Early the next morning.
The first rays of sunlight had only just begun to creep through the curtains.
Benio Adashino slowly opened her hazy eyes, staring at the ceiling for several seconds.
She just lay there quietly, allowing her still sleepy mind to gradually wake up.
Beside her, Kinako was still sleeping soundly. The little shikigami was completely wrapped up in the blanket.
As usual, her sleeping position was anything but peaceful.
She would occasionally roll around, kick the blanket away, then somehow pull it back again.
Sometimes she even moved so much that she nearly reached the edge of the bed.
Kinako was an extremely restless sleeper.
Fortunately, Benio had lived with Kinako for so many years that she had long since become accustomed to it.
If anything, waking up and seeing Kinako sleeping in some strange position had become part of her normal morning routine.
Benio slowly pushed herself upright with both hands.
She yawned softly.
Then, almost instinctively, her right hand reached toward the small counter beside the bed.
She wanted to touch her headdress.
But—Her fingers touched nothing.
Benio froze, hand remained there for a moment — slowly turning her head to looked toward the counter only to find nothing.
A strange feeling of emptiness appeared in her chest.
Benio quietly got out of bed.
She slipped on her slippers and walked toward the bathroom to wash up.
After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she stood in front of the sink for a moment.
Cold water ran over her hands as her eyes remain fixed at her reflection. Her expression was calmer than yesterday.
Much calmer.
Benio took a breath trying to filter whatever emotions surface.
After washing up, she wiped her wet face and returned to her room.
Sitting on the bench in front of the dressing table, she plugged in the outlet, and then she began drying her hair.
Even though it is called a dressing table, but in fact there is no bottle of cosmetics or makeup that most girls her age like to have, just scattered skin care products placed here and there unevenly.
She doesn't know how to make up at all, she just puts on lip balm on her lips.
As we all know, girls' hair needs to be blown for a long time to flourish.
After blowing for seven or eight minutes, Benio stopped as she turn off the switch before removing the plug and placing it down.
After putting away the hair dryer, she reached for the drawer and opened it, her eyes fixed on a beautiful gift box lying there.
"This is...?"
This was the gift that was given to her by Gojo in her birthday. Until this day she hasn't open it because for her the most important gift at that time was meeting the person that took care of her after her parents dead.
Muttering something in a low voice, Benio pick up the gift box with both hands and open it carefully.
What catches her eye is the headband with a faint luster, and a white small platycodon hairpin beside it.
Picking up the small platycodon hairpin, Benio faced the mirror with moisture in her eyes as she put it on in the same way as she is used to.
The awkward feeling she had experienced before disappeared almost instantly.
The hairpin suited her.
Its beautiful appearance complemented her features without being excessive.
Benio quietly touched the surface of the hairpin, her eyes getting watery from each second.
"Good morning, Lord Benio."
Before the tear could fall, a sleepy voice came from the bed.
Benio quickly remove the tears, before her face could betray her inner feeling. She didn't wish to show her ugly face to her.
Kinako had finally awaken up — The little shikigami rubbed her sleepy eyes with her little small paw.
"...Good morning." Benio replied without turning around.
Kinako stretched it's little body, releasing a satisfied yawned.
Then she jumped down from the bed and landed lightly on the floor.
After which, she climbed up as usual and settled herself on Benio's shoulder.
But the moment she saw the reflection of her master in the mirror.
"Wow! Lord Benio, you bought another one!" Kinako exclaimed loudly.
Benio was taken aback before a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.
"No." She gently touched the hairpin. "This is the birthday present Gojo-sensei gave me."
Kinako tilted her head.
"Oh?" She looked at the hairpin again. Then she nodded enthusiastically. "Gojo-sama's taste is really good!"
She puffed out her tiny chest. "It completely matches your temperament, Lord Benio!"
Benio didn't answer immediately, eyes remained fixed on the mirror. Or, more accurately, on the hairpin on her hair.
Her fingers gently touched the cold surface again.
Even though the surface was cold — a strange warmth spread through her heart.
