Because of a mistake, I lost the most important thing in my life. A simple, stupid mistake kept me from saving the two most important people in my life… My parents.

I couldn’t save them. I couldn’t do anything to prevent their deaths… I failed them.

Without them, I’m not happy. They were the ones who brought me joy and gave me a reason to keep going. Without them, I don’t enjoy living. Why stay alive? I have no reason to keep living.

I sacrificed my childhood to try to be normal, and I didn’t even succeed. I lived through hell, and I wasn’t even rewarded for it.

I thought my sacrifice would at least let me protect my parents from the dangers of the world, but because of that damned mistake, I couldn’t protect them… I broke my promise… I broke a promise I swore with all my being to keep.

I didn’t want to keep living; they were the light in my dark life. With them by my side, I felt human, not a monster… But someone reminded me of the main purpose of my life. My greatest dream. The promise I made to my mother… Being a normal person is my dream, and being a good student is my mother’s dream.

I failed to keep my promise to protect them, but this time, I won’t let anything or anyone stop me from fulfilling the promise I made to my mother. The promise to be a normal person… A normal student… An excellent student… And to live a normal, peaceful school life.

I’ve seen thousands of horrible things in my life, and I’ve suffered them too. My life has been anything but normal. I can’t take it anymore.

I’ll be the normal person I dreamed of and promised my mother, and nothing and no one will stop me from keeping that promise.

“Ah, I’m here,” I said, exhausted, dropping my backpack on the floor.

I thought my life would be lonely and boring, but I met someone who brought a little light to my dark life.

“Welcome back, Saik! Did you buy me hamburgers?! Gimme, gimme!”

My little ghost friend greeted me with a big smile on her face, as cheerful and energetic as always.

I know it’s not normal to live with a little ghost girl, but her presence makes living a little less painful. Her company makes me feel like someone needs me… It makes me feel… like I have a family again.

My dream is to have a normal life, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.

After my parents’ deaths, I promised myself and my mother’s memory that I would fulfill her dream. I’ll be the best student in my class.

Being a normal person and the best student in my class. Two goals that are almost impossible for someone like me, but I’ll give it my all to achieve them. I promise with all my heart.

I’ll be a normal person, and I’ll be the best student in my class. I swear it.

CHAPTER 0 - New Life

(POV - ?)

“B-but…! I thought you liked me!”

Ah… Seriously? Again? Why does this always have to happen?

It’s always the same. Always, always… Always, always, always the same, damn it!

Just because I’m nice to everyone, guys think I’m flirting with them… I’m just trying to be kind to everyone. Why do guys mistake kindness for flirting? It makes no sense.

Do they think that just because I’m nice, I wouldn’t reject them? Being kind to everyone, including guys, doesn’t make me an easy girl. And I’m not even interested in romance or that kind of stuff.

I’m not interested in any guy.

I’ve never been interested in any guy.

I just want to have fun and enjoy my school life with my friends.

I don’t have time for romance.

“Don’t mistake kindness for flirting.”

“B-but…! I-I thought—”

“I’m nice to everyone. I treat everyone the same. It’s not my fault you didn’t realize that. Sorry, I’m not going out with you. I’m not interested.”

A bit harsh, but necessary. These kinds of guys never take no for an answer; you have to make it clear that no means no.

I don’t want to go out with anyone, much less someone I don’t even consider a friend. He’s just a classmate to me, that’s all.

“I-isn’t there some way we could—?”

“Pathetic.”

Huh? Who said that? Though… That voice sounds familiar…

I turned to my right… As I suspected, it’s that traitor. What’s he doing on the school rooftop? I thought he was banned from being up here after what happened with the teacher.

“If she rejected you, you need to accept it. You’re just embarrassing yourself. If you keep acting like this, I highly doubt that girl will ever talk to you again,” said Saik, not taking his eyes off his handheld console.

Always so rude and blunt, huh? That’s why everyone at school hates him. Why does she hang out with him? I’ll never understand.

Saik, what are you doing here? Do you really not care about anything? Your actions end up hurting others, but I guess you still don’t care about that.

“Stay out of it, you shitty traitor! Get out of here, this is private!”

“I got here first. Leave and let me play in peace.”

“I don’t care!”

He approached Saik.

Is he seriously trying to fight him? He’s a savage.

Ah… Saik, I hate you, but not enough to want to see you get beaten up. I need to stop this gorilla before he hits Saik. If words don’t work, nothing will.

“Hey, are you trying to threaten me? That’s cute. Let me finish this level, and we can fight if you want. I’m almost done.”

“No! Get up, traitor!”

“… Ah… No patience, huh?”

Saik sighed. Is he seriously not scared or even a little worried? He’s such a freak.

“Let’s get this over with.”

He turned off his console and stood up.

Is he really going to fight? Is he an idiot? Doesn’t he see the huge size and weight difference between them? Saik, you’re a dead man if you fight him.

“Alright… Go ahead. I’ll give you a head start.”

He closed his eyes… Is he actually an idiot? What’s he trying to do? Does he want to get beat up? That guy is way stronger and bigger than him. Is he seriously not even a little afraid? This makes no sense.

“Go on. You can start hitting me, Mr. Rejected. Even I felt that instant rejection. Broke your heart, huh? Poor thing. Want me to give you a hug to make you feel better, Mr. Rejected?”

Idiot! Why do you keep provoking him?! He’s definitely going to kill you! I have to stop him! If I don’t do something, I’ll get dragged into this and end up in trouble! Saik, you’re a damn moron!

“S-stop! Don’t hit him, please! It’s not worth it!”

“Die, traitor!”

He didn’t listen to me!

I shut my eyes tight; I’m not watching a massacre.

All I can hear are the blows Saik’s taking… Poor guy. I know he doesn’t deserve my pity, but I can’t help feeling it hearing all the hits he’s getting.

He brought it on himself, but I feel bad for not being able to help him.

