted tower, there are no people around. For Koharu, it felt like the perfect spot.

　I sat down on a bench, took out my lunchbox and opened the lid to see last night's fried chicken, steamed vegetables, a slightly burnt omelet, and cherry tomatoes.

　Koharu wipes her hands with a wet towel, clasps her hands together and says "itadakimasu" (thank you for the meal), then brings the bento to her mouth.

　It was so delicious that the corners of my eyes drooped.

　The fried chicken is great, but the eggs you cook yourself are also delicious.

　Next time I'll add some sausages.

　After finishing her meal, Koharu put her lunchbox away and drank the barley tea from her thermos.

　When I looked up at the tower, I saw the long-haired girl again.

　Her figure was a thin silhouette, transparent in the sunlight.

　It was a very gentle atmosphere, and I didn't think he was the kind of person that would intimidate or frighten his classmates.

　Just as she stood up to return to the classroom, Koharu turned around in surprise at the strong disgust that was suddenly directed at her.

　There was Ai Mizuhara, glaring at Koharu with a stern look on her face.

　As soon as her eyes met, a strong voice in her mind said, "Dirty!" and Koharu narrowed her eyes.

"M-Mizuhara-san?"

"The other day you were flirting with someone from the university in the backyard, and today you're flirting with a grown man at the school gates. I can't believe it. Sakurai-san is the worst."

　Mizuhara Ai spat the words out, then turned around on her heels.

　Koharu was overwhelmed by the force of it all and just stood there in a daze.

"N-no."

　When she finally opened her mouth, she was gone, and Koharu let out a "It's really not that..." and lowered her eyes.

　Mizuhara-san misunderstood that I was having an affair.

　And the people in question are Soujirou and Mioto? That's just impossible, Koharu thought with a derisive smile.

　...If I returned to the classroom, I'm sure people would start saying all sorts of things about me and I'd instantly become disliked.

　Would they believe me if I told them it was a misunderstanding?

　Koharu took a deep breath and began to walk away with heavy steps.

　Feeling scared, I returned to the classroom, but my classmates' behavior was unchanged.

"Oh, almost after school."

"That's scary, seriously. Maybe I should bring some coarse salt."

　And so, the only thing on the table was cleaning up the tower after school.

　Among them, Mizuhara Ai was the only one who didn't seem to want to see Koharu, leaning on her elbow and looking away. Her attitude was not pleasant, but she was glad that even though she had returned to the classroom early after the misunderstanding, she hadn't spread any bad words or false rumors about her.

"Mizuhara-san, um..."

　Koharu called out to her, but she kept her face away.

　He had earphones in his ears and seemed to be refusing to talk at all.

「............」

　"I'll stop here for now," Koharu thought, and sat down.

　But once things had calmed down, I wanted to clear up the misunderstanding properly. She had been honest about how she felt and hadn't spread rumors about me. I didn't want to continue being misunderstood by a girl like that, Koharu thought to herself, and shut her eyes tightly.

　　　　six

　--And then, after school.

　Ten students, including Koharu and Mizuhara Ai, were lined up in two rows by the windows and were heading towards the tower in the courtyard.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no, this is really bad."

"This is really bad."

　Up until then, everyone had been exuding an air of ladylike sophistication, but at this moment they were talking like modern high school girls and walking around timidly.

　Amidst all this, only Mizuhara Ai remains cool.

"Um, aren't you scared, Mizuhara-san?"

　When Koharu asked softly, she gave him a cold look and looked away.

　I was disappointed that he didn't reply after all, but

"Aren't you scared of Sakurai-san?"

　After a moment she asked, still turning her face away.

"Ah...yeah. Not really."

　I didn't want to give her a false answer, so I answered honestly.

　I don't feel any fear towards the spirits in the tower.

　That's because he senses no malice or hatred from the ''Tower Girl.''

　When you think about it, people may feel fear towards ''things that they don't know.''

　Once you know its true nature, you won't feel any fear.

"Because I don't know, I get scared. And I want to eliminate it."

　Maybe people just have that kind of personality.

　I went out into the courtyard and looked up at the central tower.

　This place is also made of brick, and the bell on top is merely decorative and is apparently no longer in use.

　There was a padlock on the entrance, and a student who had received the key from his homeroom teacher hesitantly opened it with a click.

"Y-yes, it's really scary. Someone open the door!"

"N-no, no way."

　While everyone else was cowering in fear, Mizuhara Ai opened the door with a calm face.

　Inside, the setting sun was streaming in through the windows, creating a very bright atmosphere.

　Perhaps because the air is changed frequently, it doesn't feel dusty at all.

　We all took out brooms and dustpans from the cleaning box and held them in our hands.

　The cleaning duty team leader stood in front of everyone and said, "Well then."

"We'll open all the windows, sweep the room, take out the trash, and then close the windows. Anyway, since there are five floors here, let's play rock-paper-scissors to decide which floor we'll be on. In pairs of two people."

　At the squad leader's suggestion, everyone clasped their hands together as if praying, "We don't want to go to the fifth floor."

　Immediately, Mizuhara Ai raised her hand and said in a quiet voice, "I'm fine with the fifth floor. If you want, I'll even keep the key and lock the door for the last time."

　Everyone looks at me as if to say, "Is that okay?"

"I-I'll be fine on the fifth floor too."

　As Koharu continued, Mizuhara Ai frowned, but everyone else's eyes lit up in surprise.

"A-Are you sure?"

"That's good, I feel better now!"

"Please lock it up at the end. Thank you," the squad leader said, handing the key to Mizuhara Ai.

"Well then, let's decide who will play rock-paper-scissors for the remaining floors from the first to the fourth."

　While everyone else was going around to the other floors and playing rock-paper-scissors, Koharu and Mizuhara Ai said, "We'll go first," and started to climb the stairs. The two of them walked side by side in silence, going up the stairs again.

　There is always a mirror on the landing, and Koharu was looking at her reflection,

"Hey, did you run for the fifth floor to keep me quiet? I don't intend to spread rumors or anything," Mizuhara Ai muttered.

"I, I didn't mean it like that. I just wanted to let you know that it was a misunderstanding."

"I don't really care anymore. I hate people who are careless with the opposite sex, so I ended up overreacting, but now that I think about it, it's nothing to do with me. Sakurai-san, why don't you just get along with as many guys as you like? In the end, you're the one who'll suffer the consequences."

　Koharu flinched, abruptly interrupted.

"Well, it's not really like that, they're actually close relatives. The one at the university is my second cousin, and the one at the school gate is my uncle..."

　As Koharu fidgets, Mizuhara Ai responds with "Hmm."

