What on earth is Nagisa doing, and why is she so late? I decided to put that thought aside for a moment. Honestly, I’m curious, but since she said she’d be a bit late, I thought it best to just wait quietly.
Well… that’s that, but I’ve got things to do. It was exhausting dealing with students from other factions for a while, but it’s not as bad as it used to be. Not having to wear a mask is a definite plus.
Of course, there was a friend gently poking fun at my scandalous private life…
“Hey, I’m not going to be a host for a thousand years or anything, so why does it matter? Oh, wait, does it matter? Hmmm… I suppose it does. How about if I listen to you and resign from being a host, and immerse myself in the Sisterhood for atonement?”
“…Huh?”
“Ahaha, why are you so surprised? Huh? Honestly, I’ve wanted to quit being a host for a while now, yes.”
Of course, that wouldn’t actually happen, but if it did, I’d probably have to pray for this friend’s soul.
I wonder if I’d get beaten up from all sides for letting my perfectly fine host run away?
“Ex-excuse me.”
“Why? Acting on your beliefs isn’t exactly bad, right? Just… next time, say it a bit more directly, okay? You understand what I mean, right?”
To have to apologize even after saying something right… true justice is dead. I could say that nobody asked for the sarcasm, but…
After completing that annoying social task, I danced a song with Hanako and Wakamo…
“I was wondering when you’d finally make some time for me.”
“…Ahaha.”
I even shared a song with our hardworking Hina, who had been focused on her work instead of participating in today’s party. I nudged Hanako next to Aco, just to keep her entertained, and the look Aco shot me, filled with disdain, was adorable.
After all, the reactions from the most delicious little troublemakers are the best.
Well, originally I only intended to dance one song with Hina. But watching Hina cheerfully follow my lead and spin around while holding hands, I started feeling like one song just wouldn’t be enough.
Due to that, we ended up dancing a couple more songs, but just seeing Hina smile a little longer was more than enough reward for me.
Hmm… If Hina had been in a dress, it would have been a moment worthy of a lifetime shot. I couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful about that. When I subtly brought it up while coming off stage, Hina blinked at me and smiled widely.
It wasn’t usually like her to smile so much in front of others, was it? Maybe her idol activities really helped her with this?
“The next time I attend a party… I’ll wear the dress you choose for me, Mika.”
“Huh? Really?”
“W-wait, what’s with that reaction…? I… I want to look cute in front of you too…”
“No, no, I’m just really happy! Ahaha, you can totally expect me to pick the absolute prettiest dress for you! ☆”
“I’m just… fine with any dress you like, Mika.”
Ah, seriously. What to do with this shy princess? The charismatic Student Council President practically everywhere else turns into such a cutie in front of me… Ugh.
“Hey, that laugh just now was a bit creepy…”
“Huh? Creepy? It’s just me, your cute little wings, spreading wide…”
“Yikes…?!”
“Isn’t it more creepy when our Hina-chan looks down at me from above? Huh.”
“Th-that’s rude… I’m doing this because of you…”
“Heueng… Then, when I head over to Gehenna, should we perhaps enjoy a bit of time together? Yes, even for a whole week.”
Hina nodded shyly while blushing at my words. Then, she gently leaned her head against me.
What she wanted was so obvious, so I naturally reached out to pat her head, sharing our feelings.
After spending a short yet profound moment together, I headed out to see Hina off as she returned to Gehenna.
As much as I wanted to walk her all the way to the gates, she told me it wasn’t necessary, so I just told her to hurry back. Sigh.
“And like I said before, my aide…”
“I won’t cry. And we’re not really officially dating yet—why are you looking at me like that…?”
“Mika, I can tell now… I’m sure you can’t just throw Aco aside now that the opportunity has arisen. Aco certainly doesn’t seem like the type to let you go easily either. To be honest, this is not just a problem for Aco.”
As Hina said this, she wrapped her arms around my neck.
“Even if we’re trying to form the best possible relationship, there will definitely be some who are unhappy. It’s only natural. Your time for each of us is split to pieces, after all.”
“…Right.”
“I’m simply happy that you’re here with me, Mika. I’m sure everyone feels similarly… I believe you understand what I mean. And…”
Hina stood on her tiptoes and pressed her forehead against mine, closing her eyes.
“I still haven’t received my goodnight kiss for today… so I’ll take it now…”
As she said that, Hina kissed me softly on the lips. She was so lovely that our farewell turned out to be… rather long.
