Chapter 9: Don’t You Have Any Friends?

“You… are you trying to pin this on me? Because I suddenly let go of your hand, this happened?”

You snapped back to her senses. Just now, she had been so furious she almost crushed this annoying girl in front of her into dust—if not for remembering that that person was still somewhere in the academy.

“That’s not what I meant… I-I’ll go buy the drinks first.”

Seeing that You didn’t bring up the fact that she had kissed her forehead, Bai Yuan relaxed a little. It’d be best not to mention it at all—just pretend it never happened.

She turned toward the vending machine, raising a hand to touch her slightly swollen lips.

The reason she hadn’t felt pain earlier was because the impact had numbed it instantly. Luckily, You had cushioned her—otherwise, she would’ve slammed straight into the wall.

Back where she stood, You lifted a hand and touched the spot that had been kissed. There was nothing left there physically…

But in her heart, a strange sensation lingered—something she had never experienced before, even as a god.

Watching Bai Yuan fumbling awkwardly at the vending machine, You puffed her cheeks and muttered unhappily:

“She’s just a clumsy idiot… there are plenty like her. What’s so worth observing?”

“Master, what did that feel like just now? Was it fragrant? Sweet?”

Mo Xiao popped up from the ink sea, curiously asking. That had been a kiss after all—on You’s face!

“There was no feeling at all! I didn’t even react in time. My lips still hurt now.”

The sensation had returned to Bai Yuan’s lips—a faint burning sting.

“Ohhh~ I see. Your lips are fine, Master. If you want, I can treat them later.”

Mo Xiao knew she couldn’t let Bai Yuan keep disliking her. She needed Bai Yuan’s trust for her plans to work.

And besides… seeing Bai Yuan hurt made her feel a bit pained too.

“I forgot to ask what kind of drink you like, You. I just bought mint soda. If you don’t like it, I can get something else.”

Bai Yuan returned with two drinks. You was sitting on a small stool beside the vending machine.

This was a secluded corner of the school… hopefully no one had seen what happened earlier. Bai Yuan sat down, her mind full of worry.

“It’s… alright. Next time, pick a different flavor.”

You held the drink with both hands and took a cautious sip. It was cool and refreshing—but also strange. She wasn’t used to it.

“I see… I’ve never tried it either. I’ll treat you to something else next time.”

Bai Yuan felt a bit guilty. She had only picked mint because of You’s scent… she thought You might like it.

After all, her hair had smelled like that earlier.

“Let’s go. Stop wasting time—we’ll be late for the next class.”

You didn’t finish the drink. She stood up and casually tossed it into the trash, then walked off toward the office on her own.

“Ah—wait for me!”

Bai Yuan glanced at the trash can sadly, then hurried after her.

“Hah~ looks like she didn’t like it much. Next time, get her something spicy—I bet she has weird tastes, hehe~”

Mo Xiao stood barefoot on the surface of the ink sea in human form, the empty world stretching endlessly around her.

“I think you’re the one who’d like that. Next time I’ll make you drink spicy soup.”

Bai Yuan snapped back irritably.

“Trashy Master~ you can’t even cook. You probably couldn’t even make spicy soup, trash~”

Mo Xiao narrowed her eyes smugly, tilting her chin up in a very punchable way.

Bai Yuan’s expression darkened further.

After entering the office, the two found their homeroom teacher—Ms. Semir, the same one from earlier.

“You, is something wrong? You can tell the teacher if you have any difficulties.”

Semir had long beige hair tied into a low ponytail. Mo Xiao took one look at her and felt… this person wouldn’t end well.

And indeed—if memory served, in her previous life, this teacher had died tragically during an attack on the academy.

“Teacher, don’t you see there’s someone next to me? Yesterday, you assigned this seat to someone else. Should I find a new seat now?”

You’s tone was casual, almost disrespectful. Bai Yuan’s heart trembled at hearing it.

Was it really okay to talk to a teacher like that?

She nervously edged closer to You—if things went wrong, she’d just grab You and run.

“You are…?”

Only after You’s reminder did Semir seem to notice Bai Yuan’s existence—but clearly, she didn’t remember her.

“I’m Bai Yuan. I transferred here a month ago. That seat was originally assigned to me.”

Bai Yuan lowered her head, speaking softly. She was already used to this kind of reaction.

Not exactly common—but not rare either.

“Oh—right, I remember now. The girl with White Paperization. Sorry, sorry… You two can go to the music room and bring an extra desk and chair.”

Semir froze for a moment before suddenly recalling, her face flushing slightly with guilt.

A month ago, she had even reminded herself not to forget this student… yet she still did.

“I’m sorry, Bai. I didn’t notice earlier. If anything like this happens again, come to me right away.”

“I might make mistakes, so feel free to remind me.”

She wanted to avoid this happening again—perhaps more interaction would help.

Bai Yuan paused briefly, then shook her head.

“It’s fine… things like this can’t really be helped.”

Watching her small figure leave, Semir felt an indescribable discomfort.

White Paperization… they had only heard of it before. Now, seeing it firsthand—it truly was terrifying.

“Bai Yuan… don’t you have any friends?”

The sudden question froze Bai Yuan in place.

It felt like her heart had been pierced straight through.

“…No.”

She forced a small smile as she answered softly.

She used to have friends.

But after spending some time together… they would drift away. Forget her.

Even after transferring here, she had tried to make friends—but it didn’t work.

Sometimes she would chat with classmates, but soon after, they would ignore her again.

Even her deskmate barely interacted with her.

Clearly, her White Paperization had worsened… and so had her situation.

“How about I become your first friend?”

You turned slightly, her long purple hair swaying as a faint minty fragrance drifted toward Bai Yuan.

For some reason, Bai Yuan’s eyes reddened.

“W-Why…? I’ve already caused you so much trouble today. And being friends with someone like me… it’s basically like being friends with a ghost, right?”

Bai Yuan felt afraid.

She had heard words like this before—but they never ended well.

She was afraid of going through that again.

Yesterday, someone could call themselves her friend… and today, they would forget her completely.

Even promises to “remember her forever” meant nothing in the end.

She knew it was all because of her condition—not their fault.

But her heart had still been hurt… again and again.

“Maybe because you look pitiful. And… you’re pretty bold.”

Hearing such a different answer, Bai Yuan didn’t dare meet those deep violet eyes. She turned her flushed face away.

Of course… it’s to observe you better—and stop that person from interfering.

You’s true thoughts had nothing to do with the gentle smile on her cute face.