"...Why did my 16-year-old self appear again?!"
Seika covered her skirt with both hands, her pretty face flushed red with shame and anger.
The moment she returned, she knew what had happened.
Taking a photo together was one thing, but to actually kiss that brat's cheek… her 16-year-old self was too shameless!
Even worse, she even went shopping without underwear!
Her 16-year-old self was truly too willful!
Kitahara Makoto said truthfully:
"I just asked Nijika, Seika-sensei appeared because of that evil spirit mark."
"Hmm?"
Seika's delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she instinctively looked at her right wrist.
Her wrist was fair, and the mark on it was almost imperceptible, as if it would disappear the next second.
"Will my 16-year-old self appear again?"
Seika let out a light breath, gritting her teeth as she asked.
Kitahara Makoto shook his head and said:
"I don't know."
"...You're dismissed!"
Seika tightened her pretty face and waved her hand to dismiss him:
"You have ten seconds to disappear from my sight! And about what just happened, if you dare to utter a single word, you're dead! Not even Jesus can save you!"
Whether it was the previous kiss on the cheek or the wardrobe malfunction just now, it all made Seika incredibly embarrassed. Now, she didn't want to see Kitahara Makoto for even a second.
Kitahara Makoto reminded her:
"It was a family of three sitting here just now. It must have been the child's ice cream that dropped on the seat, which is why it stuck to your skirt… Seika-nee, turn around, I'll help you check the condition of your skirt."
"I'll look myself!"
Seika turned her head and cautiously looked behind her, then quickly frowned.
Sure enough.
There was indeed a large stain on her skirt.
Because the seat was dark, the spilled cream wasn't obvious, but now that it was smeared on her skirt, it was very noticeable.
More importantly, it was already past 11:30, and it would soon be time for her dinner appointment with her friends. Going back to change clothes would definitely be too late…
Kitahara Makoto whispered beside her:
"Seika-nee, how about you go to the Onsen Village for a quick shower, and I'll go buy you a skirt?"
"…"
Seika hesitated at his words.
She definitely couldn't go to her appointment wearing a stained skirt, and the cream seemed to have soaked into the skirt, making her legs feel very uncomfortable. She really did want to take a shower.
Kitahara Makoto continued:
"Do you want me to buy Seika-nee a pair of panties too?"
"...No need!"
Seika immediately glared at him in shame and anger.
"Didn't you just say you didn't see anything?!"
Kitahara Makoto shook his head innocently:
"It was just a fleeting glance, I didn't see clearly."
Seika looked at him with murderous intent, a cold smile on her face:
"You still want to see clearly, do you?"
Kitahara Makoto avoided answering, his face full of righteous indignation:
"I'm thinking for Seika-nee's sake. Accidents can happen at any time. If there's a first wardrobe malfunction, there will definitely be a second. We have to be prepared."
Seika gritted her teeth, pouting:
"So what if it's a wardrobe malfunction? It's not like anyone knows who I am anyway."
Kitahara Makoto's expression became serious as he said:
"No, only I can see Seika-nee's wardrobe malfunction."
"Brat!"
Seika was so angry that she punched him:
"You really want to die, don't you?!"
Bang.
Kitahara Makoto took a punch to the shoulder, his expression 'painful':
"Domestic violence, Seika-nee is committing domestic violence!"
Seeing people around them looking curiously, Seika immediately felt both ashamed and angry:
"Don't you dare talk nonsense, you brat!"
Kitahara Makoto said righteously:
"Seika-nee is Nijika's older sister, and Nijika and I are in a relationship, so Seika-nee is also considered my family. So, saying it's domestic violence isn't wrong, is it?"
It hardened, it hardened!
Her fist hardened again!
Seika clenched her fist, saying with murderous intent:
"You still remember that you and Nijika are in a relationship? Then why did you say what you just said?"
(Saying things like only you can see…)
(As Nijika's boyfriend, you're clearly the only one who shouldn't see!)
Kitahara Makoto reminded her in a low voice:
"Whether it was kissing or hugging, Seika-nee initiated all of it, and didn't even give me a chance to refuse. Of course I have the right to say it."
"...Shut up!"
