While Shichen was tying Kaguya and the others' hair, Aiba Asagi and Himeragi Yukina went to Nina's room and quickly dug up traces of Gardos.
Yukina finally got a taste of how skilled Asagi really was—an area she didn't understand at all—and came away impressed.
By almost noon, Shichen kept his promise and took Asagi out shopping.
A good man keeps his word.
It wasn't just the two of them, though—Yukina and Avrora tagged along.
Yukina had originally wanted to go straight after the terrorist Gardos, but the thought of Shichen and Asagi going shopping behind her back—maybe getting cozy where she couldn't see—made her decide she wasn't in a rush. If Sensei wasn't rushing, she wouldn't, either.
Avrora came along simply because she wanted to; she had nothing to do at home, and finishing homework early was out of the question.
The other girls didn't come. The twelve of them rarely all go out at once—especially when Avrora's there. It's not that they don't want to; they just won't compete with her for time with Shichen.
Banter with Enatos is one thing when everyone's around. But in their hearts, they credit their current happy life—whether or not it was intentional—to Avrora. She's also the youngest "sister," and big sisters give way to little ones.
Still, if no one else could go, any one of them would have happily kept Shichen company. Their lives—and their hearts—belonged to him already.
They left the apartment and hit the street—heat rolling in their faces despite it being November. Not that Itogami residents weren't used to it.
Asagi didn't feel hot at all. Hands clasped behind her back, she walked lightly at Shichen's left, lips slightly upturned. Two light bulbs (third wheels) didn't bother her; all that mattered was shopping with him.
Rin had told her to be bolder—so how should she do it?
"Sensei, where are we going?" Yukina, trailing behind, couldn't help asking.
"I haven't thought about it. It's shopping—we can just wander. Maybe hit a mall and look at clothes… You haven't really explored Itogami, have you? Good chance to take a look."
"I'm not very interested…"
"Then treat it as keeping me company. You're going to follow me anyway."
"If Sensei says so…"
"Sensei, why is Himeragi going to 'follow you' no matter what?" Asagi frowned, glancing back at Yukina.
"Well…"
Shichen couldn't think of a good excuse. Telling the truth didn't seem like a big deal.
"Asagi-senpai, Sensei is dangerous. I have to stick to him and monitor him to stop him from doing bad things," Yukina said seriously, muddying the waters.
"What danger could Sensei possibly be?" Asagi looked her over again.
"He's a danger to girls. Especially—"
"Ahem." Shichen coughed twice to cut Yukina off before she said something outrageous.
"What are you saying? If girls are attracted to a handsome Sensei, that's normal. How is that his fault?" Asagi shot back, annoyed.
"It's not just that…"
"Then what is it? And who are you to police Sensei—on what authority?" Asagi's tone sharpened.
"I'm his monitor. Of course I can rein him in," Yukina answered without backing down.
"What exactly are you two to each other?" Asagi pressed.
"Monitor and monitored."
"What nonsense is that? Sensei, what does she mean?" Asagi turned to Shichen.
"It's fine to tell you—just don't be shocked."
"Of course!"
Asagi smiled, eager for any secret she didn't know.
"Actually, I'm—"
"Sensei! No!" Yukina jumped in, stopping him.
"Yukina?" Shichen looked at her, puzzled.
"It's not right to drag Asagi-senpai in. She could get hurt," Yukina said, shaking her head.
"'Hurt'? Who are you to keep me in the dark?" Asagi snapped, finally losing patience.
"Asagi-senpai, I can't say. I hope you'll understand."
"I don't understand! It's his decision. If Sensei wants to tell me, who are you to stop him? Even if I get hurt, it's my choice!"
"Alright, alright, Asagi—don't be mad. If Yukina doesn't want me to say, she has her reasons."
"But… I just want to know. I don't want Sensei keeping things from me, or to see you and Himeragi sharing secrets without me." Asagi bit her lip and looked at him plaintively, a far cry from the poised girl who'd just about argued with Yukina—a look that tugged at the heart.
"Asagi, I know it too. It's not a secret just for the two of them," Avrora chimed in, smiling to ease the sting.
"…I want to know as well."
"How about this." Shichen ruffled Asagi's hair. "When the time's right, I'll tell you everything. Okay?"
"When is 'the time'?" Asagi pouted, meeting his eyes, emotions stirring.
"Soon. A few days at most, I'd guess," Shichen said.
"Really…? Alright."
A few days she could accept.
"Sensei? What do you mean?" Yukina looked at him, confused. It felt like he knew exactly what was coming—as if he could see the future.
"You'll know when you know," he said, winking playfully.
"…" Yukina suddenly understood how Asagi had felt a moment ago.
"Enough of that—we're here to shop. Asagi, where do you want to go? You call the shots today."
