Hachiman Hikigaya sighed. The price wasn't the problem with the talismans; it was his problem. The talismans were already cheap enough. He was simply too poor.
"Thank you."
Miko's voice came from beside him. Hachiman turned his head and saw a complicated light flickering in her eyes—an indescribable joy, like someone who had trekked through darkness for far too long finally catching sight of a glimmer of dawn. Her fingers were still trembling slightly, but the despair from before had vanished from her face.
"I... I really don't know how to thank you."
Miko's voice choked up.
"Do you know? During this time, I was scared every day. Scared they'd notice me, scared I'd lose my mind... Now, finally... finally..."
She suddenly threw herself at him and hugged him tightly. Hachiman's body stiffened slightly. He could feel Miko's tears soaking through his shirt. After hesitating for a moment, he gently patted her back.
"It's all right now."
He eased himself slightly out of the embrace and comforted her softly.
"At least now we have a way to deal with them."
As he spoke, Hachiman opened the Chat Group Mall, gritted his teeth, and bought another ten Ghost Exorcism Talismans. Watching his Points balance fall from double digits to single digits made his heart bleed.
"Here, take ten for now."
He handed the talismans to Miko.
"This is all I can spare right now."
Miko accepted the talismans and carefully placed them into an inner compartment of her schoolbag. Her movements were gentle, as though the talismans were fragile treasures.
"If you need more later, come find me at the Service Club. I'm in Class 2-F at Sobu High School."
Miko nodded and wiped away her tears.
"Thank you, Hachiman Hikigaya. I... I'll make good use of these talismans."
After hesitating