Yukino Yukinoshita's lips curled slightly before she remembered to maintain composure, coughing twice as if nothing had happened.
"Ahem. Why did you only list Hiratsuka-sensei's contact information?"
Ye Xing gave her a look as if she were an idiot.
"What else? Yours?"
Yukino looked genuinely puzzled.
"Why shouldn't it be mine?"
Ye Xing sighed in exasperation.
"Yukinoshita-san, it seems you don't have a clear understanding of your own appearance. A tall, beautiful girl like you with delicate features and excellent grades would inevitably attract all sorts of strange harassment if you left your email address online."
Hearing Ye Xing's blatant praise, Yukino pursed her lips, a faint hint of shyness flashing in her eyes as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I... I see. Then it really shouldn't be left..."
Before Yukino could finish, Ye Xing, as if unable to hold back, added another remark.
"It's just that mouth of yours—it's really too sharp. You should work on that."
This single comment left Yukino completely unfazed.
She was used to ignoring others' opinions about her.
"Then aren't you worried about leaving Hiratsuka-sensei's email address? What if she encounters danger?"
Hearing this question, Ye Xing gave Yukino a meaningful look.
"So you don't know about Shizuka Hiratsuka's capabilities. I see you've never been on the receiving end of her iron fist."
Yukino sensed a hint of condescension in those words.
What did he mean?
That it was fine to leave Hiratsuka-sensei's email because she could protect herself?
Wasn't that just looking down on her?
"Ye Xing-san."
Yukino Yukinoshita spoke slowly.
"Actually, I know a bit of aikido."
"Oh please, my dear sister-in-law."
Ye Xing rolled his eyes, not bothering to hide his disdain.
"Those moves of yours would only excite a pervert even more."
"Ye Xing-san, that's going too—"
Yukino suddenly froze mid-sentence, her pupils trembling.
"W-what did you just call me?"
"Sister-in-law."
"Wait... sister-in-law means..."
Ye Xing looked at Yukino with the purest pity, as if gazing upon the village idiot.
"Sister-in-law means the younger sister of one's wife. You don't even know such basic common sense, Yukinoshita-san? You're really not up to par."
"I know what sister-in-law means..."
Even the usually composed Yukino Yukinoshita was utterly stunned by this sudden, shocking revelation.
"You and Haruno..."
"That's right."
Ye Xing nodded slightly, smiling as he admitted it.
"We're currently in a relationship. In the future, she might also take on the role of my elder sister-in-law."
Yukino's brain was struggling to keep up.
First, she learned that Ye Xing and her sister Haruno had this... completely unexpected connection.
And now... lovers and elder sister-in-law?
Huh?
Wait.
Elder sister-in-law?
Yukino Yukinoshita finally processed the implication, her brows furrowing in displeasure.
"You... don't tell me you're saying..."
"Don't worry, Yukinoshita-san."
Ye Xing smoothly cut her off, patting her shoulder with a masterful reversal, smiling reassuringly.
"One day, an insect that likes Yukinoshita-san will appear. No need to lose heart."
Yukino frowned at his words and immediately retorted without hesitation.
"One day, someone will also like Ye Xing-san..."
But halfway through, Yukino Yukinoshita trailed off.
Somehow, saying that didn't feel like an attack on Ye Xing at all.
But was attacking many other people.
Never mind, no need.
"Alright, I'm off now. You should head back soon too. Bye."
"Mhm, see you on Monday."
After exchanging brief farewells with Yukino, Ye Xing left the Supernatural Society's clubroom.
Instead of leaving the school directly, he followed the faint, melodious strains of piano music down the hallway, arriving at the entrance of another clubroom.
Ye Xing slowly slid the door open, revealing a scene brimming with artistic beauty.
Through the slightly ajar window, the cool evening breeze of early summer drifted in.
Dressed in Sobu High School's uniform, her slender legs clad in black tights, her smooth, dark hair—left untamed—casually cascaded over her shoulders.
Her ten delicate, ivory fingers danced across the black-and-white keys, graceful yet full of strength.
Kazusa Touma was so absorbed in her performance that she didn't even notice someone entering.
Only when the piece concluded did she finally exhale in relief.
"Ye Xing?"
Spotting him sitting there, a rare smile broke through her usually icy, exquisite features.
"Have a seat."
"I'm already seated."
Seeing Ye Xing barely suppressing a laugh, a faint blush of embarrassment coloured Kazusa Touma's cheeks. She scrambled for something to say.
"Ah... good, you're seated."
After uttering this, she tucked a loose strand of her dark hair behind her ear, falling silent, unsure of what else to say.
She was a person with a rather twisted personality.
Her feelings towards Ye Xing were complicated.
On one hand, she wanted to stay by his side every moment, quietly watching over him.
On the other, Kazusa Touma was deeply insecure.