I can’t help him; he won’t listen to me. He probably hates me for rejecting him.

I’m sorry, Saik. I promise I’ll take you to the nurse’s office and take care of you. At least that way, I’ll avoid looking suspicious and getting in trouble with the school.

“Ah… This could’ve been avoided.”

T-that sigh, I know it… Impossible.

“Huh?”

I opened my eyes and saw Saik sitting on that guy’s back… Impossible… Did he win? How is he unscathed? I can’t see any signs of damage on Saik’s body, unlike the other guy, who has both eyes black, and his lips and nose bleeding.

“Hey, you.”

“Me?”

H-he wouldn’t dare hit me. I heard he’s hit girls before, but they hit him first. I didn’t hit him, s-so I don’t think he’d try to hit me too… I-I hope not.

Please don’t hit me.

“Yeah, you. Take this guy to the nurse’s office. You’re a witness that it was self-defense.”

I’m safe.

“Y-yeah.”

I helped him up. Ugh, this guy reeks of sweat… and blood. He took quite a beating from Saik.

Saik’s stronger than he looks. Are all those rumors about his strength and the guys he’s beaten up true? I thought they were exaggerations, but I see they’re not.

Saik, you’re definitely the weirdest guy I’ve ever met.

“D-damn freak.”

Don’t talk, idiot, I don’t want to carry a corpse.

“Yeah, sure, I’m a freak for being stronger than you. Fufu. You’re such a crybaby,” said Saik, mocking him.

He sat back down and turned on his console, as if nothing had happened. Are these kinds of situations normal for him?

“Tch. Let’s go.”

“Hey, you’re hurt, walk slower.”

I looked at Saik one last time… He’s a weird guy… It’s best not to get involved with him.

I opened the door and went down the stairs.

•

•

(POV - Saik)

… Well, they’re gone.

Finally, some peace.

Why do guys like confessing to girls on the rooftop? It’s not romantic at all. I’d take her out to eat or tell her how I feel in a park.

I asked my girlfriend to be my girlfriend at her house, but now I realize I should’ve done something more normal. Well, what’s done is done. She agreed to go out with me, so it all worked out in the end.

Ah, that’s right, I need to meet her at the library; I promised we’d study together all afternoon… Hmm… I think I’ve still got ten minutes to play.

“Thanks for the help, Yuki.”

“Fufu. I think I deserve a pat on the head.”

“Yeah, yeah. You did a good job.”

I patted Yuki’s head, my little ghost friend.

“Thanks for the praise, Saik!”

My name is Saik, I’m 17 years old, and I’m starting my second year of high school.

My birthday is September 4th, and I’m a weird guy.

For as long as I can remember, for some strange reason, I can see ghosts.

That made my childhood tough because my parents and classmates thought I was crazy for “talking to myself,” which turned me into a loner with no friends.

To be honest, I actually enjoyed my solitude, so that part of being a loner didn’t bother me—it was pretty relaxing for me.

“We should beat people up more often. Your compliments feel amazing! Pat me more!”

Yuki is my only true friend in this world. One of the few friends who hasn’t betrayed me.

I met her when I moved into my new house… Ah… It’s been over a year since then. Time flies, huh?

•

•

It all started when I moved to a small house in another city… Well, it’s not exactly a small house, but compared to the huge mansion I lived in before, it’s small.

This house belonged to my late maternal grandparents, may they rest in peace.

When they passed away, my mother inherited the house, but we didn’t use it because we lived in another city.

And with my parents’ deaths, the house is now mine.

My parents died in a car accident, instantly… I couldn’t do anything to… Ah, better not think about that.

I don’t have any uncles or aunts, and both my paternal and maternal grandparents are gone.

I have no one, so now I have to live alone.

I decided to move to this city because I wanted to start a new life. The rumors about me faded because it’s normal for a young kid to have imaginary friends. When I realized they were ghosts, I stopped talking to them and just ignored them.

I didn’t move because people made fun of me; I moved because I didn’t want to keep living in my old house… I still haven’t gotten over my parents’ deaths. Staying there just made me feel guilty and sad all the time, and I didn’t want to keep feeling that way.

“A new life… Ah, I hope everything goes well.”

I entered my new house and took a deep breath.

“Well… This is how my new life begins… I’m going to play video games.”

“Oh, a boy! Fufu. I’ll scare him.”

Ghosts, unlike what they show on TV, can’t move objects or touch anything on their own.

And there aren’t many ghosts out there.

Since I arrived in this city, I’ve only seen two ghosts, including the little girl standing in front of me.

“Boooo! Are you scared?! I know you’re getting chills! You’re terrified! Tremble before the great and powerful Yuki!”

I closed the door… Alright… I have to admit, she’s super adorable. A little 10-year-old ghost girl. Long white hair, blue eyes, and she’s wearing a cute pink blouse with a picture of an adorable bear.

She looks like a very normal girl. How do I know she’s a ghost? Is she transparent? No. It’s because most ghosts float above the ground. Their feet rarely touch the floor, and when they do, they pass through it.

This girl’s feet were passing through the floor.

“Fufu. If you could see me, you’d be scared.”

You’re not scary at all; you’re actually really cute and adorable, little girl.

She floated until her face was right in front of mine, trying to scare me.

“Mwahahaha!”

What’s with that evil laugh?

My expressionless face is fooling her… Though I don’t do it on purpose.

I’ve never liked smiling… I’m a serious guy.

She thinks I can’t see her, so I don’t blame her for feeling like she’s scaring me.

She covered her face with her hair and pretended to stroke my face. She’s adorable, thinking she’s like the ghosts in horror movies.

“Boooo! I’ll take your soul!”

“No, thanks, I need it.”

I patted her head.

“You’re adorable. What’s your name?”

“… Huh?”

She quickly backed away from me and looked at me in terror, not expecting that I could see her.

“Y-y-y-you can see me?!”