Seika was so ashamed and angry that she wanted to kill him to silence him.
If she didn't clearly know that her 16-year-old self had initiated everything, did he think he would still be standing?
He would have been on an ambulance long ago!
"It's getting late." Kitahara Makoto held up his phone. "Seika-nee still has a dinner appointment with friends later. Do you want to go to the Onsen Village?"
Seika snorted lightly and said:
"I can still summon Hana and have Hana take me home, right?"
"Of course you can." Kitahara Makoto nodded. "But Seika-nee must be uncomfortable with the stickiness, and you'll need to shower when you get back. The timing might not work out…"
Before he could finish speaking, Seika's fist angrily came down:
"What nonsense are you spouting, you brat?!"
Kitahara Makoto was slightly startled, then quickly reacted:
"I was talking about the cream on the seat."
Seika: "…"
Kitahara Makoto feigned confusion and said:
"What did Seika-nee think I was just talking about?"
Seika: "…"
The cream on her body was sticky and uncomfortable, and Seika really wanted to take a shower. She finally decided to go to the Onsen Village, otherwise, there really wouldn't be enough time.
However, she didn't ask Kitahara Makoto to help her buy clothes, but instead said:
"Let's go home first. All my clothes are at home. I'll get a change of clothes and then go to the Onsen Village."
Kitahara Makoto agreed:
"No problem, let's go to the bathroom first."
"Hmph~"
Seika snorted lightly, covering her skirt, and cautiously followed behind Kitahara Makoto.
Although she was the 30-year-old Store Manager Seika, going commando under her skirt was still embarrassing.
A moment later.
The two arrived at the bathroom.
"Good luck."
After Kitahara Makoto confirmed that the bathroom was empty, he slipped inside, quickly found a cleaning warning sign behind the door, and placed it at the entrance.
"Seika-nee, come back as soon as possible." Kitahara Makoto whispered. "I'll wait for you in the bathroom."
"Got it."
Seika walked to the mirror and summoned Hana.
There was naturally no full-length mirror in the bathroom, only a mirror above the washbasin.
"Seika-nee, do you want me to help?"
Kitahara Makoto asked.
"No need." Seika tightened her pretty face. "I can climb up myself."
She hadn't been drinking today, so Seika was nimble and could indeed climb into the mirror herself without needing help.
Just as she was halfway up, Seika suddenly remembered something.
(Wait, wait a minute…)
(This posture is too terrible, will I have a wardrobe malfunction?)
If Kitahara Makoto could hear Store Manager Seika's thoughts, he would definitely reply:
The moonlight is truly white.
Watching Store Manager Seika quickly travel home, Kitahara Makoto took out his phone and sent a message to Nijika to report the situation.
Nijika: "Eh, 16-year-old Big Sis disappeared so quickly?"
Kitahara Makoto: "That's right, I just don't know the exact reason."
Nijika: "Don't worry about it too much, as long as Big Sis is okay."
I'm sorry, your Big Sis has a big problem!
Several minutes passed in a flash.
Ripples appeared on the mirror's surface, and Seika quickly emerged, carrying a large backpack, which clearly contained a change of clothes.
"Let's go to the Onsen Village."
Kitahara Makoto stepped forward, naturally taking Seika's right hand. Immediately after, their figures flickered and disappeared into thin air.
"We're at the Onsen Village, Seika-nee, do you remember where the showers are?"
Kitahara Makoto asked softly.
"Of course I remember…"
Seika let out a soft hum, her words unfinished when she suddenly felt something was amiss. Looking down, her pretty face instantly flushed crimson upon seeing their hands clasped together:
"Let go of me, quickly!"
"Hmm?"
Kitahara Makoto looked down and only then realized they were holding hands, fingers intertwined. He said innocently:
"My deepest apologies, I don't know how it ended up like this."
Seika quickly hid her hands behind her back and glared at him with killing intent:
"If there's a next time, you're dead, kid!"
"Yes, yes." Kitahara Makoto replied perfunctorily, "Seika-nee, hurry up and take a bath."
"Hmph~"
Seika turned and walked towards the shower area, then quietly let out a sigh of relief where Kitahara Makoto couldn't see her.
