NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 9: CHAPTER 8 - Shyness
CHAPTER 8 - Shyness
I had planned to warn Yuki about the potential dangers she might face if she encounters someone with the power to see ghosts. She has my protection—no one can see her, only me—but that doesn't mean my protection is 100% secure. We must never let our guard down, especially considering that spiritual power isn't as easy to measure as some anime power system. Spiritual power depends entirely on how it's used, no matter how strong it is. It's a power that's hard to fully decipher, which is why even I'm not sure if my protection is completely secure. If I let my guard down and someone can see Yuki, her existence will be in danger.
But, considering her reaction—her terror, her trauma with bad things like crimes, murders, and rapes—I need to keep her completely away from that kind of stuff until she overcomes it. For now, I'll always keep her protected, and at the first sign of danger, I'll save her.
Ah, I'm a normal person now, and I'll act like one. If the danger becomes too great, I'll act, but for now, I'll do nothing.
I'm Saik, a normal student with a normal life. I've buried my past; I need to move forward with my normal life and enjoy it.
"Oh, wow, wow. Hey, Saik, some girls are staring at you. What a charmer you turned out to be! Hahahahahaha!"
"Listen to what they're saying about me."
"What they're saying?"
She went to eavesdrop on those girls' conversation, and I opened the lunch I didn't finish. I won't waste it. I wonder if they'll kick me out of class if I eat inside.
I'd rather not risk it for now.
Mmm. Ah, Saik, I congratulate you; this chicken salad turned out perfect. Give my compliments to the chef.
Thanks, thanks. I know, it's delicious.
All those hours watching cooking tutorials weren't in vain… Well, a salad isn't that hard to make, but it's a culinary masterpiece coming from someone like me, who's just learning to cook.
But I think I put in too much mayonnaise… Ah, whatever, it's still delicious.
"Ugh, yeah, they were making fun of you. They don't know how to appreciate the good stuff!"
"The good stuff?" I said, chewing my food.
What's good about me? I've never been popular with women; on the contrary, they considered me an ugly, disgusting freak. I've never had female friends, let alone had a girl say something nice about me. To women, I'm just an annoying, repulsive existence. I think Yuki's just trying to defend her good big brother.
Don't worry, Yuki, it doesn't bother me; I'm used to it, and I don't care.
"I-I mean…! It's just… You know… Look at you, Saik! A toned body, big pecs that any girl would want to rest her head on or even lick!"
"Lick?"
Gross. No one's licking my chest… Not again… Ah, number 31… No, Saik, the past, don't remember the past.
"And let's not forget the beautiful eyes you inherited completely from your mother! And the soft hair, like an angel's wings, that you got from your father. Why am I the only one who appreciates such a work of art?!"
"… Yuki, are you exaggerating?"
"Of course I am, but someone's gotta boost your self-esteem, idiot! Come on, comb your hair and show you've got a pretty face!"
"Too much hassle."
"See?! You're ruining your own life!"
"I don't care about others' opinions. Why should I care? They're useless to me. I don't plan on making friends, so there's no need to worry about stuff like that."
"Sigh, poor creature, so used to loneliness that you've given up on the dream of having friends."
"Dream? I don't think so."
"Oh, and living in negativity, pretending to be someone cold and emotionless, acting like you don't dream of having friends. What a pitiful soul."
"… Are you joking?"
"Of course I'm joking!"
Yuki crossed her arms and sighed.
"I know perfectly well you're not pretending to be someone else; Saik is Saik, I get it. It's just, you know, I think it's kind of sad that you're like this. Loving parents, millionaire, luxuries. You were born with a silver spoon. Practically the perfect life."
I stopped when I heard that, as it filled me with rage.
"Perfect life?"
But I kept walking, because Yuki has plenty of reasons to think my life was perfect. She doesn't know what I've suffered; I can't get mad at her.
"Why did you become so cold and emotionless? I know your parents died, but…"
I stopped Yuki before she said too much.
"My parents have nothing to do with my personality. My personality's been the same for years."
"So, why are you like this?"
"When I feel more comfortable, I'll talk about it, but not now."
"Yeah, I see… Alright, I'll be patient."
"Thanks."
I'm sorry, Yuki, but even I don't know why I have this personality. I've always been this way, which is why I don't know how to answer you.
