After that, Akemi hugged the succubus shota, pulled along the little Loli, and headed toward the hot spring hotel.
It was obvious that this whole trip was her idea. Seeing that, Akashi had no choice but to say it out loud.
Haibara couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Sister… you've completely let go of your dignity!
You weren't like this before!
When the owner of the hot spring hotel saw this strange combination walk in—an adult woman in maid attire, a little boy, and a little girl —he was visibly surprised.
Akemi didn't even glance at the plaque listing room types and said directly, "Hello, I'd like the log suite, please!"
She even knew which steps to skip. Like she had this all planned out.
Although the boss found it strange—normally, this kind of room was only booked by couples, or sometimes by dads bringing their kids—it was rare to see a woman bringing children here alone.
But this was Japan. People didn't pry into others' business.
Without asking questions, the boss opened the room, and Akemi led the two children upstairs.
Swipe.
The card unlocked the door, revealing a clean, well-lit Japanese-style room.
Tatami flooring, a low table, and a wall-mounted TV.
A futon tucked in the cabinet, perfect for tea, food, naps, or lounging around.
The sliding door led down to the hot spring bathing area.
A round wooden tub.
A wooden stool with grooves.
Next to it, an oddly shaped iron frame and… an air mattress?
As soon as Haibara saw all this, her face flushed pink.
Akemi stepped into the bathroom and pulled the plug to let the spring water flow.
Hot water began pouring down from the bamboo pipe, slowly filling the tub.
"Last time I came here with Sister Rui, we took a dip. It was super relaxing," Akemi said casually.
Still blushing, Haibara asked with a frown, "Sister, you just booked one room? How are we all supposed to stay here?"
Akemi looked troubled. "Ah, right…"
"Then I'll go ask the boss to open another room. Shiho, you take the one next door!"
Haibara was immediately dumbfounded.
Huh?!
What do you mean I'm the extra?
Shouldn't it be the two sisters sharing a room and Akashi by himself?
Why am I being tossed aside?!
She crossed her arms and protested, "No way! Sister, are you planning to bathe with that big bad wolf?"
Akemi's face instantly turned red.
"Wh-Why would I bathe with him?! I just have something to talk about with Akashi. Who said anything about bathing together?"
"Besides, Akashi is just a kid right now."
"How could I do something indecent with him?"
As soon as those words left her mouth, it sounded like a flimsy excuse.
And Haibara wasn't buying it.
Especially after what happened yesterday in Izu.
She had seen Akashi's brilliance with her own eyes!
At that moment, the succubus shota chimed in, "Actually, I don't mind if you both come in together. The wooden tub's pretty big, after all. It's just soaking—nothing weird about it."
Haibara glared at him.
"No! I'm going to talk to the boss and open a room. Sister, you're with me. He can sleep alone!"
She didn't wait for their reply and stormed out, short legs stomping indignantly.
Akemi sighed in frustration.
She had thought Akashi came alone. She'd already prepared herself for what might happen.
But she didn't expect Shiho to tag along!
Now it felt like Haibara had turned into a moral guardian, supervising them like a disciplinary committee head—ready to strike the moment something improper occurred.
She was the ultimate third wheel. A walking, talking lightbulb.
Well, fine!
Akemi sat cross-legged on the tatami, pulled out a handkerchief, and took a small porcelain bottle from her pocket.
Akashi raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"
"It's something Sister Rui and the others use often. It has datura in it—a mild hypnotic powder. Harmless to the body. I was thinking Shiho could take a nap later."
Yikes!
Akashi quickly pressed down on her hand.
"No need! I'll just move to the next room. You can come find me later."
Akemi blushed.
"Who said I was going to find you?! I said I just have things to talk about with you!"
"Yeah, yeah, business talk," Akashi said, casually pocketing the bottle.
Akemi didn't protest.
She had let her impulses get the better of her, resorting to such a devious method.
But now that she calmed down… she realized how wrong it was.
Even if the hypnotic drug was harmless, Shiho was still in a child's body—it might cause unpredictable side effects.
This was going too far.
Still, one thing was undeniable—Akashi's charm was truly dangerous.
He could make people lose their minds after just one day apart.
And Akemi had missed him terribly.
She didn't just miss his face—she missed everything.
Soon, footsteps approached.
Little Loli Haibara ran back in, clearly worried her sister would do something indecent with Akashi.
But the two in the Japanese room were calmly sitting on the tatami, sipping hot tea.
Seeing this, Haibara exhaled in relief.
With a flick of her wrist, she handed over a room card.
"Here. This is your room. It's right next door."
Akashi chuckled.
"What a waste of money."
"Honestly, I can just share a bath with both of you when you're done. I won't complain."
"It's more eco-friendly, too—less water wasted."
Haibara froze.
That… was actually a valid point.
But she hadn't thought of that earlier.
Flustered, she snapped, "Who cares what you think!"
Akashi ignored her outburst and said, "Alright, alright, I'll go in a bit. Ai-chan, go check how high the water is."
Haibara obeyed and walked to the bathroom.
Akashi didn't follow. He simply pulled out his phone and tapped on a BGM.
A soft, rhythmic tune played in the background.
Akemi looked confused. "Why are you playing music now?"
But Haibara didn't return.
Akemi grew anxious and stepped forward to check.
Then she saw Haibara—frozen in place, standing barefoot on the floor.
Motionless.
Like time itself had stopped.
Akemi panicked.
"Shiho? Shiho?! What's wrong?!"
She shook her little sister, but Haibara didn't respond at all.
Meanwhile, Akashi finished his tea and casually said:
"She's fine. I just stopped her time."
Akemi turned around in shock.
"Time… stop? Akashi, you're that powerful now?!"