"Mira, you've been in the library a lot lately."
Hiyori gently called out. At a seat by the window, Mira was reading a psychology book.
Mira quietly nodded. Being few with words was usual for her.
Sora approached. "What are you reading?"
Mira showed the page. The title "Defense Mechanisms" was visible.
"Defense mechanisms," Hiyori read. "Freud's theory."
Sora showed interest. "Is that how the mind protects itself?"
Hiyori began explaining. "Psychological mechanisms unconsciously used to protect the mind from anxiety and conflict."
"Specifically?"
"For example, rationalization. Hiding true motives and attaching plausible reasons."
Mira wrote something in her notebook and showed it. "Failed exam → 'That exam was unfair'"
"I see," Sora understood. "Because you don't want to admit failure, you blame external factors."
"That's also a type of defense mechanism," Hiyori continued. "Others include repression, projection, displacement, and more."
Sora thought. "But isn't that the same as lying?"
"The difference is that the person is also unconscious of it," Hiyori answered. "It's different from intentional lying."
Mira wrote again. "Self-deception"
"Yes. A state of deceiving yourself."
Sora tilted her head. "But why do such a thing?"
Hiyori looked out the window. "Because the mind has truths it cannot bear. To protect self-esteem, or to reduce anxiety."
"Mira, why are you researching defense mechanisms?" Sora asked.
After hesitating slightly, Mira wrote, "Want to understand myself"
Hiyori smiled gently. "Self-understanding is important."
Sora recalled. "Recently when a friend forgot a promise, I thought 'they must have been busy.' But really, I just didn't want to think I was taken lightly."
"That might also be a type of defense mechanism," Hiyori said. "Using denial or rationalization to protect yourself from hurt."
Mira opened a new page. The word "sublimation" was visible.
"Sublimation is a constructive defense mechanism," Hiyori explained. "Converting negative emotions or desires into socially acceptable forms."
"For example?" Sora asked.
"Releasing anger through sports. Turning loneliness into art. Things like that."
Mira quietly said, "Drawing pictures"
Hiyori and Sora were surprised. It was rare for Mira to speak up.
"Mira, you draw?"
Mira nodded. "Emotions I can't put into words, I put into pictures."
"That's a very healthy sublimation," Hiyori acknowledged.
Sora thought. "So defense mechanisms aren't necessarily bad?"
"That's right," Hiyori answered. "Moderate defense mechanisms are necessary to maintain mental health. The problem is using them excessively or completely turning away from reality."
Mira wrote, "Balance"
"Exactly," Hiyori nodded. "It's important to notice your defense mechanisms and evaluate whether they're appropriate."
Sora wrote in her notebook. "Understanding defense mechanisms reveals your true motives."
"And makes it easier to understand others' behavior too," Hiyori added. "You can infer the true emotions and desires behind surface words and actions."
Mira stared at Hiyori. "Hiyori is always listening to someone."
Hiyori was slightly surprised. "That might be true."
"Is that also a defense mechanism?" Sora asked.
Hiyori thought deeply. "Maybe... I might be focusing on others' problems to avoid facing my own."
Sora was surprised. "Even you, Hiyori?"
"Everyone has them," Hiyori said calmly. "There's no such thing as a perfect person."
Mira smiled. She took out a note tucked in the book and showed it. "Knowing true motives is the first step to freedom"
"Exactly," Hiyori acknowledged. "Bringing the unconscious to consciousness expands your choices."
The three sat quietly. Soft light streamed into the library.
"The journey of exploring hidden motives might never end," Sora murmured.
"But the exploration itself has value," Hiyori answered.
Mira closed her notebook. Today too, it was an afternoon that brought her one step closer to self-understanding.