　No, it's no good, it's like they don't believe me at all.

　Koharu sighed softly and decided to change the topic, saying, "Now that I think of it, Mizuhara-san also speaks standard Japanese."

"...Yeah, I was originally from Yokohama. I came to Kyoto at the end of elementary school. I've been at this school since middle school."

"I was in Yokohama."

"Yes. My grandmother, my father and I lived together. But my grandmother passed away, and then my father was hospitalized. So my maternal grandparents live here in Kyoto."

"So that's how it was..."

　At that time, I was about to say, "Hey, Sakurai-san, maybe you too..."

　Maybe he was trying to ask, "Sakurai-san, don't you have parents by your side too?"

　As Koharu climbed the stairs, imagining her background, she looked up and was left speechless.

　A long-haired female student was looking in my direction from the railing on the fifth floor, smiling.

　The same uniform. Its appearance is so transparent that it seems as if it could disappear at any moment.

「............」

　Koharu makes eye contact with the girl, but perhaps due to the effect of Yoshino's amulet, she doesn't hear anything in particular.

　However, seeing the kind, warm eyes she had, Koharu began to think that perhaps this "Spirit of the Tower" was, contrary to everyone's fears, a being protecting the school.

"Sakurai-san, do you believe in the ghost in the tower?"

　Mizuhara Ai asked quietly, and Koharu was at a loss for words and lowered her eyes.

"Um..." Right there, watching us... I thought to myself.

"What about Mizuhara-san?"

　When Koharu asked again, Mizuhara Ai frowned slightly.

"... Anyway, the 'suicide 17 years ago' is not a rumor, it's a fact."

"Uh, yeah."

"The reason for his suicide is unknown. The rumor is that he was pessimistic about his future due to his poor health, but I don't think that's true."

　Koharu felt uneasy when she heard her speak in such a strong tone.

　Why would you even question something like that?

　Upon reaching the fifth floor, Mizuhara Ai gave a mocking smile to herself.

"Sorry for saying something weird. Well then, Sakurai-san, please take the room on the left. I'll be in charge of the room on the right."

"Uh, yeah."

　Koharu nodded and opened the door on the left.

　There was a room of about six tatami mats. There was a bed without a futon, a desk, and a chest of drawers. It really had the atmosphere of an old dormitory.

　It wasn't very spacious, but everyone had their own room, so I guess it was a dormitory for the wealthy.

　Thinking that, I open the window.

　I could feel the refreshing autumn breeze blowing through.

　When Koharu draped her jacket over the back of a chair and picked up the broom to start cleaning, she was hit by a wave of dizziness that made it difficult for her to stand.

　The world feels so dizzying and distorted, as if there is no heaven or earth.

　I held my forehead, wondering what was wrong, and then I was shocked when I saw him take off his jacket.

　That's right, I had the amulet in the breast pocket of my jacket.

　It was as if the shield that had been protecting me had suddenly been removed, and I was hit by the sensation of something rushing into me all at once.

　Koharu felt nauseous and put her hands over her mouth, crouching down on the spot.

　From somewhere far away, the bright laughter of female students could be heard.

　The kids downstairs?

"Hey, hey, did you see that guy from the university club?"

"I saw it, it's really beautiful"

　She braids her long hair and runs through the place, huh, haha.

　No, this is the consciousness that remains here.

　Even though my eyes were closed, the scene ran through my head as if I could see it.

　Among them was the figure of a girl floating in the tower.

"I've decided to confess my feelings to that person. I can't stand just looking at him anymore."

　The girl said as she sat down on the bed.

　Opposite her was a girl who nodded and smiled back at her.

"Do your best, I'm rooting for you. I'm sure you'll do well, Yoko."

"Hey, Noriko, you like him too, right? Even if we like the same person, there's no need to be shy. Best friends don't hold grudges against each other. Let's confess together."

　The girl in the tower is apparently called "Yoko."

　He gently reaches out and holds the hand of the girl named Noriko.

"...No way. I'm not as beautiful as you, and even if you didn't like him, I had no intention of confessing to you in the first place. Above all, I think you and him are a perfect match. That's why I'm rooting for you."

　Noriko said this as she shook his hand.

　It was his homeroom teacher, Saotome Noriko.

　Koharu was crouching down with a pale face and covering her mouth.

"S-Sakurai-san, what's wrong?"

　Mizuhara Ai burst into the room.

"S-sorry, can I have your jacket?" Koharu said in a faint voice, reaching out her hand.

"Jacket? Y-Yes."

　Mizuhara Ai quickly took the jacket and handed it to Koharu.

"......thank you"

　Koharu clumsily puts on her jacket.

　Then, I felt the various thoughts that had been seeping into my mind disappear like the tide going out, and I took a deep breath and slowly stood up.

"Are you okay?" Ai Mizuhara said, looking worried.

"S-sorry, I just got a little anemic. I'm fine now, thank you."

　Koharu quickly picked up the broom and returned the smile.

　I still feel a little dizzy, but it's much better now.

　There must be a lot of memories remaining inside this closed tower.

　With the amulet gone, he must have received it all at once.

　...Even so, the girl from the tower and her homeroom teacher, Saotome-sensei, were best friends and in love with the same person.

　The beautiful and lively girl who passed away and the quiet and gentle Saotome-sensei.

　Judging from the way she was when she was alive, there's no way she would have committed suicide.

　Koharu frowned in confusion and began sweeping the room.

"--It's time."

　Kamo Mioto, who attends the same Gakutoku Gakuen university department as Koharu, checked his pocket watch to see that the time for their appointment was approaching, and headed off to the high school department.

　Seeing him, the girls from the high school department turned around and let out an inaudible, shrill cry of "Oh, it's the college department!"

　Today, Mioto was dressed quite normally, wearing a dark layered shirt and jeans.

　But still, her beauty remains unchanged, and the high school girls watch from a distance with blushing cheeks.

　Mioto stepped into the high school courtyard and smiled as he looked towards the bench.

"Hello, sorry to keep you waiting."

"Oh no, you're right on time. I'm glad you came, Mioto."

　And with that, the school's president, Tokumatsu Masato, stood up.

　He is a slightly plump older man with a warm and friendly face. He is wearing a brown suit, which seems to match the school's uniform.

"Now, sit down."

　He gestures to a bench and Mioto bows and says, "Excuse me," before sitting down.

"Sorry for this so suddenly."

　The Headmaster sat down and narrowed his eyes apologetically.

"home"

"How are your siblings? I believe your sister, Anna, is a TV personality in Tokyo. She's beautiful and just like you."

"No, no."

"Your brother Kazuto went on to medical school, didn't he?"