Ah, I'm sorry, Yuki, you have to put up with someone as weird as me. But I really don't know why I am the way I am.
I don't even understand myself… Ah, whatever, it's not worth thinking about; back to my school life.
I entered my classroom and sat in my seat.
Ah… I hope classes end soon. I want to keep playing.
"Hahahahahaha! Look at this!"
"Pfft! So small!"
"I'd feel more with a pinky toe! Hahahahahaha!"
Ah, how noisy.
"Ugh, that girl really likes showing skin. Saik, I forbid you from getting close to her. She doesn't seem trustworthy."
Don't judge by appearances, Yuki, but yeah, she seems annoying. Her voice is irritating.
And the other two are just as annoying, but at least they wear decent clothes… Decent, huh? What a stupid thought I just had.
My mother taught me not to judge people's appearances; clothes don't define a person. But I don't sense purity in her. I try not to judge, but looking at her, I only feel sadness, repulsion, and resentment in her. A woman full of negative emotions. Is her life that painful?
Well, I don't care. It doesn't affect me, so I won't get involved.
"10 boys and 10 girls. 20 students. Why so few?" Yuki said, sitting on my desk.
"I also think it's few, but the school must have its reasons."
This school has prestige, so much so that reporters even wanted to interview me for being the top student on the entrance exam. Since they knew about me and my family, they tried to get information about how I'm coping with living without my parents and how I managed to be the top student when I was a complete idiot in academics before.
In response, I sat for hours on a park bench, reading, ignoring them until they got tired and left.
Reporters are so annoying. Do they really think they have a right to know about my life?
Ah, whatever. The school probably admits few students because… because… Ah… Um… Because…
"No, I tried, I can't think of anything. Maybe they only accept a few students because they prioritize quality over quantity. You know, with fewer students, it's easier for teachers to identify them and guide them better to improve."
"Makes sense."
"Hey, what are you whispering about?" Ram said, approaching me.
"I'm talking to the ghost I mentioned earlier. Want me to introduce you?"
"I don't have time for your nonsense. Stop playing and let's talk seriously."
"Hahahahahaha! Poor ignorant creature," Yuki said, pretending to pat Ram's head.
I'm telling the truth while using it to tease Ram. This is fun, right? Teenagers are supposed to tell jokes. Am I doing it right? I hope so. Yuki's laughing, so I think I'm doing okay.
"I was just talking to myself about my life and stuff. What do you want to talk about? Hurry up; language class is about to start."
"Saik Norsai."
She extended her hand… Uh… What?
"I want you to be my ally. Teach me your tricks. How do you manage to have time to relax and be the top student at the same time?"
"Too much hassle."
I put my arms on the desk and rested my head on them.
"Hassle?"
"I don't want friends or allies. And if you want to be the best, just study, that's it. And if you've fallen for me, sorry, I have to reject your feelings; I'm not interested in love or that kind of stuff."
A joke Yuki said; sorry for stealing it, but I thought it was the perfect moment to use it. It's funny, right? I hope so.
I heard a sigh.
"Fine. But don't let your guard down with me; don't underestimate me, slacker."
She walked away.
"Learning from your teacher, huh? Fufu," Yuki said, realizing I stole her joke.
Ah… I'm really feeling lazy.
Monday's schedule is annoying.
Monday:
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Fundamental Mathematics
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM: Break (40 minutes) (I used it to sleep, but it's mainly for breakfast.)
9:10 AM - 10:40 AM: Physical Education (We just ran and did basic exercises since it's the first day.)
10:40 AM - 11:00 AM: Rest (20 minutes)
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Integrated Sciences
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch (My favorite hour of the day.)
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Foreign Language
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: World History
It's a weird schedule with three breaks: one for 40 minutes, another for 20 minutes, and the last for an hour. Two hours total. Out of the 9 hours at school, we study for 7. I think it's fine, but I'm too lazy to study so much. At least we get enough rest.
In Foreign Language class, everyone picks the language they want to learn. My English is decent, passable at least, so I chose to learn Spanish and French. My Spanish is basic, so I want to improve it, and I don't know French.
Despite living for two years in a country where Spanish is the main language, I didn't try to improve my Spanish because I was wasting time on other things.
Ah, it's about to start.
The teachers are coming in. Alright, today's Spanish class. Ah, so lazy.