And that’s how my new life began.

CHAPTER 1 - A Strange Boy

“Don’t go near him, he’s crazy.”

“He’s always talking to himself.”

“He doesn’t have real friends, that’s why he makes them up.”

… So many annoying voices… I still remember the voices of the kids who mocked me. The people who judged me without knowing me. The insults. The humiliation.

To be honest, I didn’t really care what the people around me thought of me, but it still hurt because it was a reminder that I would never be a normal person like them.

I’ve always wanted to be a normal person, but I never managed to.

“Ignore them, Saik, you’re not crazy, you’re just different from the rest.”

“It’s true, ignore those insults, words are just words. If you don’t let them offend you, they won’t hurt you.”

The ghosts were my only friends, but I decided to distance myself from everyone. My family thought I was strange. The kids thought I was strange. The whole world thought I was strange, which is why I decided to keep my distance from everyone and stay quiet. I would never feel comfortable socializing with living humans, so I didn’t even try.

I got used to keeping a serious face so the ghosts wouldn’t notice I could see them, and I even let my hair grow to cover my eyes so they wouldn’t look into them and suspect me. The less contact I had with ghosts, the more normal I would be.

Everyone thinks I’m an emotionless boy, but I have fun and feel sadness too. I got used to not smiling, which is why I never smile and keep a serious expression.

I sacrificed my childhood and my mental and physical health just to try to be normal… but I failed. No matter what I tried, I didn’t fit into society and always ended up disappointing my parents.

I really tried to be a good student, but I would get stressed and stop studying, choosing to play or sleep instead.

I felt embarrassed for my classmates, so I never tried to make friends… And, well, also because I was too lazy to socialize.

I don’t want to make friends; they’re unnecessary in my life, but… Ah, I don’t know… This little girl is so… adorable and innocent… like a younger sister.

… A younger sister… Maybe…

Ah… I decided never to get involved with ghosts, but she’s a different case.

“My name is Saik. What’s yours, little girl?”

She hesitated for a few seconds, looking at me with confusion and fear. Well, after all, I’m a human talking to a ghost. I’m probably the first person she’s met who can see her, and she’s lucky because the people who share my ability usually treat ghosts like mere objects.

… Well, I did too at first, but I learned to work with them, and as long as they treat me well, I’ll treat them well.

“M-my name is Yuki… Are you a ghost too? How did you open the door? Teach me how to touch objects, please!”

“No, I’m alive.”

“Y-you’re alive?! And why can you see me?!”

“Hmm… I never knew. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always seen ghosts… Well, it was nice meeting you, you can go now.”

She lowered her gaze, and I felt sadness in her being.

Yes, I confirmed what I feared the most. A ghost unable to leave. Her soul is too weak and fragile; it clung to staying in this world, and that damaged her soul. You deserved to rest in peace, but you chose to stay in this world. Why? Who did you love so much that you preferred to endure immense pain just to stay here?

To be able to endure the pain of feeling your soul being damaged, to not go to paradise and stay here… This little girl has incredible willpower, worthy of my respect.

“I… I’m sorry. I can’t leave. I’ve tried many times, but I can’t go.”

“Ah, I see, you’re the kind of ghost that can’t leave… Got it… I’ll go get some holy water. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Uwaaaah! Are you trying to kill me?! I’m already dead, I don’t want to die again! No, no, no!”

Yes, she wants to stay in this world, even though she can’t leave this house.

She wants to keep living because she has hope that one day she’ll be able to leave and enjoy life again. I can still feel hope in her; she refuses to give up so easily.

I see. Yuki, why do you cling to this world? Who do you love so much? Your parents? The life you never got to enjoy?

Do you want to travel the world as a ghost? See your family and friends again?

If so, I admire your perseverance.

To be able to keep going and not give up. I don’t feel any negative energy in you, not even a trace, which means you didn’t let sadness control your life.

Yuki, you may have died as a little girl, but you have more courage than any adult could ever hope to have.

“I’m sorry, but it’s uncomfortable for me to have you here… By the way, I guess you were murdered. I didn’t know this house was used by a family before. My parents never told me anything about it.”

“I lived with my mother in this house five years ago. One day, a man came into the house and killed me. I never knew why he attacked me. He just came in, stabbed me, and left,” she said, pointing to her chest.

She was stabbed in the heart, so that man’s goal was to kill her, not just hurt her.

“Ah… He didn’t assault you or steal anything?”

“No, he just killed me.”

Ah, I see. Yes, your mother probably got involved with the wrong person, and that person sent an assassin to kill you as revenge. I’ve seen that kind of thing many times in my life.

An innocent person paying for someone else’s sins. How unfair.

“That’s strange. There must be some hidden motive… Ah, honestly, I don’t care. I’ll go get the holy water.”

“Uwaaaah! You’re the worst! Heartless monster! You’re supposed to feel sorry for me and let me live here!”

Live here… with me?

At that moment, I remembered my ability and my mother’s words… The words I overheard when she was arguing with my father about my behavior. “His grades are getting worse, he has no friends, and he’s always talking to himself… What did we do wrong?”

… My mother felt guilty about my behavior… I disappointed my mother. Surely my mother wanted a smart and sociable son like her… My mother was a beautiful and intelligent woman. She helped me study, but I got distracted easily… She wanted a perfect son, and she ended up with a stupid one.

I want to fulfill that dream for my mother.

I want to be a normal person.

I want to be the best student, one who makes my parents proud.

And… I want to be able to feel happiness again.

I don’t want to be alone… I don’t want to.

“You know, my mother wanted her son to be intelligent… I want to fulfill her dream… I’ll graduate as the best in school… But I need your help.”

“My help? How?”

“Listen, I can’t become intelligent overnight, so I’ll cheat. You’ll give me the exam answers, and I’ll give you a home. Do we have a deal?”

I don’t really need her help, but I want her to feel useful to me and not like a burden in my life.

