"A triple... act of acting cute?!"
Upon hearing this, Seika's eyes widened instantly.
She didn't know the exact details of the "triple-threat act of acting spoiled," but it didn't take a genius to figure out it was bound to be something incredibly lewd.
"No way!"
Seika flatly rejected the idea:
"Pick a different request."
Kitahara pondered for a moment: "Then, Senpai, how about you use your hands to help me..."
"Pervert!" Seika glared at him, flustered and annoyed. "Is your head filled with nothing but smut?"
Kitahara clasped his hands together, looking the picture of righteousness: "To you, Senpai, wanting something lewd might seem like smut, but from a biological standpoint, individual survival and the propagation of the species are fundamental codes etched into the genes of every living thing. Naturally, individual will cannot overcome species instincts passed down over millions of years."
"You have to realize that simply remaining composed when faced with temptation is enough to earn one the title of a saint."
"Therefore, wanting something lewd is not a crime."
Kitahara spoke with conviction, acting as a voice for all misunderstood men:
"It is an instinct imprinted in our species' genes—true for all humans—so there is absolutely no need to feel ashamed or guilty just because the 'flight is taking off'."
Seika: "..."
You just want to get lewd—stop coming up with such high-minded excuses!
"No. Pick something else."
Seika crossed her arms over her chest, exercising her right to veto.
"I have to go back to my part-time job soon; I don't have that kind of time."
Kitahara's gaze was intense: "With a ten-to-one time dilation, it won't interfere with your job at all. Besides, Senpai, you wouldn't last more than three minutes anyway."
"...Don't underestimate me!"
Seika gritted her teeth, refusing to back down verbally, though her face flushed hot—clearly recalling the time she had completely lost her composure and was forced to beg for mercy in utter shame. "How about a onsen resort, then?"
"No." Seika glared at him, flustered and annoyed. "I'm not feeling well today."
"Tch."
Kitahara clicked his tongue softly, wearing a look of skepticism:
"Can't do this, can't do that... Is Senpai Ryo hiding something from me?"
Seika felt a sudden pang of panic; her gaze darted away:
"I really am unwell. Stop making wild guesses."
"Even if you're not feeling well, surely you can manage a 'triple-act' of acting cutesy?" Kitahara raised an eyebrow, maintaining his skeptical expression. "It's not like you haven't done it before, Senpai. Constantly refusing makes it seem pretty suspicious."
Seika: "..."
If she kept refusing, this lecherous brat might actually get suspicious and—through that book—discover the secret that she and Ryo had swapped bodies.
If that lecherous brat found out that she was the one who ate the magical cookie in the 'Otherworld' yesterday...
(No way!)
At the mere thought of it, Seika gritted her teeth, her face burning with shame.
(Even if the world ends, I absolutely have to keep such an embarrassing secret safe!)
(So... I guess I have no choice but to agree?)
After weighing her options, Seika ultimately chose to give in.
(The 'triple-act' of acting cutesy... fine, I'll just do it.)
(I'll close my eyes, say it all in one breath, and then hurry back to work. If I stay away too long, he'll definitely get suspicious, right?)
"Haa..."
Seika exhaled softly and took her phone out of her pocket:
"Hold on a sec, I got a message."
That was a lie.
No one had messaged Seika; she wanted to send a message to that good-for-nothing Ryo.
"Ryo, what exactly is this 'triple-act' of acting cutesy?"
Seika didn't know the specific details of the act, and she couldn't ask Kitahara—doing so would surely arouse suspicion—so she had to get the information from that useless Ryo. Upon seeing the notification pop up on her phone, the mischievous Ryo—seated behind the counter—curved her rosy lips into a delighted smile, then lightly tapped the screen with her slender fingers:
"It's simple, really—just three lines of sweet, coquettish talk directed at Kitahara... Come on, please? I'm begging you—love ya, love ya."
"W-What?!"
Seeing the message pop up on the phone, Seika's beautiful eyes widened instinctively.
Do girls actually use such affected, cutesy lines to win a boy's favor?
She must be after something else!
"Wait a minute..." Seika quickly realized, biting her lower lip guiltily. "I... suppose I'm after something else too..."
