So… how did things become this way?
Gotham Song couldn't figure out how the situation had evolved to its current form.
Because, honestly, wasn't this turn of events a little too abstract—?!
Who goes shopping with their big sister and suddenly finds themselves in a dance studio…?
No matter how you thought about it, wasn't it just bizarre?
Gotham Song fell silent, searching deeply through her memories, before finally letting out a long sigh. She recalled everything that had just happened, utterly confused about how things ended up here.
How did it start again?
Ah, right: first, she was somehow inexplicably attracted by a dress, and eagerly wanted to buy it. Then, when she tried it on, she was immediately defeated by the complexity of the gown and ended up fighting bravely—yet carefully—to put it on.
Later, without Gotham Song realizing how long she'd been struggling, Mejiro Ardan grew worried and approached the fitting room, naturally opening the unlocked door and stepping inside.
Of course, none of that was really important. What mattered was—
After Gotham Song finally managed to put on the dress, walked out, and admired her satisfying reflection in the mirror…
Why did her big sister suddenly burst into action, grab a matching white, swallowtail butler suit, and confidently march into the fitting room?!
Gotham Song was silent. She tried to pinpoint exactly where things went wrong, but after thinking over and over, the conclusion was always the same:
Nothing had actually gone wrong at all!
But still, wasn't this whole situation undeniably strange?! Especially that unfamiliar yet striking expression Ardan-neesan wore at that moment—so powerful, yet filled with indescribable emotions.
"You still owe me a dance, my lady."
She was probably referring to when Gotham Song hadn't yet revealed her identity, and Mejiro Ardan had trained her for the Winner's Concert. But why suddenly mention that now?!
A-Ardan-neesan, can we please reconcile?
Gotham Song glanced nervously toward Ardan, who, after changing into that white suit, had decisively grasped her hand, leading her forward with unwavering determination—as if the destination was unmistakably clear.
Yet, strangely enough, this quiet, determined Ardan-neesan was somehow incredibly attractive…
Gotham Song's heart raced uncontrollably, unsure of how to define her own emotions, so she forced herself to focus on anything else she could.
Ah, Ardan-neesan in that white butler suit is actually so cool. Especially that sleek ponytail—there's something inexplicably sharp and refined about it…hehe, Ardan-neesan…
My Ardan-neesan…!
Completely lost in thought, Gotham Song only snapped back when they'd already arrived at a strange place—one that hardly seemed like it belonged in a shopping mall.
"Actually, I'd planned to finish our promise right in the mall's center. But unexpectedly, they actually have a dance studio here. Isn't that quite lucky for us?"
This time, Mejiro Ardan reversed their earlier roles, gracefully lifting Gotham Song's hand and bowing in a gentlemanly manner.
"So, would you grant me the next few moments, Song-san, and let it forever bear the name 'Mejiro Ardan'?"
"I…"
Mejiro Ardan didn't raise her eyes to meet Gotham Song's, and somehow, this made Gotham Song's heart pound even harder.
How to clearly describe what she saw right then?
The familiar Mejiro Ardan who had always given her security and warmth was now solemnly, carefully holding her hand. In the silence of the air, alone in the spacious dance studio, her big sister lowered her head and gently pressed her lips against Gotham Song's gloved hand.
Maybe I should seriously consider keeping these gloves as a souvenir... Wait, why am I thinking something weird like that?!
Taking a deep breath, Gotham Song softly nodded in response:
"I would be delighted… I'd be delighted, Ardan-neesan."
Still, ever since the Winner's Concert, apart from occasionally singing, Gotham Song had completely abandoned dancing altogether.
In fact, she'd stopped even earlier, because her dancing skills were tragically awful. Although she was a legendary Uma Musume who dominated on the track, once she entered a ballroom, she became a helpless filly—such a ridiculous contrast.
So now, remembering how often she'd stepped on her partner's feet in the past, Gotham Song became even more nervous. And if her guess was right, dressed in this gown, she'd have to dance the female steps, right?
She had no idea how to do that…!
"It's alright, Song. Don't worry. Besides, it's only the two of us here."
It didn't matter what happened or how well they danced. What truly mattered wasn't what dance they performed, but rather…
That the dance they shared was something only between the two of them, letting this precious moment flow gently just for each other.
As Gotham Song's anxiety over potential embarrassment grew stronger, she suddenly felt one hand firmly supporting her waist, while the other softly held hers. And thus began the story known only to them, existing just within this room.