Compared to someone as perfect as her senior Mai Sakurajima, the always composed and collected Rio Futaba, the adorable and kind-hearted Miko Yotsuya, or the gentle and considerate Yui Yuigahama—
Could someone like her ever be worthy of Ye Xing?
Kazusa Touma only understood the piano.
It was the only thing she knew how to communicate with.
And now, once again, she staked her hopes upon it.
"Ye Xing..."
Kazusa Touma murmured softly.
"Do you... play any other instruments? Besides the suona?"
"Are you discriminating against the suona?"
"Well... not exactly."
Kazusa Touma pursed her lips, a complex expression flashing through her eyes.
The suona...
What instrument could possibly pair with that?
Unless Kazusa gave up piano and switched to gongs and drums.
Then she and Ye Xing could form Sobu High School's ultimate wedding-and-funeral band.
Wouldn't that be more impressive than Kessoku Band?
"Maybe... I should stop playing piano and practice gongs and drums instead?"
Seeing Kazusa's completely serious expression, Ye Xing first froze, then chuckled and waved his hand.
"You're actually considering this?"
To his surprise, Kazusa nodded earnestly, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy, her tone almost pleading.
"Yes, really. I want to... do something together with you. Would that be okay?"
Faced with Kazusa's unusually humble request, Ye Xing responded with a smile.
"Of course you can, but you don't need to switch to gongs and drums. I can play other instruments."
"Other instruments being...?"
Kazusa stole a glance at Ye Xing before cautiously asking.
"Could it be... a kazoo?"
"Ew."
Ye Xing made a disgusted face.
"Touma-san, is that really how you see me?"
Just as Kazusa was about to explain in embarrassment, Ye Xing continued with a laugh.
"Though I am somewhat proficient with the kazoo."
"But this time I meant guitar."
Kazusa nodded slightly, showing little surprise.
"Mhm, that's good."
She felt the guitar suited Ye Xing's image much better.
As for the suona...
Though she'd never seen him play it, just imagining the scene nearly made her lose composure.
"Then... when you have time, could we practice together?"
At Kazusa's question, Ye Xing smiled.
"You want to form a band?"
Kazusa pressed her thin lips together, her usually sharp and elegant eyes showing rare hesitation.
"I... don't just want to form a band."
"I want to form one with you."
...
Two days later, on Sunday, Kyoto Municipal Hospital.
"Sorry for troubling you today."
Saki Kawasaki held her younger sister Keika's small hand, her face flushed with embarrassment as she spoke softly to Ye Xing.
He waved it off with a smile.
"Don't worry about it. I was planning to come here today anyway."
Little Keika's cheeks were flushed red, her whole body looking unwell, but she extended her left hand toward Ye Xing.
"Big brother, can you hold this hand too?"
"Of course."
As Ye Xing took Keika's left hand, Saki couldn't help but blush.
To any outsider, they would look like a young couple bringing their daughter to the hospital.
Saki had no choice.
Not only had her sister suddenly caught a cold, but after bringing her to the hospital, Keika had thrown a tantrum demanding that "big brother" come too.
Saki had one fatal weakness:
Her little sister.
She couldn't refuse the girl's pleading, so she swallowed her pride and called Ye Xing.
"Big brother is the best."
On Keika Kawasaki's small face was a naive and radiant smile, and she then looked towards Miko Yotsuya and Rio Futaba, who stood behind Ye Xing, murmuring.
"If only big brother came alone, that would be even better."
Miko Yotsuya and Rio Futaba were left speechless.
What could they possibly say to such a small girl?
Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya watched as Ye Xing and Saki Kawasaki flanked the bouncing Keika Kawasaki, creating a warm scene, but there was a hint of wariness in their eyes.
Could it be that...
Saki Kawasaki was using her little sister as a decoy?
Given her straightforward personality, she shouldn't be capable of such a thing.
Wait a minute.
Looking at the innocent smile of Keika Kawasaki, a terrifying thought suddenly emerged in Rio Futaba's mind.
She tugged at Miko Yotsuya's sleeve and whispered.
"Could it be... that Kawasaki-san is actually the little girl's accomplice?"
"What!?"
Even Miko Yotsuya, who could maintain her composure in the face of terrifying evil spirits, was completely taken aback by Rio Futaba's shocking words.
"No... it can't be, she's so small..."
Rio Futaba sighed slightly, gazing at Keika Kawasaki, who was fixated on Ye Xing, and said meaningfully.
"People do grow up."
"You two."
At that moment, Ye Xing turned to Miko Yotsuya and Rio Futaba, speaking calmly.
"Let's get down to business."
Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya stopped their idle chatter and nodded in agreement.
"Mm, alright."
This visit to the Kyoto City Hospital was certainly not just to take Keika Kawasaki for a check-up.
The main purpose was still the Supernatural Society's exorcism activities.
