Chapter 147: Night

[In that case… let me give it a try. Thank you!]

[I’ll drop it off for you in the afternoon.]

[So soon? There’s no need, I can go pick it up myself…]

Speaking of which, Yukina had never been to Hanasou Kotone’s home, and likewise, Hanasou Kotone had never been to Yukina’s.

Although they were good friends and the only one she could get along with so pleasantly and chat with so easily, the fact was, Yukina and Hanasou Kotone didn’t actually spend much time together.

They also didn’t often make plans to hang out during holidays.

At the very least, neither of them truly knew the other completely.

In a sense, it was probably the feeling of “not knowing anyone when you first start high school, so you just happen to meet someone you click with and can talk to, and so you stick together.”

But this didn’t lead to a desire to probe into each other’s deeper inner world or the life behind the scenes.

Even when they showed concern for each other, it was just a kind of consideration that didn’t dig for the root cause.

This was completely different from how Yukina felt about Ephnel.

Sometimes, Yukina would wonder if she might be a rather cold person.

[It’s okay, just think of it as a return gift for last time. Besides, I’m free on the weekends too.]

[If that’s the case… then I’ll have to trouble you. Thank you very much.]

After thinking for a moment, Yukina sent her address to Hanasou Kotone.

After chatting a bit more with Hanasou Kotone, Yukina committed all of her suggestions to memory.

Yukina made plans with Hanasou Kotone to have her accompany her to see the so-called maid cafe when she had time, before making any further decisions.

In any case, even if the job sounded acceptable, she absolutely had to visit it in person before making a decision.

Otherwise, if she regretted it later, it would be a waste of time and enthusiasm.

By the time Yukina put down her phone, it was already eleven o’clock.

It was about time to prepare lunch.

The things she learned in home economics were bits and pieces, but cooking was always a central part.

Yukina deftly put on her apron, and before long, the clinking of pots and pans could be heard from the kitchen.

Then, a table of bright and colorful dishes was served.

Ephnel tried a bite, and it was actually quite good.

After being used to her own cooking and the food from restaurants, it felt quite refreshing to taste her little sister’s creative dishes.

Most importantly, this was prepared by Yukina, wearing an apron, with all her heart, for Ephnel.

More than the enjoyment on her taste buds, Ephnel was more satisfied with the happiness that came from the bottom of her heart.

And so it went until the afternoon, when Hanasou Kotone brought over two tote bags.

They met at an afternoon tea shop across the street from the residential complex.

Under the pretext of “buying ingredients,” Yukina snuck out of the house without Ephnel’s knowledge.

As soon as she saw Hanasou Kotone, Yukina noticed that her state seemed a little strange.

She looked exceptionally tired, and the makeup on her face couldn’t cover the dark circles under her friend’s eyes.

“Um, Hanasou…”

“I stayed up late last night catching up on homework. Do the bags under my eyes look really bad?”

As if she knew what Yukina was about to ask, Hanasou Kotone tilted her head and giggled, stuffing the tote bag from her side into Yukina’s arms, cutting off Yukina’s words at the same time.

“Well, I brought the shoes too. This pair hasn’t been worn. If they’re the right size, you can give them a try~”

Hanasou Kotone said.

Yukina invited Hanasou Kotone to her home, but was politely refused.

Although it might sound a bit strange to say it, Hanasou Kotone didn’t want Yanase-san to see her in such a disheveled state.

Covering dark circles with immature eye makeup probably wouldn’t leave a good impression, right?

“See you at school, then,” Hanasou Kotone stood up and waved to Yukina, then gave a meaningful smile.

“Oh right, for that outfit, remember to pair it with white over-the-knee socks~”

“Ngh…”

After parting with Hanasou Kotone, Yukina went to buy some fruits, ingredients, and seasonings before heading home.

Compared to the spices at home, Yukina bought some canned goods she was used to using in her cooking class for seasoning dishes and making sauces.

With these, she was more confident in making even better-tasting food.

These were to serve as “evidence” of her grocery shopping trip.

She also “coincidentally” picked up a pair of white over-the-knee socks and put them in the tote bag.

“I’m home.”

When Yukina returned home, feeling anxious, a familiar clear humming sound came from the living room.

Naoko’s voice was crisp and moving, reminiscent of a wind chime at the tail end of summer, greeting the autumn maples alone.

Perhaps she was too bored, or perhaps she had remembered something interesting.

Naoko seemed to be in a good mood, humming the song “Magical Girl” often sang, a song Yukina was very familiar with.

Compared to the slightly childlike tone she had as “Ephnel,” Naoko interpreted this song with a different, special style.

It was as beautiful as ever.

But when Yukina returned, the humming stopped abruptly.

“Ah, welcome home~”

Naoko’s gaze didn’t seem to land on the tote bag in her hand, which made Yukina feel a little relieved.

