Supernatural Beings: Strive Survivors Vol. 3 [Steady Update]

Strive 202: Fate? Destiny?

Kibishi's POV

Kibishi's Room

I lie on my bed, spacing out while my mind wanders.

I've been like this all day, and I still don't have a plan. While exploring the park earlier, all I could think about was trying my best not to compare myself to others anymore.

Most importantly, I'm figuring out a way to not fail like last time.

That white-haired girl caught us off guard before, and I know for sure we'll see her again. Hopefully later rather than sooner—at least until I get back on my feet. In the meantime, I pray that Tao and the others don't run into trouble. Since this is their night to explore the layers, I'm betting they're getting their supercodes ready to head out—

Knock! Knock!

My heart skips a beat. "Hmm? Who is it?" I ask, turning towards my door.

"It's me, Kishi. May I come in?" A familiar voice calls from behind the door. I sit up in surprise, nodding despite them not being able to see me.

"Oh, s-sure. Come in," I stammer, my voice betraying my nervousness.

Cree...

The door opens, revealing my orange-haired best friend with upgraded gear adorning her body. My breath catches in my throat as I take in her new appearance. Her "capes" are longer now, the long sleeves no longer touching her neck but resting by her collarbone. A choker with a wing symbol graces her neck, and I notice her bracelet symbol on the right side of her chest, alongside a new white vest with purple stripes at the bottom and top by the collar.

Her skirt is shorter, revealing her leg stripe bag with a new purple color. An additional purple bag sits on her waist, covering the now golden zipper. Long white socks with purple stripes on top accentuate her thighs in a way that makes my heart race.

Her boots are now white and purple with the same design. The bracelet on her wrist is now a smaller ring, and I can't help but notice it bears the gift I gave her the other day.

I'm in awe at the sight of Tao, my eyes drinking in every detail of her new appearance. She waits for me to respond, her hands behind her back, swaying side to side with a nervous smile and a blush painting her cheeks.

"I-I went with this design thanks to the girls helping me pick it out," Tao explains, her voice soft and shy. "The design is meant to make me look more like an angel, but the skirt is too short, and there's a breeze underneath. B-but it seems like you like the clothing, right?" she asks, hope shining in her eyes.

"U-uh..." I'm stunned, my mind struggling to form coherent thoughts.

"You don't like it, Kishi...?" Tao whispers, disappointment creeping into her voice.

My heart clenches at her tone, and I quickly try to reassure her. "O-of course, I do! It's just that, uh..." I look away, taking a deep breath before meeting her gaze again. "Is it safe? The clothes, I mean."

"Hmm?" Tao tilts her head cutely, confusion evident in her expression.

"I-I mean..." I start, but my words fail me as I look downward, overwhelmed by her presence.

"Kishi...?" Tao calls out to me, and suddenly, she's so close that I can feel her breath on my face.

"W-when did you...?!" I panic but force myself to stay calm. I'm losing my cool too much. I need to be patient and not freak out. After all, Tao came all this way to see me.

"Kishi, are you okay?" Tao asks, worry etched across her features.

I blink, then close my eyes to calm myself down. I hold my now fast-beating heart and take a deep breath. As I exhale, I open my eyes and smile at Tao, warmth spreading through my chest.