Youji knew very well why, after returning to school as one of the dead, she had ended up at the same school as Akie. It was because, in the saddest days of her childhood, she had met Akie Takasugi—a girl her own age who had not rejected her.
Because of that, even though she had forgotten the sorrowful memories of her childhood, she still valued Akie Takasugi deeply in her subconscious, cherishing the friendship between them.
"Who are we meeting tomorrow?"
"Mm, you should know her. Her name is Shibata Tsugumi."
"Huh? Teacher Shibata?" she said in surprise, looking up at the gloomy sky. "The person you were talking to by the river back then was Teacher Shibata?"
"That's right. It's going to rain," Jiu Ming suddenly said. As if the heavens were proving his words true, huge raindrops came pouring down the very next moment. However, Jiu Ming had already produced a large transparent umbrella, keeping every drop from the sky outside.
"That's so convenient. You can pull out so many things," Youji said in amazement. Even though this was not the first time she had seen Jiu Ming do it, she was still surprised. He always managed to produce exactly what was needed when the occasion called for it.
"Ha, just a little trick. Shall we head back?"
"...I want to stay here a little longer." After hesitating for a moment, Youji spoke apologetically. "Sorry for the trouble..."
"Mm, it's fine, it's fine. I don't have anything to do anyway." Jiu Ming smiled and waved for her not to mind. Still, he first had to scoff at how stingy this world was. Its rejection force was increasing far too quickly. By his estimate, in less than two days—no, perhaps not even two days—his "passport" would expire completely, and