Chapter 4: Mole

It was a school holiday.

Hibiki was out in the city by herself, having no particular plans with Hirose today. Usually, she’d be hanging out with Himari or Umiri, but today was different.

"Hey! Over here! Koharu-chaaan!"

"W-whoa. Hibiki-chan..."

Waving her hand, Hibiki greeted a girl arriving at the meeting spot. She had long black hair with a single braid on the left side, tied with a white ribbon. Despite her stylish hair, she wore a pair of sober-looking glasses that gave her a quiet, intellectual aura.

"We go to the same school, but it feels like it's been forever since we really talked."

"Maybe it's because our classrooms are so far apart... It’s surprising how little we run into each other," the girl replied.

They fell into easy conversation. Koharu—Koharu Kushima—had been Hibiki’s classmate since middle school. Though they’d moved on to the same high school, being in different classes and making new friends meant their opportunities to meet had dwindled.

"By the way, is it just me, or did you get way prettier since the last time I saw you, Hibiki-chan? Did you get a boyfriend?"

"Oh, come on... why does everyone keep saying that? I don't have one!"

Hibiki couldn't help but think it over. He wasn't her boyfriend, but he was certainly someone close to that.

"...I see. Well, you're so cute, Hibiki-chan, I figured you’d find someone in no time~"

"Thanks. ...Honestly, talking to you is the only thing that really helps me relax. Come on, let's get into the cafe!"

Being with a long-time friend provided a sense of security that her "caste-top" classmates couldn't offer. Hibiki was in high spirits; she had actually been planning to talk to Koharu about Hirose today. Their relationship was a secret from the rest of the class, but she felt she could trust Koharu.

Inside the cafe, distinctive air conditioning units shaped like stylish propellers whirled overhead. Being a holiday, the place was packed with a constant stream of customers. They sat down at a table in the recently opened shop, and once their food arrived, they began catching up on each other's lives.

"It’s incredible. Your skin is like a baby's... You’ve really become so beautiful, Hibiki-chan..."

"Stop it... you're staring at me way too hard."

"I can't help it. I'm totally entranced."

Hibiki had changed drastically in the short time they’d been apart. Koharu watched her with an enchanted expression, genuinely happy for her friend's transformation.

Koharu didn't go for the bright, flashy fashion Hibiki favored. She preferred darker colors and more subdued clothing. She was a "literary girl" who loved to read, while Hibiki didn't touch books at all. Despite these differences, they had been friends for a long time.

"...Hey. Is your arm okay?"

After a while, the lighthearted chatter died down. Hibiki couldn't hold it back any longer and finally asked about the thing that had been bothering her: the bandages peeking out from under the sleeve of Koharu’s blouse.

"Oh, this... I was actually planning on telling you about it today."

"Yeah... what happened?"

Koharu rolled up her sleeve, exposing her slender, pale arm. Bandages were wrapped tightly from her wrist to her elbow—a painful sight. Hibiki knitted her brows in concern as Koharu began to explain.

"My dad did this... but it’s finally over now."

"...Wait, it’s over?"

Hibiki had been hearing about the domestic violence Koharu suffered from her father since middle school. Back then, as they became close, Hibiki had slowly noticed something was wrong. Koharu would always avoid the changing rooms during P.E., or hide while she changed. When Hibiki pressed her, Koharu admitted she had bruises from her father and didn't want anyone to see.

Hibiki had wanted to take action, but Koharu begged her not to. She insisted on handling her family problems herself and wouldn't let Hibiki intervene, fearing the violence might turn toward Hibiki as well.

"The divorce finally went through a little while ago. Now I’m living with just my mom and my younger brother. So... it should be fine now."

"I see. That’s great... I mean, I hope it’s okay to say that?"

"Of course! Hehe, you know I’m tougher than I look, right?"

Koharu tried to flex her bandaged arm. She had no muscle to speak of, but the pose conveyed her resilience. Hibiki sighed a "Good grief..." while helping Koharu fix her sleeve.

Hibiki had never seen Koharu cry. But she understood. There wasn't a girl in the world who could endure that kind of treatment without weeping in the shadows.

"I mean, the bruises might never fully fade... but I guess that’s just how it is."

"I seriously can't forgive him... Koharu, you should be able to show off your skin more."

"It’s starting to get cold anyway, so I wouldn't have the chance to show anything off."

As October began, the drop in temperature was becoming noticeable, and people were starting to switch to their autumn wardrobes.

"That’s not what I mean—"

"Hehe, I know."

They were close, but even Hibiki had never seen the full extent of the bruises on Koharu’s body. Occasionally, she’d see the parts that were easy to expose, like her arms. But she knew there were more in places that weren't visible. Her stomach, her legs...

