CHAPTER 5 - Last Days of Vacation
(POV - Saik)
It's been almost two months since I started living with Yuki, and I have to admit I'm enjoying it more than I thought.
My parents are no longer with me, and I'll probably never see them again, not even in the afterlife. I hold onto the hope of going to paradise, but I carry a lot of sins. Being able to see them will depend solely on God's will.
That's why I'll try to enjoy my life as much as I can.
"Ahhhhh! I was about to win! That's not fair!"
"Life's not fair, my little loser."
"I demand a rematch!"
"Alright, let's go for your 35th defeat of the day."
"You're counting them?! You're a jerk!"
Yuki smiled and puffed out her chest with pride—or fake pride—while I set up a new race in this racing game.
Having money let me indulge in a lot of luxuries. Well, "luxuries" is one way to put it. Since my family used to be rich, these luxuries were normal for me, so I don't really consider them that luxurious, having grown up with this lifestyle. But now that my money's limited, I guess they are luxuries.
Multiple gaming consoles, physical video games instead of digital (for collecting), a bunch of anime figures Yuki asked for since I don't watch anime, manga (Yuki's), novels (mine), a giant TV, and a ping-pong table.
Yuki's an otaku, and I'm more of a gamer and reading addict. My parents raised me with the habit of reading a book a month if I wanted surprise gifts, and I started reading a book a week to get four gifts a month. I loved reading so much that it just became an addiction.
I love mystery novels and hate fantasy novels. I don't know, they feel repetitive, though I admit I like some, mostly the comedic ones.
"Fufu. Plebeian, you were lucky that the great and beautiful Yuki took pity on you and let you win, but that pity's over! Prepare to lose, mortal! Muahahahaha!" she said, ending with a diabolical laugh.
"You let yourself lose 34 times? Such humility, miss."
"O-of course I did, and I'll prove it!"
"We'll see."
The game started.
Ah, yeah, I admit I enjoy this kind of thing a lot.
I spend my time reading and studying, while Yuki plays video games or watches TV. Having free time to enjoy an afternoon playing video games with Yuki is pretty relaxing and fun.
I'd worry about being detected by some kind of technology, noticing someone's playing with me despite being alone at home, but thanks to some contacts I made in the past, I can use my computer, consoles, and phone without any fear. I even got Yuki her own phone, with the only condition that she doesn't use social media or at least doesn't create any accounts. That would be suspicious.
Ah, well, I'm about to win. First place. Looks like the humble Yuki's still just as humble, huh?
"Uwaaaah! What's that?!"
Huh?
Yuki pointed at something to my right. A ghost? Weird, I didn't sense its presence.
I turned to my right. I don't see anything. Did it hide?
"What'd you see, Yuki? Describe the ghost."
"Hahahahahaha! I won!"
What?
Ah, she won the race. Did Yuki trick me?
"Fufu. I know, I know, I'm awesome. You can kneel before me and kiss my feet, plebeian."
"It's 'lick my shoes.' Kissing feet turns into something sexual and erotic instead of humiliating. Plebeians are humiliated, Yuki."
"Then lick my shoes, plebeian! Hahahahahaha!"
"You're barefoot, and I'd rather not. I don't have that fetish, much less with a little girl."
"N-don't take it so literally, idiot! It's a phrase to humiliate the loser, in this case, you! Hahahahahaha!"
"And winning by cheating is something to celebrate?"
"Fufu. No, no, no. Saik, how naive. The method doesn't matter; only the results do! That's what you get for getting distracted so easily! Hahahahahaha!"
"Ah, I see. Winning no matter the method. Yeah, I agree with that. 1-34. I'm still winning anyway. Good luck catching up."
"C-can't you give me 33 of your wins? Pretty please," she said, lying on the couch in a position that reminds me of dogs wanting belly rubs.
Wow, wow. So adorable, but I won't fall for that trick.
"Trying to manipulate me? Taking advantage of how cute you are? You're so evil, Yuki."
"If you pet me, I'll take it as a yes."
She pressed her index fingers together, and… are her eyes getting teary?
"Do it for your little sister, big brother. Don't be cruel."
What a great actress you are, Yuki. I bet your mother was some kind of spy or secret agent. Did she teach you to use your charm to manipulate people?
Yuki, lying on the couch like a puppy wanting belly rubs, pressing her index fingers together, looking at me with sad puppy eyes.
No, Saik, hold on, you have to hold on. Those victories took a lot of effort; you can't give them away.