...
"Somehow, I sense very unpleasant waves…"
"Hm? Did you say something, Neo Universe-san?"
Neo Universe frowned, ignoring Mejiro McQueen's confused question as she scanned the bustling crowd around her, attempting to find the source of her unease.
But before she could pinpoint anything, the crowd began splitting apart, deliberately creating a pathway. Through that opening, two familiar yet oddly "unfamiliar" figures appeared clearly in view.
Familiar, because she obviously knew exactly who they were: Gotham Song—the most important person in Neo Universe's entire world—and Song's big sister, Mejiro Ardan.
Unfamiliar, because their clothing and aura were completely unexpected.
Gotham Song wasn't wearing the casual trousers or simple dresses she normally favored, nor even the simple white off-shoulder dress she'd worn earlier.
Well, technically it was still off-shoulder—but beyond that detail, nothing else remained familiar.
Instead, Gotham Song wore an elaborate white gown heavily accented with contrasting black fabric and countless layers of lace frills decorating its hem. Above, gold-threaded lace hugged her slim waist, leading upward to vast expanses of smooth, exposed skin—only a thin strap visible at her shoulder blades.
Reasonably speaking, if Song's figure were just slightly fuller, those straps might've been unnecessary altogether…?
Her usually loose, silver hair was now elegantly styled up, accented by pearl ornaments. Gotham Song's normally bright, carefree air had been completely subdued by her regal dress and jewelry.
How to describe this sight?
Rather than the lively fool who'd gone shopping earlier, wasn't this now clearly a noble princess stepping out from an extravagant ball?
And Mejiro Ardan's attire was even more surprising:
It was as if the color palette of the clothes Song had worn earlier was now transferred completely to Mejiro Ardan. Her usual plain dress was gone, replaced by a pristine white tailcoat accented by silver and pale blue trim. Her hair, tied neatly into a ponytail, completed the strikingly handsome butler look.
How could this scene be described?
They perfectly matched each other like…a handsome prince escorting a bashful young lady?!
And why "bashful young lady"?
Because Gotham Song was gently led forward, hand lightly grasped by Mejiro Ardan, walking slowly toward them.
And for some inexplicable reason, Song had a strange, flushed expression on her face, her neck clearly tinted pink!
Neo Universe's eyes sharpened drastically. If Song still looked this flushed now, how red must she have been at first?!
Mejiro Ardan, you thieving cat…!
Neo Universe decisively dashed forward, ignoring the curious and increasingly excited stares of bystanders. She seized Gotham Song's other hand, defiantly pulling her into a protective embrace, all the while staring fiercely at Mejiro Ardan:
You sly vixen—I never should've trusted you!
Unlike Neo Universe, who'd instantly entered battle mode, Mejiro McQueen remained momentarily confused. But suddenly…
As if another soul took over, McQueen abruptly stepped forward, abandoning the small cakes entirely, bristling like a cat whose food had just been stolen, and confronted Mejiro Ardan:
How dare you? How could you dare, nya?!
Absolutely not allowed, nya!!!
Certainly, that wasn't Mejiro McQueen's usual behavior—but obviously, the one reacting now was the other soul still dwelling inside her body.
Mejiro Ardan blinked in confusion, not fully understanding. But before she could speak, Gotham Song finally "reconnected" to reality. She calmly squeezed Ardan's hand, and after Ardan gently released it, Song proactively extended her hand toward Phantom Ruka.
Yet Phantom Ruka froze, hesitating, seemingly unwilling to accept Song's hand.
But Gotham Song, noticing this reluctance, immediately stepped forward, decisively grabbing Ruka's arm, pulling her close—forcing her into the embrace, leaving no room to resist.
Now, surrounded by embraces from both sides, Gotham Song glanced back at her big sister Mejiro Ardan. Seeing her gentle yet helpless smile, Ardan trailed slightly behind, silently indulging the trio ahead.
After all, what could she do? One was her dear sister, another even closer than a sister, and the third… someone her dear sister cherished deeply.
But why…do I feel like a father doting helplessly on our two rebellious daughters, while Song acts like their mother?
What a strange thought…
Mejiro Ardan lightly touched her chest, gently stroking the black lace glove she'd worn holding Song's hand earlier.
If it's Song…whatever relationship we have is fine.
Whatever form it takes, as long as it's Song…
Then I want it.
Or rather…
Why not just imagine them all?