"Follow your respective teachers to the assigned classrooms," the teacher said.
Well, time to study… "Ah, so lazy." (Spanish)
•
•
Classes are over, and I can finally leave. Thank goodness. I curse whoever created History, but well, you need to know history to avoid repeating it, I know, but it's so boring.
Ah, at least I'm free now. Goodbye, first day of classes; you were a boring day, as expected from my new, quiet school life. Quiet is always boring, so I'm satisfied.
I'll play for an hour, study until 9 PM, and have dinner. A simple plan to follow.
Yuki's asleep on the floor, so I nudged her with my foot to wake her up.
She yawned and started floating.
"It's over? Finally! That teacher talks so boringly."
Ah, I know. Alright, let's go.
I grabbed my backpack… Huh?
That man… Who's he glaring at so angrily…? Ah, I see why.
"Oh, come on, I'd like to be your friend," a guy said to the shy girl who ate on the rooftop.
Trying to take advantage of a shy girl who can barely say no due to social pressure? Well, I've done worse, so I don't have the right to judge.
But you made Yuki mad, and by extension, you made me mad… Well, not really, but to make Yuki happy, I'll do whatever it takes to keep her happy.
"Tch. Trash," Yuki said, watching the situation.
I didn't know that shy girl was in my class. Or was she…? Ah, her presence in class is almost nonexistent; she only stands out for being pretty, but that's it, always staying silent, so my brain ignored her existence.
Pretty…? Hmm… Well, I guess so. I prefer cute, so I don't pay much attention to beauty, but yeah, that girl's pretty.
And a handsome guy is trying to flirt with her.
She's trembling and avoiding his gaze. A trauma with men? No, I think she's just scared of socializing and feels uncomfortable with this guy's persistence.
"N-no, I can't, sorry."
Ah, wow. At least she dares to reject him.
"Come on, just a meal. I'll pay."
But he keeps insisting. Ah, is this what they call "cringe"? Secondhand embarrassment… Yeah, I'm definitely feeling that right now.
He keeps pushing, while her discomfort and fear grow. Won't anyone do anything to help her? Please, I'm too lazy to get involved.
A few people glance at the situation but do nothing and keep looking at their phones. Ah, damn zombies.
At least one of them wants to help her; I can see it in his eyes. Come on, kid, go to her… Ah… Just as he was about to approach, someone called him, and he left to answer the phone.
Do I really have to get involved?
"Tch. I don't want to see this. Let's go."
Huh? You don't want to help her, Yuki? That's fine by me, but this is unlike you… Wait… That man is… And he was a teacher… Maybe… Ah, this'll save me a lot of effort and time.
I walked toward them.
"Saik?" Yuki said.
I hope this is worth it.
"N-no, I can't… I can't. Really, I can't."
"And you don't want to come with me to…?"
"Hey, hey…" I said to cut him off.
I stood next to him and sighed.
Please, I hope I'm not making a mistake with my theory.
"Hey, aren't you going to do that? It's getting late," I said to the girl.
"… Y-yeah, that's right."
She got up from her seat and left the classroom. Ah, thank goodness. She caught on to my intention quickly.
"You helped her without me asking?!" Yuki said, unable to believe what she saw.
Don't get excited, Yuki; I did it because I want something out of it.
The man, seeing what I did, smiled at me, and I traced the school emblem on my uniform's chest with my finger.
"Hey, are you her friend?" the student said.
I discreetly pointed at the man with my finger, and he pointed at himself, startled, maybe wondering: Does this kid see me?
"Yeah…" I said, nodding.
The man's eyes widened, and I turned to the student.
"You disgust me."
"Disgust? Tch. Have you looked in a mirror, freak?"
"Freak your grandma, idiot!" Yuki said, pretending to punch his face.
Hey, Yuki, no grandmas; you don't insult grandmas… Well, I don't care; I never met my grandparents, so it doesn't affect me.
I walked away from him, but he grabbed my arm.
"Hey, I asked you a question. Don't run away like a coward."
"Ah, I see. Should I congratulate you? Congrats, you know how to ask a question… And now what? Will you learn to wipe your own ass? You should. You smell weird."
"Uh, nice one, Saik. You're improving!" Yuki said, pretending to pat my head.
Give me real pats later, Yuki; I deserve them, because I might be making a mistake, and at least your head pats will make me feel it was worth it.
