Wow, I didn't know that such a beautiful and delicate little flower was hiding behind that creepy girl's face, said Thomas, clearly in awe of Shimoya's beauty.
"Yeah, even I'm surprised at how beautiful she is," said Rita.
"I hardly recognized you. You look like a completely different person," said Ryner.
"Is that a good thing?" Shimoya asked teasingly.
"Well, yes. It's a sign that you're getting better."
"Ryner! I know you've been attending classes on time lately, which is good, but I don't want you talking in my class. Understood?" said the teacher. "And as for you, Shimoya, I didn't expect this from you. You were always so quiet in class."
"No way… is that really Shimoya? As in Shimoya the creep?!" asked a student, shocked at her transformation.
"She always looked gloomy, sleepy, and sick, so I assumed she was one of the ugly ones," said a boy from the back row.
"I'm definitely adding her to my to-date list," said a known playboy in the class.
"Quiet down, everyone. Class is in session. I get that you're shocked at her appearance, but your reactions are outrageous," said the teacher firmly.
"So tell me, Ryner, do you think I'm cute?" Shimoya asked, her face just an inch away from his.
Ryner blushed and gulped. "Yes… you are."
"I see. Thank you for that. It makes me happy," said Shimoya, smiling warmly.
"Looks like Ryner's going to get himself a girlfriend real soon. Hopefully he doesn't forget about a certain someone," said Thomas with a smirk.
"Oh, shut up. You're not helping," said Rita.
"That punk Ryner thinks he can just forget about everything like that? So he got himself a hot chick, huh. He's in for a world of pain, that's for sure," said Tyler, watching Ryner with daggers in his eyes.
The bell rang and lunch break began. Ryner got up to get something to eat.
"Seriously? That same crap again? You need to eat food with nutrition, not this junk," said Rita.
"Are you my mother or something? Besides, they only sell junk here," Ryner replied.
"Hey Ryner, I was wondering… would you like to have lunch with me?" asked Shimoya.
"Of course, let's go," said Ryner.
"So this is where you eat lunch alone? Doesn't it give you the creeps?" Ryner asked as they arrived at a secluded spot.
"I like it around here. It's quiet, and the breeze is nice," said Shimoya. "Here, I made lunch for you," she added, handing him a lunchbox.
"Ah, thank you. That was thoughtful," said Ryner as he opened it and took a bite.
"How does it taste?" asked Shimoya eagerly.
"It's really good! You cooked this yourself?" Ryner asked.
"Yes, I did," said Shimoya, smiling as she watched Ryner devour every last bite of her food.
"I'm full. Thanks again," said Ryner, stretching a little.
"So, Ryner, if you don't mind me asking… why is it that you have these two ghosts around you? I mean, they're not haunting you, and you all seem to get along so well. I'd really like to know," Shimoya asked curiously.
"Well, it all happened suddenly. I was in class, daydreaming, when I saw two figures I thought were students sneaking out. But after looking closer, I realized one of them was Rita—a girl I knew who died five years ago. I followed them to confirm they were ghosts. They ended up following me home. That's when I learned I could see spirits," said Ryner, his tone more serious now. "I don't know much about the male ghost except that he was in the same old school building as Rita."
"Initially, I was supposed to help them find a way to pass on. But then we discovered that Rita isn't actually dead. She was separated from her body through some kind of ritual. It's hard to comprehend because none of it makes sense, but she's alive. And I promised I'd help her get her body back from the bastards who took it," Ryner said with conviction.
"So that's what's been happening… It's hard to believe, but it may be possible, considering what I've been through," said Shimoya. "So that time you were in the old school building alone—"
"Yes, I was looking for some leads. Then you suddenly came in, which really caught me off guard."
"Don't leave out the fact that she was more of a ghost than me back then. She gave me the creeps," Thomas muttered.
"Listen, I might not be able to see ghosts or exorcise them like you, but I know a whole lot about different rituals. I did a lot of research when I was looking for a way to speak with my parents. I can help you get Rita back into her body," said Shimoya. She looked up at the air around her and added, "Rita, you're here right now listening to me. I want you to know that I'm here for you—the same way you were there for me."
"Thank you, Shimoya… that means a lot," said Rita, her eyes misty with tears of joy.