Two days had passed since the incident involving Shimoya and the possession. As the bell rang and everyone settled into their seats, Ryner sighed, his gaze lingering on Shimoya's empty desk.
Today makes two days now, he thought, resting his chin on his hand. I understand she's probably still shaken by everything that happened with that evil spirit at my house, but still… how long is she going to take to pull herself together? She's missing out on a lot.
His brows furrowed as his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
And that kiss she gave me after we visited her parents' graves… what was that all about? I mean, her lips were soft, sure, but I was more grossed out than into it. I know it was the possession that made her look like that, but still… I don't know how to feel about it.
Ryner groaned softly and lowered his head to the desk. Behind him, Rita floated silently, her expression tinged with concern.
"What's bothering you? Is everything alright?" she asked gently.
"It's nothing. I'm just a bit tired, that's all. I don't think I can focus in class at all today," Ryner mumbled.
"When have you ever focused in class? If I weren't around to convince you, you wouldn't even know how to do basic English or math," said Rita dryly.
"That's harsh. I'm not that stupid, you know."
"No, you're not. You're just lazy and don't take your education seriously," Rita replied, arms crossed in the air.
Ryner sighed again and turned to gaze out the classroom window.
"Does your mood have anything to do with Shimoya?" Rita asked.
"And what if it does? That doesn't have anything to do with you," Ryner said, not meeting her eyes.
"I wonder if it's the fact that she hasn't been to school for a couple of days... or maybe it's the kiss she gave you?" Rita said, pressing her translucent fingers to her lips.
"What?!" Ryner snapped, his cheeks turning red. "How do you know about that?!"
"Well, after Shimoya cried in your arms and you both left the house, I followed you," Rita admitted, looking away. "And I tagged along," added Thomas as he floated above Ryner's head, grinning. "We saw everything. You helped her communicate with her deceased parents for closure. You hugged her. At first, we thought maybe her parents possessed you… but we know you hate that."
"After that, you walked her home," Thomas continued. "It was on that route that she kissed you. What was interesting was how Rita reacted to that moment. She seemed… hurt. Confused. I saw it in her eyes—she even held her chest like she was in pain."
"Shut up! That didn't happen!" Rita shouted, her face flushed with embarrassment as she smacked Thomas across the face. "Don't make things up!"
"Well, that explains everything," Ryner muttered, calming down slightly.
"Alright, everyone, you heard the bell. Let's all quiet down so we can begin today's lesson," the teacher said as she entered the room. She glanced toward Shimoya's seat, then back at the class. "Shimoya's absent again today… I wonder what happened to her."
Her eyes landed on Ryner. "Oh? You're early again, Ryner? That's two days in a row. I don't know what caused this sudden change, but I'm glad to see you taking school more seriously."
"Yeah, yeah," Ryner muttered under his breath. Not like I learned anything from her anyway. Rita's a way better teacher.
"I'm so sorry for being late, Miss McKenzie," came a voice from the doorway. "May I come in?"
The class turned to see a girl standing there. "Sure, come on in," said the teacher.
Whispers immediately spread throughout the classroom.
"Who's the new girl?"
"She's beautiful… I can't take my eyes off her."
"I wonder where she's from… why didn't she introduce herself?"
Ryner narrowed his eyes. A transfer student? Now, of all times? Who'd be dumb enough to transfer in the middle of the semester?
As the new girl stepped inside, her eyes met Ryner's. She smiled. Ryner blinked, slightly stunned. Wait… is she smiling at me?
She walked straight over and turned to the boy sitting next to Ryner. "Do you mind if I take this desk off your hands?"
"N–not at all!" the boy stammered, scrambling to collect his things and fleeing to another seat without hesitation.
She sat down beside Ryner and gave him another small smile. Why would she want to sit next to me of all people? Do I even know her?
The girl leaned in slightly, her voice a whisper meant only for him.
"That kiss I gave you the other day… it was a thank you for helping me. It's not like I'm in love with you or anything, got that?"
Ryner's eyes widened in shock. "Wait… a kiss… does that mean—?"
His voice rose involuntarily. "It has to be… you're Shimoya Loten!"
"What do you mean? Of course it's me, silly," Shimoya said with a small laugh.
Ryner stared at her, stunned. So this is what she really looks like when she's healthy and not possessed. Now I feel bad for being grossed out at the kiss we shared.
He looked away awkwardly, trying to hide the rising warmth in his face as the day continued, filled with new questions and even deeper complications.