I pulled his hand off and walked away.
"H-hey…!"
Ah, again. He put his hand on my shoulder. Who do you think you are to touch me, trash…? Ah, Saik, you're a normal student with a normal life, don't forget.
I stopped and sighed.
"I'm not interested in talking to you."
I lifted my hair so he could see my face and realize how serious I am.
"Don't talk to me again. Are you at least capable of understanding something as simple as that?"
"Tch. Freak."
I covered my face again and left the classroom.
Ah, I hope it was worth it.
"Hey, Saik, you were awesome! Did you hear your classmates laughing?! Well done, you protected an innocent girl from a creep! But I thought you didn't want to draw attention. What changed your mind?"
Ah, no wonder Yuki didn't ask me to help her. She knew I prefer to avoid unnecessary trouble. Yuki, what a great friend you are; you've earned my respect and a cake.
Back to the topic, I did it for two reasons.
Number 1: That girl owes me a favor. I'll cash it in for some homework or something. Having people owe me favors will help me survive and stay the top first-year student… I guess.
And number 2, more importantly: Because of the ghost following her.
"Do you see that man walking beside us, Yuki? The one who won't stop staring at me."
"Man…? Oh, right, he's watching you. Is he a teacher? Did you get in trouble while I was asleep, Saik?!"
"He's a ghost."
"Huh…? Huh?! Uwaaaah!"
Yuki hugged my arm, hiding from him. He's harmless, don't worry, Yuki.
But I don't blame you; it's the first time you've seen another ghost this close.
"Ghost?!"
The ghost's fear lessened when he saw Yuki hide from him, seeking my protection. I guess this made him realize I'm harmless to him, so he stopped being afraid and smiled at me.
"Hi, my name's Noel. It's a pleasure to meet you. And thank you so much for helping my daughter, kid. I bet you have a lot of questions."
"I'm not interested in knowing anything about your daughter. I only helped her so you'd help me with my homework. A favor for a favor."
Yuki let out a big sigh.
"Should've known you weren't doing it for free."
"Of course, I was a teacher at this school before I died. I'd be happy to help you."
"That'll be a big help."
If I didn't get these benefits, I wouldn't have helped her and would've just ignored her.
I can't hire a private tutor to help me study because they'd get suspicious of how dumb I am despite getting first place. I won't trust any human.
Noel will be very useful. A teacher surely knows methods to absorb information more easily.
I study and study, but the information just refuses to stick in my brain. A ghost teacher is what I need to study. I improve my grades and avoid the fear of my lie being exposed. The perfect plan.
"Great. I hadn't seen him before. Ghosts like us really do look alive from a distance, huh?"
"I waited for my daughter outside her classroom, so you didn't see me."
"And why wait outside? No one can see you inside, just Saik and me."
"I didn't want to bother her while she was studying."
"…"
"…"
Both Yuki and I fell silent at that.
Ah, acting like you're still alive, huh?
"You know she can't see or hear you, right?" Yuki said.
"Always being by her side would just make me a stalker."
"More like an overprotective dad," I said, sitting on the stairs to the second floor.
"Saik, how did you know he was asking for help?"
"Because he stuck his head through the door and was glaring at that guy with fury."
"Oh, yeah, makes sense."
Ah… Well, I'd better go.
I stood up and headed for the exit.
Why did I sit on the stairs? I don't know; it just looked comfortable.
•
•
I left the school.
Ah, great, I've got a teacher to help me in my free time. That was easy.
Now I'll go home, eat, and study until I pass out.
"E-excuse me."
Food and studying. Ah, and one hour of video games. Just one hour, I promise, parents. One hour, and the rest I'll dedicate to studying.
"Saik, someone's talking to you!" Yuki shouted in my ear.
Huh? Who's talking to me?
"It's my daughter. She's trying to talk to you… This is rare. She usually keeps her distance from everyone, especially men."
"Fufu. She must have a good eye and knows Saik's a good person, in his own way. He's a tsundere who doesn't admit what he feels."
Can you read minds? Well, I guess it was just a coincidence… I hope.
And I'm not a good person, Yuki. I'm far from being a good person.
Ah, so lazy.
I stopped and turned to look at her.
"What's up, miss?"
"I-I… M-my… My name's Sylphie."