"Yes, to the Prefectural Medical University. My brother is the successor to our family."

"I thought you were going to medical school too. I'm glad you decided to go to our university."

"...I can't do that. So, Headmaster."

　When Mioto urged him to get to the point, the principal slapped his knee and said, "Yeah."

"Well, when I first consulted with Yoshio Yoshio, he said, 'If that's the case, please talk to my grandson who is on the same campus.'"

　Yoshio is Mioto's grandfather and Yoshino's younger brother.

"Yes, I also heard about it from my grandfather last night. It was about this tower, right?"

　Mioto said, looking up at the tower.

　Meanwhile, after finishing cleaning the tower, Koharu goes down to the first floor with Mizuhara Ai.

　The kids on the other floors seemed to have hurriedly finished cleaning, and there was no one there now.

"Everyone has really gone home."

　Koharu put the tools into the cleaning supplies box.

"Yeah, did you clean it properly?"

　As Mizuhara Ai blurted out in astonishment, Koharu gave a small laugh and said, "Hey."

　The two of them leave the tower and padlock it again.

　I'm on cleaning duty for the rest of this week. It's a bit of a hassle, but it's an easy job.

　After checking that the doors were locked, Koharu turned around to return to the classroom, only to see Mioto talking to someone on a bench in the courtyard, and her heart skipped a beat.

　The man with her was an older man. Looking closer, I realized it was the university president.

　Why are Mioto and the Headmaster talking?

　As I looked around curiously,

"...Sakurai-san, I'm going home first," Mizuhara Ai said quietly.

"Oh, yeah. Bye."

　Koharu was confused when Mizuhara Ai quickly left, but she smiled wryly, thinking that there was still a misunderstanding and that she might have just been being considerate.

　Koharu nodded, deciding that it would be better not to call out to him as he seemed to be talking to the principal, and just as she started to walk back to the classroom, she heard a voice behind her calling, "Koharu-chan."

　When I turned around, the principal was gone and only Mioto was standing there, walking towards me.

"Hello, Mioto-san."

　Koharu bowed her head deeply and Mioto returned the smile gently.

"Koharu-chan, what did you do in that tower?"

"I'm on cleaning duty."

"Oh, so that's how it was," Mioto said, looking up at the tower.

"Mioto, what are you doing with the principal?"

"Let's discuss it."

"Like about the future?"

　Koharu asked with a straight face, and Mioto narrowed his eyes amusedly.

"No, I was the one being consulted."

"Is it from the Headmaster?"

"That's right, it's more of a consultation with a member of the Kamo family than with me."

　Saying this, Mioto looked up at the tower.

　At the top of the tower, the girl is with her hair flowing.

"...Maybe it's something about that girl?"

　Yes, it's about discussing business.

"So Koharu can see them after all. That must be it. Are there really spirits in that tower?"

"What did Reito-san say?"

"'She's there, but she's harmless.' And most importantly, you can't see her unless you have a really strong sense of intuition. So I said, 'To me, it's strange that rumors have been spreading about her lately.'"

　At his words, Koharu nodded vigorously.

　Indeed, her figure seems as fragile as a soap bubble, as if she might disappear at any moment.

　Koharu also looked up at the tower, thinking that it didn't seem like the kind of thing that had been spotted by so many people and was the subject of rumors.

"Is it true that he committed suicide?"

"That's right. I asked the principal about the circumstances of her suicide..." Mioto began to briefly tell Koharu the circumstances that led to her taking her own life.

　The name of the girl who committed suicide was Shirakawa Yoko.

　She was a beautiful, bright and cheerful girl who lived in a dormitory because her parents were posted overseas.

　In the middle of her third year of high school, she suddenly began feeling unwell and began missing school frequently, eventually leaving the dormitory and returning to her parents' home.

　A few months later, I finally went to school.

　She looked extremely haggard and had no trace of her former cheerfulness.

　While everyone was worried about what had happened, she apparently threw herself off the tower without saying anything to anyone or even leaving a suicide note.

　After hearing everything, Koharu narrowed her eyes as a sense of pain welled up in her chest.

　When I saw her in the tower, she had seemed so full of life, yet it was unbelievable that she had ended up like that.

"Ghosts aren't that uncommon for me, but there's something strange about her."

"wonder?"

"I've been at this school since elementary school, but I first heard of her existence about three years ago, when I was in high school. To me, it was just something like 'something has taken up residence in the tower', so no one else noticed her existence, and I didn't think much of it either. But then, this spring, there were suddenly a series of reports of ghost sightings, and it started causing a fuss."

"Huh?"

　In other words, even though she died 17 years ago, she first appeared as a ghost three years ago. Other people started seeing her, and it was only this spring that the current big rumor started.

"That's strange."

"That's right. I was also thinking 'Why is this happening now, how strange' when you consulted the Headmaster about it. By the way, Koharu-chan, did you notice anything at the tower?"

"I just realized..." Koharu muttered, crossing her arms.

"Well, it seemed as though Yoko had a crush on someone and was about to confess. Her former high school homeroom teacher, Saotome-sensei, was there too, and the two were best friends and seemed to like the same person."

　Mioto blinked at Koharu who said that.

"--Really?"

"Y-yes. When I accidentally let go of the amulet my grandmother gave me, I received it all in one go..."

"Koharu-chan, you're really amazing."

　Koharu is shocked and shook her head at Mioto's shocked expression.

"No, no, it might just be my imagination."

"No, it's really amazing. With this, I think I may have solved one mystery."

"A mystery?"

"Saotome-sensei moved to this school three years ago."

"--Saotome-sensei, did you come here three years ago?"

"That's right. Until then, she had been teaching at a private high school in Tokyo. But she wanted to go back to Kyoto, so she came back to her alma mater."

"So, your best friend, the teacher, coming back to this school, was what triggered you to show up?"

"That may be one of the reasons. What's also bothering me is that Shirakawa Yoko seems to have some connection with our hospital."

　Mioto crossed his arms and sighed.

"Eh, is Mioto's house a hospital?"

"Oh, didn't you know? I always buy a lot of Soujirou's Japanese sweets to give to the staff."

"Oh, I see. So that's why you bought a lot of them."

　Koharu nodded vigorously, feeling as if the slight doubt she had been harboring had finally been resolved.

"So, what does it mean that Mioto's family hospital is involved?"

"Apparently, the president first consulted my grandfather about this incident, and at the time, it seemed as if my grandfather knew about Yoko Shirakawa, saying, 'Maybe she was a patient at Kamo Clinic.'"

　At that moment, a bell rang out from somewhere, announcing the end of the night.

