#guishang

"I want you to form a contract with me."

Straightforward as always...well...that's Kyubey, the ally to all magical girls.

Li Sushang was used to this manner. After all, she had been a "veteran" magical girl for a whole year.

As for Guinaifen...this is her first time seeing it face to face.

"A...magical girl...?" Guinaifen stammered, her eyes focused on the cat-like creature that continued to be a statue on her desk.

"Correct. You have a lot of potential, Guinaifen. Isn't that right, Sushang?"

"H-huh?" Li Sushang blinked, taking her eyes off of her closest friend. "U-uh..well...yeah...!"

"Shangshang...?"

"If you make a contract with me," the creature continued. "Then I can grant any wish you would like. All you have to do is fight these beings called Witches."

"They're monsters that try to hurt people," Sushang merely explained. "And I've...I've been fighting them for a whole year."

Guinaifen gently grasped Sushang's hand. "So...this is what you've been doing behind my back?"

"I'm sorry..." Sushang sniffled. "I wanted to keep it a secret...it's really dangerous and scary, so I didn't want to drag you into it..."

Guinaifen merely nodded, gently pulling her friend into a hug. "No, I understand. Don't worry, I'm not mad."

"Are you sure...?"

"No, I'm not. Besides, you're finally doing what you want to do, right Shangshang? Being a hero!"

Li Sushang couldn't help but chuckle at her words. "I mean...well...yeah, that's true!"

"You're doing great, Shangshang. I'm really proud of you."

The two girls continued to hug within Guinaifen's well-lit organized room, sharing their moment as Kyubey continued to stare. "I don't mean to interrupt," he spoke, finally moving a paw towards Guinaifen's keyboard. "But it would be really helpful if you became a magical girl. You can fight alongside your friend."

"Nah!"

"No?"

"...huh?!"

"I won't become a magical girl!" Guinaifen giggled, glancing towards Kyubey. "Honestly, I don't really have a wish I want granted right now. I'm fine where I am! Yeah, I know it'd help a lot of people, but fighting really isn't my style...real life isn't the same as games, and you only have one life!" Guinaifen sighed as she gazed towards Sushang. "Sorry Shangshang, but I'm not gonna become a magical girl."

"...yeah...that's fine!" Li Sushang released a large sigh, giving her friend her biggest smile. "It's fine, don't worry! It's really dangerous, plus I'm really strong!" Li Sushang flexed her biceps. "I've been doing this for a year!"

"Isn't that the second time you've bragged about it today?"

"What?! I'm really proud of it!"

The two girls shared a laughter as Kyubey hopped off of her desk. "Well then, let me know if you change your mind."

As Kyubey left, Li Sushang couldn't help but feel...grateful.

She sacrificed so much so Guinaifen could get here.