This little girl feels like a younger sister, and I need someone like that in my life to keep from going crazy.

It’s a win-win. I give her a home, and she keeps me company in this new life without my parents. The company of an adorable little sister will make me feel less sad and, maybe, make me feel like a big brother, useful, and not… a useless person whose life no longer has meaning.

“But that’s wrong. That’s cheating. Wouldn’t your mother be disappointed?”

Yes and no. She’d be mad if she knew I cheated, but if I become truly intelligent, my past cheating would be forgiven… I suppose.

“No. Listen. I want to attend the elite school ‘Raikon.’ I need to be intelligent to get into that school. While I’m at school, I’ll study hard, I promise, but I need to maintain excellent grades to be the best in school. While I become intelligent, you’ll help me and give me the answers.”

That school is extremely expensive and unusual, but it’ll be worth attending. It’s the perfect school for someone like me, who prefers to avoid unnecessary trouble with annoying classmates.

Their education system is strange and very strict, but I think I’ll survive without any issues.

A perfect school, a little sister, a normal life without ghosts or secret organizations messing up my existence. No evil ghosts trying to control the world. No nuns with disturbing pasts. Much less drug lords with spiritual powers controlling the drug market, meddling in my life.

A normal life without problems and with the company of an adorable ghost girl… Ah, I think I can enjoy this new life while fulfilling my mother’s dream.

“I guess you’re right… If you become intelligent, it won’t matter if you cheat… But I can’t leave this place. I’m sorry, I won’t be able to help you. B-but I can tell you jokes so you don’t get bored and…!”

I gently patted her head, and she got nervous since she wasn’t used to physical contact with another person.

“D-don’t mess up my hair!”

“Done.”

“Huh…? Huh?! I-it’s true, w-why can I feel your hand?”

“Let’s just say it’s an ability.”

I developed this ability while ignoring ghosts.

I could pass through ghosts when I ignored them, but when I wanted to talk to them, they could touch me, and I could touch them. If I want, Yuki can touch me, but if I don’t, she can’t.

This effect doesn’t just work with me; it works with other objects too, as long as I want her to be able to touch them.

For example, a plate. If I don’t want her to, she can’t pick it up, but if I do, she can lift it with her hands.

After explaining this to her, she immediately smiled with joy and took my hand.

How cute. I definitely made the right decision. Having her by my side will make my life less difficult, and maybe, I’ll even enjoy it, at least a little.

“I can finally take a bath! It’s been so long since I bathed! I’ll stop being stinky Yuki and go back to being clean and beautiful Yuki!”

“Ghosts can’t get dirty, don’t worry, you don’t stink. Aren’t you going to ask how you’ll leave this place?”

“Ah… That’s right… How?”

“Simple. Ghosts who can’t leave a certain place are weak ghosts, ghosts with weak souls… Or so a ghost told me, I’m not sure if it’s true. You became stronger because now you can touch objects, and so you can leave without any problems.”

She stared into my eyes, her eyes starting to well up with tears.

You really missed being able to leave, didn’t you?

“And how long does the effect last?”

“As long as I want. I’m the only one who can deactivate it.”

“… Thank you.”

She hugged me tightly and started crying.

“Thank you so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, really, thank you so much!”

“… You’re welcome?”

Ah, well… This isn’t so bad… Having company will be nice.

A little sister, what I always dreamed of having… I hope her company helps me keep going and not give up on my dream.

You’re my only hope, Yuki… My only hope of feeling like a normal person.

CHAPTER 2 - Cheating

My parents had two different philosophies that, despite their differences, they both respected, and it never caused any arguments.

My father believed that worrying too much about the future kept us from enjoying the present. Overthinking would stop us from living our lives: “Worrying is fine, but worrying too much just puts a heavy burden on our shoulders. It’s better to worry just enough and live life on our own terms. Live life your way, not to please others.”

My mother, on the other hand, believed it was okay to enjoy the present, but we also had to worry a lot about our future and ensure we had reserves for future crises: “The future is uncertain, Saik. Living without worries brings happiness, but it could also bring pain and sadness. Life isn’t all rosy, son. The present, yes, you can enjoy it, but don’t forget that the future will catch up with you, and when it does, will you be ready to face it? Think about your future self, ten years from now, because he’ll be the one dealing with the consequences of your actions. And your future self might not be able to enjoy the present the way you do now. I’m not asking you to push yourself too hard, live life your way. It’s your life, you decide what to do with it. Just remember, son, the future is a mystery, and if you want to live happily, you’d better be prepared.”

They both had different ways of enjoying life. While my father enjoyed the present and was content being a university professor, my mother worried about the family’s future, creating new humanitarian aid programs, businesses related to education and healthcare, and even working as a model for various magazines. Well, I ended up selling those businesses and handing over control of the aid programs to my mother’s close friends because I don’t have time to manage them, and I don’t trust others to do it for me.

The money I earned from selling those businesses, I donated to build schools in the poorest parts of the country. That money was earned by my mother; I had no right to use it for my own benefit, so I used it for the children she loved so much. I only kept the money from selling my house because I’m not stupid enough to end up on the streets.

My mother elevated our family name, making us one of the richest and most famous families in the country… Well, until they died, and I sold everything, diminishing the value of our name.

So many families tried to adopt me, and some even offered to marry me off to their daughters, but I flat-out refused and told them never to make such a disgusting offer again. They were after my family’s name because, even though I’m the last member left, with everything my mother did for the country, it still holds immense social value. If I married some girl, her family would gain reputation by having me in their clutches.

They took advantage of the situation to benefit themselves. They tried to profit from my parents’ deaths… Absolutely disgusting.

Ah… Even though my parents had different ways of enjoying life, they agreed on one thought: “Live your life on your terms and don’t let others decide how you should live. It’s your life, your decision. You weren’t born to satisfy others; you were born to live your life. It doesn’t matter what others think of you; the only thing that should matter is what you think of yourself. Don’t live your life pretending to be someone you’re not, because you’ll never truly enjoy it. Live your life being yourself and happy.”