"Oh, it's almost dusk. Sorry for stopping you. Be careful on your way home."

"Y-Yes, I'll be off first."

　Koharu bowed her head and headed towards the classroom, looking up at the tower.

　--Even now, that girl was looking down at the school building.

　Koharu takes the bus home from a bus stop near her school.

　From Kamigamo, go to Kitaoji Bus Terminal, change buses there and head to Gion.

　Run east on Kitaoji-dori and then head south on Higashioji-dori.

　From the window you can see Mt. Ei at dusk.

　For Koharu, who had only known the Gion area until now, the scenery from the bus was very fresh. Kyoto has different atmospheres on each of the streets, north-south and east-west.

　I got off in front of Yasaka Shrine and headed to Sakuraan as usual.

　Yasaka Shrine is lit up as the sky darkens.

　The lanterns in Gion Shopping Street are lit up.

　Tourists have bright smiles on their faces as they watch the geiko (traditional Japanese dancers) walking along with cheerful expressions on their faces.

　The town of Gion takes on a different look at dusk.

"I'm back."

　When I walked through the noren curtain of the Japanese goods store "Sakuraan," it was as if Sojiro had been waiting for me.

"Hey, Koharu. Sit there," she said, pointing to the dining area of ​​the restaurant, which had a red umbrella and red chairs.

　Yoshino was already sitting there, drinking tea.

"What on earth?"

"Welcome back, Koharu. Apparently, this time they're really going to be showing off their new autumn products."

"Before dinner?"

　Sojiro glared at Koharu, who sat down in a chair looking confused.

"If you eat after dinner, you'll probably be too full to eat again. For now, use this to wipe your hands."

　Saying that, he placed the towel on the table and headed to the kitchen on the second floor.

"By new autumn products, do you mean the matcha chocolate and sweet potato treats you mentioned yesterday?"

"That was stopped."

"Eh, why?"

"I wonder why. Maybe she didn't like being called a 'pastry chef'. Koharu, why don't you have some tea too?"

　Yoshino takes out a teacup and pours tea into it.

"Thank you. This tea is delicious."

"It's a good place to stay."

　As Yoshino and I were talking like this, Sojiro came downstairs with a food bat in his hand.

"What do you two think of when you hear 'the flavors of autumn'?"

　Sojiro stopped in front of the table and asked, and Yoshino and Koharu exchanged looks.

"The taste of autumn...sweet potato?" Koharu replied, and then,

"Yes, it's chestnut," Yoshino states with certainty.

　"Oh, there were chestnuts," Koharu said, nodding.

"That's right, for the ladies of Kyoto who are my grandmother's generation, the taste of autumn is chestnuts. I had forgotten such a basic thing. So I decided to make chestnuts the main flavor of my new autumn products."

　Saying this, Soujirou placed a chestnut-shaped Japanese sweet on the table.

　As soon as Koharu saw it, she exclaimed, "Ah!"

"This is chestnut kinton, right? My dad loves it."

When you hear "Kurikinton," you may think of a New Year's dish, but this is a Japanese sweet famous in Gifu Prefecture. Unlike the kurikinton in osechi, this is not sticky, but is made by straining chestnuts and molding them with sweet bean paste. Koharu was familiar with this "Kurikinton" because she ordered it from Gifu Prefecture every autumn.

"That's right, Souichi loves chestnuts just like me. However, in Kyoto we don't really call them 'kurikinton'."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, in Kyoto we often say 'Kuricha chiyakinkin'. So this time I made this 'Kuricha chiyakinkin' using Tanba chestnuts from Kyoto. Come on, give it a try."

　Yoshino and Koharu nodded and picked up the chestnut tea towels.

　It's small enough to be eaten in one bite.

　When I held it in my hand, it felt so fragile that I wondered if it would crumble if I applied too much pressure, but in reality it was not at all fragile.

　However, when I tried it, it crumbled in my mouth and the sweetness of the chestnut itself spread throughout my mouth.

"Wow, it's amazing, just like chestnuts."

　Actually, chestnuts can be hit or miss, sometimes with a bitter taste.

　This Chestnut Tea Cloth perfectly recreates the ideal chestnut taste that one imagines in one's mind.

　It's sweet, but not too sweet.

　It makes the most of the material while supporting its inherent roughness.

"This is delicious," Yoshino muttered.

　Until now, Yoshino had never openly praised the Japanese sweets made by Sojiro, but this time it just slipped out.

"Yeah, it's really delicious and it feels really luxurious."

　Koharu strongly wanted to give one to her father, who loves chestnuts.

　As if he had been waiting for this reaction, Soujirou nodded in satisfaction.

"Okay, okay, then we'll put them on sale in the store starting tomorrow as our new autumn collection, so please look forward to it."

"So, Soujirou, what happened to the matcha chocolate and Japanese-style sweet potato?"

"Yeah, I was wondering about that too."

　As Yoshino and Koharu finished eating their chestnut tea wraps and looked up with shining eyes, Sojiro nodded in agreement and said, "Yes."

"I gave those out to people I know in Gion, so I don't have any more. I've reflected on that, but chocolate is no match for a chocolate expert after all."

"What? It's not there?"

"Yeah, I wanted to try it."

　Soujirou narrowed his eyes in astonishment at the two's dissatisfaction.

"...You guys, stop complaining and saying it's not a Japanese sweet. From now on, you can complain only after you've eaten it."

"You're right, I'm sorry. But this chestnut tea wrap is really delicious. I want to feed it to someone."

"Okay, then take it to school next time and eat it with your friends."

"Y-yes, I'd like to."

　Now, I have a casual relationship with my classmates.

　I thought that was fine, and since I was now able to read minds, I thought it would be fine if we could continue our relationship as normal, while drawing a line.

　But right now, there's someone I'm really interested in...

　Koharu narrowed her eyes softly as she thought of Mizuhara Ai.

"Give it to Mioto and stop trying to win his heart with my sweets."

　Sojiro said with a heavy breath, and Koharu was shocked and looked up quickly.

"I, I wouldn't do that."

"That would be nice."

"I think Mioto would be happy if we did this. Maybe he'll buy lots more? Yoshio likes chestnuts too."

　Yoshino said this as she stood up, and Koharu cried out "Ah!" as if she had just remembered something.

"Now that I think about it, Mioto's house was a hospital."

"So, you didn't know?"

"I don't know."

"That's dangerous, too. If we go to his house, he'll pretend to examine us."

"I-I was just pretending to examine him."

　Koharu blushed as she pictured Mioto in his white lab coat, stethoscope in hand, smiling sweetly and asking, "May I examine you?"