You're much stronger than her. Resist her charms. Come on, trust yourself. Just resist. Believe in your willpower.
"Yes, I won!!" Yuki shouted, celebrating.
Why's she celebrating…? Ah, my hand's petting her head.
Traitorous hand.
I'm petting her head because my body betrayed me and acted on pure instinct, an instinct to pet something adorable.
It's like finding a little puppy on the street, jumping around you. It's impossible not to stop and pet it.
Yuki's like a little puppy, and I compare her to one because Yuki prefers dogs over cats.
I was going to get her a dog, but later, when I learn more about them and how to care for them.
But, putting that aside, Yuki's incredible. She made my body disobey me, and I petted her head, letting her manipulate me with her adorableness. What a terrifying power you have, Yuki.
"Yeah, yeah, you won. You're lucky you're adorable."
She pinched my nose with her right foot's toes.
"Fufu. Say it again, loser."
"You're adorable, Yuki. Happy?" I said, my voice sounding different since Yuki's blocking my nose with her toes.
"I know, I know, no need to flatter me so much, loser. Hahahahahaha!"
"But you're the one who told me to say it again."
"Was it that, or because your heart wanted to say it again? Be honest with me, Saik, I don't bite," she said, winking.
I really don't understand Yuki's behavior sometimes.
She got up from the couch and petted my head.
"Sorry, I have to reject your feelings for me; you're too cold. Come back with a smile on your face, and I'll think about it."
"Huh? Did I just get rejected without asking for anything? You're acting weirder than usual, Yuki. You feeling okay?"
"It's a joke, Saik, a joke! You really can't tell jokes and sarcasm from reality?"
"Ah, a joke… Do normal people tell jokes?"
"Of course they do. Have you never told one?"
"I see… Thanks for the info, Yuki."
Jokes, huh? I wonder if I can tell a funny joke.
"Well, I'm going to shower. Look how tired and sweaty I am after humiliating you so much. Uffffff. I need a good bath."
"Alright."
She went to the bathroom, and I lay on the couch.
Let's see… Normal people tell jokes. Noted. In what context should I tell jokes? I guess I'll figure it out through trial and error.
Being a normal person is really hard, harder than I imagined. Will I be able to do it? I hope so.
… I touched my nose.
Feeling Yuki's little toes on my nose reminded me of someone, but who? Not my parents, it reminded me of a little girl I met in the past, but I don't remember her name or face.
Weird… Hana? Yeah, I think her name was Hana… I think… Ah, whatever, if I don't remember her, she probably wasn't that important to me.
Ah… Well, a little nap wouldn't hurt.
•
•
(POV - Yuki)
I left my clothes on the floor. After all, they're ghost clothes; they can't get wet or dirty! Hahahahahaha! Being a ghost has its perks, though…
"Uffffff. It's cold."
Being a ghost who seems alive has downsides like this, feeling cold.
When I was a normal ghost, before meeting Saik, I always felt the same temperature, never too cold or too hot.
"But at least the cold makes me feel alive."
Sigh…
I looked in the mirror and touched my chest.
So flat. Even Saik has bigger breasts than me! Well, pecs, but they're bigger than mine!
I wish ghosts could grow, or at least control their appearance.
Being a little girl is so inconvenient, but there's nothing I can do.
Sigh, my butt's so small too. My feet, my hands, my… cough, cough. Everything's so small.
I think now that I've interacted with other girls my age, I realized how much I lost when I died. Among the girls I spied on at school, I saw some who were in my elementary school. And they all had big thighs, big breasts, and a butt…! Well, not that big, but bigger than mine, yes!
I can't help feeling so inferior and insignificant compared to them, since I grew up with a mega ultra super mega sexy mother. I even added two "megas" because, yes, my mother was that sexy! They called her the Snow Princess for her elegance and beauty. Oh, and for our white hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Well, hers, but since I inherited her looks, fufu, that nickname was for me too.
Yuki means "snow" in some countries, and it's also the name of the snow spirit. A perfect name for me, a girl destined to be the next Snow Princess.
I always dreamed of becoming like my mother—mature, intelligent, beautiful, and sexy. She could make men do whatever she wanted with her charms. Fufu. I even remember once a man paid for a whole month's groceries, and the only payment he got from my mother was a kiss on the cheek, and that was more than enough to make him happy.
I wonder if I was the product of a rape. I mean, my mother only saw men as objects; I never saw her in love with a man, and when I asked about my father, she'd change the subject, never told me about him.