(Damn it… why did I only notice so late?)
(If I had noticed earlier, I would have broken free!)
Seika took a deep breath, trying to comfort herself mentally.
(It's nothing to interlace fingers with a boy, there's no need to dwell on it at all…)
However, Seika could clearly hear her own heartbeat accelerating.
As for the reason for her accelerated heartbeat…
(I'm sick!)
(I must be sick!)
There was nothing more to say about what happened next.
Knowing there was enough time, Seika didn't rush. She took a calm shower and then changed into clean clothes.
During this time, Kitahara Makoto sat obediently on a nearby chair reading a book, not taking advantage of the situation to take advantage of her.
After Seika finished her bath, Kitahara Makoto put down his book and led Seika out of the Onsen Village.
"There are still more than ten minutes… that's enough."
Seika checked her phone, relaxed, and crossed her arms, saying:
"I'm going to eat with my friends. Don't follow me!"
Kitahara Makoto said helplessly:
"It was just a chance encounter to begin with."
Seika glared at him:
"And what happened today must be kept a secret! If Nijika finds out, you're dead!"
Kitahara Makoto said softly:
"Are we going to hide our relationship from Nijika forever?"
"Then we'll hide it forever… wait a minute." Seika quickly reacted, biting her teeth in embarrassment and anger, "What do you mean 'our relationship'? We don't have any relationship! Don't you dare fantasize, kid! If you betray Nijika, you're dead!"
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
A week ago, he would have had no thoughts at all.
But now… he was indeed a little tempted.
"Seika-nee, goodbye. I'm going back." Kitahara Makoto simply summoned Tomori and quickly teleported away, "Message me if anything happens."
Seeing Kitahara Makoto swiftly escape, Seika finally reacted.
"Wait, did that brat just not deny it?"
Seika's face flushed, and she couldn't help but clench her fist:
"Does he really want to not even let me go?"
"Putting aside the huge age difference, Nijika wouldn't agree first, right?"
"But… what if Nijika really agrees?"
Seika suddenly felt a bit hesitant.
After all, with the precedent of Nijika agreeing to be with Ryo, her thoughts were clearly different from ordinary people.
Thump-thump.
Seika's heart suddenly sped up:
"If Nijika really agrees, what should I do?"
"Do I have to…?"
"Absolutely impossible! There's a difference of more than ten years!"
"…"
At the same time.
Kitahara Makoto had already quickly traveled back home.
"Kitahara-kun, you're back?"
"Kitahara-kun."
"Perfect timing, we can wash our hands and eat soon."
"…"
The girls all looked over.
Yamada Ryo, Nijika, Kita, Soyo, Tomori, Anon, and the always-present Mutsumi… basically everyone was there.
Firstly, with the bonus from the cooking towel, ordinary dishes would become super delicious, and no one could refuse.
Secondly, most of the girls' parents were at work, and no one was home for lunch, so gathering for a meal was perfect.
As for freeloading… that small expense was negligible for Kitahara Makoto, and it could even provide energy for the Kessoku Band.
Kitahara Makoto responded to each of them, then walked to the kitchen doorway.
Inside the kitchen, Soyo and Nijika, wearing aprons, were preparing the meal.
Seeing Kitahara Makoto approach, Nijika quickly wiped her hands and asked:
"Kitahara-kun, how is my sister?"
Kitahara Makoto said softly:
"I was just about to tell Nijika-senpai. The manager is already back and is going to have dinner with her friends. No need to worry."
Nijika breathed a sigh of relief:
"That's good… Kitahara-kun, please rest for a bit. Dinner will be ready soon."
Kitahara Makoto nodded and turned to walk towards the sofa.
Tomori and Mutsumi sat together, both big and small, intently watching "Chibi Maruko-chan".
Yamada Ryo was different; she was sprawled on the sofa, one hand propping up her left cheek, the other holding a box of juice, exuding a pleasant sense of relaxation.
Seeing an empty seat next to Yamada Ryo, Kitahara Makoto simply sat down.
"Want some?"
Yamada Ryo offered the juice.
"I am a bit thirsty."
Kitahara Makoto took the juice drink and took a sip.