"Why are you blushing? How naughty."

"Well, the naughty one is Soujirou, isn't he?"

"By the way, that house is a maternity hospital! That would make it even more dangerous."

"It's getting more and more dangerous. That's a prejudiced way of saying it, isn't it...?"

　Having said that, Koharu stopped moving and said, "Eh?"

"---The obstetrics and gynecology department? Mioto's house."

　Koharu's expression suddenly became serious, and Soujirou and Yoshino tilted their heads in confusion.

"what up?"

"Uh, uh, it's nothing."

　Koharu shook her head slightly and looked serious again.

　　　　seven

　The next day, it's lunch break.

　Koharu was heading alone to the school library.

　I thought maybe I might have an old graduation album.

　The school's library is located between the high school and university departments, and can be used by both high school and university students, so it is as impressive as a large city's library.

　Like the school building, it is a Western-style building made of brick.

　The building has an impressive triangular roof and looks almost like a church.

　When Koharu stepped into the library, she felt nervous at the sight of college students reading and studying very quietly.

　Mozart is playing faintly inside the building.

　Koharu was feeling intimidated, thinking that a private school library was definitely different, so she asked the receptionist if they had the yearbook and headed to the shelf at the very back that she was told about.

　Graduation albums lined up in a row.

　It's quite a collection, as every album since the band's inception is here.

　Koharu picks up an album from the year the deceased girl would have been alive, sits down in a chair by the wall, and begins flipping through the pages.

"--Ah, there it is."

　There was Saotome Noriko from class 3A.

　She is a very serious-looking girl with her hair in a ponytail.

　It seems that she was also in the same class as the girl who passed away. Her photo, who passed away in the middle of her third year of high school, is posted outside the frame.

　Her appearance as a spirit was very vague, but the photograph was so clear that her presence felt real.

　There, a beautiful, intelligent-looking girl with her long hair half-up was staring intently at him.

　From the photos, you can see that she is brimming with confidence.

　He must have been quite a prominent figure in class.

　Was heartbreak the cause of his suicide?

　Perhaps a beautiful, confident, fearless girl had felt like she had lost everything after her first love was rejected.

　Koharu looked at her again and squinted her eyes, wondering, "What?"

"...They look alike," he blurted out.

　──After school.

　Koharu and the others were busy cleaning the tower again today.

　Just like yesterday, Koharu and Mizuhara Ai took the initiative to go to the fifth floor and split up into two groups.

　Now, there was no sign of her on the fifth floor.

　Perhaps he is further up, near the bell?

　Koharu went into her room, opened the window, and took a deep breath.

　Mizuhara wanted to know the truth about the girl in the tower - Shirakawa Yoko.

　I too would like to know for sure.

　The suicide 17 years ago, why he started showing up three years ago, and above all, why Mizuhara wants to know the truth...

　Koharu swallowed deeply, took off her jacket and placed it on the desk, then sat down in a chair.

　Also, along with the sudden dizziness that hits me, the consciousness that remains here comes flooding back.

　Rather than reject it, Koharu closed her eyes as if surrendering herself to the invading "consciousness."

　--The sound of a knock on the door.

　"Ufufufu," I hear a laugh.

　Shirakawa Yoko gently opened the door and invited the young man in.

"Takashi-san, did no one find you?"

　Saying this, Yoko touches the arm of the young man named Takashi.

"Oh, but I was surprised. I heard you were in bed and I was getting worried."

"It's true that I was bedridden. But I'm getting better."

"That's good. Ah, here."

　He looks relieved and hands her a strawberry, to which Yoko says "Thank you," picks up a strawberry and puts it in her mouth.

"I'm glad you're okay. Well then, this is it for me."

"Oh dear, Takashi-san. Just a little longer."

　I took his hand as he turned to leave.

『............』

　Although he looked troubled, he was carried away by her words and sat down in his chair.

　Yoko laughed and sat down on the bed.

"---Why don't you sit here instead?"

　Seeing Yoko smiling seductively, he opened his eyes wide as if taken aback, but eventually he found himself drawn to her and walked over to the bed, and the two of them embraced tightly.

"────!"

　Having received that level of "awareness," Koharu shook her head and hugged her jacket tightly.

　My heart was pounding and my face felt hot as if it was on fire.

　What I saw before was the figure of a girl I had a 'unrequited crush' on.

　The scene we just saw was probably her confessing her feelings to the man she admired and they began dating.

　I never imagined that it would develop into such a deep relationship...

　Feeling her cheeks getting hotter she looked down, when suddenly she heard a scream from the floor below, "Kyaaaaaah!" and Koharu looked up as if she had been shot.

"Hk!"

　He must have seen her - Shirakawa Yoko.

　Grabbing my jacket, I headed downstairs and saw the two girls in charge of the fourth floor crouching downstairs.

"A-Are you okay?"

　Koharu ran over to them,

"And then, she appeared! A girl with long hair!"

"Nooooooo."

　With their eyes wide open in fear, the two of them jump to their feet and run down the stairs.

　And from the lower floor,

Screams of "It's out!", "Ahhhh!", "Nooooo!" started, and a chain reaction of fear ensued, with everyone else also panicking and running away from the tower.

　Is this what they mean by screaming and yelling?

　Koharu was smiling wryly as she watched her classmates escape through the window, when she felt someone looking at her from above and gently raised her head.

　A girl with long hair was standing on the landing of the stairs.

　His face was hidden by his bangs, and his appearance was truly that of a ghost.

　Still, I knew immediately who it was.

　The person there was not Shirakawa Yoko.

"What are you doing, Mizuhara-san?"

　When Koharu asked quietly, her shoulders twitched.

　A silence like that of a tombstone comes over me.

"How did you know?"

　After a while, Mizuhara Ai removed her long wig and looked down at Koharu.

"Mizuhara-san, why did you do that?"

　As Koharu asked this, her deceased girlfriend appeared behind Mizuhara Ai, looking very sad.

　I'm sure I'll be able to read what's in her mind if she lets go of the jacket she's holding close to her chest.

「............」

　Koharu hesitated, but was about to let go of the jacket when she heard footsteps running up the stairs.

"Mi, Mizuhara-san, Sakurai-san, are you okay?"

　The homeroom teacher, Saotome Noriko, appeared, out of breath.

　Perhaps his frightened classmates had gone to call for him.

　Saotome-sensei squinted his eyes as he saw Mizuhara Ai holding a long-haired wig.

"--Mizuhara-san?"

"Ah, you've finally come, teacher."

　Mizuhara Ai narrows her eyes in joy.

　Saotome-sensei was out of breath and looked up at Mizuhara Ai with furrowed brows.