Am I the daughter of a famous crime syndicate leader? If so, I demand my share of the business! I'll assemble a squad and break my mother out of prison by force!
Or I would, if I didn't have morals. You're lucky I'm a good and beautiful girl!
"I wonder if there's a way to grow, even as a ghost."
I turned on the bathtub faucet. Kya! Hot, hot!
I-I need to add more cold water.
… There… Perfect!
I got into the tub.
Ah, this is the life… Well, I'm already dead. Hahahahahaha!
I wash my hair, my arms, my censored parts, and my legs.
La, la, la, la.
Ah…
"I'm hungry."
•
•
After a nice bath, I put on the clothes Saik bought me for home and went downstairs to keep playing.
Or should I watch something on TV? Saik doesn't like anime, but I think a horror or comedy movie might interest him.
Oh, how cute. He's asleep… I think. His hair makes it hard to tell if he's asleep or just lying there, waiting for me.
I got closer and lifted his hair.
Yeah, he seems asleep. How cute… Wow… Sometimes I forget how handsome he is.
I saw pictures of his parents. His mother was very, very, very beautiful, almost as much as mine, and Saik inherited her eyes. His father was very cute and adorable, almost as much as me, and Saik… Hmm… Let's see… He inherited… His build? I think so. His father looks like him in terms of appearance, but there are differences, like Saik's long black hair and eyes identical to his mother's. His father had somewhat long hair, but not that long, and his eyes were adorable, not beautiful. He was like a little puppy. His face was feminine, and Saik has a more masculine expression. If his father's hair had been a bit longer, anyone could've mistaken him for a woman.
Saik's the son of a very adorable man and a very beautiful woman. He's got powerful genes that he wastes by hiding his face.
So many men would kill to have your looks, Saik, and you waste them. Well, it's your life, your choice. I'm just a freeloader; I've got no right to judge you.
"Rest well."
I kissed his forehead.
Wow, such soft skin… This… Ah…
I gave him another kiss, this time on the cheek.
Fufu. I have an idea… Ah, I don't have lipstick. Too bad… Well, one more and that's it.
I kissed his chin.
Fufu. Be jealous, girls of the world; you'd love to kiss a guy like Saik… Well, a guy with Saik's looks, because personality-wise, this guy's more expressionless than a rock.
… Hmm… Sigh…
I touched his lips. They're so… soft… Maybe… Just a little wouldn't hurt… Nooooo!
I slapped my hand and backed away from him.
I'm a proper lady, not a pervert! I-I'll watch TV to distract myself.
… Distract myself… Wait, hasn't Saik been studying?!
I haven't seen him study since he got here, and he said he'd study all the time.
Let's see… We have breakfast together, he goes to his room while I wash dishes, I watch TV, we eat together, he goes to his room while I wash dishes, we play video games together, he goes to his room while I watch TV, and then we have dinner together, and he goes to sleep.
Does he study in his room? I don't go in there to avoid bothering him, but I haven't checked.
I'm starting to doubt his promise.
•
•
Saik told me he'd study a lot, but…
"You're a slacker."
He was still lying on the couch, sleeping. He spent the whole day sleeping! I tried waking him up several times, but I couldn't; he's a heavy sleeper.
Sorry, Saik, but you forced me to use brute force. I'll wake him up by jumping on him. Dinner's ready, and I don't want it to get cold. Fufu. Even someone like me can fry pork chops.
I floated above him and let myself fall.
I landed right on him, and our heads collided. Ow, ow, ow! I should've thought this part of the plan through better! That hurt!
"H-hey, wake up, princess, and no kiss because this prince's kisses aren't something you've earned yet!"
Saik yawned and rubbed my forehead. H-hey, don't do that without warning, idiot!
"Huh? What's going on? And why do you have a bump on your forehead?"
"Huh?!"
Kyaaaaaa! It's true, I have a bump! Why did I do something so stupid?! I'm such an idiot!
"You look funny."
"W-well, you've got a bump too!"
I lifted his hair to tease him. Huh?! Why doesn't he have a bump?!
"Good luck next time; my body's not that easy to damage."
"That's not fair!"
"Wait… There, I fixed it."
Huh? It's true, it's gone!
"How'd you do that?!"
"I just stopped using my power on you, and when I take it away, you go back to being a regular ghost. I gave it back, don't worry."
Oh, right, when I'm under Saik's power, I'm still a ghost, but a ghost with a body similar to a living one, able to digest food and feel things. That's why I got a bump, because I was like a living person, and it went away when I went back to being a ghost without a physical body. So convenient!