It was rare to encounter such a widespread bizarre event, and to be cautious, both Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya had come together.
However...
After parting ways with Ye Xing, Miko Yotsuya and Rio Futaba wandered around the Kyoto City Hospital, carefully examining every area.
"There's no dark Qi, and I haven't seen any trace of a Gate yet."
Miko Yotsuya's spiritual power was slightly stronger than Rio Futaba's, and, with the uniqueness of her Soul Materialisation ability, observing and searching for traces was her speciality.
"No traces...? That shouldn't be..."
Rio Futaba pushed up her glasses, frowning as she muttered to herself.
"For ordinary people to observe... even if they are hospitalised due to illness and in poor health, there should at least be a Gate."
"Perhaps it's an evil spirit that has merged with a Gate?"
"That's a possibility."
Rio Futaba nodded slightly, looking towards the inpatient building of the Kyoto City Hospital.
"Let's go check there first."
"Okay."
Having partnered for so long, Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya had developed a strong rapport.
They had already realised that this incident was either a case of exaggerated supernatural claims or something even more troublesome than they had imagined.
Once they entered the Kyoto City Hospital, they hadn't seen a single evil spirit or spectre?
This was a hospital where people died almost every day.
The complete absence of any evil spirits or spectres was what truly made them feel that something was amiss.
The moment they entered the inpatient building, both Miko Yotsuya and Rio Futaba felt an inexplicable chill.
It was as if within this building...
Lurked something of extreme and terrifying danger.
This instinctive intuition, as psychics, told them they needed to leave immediately.
Yet the utterly ordinary scene before them – just patients, doctors and nurses coming and going –
Made it impossible to pinpoint the source of this overwhelming sense of peril.
Rio Futaba and Miko Yotsuya exchanged glances, their vigilance heightened.
Though Ye Xing was nearby,
They had to proceed cautiously, ensuring that any potential danger wouldn't harm innocent bystanders.
The two women slowly searched from the first floor up to the fifth, finding nothing along the way.
Only after ascending did that sense of danger diminish slightly.
"What on earth is going on..."
As Rio murmured to herself, Miko caught sight of a small girl in a white dress out of the corner of her eye – pale-skinned with long straight white hair, her features indistinct – standing motionless by the window.
"That..."
Miko frowned slightly.
This attire didn't seem human.
Yet the girl emitted none of the dark aura characteristic of evil spirits or spectres.
A spectre with such a completely benign, human-like appearance – Miko had only ever seen one before.
Her father.
Miko tapped Rio's shoulder, giving her a meaningful look, then approached the window alone.
"Hello."
At Miko's voice, the white-clad girl slowly turned around.
What appeared before her eyes wasn't some terrifying, twisted visage, but an extremely adorable little face.
"Big sister... can you see me?"
"Yes."
Miko Yotsuya showed a friendly smile, crouching down slightly.
"My name is Miko Yotsuya. What's yours?"
"I..."
The little girl seemed to be struggling to recall, then finally offered a sweet smile.
"Big sister, you can just call me Menma."
"Men...ma."
Miko repeated the name, maintaining her smile.
"That's a very cute name."
Miko could confirm that this little girl, called Menma, before her, was, like her father, one of those rare benevolent spectres that harboured no malice towards humans.
"Menma, how long have you been here?"
Menma blinked her watery eyes, scratching her head sheepishly.
"I... I can't really remember. I just know everyone changed from long sleeves to summer clothes."
"That must have been several months then."
Miko gently patted Menma's head, speaking kindly.
"Then I'd like to ask, Menma, while you've been here, have you encountered anything strange?"
"Mm, yes, yes."
Menma nodded repeatedly, her little face showing traces of fear.
"Late at night, those who died during the day always wander around this building. They feel like ghosts, and Menma is really scared of ghosts."
Hearing this, Miko was somewhat speechless.
"Aren't you a ghost yourself?"
At these words, Menma froze, then her expression changed dramatically, her adorable face filled with terror.
"What!? Menma is a ghost!?"
Rio Futaba, in the distance, also heard this statement.
Both she and Miko had confirmed one thing.
This little spirit called Menma definitely wasn't the mastermind behind the supernatural occurrences.
With this level of intelligence...
Could she even harm people?
If she didn't end up harming herself, that would already be quite an achievement.
"But..."
Menma composed herself, saying thoughtfully.
"If they're ghosts... they all came up by lift."
"By lift? Are you sure?"
"Mm-hmm, I'm sure."
Miko nodded, looking towards Rio Futaba in the distance, only to find the latter staring intently at the hospital building's floor plan, lost in thought.
"What is it? Found something?"
Rio Futaba didn't reply, merely pointing at the diagram on the wall.
Following her finger, Miko's eyes fell upon the line of black text that made her pupils dilate in shock.
[Building basement levels two and three]
[Mortuary]