"Really? In that case… let's buy underwear!" Asagi said as if she'd had it planned.
The idea had just struck her. If she was going to be bold, lingerie made sense.
"Eh? Underwear? Huh—?" Yukina yelped, mortified.
"Is there a problem?" Asagi arched a brow at her.
"Shouldn't you buy that in private? And bringing Sensei…"
"Perfect chance to have Sensei help pick," Asagi said, smiling.
From the way Yukina reacted, it was obvious nothing intimate had happened between her and Shichen.
"Eh?" Yukina's face went scarlet. Senpai was bold…
"What? Too shy to go? You don't have to buy anything."
"Um… why the sudden urge to buy lingerie?"
"No idea—mine hasn't been fitting lately. Might as well get new ones." Asagi stretched, casually showing off her curves.
"…" Yukina pursed her lips, a little envious.
"Hehe~ You don't have to buy—just watch me. Sensei, let's go." Asagi looped her arm through Shichen's and pulled him along.
"Wait—wait! There's a place selling ice cream. Let's get some first?" Avrora tugged his other arm.
"Works for me."
Watching the three from behind, Yukina hesitated, then followed. She had no plans to buy anything—she just wanted to see what Asagi was up to… and, incidentally, see what Sensei's taste was.
Was her underwear really that "country"?
Shichen kept quiet and let Asagi lead. At a time like this, there was nothing to say—just be agreeable.
Soon they reached a lively mall, crowded with people—mostly young women.
Clearly a popular spot for that crowd.
Asagi studied style trends; her current look was her own work. Of everyone, she knew Itogami's fashion zones best.
Their arrival drew plenty of female attention—eyes went straight to Shichen. If Asagi and Avrora hadn't been on either side of him, someone would've tried to chat him up immediately.
"Sensei, it's a bit crowded…" Yukina said nervously, walking behind and pinching the hem of his shirt.
"Means it's popular. First time here for me. Asagi, you come often?"
"Not that often—mostly with my mom. But I know where the good lingerie shops are. Follow me."
They wove through the crowd, rode the escalator up, and arrived at a lingerie boutique with a deliberately soft, rosy glow.
The lights were blush-pink; the products gaudy and bright. A typical guy might get bewitched and forget to move. Then again, that's for boys who've seen nothing; a little life experience dulls the shock. In the end, it's cloth. Without someone wearing it, it has no pull—unless the design's really good and new, which can make even the experienced look twice.
"Sensei, this is the place… The staff are attentive. They won't rush over, but if you ask, they'll walk you through things," Asagi said, cheeks pink with excitement and embarrassment.
"So many people," Yukina said, glancing inside.
"Looks like it's a solid pick… Alright, you all go in—I'll wait outside," Shichen said.
"Eh? You're coming in with us, Sensei," Asagi said.
"That's not appropriate, is it? I don't see any men inside…"
"It's fine. Men aren't banned; if anything, they'll welcome you." She wasn't wrong—the women inside were already sneaking looks toward the door—toward them—and especially toward Shichen, eyes full of expectations. With an ordinary guy, forget it. But a head-turner like him? Wolves, every one of them. And with numbers on their side, confidence rises. In that moment, the women felt like hunters and Shichen the prey.
Which was fine. He had zero interest.
"Still, what would I do in there?" he asked, playing the part.
"Help me pick… I'm not sure what looks good," Asagi said, flustered.
"Isn't 'what looks good' up to you?"
"Your eye might be better. Come on—didn't you say you'd go along with me today?"
"If you put it like that, I'll go," he said with mock solemnity.
"Sensei… you want to go in, don't you?" Yukina asked, deadpan.
"Of course not," he said, face straight.
"I don't buy it." Yukina pouted.
"Didn't you say I'm that, uh, '-con'? See any of that in here?" Shichen countered.
"That… seems true. But are you admitting it now?"
"…"
"Admitting what? Sensei, are you some kind of '-con'?" Asagi asked.
"No. It's fake. Let's go."
"Okay~"
Asagi didn't overthink it. Hugging his arm, she led him inside.
Avrora trailed, curious—she didn't really wear these things; she hadn't needed to.
Yukina wavered at the entrance for a few seconds, then stepped in, too.
"They're in! They're in!"
"He's so handsome!"
"Best day to come!"
"Should we 'browse' next to him?"
"Isn't that a bit much?"
"Guys like that aren't common. What if we hit it off?"
"You have a husband, hello? And he already has girls with him."
"So what? Pay a little more and see. A one-time fling's worth it."
"Didn't know you were that spicy—but you're not wrong…"
"Yeah, look who's talking."
"…"
Shichen listened to the chatter with a blank face. Older women were bolder; off-color jokes rolled off their tongues.
Walking behind them, Yukina's face cooled; she heard it too.
What a pack. No shame at all.
