As expected, the storage locker burst open—Tohka and Origami crashed to the floor in a tangled heap.
Kurumi released her skirt hem, a gentle smile on her lips.
"Ara ara, what are you two up to?"
Origami, dusting herself off, shot back, "That's my line, Kurumi Tokisaki. School tours don't usually include flashing your panties."
Tohka, for once, nodded in fierce agreement. "Yeah! Exactly!"
Origami gave Tohka a little shove, wriggling free and sidling up to Shuo, her gaze serious.
"If you want to see panties, Shuo, you can just look at mine."
Tohka's face went crimson. "Wha—Origami! What are you saying?!"
She hurried to Shuo's side, clinging to his arm and eyeing Origami like a rival in battle.
So there Shuo stood, sandwiched between two beautiful girls—living every romcom protagonist's dream.
Kurumi watched the scene unfold, her expression unreadable, lost in thought for a moment.
Then she smiled and bowed politely.
"Thank you for showing me around, Nangong-kun. I'll be going now."
She turned to leave, but as she passed Shuo, her voice dropped to a whisper only he could hear.
"Actually… I wanted to spend some time alone with you."
Shuo blinked, then a smile tugged at his lips as he watched Kurumi's silhouette fade away.
"Hey, where did Origami go?"
Tohka's puzzled voice snapped him back.
He glanced around—Origami had vanished as quickly as she'd appeared.
Shuo frowned, thinking back. If memory served, Origami had a mission tonight—and it involved Kurumi.
In the original story, this Kurumi clone was killed by Mana Takamiya after the campus tour.
Looks like he'd have to step in.
"Tohka, I might be late tonight. Let me walk you home first."
Tohka pouted, lips pursed. "You're ditching me again? Are you going on a date with Origami? I want to come too!"
Shuo knelt and met her gaze. "Be good, Tohka. This time I'm going to save Kurumi. If I don't, she could be killed by DEM's people."
He hesitated, then added, "She's had a rough life—tricked, forced to kill her own friend. And she's a Spirit, just like you."
Tohka's expression shifted from sulky to serious, worry flickering in her eyes.
"Really? Then hurry up and go!"
Shuo smiled, relieved. Tohka was still the sweet, pure-hearted princess he'd always known.
No more words—he flashed away, taking Tohka with him.
Kurumi wandered beneath the sunset, skipping along the empty lane, her voice a soft, haunting melody.
"Ah, I have to wait a little longer… The best surprises are always saved for last."
A shiver of pleasure ran through her, cheeks flushed with anticipation.
Passing a shadowy alley, she collided with someone—a man's broad back blocked her path. Two thugs lurked nearby, their eyes hungry.
Kurumi bowed with perfect grace. "Ara, I'm terribly sorry."
She tried to slip past, but the three delinquents closed ranks, trapping her in the alley's mouth.
"Hey, wait up, sweetheart. You think you can bump into us and just walk away after a little apology?"
The leader's grin was all sleaze.
A blond thug whistled. "Damn, she's cute! Jackpot!"
"Hey, what's your name? Why don't we get to know each other?"
Kurumi's gaze cooled, her finger tapping her lips in mock contemplation.
"Ara ara… Are you boys hoping to sleep with me?"
The trio gawked, stunned by her bluntness.
"Whoa! She's not shy at all!"
"Don't worry, babe, I'll be gentle."
"Oh man, this is gonna be fun!"
Kurumi's smile sharpened. She glanced at the pitch-black alley.
"Let's move over there, shall we? Wouldn't want anyone to see."
Desire dulled their senses. They followed, still forming a loose cage around her, never suspecting a thing.
None of them saw the flash of crimson in Kurumi's eyes, or the razor-edged smile twisting her lips.
Seconds later, shrill screams echoed from the alley.
If you looked inside, you wouldn't see the three thugs—only splashes of bright red, painting the walls.
Kurumi licked her lips, eyes gleaming with bloodlust.
"Thank you for the meal."
She smiled, wicked and satisfied.
"Not much, but a little appetizer before the main course never hurts."
Just as she turned to leave, a chill crept down her spine.
She knew this sensation—unwelcome, but familiar.
"Tch. Looks like I'm still a step behind."
A cold, childlike voice rang out from behind.
Kurumi narrowed her eyes. "Ara, and you are…?"
A girl stood at the alley's mouth—blue ponytail, a beauty mark beneath her left eye, her expression icy.
"Back to snacking on random humans again, Nightmare?"
Kurumi's smile didn't falter.
"Well, if it isn't Mana-chan. You're early this time! And… is that Tobiichi Origami with you? We meet again."
She paused, turning her signature smile on the newcomer behind Mana Takamiya.
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