My Gift Is “Beauty”. I Think It’s Useless, but It Seems to Be an S-Rank Gift With the Strongest Buff Effect for Beautiful Girls - Chapter 7.1: Bruise

Chapter 7.1: Bruise

After Mizuki took her smartphone and left—

The two, whose mood had been completely ruined, readjusted their disheveled clothes and exchanged a light kiss. After that, they moved to the table and only talked before Hirose eventually went home.

Mizuki had seen an incredibly embarrassing moment, but Hibiki wasn’t that angry. No, she decided not to be angry.

‘Despite how she looks, Mizuki-nee is actually a virgin. Strong adventurers don’t often have men approach them. So… that means I’m winning, right!?’

She had been teased and seen in an outrageous situation, but in terms of romance, she was way ahead. Not that it was a competition, but by telling Hirose Mizuki’s secret, she managed to relieve the frustration of the day.

Hirose wondered if it was really okay to hear about someone else’s chastity issues without permission, but Hibiki’s feelings took priority. After all, he also had some thoughts about being seen like that.

◇ ◇ ◇

The next day. It was a school holiday.

Hibiki was out in town alone, and she had no plans with Hirose.

Normally, she would meet up with Himari or Kairi, whom she often played with, but today was different.

“Ah, over here! Koharu-chan!”

“Wow, Hibiki-chan!”

The one waving and coming to the meeting spot was a girl with black hair reaching her collarbone, with a single braid on the left side wrapped in a red ribbon. Despite the stylish hairstyle, she wore calm and composed glasses.

“Even though we go to the same school, it feels like it’s been a while.”

“Maybe because our classes are far apart… We don’t actually see each other much.”

The two reunited and started chatting.

Kushima Koharu—She was Hibiki’s classmate since middle school.

Even though they went to the same high school, they ended up in different classes, and with both of them making new friends, their chances to meet had decreased.

“But wow, Hibiki-chan, you’ve gotten way too pretty! Did you get a boyfriend or something?”

“Geez… Everyone keeps saying that… and I don’t even have one.”

Hibiki kept thinking the same thing. He wasn’t her boyfriend, but he was someone close to it.

“…Really? But you’re so cute, I thought you’d get one right away.”

“Thanks. You know, talking with you really makes me feel at ease. Come on, let’s go inside the café.”

A friend she had spent so much time with gave her a different kind of comfort compared to her classmates.

Hibiki was excited to see Koharu again.

And today, she thought she might talk a little about Hirose as well.

So far, she hadn’t told any of her classmates about her relationship with Hirose. But with Koharu… maybe she could.

◇ ◇ ◇

Inside the café, an elegant ceiling fan spun in circles, adding to the stylish atmosphere. Being a holiday, the place was constantly filled with customers.

The two had chosen this newly opened café, and once their orders were placed on the table, they began catching up.

“Wow, your skin is amazing… Like a baby’s… Hibiki-chan, you’ve really gotten cute.”

“Hey… You’re staring at me too much.”

“I can’t help it. You’re just so mesmerizing.”

Even though it hadn’t been that long, Hibiki had changed significantly. Koharu gazed at her in admiration, genuinely happy for her transformation.

Koharu wasn’t as into bright, stylish fashion as Hibiki. She preferred darker colors and calm outfits. A bookworm who loved reading, unlike Hibiki, who never touched books. Yet, they had remained friends for a long time.

“…Hey, is your arm okay?”

After chatting about lighthearted topics for a while, Hibiki couldn’t hold back her concern any longer and finally voiced what had been on her mind.

The reason was Koharu’s left arm.

Through the blouse’s sleeve, a bandage wrapped around her wrist was visible.

“Oh, this… I was planning to talk about it today, actually.”

“Yeah… What happened?”

Koharu rolled up her sleeve, revealing her slender arm.

From wrist to elbow, bandages were wrapped tightly, giving off a painful impression.

Hibiki furrowed her brows with concern as Koharu began to explain.

“It’s from my dad… But it’s finally resolved.”

“…Wait, resolved?”

Since middle school, Hibiki had known.

About Koharu’s father’s abuse.

As they became closer, Hibiki gradually noticed the signs. How Koharu avoided changing in front of others during gym class, or how she would always alter the timing to get dressed separately.

When she asked, Koharu admitted it was to hide the bruises from her father’s violence.

Hibiki wanted to take action. But Koharu begged her not to, refusing to let her intervene.

She insisted it was her family’s problem to handle. She didn’t want Hibiki involved, fearing the violence might extend to her as well.

“A little while ago, the divorce was finalized. Now, I live with my mom and little brother. So, it should be okay now.”

“I see… Is it okay to say that’s good news?”

“Of course! Heh, you know I’m actually pretty tough, right?”

Saying so, Koharu flexed her bandaged arm, trying to show off her strength. There was no muscle at all, but her energy was clear.

Hibiki sighed and adjusted Koharu’s sleeve for her.

She had never seen Koharu cry. But Hibiki knew.

There wasn’t a girl in the world who could go through something like that without shedding tears in secret.

“Well, the bruises might not fade completely… but that’s just how it is, I guess.”

“It’s unforgivable… Koharu, you should be able to show off your skin more.”

“It’s getting cold anyway, so I won’t have much chance to.”

“That’s not the point!”

“Hehe, I know.”

They were close friends, yet Hibiki had never seen Koharu’s entire body. She had only been shown the parts that were easy to reveal.

But she knew. There were bruises in places she couldn’t see. Most likely on her stomach and legs as well…

“Let’s stop talking about sad things! We’re out to have fun today. Oh, and about that guy you mentioned earlier… You like him, don’t you?”

“You mean Hirose…”

During their chat, Hibiki had already mentioned Hirose, though she kept things vague. There were things she just couldn’t say.

Then, suddenly, a thought struck Hibiki.

“Wait…?”

“What is it, Hibiki-chan? Thinking about Hirose-kun and getting lost in fantasy?”

“I always fantas— No, wait! Uh, I just realized… Those bruises… They might heal.”

“…Huh?”

Her skin had transformed to a baby-like smoothness. The change was so clear that anyone could see it. If her cells had rejuvenated so perfectly, then even old, dark bruises might disappear—

And at that moment, Hibiki felt something shift within her body.