The nighttime streets of Tokyo unfolded like a vibrant, living ukiyo-e painting, shimmering with a kaleidoscope of neon lights and glowing signs.
In the labyrinth of streets and alleys, the windows of towering buildings cast grids of warm and cool illumination, intertwining with the streams of pedestrians and flowing traffic to compose the bustling, sleepless symphony of a modern metropolis.
"There are so many people!"
Kani Nayuta exclaimed the moment she stepped out of the taxi, her eyes scanning the crowded thoroughfare.
"This is Shinjuku. It's always packed, let alone during Golden Week," Kasumigaoka Touji replied matter-of-factly. Then, with a casual gesture, he led Kasumigaoka Utaha and Kani Nayuta into the adjacent department store—'LUMINE Shinjuku'!
This was one of Japan's most popular department stores among the younger generation. Its overall aesthetic catered directly to youthful tastes, and with reasonable pricing, it enjoyed immense popularity nationwide!
Inside the expansive mall, one could find everything from the latest trendy clothing, shoes, and bags to stylish lifestyle brands, and from high-end cosmetics to organic skincare lines. Various floors also housed an array of dessert shops, restaurants, and cafes of every theme imaginable, allowing weary shoppers to rest and recharge at any moment.
"Let's head to the second floor first and get your swimsuits sorted out."
After a quick glance at the directory near the entrance, Kasumigaoka Touji took charge of the itinerary.
"Okay~" Kani Nayuta agreed readily.
Kasumigaoka Utaha's gaze swept across the bustling interior before settling on the nearby escalator. "Let's take the escalator up."
"Let's go."
The trio began making their way through the crowd. Kani Nayuta's eyes flickered over the many couples passing by, a subtle thought crossing her mind. She then naturally reached out and linked her arm through Kasumigaoka Touji's.
When he glanced down at her, she looked up and flashed him a brilliant, sunbeam-bright smile.
Kasumigaoka Utaha immediately noticed the intimate gesture from the two beside her but said nothing. After all, she had just monopolized her brother for five whole days; she could afford to be magnanimous about such minor displays.
...
"Kazuko, Utaha, do you want to browse anything else while we're here? We might as well, since we've made the trip."
Upon reaching the second floor, Kasumigaoka Touji glanced at the surrounding array of shops and made the suggestion.
"Hmm… I can't think of anything I need at the moment," Kani Nayuta said, tilting her head in thought.
"Me neither…" Kasumigaoka Utaha began, but then seemed to remember something.
"Ah!" she exclaimed, turning to look at Kasumigaoka Touji. "I do need to buy more pantyhose. A certain mischievous younger brother has torn nearly all of my existing pairs… If we don't restock soon, I might run out of wearable options in a few days."
Upon hearing this, the "mischievous younger brother" in question waved a hand with an air of grand generosity. "Buy them! I'll get you a hundred pairs!"
Joy for you, convenience for me!
"Eh—?!"
Hearing Kasumigaoka Utaha's words, Kani Nayuta subconsciously glanced at the sheer black stockings clinging to Kasumigaoka Utaha's legs. She blinked, then looked back at Kasumigaoka Touji, her tone taking on a teasing lilt.
"Winter-sensei has that kind of… preference? That seems a little bit perverted~."
"And he's offering a hundred pairs… Nii-san, just how long do you plan on keeping up this tearing spree?" Kasumigaoka Utaha's lips twitched at the mention of a hundred pairs. She folded her arms, her eyes holding a profound mix of exasperation and resignation as she chimed in, "He really is a bit of a pervert!"
"What are you both saying? You make it sound like I tear your pantyhose every single day…" Kasumigaoka Touji protested to his sister before turning his defense toward Kani Nayuta. "I've only accidentally torn them a few times…"
Even he didn't quite believe his own words as he said them.
"Winter-sensei's excuses are really quite flimsy," Kani Nayuta chuckled, tightening her grip on his arm. A mischievous thought sprouted in her mind: Maybe I should get a few pairs for myself later…
"…Alright, alright, enough!" Kasumigaoka Touji's eye twitched.
Just you wait. I'm making plans for you later. I'm definitely tearing your stockings off tonight!Hmm… this time, I'm going for the white ones!
...
As they chatted, the group spotted a swimwear boutique and made their way inside.
Even though true swimming weather was still a while off, the store was already doing brisk business. Several other customers were inside, some already changed into swimsuits, admiring their reflections in the mirrors or browsing other styles.
Kasumigaoka Touji's gaze swept over the scene briefly before politely looking away. At that moment, a cheerful sales assistant approached them with a welcoming smile.
"Welcome!"
She placed her hands together in front of her, offered a deep bow, and gestured for them to enter.
"We've just received many new arrivals! Please feel free to look around!"
A group of one young man with two young women wasn't an unusual sight in a country with certain… historical precedents. The sales assistant recovered smoothly and asked, "Would you like me to recommend some styles?"
"No need, we'll browse first," Kasumigaoka Touji politely declined.
"Understood." The assistant nodded and was soon called away by another customer, leaving the trio to explore the racks on their own.
"Winter-sensei, what do you think of this one?"
Soon, Kani Nayuta picked up a swimsuit and held it up for Kasumigaoka Touji to see.
He looked over. It was an orange two-piece set. A sheer, short cover-up was paired with a camisole-style top and high-waisted, figure-hugging briefs. It struck a clever balance between sexy and conservative.
"It looks nice. You should try it on," Kasumigaoka Touji said, crossing one arm over his chest and resting his chin thoughtfully on his other hand.
"Mhm!" Kani Nayuta agreed with a happy hum, then called the sales assistant over to request her size.
After she had her set, Kasumigaoka Utaha also made her choice.
A black bikini!
"Nii-san, look how good I am to you, right? I even picked a bikini just for you~."
Kasumigaoka Utaha held up the minimalist black bikini, her expression a blend of proud flaunting and subtle, captivating charm.
Without waiting for Kasumigaoka Touji's response, she took her chosen set and headed toward the fitting rooms to queue up.
The swimwear store was quite spacious, with two fitting rooms, but there was still a line forming.
Kasumigaoka Touji followed her to the front of the fitting area, ready to be the first to appreciate the "view." He lowered his voice slightly.
"Thank you for the special consideration, Onee-san. I'll be sure to repay you properly."
'Tonight, you shall be queen!' he added silently in his mind.
Several women waiting near the fitting rooms glanced at Kasumigaoka Touji with mild surprise, then at Kasumigaoka Utaha, exchanging knowing, ambiguous smiles amongst themselves. An older sister-younger brother dynamic? Or perhaps something more…?
"I don't expect any repayment from Nii-san. I just hope he won't tear my pantyhose too frequently," Kasumigaoka Utaha replied, her wine-red eyes sweeping over him as she adopted a deliberately sultry, mature tone.
The surrounding glances grew even more intrigued and speculative.
Kasumigaoka Touji smirked. "You really know how to lay it all out there, don't you!"
He brazenly ignored the curious looks from others. Kasumigaoka Utaha remained utterly unflappable.
A short while later—
With the soft click of a latch, the fitting room door opened, and Kani Nayuta, now changed into her swimsuit, stepped out…