"Thank you…" She murmured. 'Gojo-sensei.'
...
7:00 A.M.
Meanwhile…In another room, someone was sleeping peacefully.
Umaru Gojo was completely wrapped inside her blanket. Dhe was wearing her favorite hamster pajamas, with her phone lying beside her.
The room was quiet.
Everything was peaceful.
Until—
A sudden chill ran through her body. Umaru's sleeping expression immediately became uncomfortable.
Her hands moved around under the blanket.
She tried to grab it properly.
But somehow, she couldn't find the edge of the blanket.
"Mmm…" She shifted, her hands searching for the treasure.
Still nothing.
Eventually, she could only hug herself and curl up.
Then — A familiar voice entered her ears from close proximity.
"Umaru…" Her sleeping expression became even more troubled due the the voice. "Don't you think it's time to wake up?"
She didn't respond only moved her body, turning sideway as to run away from that resentful voice that is trying to destroy her peace.
"Umaru…"
Then....
"Umaru! Wake Up Already~~~!"
The resentful voice increase it's volume as it scream directly to her ears.
Umaru's hands quickly closed ears as she wake up in the most unpleasant manner, eyes suddenly opened, her
"Who the—"
And the first thing she saw was—An enormous evil-ghost face directly in front of her face.
"…" The words stucked in her throat as the ghost stared at her.
Umaru stared at the ghost.
Then—
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Her screamed out in fright — her scream exploded through the room waking up the lazy cat below, scaring it too.
She immediately sat upright. Her sleepy mind became completely awake with the bonus of her heart pounding as she stared at the terrifying figure.
"G-G-G-Ghost!!!!!"
The evil ghost mask moved slightly, tilting it's head left and right. As a familiar vouce came from behind it.
"Wrong!"
The mask was removed.
Gojo revealed his punchable face and frustrating grin.
"It's your most handsome big brother!"
Umaru stared at him.
Her breathing was still uneven.
"Haa…Haa…" She clutched the blanket. "My heart…"
Gojo grinned. "Hehehe."
"Don't laugh!" Umaru glared at him."You scared me to death!"
Gojo placed the mask aside.
"It's fine." He casually waved his hand, with a carefree expression. "If something happens, I can always resurrect you."
Umaru stared at him. "That is really not comforting!"
Gojo laughed. "Come on. Hurry up and get dressed."
He pointed toward the door.
"Breakfast is ready."
"I know, I know…" Umaru rubbed her sleepy eyes. "But Onii-chan, could you please stop waking me up like that?"
She looked more exhausted then the time when she spend the whole night gaming.
Gojo nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm."
Umaru narrowed her eyes.
"What?"
"I'll consider it."
"That means you won't change anything!"
Gojo laughed and walked out of the room. "Five minutes!"
"I'm getting up!"
Umaru sighed.
She checked the time on her phone.
7:04 a.m.
"Why is he always awake so early?"
She muttered.
Then she climbed out of bed.
After changing and washing up, Umaru eventually made her way toward the dining room.
...
Meanwhile, Gojo had already returned to his seat.
He placed a small can of food for vanilla and poured three cups of black tea for themselves.
"Perfect." He leaned back.
At that moment—
Click.
Benio stepped out with Kinako on her shoulder, walking with energetic steps.
"Good morning, Gojo-sensei."
Gojo turned his head.
"Good morning, Benio." His gaze landed on her, staring at her as if checking something. He didn't had his blindfolded yet go the reflection of blushing Benio appeared in his sky-blue eyes.
"…What is the matter?" Benio feeling shy from his gaze, started fidgeting with her fingers behind her back as her cheeks became slightly warm.
"Nothing." He finally looked away. Then he nodded approvingly with his back turn against her, "It looks beautiful and suit you well."
"....Thank you." Benio smiled beautifully.
...
If you'd like to support me and read chapters in advance, feel free to check out my:
Patr**on.com/Zero0000683
Discord:- NmKxzWGEPf
.....
Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
.....
Word Count — 1,484