章 170: Little Devil Iroha Isshiki, Such a Lovely Being
Feeling Aimi's gaze on her, Kotomi swallowed nervously. She managed to keep a calm expression, but in reality, her thoughts were racing:
Panicked. But panicking was useless now.
Her seamless time management plan had been sabotaged by none other than her own subconscious—the makeup she had instinctively applied in front of the mirror this morning!
Was this the end of her plan?
No, it couldn't end here… As long as she kept moving forward, the path would continue to open up. So she just had to keep going!
In a flash of inspiration, Kotomi responded just as Aimi opened her mouth to question her further:
"Oh, you mean this?" Kotomi replied, referring to her makeup. "As they say, if you want to do something well, you need the right mindset. For me, putting on a bit of nice makeup helps me get into a creative state. Writing outside is all about creating the right atmosphere. Why else would so many writers, artists, and manga creators flock to cafes or libraries for inspiration? It's not about whether they can come up with ideas on the spot; it's about the ritual, the ambiance."
"Really? Is that why?" Aimi's expression of doubt immediately softened.
Seeing the opening, Kotomi decided to press on.
"Have you ever wondered why so many people love getting coffee from that one popular place?"
"I wouldn't know. I don't even like coffee," Aimi replied, shaking her head.
Even better for fooling, Kotomi thought, hiding her victorious grin as she explained further:
"Because a lot of people crave that chic, sophisticated feeling. A cup from that place, paired with a MacBook showing a 'high-end' workspace, and some strategic lighting from the noon sun? Then take a selfie or two. Just add an inspirational caption, and voila—a picture-perfect moment for social media! It's the whole ritual they're after."
"Do you care about that stuff too, Onee-chan?"
"Of course not. I'm not the kind of person who spends all day trying to show off on social media. In fact, I haven't posted a single tweet on my account since registering. I just thought writing at home was getting a bit dull and that a new environment might be refreshing. Plus, I'm really dealing with writer's block."
Kotomi had looped back around, finishing where she started. This wasn't pointless babble; it was carefully crafted to deflect Aimi's suspicions.
As for the makeup? The vague explanation, paired with all her indirect points, had gotten Aimi lost in a web of half-truths.
Kotomi had said just enough, creating a smokescreen for why she wore makeup without directly addressing it.
Satisfied, Kotomi picked up her pace, finished her breakfast, drained her tomato juice, and stood up.
"Take your time eating. I'm off to the library. When Mom gets up, remind her to have breakfast too."
"Huh? You're leaving for the library already?" Aimi sounded disappointed.
She'd hoped for a bit more time alone with her sister.
"Are you kidding? It's already nine o'clock!"
Kotomi pointed at the clock on the wall. It was practically nine, and Aimi was acting as if it were still early. Was there some discrepancy in their sense of time?
"Hehe~"
Chastised, Aimi stuck out her little pink tongue sheepishly.
She'd agreed to meet Iroha Isshiki at 10 a.m., but to avoid being followed by Aimi, Kotomi planned to leave an hour early, actually going to the library.
She'd sit in an inconspicuous seat for a while, then slip out the back door to meet Iroha.
Me, Kotomi Izumi, master of the quick getaway.
While slipping on her shoes, Kotomi noticed Aimi watching her intently. Aimi seemed surprised Kotomi wasn't carrying anything other than her phone and asked, "Aren't you bringing your laptop, Onee-chan? I mean, you're going to the library to write, right?"
"I thought about it, but I don't have a laptop bag. I can't exactly carry it to the library like this," Kotomi said, waving her phone. "Besides, I have WPS on my phone. I can jot down ideas there if anything comes to mind."
Saying goodbye to Aimi, Kotomi left and headed toward the library.
The library was only about ten minutes from the Izumi house on foot. Upon arrival, she went straight to the second floor.
There was a natural lake close to the library, so sitting near the windows on the second floor, she could look out and see the lake's shimmering blue waters. The calm, mirror-like surface always had a way of soothing her mind.
Feeling a bit sleepy.
With such a relaxed mood, reading seemed like a pleasant way to pass the time.
Kotomi opened the book she'd grabbed off the shelf on her way up to the second floor.
Oh, no.
One glance at the pages and the drowsiness intensified.
"What kind of book makes you want to sleep just by looking at it? Oh, it's an English book. Never mind, that explains it."
With a decisive snap, Kotomi shut the book.
