Thinking of his triumphant expression, Eriri couldn't help grinding her little tiger teeth.
Eriri: "You're pretty good this time... but don't get cocky just yet."
Shiro Sakamaki: "Don't worry, I'll keep 'working hard'! laugh.jpg"
After sending that message, Shiro locked his phone and turned his attention to the TV. Just as he was settling in, the screen lit up again with a new message—this time from Kasumigaoka Utaha.
Shiro's brow twitched slightly.
Now you remember me? Must be scared enough from last night...
Though he didn't say anything aloud, he still felt a bit of irritation over Utaha's dismissive attitude before. He had no plans to respond.
Utaha sent several messages in quick succession, but Shiro ignored them all. Then, after a short silence, his phone began to ring. The caller ID displayed Machida Sonoko.
Shiro narrowed his eyes.
So Utaha went through her editor... how persistent.
He let it ring for a moment, then lazily answered, "Hello~ Editor Machida? What's the matter, calling so late?"
There was a pause on the line... and then a familiar voice responded.
It was Kasumigaoka Utaha.
Just as he suspected.
Apparently, the backlash from the failed meditation spell had escalated. The ghost's counterattack came swiftly the next day. After being scared half to death the night before, Utaha sought refuge with Sonoko in the evening, hoping not to face it alone.
Though Sonoko had initially refused, she couldn't resist Utaha's pleading—especially considering her stellar manuscript quality. So, reluctantly, she joined her.
And then both of them got scared together.
If it hadn't been for the mirror—where a face appeared that looked nothing like Utaha's real one—Sonoko never would've believed any of it.
Now, completely terrified, they were hiding in a well-lit, crowded café, unwilling to return to Utaha's apartment or the dorms.
As they huddled at a table, Utaha recalled Shiro's words from before. With trembling hands, she opened her phone and typed a message asking for help. She wasn't sure if he'd respond, but... she had to try.
Sonoko glanced over with a strained expression. "Utaha... who are you messaging? You're not still chatting at a time , right?"
Utaha hesitated. "No... just someone who might be able to help."
Sonoko frowned. "Then why'd you drag me into this, if you already knew someone who might solve the problem?"
The blame in her voice was clear. Anyone would be upset being summoned in the dead of night, only to experience something terrifying. Especially when it came to spirits—once seen, they tend to follow.
Utaha bit her lip. "...I'm sorry."
Sonoko sighed. "Whatever. Just get this handled as fast as possible."
But when Utaha checked her messages again, they remained unread. Shiro hadn't responded.
"He's ignoring me," she admitted quietly. "I think he's still mad. I was pretty cold to him the other day."
That caught Sonoko's interest. Her earlier fear momentarily forgotten, she leaned forward, intrigued.
"Oh? Who could possibly make the proud Kasumi Shiko show that kind of face?"
Utaha shot her an annoyed look. "It's Teacher Sakamaki—Shiro Sakamaki. He warned me about this a few days ago, but I didn't take him seriously..."
She trailed off, her voice dropping with embarrassment.
Sonoko, already familiar with Utaha's pride, instantly understood what must've happened. Her bad attitude had likely pushed him away.
"But..." she asked with a raised brow, "even if he writes supernatural novels well, can he really solve supernatural problems?"
"I'm not sure," Utaha said, shaking her head. "But he sounded really confident."
"Well then—how about we call him from my phone?"
Sonoko was clearly reluctant, but she understood there weren't many options. Desperate times. She sighed, unlocked her phone, and dialed.
After a few rings, the line picked up. Shiro's voice came through, calm and smooth.
"Hello~ It's Editor Machida, right? What's the matter this late?"
Half an hour later, Shiro arrived at the café. From the entrance, he spotted Utaha and Sonoko right away.
Both looked pale and shaken. Their eyes darted nervously toward the door, only relaxing slightly when they saw him.
Shiro approached the counter. "Store manager, three coffees—same table as them."
The store manager's eyes lit up. "Actually, I'm quite confident in my blend. To balance the bitterness and aroma—"
"Just bring the coffee, please."
The manager hesitated but quickly backed down, grateful that at least his blend was chosen.
When Shiro arrived at the table, he greeted them with a casual smile.
"Good evening, ladies. Judging from your expressions... something's happened, hasn't it?"
His tone carried a hint of amusement, and his gaze lingered slightly on Utaha.
Sonoko groaned. "Yeah, something happened, all right. Though I'm not sure why Teacher Kasumi Utaha thought to call you of all people."
Shiro tilted his head, eyes twinkling. "I'm curious too. Didn't Teacher Kasumi Utaha declare she had everything under control? I was rather fond of that stubborn attitude."
Utaha's face flushed faintly.
She knew she'd have to apologize eventually... but at that moment, she could only look away.
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