The next second.
A slender hand reached out, and Yamada Ryo lifted her delicate chin:
"One thousand yen, please. Thank you."
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
If he wasn't mistaken, this box of juice was from the refrigerator's stock, right?
Drinking someone else's drink and then asking them for money, her shamelessness was too exaggerated!
"One thousand yen is too little. This is Ryo-senpai's 'Entrance Brand' juice drink, one of a kind in the world." Kitahara Makoto said seriously, "It's worth at least ten thousand yen."
"Hmm, good point." Yamada Ryo nodded in agreement, shamelessly saying, "Then it's ten thousand yen."
"I don't have that much money on me right now." Kitahara Makoto lowered his voice, "Ryo, come with me to the Onsen Village, and I'll give you the money there."
"Eh~ then forget it…"
Yamada Ryo stretched her arms above her head, letting out a yawn, full of relaxation from head to toe:
"So hungry, I don't want to move at all… Eh?"
"What's wrong, Ryo?"
Kitahara Makoto asked, puzzled.
"I smell a familiar scent…"
Yamada Ryo said, leaning in, sniffing around Kitahara Makoto like a hound.
"Hmm, confirmed. It's the manager's scent."
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
You can smell that?
Your noses are too sensitive, girls!
"The scent is very strong, so it seems Kitahara and the manager spent quite some time together." Yamada Ryo propped her chin with her right hand, tilted her head, and looked over, a curious expression on her languid, pretty face, "Let me guess… did Kitahara and the manager hug?"
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
Oh no.
Detective Ryo is back online.
"I ran into Seika-nee on the train." Kitahara Makoto said truthfully, "It was almost Shibuya, and the train was super crowded, so it was inevitable to have some physical contact with Seika-nee."
Thump~
Yamada Ryo pulled out a small wooden mallet from who knows where and tapped it on the sofa:
"The defendant must confess truthfully, do not conceal anything."
Kitahara Makoto said helplessly:
"I haven't committed any crime, so why am I the defendant?"
"The defendant, do not change the subject." Yamada Ryo's expression was serious, "What was the specific posture of the physical contact? How long did it last?"
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
She hit the nail on the head with every question. You're so smart, why do you fail your exams?!
"The manager has been very strange these past few days, and she won't say why." Ryo intertwined her fingers, "So, it's really related to Kitahara, isn't it?"
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
Theoretically, it was indeed related to him.
Yamada Ryo continued:
"The manager is a grown woman; she wouldn't be distressed over small matters. She's been distracted these past few days, so it's clearly something significant. And every time she looks at Nijika, she avoids eye contact, as if she's done something guilty… Could it be that something unspeakable happened between you and her behind Nijika's back?"
Good heavens!
You actually guessed it right! It's truly a loss for the detective world that you're not a private detective!
Kitahara Makoto subtly twitched the corner of his mouth:
"Ryo-senpai, you don't have any evidence, don't make wild guesses."
"Reasonable speculation isn't just wild guessing," Ryo said, gently shaking her finger. "It's easy to get proof… just ask the answer book."
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
Hey, hey, don't cheat! Why don't you continue playing the deduction game?
Seeing that Yamada Ryo had guessed most of it, Kitahara Makoto had no choice but to admit it
"Seika-sensei, when she was sixteen, got drunk that day. She was probably afraid of disappearing, so she did do some outrageous things… After the manager returned, she still remembered what happened during that period."
"Outrageous things?" Yamada Ryo propped her chin with her right hand. "Hugs or kisses? Or both?"
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
Seeing Kitahara Makoto remain silent, Yamada Ryo nodded knowingly:9
"So it was both."
Kitahara Makoto closed his eyes:
"Yes, it was both."
He was tired. Let it all be destroyed.
Thankfully, he had chosen to lay his cards on the table from the beginning, directly self-detonating by saying he wanted a harem. This averted the hatchet crisis. If he had chosen to hide his infidelity, Yamada Ryo would have discovered it immediately!
"Tsk~"
Yamada Ryo let out a soft tsk, an interested expression appearing on her pretty face:
"Nijika's expression would surely be interesting if she knew about this, wouldn't it?"