That’s the thought I respect the most.

Living my life in a way that feels most comfortable to me, without caring about the negative comments from others.

“Hey, kid, stop. You can’t go in without fixing your hair,” said a teacher as I was about to enter the school.

“I told you, Saik!” said Yuki, floating beside me.

“There’s no rule against my hairstyle, sir. If you don’t let me in, I’ll complain to the principal.”

“I’m saying this for your own good. First impressions matter.”

“Results matter more than appearances.”

“Whatever, but I hope you don’t regret it.”

“I won’t.”

I continued on my way, and Yuki sighed, probably tired of asking me to comb my hair.

“Everyone’s looking at you weird, Saik. Doesn’t that bother you?”

“Not really.”

“Then don’t complain when they pick on you.”

“Bullying, huh? Don’t worry about that.”

Because anyone who messes with me will end up regretting it.

•

•

Alright, here’s the classroom assigned for the entrance exam. Yuki went to investigate who might be the smartest person so we could copy their answers, so she’s eavesdropping on the parents’ conversations in the cafeteria area.

I entered the classroom.

Hmm… Everyone looks so normal. Ah, a normal school life is about to begin. I’ll be a normal student with a normal life. Paradise.

I sat in my assigned seat, and a teacher lifted my hair.

“What’s this?”

“I thought you were cheating, hiding answers in your hair.”

“I’m not that clever—or stupid—to do that, don’t worry.”

He handed me an envelope and left.

Five minutes to go, and the instructions are projected on the board.

No turning around.

No talking.

Look only at the exam.

If you turn your head, your exam will be taken away.

Other rules about prohibiting devices like earphones, phones, sunglasses, etc. I’m not worried about that; I left my phone at home.

Open the envelope at 8:00 sharp and begin.

Wow, wow. As strict as the rumors say. I love it.

Basically, they’re telling us to only look at the exam and write, without turning our heads. They won’t even let us stretch our muscles or arms to relax. Interesting.

“I’m back! There’s a girl named Ram; the teachers speak highly of her. I even heard she got a recommendation from the principal.”

How unfair. I hope the principal’s favoritism doesn’t mess with my plan to be the best in my class and generation.

“As long as we copy her answers, you’ll pass the exam, Saik. Ugh, I feel like a cheater. I hope you start studying seriously, Saik! I’m committing a crime for you, so it better be worth it,” she said, crossing her arms, pretending to be mad.

Why do I know she’s pretending? Because she’s pouting to look adorable. I suspect she’s figured out I’m easy to manipulate when she acts cute, and if so, she’s succeeded.

“Cake or gelatin?” I whispered, falling into her trap to sweeten her reward.

“Both, both, please! Thank you!”

She gave me a kiss on the cheek while hugging me.

… Wow, that felt nice. Ah, parents, why didn’t you give me a little sister? Or a little brother. I guess you had your reasons.

Wait, cake and gelatin? Hmm… I think I’ve got an idea for a good combo. I’ll experiment when we get home.

“Saik, huh? Fufu. Do you really think you’re capable of getting into a school like this?”

… Who’s this random?

“Who’s this random, Saik?”

That’s what I’m wondering, Yuki.

Let’s see… Fat, face full of acne, wearing a rich guy’s suit… Hmm… No clue.

“You were always the worst and always will be. Why don’t you save yourself the humiliation and get lost?”

Hmm…

Hand on his hip, looking at me with disdain and a smirk on his face.

Oh, he’s… Nope, I tried, I don’t know who he is.

“Hey, do we know each other?”

“Fufu. Yeah, trying to pretend you don’t know me. Pathetic.”

He laughed at me and went to his seat, still glaring at me with contempt, as if I were trash he could easily dispose of.

“Saik, do you know him?”

“Honestly, I have no idea who he is. Probably some rich kid who knew me from the parties my parents forced me to attend. I highly doubt he’s an old classmate because I went to a public school, and this school is expensive. Even the entrance exam cost me a lot—about the average worker’s annual salary.”

“Why did you go to a public school? Your family was loaded, right?”

“Because I got expelled from private schools for certain issues. I’ll tell you later.”

“Wow, wow. Fufu. Sounds interesting. You’re telling me the details after we leave school.”

I nodded.

In fact, I got expelled multiple times for beating up students who mocked me. As long as it was just rude words aimed at me, I did nothing, but when they dared to insult my parents or tried to hit me, I used my fists and literally broke their bones.

I avoided lawsuits by showing evidence of the bullying, but I couldn’t avoid expulsion.

At the public school, I was also insulted, but the few who dared to try hitting me or insult my parents, knowing how rich and powerful my family was, showed up the next day with black eyes and trembling in fear at my presence.

I avoided legal and school trouble by threatening them to keep quiet, and coming from me, even the smallest threat like “stay away or you’ll regret it” sounded like “mess with me one more time, and you’re dead.”

I couldn’t do that at a private school because they were as powerful as me in terms of social status, but it worked more than well with poor students from humble families.

“You may begin. You have four hours to complete the exam.”

Four hours. Ah, that shows how tough this exam is. Well, I hope this Ram girl gets all the answers right. I still have my backup plan, but the less I use it, the better. I’m a normal student with a normal life. I need to leave my old life behind.

Alright, let’s start.

Hmm… 100 questions, huh?

I wrote my name and read the first question.

Ah… Oh… Yeah, yeah… Ah… What year did this event happen? I don’t know; history always bored me.

Let’s see…

10 history questions.

10 language and literature questions.

40 biology, physics, and chemistry questions.

And 40 math questions.

Ah… This school is so unfair to those who excel in sports or arts. Well, from what I know, this school is focused on students who want to pursue careers in business or science, not so much on sports or arts.