"The beautiful Yuki is back! I know, I know, I was still beautiful even with a bump, but don't say it, Saik, or you'll make me blush. Fufu."
"But I didn't say anything."
"Don't get shy, Saik. Ahhhhh! That's right! Don't be a slacker, it's 8 p.m.! Wake up!"
"Yes, Mom."
He yawned and got up.
"Hey, weren't you going to study? Instead of sleeping all day, use your time to study, at least an hour a day."
"Yeah. Sorry."
"You need to take studying more seriously, Saik. Don't fall asleep."
"Ah… Yeah… Sorry."
"Let's go eat dinner."
Sigh, this guy's hard to understand. Is he really trying to study? I don't think so.
•
•
Sigh. I'm a ghost, but I still need to use the bathroom. One of the downsides of eating again. I wish the food would disappear from my stomach like the bump did!
I left my room and headed to the bathroom. On tiptoes, so I wouldn't wake Saik. Or, well, floating. Fufu.
Huh? That's weird.
"The light's on?"
Saik still has his light on. It's 3 a.m.; he probably forgot to turn it off.
Hey, Saik, don't waste electricity; it's expensive! You're not a millionaire anymore, stop living like one, Saik.
I went into his room to turn it off.
Huh? W-what?
Is this real? Am I not dreaming?
"Need something, Yuki?"
"Ah… Um… N-no… Sorry, I thought you were asleep."
"Wanted to watch me sleep? Should I feel creeped out?"
"N-no…! Sorry."
I closed the door and took a deep breath… What did I just see? Saik's still studying…? It's 3 a.m., and Saik's still studying? So, he was actually studying the whole time he was in his room?
"You need to take studying more seriously, Saik. Don't fall asleep."
… I said that to him… I feel awful… He was asleep from exhaustion. I'm an idiot… Saik's not the kind of person who doesn't follow through on what he says.
… I need to reward him for his effort… And I'll apologize to him too… I thought he was a slacker, but he's not.
I need to reward his effort…! Sigh, but I'll think about that later; I need to use the bathroom!
•
•
"Ah, I see… Can you repeat that?"
"Feel lucky; you're getting a date with the cute Yuki!"
"No, thanks. I'm not into little girls. I'd rather avoid legal trouble."
… Did he just tell a joke?!
Wow, that caught me off guard. Well done, Saik! Little by little, you'll stop being a cold, emotionless guy. I'll turn you into someone outgoing and emotional!
"You told a joke at the perfect moment?! You're making progress, Saik."
"Did I tell a joke?"
… Ah, did he say that seriously, without meaning to joke? I'd better not dwell on it for the sake of my mental health.
"Come on, don't be a buzzkill! Let's have fun!"
"But… Why? So sudden."
"You need to rest, Saik. Let's go to the amusement park."
"Too many people. No, thanks."
True, Saik's antisocial… Asocial? Whatever.
He doesn't like being around people.
Let's see, a fun place Saik might like. Hmm…
"The movies?"
"Hmm… Sure, let's go. It'll be quiet."
"Yay! Let's go!"
You've studied enough, my esteemed helmet-hair knight. Fun is necessary for progress too!
•
•
And here we are, at the movies.
I took a deep breath. Ah, the smell of popcorn, candy… Ah, this is so cozy.
Couples, groups of friends, parents with their kids. Such a nice family atmosphere.
… I think that girl's not with her dad, since she kissed him on the lips. How many years apart are they?! 30?! That old guy must have a ton of money.
But aside from that scene, it's a really nice place.
And I want to make my stay even better by scamming this place! Muahahahaha!
"Yes, there, let's go, let's go!"
I slipped inside a claw machine to cheat and win this teddy bear plushie. Fufu. I'll get revenge for all those years of playing and winning nothing! Well, I did get plushies, but because my mom won them for me. I'll make them pay for my suffering!
Yes, we won!
Saik took the plushie and put it in his backpack.
"One more time!"
"I've won 5; I think that's enough."
Hey, I wanted more…! Though I guess it'd be suspicious to keep winning. Yeah, we'd better stop with what we've got.
"Sir, sir, could you win one for me? Please! You always win!"
A little girl, about 7, approached Saik with her mom and showed him a coin for him to play for her.
"Please, we'd appreciate it. We've tried a lot and always fail," her mom said.