Meanwhile.
The phone in Kitahara's pocket vibrated softly.
A message arrived from Ryo: "Remember to record a video; I want to savor it properly tonight."
"Copy that."
Kitahara replied with a sticker, then quietly handed his phone to Hana, instructing her to handle the filming. He then urged:
"Hurry up, Ryo-senpai. Do you want to share the ability or not? If not, I'm just going to head back."
"You..."
Seika wanted to say, "Go ahead and leave, then," but the words died on her lips; she simply couldn't bring herself to say them.
If an anomaly were to break out in the performance hall again, she would have to step up to protect the guests—which meant she had to share that [Exorcism] ability. Sure, delivering three lines of cutesy, coquettish talk was incredibly embarrassing, but what mattered more: that, or the safety of the guests?
Deep down, Seika quickly found her answer. "What do you mean 'you'?" Kitahara made a move to turn around. "If Ryo-senpai doesn't want to say it, then I'm leaving."
"Don't leave!"
Seika reached out and grabbed the corner of Kitahara's clothes, her pretty face blushing crimson as she endured the shame:
"I... I'll just say it..."
Hearing this, Kitahara turned back around, a pleasant smile appearing on his face:
"Hurry up and say it, Ryo-senpai."
(Damn it!)
(This lewd brat's smile is super infuriating!)
(I have to endure it, just get him to share the ability first!)
Seika quietly clenched her fists, resisting the urge to punch him. She took a deep breath, endured the shame, and shouted in a low voice:
"Pretty please, I beg you..."
Seika's pretty face was crimson, her lips opening and closing, but she was truly too ashamed to speak the 'love you, love you' at the end.
"There's more after that, isn't there?"
Kitahara urged.
Seika could only grit her teeth and close her eyes. Because it was too embarrassing, even her neck was stained with a touch of crimson:
"Love you, love you!"
"Phew..."
Seika let out a breath, forcefully controlling her shame that felt like it was about to explode. She opened her eyes and glared at Kitahara:
"I've finished saying it, hurry up and share the ability with me."
Kitahara shook his head: "No."
"Ha?!"
Seika's willow-leaf eyebrows raised, and she felt her fists instantly harden.
She really wanted to punch someone!
As expected, she really wanted to kick this lewd brat flying!
"We agreed on a three-part acting-cute routine, but Ryo-senpai paused for too long." Kitahara looked calm, as if he completely didn't notice the murderous intent in the corners of Manager-san's eyes and brows. "So do it one more time, and I'll share the ability with you once you finish."
Seika hesitated for two seconds, but in the end, she closed her eyes in shame:
"Pretty please, I beg you... love you, love you."
Humans are just like that.
Once you choose to give in, your steps in giving in can never be stopped again.
"I FINISHED SAYING IT!!!"
Seika opened her eyes again, glaring over murderously.
It's decided!
If this brat tries to push his luck, even without sharing his abilities, he'll give him a good beating!
Unfortunately, Kitahara chose to stop while he was ahead, gently pulling Seika into his arms:
"Ryo-senpai's three-part coquettish act just now felt a bit forced, but it had a unique charm, I'm quite satisfied."
Faced with Kitahara's praise, Seika still looked menacing:
"Stop talking nonsense, hurry up and share your abilities with me!"
"Yes, yes." Kitahara agreed, lowering his head to kiss the girl's soft, moist lips.
Unfortunately, he'd gone a bit too far today; just as he was about to explore further, his tongue was bitten hard.
"Get out of here after the sharing is over, don't bother me while I'm working."
Seika wiped the silver thread from the corner of her lips, her face flushed, glared at Kitahara, and then turned and left.
Kitahara wasn't angry, he just smiled and waved:
"Ryo-senpai, are you sharing your abilities again tomorrow?"
"..." Seika's steps faltered, only then realizing that today wasn't the end, but rather just the beginning.
If he didn't switch bodies back with Ryo, would he have to suffer this humiliation every day?
"Ryo-senpai's silence means yes." Kitahara waved goodbye, "See you tonight." He went into the bathroom, quickly traveled back home through the mirror, arriving at exactly 8:10 PM.
