Tokyo Psychic

The sky was a cold, steely gray, vaguely reflected on the glass walls of the station.

Suddenly, a white shadow moved erratically, making people subconsciously think that it was clouds floating in the street, or flocks of pigeons flying by.

An aluminum-magnesium alloy suitcase rolled on the cobblestone road with a rumbling sound on its universal wheels. Then a linen windbreaker fluttered by, and a quiet and lovely girl in a black pleated skirt and a white puff-sleeved shirt stood next to the glass wall and slowly stopped.

An Hesuba looked at the beautiful face that was as beautiful as any celebrity idol in movies and TV shows, and his gloomy mood brightened a little.

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She took a deep breath, then dragged her suitcase to the side of the road and hailed a taxi.

"Hello, I'm going to Shigenjaya in Shidagaya."

"Hmm... Four Tea, it's a very old place. But as far as I know, there don't seem to be any famous idol agencies nearby."

“I’m not a debut artist.”

"Oh, sorry, sorry. After all, you look like an idol, little girl." The driver, a very talkative man in his early thirties, turned on the meter. "It's quite a distance from here to Four Tea, so the fare might be a bit high."

"I can afford it." Never mind the fare. If possible, An and Subaru really wanted to see Kurusu Akatsuki right away.

After receiving a positive answer, the taxi slowly moved forward on the road in front of the station, following the crowded traffic.

An Hesuba leaned his head against the car window. The scenery outside the window was wriggling under the iron curtain-like sky, connecting with the rolling green hills in the distance. Combined with the sound of car horns coming one after another around him, it created a chaotic atmosphere that made people feel bored.

Like the noisy chatter of girls in the teaching building.

"Oh, it's that An He... How dare she come to school?"

"I heard that she has been kept by a big shot..."

"Shh! If she tells the boss, you won't get any roles in the future!"

"Isn't it just relying on a good-looking face? What's so great about it..."

It is such ridicule and sarcasm that does not conceal the true feelings.

Most high school students' thoughts are like this, which are far more complicated than those in elementary and junior high schools. They gradually come into contact with the atmosphere of society in their spare time, and then all kinds of clumsy and immature sides are hatched at this most unpredictable age.

Those who study diligently may develop a dislike for perseverance, even a skepticism. Those who are rebellious may rebel against the rules and bully others to experience what they perceive as "successful," becoming obsessed with the pleasure of such experiences. They may form cliques, rebel against their parents and teachers, and engage in countless absurd acts over the subject of love... Influenced by the overproduction of hormones during adolescence, they begin to perform a series of hilarious, even foolish, dramas on this stage called campus.

To borrow an example from a popular saying in colleges and universities, "You really don't know how to read the atmosphere at all."

Requirements like "reading the atmosphere" are delicately caught between the Japanese emphasis on not causing trouble for others and the prevailing workplace demand for "fitting in." Used in school settings, this is undoubtedly a form of coercion and intimidation. If led by a prominent figure, it can even create a powerful atmosphere, convincing the majority of students to comply—a common source of bullying in schools.

An He Subaru, carrying his schoolbag, felt increasingly embarrassed by the undisguised malicious gazes from those around him.

After going back in time, she finally figured out her current situation.

She is being treated worse than the "school bullying of live-action hosts"——

The school's teachers and management are secretly manipulating the student body's opinions and deliberately inciting their emotions.

Because of this, the relationship between her and her good friends would collapse in just a few days. Even people with normal values ​​and upright beliefs would inevitably gradually change their ideas under the pressure of this environment.

The trend of "sharing An and Subaru's scandals inside and outside the school" is rampant in the art school due to the dirty tricks of adults.

No wonder no matter how much she reported those unfounded rumors to the teachers and the discipline committee, the situation showed no sign of being resolved. In fact, the teachers and student union members even began to believe the rumors...

Even when her parents took some time out from work to come to the school, they only had more sadness and anger on their faces before leaving.