"Let’s stop with the dark talk! We’re supposed to be having fun. —So, about that boy you mentioned earlier... You do like him, right?"

"You mean Hirose..."

During their conversation in the cafe, Hibiki had already mentioned Hirose, though she’d kept the details vague. There were things she simply couldn't say.

Suddenly, a thought struck her.

"Wait...?"

"What is it, Hibiki-chan? Did you start daydreaming about this Hirose-kun?"

"I'm always daydreaming—I mean, no! Wait! Um... I think those bruises... they might be curable."

"...Huh?"

Hibiki’s own skin had been transformed, becoming as beautiful as a baby's. It was a change anyone could see. If it could refresh the skin cells like that, then surely even dark bruises could be healed.

As that thought occurred to her, Hibiki felt a shift within her own body. A new skill—separate from her primary Gift <Desire> and its skill <Desire Vision>—had manifested.

"Hold on a second... <Search for the Fulfiller>."

Hibiki activated her second skill while looking at Koharu. <Search for the Fulfiller> worked by applying <Desire Vision> to a target, allowing Hibiki to find the person who could fulfill that target's deepest wish. Just as she had found Hirose for herself, she could now find the one to grant Koharu's desire. However, only Hibiki could see who that person was.

"Hibiki-chan? What's going on?"

"I’m just... experimenting. I guess there’s no one in this cafe... Yeah, I knew it. It’s Hirose."

Hibiki shook her head as she scanned the other customers for any sign of light. But there was no one who could fulfill Koharu's wish here. She wasn't 100% certain if Hirose was the one who could heal Koharu’s bruises yet. But she had a gut feeling—an unfounded confidence—that he could. And she intended to use <Search for the Fulfiller> to turn that confidence into a certainty.

"—Hey. Do you want to meet Hirose? I think he might really be able to fix your bruises."

Hibiki made the proposal, driven by a single, burning desire: to save her best friend.

"Um... nice to meet you. I'm Takanashi Hirose."

An hour later, Hirose had arrived at the downtown cafe after being summoned by Hibiki. He gave a brief introduction to the girl he was meeting for the first time—Koharu Kushima.

"I'm Koharu Kushima. So you're Hibiki-chan's... You seem like a very kind person."

Unlike her interactions with Hibiki, Koharu was more reserved, keeping her eyes cast down as she offered a gentle greeting. Hirose sat in the chair next to Hibiki, though he still hadn't been told why he was called here.

"So, what’s up today?"

"Right. First, I want you to listen to this—"

Hibiki recounted Koharu’s history to Hirose, having already obtained Koharu’s permission. As he listened, Hirose’s expression shifted, turning grave and somber. By the time the story was finished, he understood exactly why he was there.

"Kushima-san, I know I might seem a little intimidating, but after hearing what Hibiki said... what do you think?"

"You can just call me Koharu, Hirose-kun. ...Well, I don't fully understand it all yet, but if you really could heal my bruises, I would be very happy."

Touching the bandages on her left arm, Koharu offered a faint smile at the possibility of being healed.

"But... wouldn't it be a bother? I mean, Hirose-kun is Hibiki-chan's... No, that’s not like me. If there’s a chance... maybe I could finally have a bit more confidence in myself."

"Koharu, let's just leave it at a greeting for today. Go home and think about it for a while."

"Okay. Thank you."

Since it was a sudden development, Hibiki decided to give Koharu some time to process everything.

"Is it okay if I explain Hirose's Gift once you've made up your mind, Koharu?"

"I'm fine with telling her whenever, since she’s your precious friend," Hirose added. "But make sure you explain the procedure and the <Backlash> properly, too."

"Ah... haha... Honestly, she might have more trouble with that part than the actual healing."

The biggest issue wasn't the Gift itself. For Koharu, the greatest hurdle would be the direct physical contact. She didn't have a general phobia of men; while she feared her father, she could distinguish him from other men who hadn't hurt her. But still, having a stranger—and a male stranger at that—touch her skin was a high bar to clear. Hirose was deeply concerned about that fact.

"Well, I'll head out then. You two enjoy the rest of your day."

"Wait, you're leaving already, Hirose-kun?"

"You guys were out hanging out, right? I'd just be a third wheel if I stayed."

Realizing they had been in the middle of a girl's day out, Hirose prepared to leave once his business was done. It was Koharu, not Hibiki, who stopped him.

"Not at all! Right, Hibiki-chan?"

"I mean, I don't mind... but are you okay with it, Koharu?"

"Yeah! I want to hear more about what Hibiki-chan is like from Hirose-kun's perspective!"

