บท 94: Chapter 93

"It's going to slip."

"…"

Umi quickly glanced down and tugged her strap back onto her shoulder with a flick of her fingers.

"That was close. I almost flashed everything. Natsuki, next time, give me a heads-up sooner."

"Do you really need someone to remind you?" Natsuki thought to himself, biting his tongue. "You should just pay more attention!"

"I slept like a log, though! So comfy."

Umi stretched her arms over her head, her fists clenched in a big yawn. "It's been ages since I've slept this well. Ever since I started seeing those spirits, sleep's been terrible."

"Fix the bed up. I'll go make breakfast." Natsuki stood up and asked, "Want milk bread or omelette rice?"

Umi blinked her eyes and responded without missing a beat, "Both."

"…"

As Natsuki headed into the kitchen, the doorbell rang.

"Who's ringing the bell this early?" He walked towards the door, shaking his head. "It's gotta be Miko."

Sure enough.

When he opened the door, Miko stood outside, her tired eyes ringed with dark circles, her whole vibe like a washed-up zombie.

"Morning, Natsuki."

"Morning," he replied, opening the door a bit wider. "Why are you here so early?"

Miko looked miserable, and with a huff, she said, "I need to use your bathroom."

"Huh?"

"Just now, I was about to use mine, and I saw a freaking ghost head in the toilet!" Her cheeks puffed in anger as she balled her fists. "It was just sitting there! That thing must've been a total perv when it was alive!"

Natsuki winced and stifled a laugh. "I remember this comic that mentioned a Tokyo... dung-eating ghost or something…"

"It's Tokyo Ghoul, alright?!" Miko shot back, rolling her eyes. "No one's drawing some poop-eating spirit and getting it published."

"Not so sure. As long as she's cute, she'd still get fans—even if she was some cockroach girl."

Miko sighed as she stepped inside, slipping on her shoes. But before she could say anything else, a cheerful voice echoed from the bathroom.

"Natsuki, which towel do I use for my face again?"

"The white one on the left," Natsuki called out casually.

Miko froze, her eyes widening as she stared at Natsuki.

"It's Umi," Natsuki shrugged. "Last night—"

Before he could explain, Umi's voice rang out again.

"Ahh, my back is killing me. We've got to get to bed earlier tonight. Can't keep staying up this late."

Miko's eyes went wide as her long black hair seemed to stand on end, trembling a little.

"What… what kind of mess have I walked into?"

Natsuki sighed, realizing how Umi's words could be misinterpreted. He quickly tried to explain:

"Miko, it's not what you think. Umi just stayed over because—"

"I can't believe this!" Miko cut him off, her voice trembling. "You two... all night... How could you?"

Just then, Umi emerged from the bathroom, a towel draped around her neck. "Oh, good morning! You must be Natsuki's friend. I'm Umi. Nice to meet you!"

Miko's eyes darted between Natsuki and Umi, her face flushing red. "N-nice to meet you too," she mumbled, then turned to Natsuki. "I... I should go."

"Wait, Miko!" Natsuki called out, but she was already rushing out the door. He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Great, now she's got the wrong idea."

Umi tilted her head, confused. "Did I say something wrong?"

Natsuki shook his head. "No, it's not your fault. It's just... complicated." He glanced at the clock. "We should eat breakfast. I'll explain everything later."

As they walked to the kitchen, Umi's stomach growled loudly. She grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, I guess I'm hungrier than I thought. Fighting evil spirits really works up an appetite!"

Natsuki couldn't help but smile. Despite the misunderstanding with Miko, he had to admit it was nice having someone else around. Even if that someone did attract supernatural trouble.

"Alright, one omelette rice and milk bread coming up," he said, tying on an apron. "Just try not to attract any hungry ghosts while we eat, okay?"

Umi laughed, her eyes sparkling. "No promises!"

Natsuki's face grew serious as he turned to Umi. "What's this about your back hurting? We didn't do anything last night. I didn't even touch you. Don't go ruining my reputation!"

Umi's voice was muffled as she finished brushing her teeth. "Of course not... It's just... the living room floor is so hard. It's my first time... sleeping there... No wonder my back and waist ache..."

"First time?" Miko's hair trembled slightly. "And... in the living room?"

"I'm leaving," Miko said, biting her lip and turning to go.

"Wait, don't go," Natsuki grabbed her hand. He knew if Miko left now, he'd never be able to clear up this misunderstanding.

"Umi, what are you doing in there?" Natsuki called out, still holding onto Miko.

"Just... brushing my teeth..." Umi gurgled.