An Hesuba took out his cell phone, turned on the recording software, and prepared a call to the police. Only then did he muster up the courage to walk up to the top floor of the teaching building and knock on the door of the principal's office.

Xin Ma Xiaolian called her early in the morning and asked her to come to school.

If Kurusu Akatsuki had not explained to An and Subaru in the Soul Palace that the principal was just an ordinary person in reality, and that there were no personality mask users who could wield extraordinary powers in the "Shin Kawasaki" Arts School... she would never have dared to return to this school.

In the brightly lit office, the well-dressed principal got straight to the point. "Student An He, the school's investigation into the rumors that have been plaguing you has made new progress."

Hearing this, An He Subaru forced herself to remain calm, because this was a development she had never experienced before time went back.

When she thought about the special ability of "time reversal" she had obtained, and the advice from the girl with black hair and purple eyes, her eyes became more nervous and cautious.

"Please elaborate."

"It's like this... The students involved in the rumor's origins come from powerful families. Dealing with this will be extremely difficult for both the school and your family. So, after consulting with your parents, we've decided to provide you with adequate compensation and a suitable solution."

Xin Ma Xiaolian opened the drawer, took out two transfer application forms and placed them on the table.

"I run another high school in Tokyo where you can complete the rest of your studies. As compensation, if you want to pursue further studies, the school will help you secure a recommendation for a place at a corresponding university. Of course, if you still insist on following your family's wishes and joining the entertainment industry, I will also contact various agencies on your behalf and help you apply for a study tour."

"Considering that studying alone in Tokyo might be inconvenient for you...we will waive all your tuition and fees for the next two years and provide you with a 'study incentive' of 200,000 yen per semester."

Xin Ma Xiaolian made this explanation with a frank look on his face.

Of course, he was not worried that the school's accounts would not be able to clearly explain the whereabouts of the funds... As I said, just make those students who should have received the scholarships suffer.

If you can study in Xiujin, your family is basically not in financial difficulty.

If the scholarship is not enough to cover the expenses, we can still make a little more money from the club funds.

The reason why so much money is given to the twenty or so clubs in the school every month is to deal with emergencies like this one.

The workplace skill that Xin Ma Xiaolian, who calls himself a businessman, is best at is "turning big things into small things and small things into nothing."

An He Subaru looked at the transfer application on the table, "Shujin High School?"

Shinma Xiaolian added, "It's a private high school near Shibuya. The school has already discussed this with your parents, and they both agree with the compensation plan. Now it's up to you."

"I agree too." An Hesuba answered quickly, fearing that the other party would go back on his word.

If conditions permit, she really hopes that in addition to "time travel back", she can also have the ability of "space teleportation", and then immediately go to Tokyo to join the omnipotent mind thief.

......

Passed through the bustling city.

Suddenly, there was a dense drizzle outside the car window, which soon turned into a heavy downpour. The water curtain covered the sky and the earth, washing away the hustle and bustle of the city.

pat, pat.

Bean-sized raindrops hit the roof of the car in torrents, making dense and compact crisp sounds.

After paying the fare to the driver in front who was wearing white gloves and square-framed glasses, An He Subaru pulled up the hood of his coat, picked up his suitcase, and strode towards the street ahead.

The long boots stepped on the wet asphalt ground, and the universal wheels of the suitcase made a rumbling sound.

Running alone in the narrow paths of Shigenjaya, with the huge city sky as the background and the rain slanting down, I felt the surge of emotion and ambition of leading thousands of troops to conquer cities in an unfamiliar territory.

Having escaped from the arts school that had given her so many bad memories, and from Kawasaki where the threat of death was lingering, An Hesuba felt more relaxed than ever before, which made her steps seem light and agile.

Suddenly, a white light appeared on the horizon, followed by a series of deafening thunder.

The rain suddenly became heavier.

The flames of passion were extinguished in an instant, and the rain curtain like a waterfall came crashing down on the girl, soaking her thoroughly.

