บท 96: Chapter 95

Natsuki leaned back slightly, trying to escape the sweet scent of Umi's perfume. "I'm not sure about this. Visual novels without good plots are usually pretty lame."

Umi's eyes lit up with excitement. "Trust me, I've got one last route to unlock. I'll bring the game over this afternoon when I grab a change of clothes. You've gotta try it!"

"What if I end up hating it?" Natsuki challenged.

Umi shook her head confidently. "No way. Once you start playing, you'll get hooked on the story. I bet you'll fall head over heels for Shizuku."

"And if I don't like it?" Natsuki pressed.

"Not possible," Umi said firmly. "But if that happens, I'll do whatever you want."

Natsuki thought to himself, "Wow, that's a risky promise. She really doesn't care about her own safety, does she?"

...…..

Meanwhile, across town...

Ai sat huddled in front of her computer, knees pulled up to her chest. She squinted at the video feed, watching two figures intently.

"They're messing with the old man's ring," she muttered. "Now they've stopped. Just chatting... seems like an exciting topic."

Ai frowned. Despite her spy training, she couldn't read lips. It was frustrating not knowing what they were saying.

"I'll have to sneak over there tonight to plant some bugs," she decided. "For now, I should probably get some sleep."

...…

Later, as lunchtime rolled around, Natsuki was about to suggest going out to eat when Umi jumped in.

"Remember? I said I'd handle lunch," Umi reminded him.

"What are you planning to make?" Natsuki asked.

Umi flashed a bright smile and made a peace sign. "It's a secret!"

"Huh?" Natsuki looked confused.

"I told you this morning - it's a surprise!" Umi stretched and grabbed his arm. "Come on, let's hit up the convenience store for ingredients."

They headed out together. As they walked, Natsuki suddenly stopped, peering down a nearby alley.

"What's up?" Umi asked, curiosity turning to nervousness as she followed his gaze.

"Looks like that creepy reaper is still on our tail," Natsuki muttered.

In the shadowy alley, a Grim Reaper-like figure wielded a sharp scythe, slashing at smaller spirits. Natsuki noticed a torn edge on the reaper's cloak - it was definitely the same one he'd spotted on the train yesterday.

Natsuki noticed the reaper's cloak had grown a bit, healing faster than expected. As he stared, two faint red lights glowed beneath the hood, setting it apart from typical spirits.

When Natsuki moved towards the alley, the reaper retreated, denying him a chance to get closer.

"No dice," Natsuki muttered, frowning. "Let's just head to the store."

"Right," Umi nodded nervously. "Good thing I crashed with you last night. That thing gives me the creeps."

Natsuki just grunted in response.

At the supermarket, the reaper vanished. Umi started grabbing items off shelves. "Let's get some pasta... Hey, Natsuki, can you push the cart?"

"Sure," he replied.

Umi loaded up on chips, fruit, veggies, and more. Suddenly, she paused. "Wait here, don't move!"

She scurried off, returning with a mysterious bag.

"What's that?" Natsuki asked, curious.

Umi flashed a peace sign. "It's a secret! You'll find out when we get back."

At checkout, Natsuki pulled out his points card, eyeing the total. "You know, this would be a great time to make some quick cash."

"Huh?" Umi cocked her head.

"I mean, it'd be pretty easy for someone to swipe all this money we're about to spend," Natsuki said casually.

It took a moment for Umi to catch on. When she did, she burst out laughing, drawing stares from other customers.

"S-Sorry!" she giggled, trying to muffle her laughter behind her hand. She playfully swatted Natsuki's arm. "Don't crack jokes in the checkout line!"

"Not my fault you've got no sense of humor," he retorted.

...….

"Dinner's ready!" Umi sang out, prancing into the room with an apron tied around her waist. She moved with the grace of a forest deer, balancing a plate of food.

Natsuki's eyes drifted to the dish. "So this is the 'dark cuisine' you were going on about?"

"You bet!" Umi beamed, chin held high and a smug grin plastered across her face. "Come on, shower me with praise!"

Natsuki gave a silent thumbs up. "Well, you said you'd make dark cuisine, and you delivered. A woman of your word, I see."

"Hehe~" Umi set the plate down with a flourish. "Behold! Squid ink pasta!"

She planted a hand on her hip, explaining proudly, "Remember when I snuck off at the store? I was grabbing squid ink. I had this amazing squid ink pasta at the beach once with my friends, so I learned to make it myself."

Umi hummed, practically glowing with pride. "Now go wash up, Natsuki! Time to dig in!"

Natsuki thought to himself, "She really never stops talking, does she?"

After washing his hands, Natsuki sat down and eyed the pitch-black noodles. He had to admit, it looked pretty unappetizing. Definitely lived up to the "dark cuisine" name.

He twirled some pasta around his chopsticks and took a bite.

"Well? How is it?" Umi leaned in, eyes shining with anticipation.

Natsuki knew there was only one acceptable answer here. "It's delicious," he said, giving a perfectly neutral review.

Natsuki chewed thoughtfully. "It's a bit salty, but honestly, I can't tell much difference from regular pasta."

"See? I knew you'd love it!" Umi beamed, her smile radiant.

Natsuki's eye twitched. "Stop grinning."

"Huh? Why?"

"My mouth is full of black ink."

True enough, the squid ink pasta was living up to its name. After just a couple bites, Umi's lips were jet black, and even her teeth were stained. If she passed out on the street right now, people might think she'd been poisoned.

"That's just how squid ink pasta is," Umi giggled, covering her mouth. "You're in the same boat, you know."

"Aren't you worried about getting it on your hands?" Natsuki pointed out.

Umi glanced at her palm. "Oh no, it's all over!"

After their inky lunch adventure, across town...

Ai, the spy maid, had just woken up from her morning nap. She plopped down in front of her computer to check the surveillance footage. Her eyes widened at the sight of two black-lipped figures on screen.

"Why are their lips so dark?" she muttered, hugging her knees and sucking on a lollipop. "Aliens? Visitors from another world?"

She pondered for a moment. "I should install more cameras tonight... maybe even in the bathroom. Who knows when they might transform while showering?"

Finishing her lollipop, Ai headed to the dining room. She spotted Kaguya playing on her phone, cheeks puffed out in annoyance. Instantly, Ai understood the situation.

"I wonder if the young lady knows about those two," she thought to herself.