If Naoko found out about her plan to get a part-time job, she might discover some clues, and the surprise she was saving for Naoko might not be as successful.

But, even though she wanted to manage her emotions well and not let anything slip, Yukina was somewhat absent-minded for the entire afternoon.

Or rather, her mind was wandering.

One thing kept circling in her mind.

That maid outfit.

As soon as Yukina got home, she went to her room, took it out for a look, and held it against her body for a quick trial in front of the mirror.

It had to be said, it was a very stylish maid outfit.

Overall, it featured navy blue and white as its main colors.

The material was also quite exquisite, without a single trace of cheapness, and it felt very comfortable to the touch.

Because it was designed as a “maid cafe waitress” uniform, the outfit had appropriately less fabric in certain areas, perfectly controlled within a range that could spark a trace of imagination while remaining absolutely safe.

The shoes were brand-new Mary Janes, a simple yet vibrant glossy black that sparkled like crystals.

The size difference between Hanasou Kotone and Yukina wasn’t large.

Yukina stretched out her arms and compared them to the clothes.

The maid outfit was a little loose on Yukina, but Yukina was a typical “versatile hanger who looks good in anything,” so it didn’t look strange.

Yukina decided to find a chance to wear it and see the actual effect.

Although she would probably still feel a little embarrassed, what truly made Yukina waver wasn’t this, but…

—her older sister, lying on the sofa completely defenseless.

Yukina knew almost instantly that this maid outfit’s size would probably be a little loose on her, but for Naoko, it was practically tailor-made.

As soon as this thought occurred to her, Yukina’s mind could no longer find peace.

While studying her lessons, Yukina’s mind was filled with wild fantasies.

What kind of scene would it be if Naoko wore a maid outfit?

Would she maintain her usual poker face, putting on a cold and aloof, abstinent-like appearance, while at the same time having to respectfully serve her and call her “Master”?

Or would her image collapse due to overwhelming shame, her face flushing red as she looked on the verge of tears, clutching the hem of her skirt and begging pitifully for mercy?

Or perhaps…

The images in her mind fermented, like a lit flame, the thick smoke searing Yukina’s heart.

Her heart began to beat a little faster.

Undoubtedly, as “Magical Girl,” Ephnel had actually tried on many different styles of clothing for her performances.

But that was, after all, Ephnel in her “Exiled Form,” not just her sister Naoko.

Compared to the vibrant and shining figure of Ephnel who was active on stage, Naoko was the more serious type in her daily life.

This could be seen from her everyday clothes.

Never mind the fancy dresses from the stage; Ephnel’s daily attire was almost exclusively black and white.

While it didn’t give off a cold impression, it was also a far cry from “sparkling.”

Humans were animals whose desires could easily swell.

Just seeing Naoko’s other side when they were intimate was no longer enough to satisfy Yukina.

She wanted to see more of the sides Naoko had never shown.

But here came the problem—how could she get Naoko to willingly put on the maid outfit without revealing her birthday gift plan?

Yukina thought for a long time without finding a solution, until night fell, when an opportunity suddenly presented itself—

Ephnel spent her first day after being discharged from the hospital at home.

During the afternoon, using the half an hour of phone time strictly controlled by Yukina, she consulted Yonomori Nami for some places that girls nowadays liked to go, and simply planned out their itinerary for tomorrow.

—She had been thinking about the promise from five days ago: “the weekend date.”

As the night grew deeper, Ephnel put down her phone and lay down in bed.

Just then, Yukina pushed open her bedroom door.

“Sis, I want to sleep with you.”

“Um…”

Yukina hugged her pillow.

Before Ephnel could answer, she tossed the pillow onto the bed and turned off the light.

Click—shoes fell to the floor.

The thick mattress swayed, and a clear, smooth, and delicate touch brushed past her face, carrying a faint scent of hair.

In the darkness, Yukina, like a docile kitten, crawled over Ephnel’s body and slipped into the inner side of the bed.

Because only Ephnel’s left arm was uninjured, to avoid accidentally touching Ephnel’s wounds while she slept, Yukina could only sleep on Ephnel’s left side.

But from Ephnel’s perspective, Yukina’s only path was over her body.

The feeling of being pressed down by Yukina from the previous nights once again flooded her mind, causing her to unconsciously turn her face away.

A soft warmth came from her side, the feeling of fabric rubbing against her skin.

In the darkness, Yukina snuggled closer and buried her face in Ephnel’s neck, her hair tickling her.

Ephnel was a little embarrassed and said in a small voice, “Don’t… I haven’t showered in three days…”

Actually, after the first day, Ephnel had been a little reluctant to let Yukina sleep with her.

She was worried she might have an unpleasant smell.

After all, it was inconvenient for her to wash her body right now; Yukina had been helping her by wiping her down with a towel.

If the person she liked smelled an unpleasant body odor…

For a girl, it was undoubtedly a nightmare.

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