That Time My Anime Life Got Cursed by Outer Gods-Chapter 81 - 80: Between Reality and Curiosity

Faced with Kasumigaoka Utaha's situation, Shiro Sakamaki hesitated.

Should he really tell her about the supernatural world?

It had been unavoidable with Haruno, Nino, and Megumi. They'd experienced it firsthand—there was no keeping it secret. But Utaha was different. With her, Shiro had full control of the situation. He could handle everything discreetly, without involving her at all.

Ordinary people had no place in the extraordinary world. And for someone like Utaha, a writer with an insatiable curiosity, knowledge of that world could be dangerous.

Still, the spiritual energy lately had been growing disturbingly active. At this rate, supernatural incidents would become more common—and harder to hide. Sooner or later, Utaha would find out.

Better it came from him, he thought. And maybe... it wouldn't hurt to gain a few points in her eyes while he was at it.

Decision made, Shiro picked up his phone and typed:

Shiro: [Miss Utaha, this isn't something we should discuss over messages. If you're free after school, would you be willing to meet in person?]

—

At that moment, Kasumigaoka Utaha sat at her desk, long legs wrapped in black stockings lightly swaying under her skirt. She was calm on the surface, but the constant tapping of her foot betrayed her growing irritation.

He was taking too long to reply.

But just as she was about to scowl, her phone buzzed. She glanced down—and immediately stopped fidgeting. A message from Shiro lit up her screen.

Her expression softened slightly as she read it.

He wanted to meet?

Her first instinct was to raise an eyebrow. She was no stranger to boys using flimsy excuses to spend time with her. But she quickly reminded herself—this time, she had contacted him. The initiative was hers.

Still, she couldn't help but think: Two days without a message? Has my charm already worn off?

Shaking off the stray thought, she typed back:

Utaha: [No problem. I'll let Shiro-sensei decide the place.]

Shiro: [I'll leave it to you instead. Somewhere close to your place would be better—it'll make what comes next easier.]

Utaha: [What comes next? Are you planning something inappropriate, Shiro-sensei?]

Her fingers paused as soon as she hit send.

Tch. That was too much, she thought, eyes narrowing. She regretted the joke—but the message had already been read.

Shiro responded a moment later:

Shiro: [Don't get the wrong idea. I just happened to recognize your school uniform. I have a few friends at Toyosaki High.]

Utaha: [Oh? So Shiro-sensei is quite the observant type. Let me guess... your "friends" are all girls?]

Shiro: [Let's not talk about that. Just tell me the place, Miss Utaha.]

With their exchange wrapping up, Shiro closed the chat and opened another—Megumi Kato.

He hadn't spoken to her in a while. With everything that had happened over the past two weeks, he'd barely had time to catch his breath.

But she'd been on his mind.

—

In another classroom, Kato Megumi stared out the window, her face calm but her thoughts distant. She glanced at her phone again, then quietly opened the chat with Shiro.

Still no new messages.

Maybe Shiro-kun really has forgotten about me, she thought. I guess plain girls like me really don't stand out...

But then her phone buzzed.

Her heart skipped. A message—from Shiro.

Shiro: [Hey, Kato-chan. How have you been? I've been caught up in a lot lately, sorry for not reaching out sooner.]

Megumi's lips curved slightly as she replied.

Kato: [It's okay. I'm just glad you still remember me, Shiro-kun.]

Shiro: [How could I forget someone as cute as you, Kato-chan?]

She blinked.

Then chuckled softly.

Kato: [You've gotten pretty good at flattering girls, haven't you?]

Shiro: [Nope. If anything, I'm terrible at this kind of thing.Actually, I was wondering... are you free after school today?]

Kato: [Hmm? That depends. What is it about?]

Shiro scratched his head, smiling wryly at the screen. Serves me right, he thought. She's sharper than she looks.

He explained the situation—Utaha, the incident, and his plan.

When he finished, there was a long silence from her end.

Finally, Megumi sent a single line.

Kato: [So, you want to bring me along to a meeting with another girl... and it's not a date?]

Even through the screen, he could feel the quiet sting of her words.

Shiro: [It's really not a date! Just helping her with something supernatural. And besides, having you there would help her trust me more.]

Shiro: [It'll also give me a chance to explain things better to both of you.]

He hadn't asked Eriri—she would've caused a scene. But Megumi had a calm presence that would reassure Utaha. Plus, going to her place would be much easier if another girl was with him.

Megumi reread his explanation, then nodded slowly.

Kato:[All right. I'll come with you.But in exchange, you owe me a shopping trip this weekend.]

Shiro: [Deal. It's a date, then.]

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