Ah, wow, wow.

Saik, you didn’t study until you passed out for nothing. Come on, remember what you studied.

…

…

…

“You haven’t answered a single question, Saik, and an hour has already passed. Want the answers?”

I nodded slowly, giving up.

Ah, I’m such an idiot. I couldn’t even answer one question on my own.

“Fufu. Leave it to me.”

Yuki left.

While I tried to answer the exam on my own, at least to see if my efforts had paid off, Yuki copied the answers from the student named Ram and wrote them in a notebook on the school’s rooftop so she wouldn’t forget them and could tell me when I gave up.

Ah, am I really that useless?

Mom, Dad, why am I so useless? I wish I’d been like you.

•

•

“The answer is: 1,797.54.”

Good… Good.

I’m almost done.

Yuki’s checking everyone’s exams to compare answers.

Ram may be a genius, but better safe than sorry, at least that’s what Yuki said.

“The answer to the last one is: 1,689.”

“Hmm…”

Yuki’s smarter than she seems. She figured out the cheating method: compare all the answers and tell me the one most students picked… I think I’ll do fine.

I was one of the last to turn in the exam because I didn’t want to raise suspicion.

•

•

I left the school, heading straight to a store to buy some candy—Yuki’s reward—but a certain idiot got in my way.

“Fufu. You really used all four hours? Did you at least manage to answer half the questions? Hahahahaha!”

… Seriously, who’s this random?

“Saik, let’s just go. Look behind him, it’s a limo. He’s someone with money. It’s dangerous to get in trouble with someone like him. And look, he’s got bodyguards too!”

“Ah, what a pain. Hey, I seriously don’t know you. Who are you? I haven’t the slightest—”

I caught his fist and kneed him in the crotch. Trying to hit me, huh?

“Hmmmmh! Gggmmmg!”

Writhing on the ground, crying. Wow…

“Like I said, I don’t know who you are.”

He’s on the ground, whimpering in pain, and his bodyguards lunged at me but stopped when they realized who I was.

“I’m Saik, the son of Dr. Sam.”

They stopped, bowed their heads, and apologized.

“We deeply regret our master’s behavior. His parents will be informed of his erratic conduct, and he will receive appropriate punishment.”

“Huh?” said Yuki, unable to believe what she saw.

“What?! I’m the victim here, you idiots! Do what I tell you, you sons of—! Hmmmmh!”

They covered his mouth and forced him to leave.

“This won’t happen again. Have a nice day.”

They loaded that fat kid into the car and drove off.

“Huh? That easy?! Saik, was your family really that important?!”

I started walking, and Yuki floated beside me.

“A ton of families owe my mother, some even their lives, so I figured his family probably owed her a favor too. I took advantage of that to get rid of that idiot. After all, what kind of moron would let someone beat up the son of a woman they owe their life or a favor to?”

“Oh, I see, I see. Even among the rich, there’s honor in respecting those who were good to them.”

“It’s like kicking a stray dog loved by a town’s residents. You’d only earn their hatred, and among wealthy, powerful families, the respect of other families is crucial because those connections ensure their survival.”

“Yeah, makes sense. Messing with the son of a woman loved by so many wealthy families would only make that fat kid’s family look worthless, like they’d betray anyone no matter how much they did for them.”

“Exactly. That’s why they stopped that random to avoid getting their bosses in trouble. That fat kid thought he could mess with me without fear just because I’m not rich anymore.”

“Fufu. That idiot thought he could hit you because he figured you wouldn’t fight back out of fear of trouble with a rich family. Hahahahaha! Now remembering that knee to the crotch is even more satisfying! By the way, Saik, you’re still rich. The house is huge, and you’ve got a ton of money!”

“The school’s super expensive. I’ll spend almost 95% of my money paying for three years of tuition. The rest will keep me going for at least three years. Three years without worrying about money.”

“That expensive?! N-no wonder I only saw elegant, refined people. It really is an elite school. But…”

“But?”

“I mean, it’s just… The school’s big, yeah, but it doesn’t look like a school for millionaires. It’s like a normal high school, just bigger. I thought millionaire schools would be the size of a town, with private dorms, stadiums for sports like soccer and baseball. You know what I mean.”

“A boarding school, you mean?”

“Exactly! Why would millionaires send their kids to a school as normal as this one?”

“Look, there are two types of millionaires: the humble and the egocentric. Those who want to live extravagantly, with fancy, expensive meals, where even their clothes cost more than any diamond, send their kids to boarding schools the size of towns, where they mingle with other millionaires’ kids. That type of millionaire is used to glamour and elegance; they only care about appearances and prestige. But the millionaires who want their kids to care more about others than themselves send them to this school.”

“Huh? Why?”

“This school, besides offering excellent education, only has enough money for maintenance and staff salaries. The rest goes to maintaining public schools and charitable causes. That’s why the school isn’t that big—it doesn’t need to be.”

“Wait, wait, wait. So the kind millionaires send their kids here to keep the power of money from going to their heads, right?”

“Possibly. Honestly, when I found out the school was strict, I decided to enroll here, and since that’s all I cared about, I didn’t look into it further. There might be other reasons millionaires send their kids here, but I don’t care to find out.”

“Hmm. How intriguing. Could it have something to do with traditions?”

“No idea. Look, it’s like bread.”

“Bread?”

“You can spread jam, beans, whatever you want on it, but it’s still bread. It might taste different, but it’s still bread. Education’s the same. Boarding schools and millionaire schools might be fancy and all, but what they teach is the same as what this school teaches. Millionaires who don’t want their kids to be spoiled brats who think their parents’ money is theirs and they can do whatever they want send them to this no-frills school to focus on studying and to remember that they’re not the millionaires—their parents are. If they want that money, they have to earn it.”

“I get it. It’s so they learn to value what they have, right?”