She glanced at Shichen's profile. He could hear it just as clearly, but his expression didn't change—no smugness. That pleased her. Sensei still had his principles.
Though… that might not be good either. How could he be interested only in petite, youthful types? That wasn't a healthy habit—and she was going to grow up. Not that she cared—but if she grew, she wouldn't fit his "tastes," and could she still "monitor" him under his favoritism?
"Sensei, what kind of lingerie do you think looks best?" Asagi asked as she proudly toured him past rows of color-splashed sets.
"I don't think my opinion is very useful," he said evenly. On hangers, none of it was appealing; didn't make him want to look twice.
"It's fine—just say it."
"In that case… I lean cute."
"Cute?"
"Mm. Lace trims, ruffles… and colors…"
"Oh, that." Asagi nodded and began scanning.
"Knew it," Yukina sighed.
"What's wrong with cute?" Shichen asked back.
"Nothing… but is that really 'cute'?"
"What else would it be?"
"Shouldn't it be sexy?"
"Should it? How would I know—I don't wear the stuff."
"…" Yukina opened her mouth and had nothing to say.
"Also, Asagi—stop asking me; my answers sound weird."
"Do they? I think you're fine," Asagi said breezily.
"It's still awkward for me."
"Alright… Ah! There—a style you described. Let's look."
"…"
Asagi towed him to the "cute" section—pink everywhere, white, black-and-white—lace on everything, genuinely adorable. On the body, against rounded lines, fair skin blushing under lace… just the thought warmed the blood.
"Sensei, what color do you like?"
"That pink's not bad…"
"Got it—I'll try it." She grabbed her size and headed to the fitting rooms.
"Asagi-senpai…" Yukina hadn't expected her to be so direct.
"Aren't you going to pick two?" Shichen asked her.
"No! I have enough!"
"What if you, uh, 'size up'?"
"Size—Sensei! I'm going to get mad!" Yukina glared, blushing.
"Just being honest."
"Don't say it!"
"Alright… I also think this white set would suit you."
"Sensei!"
"Okay, okay—dropping it!"
"Sensei, you're impossible… always being shameless…" she grumbled, sneaking a peek at the set he'd mentioned. It did match her taste—cute…
"Shichen, should I buy some?" Avrora asked suddenly.
"Oh? Want to wear them?"
"Aren't girls supposed to? And these are really cute."
"Which ones do you like? I'll get them for you. We can buy some for Kaguya and the others too."
"Really? Then this one! And this! And this!" Avrora picked three—black, white, and black with white trim.
"Let me see… This size is yours. Try them on," Shichen said, handing her the right sizes.
"Sensei…" Yukina stared coldly.
"What?"
"How do you know Avrora's size?" she asked.
Because I measured it myself… was not an answer he could give.
"We live together. Of course I know."
"That… makes sense." Yukina accepted it, conflicted.
"Shichen, come with me. I don't know how to put these on," Avrora said, tugging him toward the fitting rooms.
"Have Yukina go with you."
"Ehh—no. I want you," Avrora refused flatly.
"Avrora, I'll go. With so many people watching, it's not convenient for Sensei," Yukina said.
"Why?"
"Because Sensei is… very noticeable."
"Mm… I actually know how. I won't trouble you," Avrora said, and headed in alone.
"?" Yukina's expression was complicated.
"Heh," Shichen chuckled.
"What are you laughing at!" Yukina huffed.
"Can't help it… Are you really not going to try this one? It's perfect for you," he nudged again.
"No! If I buy it, you'll know what I wear!"
"As if I don't already."
"Sensei!"
"Ahem—consider it a favor to me?"
"Um… Why are you asking me for a favor?" she asked, head down.
"Because it really suits you. And… I want to see it on you."
"Keep dreaming! I'm not modeling for you! That's harassment!"
"What harassment… Can't it be my 'payment' for helping?"
"Payment?" Yukina blinked.
"I did find Gardos's location for you."
"Asagi-senpai was the one who found it… Do you really want to see?"
"Very much!" He nodded hard.
"I'm not showing you… but it is a nice set. I like it. I'll try it on…"
She snatched the set he'd picked and hurried to the fitting rooms—ears burning.
Watching her retreating back and red earlobes, Shichen smiled.
Just as Yukina slipped inside, he felt a dozen eyes lock onto him—the other customers. He suddenly remembered he was the only man here and felt a bit out of place. Maybe he should step out.
While he was thinking it, Asagi poked her head out from a fitting room and beckoned him over. He walked to her.
"What is it, Asagi?"
"Sensei… there's a bit of a problem…" she said, face red.
"What kind of problem?"
"Sensei…"
She glanced around, then, as if steeling herself, stretched out a pale arm and yanked him inside.
"Hey—"
The instant he stepped in, his vision filled with snowy white—
and he fell silent.
~~~
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