I-I know Saik, so he'll say no. I need to stop him! Don't be so cruel, Saik!
"Sure."
… Huh? He agreed?!
Saik took the coin and put it in the machine.
"Well, I guess it's my turn."
I slipped inside the machine.
"Which one do you want, kid?"
"The dolphin, please!"
"Alright."
The dolphin's… here.
I place my fingers on the sides of the dolphin, from below, so no one suspects an invisible hand grabbed it. With two fingers, when the claw grabs it, only minimal force is needed to make sure the claw holds it and doesn't let go.
Done.
The claw grabs it and starts rising, and I hold the dolphin so it doesn't fall.
Good, we're doing good… We won!
He picked up the dolphin and gave it to the little girl.
"Thank you so much, sir!"
"You're welcome."
Saik walked away, and I floated beside him.
"Fufu. You're in a good mood today, huh? Did my date invite excite you that much? Fufu."
"A mother will always worry about her kids. It's hard for me to say no to a loving mother's request. It reminds me of mine."
"Yeah, I get that feeling."
Even though he seems cold, Saik has feelings too.
"Hey, hey!"
Huh? A girl grabbed Saik's arm?! Don't ruin our date…! Wait, Yuki. A girl's flirting with Saik?! Saik, this is your chance to get a girlfriend! Show her your eyes!
This girl is… perfect!! Huge breasts, full lips, curvy, and a beautiful face!! Saik, you hit the jackpot!! Quick, show your eyes!!
"I saw you win a lot of plushies. Could you win one for me? Pretty please."
"I don't want to. Bye."
"Huh?"
Huh?
He pulled his arm away from her and walked off.
… What?!
"Saik, she literally put your arm between her breasts! She liked you!"
"Don't care. Too much hassle."
Hassle?!
Ah, this guy's beyond help.
•
•
Saik already bought his popcorn and candy.
He only got one combo, since bringing two into the theater would be suspicious.
"Ah, there's only one horror movie, and they say it's really scary. You sure you can handle it?"
"Fufu. Don't judge a book by its cover. I'm not a scaredy-cat."
I can't wait to see a scared reaction from Saik. There's no way he doesn't feel fear!
Come on, Saik, show me an expression, you expressionless guy!
"Cris, stop hugging me!"
"I'm scared, Kei! That movie was terrifying!"
"P-people will think we're a couple! Don't hug me like that!"
Wow… Two handsome guys hugging. I just saw something beautiful.
Are they a couple?! How cute!
"It's starting. Let's go."
Goodbye, handsome boys. I wish you luck in your relationship. Use protection! Hahahahahaha!
•
•
Sigh… I regret watching this movie!
"Kya! That looks way too real!"
I-I'm not the only one scared. I've heard a lot of people scream in fear. We're all scared…! Well, almost all.
There's one weirdo here who's not saying anything.
Saik still has the same expression… It's infuriating!
"Ahhhhh!!"
That ghost came out of nowhere…! Though real ghosts are less scary. Stop portraying my kind like that, you racists! We're not ugly or grotesque! Look at me, I'm perfect!
Fufu. I'll take advantage of the situation to make him nervous. Any guy would get nervous or shy if a beautiful girl like me hugs him!
I tightly hugged Saik's arm.
"I-it's really scary."
"Scary…? Yeah… I guess."
Booo. Cold guy. Does nothing scare you…? Kya! Damn jump scares!
•
•
The movie ended, and we left the theater.
I came out pretty satisfied; the movie did its job…! Well, at least with me.
"Uwaaaah! I'm still getting chills!"
Saik sat on a bench, and I sat beside him.
"Wow… It's my first time coming to the movies with a friend… Thanks, Yuki."
"Your first time with a friend? That's too depressing to hear."
Though… it was my first time too… Ahhhhh! Why did that sound so perverted?!
"Sorry?"
"No, sorry, I said something rude… But don't worry, it won't be the last time! We'll come back more times in the future! You can count on cute Yuki's company!"
I gave a thumbs-up and winked.
"Thanks."
… I was hoping for a smile, but his thanks is sincere.
"Let's go."
I didn't get any fun reactions, but at least I made Saik happy… Even if Saik can't show it on his face.
•
•
(POV - Saik)
I always come to the movies alone. I never felt embarrassed about it. And now, for the first time, I came with a friend.
… I have to admit, it feels weird. Is this friendship? It feels strange.
It feels nice to have a trustworthy friend like Yuki… I don't feel comfortable with living humans.
I hope I have more days like this in the future.