“And earn it through effort. This school’s aimed at them, so they can connect with others like them, who value what they have and don’t look down on others.”

“A school that teaches the value of earning what they want. I see.”

“Though that’s just a theory. There might be other reasons I don’t know about. All I know is it’s an elite school where the most skilled and intelligent graduate. They have a high expulsion rate, which is why it caught my interest.”

“Oh, expulsions. A big stain on an academic record. Fufu. Though you’re already stained.”

“No, I’ve never failed a school year. I stopped attending school for two years after elementary, but that’s because I was at a camp. I didn’t fail any years.”

“Huh? Smart kid. Did you use money to enroll in other schools and avoid losing a year?”

“No, instead of actually expelling me, they let me transfer to another school to avoid a real expulsion.”

“Hey, that’s cheating! I thought your family didn’t take advantage of their social status.”

“They didn’t. I blackmailed the principals to make it happen, not my parents.”

“B-blackmail?”

“I investigated them, gathered evidence of some crime they’d committed, and threatened to go public. With money, I could hire the best private investigators.”

“… Saik, rich people scare me.”

“Don’t be scared of me, Yuki. It was to save my academic record.”

“L-let’s not talk about that. What kind of camp lasts two years?”

“Well, it’s a figure of speech. Remember the Nobick pandemic?”

“Pandemic?”

“It was five years ago, so you were probably already dead when it happened. It was an airborne disease that caused lungs to close up, making breathing difficult, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, etc. When quarantine was declared, my parents, a friend of my mom’s family, a dog, and I got stuck in a third-world country because we were on vacation there visiting ancient civilization ruins. I think it was called… Onperk K56 (Peru).”

“Yeah, I know it! My mom and I visited when I was eight. Couldn’t you study during the quarantine?”

“Yeah, with online classes, but I refused to study that way during quarantine. I convinced my parents to wait until quarantine was over to go back to school, and in the meantime, I’d study on my own. You know, to avoid wasting my school life. My parents agreed, as long as I actually studied on my own. Unfortunately, that dog copied me and ruined my two-year vacation, sticking by my side all day, annoying me.”

“Dog?”

“A girl who bullied me in my childhood. I’d rather not talk about her.”

“Fufu. Even someone like you had a bully. I’d never have guessed.”

“That girl was lucky to be the daughter of my mom’s friend, so I didn’t do anything to defend myself because I didn’t want to ruin my mom’s friendship with that woman…”

I stopped because I heard footsteps. As I paused, a group of guys walked past me and turned the corner. I almost bumped into them. I’d rather avoid unnecessary trouble. I want to get home soon.

“Kevs, Kevs, give me some too!”

“Hey, they’re mine! That’s why I told you to buy your own chips!”

“Don’t be selfish, give me some!”

“I want some too!”

“It’s to keep you from getting fatter!”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s for your own good! Give me some!”

“O-okay, but stop shaking me!”

… Wow…

“Fufu. Jealous, Saik?”

“Jealous?”

“A fat, ugly guy like him managed to get a harem. Hahahahaha!”

“I’m not interested in romance. I was just surprised to see someone like him surrounded by girls. They’re probably taking advantage of him.”

“Getting close to him for his money. I hate to admit it, but it’s very likely. That guy’s really ugly and fat, and the girls are cute… Well, except one of them, who’s fat and kinda ugly.”

I kept walking and crossed the street.

“Yuki, appearance doesn’t define a person, don’t ever forget that. But yeah, it’s impossible to deny that this society cares a lot about appearances. Looks matter a lot in the society we live in, but I personally prefer personalities. We shouldn’t judge people by their appearance.”

“Yeah, yeah, thanks for the life lesson, Dad.”

“Brother’s better.”

“I feel bad for him; they’re taking advantage of him.”

“Or maybe they’re really his friends and actually see him as a friend. We shouldn’t judge without knowing them. And since I don’t care, I won’t think about it.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Ah, a store. Time to buy some candy.

I headed to the store, ignoring the kids fighting in the street.

“So savage, fighting in broad daylight. But look, Saik, that guy took down three other guys by himself!”

Yeah, impressive, but I could do that too… Did I feel jealous? I think I’m getting attached to Yuki.

“Now, apologize,” said the guy as I passed by him.

He said it to the guy he was holding by the neck, so I can keep walking.

“P-please forgive me, Kaeyko, it won’t happen again!”

“It better not.”

He let him go and walked away.

Wow, wow. I’ll admit, he’s got style. Probably popular with the ladies. He’s handsome and can fight. A real panty-dropper, maybe. Even Yuki’s staring at him.

“Wow. And he’s barely scratched. By the way, Saik, do you know how to fight?”

“Well enough. By the way, Yuki, you did a great job today.”

“Yeah! I did awesome! Fufu. I know, I know, I’m amazing. At home, you can kneel before me and pray to me,” she said, crossing her arms and puffing out her chest with pride.

Where’s the humility, Yuki? Well, you’re joking, so I’ll let it slide.

“Yeah, yeah.”

I patted her head.

“You deserve some candy.”

“Candy…”

She’s drooling. Wow. She’s really adorable. So cute.

I went into a convenience store and bought a ton of candy. I was going to buy less, but Yuki earned it for being so cute.

I left the store with the bags in my hands, and the guys that handsome kid beat up are limping along. Wow, wow.

Well, I don’t care.

“C-can I take one?”

“If people see a floating candy, they’ll freak out. Wait a bit longer; we’re almost home.”

Yuki’s holding my arm as we walk. Why isn’t she floating beside me anymore? I guess she feels safe with me.

Did she get scared seeing those guys so beat up? Yeah, she may be a ghost, but she’s still a little girl.

Don’t worry, Yuki, I’ll never let anyone hurt you. You’ll always be safe with me.

After all, you’re my only family now, and I’m your… No, I’m not your only family. You still have your mother.

She asked me to look into her mother’s whereabouts, but… Should I tell her the truth?