Thanks to her system's learning skill, she had no problem understanding English. But even with her improved language skills, she still felt the urge to nap at the sight of an English book.
After half an hour, she put the book back and slipped out through the back door, heading to her meeting place with Iroha Isshiki.
They'd agreed to meet at the entrance of a nearby park, but since it was a Sunday, the area was crowded.
"Why are there so many people at the park today?" Kotomi muttered, a bit frustrated.
Although she and Iroha weren't planning to stay there, finding Iroha in the crowd would be tricky.
Just as Kotomi was about to call her, she felt someone soft tackle her from behind, followed by a bright voice.
"Senpai! I'm here! Your little cutie has arrived!"
No need for the phone; the little devil had found her.
"Can you get off me? Or do you plan to have me carry you to the sukiyaki restaurant?"
"Hmm… That doesn't sound bad," Iroha teased, a mischievous grin forming on her face. "But Senpai, could you be having naughty thoughts? How scandalous, feeling that way about your sister's friend. Do you think Aimi would get jealous?"
Faced with this playful little devil, Kotomi sighed and pretended to be bored. "Seems like you don't want sukiyaki after all. Guess I'll head back home then. See ya."
She took a step toward home.
"No, wait, Senpai! I'm getting off!" Iroha quickly climbed down.
Sob, sob. Senpai's so soft and nice-smelling… I want to cling on for a bit longer. Iroha thought to herself. If it weren't for her need to play it cool, she might've started drooling by now.
Once on the ground, Iroha stepped around to stand in front of Kotomi.
Today, Iroha wore a dainty dress, and with her petite height, she looked especially cute. The delicate rise and fall of her chest, balanced proportions, and perfect waist made her young frame quite the sight.
She had on light makeup, and her soft cheeks and pink lips gave her a pure and sweet look.
But do not be deceived by this innocent appearance!
Beneath her sweet, innocent looks lay the cunning of a little devil who loved to tease.
"How do I look today, Senpai?" Iroha asked, her lips curling into a playful smile as she lifted her skirt ever so slightly.
Any slip around Iroha would land Kotomi in one of her traps.
To avoid losing ground, Kotomi had learned to respond to Iroha's provocations with straightforward honesty!
"You look lovely. Will you marry me? Let's go get our marriage license now."
"No way, Senpai. You're a nice person."
After the "instant rejection," their playful banter simmered down.
The reason for choosing the park as a meeting place was simple: a bus stop was conveniently nearby. From there, it was only a 35-minute ride to the sukiyaki restaurant Iroha had recommended.
Their timing was perfect. As they reached the stop, they saw the bus they needed approaching in the distance, slowing to a halt right in front of them.
"Senpai, the bus is here!" Iroha tugged Kotomi's arm as though a single second's delay would mean missing out on all the available seats.
Since this stop wasn't far from the bus's starting point, there were plenty of empty seats. They chose some near the back.
"Hehehe, so many open seats! Today's lucky color is definitely blue!" Iroha wiggled her toes in her cute blue shoes, clearly pleased.
"Sit tight before the bus starts moving, or you'll end up face-first on the floor," Kotomi cautioned.
"Hehe~ sitting next to Senpai is my rightful place!" Iroha grinned mischievously.
She slid in close beside Kotomi, snuggling up against her.
Kotomi could only imagine how Aimi would react if she saw this...
"U-Um, Iroha, isn't sitting this close in public a bit… too much?" Kotomi whispered. They were both dressed lightly today, and the closeness was enough that she could feel the warmth of Iroha's skin and the gentle brush of her breath. It was... sweet.
"Why, though?" Iroha's wide eyes sparkled, feigning innocence.
No matter how innocent you look, you're still a little devil!
"Well, it's… embarrassing, obviously."
"Not to me! Finally being this close to you makes me so happy!" Iroha looked up at her, her face beaming with joy.
"Did you just say finally?" Kotomi caught onto that word.
"Oh? Did I?" Iroha giggled. "You can think of it as a slip of the tongue if you like. But Senpai, can I keep leaning on you?"
"Fine… do as you like." Kotomi sighed.
Geez! She knew Iroha was a mischievous little devil, but that innocent look in her eyes was enough to make Kotomi's heart melt just a bit.
