Early the next morning.
Inside the small seaside cabin, Rei Ao opened his eyes and found himself gazing into a pair of clear, languid eyes. A smile curved his lips.
A flicker of nervousness and shyness flashed through Utaha's eyes.
"Ugh, g-good morning…Rei Ao."
"Why so shy? We're closer than any two people could be now."
He wrapped an arm around her, gently pulling her into his embrace.
"Are you still hurting?"
"A—a little, but it's fine."
Utaha's face went hot. For a moment last night, she'd honestly thought she might die. But now, recalling it, she felt an odd urge to go through it again. She was starting to understand exactly what Sonoko (Machida Sonoko) had meant by addictive.
Rei Ao had no intention of making her endure any more soreness right now. He simply inhaled the scent of her silky hair, savoring the quiet moment.
"Any plans for today? Would you rather play around some more, or head home?"
"Let's go back tomorrow, okay?"
Utaha snuggled against him, looking comfortable and lazy.
"My new book's releasing soon. I need to be present—I can't leave everything to Sonoko."
"So we can still spend today hanging out, huh."
Rei Ao's eyes gleamed mischievously, and he leaned in close to her ear. Just the warm breath on her earlobe made Utaha shudder.
"Utaha, didn't you bring something in your suitcase that you never used?"
She blinked in confusion at first.
Rei Ao handed her a handful of black straps and scraps of cloth. Utaha's confusion morphed into shock.
"H-how did you know?"
She had brought a "knockout swimsuit," but never ended up needing it. Judging by last night's somewhat forceful activities, it seemed he was already quite taken with her body—no special costume required. But now, here he was, showing it to her.
"You packed it, so why not let me see you wear it?"
Utaha's gaze turned pensive.
"You want to look at it, or… use it?"
"Why not both?" Rei Ao teased. "Come on—I'll help you put it on."
"…You're such a—uugh—you know what, fine."
Though she protested verbally, Utaha stood up, letting him do as he pleased.
The Next Day – Fudōkawa Publishing
When Utaha arrived, Machida Sonoko personally called her into the office.
"Utaha, you didn't really have to come, you know."
"I couldn't leave everything to you, Sonoko. Is there anything you need me to do?"
Utaha gave a mild smile.
Sonoko studied her carefully, noting something curious.
"Your skin looks more radiant, and you've got a certain…mature glow about you."
She narrowed her sharp eyes and said,
"Utaha, did you, uh, lose your 'innocence'?"
"Sonoko, please—don't say weird stuff out loud!"
Thankfully, it was just the two of them in the room, or she would've died of embarrassment.
Seeing Utaha's reaction, Sonoko's eyes gleamed.
"So it's true! Was it Rei Ao?!"
"C'mon, who else would it be?"
Utaha threw her a glare. She'd received something like a "mark of acceptance" from Rei Ao:
[Name]: Kasumigaoka Utaha
[Abilities]: "Dragon Power,", "Dragon Language Magic", "Rei Ao's Blessing", "Inherent Device: Word-Spirit Tome"
Sonoko, seeing Utaha's pout and puffed cheeks, grew more intrigued. She pulled Utaha over to the sofa and urged her to sit.
"Utaha, tell me how it felt. Did it feel like all your stress was melting away?"
Utaha opened her mouth, unsure how to respond. Why is this the first question she's asking…?
She settled on a shy nod.
Sonoko smirked, her lips curling.
"Utaha, I've got a bold idea."
She leaned in, whispering a few words in Utaha's ear. Utaha's expression immediately changed, eyes wide with shock.
"Why not?" Sonoko hooked her arm through Utaha's. "We're similar in so many ways. People might even mistake us for sisters. Don't you think Rei Ao would be really into that sort of scenario?"
Utaha just stared in bewilderment. What kind of things is Sonoko's mind stuffed with?! The idea was definitely… intense for her. Yet part of her felt oddly tempted. Sonoko saw that tiny bit of hesitation and grinned. She proceeded with her "ultimate persuasion."
I guess this sister act is happening, Sonoko thought gleefully.
Rei Ao: "@Yatogami Tohka, @Ai Hayasaka—both safely back in your own worlds, right?"
Mikoto Misaka: "??? Didn't you all go home a while ago? Kind of late to ask, isn't it?"
Rei Ao: "Hmph, as the chat group's admin, can't I show a little concern for my members?"
Mikoto Misaka: "Sure you can…"
Yatogami Tohka: "I've returned to the Neighboring Dimension. My body still can't move."
Rei Ao: "Do you know when you'll be transported back to the real world?"
Yatogami Tohka: "Not really."
Rei Ao: "Alright. If you do end up in the real world and worry about Spacequakes, just let me know."
Yatogami Tohka: "Okay. Thank you, Rei Ao."
Frieren: "Wait, wait, is Rei Ao hitting on her?"
Yatogami Tohka: "Hitting on? What do you mean?"
Fubuki: "Basically he's flirting, trying to gain your affection—make you like him."
Rei Ao: "Am I really that obvious?"
Mikoto Misaka: "Ehhh, not obvious? You're a total wolf in heat."
Yatogami Tohka: "Oh, I see."
Yatogami Tohka: "I've decided—I want Rei Ao to flirt with me."
Mikoto Misaka: "Huh?!"
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