"Good evening, Kitahara-kun." Entering the living room, a sweet and pleasant voice rang out gently; it was Suze.
"Kitahara-kun, you're finally back."
Beside Suze sat a pink-haired girl, none other than the clumsy yet playful Anon:
"Shall we continue our dream world adventure tonight?" Dream adventures were incredibly fun; Anon had been talking about them constantly, even asking about them that morning.
"An adventure? Sure, no problem." Kitahara set down his backpack and stretched his limbs. "After a hectic day, I could really use someone to help scrub my back."
Mutsumi raised her right hand, volunteering herself:
"Makoto-kun, I'll help scrub your back."
Scrubbing his back was just a pretext; the real agenda was something not suitable for children—so naturally, Mutsumi couldn't be the one to help.
Kitahara quickly came up with an excuse: "I'm craving some cucumbers. Mutsumi, could you go wash them for me?"
"Okay."
Mutsumi stood up, expressionless, and walked toward the kitchen.
Kitahara looked at Anon and Soyo, lowering his voice:
"Let's go—come to the Hot Spring Realm and scrub my back."
Anon's pretty face flushed instantly, and she gave a tsundere huff:
"No way... Even if I agreed, Soyo hasn't said yes yet!"
A rosy blush spread across Soyo's face as well; she pursed her lovely lips slightly:
"It would be too much work for Anon to do it alone... so I can help out today."
"..."
The light warped slightly, and the three figures quietly vanished, entering the Hot Spring Realm.
A short while later.
Mutsumi finished washing four cucumbers and brought them out on a tray. She stopped in her tracks upon seeing the sofa—which was suddenly empty—and the sparkle in her eyes slowly faded away.
"Why... why did you have to leave me behind..."
"..."
It was soon 9:30 PM.
The girls gathered one by one, preparing for a pre-bedtime soak.
"Good evening, Taki."
Kitahara waved a greeting to the "legal loli" with long, straight black hair who had arrived alongside Tomori.
"...Good evening."
Taki was still dwelling on what had happened earlier that morning; she gave a cold reply before turning her face away.
Kitahara didn't mind; he simply looked away and went back to playing a game with Soyo.
After bathing in the Hot Spring Realm and eating the cucumbers, Kitahara had originally started playing Dual-Shadow Wonderland with Mutsumi. However, for some reason, Mutsumi seemed distracted and kept making mistakes in the same spot. Eventually, Anon couldn't watch anymore and had Mutsumi step down so she could take over as a substitute—though, unfortunately, Anon played even worse. Finally, Soyo took the controller, and they were finally able to make some fun progress through the levels. Seeing Kitahara turn away to resume his game, Taki parted her lips slightly, feeling a complex, indescribable mix of emotions.
(He used to go out of his way to strike up a conversation, but today he just said hello and went straight back to gaming...)
Memories of their conversation from earlier that morning flashed through Taki's mind.
(Is that scumbag Kitahara actually going to keep his word and stay distant from me from now on?)
They played games until 10:30 PM, at which point Kitahara took the girls to the onsen resort for a soak. Upon their return, it was time to rest, so they ventured together into the dream world woven by Hana for a grand adventure.
The night passed uneventfully.
The next day.
The weather was clear and the sun was shining brightly.
Kitahara arrived at the Goto residence right on time on his scooter.
In the refreshing morning breeze, the ahoge (cowlick) atop Hitori's head swayed gently; she had clearly been waiting eagerly for his arrival.
"Good morning, Hitori."
Kitahara raised a hand in greeting.
"Good morning..."
Hitori trotted over to meet him.
"Here, have a dried-plum candy." Kitahara tossed a piece of candy to Hitori. "Why didn't you come join us for the dream adventure last night?"
"Um... I was holed up writing lyrics..."
Hitori stammered, looking down at her toes with a guilty expression.
That was a lie.
Writing lyrics wasn't actually that urgent; the real reason was that soaking in the onsen together at noon the day before had been too embarrassing—she simply couldn't bring herself to face Kita.
Noticing Hitori's guilty look, Kitahara understood the situation perfectly but chose not to call her out on it.
"Are the lyrics finished?"
"Not yet."
"How much have you written?"
"W-well..."