…Once I sent one person off, I didn’t expect two more to come in.
*
“Wow—oh…?”
On the way back to the auditorium, I spotted someone standing at the entrance, catching their breath.
The sight was so unexpected that I let out an amazed sound.
What is happening here?
Why on earth is our Nagisa standing there in a tuxedo?
In this utterly baffling situation, her unbelievably stylish appearance forcibly pulled my attention.
Though she wasn’t particularly tall, her curves were just right, making the fitting look superb. Pairing slim black pants with shoes that seemed to be about 10 cm high added to the effect.
With a black double-peaked lapel tuxedo, a white shirt, and a black bow tie—all added together, Nagisa… to put it frankly, had such an allure that I could just stand there, frozen, and admire her.
The atmosphere was slightly shattered, but I couldn’t help but appreciate the effort that must have gone into designing her outfit to allow for wing removal.
“Nagi-chan…?”
“…Huh?”
Of course, the moment I cautiously called her, she seemed startled, and any tranquility faded.
Having confirmed my presence, a startled Nagisa hurriedly checked her attire, which looked fine at a glance… I think they call this gap moe?
In the meantime, her hair was tied up near her neck, which made me realize just how much effort she had put into this.
“Wow, Nagisa-chan! What is this? What is this?! I knew you were late, but you were preparing this surprise?!”
As I approached Nagisa with quick steps, I noticed her clasping her hands behind her back and taking a deep breath.
Wow, what is happening here?
Basically, Nagisa’s expression changes a bit based on the shape of her eyes. When she smiles, she looks like a noble lady, and even though it’s rare, when she beams, it’s pretty enough to infect me with joy.
And right now, with her trying to be serious, there are just no words for how cool she looks. I mean, please take me, Nagisa!
“You look especially beautiful today… Honestly, I had no idea it would be this stunning, so I’m a little surprised. While I’ve been gone, Mika-san must have been fluttering around inside like a fairy.”
“…Ahaha. Thanks for the compliment?”
What is this chilly sense of crisis? I feel like I need to prostrate myself at any moment… No. It’s more like a warning bell ringing loudly, indicating that I should drop to the floor right now, with all this electric tension…
“So, did you enjoy your date with Aco-san?”
“…Well…”
“I clearly told you I dislike infidelity.”
“But it’s just a—”
“So just meeting up means it’s not infidelity? That’s a new insight. Thank you, Mika-san.”
“…”
Her icy gaze felt like it could pierce holes through me. With Nagisa dressed in more masculine attire, despite knowing full well that physically, I could easily overpower her with a single finger…
In a situation where she came close enough to touch, I felt myself shrinking, until I felt entirely small.
“…Just joking.”
“What?”
“How could I tame you, with that complete lack of self-restraint of yours? I love every bit of you, so I endure it. Instead of getting angry, you should love your partner more passionately. If you feel angry, it’s simply because you’re lacking in love. Isn’t that a bit romantic?”
…I’m scared, Nagi-chan. Please don’t casually throw around such outrageous remarks with a serious face.
“…You’re an idiot.”
While I thought that internally, and even said it out loud, the moment Nagisa’s hand cupped my cheek, I found myself nuzzling her affectionately against her warmth.
“Shut up. I have to brainwash myself this way so I don’t lose affection for you.”
“Ow, ow! That hurts, Nagi-chan…”
As she pouted and pinched my cheek, her grip wasn’t even that strong.
After obediently indulging her little snit for a while, Nagisa left a gentle kiss on my cheek.
“…How do I look?”
Nagisa, asking for feedback on this somewhat unique appearance of hers, seemed surprisingly insecure. Even looking so breathtaking…
“Well, compared to the teacher, Saori-chan, or Chairperson Makoto, you might not quite measure up…”
“H-huh? No! The most beautiful and handsome person in the world is Nagi-chan!”
“I’m happy to hear you say that, but still… Why are you nodding, Mika-san?”
“That’s just Nagi-chan being too hard on herself. No exceptions.”
“Mika-san… I’ll let this one slide just this once. Anyway, I tried to decorate myself as much as possible with help from others to fit your tastes, and I’m glad it seems to please you…”
With a soft and gentle smile, Nagisa added, “If the reaction was lackluster, it might have been a bit embarrassing for me later.”
“Huh?”
Later? What does that mean?
While questions floated above my head, Nagisa reached out her hand. The hand she had been hiding behind her back, that is.
That entire action made it nearly impossible for me to remember how to breathe.