"That’s your goal?! Maybe I should send him home after all...?"

"Hibiki-chan is panicking. I've never seen her like this before... it’s so refreshing. A boy can really change a person, can't he?"

"Hey, Koharu! Don't get the wrong idea~!"

In the end, Hirose joined their conversation for a short while before eventually leaving early to give them some space. Koharu grilled him with all sorts of questions, and Hirose struggled to answer since so much of their relationship was a secret. Whenever he got into a tight spot, Hibiki would nudge him with her elbow to keep him from letting anything slip.

"—Hirose-kun. He’s a good person, isn't he?" Koharu remarked quietly after Hirose had gone.

"Yeah. He’s a really considerate guy."

"Hehe. I can see that. —Well, I'll think about it and get back to you, Hibiki-chan."

"Please do. My skill... it definitely reacted."

Hibiki had secretly activated <Search for the Fulfiller>. Her prediction had been spot-on; seeing Hirose bathed in light confirmed that he was the one who could grant Koharu's wish. And she could tell that Koharu truly did want her bruises gone.

"Yeah..."

"Anyway, we're best friends... if anything happens, you have to tell me, okay?"

"Thank you."

The two enjoyed the rest of their time together before parting ways. Regardless of what Koharu chose, Hibiki felt she had made the right proposal. To be honest, the thought of Hirose touching another girl's skin was unpleasant, but compared to her desire to help Koharu, it was a trivial concern.

◇

"Hmm, it should be around here... Ah."

"—Wait, Hirose-kun?"

"Oh... Koharu... Good afternoon."

After school on the first day back, Hirose had gone to the library to look for a specific book. He didn't come here every day, but he’d stop by occasionally for his own hobbies. As he reached for the book he wanted, his hand brushed against Koharu’s.

"I'm on the library committee. It’s my turn for duty today, so I’m just organizing the shelves."

"Oh... I see. Hibiki mentioned it, but you really do love books, don't you, Koharu?"

"Yeah. I've loved them forever... Actually, I first met Hibiki-chan in the middle school library."

Memories of middle school resurfaced. Their friendship had started when she approached Koharu, who had no friends at the time, right there in the library. They were completely different in looks and personality, but they had been best friends ever since.

"I think Hibiki seems more like her true self when she’s with you than when she’s in the classroom. You two really are close."

"You really pay attention to Hibiki-chan, don't you, Hirose-kun?"

"Well... I mean... she’s the center of attention in class, so it's hard not to notice."

"To think you’d be the one to steal her heart. You really must be a kind soul."

"Stealing her heart... I'm just an ordinary guy—"

He was just a regular high schooler who had barely even spoken to girls before. It was only because of his Gift that he’d formed a connection with Hibiki. He wasn't about to get a big head and think he was suddenly popular.

"You're very humble. But I'm glad the boy Hibiki-chan became close with was you."

"I... guess I should say 'you're welcome.' —By the way, was that book you were reaching for 'The Demon King Who Became a Butler'?"

Hirose changed the subject to something that had piqued his curiosity.

"It is! It’s a new release that just came in. I never expected the library to stock it. It’s been getting a lot of buzz, so I thought I’d take a look."

"I see. This library actually has a decent light novel section. They only really stock the famous stuff, though, so I wish they had a bit more variety."

"I never would have guessed you read light novels, Hirose-kun."

"I didn't think you read them either, Koharu. I mean—"

"You mean what?"

"Uh—well. You just... I had this image of you reading more serious books."

"Hehe. You're trying to be polite, but you're basically saying I look like I only read stuffy, difficult books!"

She had seen right through him.

"Ahaha... sorry. You just have such an intellectual, quiet vibe..."

"You're funny, Hirose-kun. But you know, inside my head, I talk to myself quite a bit. ...I mean, look at how much I talk with Hibiki-chan."

"I saw you two at the cafe, so I know what you mean. I talk a lot with my close friends, too."

Since they were alone, Hirose decided to take the opportunity to speak his mind.

"...I won't be the one to push the treatment on you. I'm a guy, and I know showing your skin to someone isn't easy. So Koharu, take all the time you need to think it over."

Koharu nodded and gave a small smile at his words.

"You're kind to a fault, aren't you? I'll think about it a bit mo—kyah!"

"Koharu?!"

In an instant, a boy behind Koharu, distracted by the bookshelves, accidentally bumped into her. The force sent Koharu tumbling right into Hirose.

"Ah, sorry!"

The boy apologized and hurried away immediately, but that wasn't the problem.

"H-Hi... Hirose, kun..."