"Ah, I see. A classic name for elves and fairies in fantasy. A cute name… And what do I do with that information?"
"Don't be so cold!!" Yuki shouted in my ear again.
"I… I-I'm sorry… I-I just wanted to thank you for what you did for me."
Red face, probably because she's pushing herself and her shyness has reached its limit.
She avoids looking at me directly and just stares at the ground.
Her body's trembling, and she's fidgeting with her fingers… Ah, yeah, I get you, random girl whose name I don't remember. Sylvia…? No… Something fantasy… Ah, yeah, Sylphie. I get you, Sylphie. Your father's death must've affected you a lot, and depression changed your life.
But honestly, I don't know you, so I don't care. Good luck.
"You're welcome."
I walked away.
"Hey, that's way too cold, even for you!"
"Would you listen to my request? My daughter has suffered a lot. She needs friends. Please, at least talk to her a bit more. I'd ask you to tell her what I want to say, but I'm sure you don't want anyone to know about your ability. Please, at least talk to her, I beg you."
…
…
…
Ah, a father worried about his daughter, who doesn't ask me to tell her I can see her ghost because he puts himself in my shoes and understands it would only harm me, and only asks me to talk to his daughter to make her feel better or a little less lonely.
You're a good father, Noel, so I'll do it.
I stopped and turned to look at her.
She was walking away on the left side of the street.
"Hey, Sylphie."
Her body tensed from the surprise of being called so suddenly, and she turned to me immediately, probably thinking I'd get upset if she made me wait.
"If you need another excuse to reject annoying guys, ask for my help anytime. And to avoid misunderstandings, no, I'm not doing it to try to win you over or anything like that. I'm not interested in things like love or romance; they're just a waste of time for me. I just hate creepy guys."
"Y-yes… T-t-thank you!"
"You're welcome."
I continued on my way. Ah, I hope that's enough.
"Thank you, I really appreciate it with all my heart. The thing is, my daughter…"
I stopped him; I already know the concerned father's speech about his daughter's well-being and all that.
"I'm not interested in hearing a sad story."
"Please, she needs your help. I'll do anything, but please, help me. You're my only hope for my family to be happy and united again. Since my death, I've only seen sadness on their faces. I want them to be able to be happy without me."
Ah, you're lucky I'm easy to convince when it's about parents worried about their kids.
Your words are honest, and that last part sealed the deal. Many humans are selfish and want to be the center of attention, even hating the idea of their wives being happy with another man after they die, but you just want your family to be happy, even if you're not with them.
You're a man who deserves my help.
"If it involves rape, don't tell me. I'm sensitive to those topics."
"Don't worry. Fortunately, my daughter is still a virgin. She hasn't even had her first kiss."
That last part is irrelevant, but I guess he said it to make me realize it's not such a tragic story and is far from including topics like rape.
"Ah… Alright, tell me."
•
•
(POV - Noel)
When my dear Sylphie was only 8 years old, I died of a heart condition. I died before the medications could take effect, and I didn't even get to talk to my daughter about it to prepare her. One day, I just died, without having the chance to say goodbye to her or her mother, the two women I loved most in my life. For Sylphie, one day I was with her, and the next, I was gone from her life completely.
Seeing her ask my wife, "Where's Daddy? When's he coming back?" broke my heart.
Because of my regret for leaving my wife and daughter alone, I refused to go to paradise and became a ghost to watch my daughter grow up. I just wanted to see my family move on, see my daughter grow, be there for her first period, her first boyfriend… Even be there for her wedding and the birth of her first child… But life isn't easy.
Unfortunately, my daughter's life got worse, and what I've been witnessing since my death is my family getting worse and worse.
My wife became an alcoholic after my death, neglecting our daughter. She drinks and drinks every day until she passes out, and a few weeks ago, she hit rock bottom and sold our wedding rings because she ran out of money for alcohol. Sylphie used the money she earned herself to buy food and didn't give her mother a cent, knowing she'd waste it on alcohol, but it wasn't enough to stop her.
"She even dared to steal money from our daughter."
"Stealing from her own daughter to keep drinking… Saik, that woman is a…"
"No, Yuki, don't insult her. A depressed woman who doesn't get help does stupid things because she can't control herself. Being capable of stealing from her daughter only reflects all the pain she's going through, and drinking is the only way she found to numb that pain. It's the same with some homeless people who drink to avoid thinking about what they've lost or even to forget hunger, but little by little, it becomes an addiction, and if they don't get help, it becomes their downfall."