Hearing this made Hitori feel even guiltier.
She had hidden in her closet the previous night, intending to rack her brain for lyrics, but had ended up playing on her phone instead; in the end, she hadn't managed to write a single line she was satisfied with. "Writing lyrics requires inspiration; don't force yourself," Kitahara reminded her. "If you really can't come up with anything, just use the 'Wish-Granting Sticky Note' item."
"Mm-hmm." Hitori nodded hurriedly. "I want to give it another try first; if I really can't write them, then I'll use the sticky note."
As she said this, a wave of guilt quietly welled up inside her.
(Hitori, oh Hitori—no slacking off today!)
(I absolutely have to write these lyrics!)
(The sticky note is handy, sure, but the way it grants wishes is always so bizarre... I can't use it unless it's a last resort... Come on, you can do it!)
The day flew by.
In the blink of an eye, it was eight o'clock in the evening.
Just like the day before, Kitahara was at a live music venue in Shimokitazawa, sipping a drink and watching the performance.
"...Come here."
The "Scum Ryo" upperclassman quietly slipped up behind Kitahara, gave his waist a gentle poke, and then stealthily headed toward the green room.
Kitahara followed her inside:
"Does Ryo-senpai want to share an ability again?"
"Hmph." Seika gave a soft huff and crossed her arms over her chest. "That's right. Just like yesterday—sharing that 'Exorcism Constitution' ability."
There was no other way; Ryo possessed absolutely no combat skills. Even if she shared the "Exorcism Constitution," it would be useless if she encountered an anomaly, so Seika had to step up and handle it herself.
"Sharing the ability is no problem at all." Kitahara held up two fingers. "But just like yesterday, it's either a trip to the onsen resort with me, or you have to do that 'four-part act of acting cute' again."
"...Damn it!"
Seika gritted her teeth, glaring at him in a mix of shame and annoyance.
She knew this lecherous brat wouldn't agree easily!
But she had no choice—she had to swallow her pride. To ensure the safety of the customers, Seika had to yield. "...If I have to say it, I'll say it."
Seika decisively chose the three-part acting-cute routine. Her pretty face turned slightly red, and her gaze drifted elsewhere as she endured the shame and said in a low voice:
"Pretty please, I beg you... love you, love you."
No matter what, she could not go to the onsen village. Once she went inside alone, she would definitely be eaten up completely, and by then there would be nowhere to cry.
As for the three-part acting-cute routine... although it was very shameful, it was still within an acceptable range.
"Not bad." Kitahara nodded in satisfaction, looking with a smile at the 'trashy Ryo' senior in front of him. "Ryo-senpai's three-part acting-cute routine is much smoother than yesterday."
"Humph."
Seika let out a soft snort, not feeling happy at all just because of a word of praise from Kitahara. She lifted her pretty chin:
"Hurry up and share the ability with me, I still have to go to work."
Who would have thought that Kitahara would shake his head: "Ryo-senpai, you misheard just now."
"Ha?"
Seika opened her eyes wide and glared angrily:
"Are you trying to go back on your word, kid?"
Kitahara didn't waste words either. He simply took out his phone and played the audio he had just recorded.
"Wait... a four-part acting-cute routine?" Seika looked over blankly. "What happened to the agreed-upon three-part acting-cute routine?"
"Ryo-senpai heard it very clearly. What I said just now was a four-part acting-cute routine, not a three-part one." Kitahara put away his phone. "So do it one more time."
"Damn it..."
Although Seika really wanted to punch him, it was indeed she who hadn't heard clearly. She could only grit her teeth, quietly pull out her phone, and send a message to trashy Ryo to ask about the contents of the four-part acting-cute routine.
Kitahara and trashy Ryo had already communicated about the contents of the four-part acting-cute routine beforehand, so there was naturally no need to worry about the trick being exposed.
A moment later.
Looking at the message that popped up on her phone, Seika could only memorize it with a heart full of reluctance. Then she closed her eyes in shame and called out the 'four-part acting-cute routine' provided by trashy Ryo.
"Very good; you did a great job today, Seika-senpai."