Yesterday, I found information about her, but I don’t know if I should… No… Saik, she needs to know. Don’t give her false hope. If we want her trust, we have to be honest with her. I won’t hide anything about her mother.

“Yuki, I looked into your mother, and I found her.”

“You found her?! Where is she?! Can we go visit her?! Can you make it so she can see me?!”

She’s so excited and happy to hear I found her mother, but it won’t last long. I’m sorry, Yuki, I’m going to be completely honest with you.

“Yuki, listen, your mother’s alive, but… Listen, what I’m about to tell you is hard to accept, but it’s the truth.”

“Saik, you’re scaring me. W-what happened to my mother?”

“She’s in prison. From what I read, she was involved in illegal stuff, like drug trafficking and murders. Most likely, you were killed as revenge. You know, she probably killed someone from a rival group, and they retaliated by killing her daughter. That’s why the guy who killed you didn’t steal anything or assault you—there wasn’t time, or he wasn’t that kind of sicko.”

“…”

She went quiet, staring at the ground as we walked.

Tears… She’s crying…

“Yeah, it’s tough to accept, I know. It’ll take time to process, but I’m here for you, Yuki. I won’t abandon you.”

“Mom… Why would she do that?”

“We don’t have the right to judge her decisions. Maybe she was forced into it and couldn’t get out because she was afraid they’d kill you or her. Don’t hate your mother without knowing her story. You told me good things about her, so hold onto those memories and don’t let this change how you see her.”

Yuki nodded.

“Yeah, I know…”

I patted her head to try to make her feel better, or at least to try.

“I’ll take care of you. I guess you can think of me as a big brother… Or a dad. Whatever you like. I’m your family now, and you’re mine.”

“Hmm… No. I can’t see you as a big brother. You’re not mature enough… And you need to smile more.”

“I guess I’m too immature for you.”

A smile appeared on her face, and she looked up at me.

“But I can think of you as my best and only friend,” she said with a big smile.

“A friend… That works too.”

Hiding the sadness she feels inside.

Being able to hide her sadness and keep going with a smile.

I don’t know your mother in person, but she did a great job with you. You don’t hold any resentment or hatred toward her, so I think she never hurt you. A good mother… It’s a shame about her situation, but I’ll take you to see her when I can.

“I’m not family, so I can’t visit her, but I have ways we can use so you can see her and talk to her.”

“I appreciate it, but not yet. Maybe later, in a few months. I’m not ready to see her.”

“Okay, just let me know in advance so I can prepare.”

“Thanks.”

•

•

We entered our house, and I put the candy on the table.

“Alright…”

I clasped my hands and closed my eyes.

“I offer this candy to the soul of Yuki. Accept my offering, Yuki…”

I opened my eyes and sat at the table.

“Done, you can eat.”

“I’m still amazed you know how to do that.”

Yuki grabbed a chocolate bar and started devouring it.

“Delicious!”

She’s so adorable. I hope she feels better soon.

What I just did is called an offering. There are legends and traditions about offering things to people who have passed away. That’s what I did. By offering the candy to Yuki, she can take it and eat it, and since I can use my power to let her touch things, she can enjoy the taste and feel like she’s digesting the chocolate… In other words, it’s like she has a physical body. Unfortunately, that chocolate will have to come out eventually. That’s one of the downsides of this ability.

“By the way, Saik, I didn’t see any ghosts today. Why?”

“I told you before, not everyone becomes a ghost.”

People think ghosts are everywhere, but that’s not true. Only a very few people can become ghosts.

Yuki is one of those rare cases.

She was murdered and felt regret because she wanted to keep living, so she became a ghost. It’s an extremely painful process, but that’s why only those who truly want to stay alive become ghosts—they’re the ones who endured all that pain to stay here.

But not all murdered people become ghosts. If the people who die lived somewhat long lives, even if they’re murdered, they don’t become ghosts. You’re more likely to see ghosts of young children.

And the reason there aren’t many ghosts is because they’re forgotten.

“Yuki, when ghosts are forgotten, they disappear. It’s very rare for dead people to become ghosts, and if they do, they’ll only be ghosts as long as their family or friends remember them. When they’re forgotten, they stop being ghosts and go to paradise or hell… Or so I heard from other ghosts.”

“S-so… I’m going to disappear?”

“I don’t think so… Not for now. I remember you very well, and so does your mother. As long as your mother or I are alive, you’ll stay a ghost… I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”

“It’s good! Yuki will never be alone again! I’ll be with you until you die of old age! Don’t worry, trusty Yuki will bathe you when you can’t move anymore. Fufu.”

Never alone again… You’re scared of being alone again, aren’t you? Don’t worry, Yuki, I won’t abandon you… Well, at least not while I’m studying. I’ll find you a home after I graduate because I… Ah… Am I really going to do that? I haven’t decided yet. I’ll sleep on it.

“… That’d be awkward. No, thanks.”

“Fufu. Feeling shy?”

“Not really.”

“Boo. I can’t even make you smile, you cold guy.”

“Sorry.”

I grabbed a piece of candy and unwrapped it.

“But, you know… You’re a fun and adorable kid. It wouldn’t be so bad having you with me until I die.”

“… Huh? W-what weird stuff are you saying?!”

Ah, her face turned red. Why? Did she get embarrassed because I said nice things? I thought girls liked hearing that kind of stuff.

“You’d be like my maid.”

Yuki got mad and started glaring at me. Ah, she didn’t catch my attempt at a joke.

“Just kidding… Though you’ll have to do some chores, like washing dishes and laundry. You won’t be a freeloader.”

“W-well, that’s fair. It is your house, after all.”

“Our house.”

“Huh?”

I got up from the table and patted her head.

“I told you before, didn’t I? We’re family now. This is your house too. I’m going to play video games.”

“Y-yeah… Thanks.”

A family… I missed having someone like that… Someone I can trust.