Tokyo Exorcism Diary

“Alright then, you keep writing. I’m heading out for a bit.” Standing at the entrance of the antique shop, Hoshino Gen changed into his outdoor shoes, called out casually to Shimizu Yuu, who was hunched over a low desk scribbling furiously, and left without another word.

Shimizu Yuu glanced up with an expressionless face, then lowered her head again, continuing her work like a tireless homework machine.

…..

The quiet antique shop was filled only with the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock, marking the slow passage of time. It was hard to say how long had passed before Shimizu Yuu finally finished her most dreaded math assignment. She shook out her sore wrist, flipping through the workbook filled with handwriting mimicking someone else’s style. Pouting slightly, she muttered under her breath, “Annoying jerk…” Though it wasn’t clear who she was referring to.

Just as she was about to get up and grab a drink—a perfect excuse for a break—the shop door swung open with the crisp jingle of the door chime.

Shimizu Yuu assumed it was Hoshino Gen back again and couldn’t even be bothered to look.

However—

“Senpai~!”

A sweet, energetic voice burst into the shop, followed closely by a pretty girl wearing a baseball cap, a white T-shirt, and denim shorts.

Drawn by the unexpected voice, Shimizu Yuu glanced over, blinking in surprise. Not only was the girl stunning, but… was she an actual customer? In this cursed shop? Wait, what did she just call out? Senpai? Oh, an acquaintance. That explains it.

Still, just to be sure, Shimizu Yuu asked cautiously, “Um, who are you looking for?”

On her part, Kiryu Rakuye had also hesitated upon seeing an unfamiliar girl inside. Her first thought was that she’d come to the wrong place. But no, she’d followed the map precisely, and the iron sign outside clearly read “Antique Shop.” There was no mistake.

Blinking her bright eyes, Kiryu Rakuye flashed an innocent smile. “Hello, I’m looking for Hoshino Gen. Is Senpai here?”

“Oh, him? He left a while ago. Should be back soon, though.” Shimizu Yuu’s curiosity was piqued. This lively, adorable girl was quite the contrast to Hoshino Gen’s usual crowd. Judging by the way she addressed him, she was probably a junior from school. But considering how that guy acted on campus, it was hard to imagine him socializing with middle schoolers.

“Phew… Glad I didn’t get the wrong place!” Kiryu Rakuye sighed in relief, patting her chest before flashing another bright smile. “I’m Kiryu Rakuye, a second-year at Segawa Private Academy’s middle school division.”

Noticing Shimizu Yuu’s lingering curiosity, Kiryu Rakuye tilted her head, realization dawning on her. “Ah, are you wondering about my relationship with Senpai?”

Her face flushed a delicate pink, like cherry blossoms under a spring sky. Avoiding Shimizu Yuu’s gaze shyly, she added, “Honestly, I don’t really know how to define our relationship right now.”

She glanced around the shop, then smiled sweetly again. “Should I change my shoes?”

“…Uh, there are disposable slippers in the cabinet…” Shimizu Yuu replied automatically, her mind in turmoil. The way Kiryu Rakuye had spoken just now left way too much to the imagination.

Shimizu Yuu swallowed hard, her brain nearly short-circuiting. No way. That guy actually has a girlfriend? And a cute middle schooler at that?! Wait… he likes younger girls? Sure, middle school relationships aren’t unusual these days, but him?

Her thoughts spiraled, struggling to reconcile the Hoshino Gen she knew with the idea of him having a girlfriend. The cognitive dissonance was almost enough to shatter her worldview.

By the time Kiryu Rakuye had changed into slippers and cheerfully plopped down at the low desk, Shimizu Yuu was still processing.

“Can I sit here?”

“…Uh, sure. Go ahead.”

‘If you’re really his girlfriend, you should feel more at home here than I do, honestly.’

Staring at the girl who clearly exuded schoolyard popularity, Shimizu Yuu still couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that Hoshino Gen had such an adorable girlfriend. Not that he wasn’t good enough—he was undeniably handsome and capable—but he never talked to anyone at school, always brushed people off awkwardly, and had a terrible attitude in private. How does someone like that even manage to date?!

Out of nowhere, Shimizu Yuu felt a surge of irritation. She didn’t even want to work anymore.

“Oh, right! I haven’t asked about you yet. What’s your name?” Kiryu Rakuye asked curiously, sitting cross-legged beside the desk.

Distracted, Shimizu Yuu replied without thinking, “I’m his classmate. I work part-time here.”

“Oh, I see!” Kiryu Rakuye’s eyes sparkled even more. “So you’re Senpai too. If he lets you work here, you two must be really close, right?”

That hit a nerve. Already annoyed, Shimizu Yuu blurted out, “Close? With that guy? He’s just a—”

She caught herself mid-rant, biting her tongue. Crap. Badmouthing someone in front of their girlfriend? Low blow. She pouted, swallowing her complaints. “He’s… just like that.”

Though Shimizu Yuu hadn’t finished, Kiryu Rakuye was quick to catch on. With a knowing smile and a more serious tone, she said, “It must be tough for you. Senpai is great, but he can be hard to get along with sometimes. But maybe you don’t know this—he’s actually really kind. He just grew up in a way that made it hard for him to trust people. His coldness is just a shield he built for himself. But if someone can truly reach his heart, I believe Senpai would be the best person in the world to them.”

Shimizu Yuu stared, speechless. Kiryu Rakuye looked so sincere, her earnest expression making her even more adorable. If she’d had any doubts about this girl being Hoshino Gen’s girlfriend, they were gone now. ‘And honestly… if it’s her, I can kind of see it.’

What Shimizu Yuu didn’t know was that Kiryu Rakuye’s heartfelt speech wasn’t her own. It was lifted almost word-for-word from a psychological profile written by the Special Affairs Unit about Hoshino Gen. She’d just added a few personal touches.

VRRRROOOOM—!

A motorcycle engine roared to a stop outside the shop, followed by the familiar jingle of the door chime.

Hoshino Gen stepped through the door.