They were the same classmates who always made fun of her in class, always eager to belittle her magic and anything else she did.
One of them, a blonde girl with blue eyes named Hikari, walked up to Aoi's table with a condescending smile. "Oh, look who finally decided to show up at school. I thought you quit after the opening ceremony. But I guess even candle girls need somewhere to hide."
Aoi clenched her teeth and remained silent, trying to ignore her. But another girl, a tall brunette named Reina, pointed at the puppet resting on the table. "What's that? A puppet? Do you need a plush friend to feel less alone?"
The girls' laughter echoed through the library, drawing a few curious glances from other students. Aoi blushed with embarrassment and quickly reached for Ren, but Reina snatched him up before she could.
"Wow, what a weird thing. Did you make it yourself? Or did you buy it because no one else wants to hang out with you?" Reina said, examining Ren like a cheap toy.
Aoi extended her hand, trying to keep her composure. "Give it back. It's mine."
"Why so serious? It's just a plushie," Reina replied with a smug grin. Then, as if it were a joke, she slipped the puppet onto her hand. "Let's make it say something funny. Hello, I'm Aoi's best friend!"
Ren, feeling the direct contact, experienced once more that strange connection that allowed him to move and speak. For a moment, he considered speaking up to defend Aoi—but something told him this wasn't the right time. He stayed completely still, like a lifeless object.
However, Reina frowned. "This is weird… It feels like it's alive."
Before Aoi could respond, a stern voice interrupted the scene. "What is going on here? Reina, Hikari—do you think it's appropriate to bother a classmate in the library instead of studying?"
The girls jumped, startled, and quickly handed the puppet back to Aoi, muttering rushed apologies. The professor, a man with gray hair and a strict expression, shot them a warning glare before turning to Aoi. "Are you alright, Aoi?"
Aoi nodded, clutching Ren tightly to her chest. "Yes, thank you, Professor."
"Good. I don't want to see this behavior again. Now return to your studies. And you two—out of the library if you have nothing productive to do."
The girls walked off in clear frustration, and Aoi sighed with relief. She quickly packed up her book and left the library with Ren.
---
In a quieter corner of the campus, Aoi let out a deep sigh and looked down at Ren. "Why didn't you do anything? You could've said something or at least moved. You would've scared them off."
Ren raised his small plush arms. "And risk getting reported as a cursed object? If they found out, they might confiscate me… or even destroy me. I can't let that happen."
Aoi crossed her arms, her expression annoyed yet thoughtful. "Tch, I guess you're right. But that doesn't mean I have to like it. It was humiliating."
Ren lowered his arms, his tone gentler. "I'm sorry, Aoi. Really."
After a moment of silence, Aoi shook her head and changed the subject. "Forget it. We've got more important things to do now. If you really have some kind of magic, I want to know what it is. Let's try something."
---
Aoi brought Ren to a clearing on the outskirts of campus, a quiet place where students often practiced magic. She crossed her arms. "Alright, how do you think we can figure out your magical abilities?"
Ren thought for a moment. "I'm not sure. All I know is I can move and speak when someone's holding me. Maybe it has something to do with that."
Aoi sighed. "Great, we're guessing. Well, there's nothing to lose by trying."
She slipped the puppet onto her hand and said sarcastically, "Okay, Mister Ren, show me how special you are. Impress me!"
Ren, feeling the magical connection, closed his eyes and focused. Suddenly, a strange energy began to radiate from his body, and around them, shadowy figures made of fabric and magic started to appear—life-sized puppets.
Aoi stepped back, stunned. "What is this…?"
The humanoid puppets moved autonomously, as if reacting to Ren's thoughts. Some took defensive stances, while others lined up behind Aoi, as if guarding her.
Ren opened his eyes, clearly just as surprised as Aoi. "I don't know… I think… I can summon puppets to help me. But I don't know exactly how I did it."
Aoi looked at him, clearly impressed, though she tried to hide it behind her usual attitude. "Tch, not bad… I guess you're at least useful for something. But we'll have to practice this. I don't want you causing a disaster if you can't control it."
Ren nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. "You're right. But… Aoi, thanks for giving me the chance to try."
Aoi turned away, a light blush on her cheeks. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm just making sure you don't drag me into trouble."
Ren couldn't help but smile at her tsundere attitude. He knew that, little by little, she was starting to accept him.
End of Chapter 6-2.