Their arms pressed tightly together. Thankfully, with summer already behind them, the warmth wasn't uncomfortable—although Kotomi felt a bit of sweat form anyway. Iroha looked so petite, yet she was soft and cushiony, like a sweet marshmallow, and her soft breaths stirred something in Kotomi that made her want to—
But Iroha had already pulled out her phone and plugged in her earbuds.
"Senpai, do you want to listen to some music?" Iroha offered.
"Sure…" Kotomi had barely finished speaking when she heard a familiar opening that instantly triggered her nostalgia.
"The one and only existence of you…"
"Will someday change the world…"
"Do we have hope or despair?"
"Round Zero has begun…"
"It's the Kamen Rider Blade opening theme!" Kotomi's voice lit up with excitement.
"Senpai, do you also like Kamen Rider?" Iroha asked, her face brightening as if she'd just found a kindred spirit.
"Of course! I love them all. I started watching as a kid, but I really got into it after watching Kamen Rider Gaim in elementary school. Every week, I'd eagerly wait for the latest episode. I'd catch up on older series in between episodes of Gaim," Kotomi reminisced.
Once Kamen Rider came up, the words just poured out, for both Kotomi and Iroha.
"Do you like the Kamen Rider Blade theme song?" Kotomi asked as they listened together. "And maybe… could you lower the volume a bit?"
"Actually, I love most Kamen Rider songs, but this one is my favorite part of the song," Iroha said as she fast-forwarded to her favorite lines:
"The cards turned by the wind…"
"laugh like they prophesize."
"There's no way you can't get lost, but still look for tomorrow."
"Destiny that continues turning, in this era that is about to crumble."
"The Trump is inside you..."
"Make it into sharpened bravery"
"BLADE BRAVE"
Kotomi nodded, clearly moved. "I like that part too."
"Really? Senpai, we have the same favorite part! I'm so happy!"
They both beamed, sharing a rare moment of unspoken understanding, until Iroha's expression turned playful as she asked, "So, Senpai, do you have a favorite female character in Kamen Rider?"
Female character?
The question caught Kotomi off guard.
When she watched Kamen Rider, she usually focused on the story, the Riders' designs, and how cool their transformations and weapons were.
But the female characters? She couldn't even remember most of their names.
The only one who left an impression was—
"Rinko," Kotomi answered without hesitation.
"You mean Rinko Daimon from Kamen Rider Wizard?"
"Yes, I just think she's really cute," Kotomi admitted with a nod.
Iroha pondered for a moment, then flashed an amused smile. "Oho~ So Senpai likes that type, huh?"
"Well, not exactly. As long as they're attractive, I like them."
"Ugh… could you at least try not to sound so shameless when you say that?" Iroha groaned.
"Nope," Kotomi replied nonchalantly.
At first, Kotomi had worried they wouldn't have much to talk about. But as it turned out, they shared a huge common interest—Kamen Rider!
From the moment they got on the bus until they reached their destination, they chatted endlessly about their favorite Riders, episodes, and music.
Thank you, Kamen Rider.
" 'Tako-nee's Sukiyaki House'? The name alone sounds… weird," Kotomi muttered when they reached the restaurant.
Tako, as in "octopus"?
And nee, as in "big sister"?
A… monster girl?
"Senpai, don't just stand there! Let's go in! This place is really popular, and if we're even a little late for lunch, finding an open seat will be tough!" Iroha tugged her along.
"Oh, I'm coming," Kotomi replied, shaking off the strange thoughts inspired by the restaurant's name as she followed Iroha inside.
The door swung open.
"Welcome!"
"What the—?!"
Kotomi couldn't help but gasp.
It actually was an octopus theme!
Well, the waitstaff were all wearing octopus hats that looked both silly and strangely eerie.
And not only were all the waitstaff young women, but every one of them wore the same octopus hat! It was absurdly surreal.
The waitress in the octopus hat merely chuckled at Kotomi's reaction, as though she'd seen it all before.
"Aww, poor thing. Scared her speechless, did I?" the waitress teased.
"Oh, Senpai, how embarrassing! Hello, I'm Iroha, and I have a reservation."
"Let me just check your reservation code."
After confirming everything, the waitress—still sporting her octopus hat—smiled and gestured them to follow.
"Welcome to Tako-nee's Sukiyaki House. We've been expecting you. Please, right this way."
Following the octopus-headed waitress, Kotomi and Iroha were led to a cozy booth with a sofa-style seat, perfect for two.
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