"Mizuhara-san, were you the one who scared our classmates? Were all the ghost incidents just your pranks?"

"Yes, but it's not a 'prank'."

　Mizuhara Ai nodded without any embarrassment.

"Wh-why is that?"

"Hey, teacher, did you write this letter?"

　Mizuhara Ai said, taking out a piece of paper from her pocket.

"Yoko, it may be my fault that you ended up like this. I am truly sorry."

　It was written there in very beautiful letters.

　Saotome-sensei was speechless when he saw the letter.

"There is no sender in this letter, but Yoko Shirakawa and the teacher were best friends. So I thought it must have been you who wrote it. I wanted to know why Yoko Shirakawa attempted suicide."

　Having said that, Mizuhara Ai let out a small sigh.

"I wanted to know how you would react when you saw the spirit of Yoko Shirakawa. I hoped that you would repent and say, 'It was my fault that I committed suicide.'"

　Having said that, Mizuhara Ai throws away her wig as if she no longer needs it.

"No matter how much ghost trouble I cause, you never come to the tower, and just when I thought you finally did come, your true identity was revealed. Things never go well. I'm sure you have no idea why I'm doing this, sensei."

　Hearing those words, Saotome-sensei narrowed his eyes sadly.

"No, I know. Mizuhara-san, you're Yoko's daughter, right?"

　Koharu was choked up and lost for words.

　When I looked at the yearbook in the library, I saw a clear photo of Shirakawa Yoko and thought she looked very similar to Mizuhara Ai.

　Shirakawa Yoko was in love with someone, she had been absent from school for a long time, and she went to the obstetrics and gynecology department.

　When they pieced all this together, they felt that perhaps the two were parent and child. However, they never expected to hear this truth from Saotome-sensei himself, and both Koharu and Mizuhara Ai could not hide their shock.

"D-did you know?"

"...Yes. You probably didn't know this, but I've been watching over you as you grew up. I came to Kyoto from Kanto to follow you. I wanted to watch over you growing up in Yoko's place."

　Saotome-sensei quietly announced this, leaving Mizuhara Ai standing there in shock.

　Koharu could tell that her body was trembling slightly.

"Is that out of repentance? For the guilt of having driven your mother to her death?"

"I didn't push Yoko to her death."

"So why did my mother commit suicide? Was it because she was sad that she had been careless in high school and gotten pregnant unintentionally, and had been suffering without telling anyone about it, and then she couldn't do anything about it anymore, and gave birth to me while hiding it from the world? Did she die because of me?"

　Mizuhara Ai asked, squeezing the question out from the back of her throat.

"Mizuhara-san...what have you been told up until now?"

"I-I didn't know anything about my mother until my father was hospitalized. I was told that she died when I was a baby. It was only after my father was hospitalized that I met people who told me I was my maternal grandparents. After I was invited to their home in Kyoto, I overheard rumors going around about the maid. She said, 'The young lady committed suicide because of that child, but you're still taking in your grandchild, now that you've lost your daughter, you must love your grandchild.'"

　Hearing those lamented words, Koharu felt as if she finally understood why she had caused such a fuss.

　She once lived with her paternal grandmother and her father.

　After her grandmother passed away and her father, who was the only blood relative left, was hospitalized, her maternal grandparents suddenly appeared. As she was starting a new life after being taken in by her grandparents because she couldn't live alone, she overheard a rumor.

　And then, I guess, he started researching my mother.

　Eventually, I began to think that my mother's suicide was my fault, and while I was feeling devastated, I found a letter from a friend.

　It was probably the only thing that could save her heart.

"It wasn't me who caused my mother's death."

　Thinking about Mizuhara Ai's feelings, Koharu lowers her eyes in pain.

"...Mizuhara-san, I was living on the first floor of this tower, and I helped Yoko escape and arranged for him to enter the tower. I admired both Yoko and him, so it would be a lie to say I wasn't jealous, but I was genuinely rooting for their romance. But I regretted it."

　Saying this, Saotome-sensei showed a pained expression.

　They're still young and have a bright future ahead of them.

　I guess she never thought it would lead to pregnancy.

　Mizuhara Ai looked like she was laughing and crying at the same time.

"Oh, so that's how it was. You didn't push your mother into a corner. It was an indirect story like that. Your confession was, 'If I hadn't cooperated, she wouldn't have become unwilling to conceive.' That's what it was."

　He dropped to his knees on the floor and gave a hollow laugh.

　In the end, it was because of me that my mother took her own life.

　I guess they think that he was a person they never wanted to be born.

　Seeing her like that made Koharu's heart ache even more.

　However, her mother, Shirakawa Yoko, standing behind her, shook her head with a very sad look on her face.

　Wanting to know what she wanted to tell her, Koharu this time without hesitation let go of her jacket and made eye contact with Shirakawa Yoko.

(That's not it, that's not it)

　That is the awareness that comes across.

　What on earth was going on? Koharu leaned forward even further, when

"Apparently, Yoko Shirakawa once got down on the ground and cried, begging, 'Please let me give birth to this child.'"

　A man's voice came from behind us, and everyone flinched.

　When I turned around, Mioto was there, looking sad.

　Saotome-sensei blinked and said, "Kamo-kun," while Mizuhara Ai snorted and snorted.

"...What exactly does Sakurai-san's boyfriend want?"

　At those words, Mioto's eyes snapped open.

"Boyfriend? No, he's not. Koharu and I are close."

　As Mioto said this and waved his hand, Mizuhara Ai frowned.

"We're an obstetrics and gynecology department, and Ai-san, it seems you were born in our hospital."

"Huh?"

"Well, I called your father and asked him to tell me the story."

"Y-your father...?"

　Leaving Mizuhara Ai unable to hide her agitation, Mioto turned his gaze to Koharu.

"Koharu, I'm about to tell her what my father told me, but I don't have any information. I'm sure Koharu will be able to read into what was going on at the time, so I'm sure she'll be able to understand Shirakawa Yoko's feelings," he said in a low voice.

"I-Is that me?"

　To the confused Koharu, Mioto nodded enthusiastically.

"I'll help you too," he said, putting his hands on both of my shoulders from behind.

"Koharu-chan, make eye contact with Yoko-san and tell me what you want to hear."

"Y-Yes."

　Koharu did as she was told, looked her in the eye, and thought to herself, "Please, tell me everything I have to say."

"Then, imagine inhaling and put pressure on the space between your eyebrows."

　Mioto said as he grabbed both of her shoulders.

　In response, Koharu closed her eyes and tensed her brow.

　Then, her 『Consciousness』 flows into my head.

