Tokyo – Shibuya, Afternoon,
In the blink of an eye, time passed, as the sun casts its warm glow across Shibuya's busy streets.
Umaru Gojo sat on a park bench, her small frame almost dwarfed by the bags of purchases piled beside her. Summer clothes, assorted snacks, and even Kikufuku, Gojo Satoru's favorite treat, peeked out of the bags.
"By the way, Umaru," Kirara Hoshino said between bites of a rice ball, her burgundy eyes sparkling with curiosity, "has your brother come back from Kyoto recently?"
Umaru froze mid-bite, her rice ball suspended in midair. She glared at Kirara.
"Damn it! I treat you like a friend, and now you want to be my sister-in-law too?" she muttered under her breath, clearly frustrated.
Kirara blinked, oblivious to Umaru's silent frustration.
"He… he came back a long time ago," Umaru said sullenly, putting her rice ball down. "And he even went to Sobu High as a first-year homeroom teacher. Can you believe it? First-year homeroom teacher at Sobu High!"
Kirara's mouth dropped open.
"What?! That's amazing! But why didn't I see your brother at school?"
"Because," Umaru muttered, rolling her eyes, "he either fishes all day or takes leave whenever he wants. The first day of school is basically the only time he's is seen being responsible. That's why you didn't see him."
"Wait… he's in first grade, and you're in second?" Kirara's tone was a mix of shock and admiration.
Umaru nodded, not adding anything else, her mind still simmering with frustration.
Before she could comment further, Kirara suddenly shouted, "Whoa! Look at her! Isn't that harassment?"
Umaru followed her gaze.
Nearby, a teenage boy with short hair and round glasses was animatedly talking to a girl with long, silver hair. The girl seemed exasperated, responding with short nods or words, clearly impatient with the boy's endless chatter.
Even though Umaru couldn't see the boy's face clearly, the sight sparked something protective in her.
"Let's go over and help her," she said firmly.
"Yeah!" Kirara agreed, nodding with determination.
The two girls held hands and walked toward the pair, determined to intervene.
As they approached, Umaru overheard the boy's words.
"Honestly, you're the best-looking girl I've ever seen. You're perfect for my second female character in the game, a mixed-heritage returnee… what a wonderful setting!"
Game setting? Umaru frowned but kept her expression friendly, approaching the girl and slipping her arm around her with a cheerful, casual air.
"Hey! Why didn't you tell me you were coming to Tokyo? We haven't seen each other in years! And instead of coming straight to me, you came to Shibuya?" Umaru asked, feigning surprise.
The silver-haired girl blinked in confusion for a moment but quickly understand her intention. Relief washed over her features.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I just wanted to wander around Shibuya first and planned to surprise you tonight."
Umaru's expression softened slightly. "It's fine… wait. Do you know him?"
The girl hesitated, then shooked her head. "Just a stranger," she replied.
"No, really… I'm a game designer," the boy said hurriedly, sensing his error. "I'm just modeling my second female character after you."
Hearing that the boy claiming he was just harmlessly admiring her as a character, Umaru's frown eased, and she turned to the girl.
Kirara, who had been quiet, suddenly chimed in. "Hey! You're a high schooler, right?",
She opened her mouth to explain, but Umaru interrupted gently. "It's okay. Don't worry about the boys. We've got your back."
The boy sighed, realizing he had been effectively shut out, and walked away, as his figure disappearing into the crowd.
Shirakawa Shiroha exhaled deeply, relief written across her delicate features. She turned to Umaru and Kirara, her expression grateful.
"Thank you both for stepping in. I wouldn't have known what to do without you."
Umaru smiled warmly. "We're all girls here. We have to stick together."
"Exactly," Kirara added. "If he got out of line, we'd scold him—and call the police if necessary!"
She nodded, laughing lightly at their fierce solidarity.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! My name's Shirakawa Shiroha, please take care of me!" she said politely.
"I'm Umaru Gojo, but you can just call me Umaru," the younger girl replied, grinning.
Kirara waved. "And I'm Kirara Hoshino, just call me Kirara!"
Shiroha's smile deepened. "Nice to meet you, Umaru, Kirara."
Even Umaru had to admit that Shiroha was beautiful. Long silver hair framed her face, her blue eyes were bright and clear, and her delicate facial features made her look almost elf-like. Her skin was pale, almost like freshly fallen snow, and her aura carried a calm, gentle elegance.
Umaru glanced at Kirara and whispered, "Wow… she really is stunning."
Kirara smirked. "Told you. But don't be fooled by looks. We have to watch our back today."
The three girls continued chatting as they walked down the sunny Shibuya streets, their laughter mingling with the ambient sounds of the city: distant train whistles, pedestrian chatter, and the soft hum of traffic.
Each step felt lively, playful, and filled with the promise of small adventures, as if the entire district itself was celebrating the meeting of friends and allies.
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