Once fear is buried too deeply, overcoming it becos difficult.
That's why the way evil spirits induce fear can actually help people confront their fears head-on.
Weaker evil spirits trigger fear more gradually.
Ren had planned for a slow buildup.
But who would have thought that, because of an unexpected encounter with an acquaintance on Tsukikage Island, the process would be interrupted, forcing a direct confrontation instead?
"...Well, at least the result wasn't bad."
"Not bad?!"
Ran couldn't hold back this ti and snapped.
"I was terrified just now!"
The mory of her breaking down in tears flashed through Ren's mind, and his smile faded slightly.
"...Sorry."
"This ti, I put you through a bad experience."
After venting her frustration, Ran cald down significantly.
"...Fine, I'll accept your apology."
"Amamiya, if sothing like this happens again, at least give us a warning first."
"Getting scared like that out of nowhere is seriously too much."
Evil spirits were truly terrifying.
Ran had never been good with supernatural things, and seeing one up close had nearly made her pass out.
If Ren hadn't covered her mouth in ti, her scream would've brought her father running back.
"...I'll be more careful next ti."
With a hint of guilt, Ren promised not to let it happen so suddenly again.
"That's better."
Ran's anger ca and went quickly.
"Ugh... That evil spirit was really terrifying..."
"Their appearance before death... I can't even imagine what they went through in their final monts."
She finally understood why Ren hadn't let her and Sonoko follow him before.
If the spirits in the mountains all looked like that, reflecting the state of their deaths, there was no doubt she'd be having nightmares for weeks.
"Don't feel too sorry for them."
Hearing Ren's warning, Ran turned and rolled her eyes.
"They were drug dealers. Why would I sympathize with a bunch of criminals?"
Drug dealers didn't deserve even a shred of pity.
Ran was kind, but her kindness didn't extend to people like them.
So criminals might have been forced into their actions or acted out of desperation but not drug dealers.
They chose their path.
Ran pouted as she looked at Ren.
"Amamiya, do I seem like the type to blindly sympathize with criminals in so ridiculous story?"
"...I guess not."
Hearing his answer, Ran sighed.
She was starting to realize why she had turned into nothing more than a background character in the later parts of the story.
She hated those saint-like characters in stories, the ones who showed excessive sympathy for criminals.
Audiences definitely wouldn't like soone like that, either.
That was probably why her presence in the story had been reduced.
"...Amamiya, did I beco a really annoying character later on?"
"..."
His silence was all the answer she needed.
Because of her unpleasant characterization, her role had been diminished.
Most likely, her later appearances were only tied to Shinichi.
Instead of focusing on her story, the narrative probably shifted to Shinichi's devotion to her.
The thought made Ran deeply uncomfortable.
She knew how much Shinichi cared about her.
It was just like how she had once cared so much about Shinichi.
But... did their connection really have to be frad like that?
"Amamiya."
She looked at him seriously.
"Don't associate with the story's version of ."
"I am the real, living Ran."
"I may be kind, and sotis I might even go too far with my emotions."
"But I will never sympathize with criminals."
"Especially drug dealers."
"This is important—don't forget it."
Her voice was firm.
Ren could feel how serious she was.
This was the second ti she had reminded him—stories were stories, but reality was sothing different.
The story contained many forced developnts.
But in reality, those sa constraints didn't exist.
For example, personality differences.
Sonoko, for instance, would likely never experience a cliché "damsel-in-distress" situation, because the Suzuki family's bodyguards were far too competent.
Or soone like Kaguya—given her background, she would never choose Shirogane Miyuki, knowing she was bound by her family's responsibilities.
And then there was Ran.
She wasn't so overly loyal girl who would endlessly wait and give without receiving anything in return.
She could also be hurt.
She could also feel disappointnt.
She was just a normal girl.
Ren took a deep breath, briefly reflecting on his own thoughts.
Then he exhaled, lowered his head slightly in acknowledgnt, and raised his hand toward her.
"Nice to et you, Mouri Ran."
Ran looked at his outstretched hand for a mont—then, with a natural smile, she reached out and shook it.
"Nice to et you, Amamiya Ren."
Neither of them hesitated.
Their hands t, gripped lightly for a mont, and then separated.
"Ohhh~"
Sonoko suddenly leaned in, grinning at Ren teasingly.
"You didn't react as strongly this ti~"
No signs of blushing.
Amamiya sighed.
"Suzuki, I told you, I'm just not good at dealing with girls who make the first move."
"I can interact with girls normally."
Yes, sotis being around girls made his heart race.
But the truth was, in his past life, he had very little experience interacting with the opposite sex.
Sonoko had been the first girl to openly tease him like this.
And last night? Please. Anyone would have reacted the way he did after what Fujiwara showed.
Just because soone has seen adult content doesn't an they're so kind of expert.
When a situation calls for innocence, you will be innocent.
When a situation is awkward, you will be awkward.
"Heh~"
Sonoko clasped her hands behind her back and stepped closer to Ren.
"Since you can interact normally, maybe you should start using more casual nas?"
She turned to Ran.
"What do you think, Ran?"
Now that the topic had shifted to her, Ran gave it so serious thought before nodding slightly.
"Yeah, I think we should be on a first-na basis."
"We're in the sa club, and Amamiya's already so connected to us."
"If that's the case, it makes sense to drop the formalities."
With Ran's approval, Sonoko's smile grew even brighter.
"Well, Ran has agreed, so Amamiya, you don't have any objections, right?"
"...I don't."
"Good! Then, from now on, just call Sonoko."
"And you can call Ran."
Ren nodded slightly.
***
Bonus for 600 PS next bonus at 800 PS.
Support on patreon to read 20 advanced Chapters: /Blownleaves.
Reviews
All reviews (0)