I actually stayed home from school to watch the girl. At least mother didn't object too much, and I could see a twinkle in her eye whenever she peeked in to check up on us. It's not as if I was about to do anything inappropriate with the girl. But I really was curious who she was and why she was being chased by youkai. It took her until midmorning to wake, though. That gave me time to do homework and to ponder on the strange circumstances.

When she awoke, she was still weak, so I gave her water and some biscuits. She smiled shyly at me, and I had to admit that I found her charming. She was certainly cute, as mother pointed out, but what drew me was the sparkle in those clear brown eyes, as if they could mirror my soul and capture my thoughts with a single glance. The more I thought about it, the more this business bothered me. The more I suspected that a cunning youkai lurked behind her seemingly innocent façade.

"What do you remember about what happened yesterday?" I asked, trying to prod her into giving information.

"I-I was being chased by…I did not know what they were, except they were mean-looking and scary," her voice trembled, and I wanted to hold her and tell her it was alright, that the demons were gone. But I had the feeling that she was much stronger than she appeared. "A-are they gone?"

"Yes, I fought them and I won," I said simply. After all, that was the truth. And I wanted to see her reaction.

"I see…" she said softly, but I thought I detected a glint in her eye and a smirk. But they were gone so fast I could have simply imagined it. "You must be a good fighter."

I shrugged. Let her think what she wanted. I wasn’t about to reveal my identity to a stranger. Then I smiled and sat at the edge of her bed. "You know, you still haven't told me your name."

"Oh, yes," she blushed, then she glanced at me and blushed even more. I was used to seeing blushing girls in school, but she was…different. I found myself slightly uncomfortable. "My name is Yuira. Yours?"

"Shuichi," I replied. Yuira. That was a fine name. "Shuichi Minamino. And I'm pleased to meet you."

"Uh…uh-hmm…" she stammered. "Tell me, Shuu-chan, what happened after I passed out?"

Shuu-chan yet. "Well, they came at me, but I fought them off. Then, seeing you were wounded, I brought you here. My mother and I have been taking care of you since." I smiled, then saw that she was content with the explanation.

"Shuu-chan! Lunch is ready! Be sure to invite our guest!" Mother called from downstairs.

"Hai, okaa-san!" I extended my hand to her to help her stand. She took it and stood up. Just then, she swayed a little, and leaned against me. I was worried. She still seemed to be weak. Not that, I was uncomfortably aware of, holding her doesn't feel nice.

"Are you okay? I can bring up lunch for you if you want." I said, once again caught in the depths of those sparkling brown eyes. They formed a nice contrast with her pale skin and purple hair.

"I'm okay, arigato, Shuu-chan," she said, and I led her out of the room to the dining area. Lunch was fine, and before long, mother and Yuira were talking like familiar friends. I think the girl was touched with mother's concern, and I was content just to watch and listen. Their conversation lasted till the afternoon, when Yuira said that she might be needed back at home.

"Otou-san might be worried that I've stayed away so long," she stated, concern in her pretty porcelain features. Then she smiled. "I've enjoyed your hospitality, Shiori-san. And your company and help as well, Shuu-chan."

"You must take her home, Shuu-chan," mother stated firmly, though I could see a gentle smile on her face. "She might still be weak, and it would help if she had a companion."

"Hai," I smiled, glancing at Yuira, who was smiling demurely as well. "I'd me glad to take her home."

Just then, a knock came from the door. I stood to open it, and was surprised to find two grinning ningen. Yusuke and Kuwabara. The last think I need is Hiei showing up as well. I won't live this down. I sighed and gestured for them to enter. Mother knew they were my friends, but not rei kai tantei as well, for which I was grateful.

"Konnichiwa, Shiori-san!" Yusuke stated brightly, then his eyes fell to Yuira. "Oi, Shuichi, is she your new girlfriend?"

I paled at his remark, and I had the urge to let loose my blood sucking plant at him. Kuso, Yusuke…I'll get you for that. Instead, I glared at him and smiled enigmatically until he was forced to look away. He must have known what that meant. Mother looked amused and was smiling tolerantly, while Yuira was blushing again with a puzzled look on her face. Kuwabara merely sniggered.

"To answer your question, no," I said softly. "I helped her out, and now I'm bringing her home before her father worries too much about her. Now if you'll excuse us…" I took her hand and slowly led her to the door. I could sense that Yusuke and Kuwabara were still grinning foolishly, but let them entertain their silly fantasies at the moment. I had a charge to protect.

And so we left the house, with the two tagging along, until Yusuke elbowed me and winked, dragging Kuwabara with him. I sighed and shrugged at Yuira in apology. She seemed amused but pleased. I wondered where this acquaintance would take us. For some reason, I took her hand in my own as we walked, and she didn't object. But I could sense the look of triumph in those clear dazzling eyes.

• Back to Part I
• Proceed to Part III

Yu Yu Hakusho is a copyright of Yoshihiro Togashi / Shue Isha Fuji TV, Studio Pierrot. This fanfic is for non-commercial, entertainment purposes only.