An Hesuba covered his forehead with one hand to block the rain, and fled to the eaves of a nearby house in a very embarrassed manner.

Her carefully styled hair and light makeup were a little messy, her coat was soaked, crystal clear water droplets stuck to the hem of her skirt, her black tights were covered with dark water marks here and there, and rainwater had dripped into her boots, making her feel very wet and uncomfortable.

She sighed heavily, then held up her skirt with one hand and sat down on the steps behind her in a distracted manner. She took out her mobile phone with water stains on the screen from her pocket and found the user with the nickname "Big Space People Are Really Scary" on Line.

The exquisitely crafted suitcase was left in the rain to test its waterproof and sealing performance on behalf of the review blogger.

The eaves were too narrow, and rain kept drifting in, leaving dark water spots on the front of the boots.

The expensive pantyhose were soaked, and the inside of the boots also felt damp, causing the stockings to stick tightly to the soles of the feet, creating a wet, itchy, and greasy feeling that made people feel uncomfortable.

An Hesuba kept wiping the raindrops falling on the screen of his mobile phone with his sleeves, and his slender fingers kept tapping on the numeric keypad.

[Pleia: Where is the Phantom Thief?!]

[Big Universe people are really scary: If you have something to say, just say it.]

[Pleia: It's raining heavily! ]

[Big Universe people are really scary: I know.]

[Pleia: What I mean is, can you please save me quickly? My umbrella is in the suitcase.]

After this message was sent, it immediately became "read", but no new reply was received.

"You wouldn't even look up at me."

Kurusu Akatsuki's voice rang out above her head.

An Hesuba subconsciously looked up and saw a young man in white clothes holding a large black umbrella standing in front of her. He leaned forward slightly to block the falling rain for her.

The boy was dressed in his typical coffee shop uniform: a white shirt and black bow tie. His messy hair had been carefully combed, and his glasses, thick enough to reflect light, had been removed and hung from his collar with a string. He stood tall, his back straight. His face, visible through the gloom of the rain, was elongated by shadows, occasionally catching the flashes of lightning in the sky, giving him a breathtakingly handsome appearance.

A pair of dark grey eyes were as clean and bright as a mirror. They did not have the bold and ostentatious desires of adolescent boys of the same age, nor were they filled with the greed fermented by alcohol like that of adult men. The wrinkles at the corners of the eyes when smiling seemed to be filled with covetousness. They just reflected An Hesuba's own eyes like a mirror, allowing her to clearly see her own embarrassment, shyness, timidity, and an awkward helplessness at this moment.

The boy took a step back with his umbrella, and the frighteningly clean mirror moved away.

At this moment, accompanied by a loud thunder in the sky, lightning flashed, illuminating his figure palely.

Like a famous sword forged by a craftsman with great effort, it stood straight in the pouring rain. The shiny white blade illuminated the shyness hidden deep in the girl's heart, making her heart beat faster than ever before. The thumping sound was like the muffled beat of a drum.

Kurusu Akatsuki extended his hand towards her. "Let's go together. I'll take you to the store and sit for a while. At least dry the water off your hair first, or you'll be sick tomorrow."

An He Subaru couldn't say any words to refuse... To be exact, she had forgotten how to speak at this moment, and just obediently placed her left hand in Kurusu Akatsuki's palm.

Kurusu Akatsuki calmly released her hand and instead grasped her slender wrist. "It's raining really hard."

*

*

(P5X has opened a park with the same name as the book club, "Shishi Jumping Dojo". The park ID is 100041432. Friends who have not yet quit P5X can join in and play together.)

(Since it has been mentioned, let me also mention the group number of the book club: 808845488.)

056. My bed is quite big (two in one)

The rain is getting heavier and heavier, and it will probably be difficult for LeBron to do business today.

Sojiro Sakura handed over the store to Akatsuki Kurusu early in the morning, and then went home to supervise Jinna Isen to complete her homework.