Kitahara reached out and gently pulled Seika into his arms, initiating the ability-sharing process:
"Keep up the good work tomorrow, Seika-senpai."
"Hmph."
Seika gave a soft, dismissive snort and quickly wiped her lips with the back of her hand. Suddenly, she paused, a look of suspicion crossing her lovely face:
"Wait a minute—why did you start recording beforehand?"
Kitahara's expression remained perfectly composed, revealing no flaws:
"You looked so cute when you were acting all sweet and clingy, Seika-senpai; naturally, I wanted to record it as a keepsake."
Seika: "..."
Time slipped quietly by, and a week passed in the blink of an eye.
School life during this period was uneventful. As the buzz surrounding the short film died down, Kitahara was no longer mobbed by curious classmates. He was even approached by a talent scout who enthusiastically tried to recruit him for the "Squirtle Agency," but he flatly refused.
Meanwhile, a mysterious fog phenomenon suddenly broke out in Kyoto late at night; strangely, it dissipated quietly by dawn. The next day, it suddenly appeared in Osaka before vanishing mysteriously once more. Although the Bureau organized an investigation, they were left completely stumped.
The weight-loss business partnership with the Togawa family continued to thrive; the "Return to Youth" service was incredibly popular, generating massive profits. While he had yet to roll the "Immunity to All Illnesses" trait, he had already achieved financial independence. As for the mastermind behind the scenes, there was still no sign of activity—they had completely vanished without a trace.
Hitori's progress on lyrics remained at zero as she spent every day slacking off, though Manager Seika was becoming increasingly skilled at her "combo attacks" of acting cute and clingy...
Friday afternoon. After school ended, just as Kitahara was about to head to the club room, he suddenly received a message from Kita:
"Kitahara-kun, it's an emergency!"
"What happened?"
"An anomaly has broken into the school!"
"An anomaly?"
Seeing the message on his phone, Kitahara raised his eyebrows slightly:
"Where are you, Kita?"
Kita quickly replied, "I'm in the classroom!"
"Wait for me."
Kitahara put away his phone and turned to walk toward Kita's classroom.
A moment later.
"Kitahara-kun, you're here?"
Upon seeing Kitahara appear at the doorway, Kita's face lit up with delight, but her expression quickly shifted to one of wariness as she hurriedly held up her right hand:
"Wait a moment!"
Kitahara looked over, puzzled. "What is it?"
"The anomaly that infiltrated the school can shapeshift," Kita said with a serious expression. "So, Kitahara-kun, you have to prove your identity first!"
"Prove my identity, huh..."
Kitahara pondered for a moment before quickly coming up with a way to prove it:
"On the inner side of Kita's right thigh, there is a mole the size of a grain of rice..."
"That's enough; you don't need to say any more." Kita's face flushed bright red, and she hurriedly added, "I've confirmed that you really are Kitahara-kun!"
Kitahara stepped into the classroom and glanced around, only to discover someone else already there—Matsusaka-senpai, the Student Council secretary.
The secretary wore a complex expression, gazing at him with a mixture of nervousness and anxiety.
"Good afternoon, Matsusaka-senpai."
Kitahara gave a slight nod in greeting, then turned to Kita and asked quietly about the situation:
"Kita, what's the deal with this anomaly you mentioned?"
"I'm not entirely sure myself." Kita shook her head and explained in a low voice, "After school ended, just as I was about to go help out at my club, Matsusaka-senpai suddenly found me. She said Reiko had gone missing and that the person currently acting as Reiko was actually an anomaly... Matsusaka-senpai looked pale—like she was on the verge of tears—and she didn't seem to be lying, so I called you over."
Reiko was the bespectacled girl with short hair who had inspected the club activities alongside Matsusaka-senpai; she was also a close friend of Kita's, which explained why Kita was so concerned.
Hearing this, Kitahara turned his gaze toward Matsusaka-senpai:
"Senpai, you can tell me the situation now."
Matsusaka-senpai took a deep breath; she was pale, and a look of lingering fear flashed in her eyes as she finally spoke in a low voice:
"Back when we were inspecting the club room, everyone knew that Reiko was red-green colorblind. But... today in the Student Council office, Reiko was actually able to clearly distinguish between all the different colors..."