"No, this... I'm sorry! I didn't mean to..."

He had instinctively reached out to steady her, but in his haste, Hirose’s hand had landed squarely on Koharu’s surprisingly large chest. He pulled his hand away instantly, but the sensation lingered in his palm.

"I... I know... you were just trying to catch me... thank you..."

Koharu’s face turned bright red as she thanked him.

"W-well, I'll see you later...!"

"Ah, Koharu... see ya..."

Once she regained her footing, Koharu practically bolted from the room.

Crap... I think I just screwed everything up.

He was supposed to be healing her bruises, yet he’d just done something that might destroy any trust she had in him. Hirose clutched his head in despair.

After fleeing the library, Koharu leaned against a hallway wall, clutching her chest.

"Huff... huff... what... what is wrong with me...?"

It was the first time a member of the opposite sex had ever touched her there. Since the violence from her father started, she had avoided interacting with boys as much as possible. She’d always assumed she felt a certain level of disgust toward them.

"And yet... why was it... like that...?"

She didn't hate it at all. Her heart was racing, pounding against her ribs with an intensity she’d never felt before.

Is it because he’s the boy Hibiki-chan is close with? Or is it... something else?

She knew Hibiki didn't have any other male friends she met one-on-one. The fact that Hirose was around was a rare occurrence in itself. Maybe that was why she felt safe? But Koharu couldn't quite grasp the true reason for the frantic drumming in her chest.

◇　

About a week had passed since he’d made the proposal to Koharu.

It was Saturday, and a lone girl was visiting Hibiki’s house.

The doorbell rang, and Hibiki, still in her school uniform, went to answer it. She invited the girl inside and led her up to her room on the second floor.

"It’s been a week—Koharu."

"Yeah. Thank you for having me today, Hirose-kun."

Koharu had come here today with her mind made up. Naturally, she had already heard about the nature of his Skill from Hibiki before showing up.

"—For today, could we... just start with my arm? If that’s okay?"

"Of course."

Doing her whole body right off the bat was too high a hurdle. Koharu had decided to test the waters with her arm first before deciding how to proceed.

"I’m sorry for acting like I’m testing you."

"It’s fine. I think it’s better this way so you can learn to trust me."

Koharu sat down in front of Hirose. After a bit of small talk, she unwrapped the bandage from her left arm. Beneath it, painful-looking bruises remained.

And so, the treatment began.

"Is it okay if I touch you?"

"Mm. It’s okay."

"Alright... I’m starting, then."

"Hirose. Take care of Koharu, okay?"

"Right."

Hirose rolled up his sleeves and activated his Skill.

"<Skin Refinement>."

His hands were enveloped in a faint, white glow as he gently touched Koharu’s left arm.

"How is it? Are you okay?"

He asked as he slowly stroked her skin from her wrist to her elbow.

"Yeah... Your hands are so warm."

"It seems to work that way. Also, because of the backlash, the skin temperature tends to rise."

"Now that you mention it, it’s not just my arm... My whole body feels like it’s slowly heating up..."

The backlash of Hirose’s Skill caused the recipient’s body to flush and become extremely sensitive. However, with just the arm, the sensitivity didn't seem to be manifesting too strongly yet.

(Since it's just the arm, she seems okay for now...)

Hirose wasn't exactly keen on seeing a girl he’d only met a few times panting in front of him, and he assumed Koharu felt the same. He was glad they were starting small.

The session finished in less than ten minutes.

"My body felt a bit flushed and sensitive, but I was fine. Thank you."

"You’re welcome. The effects should show up by tomorrow, though it might not be a massive change yet. Make sure to check your arm carefully."

"Yeah, I think I'll take a photo to compare."

"That sounds like a good idea."

After the treatment, the three of them chatted for a while before heading their separate ways.

◇　

"Ah..."

The next morning, Koharu let out a faint, breathless sound as she opened her curtains from her bed.

She reached for the phone by her pillow and checked the photo of the bruise on her left arm she’d taken the day before. Then, she compared it to her arm now.

"It really... it's getting lighter... and the pain is clearly... This is..."

Feeling the actual effects of Hirose’s Skill, tears welled up in Koharu’s eyes.

These layers of bruises weren't something that faded easily; they were dark, bluish-black marks she couldn't show anyone. She couldn't even show her arms at school, and she’d struggled to hide them even in her summer uniform.

If she could erase these bruises completely, she wouldn't have to worry about people’s stares anymore—imaging that future, Koharu was overwhelmed with emotion.

"Ah... I guess I have no choice but to believe now..."

Koharu thought of Hirose, who had treated her so seriously.

She decided then and there to ask him for the full-body treatment.