This girl has been a bit passive about her studies lately. The painful experience of failing the opening exams still has a subtle effect on her...

Suddenly, I heard a car passing by on the road a little further away, tearing up puddles all over the ground. The accumulated water on the road was stirred up and hit the low walls on both sides like turbulent waves. Water droplets splashed and left traces on the wall that looked like splashed ink.

The noise was short-lived, and soon the only sound could be heard was the rapid raindrops hitting the red and white awning across the door. It was a long time before a figure holding an umbrella hurried past.

There were no customers in the coffee shop.

Kurusu Akatsuki, dressed in work clothes, was busy behind the counter. The warm light cast his swaying shadow on the mahogany table.

Soon, as the white steam rose, the rich aroma of coffee filled the air.

An and Subaru sat at the dining table in the corner. Their long hair, which had been dried with a hair dryer, was draped messily behind their shoulders. Their wet pantyhose had been taken off, crumpled into a ball and thrown into the trash can beside the table.

Beneath a black pleated skirt, two round, straight thighs, as white and smooth as ivory, peeked out. Below, a faint line, as light and fluid as a crescent moon, traced with colored pencils, resembled the mysterious and elegant smile Leonardo da Vinci inked for the Mona Lisa. Faint water marks cast a soft halo in the light, like the moon peeking through water. Such flawless beauty, immersed in the hazy vision, made it almost impossible to avert one's eyes.

The long boots soaked with rainwater were hung upside down in the corner of the bathroom, with intermittent drops of water dripping down.

Kurusu Akatsuki brought her a pair of slippers. Now the girl put her two clean white feet under the table in the slippers, and her toes would curl up nervously because of the sudden uneasiness or shyness.

An He Subaru took out his cell phone, which was running low on battery, and fiddled with it repeatedly. In fact, his eyes always raised a little upwards when he wasn't paying attention, looking over the screen, and the busy figure of Kurusu Akatsuki was reflected in his violet eyes.

Monotonous chat bubbles flashed on Line's homepage, and the phone vibrated, causing An and Subaru, who had been in a daze for a while, to shudder. They quickly lowered their heads and began to respond to their parents' concern.

The hanging TV was broadcasting the popular noontime program "Searching for the Truth of the Out-of-Control Incident," but ever since the "young detective" Goro Akechi, who was used as a selling point by the program team, announced that he would permanently suspend his activities, its ratings have been declining... In the final analysis, it was the program team's deliberate gimmick of showing off the "beautiful young detective" that backfired... The detective they had high hopes for has been lying in the intensive care unit as a victim of the "out-of-control incident" for a month, and until now there is no sign of waking up.

After a while, a porcelain cup with a bamboo tray was placed on the table.

With the sound of rustling, Kurusu Akatsuki took off her apron and sat on the inside of the sofa chair opposite An and Subaru.

"The extra two spoons of cream and sugar in the Ole Latte neutralize the sourness of the coffee and provide a clearer layer of flavor. Girls will probably like it."

"Thank you..." An Hesuba said palely, then looked at the flame-shaped latte art floating in the cup.

She tentatively picked up the cup and took a sip. The scorching heat touched her fingertips and was released as quickly as an electric current. Then a faint numbing sensation flowed through her fingers and spread throughout her body.

Her eyes widened slightly.

This is a taste experience that can be called "delicious".

The warm feeling quickly fell to the stomach, and then bloomed all over the body, as gentle and magnificent as a sea of ​​flowers blooming.

Kurusu Akatsuki picked up her phone and checked the time. "Do you have any plans for today?"

"My current plan is to find a suitable apartment to rent near the school."

Kurusu Akatsuki surveyed her now rather disheveled appearance. "It's not safe for a girl to go out and rent a room in the rain dressed like this alone... I'll go with you, and we can chat about 'time travel' on the way."

An Hesuba was stunned, and for a moment he was confused about what kind of emotion caused the sudden throbbing in his heart.