Chapter 252: Date A Live Begins
Facing such words, Origami Tobiichi showed no reaction at all. With an expressionless face, she walked straight to Franklin's bedside and silently began taking off her clothes.
"Lin, I won't fall behind the Spirits. Do to me everything you've done to them…"
Hearing that this was the reason, Franklin instantly let out a sigh of relief. At the same time, he stood up and grabbed Origami's hands just as she was unbuttoning her school uniform shirt.
"There's no need to continue. What Tohka said last night was just a misunderstanding on your part."
Looking at her expressionless face and puzzled eyes, Franklin gently lifted her chin and kissed her directly.
Unlike her stiff expression, Origami was extremely responsive—so much so that even Franklin found himself at a disadvantage. As time ticked by, Origami's hands became increasingly bold, slowly reaching downward.
Sensing this, Franklin pressed both of her hands behind her back and gradually stopped the kiss.
The silver-white spirit threads snapped apart. Looking at Origami's flushed face at such close range, Franklin's heartbeat quickened slightly.
After calming himself a little, Franklin explained, "This is what Tohka meant by 'deep communication.' After all, she just turned back into a human, so there are many things she doesn't fully understand yet…"
Before Franklin could continue, Origami kissed him again and slowly pushed him back toward the bed.
The bedroom door suddenly flew open, and both of their movements froze instantly. They subconsciously looked toward the doorway, where Tohka was charging in angrily.
"So you really are in here! What are you doing with Lin?!"
"Lin is already tired of you. Right now, I'm having deep communication with Lin—something you've never experienced, Tohka."
The calm words and flat tone dealt Tohka an unprecedented emotional blow.
"Lin… is that true?"
Seeing Tohka's devastated expression, Franklin lightly flicked Origami on the forehead.
"Don't say things that can cause misunderstandings like that. They just turned back into humans and don't have much judgment yet. If they go berserk again, a lot of people will get hurt."
Rubbing her forehead, a trace of understanding flashed deep in Origami's eyes.
"Tohka, don't get so worked up. I just sent you back to your room this morning, and Origami came up right after. That 'deep communication' thing is just the same as what you did yesterday…"
"The same as what I did yesterday…"
As she spoke, Tohka's cheeks slowly turned red. Seeing the situation once again heading in a suggestive direction, Franklin immediately raised his hand to stop it. After much effort, he finally calmed Tohka down.
As soon as he stepped outside the door, he saw Yoshinon eavesdropping nearby. Franklin rubbed his head helplessly—he really should have expected this.
"You really just love watching the chaos. Next time, I'll definitely spank you."
Yoshinon stuck out her tongue in response, full of provocation, leaving Franklin utterly helpless. Hitting her was obviously impossible, so he could only set it aside for now.
"If Yoshino wakes up, bring her to the first floor too. There are some basic common-sense things you all need to learn."
Time quietly passed. The house was a mess. As a man, Franklin knew absolutely nothing about certain matters related to women. Under Kotori's strong insistence, Reine Murasame was teleported down.
Seeing the dark circles under her eyes that hadn't improved at all after just one day apart, Franklin was about to help her recover, but she firmly refused. Franklin didn't force the issue.
With her help, basic common knowledge was smoothly explained to Yoshino and Tohka. After breakfast was settled, guided by Reine Murasame's verbal descriptions and simple sketches, Franklin changed all five girls into extremely suitable outfits.
"So, Captain… you really agreed to let Little Lin go on a date with five people at the same time…"
"I already said it wasn't my decision. It was my brother's choice. What could I do?"
Looking at Kotori's frustrated expression, Reine Murasame nodded lightly.
"Since it was Little Lin's own decision, all we can do is trust him. If things go well, it'll save a lot of trouble in the future. I'll leave it to you, Captain."
Watching Kotori walk out of the guest room, Franklin smiled and waved at her.
"Everything's arranged, right? Then we can set off now."
Seeing Franklin's confident smile, Kotori shook her head lightly, dispelling her lingering worries. Although he had become a bit lewd now, this was still her brother—confident and handsome.
Looking at the eager expressions on the girls' faces, a heartfelt smile appeared on Kotori's cheeks.
"Date A Live begins, big brother!"
In response, Franklin gave Kotori a thumbs-up.
"Very cool. Don't worry—I'll handle everything perfectly."
Holding Tohka's and Yoshino's hands, the group walked out the door. The flawless group of six instantly became a striking sight.
Yoshinon laughed as she pulled Yoshino away from the main group, running ahead. Everything they saw filled them with curiosity.
Watching their lively figures, Franklin felt a slight headache as certain memories surfaced in his mind.
In a hospital room, Yoshino lay weak on the bed. A blue-haired woman smiled gently as she handed a handmade puppet, Yoshinon, to a much younger Yoshino.
"This puppet is called Yoshinon. Mommy made this little knight for you, Yoshino. Mommy can't always stay by your side, so from now on, please let Yoshinon be your little knight and stay with you, okay?
Whenever you miss Mommy, you can talk to Yoshinon, and Mommy will appear very soon.
If anything makes you unhappy, you can tell Yoshinon too. I believe Yoshino is a strong child.
With Yoshinon by your side, you'll definitely get better soon. Mommy will pray for Yoshino and Yoshinon every day. Everything will keep getting better and better."
As time passed, the beautiful blue-haired woman grew increasingly haggard.
"Doctor… is there really no other way?"
"I'm sorry. This illness is extremely rare, and there have been no successful treatment cases. The fact that the patient has held on until now is already a miracle among miracles.
Her organs have deteriorated to a very serious extent. At most, she has about half a month left. Please prepare yourself mentally."
Inside the hospital room, Yoshino also looked much weaker. Holding the Yoshinon puppet, she showed a faint smile.
"It hurts a lot, Yoshinon… but I can't let Mommy worry. I can still hold on."
As the door opened, the sorrow on the blue-haired woman—Himekawa Nagisa's—face vanished, replaced by a gentle smile.
"Yoshino, you're amazing. The doctor said your condition has improved a lot. You'll be discharged very soon.
Then Mommy can take you to the amusement park. You can play with other kids and experience everything you've never gotten to before—everything you want to play with, everything you want to eat.
That sundae they showed on TV before? Mommy will definitely get you an extra-large one so you can eat as much as you want."
Hearing Nagisa's words, longing and anticipation appeared in Yoshino's eyes. Enduring the intense pain inside her body, she slowly sat up, a smile finally appearing on her face.