　I can hear the ringing of a telephone in my head.

　Some people said it all started with that phone call.

　In line with this,

"...It all started with a phone call that Yoko received."

　Mioto told Koharu, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"--No way, I don't want to go on a blind date right after graduating."

　Shirakawa Yoko was shaken by a phone call from her mother.

　When her parents found out that Yoko had started dating a guy from university, they tried to force her into an arranged marriage.

"Listen, mom, he certainly doesn't have a father. But so what? He's a very kind and excellent student who was accepted as a special student at Gakutoku Academy."

　Yoko desperately continued to tell him what a wonderful person he was.

　He said he wanted to meet me just once.

　However, nothing Yoko says is heeded, and the marriage proposal continues, with the man she is considering marrying being a businessman 15 years her senior.

　As soon as she graduated from high school, she was "ordered" to move into his house and go to college.

　Yoko was alone, worried.

　How can I make the engagement fall through?

　How can I get him to acknowledge it?

　Even if she ran away, she would probably be brought back right away.

　So, she decided that the only way to marry him, even if it meant forcing herself, was to get pregnant.

　I thought that if I had a child, even if my parents were furious at first, they would eventually give in because of how cute their grandchild was, and no matter how long it took, they would eventually accept it.

　If I told anyone, they would be opposed, they would call me foolish and reckless.

　Still, Yoko believed this was her only option, and without telling him, she put her secret plan into action.

　She thought that even if she told him, he would probably not understand, since he was a serious person and didn't know much about Yoko's parents.

"I have irregular periods and I'm taking gynecological medicine, so I won't get pregnant."

　She tells this lie, continues to have physical contact with her beloved, and eventually becomes pregnant with the long-awaited pregnancy.

　This was the turning point for Yoko.

　If his parents or school were to find out, his life would be taken away in an instant.

　She was determined not to let anyone take her away from her, and continued to live her life keeping her pregnancy a secret, never telling even her best friend.

　Perhaps Yoko's determination reached the baby in her belly, because even though she was pregnant, her abdomen did not protrude much.

　However, the abnormal changes in my physical condition were impossible to stop, and I ended up taking more time off.

　Yoko's parents found out about her pregnancy when she was about seven months along.

　Her parents, still angry, were determined not to let Yoko give birth at all, so they forced her to go to Kamo Obstetrics and Gynecology, a place they had been familiar with long ago, and asked them to do something about it.

　Yoko kneels and cries, "I want to give birth, please don't kill this child."

"Of course. Please remain calm and give birth to a healthy child," Kamo Yoshio, the director of Kamo Obstetrics and Gynecology at the time, told her.

　The hospital director managed to persuade her parents, and they were allowed to give birth.

　The parents agreed to have the baby, but told the director that they wanted the baby to be put up for adoption without anyone finding out.

　The relief of being allowed to give birth was short-lived, however the stress took its toll on Yoko and she soon went into premature labour.

　A premature birth that puts her life at risk.

　The baby was born very small and there were aspects of it that the private hospital was unable to treat, so he was quickly transferred to an affiliated general hospital, and Yoko's parents once again pleaded with the hospital director to put the baby up for adoption.

　After Yoko regained consciousness after giving birth, her parents told her:

"I gave that child up for adoption and banished your man from town."

　While Yoko was in the hospital, her parents blamed him, telling him never to show his face in front of their daughter again and to get out of town.

　He reportedly silently accepted the offer without a single word of excuse and left Gakutoku Gakuen.

　Yoko heard all of this from her parents - that they had given their child up for adoption, that they had kicked him out of Kyoto, and that the marriage negotiations would go ahead as if nothing had happened - without crying or screaming, she just listened in silence with a Noh mask-like face.

　Afterwards, Yoko puts on her uniform and heads to school without saying anything to anyone.

　And just like that, he took his life.

　After their daughter took her own life, her parents finally realized how much they had ignored her feelings and how tyrannical they had been, and they were filled with intense regret and grief.

　They continued to blame themselves for what they had done, and when they had calmed down, they asked the hospital if they could at least raise the child that the woman had given birth to, but the director would not agree.

"The child has now been taken in by the rightful parents," I told him.

"-- I'm sure you already know this, but the child has been taken in by your father, Mizuhara Takashi. My grandfather contacted your father right away, and apparently conveyed all of Yoko's feelings to him, telling him that the child was his."

　Mioto carefully summarized what he had heard from Mizuhara Takashi and the information he had received from Koharu, and told Mizuhara Ai everything.

「............」

　After hearing the whole truth, Mizuhara Ai stands there in shock.

　He must have been confused. Koharu was the same.

　It may have been a foolish and reckless act due to youth.

　But she was still trying to live her life.

　Although one feels like blaming her parents for being so oppressive towards her, who was so devoted to her, it is also clear how much pain they must have endured after that.

　That's why they probably cherish their granddaughter so much now.

"Is that true? Did you really want to give birth to me?"

　Mizuhara Ai asked, trembling, while Shirakawa Yoko nodded behind her.

　It conveys how she feels right now.

"...Mi, Mizuhara-san, no, Ai-san."

　As Koharu stood up, Ai frowned without saying anything.

"Oh, your name was given to you by your mother."

　As Koharu continued, Ai gave her a suspicious look.

"Because I loved you so much, I was born wrapped in love, hence the name 'Ai'."

"--Sensei, I have decided that the baby in my belly will be named Ai, which means "love in clothes." Because he will be born clothed in my love."

　I can picture Yoko lovingly rubbing her stomach as she talks to the director.

　When Koharu reached the landing, Ai's mouth corners turned up in a distorted manner.

"What are you suddenly saying?"

"Y-yes, that's true. But the 'Ghost in the Tower'... your mother really exists, and I can see her."

"yes?"

"Your mother is trying to be close to Ai right now."

　When Koharu said that, Ai looked annoyed.

(What do you say when you're feeling like this?)

(Sakurai-san wasn't a liar and I don't think he's a bad person, but I can't accept that kind of consolation.)

　Ai's inner voice reaches us.

　"It's true that it can't be helped if people take it that way," Koharu thought with a bitter expression.

"Sakurai-san, I don't think you're a liar, but I can't take those words at face value."

　Koharu nodded slightly in response to Ai's honest words.

　That's only natural.

　But, Ai-san, your mother is still by your side.

　I can see it, so why can't the person I want to see it the most see it?

　Koharu clenched her fists in frustration.

　-- Wakamiya-kun, please.

　Please, even if just for a little while, I want to show Ai what her mother looks like.

　please.

　I wished for that very strongly.

　At that moment, a strong wind blew through from the upper floor.