Natsuki sighed. "I'm really sorry about your back. You can take the bedroom tonight, and I'll sleep in the living room again."

"No way!" Umi protested. "What if that evil spirit comes after us?"

Natsuki turned to Miko. "See? It's because of the evil spirit that Umi stayed over."

Miko frowned. "What evil spirit?"

"The Scythe Demon we saw on the tram yesterday," Natsuki explained. "Let's wait for Umi to come out, and she can tell you the whole story."

When Umi emerged from the bathroom, she quickly pulled Miko aside. "I was home last night, hanging laundry on the balcony, when I looked down and saw that sickle spirit had followed me home..."

After hearing the full story, Miko's expression turned serious. "You really should stay here, Umi. If that spirit is self-aware, it's too dangerous for you to be alone."

"Fujiwara's on a family trip," Umi added. "I asked her yesterday. She won't be back for three or four days."

Miko nodded, understanding the situation.

Natsuki headed to the kitchen. "I'll make another serving of omelette rice. Let's all eat together."

As he started cooking, Natsuki couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and anxiety. At least the misunderstanding with Miko was cleared up, but now they had a potentially dangerous spirit to deal with. He glanced at Umi and Miko chatting in the living room, grateful for their support in this bizarre situation.

A little while later, they gathered around the table.

"Time to eat!" Umi clasped her hands together. "The omelette rice looks delicious."

Natsuki knew this was just basic politeness - Japanese girls always complimented the cooking, regardless of how it actually tasted. He took a sip of soup and said casually, "Eat up. You're on dish duty after."

Miko objected, "How can you make Umi do the dishes?"

"No problem, I've got this!" Umi gave a little salute, her voice cheerful. "I'm great at washing dishes. I cook for myself sometimes, you know."

Natsuki looked over, curious. "You can cook?"

"Well, I learned in home ec class, so I know a bit," Umi said with a playful smile. She twirled her finger in the air. "My dark cuisine is super tasty."

"Dark cuisine?" Miko asked, intrigued.

"Yep! I'll make some for lunch. Look forward to it!"

Natsuki and Miko exchanged a worried glance. Dark cuisine didn't sound particularly appetizing.

After breakfast, Umi hummed as she cleared the table and washed the dishes. She wasn't exaggerating - she seemed used to housework and quickly tidied up the kitchen.

"All done!" Umi put her hands on her hips, beaming. "What should we do now?"

"It's time to recharge," Natsuki said, remembering their routine.

He looked at Miko. "Living room or my room?"

"Let's go to your room..." Miko answered automatically, then stopped, biting her lip.

She'd gotten used to helping charge Natsuki's energy by stepping on his back, but now she felt a bit embarrassed doing it in front of Umi.

Natsuki noticed her hesitation. "Uh, maybe we should explain to Umi about the energy recharging thing?"

Miko nodded, her cheeks slightly pink. "Right, we probably should."

Umi tilted her head, looking confused and curious. "Energy recharging? What's that about?"

As they headed to Natsuki's room to explain, he couldn't help but wonder how their already strange situation was about to get even more complicated.

Umi looked over curiously. "Recharge? Is it some kind of passive skill that makes you stronger while lying down? I can help too!"

"Miko's enough," Natsuki said firmly.

Miko turned away, her cheeks pink. "No... Umi can help. It gets tiring doing it alone anyway."

"You get tired just stepping on his back?" Umi asked, confused.

"Well, I have to be careful to keep my balance..." Miko mumbled.

They walked into Natsuki's room, and he lay down on the floor without hesitation.

"You guys can start," Umi said, watching with wide-eyed curiosity.

Miko's face flushed as she stared at Natsuki's back, clearly embarrassed.

Taking a deep breath, she suddenly turned to Umi. "Hey, come here. Why don't you try stepping on my back first?"

"Oh, okay!" Umi agreed immediately, oblivious to any awkwardness.

She quickly raised her right foot, clad in black knee-high socks, and gently placed it on Natsuki's back.

"How's that, Natsuki? Is the pressure okay? Does it hurt?"

"It's fine," Natsuki replied, his voice slightly muffled.

Miko watched, a mix of relief and something else - maybe jealousy? - on her face. She hadn't expected Umi to jump right in like that.

"Um, maybe I should explain the technique..." Miko started, moving closer.

Natsuki, face-down on the floor, couldn't help but wonder how he'd ended up in this bizarre situation. Here he was, getting stepped on by two girls in his bedroom, all in the name of "recharging energy." If anyone walked in now, there'd be no way to explain this without it sounding weird.

"So," he said, voice still muffled by the floor, "how about we take turns? And maybe we should set a timer or something?"