Chapter 244: Kirari's Sudden Chill, Sora's Story
The playful back-and-forth between Lucifer and Ren had a surprisingly soothing effect, and Kasugano Sora found the tension in her small frame beginning to melt away. Cradled in Lucifer's arms, she realized that there was something undeniably cute about the blonde girl's prickly, tsundere demeanor. Sometimes, a touch of silliness could be far more disarming than a perfectly composed facade; it invited closeness and trust in a way that a cunning, calculating mind never could.
Ren's gaze softened as he looked at Sora. "Speaking of which, Sora, what brings you here in person? You usually just order takeout, don't you?"
At his words, Lucifer blinked, her head tilting in confusion. "Eh? Why would anyone on earth order takeout when they could have your cooking, Ren? Is there some delivery service out there that can even begin to compare to your food?"
"Because it was my takeout she was ordering," Ren replied with a hint of exasperation, before turning his full attention back to the girl in white. "But really, Sora, why did you come all the way here? Is it... because you're not in a good mood today?"
The question hung in the air. Sora's small hands tightened their grip on the black rabbit plushie clutched to her chest. After a long, quiet moment, she gave a tiny nod and whispered, "Mmm... I had a nightmare when I was sleeping this afternoon. I woke up... scared. So I came to find Ren-gege... I'm so glad your shop was finally open..."
Ren's mind completely skipped over the phrase "finally open," zeroing in on the more pressing issue. His lighthearted expression vanished, replaced by one of genuine gravity. "A nightmare, Sora? It scared you that badly? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere? Are you sick?"
Seeing the sudden, sharp concern on Ren's face—an expression she rarely witnessed—Lucifer also grew still. Sora, of course, noticed it too and quickly shook her head, her silver hair swaying. "No, no, I'm okay. This time I just sweated a lot. I drank a few bottles of water, but..."
"But what?" Ren pressed gently.
Her voice dropped to a near-inaudible murmur. "But... it just feels like the home I've lived in for so many years is becoming more and more... unfamiliar."
A sigh escaped Ren's lips as a different kind of understanding dawned on him. "Wait a minute, Sora. You've been here before, haven't you? While I was closed."
"Mmm..." she admitted quietly. "I came a few times, but it was never open, so I just went back..."
A mixture of blame and helplessness colored Ren's tone. "You little rascal, why didn't you just call me? Did you get sick or have more nightmares during that time?"
"No, no! Really, I didn't!" she insisted, her voice gaining a touch of panicked urgency. "I didn't know where Ren-gege went, and I thought you must have had something important to do, so I didn't want to disturb you..."
Ren closed the distance between them and placed a warm hand on her cheek, his touch grounding. "You worry far too much, you silly girl. I'm not that busy," he chided softly. "Let me guess. You were online this morning, and then you fell asleep right after without eating anything, didn't you?"
Lucifer watched the exchange, not quite understanding the implication, but Sora knew exactly what he meant. She gave a silent, nervous nod. A moment later, Lucifer connected the dots. Ren's fingers immediately found Sora's soft cheek and gave it a gentle pinch.
"You little troublemaker," he said, his voice a low grumble of affection. "It's one thing to overthink everything, but how many times have I told you to eat on time? Does it ever stick?"
Sora didn't resist, simply looking up at him with wide, pitiful eyes that could melt stone. Ren's resolve crumbled instantly. He sighed, his hand moving from her cheek to gently pat her head. "I really don't know what to do with you. Alright, what do you want to eat?"
"Uh..."
"Never mind, you don't need to think. I'll decide for you," he declared, already turning toward the kitchen. "While you wait, just chat with Lucifer. You can play on your phone tomorrow."
Sora's cheeks puffed out in a small pout, but she nodded obediently. Then, a hopeful look entered her eyes. "Ren-gege, can I have a soda?"
"Orange juice?" Ren countered without looking back.
"Soda!" she insisted.
"Plain water?"
"Soda..." Her voice trailed off, defeated. "...Mmm... Strawberry juice..."
Ren nodded, a faint smile on his lips as he disappeared into the kitchen. Sora stared at the empty doorway, her cheeks still puffed. After a long moment, a faint blush crept up her neck, and she gave her head a quick, sudden shake, a motion so abrupt it startled Lucifer.
Once she'd composed herself, Sora realized she was now alone with Lucifer. Though she knew the blonde girl liked her and was always gentle, she couldn't quite overcome the ingrained shyness that made her heart flutter nervously in new social situations.
Lucifer could feel the faint dampness of sweat on the little girl's palms. She offered a warm, reassuring smile. "No need to be nervous. Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Lucifer, and I'm one of your Ren-gege's lovers."
Sora looked up, her gaze deep and searching as she studied Lucifer's face. She then gave a small, polite nod. "Mmm... Hello, Sister Lucifer..."
For a fleeting instant, Lucifer thought she saw a flicker of envy in the child's eyes. Envy of what? And it seemed Sora already knew Ren had more than one girlfriend. Exhaling softly, Lucifer decided to change the subject. "Mmm~ Can you tell me how you and Ren met?"
Hearing this, a wistful, nostalgic light entered Sora's eyes. "I can... I still remember it so clearly. It's something I'll never forget for the rest of my life..."
Her voice was soft, a quiet melody of memory. "Back then, because of my health, I was always home alone. My parents had gone out on a business trip... but they got into a car accident. Both of them passed away. Suddenly, I was the only one left. I needed a relative to get the death certificates and handle... all the procedures that came after. But I didn't know how to do anything, and I was still sick."
"When I heard the news, my mind just went blank. But I knew I had to go out. In the end... I fainted at an intersection. The fever was too high..."
"When I woke up, I was here, in Ren-gege's shop. He had just gone out to buy some books and saw me on his way back. He just... brought me here. He found medicine for me and even made me porridge. After that, he took me to handle all of those difficult things. Later, he even helped me sell the clinic and the house my family owned in the countryside..."
"Because of that money, plus the compensation, survivor's benefits, and my family's savings, I can live very comfortably now. That's how I met him. If it had rained that day, or if it had been too hot... I think I might have died out there..."
Lucifer nodded slowly, a wave of sympathy washing over her. "Sora," she asked gently, "do you have any other relatives?"
Sora shook her head, her silver hair brushing against her shoulders. "No... I'm the only one left. I don't have many friends, either. I'm usually at home by myself. Ren-gege and a few of the sisters... they're the closest people I have in the world."
"A few sisters? Who are they?" Lucifer asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Sister Yumiko, Rindou-nee, Kirari-nee, Sister Sonoko, Sister Ran-chan, Sister Shion..."
Lucifer mentally ticked off the names. It seemed Sonoko had introduced Ran to Sora. That made sense. They were all good people, she thought. Well, except for Kirari, that damn schemer...
At that very moment, in a quiet, luxurious room miles away, Momobami Kirari, who was leisurely reading a book, paused. She felt a sudden, inexplicable chill, the distinct sensation of someone speaking ill of her. However, considering the sheer number of people at her academy who likely badmouthed her on a daily basis, she dismissed the feeling with a faint, untroubled smile and turned the page.
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