Facing Sumireko Sanshokuin's disdainful look, Hayashi Maki chuckled and winked.
"Because I have a feeling we're going to get very familiar with each other, so I'm calling you that in advance. Not okay, Sumireko?"
She rolled her eyes. "Forget it. Even if I object, you'll keep calling me that anyway, won't you? You really are a nuisance. With a pest like you hanging around, I don't even want to come to the library."
"So you're suspecting Mai-senpai's situation was caused by the dimensional witch?"
Hayashi Maki nodded seriously.
"Yeah. I suspect Mai-senpai bought something and paid that kind of price for it. By the way, Sumireko, you still haven't answered me—what price did you pay for those glasses?"
Sumireko fell silent. A minute later, she sighed and spoke:
"I don't remember. I only remember getting the glasses from the witch. As for the price I paid, that memory isn't there. And that shop doesn't grant just any wish."
Her gaze dimmed. Clearly, she hadn't been able to fulfill her true wish; she'd settled for glasses that could hide her looks to buy a little inner peace.
Hayashi Maki nodded, acknowledging it.
"Of course. A witch isn't a god—how could she grant every human wish? If you want to gain something, you will inevitably lose something. That's the truth of the world—the way it works."
Sumireko gave him a complicated look. "Yeah. If you want something, you'll lose something. Witches aren't omnipotent."
Hayashi Maki smiled, holding her gaze.
"Even if witches aren't all-powerful, there are beings who can make wishes come true. So… Sumireko, want to make a contract with me and become a magical girl?"
The sudden invitation startled her, though she kept a calm face and shot him a disdainful glance.
"Hayashi Maki, I'm not a magical-girl fangirl. And Meruru the Stardust Witch is a show for kids."
"Uh… you know Meruru? I figured Miss 'Super Literature Girl' only read classics."
"'Super' is unnecessary. I did have a childhood. I'm just not an otaku and don't really watch anime—it's just that I happened to see Meruru."
Smiling, Hayashi Maki suddenly lifted off her glasses.
"You're this pretty—it's a waste to hide yourself. And… from what I can tell, your figure isn't as flat as it looks. So… binding your chest all the time—doesn't that feel stifling?"
Arms crossed over her chest, Sumireko eyed him warily—but with a faint smile.
"You can tell even that. And you still claim you're not a lech?"
"I never said I don't like lewd stuff," he shrugged, setting the glasses back on her nose and turning serious. "And I mean it—want to sign a contract with me and become a magical girl?"
Sumireko stared at him.
"So what are you exactly, that you can make someone a magical girl?"
"Nothing special—just a perfectly ordinary great demon. Pleased to meet you, Sumireko-chan."
He offered a friendly hand.
She waved it away.
"Spare me. Do I look stupid? Making a contract with a demon obviously comes with a price."
Hayashi Maki withdrew his hand with a shrug and a smile.
"True. The price is becoming my follower and staying by my side. Of course, there are plenty of perks—if you're mine, I'll protect you."
"No thanks. I don't need your protection."
She had the witch's glasses, after all. As long as she didn't run into outrageous pervs like him, she was plenty safe.
"Alright, if you're unwilling, I won't force it. Still, I think you'll change your mind in the end."
He watched her cute face, smiling. "There are things witches can't do that demons can—like, say, curing a bedridden 'vegetative' patient. Easy."
Sumireko's body jolted; her eyes widened before she caught herself.
"You… hmph, forget it. That's a demon's temptation, right? I'm not falling for it so easily."
She lowered her head and went back to reading, ignoring him.
Hayashi Maki didn't mind; he dropped his eyes to Fairy of Fantasy and read with relish. Come to think of it, "Elf Yamada" seemed to be a cute loli-type girl—maybe he'd get the chance to meet her and be friends. He did love befriending cute girls.
Afternoon rolled around.
Hayashi Maki walked the clingy Ako home, gave her a searing kiss to soothe the little jealousy pot, and left her place. His phone rang—Mahiru Shiina.
"Maki-kun, I'm going to karaoke with Yumiko and Yui today. Could I trouble you to pick up some groceries? The fridge is running low."
"No problem—leave it to me. Have fun!"
Of course he agreed—when the wife asks you to buy groceries, you go. Hanging up, he turned toward a nearby convenience store. The "Youko" lady's shop was fine and all, but he couldn't always mooch off girls; this time he'd shop himself—call it "enjoying the fun of errands."
As he walked, a strange shop caught his eye. Looking closely, he sensed ripples of time and space—a mysterious aura. Could this be the witch's "Dimensional Magic Shop" that grants wishes?
Interesting.
He'd been wanting to meet that gentle witch—now the chance had arrived. Without hesitating, he stepped forward, pushed open the door, and entered.
The bell over the door chimed.
What he saw was a long-haired beauty in a kimono, legs elegantly bared, lounging lazily in a chair. Porcelain skin, doll-like features, tall and willowy, long legs for days. She was the very definition of beauty, with an air to match. The cool-toned kimono goddess held a slender kiseru and took a delicate puff.
Just as Hayashi Maki was admiring those snow-white legs, the witch spoke:
"There is no coincidence in this world—only inevitability. Welcome to the Dimensional Magic Shop, guest with the lecherous gaze. What is it you seek?"
~~~
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