The Paranormal Research Club
The Paranormal Research Club had only two members at the moment—Nanashi and Yukino.
Yukino sat quietly, engrossed in her book, expecting today to be just another peaceful and uneventful day.
But to her surprise, someone actually showed up—and with a request.
"Hello, senpai! I'm Miko Yotsuya, a first-year student from Class 3!"
Yukino sat upright, calm and composed as always as she introduced herself.
"Yukino Yukinoshita. That's my name."
"!!!"
Miko froze in shock.
She recognized Yukino immediately—the most beautiful girl in school.
However, there was something more urgent on her mind.
Her eyes drifted toward Nanashi, hesitation flickering across her face.
She wanted to ask him something, but with Yukino present, she wasn't sure if she should.
Sensing her unease, Nanashi spoke plainly.
"It's fine. Say what's on your mind. Yukino can see them too."
"?"
Both girls turned to look at each other.
Yukino's expression shifted slightly—her interest piqued.
'So, this Kohai had awakened her spiritual vision.'
Miko, on the other hand, was completely shocked.
She had believed that she was the only one who could see those terrifying evil spirits.
But today, she met two others just like her.
Both of them were staring at her now.
Feeling the pressure mount, Miko swallowed hard and anxiously asked,
"Those monsters… they're evil spirits, right? Why can I see them? What happens if they find out I can see them? Is there a way to stop seeing them? Or—can I destroy them like you did?"
Nanashi nodded slightly, his expression patient.
"You have a lot of questions. I'll answer them one by one."
Nanashi spoke methodically, addressing each of her concerns.
"First of all, you can call those creatures either evil spirits or ghosts. They are the lingering souls of the dead, twisted by their own evil thoughts and obsessions."
"Second, the reason you can see them is because you've awakened your clairvoyance—your spiritual sight."
"Third, if they realize you can see them, they will target you. On the other hand, as long as you pretend you don't see them, they can't harm you."
"As for how to stop seeing them… I don't have an answer for that."
"And finally, about how to destroy them…"
Nanashi raised his hand.
In an instant—
The book in Yukino's hands floated into the air.
"Telekinesis!!!"
Miko's eyes widened in disbelief.
There was nothing around the book—yet it was suspended mid-air.
Yukino, unfazed, let out a sigh and slapped the book down, a chill emanating from her palm.
A thin layer of frost spread across the table.
Miko shivered as an icy sensation crawled up her spine.
"Even Yukinoshita-senpai has superpowers?!"
Her brain was on the verge of overload.
It was clear now—
The only way to fight back against evil spirits was through supernatural abilities.
Both Nanashi and Yukino had them.
But she did not.
She was just an ordinary girl who could see evil spirits—but couldn't do anything about them.
Miko's shoulders slumped, a look of defeat washing over her face.
She sighed inwardly, cursing the unfairness of the world.
Seeing her gloomy expression, Nanashi glanced at Yukino and gestured subtly.
"Comfort her."
Yukino frowned slightly.
Why don't you do it yourself?
But she still spoke in a soft, reassuring tone.
"Don't worry, Miko-san. As long as you pretend not to see them, they won't be able to harm you."
Miko bit her lip.
"But… they're so terrifying…"
Tears of frustration welled up in her eyes.
The first time she encountered an evil spirit, she had been completely paralyzed with fear.
Yukino, having once been in the same position, understood.
Even now, despite her ability to fight back, some spirits were still terrifying.
No matter how much training one had, fear was instinctive.
After a moment of thought, Yukino made a suggestion.
"You could join our club. At the very least, you'll be safe here."
Miko looked at Nanashi, her eyes still watery.
"C-can I?"
Nanashi nodded.
"Of course."
It wasn't a big deal to have another club member.
Later, Miko also added both of them to her contact list.
Nanashi didn't explicitly tell her, but—
If she ever found herself facing a problem she couldn't handle…
She could come to him.
Because someone like her—someone naturally attuned to the paranormal—was bound to encounter more bizarre things in the future.
After Miko left to get an application form from Shizuka Hiratsuka, only Nanashi and Yukino remained in the clubroom.
Nanashi rolled his shoulders, feeling a dull ache.
Too much movement yesterday.
All because of Eriri.
Damn, she really went all out.
She had tried everything—all sorts of tricks.
Even some he hadn't known about.
It was as if, after crossing a certain limit, Eriri's tsundere nature had completely vanished—
And in its place was… unrestrained indulgence.
Truly worthy of being Kashiwagi Eri-sensei.
Lost in thought, Nanashi subconsciously rubbed his shoulder.
Suddenly—
A pair of soft hands pressed gently against his shoulders.
"…"
Nanashi froze.
Yukino had silently walked behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders, kneading them carefully.
Not just Nanashi—
Even Yukino herself seemed surprised by her own actions.