"Yes, as Saik said. My wife is a good person; she just made the mistake of trying to forget her pain with alcohol."
Because of the rumors that caused, my daughter was bullied at school, turning the cheerful Sylphie, my little princess, that extroverted and joyful girl full of energy and with a smile on her face, into a shy and cowardly girl full of fear.
"Fear of suffering more."
My daughter has to work a part-time job to pay for food. My wife doesn't work and spends her time drinking. It pains me to say it, but she's a burden to our daughter, and instead of helping her, she's just a hindrance.
The reason my daughter doesn't have friends is because she's ashamed of her mother. She's afraid of being bullied again, so she doesn't talk to anyone.
She tells herself she doesn't need friends, but…
"She wants them."
She wants to enjoy her youth. Go to parties, eat out with friends, go to the movies, an amusement park, even have a boyfriend.
She wants to be a normal teenager and have fun, but she's chained to someone she has to take care of.
I want my daughter to be the cheerful girl she used to be… I want my sweet, adorable daughter back.
"I want Sylphie to get her smile back."
•
•
(POV - Saik)
I had my eyes closed, analyzing the information Noel gave me.
The park bench is comfortable, and my drink is delicious.
I need fresh air and something tasty to think better about what I'll do.
"So… will you help me?"
"Of course we will! Right, Saik?"
"Well…"
Shyness doesn't disappear overnight. It'll take time, and she needs to gain more confidence in herself. Sylphie's a pretty girl, so her appearance isn't an issue. She'll regain her self-esteem and become more confident when she no longer has problems at home.
Her shyness and fear won't go away if her mother doesn't recover. For Sylphie to be happy again, the most important thing is to help her mother overcome her issues and move past Noel's death.
Ah… It all started after Noel's death. Money isn't an issue; they had savings and life insurance. She got depressed because she lost the person she loved.
"Noel, does Sylphie have more family?"
"My parents never approved of my marriage to my wife, so I cut them off, and they pretended I didn't exist. They didn't even attend my funeral and keep their distance from Sylphie. The same goes for my siblings and nephews. And my wife doesn't have parents or siblings either. She's an orphan. You see, I met her when…"
"No, tell me your romantic rich-guy-falls-for-poor-girl story later. I need to think about what I'll do."
"I'm interested! Tell me the story!" Yuki said.
"Later, let's let Saik keep thinking."
"Ugh… Fine, but it better be worth the wait!"
The ex-wife was an orphan… I see…
"How did she lose her parents?"
"I don't know. She never wanted to talk about it; it hurt her to think about them."
"Ah, I see. Sadness or anger? What did you feel from her?"
"Definitely sadness."
"Parents who died, probably."
"I thought the same, so I stopped pressing. I didn't want her to keep suffering over the past."
She lost her parents, possibly witnessed their deaths.
A woman with trauma from the deaths of loved ones or the trauma of being abandoned by them. Either way, it leads to the same result: a woman who doesn't want to be abandoned.
Since Noel died, she felt alone in the world, and that pain blinded her, preventing her from seeing that her daughter was still by her side. She made the selfish choice to think Noel's death only affected her and didn't care about her daughter.
A depressed person can't think about the consequences of their actions and only thinks about their own life.
And how do you give them hope again? By giving them what they want most: love. Feeling loved.
Sylphie loves her mother, I'm sure, which is why she doesn't abandon her, but her mother doesn't realize it. If I can make her open her eyes and see the love Sylphie has for her, hope will shine in her heart again.
But she won't listen to anyone, and I can't use Noel; that could harm her, making her think she's gone crazy, and I'd rather not involve Noel. She needs to learn he's no longer alive to move on with her life.
She'll only listen to people important to her… Hmm…
…
…
…
Yes… Maybe… It could work.
Two weeks… No… A month… Two weeks of preparation… Four weeks max… Alright, it's all settled.
"I'll do it. I hope you're a good teacher."
"Thank you so much! I'll teach you everything I know!"
"Did you come up with something, Saik?" Yuki said.
"Yeah, but I'll keep analyzing it. I'll leave it as a surprise. Let's go home."
I'd rather avoid unnecessary trouble, but I have to do this to improve my grades.