　The wind was so strong it was impossible to keep our eyes open, and everyone braced themselves, wondering "What's this?"

　At the same time, the stairs, corridors, and landings are bathed in the dazzling western sunlight.

　In that light, the transparent figure of Shirakawa Yoko gradually becomes darker.

　The tips of her fingers, the tips of her hair, and even her feet all became clearer, as if they were bathed in a spotlight.

"...Huh?"

「葉子！」

　Ai and Saotome-sensei spoke up almost at the same time.

　Wakamiya-kun!

　Koharu's eyes welled up with emotion and she gently clasped her hands together, while next to her Mioto put his hand over his mouth in surprise.

"For the child of the dragon god from back then to come like this...Koharu-chan, you're truly amazing."

　Yoko gazes at Ai, her eyes seeming to embrace her.

"mother?"

　Ai asked softly, and Yoko smiled gently and nodded.

"...Mom, why are you laughing? Don't you regret what you did? Aren't you angry at your terrible grandparents?"

　Ai asked desperately, to which Yoko only smiled.

　Even though I could see it, it seemed that its "will" wasn't being conveyed.

　Still, Koharu could clearly hear what was in her mind.

　This might also be Wakamiya-kun's plan.

"...Ai-san, your mother said this."

　When Koharu said that, Ai turned around in confusion.

"'I'm truly sorry for causing so much trouble and sadness to so many people by taking my own life. I'm so grateful to Takashi for raising you with care. Thank you so much. Ai, thank you to both you and your father for celebrating my birthday every year.'"

　When Koharu said that, Ai stopped moving.

"And to you too, Sensei..." Koharu turned to Saotome-sensei.

　"Eh?" Saotome-sensei's eyes widened.

"'Noriko, thank you for watching over Ai from afar for me. I'm very grateful. I'm so sorry for causing you so much worry. Thank you for letting my family know when Takashi collapsed.'"

「......葉子」

　With that said, Saotome-sensei's eyes welled up with tears.

　Koharu took a deep breath and slowly opened her mouth.

"--Ai, your grandparents are very, very regretful and have regretted their actions, and have suffered greatly. Both my parents and I were immature. But there is nothing more sad in this world than losing your child before you. I was very unfilial. So, I want you to be kind to your grandparents on my behalf. Because they love you very much.

　"My life was short. I realize that it was foolish and shallow, and I regret it. But I have no regrets. The only thing I'm proud of is that I was able to bring you into this world. I'll always love you, and I'll always love you, too," says Mom."

　When Koharu said that, Ai's face seemed to crumple, then,

"Aaaaahhhh," she cried out, breaking down on the spot and crying, "...Hako," Saotome-sensei also put her hand over her mouth and began to cry.

　Yoko snuggled up to Ai as if to embrace her, and then she suddenly vanished as if melting into the light.

　She must have been satisfied to have been able to express her feelings to those she loved.

「............」

　She suddenly appeared in this tower three years ago.

　I'm sure she really wanted to see her child come to this school.

　From the top of the tower, I watched over Ai as she grew up.

　While Koharu stroked Ai's back, who was still crying, she also wiped away the tears that had welled up in her eyes with the back of her hand.

　　　　eight

　When Koharu, Ai, and Saotome-sensei left the tower, the courtyard was deserted.

　Mioto remains in the tower as he has something he wants to confirm and is not here.

　The sound of a bell announcing dusk echoes across the orange sky.

"...Thank you so much, Sakurai-san."

　As soon as she went outside, Ai quietly told her,

"Let me also say thank you. Thank you, Sakurai-san. You have a special talent."

　Saotome-sensei continued in the same manner.

"S-talent?"

　Koharu's voice cracked in surprise, and Saotome-sensei nodded vigorously.

"Yes, because I think that a power that is different from other people is also a talent."

"No, no, talent."

　Although she was confused, Koharu was happy and delighted.

　I felt somehow relieved that this ability, which could easily be described as creepy or suspicious, was called "talent."

"--Come on, you two. It's getting dark so go home. Be careful."

　As Saotome-sensei lightly patted them on the back, the two nodded and said, "Yes."

"Goodbye, teacher," he said, bowing his head and starting to walk away.

"...It feels strange, like I've woken up from a long dream."

　As Ai let a word slip while walking, Koharu responded with a "yes."

"But it was good to meet your mother, Ai-san."

　Ai then looked as if she was about to burst into tears again, but then she smiled very softly.

"Yes, I was happy. ... Sakurai-san, thank you so much. I'm sorry for misunderstanding you and saying such terrible things and not believing what you said."

　As Ai bowed her head and said that, Koharu now looked like she was about to cry.

"Uh, no, not at all."

"Even so, it's hard to believe that that person was really your 'second cousin'. And it's also true that the cool man who came to the school gate is your 'uncle', right?" Ai asked with a bit of amusement.

"Yeah, that's right... Ah, that's right."

　Koharu took out a package of chestnut brown chiyakinkin from her tote bag and handed it to Ai.

"This is very delicious, if you like."

"Oh, can I eat it now?"

"Yeah, there are two so I'll have one too."

　The two of them opened the package and brought the chestnut tea cloth to their mouths.

"--!" I closed my eyes at how delicious it was.

"What is this? It's so delicious. The perfect chestnut sweet!"

"These are sweets made by my uncle who came to the school gates. He's a Japanese confectioner."

"A Japanese confectioner? That person?"

"R-Right."

"Surprising! It feels more like a pastry chef."

"Maybe."

　Koharu nodded in agreement and the two shared a chuckle.

"Umm, Sakurai-san, if it's okay with you..."

"Yeah?"

"Would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?"

　Ai said this with a bashful look on her face, and Koharu was surprised for a moment, but she was also happy and nodded vigorously.

"Y-yes, I'm happy. I'll bring some more Japanese sweets. And, if it's okay with you, I'd like you to call me by my name, Koharu."

　As Koharu looked down in embarrassment and let out a sigh, Ai nodded firmly and said, "Yes."

"Koharu is such a cute name."

"Thank you, the name 'Ai' is also very lovely."

"...Yeah, thank you. I think so too."

　The two of them looked at each other and smiled.

　A single contrail draws a line in the evening sky.

　It looks like a dragon crossing the sky.

　That looks like a contrail, but I wonder if it's a dragon.

　Thank you for your help, Wakamiya-kun.

　Thanks to you, we were able to save the soul of a girl who took her own life seventeen years ago and was floating around the tower, wanting to convey her feelings to her daughter.

　The truth that was conveyed was able to save Ai's heart.

　And I... I made a friend today.

　Koharu looked up at the sky and flashed a bright smile.