CHAPTER OF CONTINUATION 5

"Oy! Do you hear me?!" she again shouted.

I'm in a good mood.

"Yea, I heard you. Just don't yell too loud, you're disturbing the neighborhood."

"I don't care! What's this?! Didn't I tell you that I'm not wearing something funny?!"

"Did you…?"

"Yes, I did. When I was in the shower!"

"I thought you were saying "alright", so I just leave it be."

"Didn't you hear anything about listen to people carefully before acting?!"

"Yes… and?"

"Ughh…! You're really dumb when it comes to this! My point is don't just blatantly do what people don't want you to do!"

Ooh..… I'm not going to talk about this topic with girls.

"That's not the problem here. Besides, didn't you also wear maid outfit getting into that…? What does make it different?"

"That's'….-"

Heh, when it comes to stating a fact, I'm the king of the main point.

But her fury had yet to cease, instead she tried to find an answer for my direct question, clearly could be seen that she's completely stalled.

Suddenly, she came out with an idea.

"Isn't this Kirara's maid outfit?"

But it turned out to be a change of subject.

Well, I should just play along because I don't like making girls feel down.

No, I lie, I like them. But not now.

"Yeah…. How did you know?"

She didn't answer my question but mumbled on self-conscious.

"Oh…. I see…. Looks like I've lost…."

"Hm?"

"N-no… it-it's nothing!"

"I see."

"—Anyway, I hope you're prepared for our next event."

"W-w-what e-event?!"

She deemed even more worried. Ticking my sadistic desire, I became eagerer to tell her the plan.

"You know…. Like in this doujin." I said, showing her the doujin that I had happened to finish reading it.

"You can't be thinking that…. Are you?" she replied with a wry slow tone.

"I'm not thinking it, I'm going to practice it."

"You're joking."

"Have I ever joke before?"

"No… "

Knowing that she had no place to run, her face turned scarlet. I'm not sure what she was thinking but it surely is fun.

It's raining outside, she can't afford to leave now… or maybe she just doesn't want to make herself to do so just yet. —Just my instinct.

"—I don't know about this! You set me up, didn't you?!"

"Come on, you made yourself clear back then and I was really frustrated. Your words did calm my heart, really. If you back off now…. You know, it'll reopen my wound."

She clicked her teeth unwillingly, then she said.

"Alright… I got it… but…-"

She paused, breathed in some air and continued.

"—Be my boyfriend!"

"How the hell it comes to this?! You've confessed twice today!"

"How could I do such a thing with a guy that's not my boyfriend?! Am I going to be your mistress or what?!"

"I don't care, you said you'd do it, so do it."

"N-nooo!"

I grabbed her hands and began our stage.

"…."

SCENE*

"Ahh!~ Don't be that hard!" she moaned.

"If I wouldn't, I won't be able to penetrate that thing!"

"Ahh! But it's too rough, please cut me some slack!"

"I won't, it's too late! I've already done it!"

"N-noo! I…. I'm defiled…." She sounded, an erotic allurement.

"Don't say something conceited!"

"But…" Sob*Sob* " See… I'm full with white liquid…."

I stood, mightily shouted.

"It's just your character!" and pointed my finger toward the monitor.

That showed our siscalype's fight result, which went for me as the winner and Kurara as the loser. I don't know how but Kurara's character had filled with white liquid that came out of nowhere. As far I had seen the fight as well as controlling it, I didn't see any skills that could render to a formation of white liquid.

"But…. But…" she again pouted, trying to shed fake tears.

"Enough! I don't understand why are you making me feel awkward. Are you avenging yourself?!"

"No…. I just feel… dirty."

"What dirty?! It's your character that gets dirty, not yourself!"

"I just…. Feel it…." She put her hands on the chest and pressed it gently.

"No, you don't!"

She really doesn't, the only similarities are the character's costume and voice….

And…

"Yes, I do! Didn't you hear that it was my voice?"

By that she means, she is her own fictional character's voice actor in Siscaly. She may have used some sort of connection in Alice+ Company to voice act her own personal character.

But… making such a lewd voice…. Doesn't she feel ashamed or something?

"Ughhh! I can't stand this, why don't you just stop? If you really want that stuff, let's wait till midnight!"

My opinion somehow froze her, timidly she replied,

"…. I-if…. You're okay with…. That…. I can wa-wait…."

Alright, she's toying with me. It would be better if I was the one to stop this strange conversation.

"Okay Kurara, I think we're enough."

"The end already?! I thought I could play with…-"

She quickly covered her mouth. Palely, she continued with a mumble,

"—you for today….."

Surely I felt frustrated after hearing that but at the same time, I'd known this would be coming. Slowly, I took in a deep breath and released it.

The reason we came to this conversation was because I said we would do things like in the doujinshi. Certainly, the main dude in the doujinshi also asked his maid to play some video games. Merely one of the starting plot, we were just copying it.

I took a look at the outside window, watching the never-ending rainy day. It had been five hours since the rain cried and there was no sign of stopping whatsoever. To worsen things up, sunset was coming soon.

Noticing me worriedly looking out the window, Kurara added,

"…..It's still raining eh…?"

I didn't reply her words, calmly I think the best option for the situation. Her maid clothes is still wet and I can't afford to let her going home with the outfit she currently wore either. Kirara absolutely will find out about my secret encounter with Kurara.

If Kirara finds out the difference, that is. I doubt she won't.

"Why don't you stay here for the night? It's still raining and I don't think you have any other choices."

Well, if you do, I'd be glad to hear and accomplish it.

"Err…-umm….. I think you're right…"

What a great disappointment… You know, she could just borrow an umbrella from me and go home without a slight problem. But, she chose the 'stay over path' instead.

Still, I can't let her go together with that outfit.

Let's do something that could change the route.

I picked my hanged jacket and wore it. After that, I headed to the doorstep.

Seeing my sudden act, Kurara asked curiously,

"Where are you going?"

"Nearby market, getting you proper clothes… You must be uncomfortable wearing that."

"…N-no… I'm just fine! Besides, it's raining heavily outside!"

"No problem, I got an umbrella over there." I said as I pointed a neatly folded umbrella in a bucket near the doorstep.

"Ho-how about choosing the clothes? Do you have any experience regarding buying girl's clothes?!"

"Hmm… well, I'll do something about it."

Upon hearing my simple answer, she became very uneasy. Her eyes were looking around my room restlessly.

"What are you worried so much? I'm just going to go out for a while..."

Out of the sudden, she faked a shock and yelled,

"What are you going to buy?! More embarrassing and lewd outfit?!"

"Umm… that's a good idea, how about bunny cosplay?"

"With the artificial ears?!"

"Yeah… splendid."

"See, you're going to do something funny again, I'm not letting you out!"

Ugh… wait, why the hell am I playing with her game again?

"I'm not going to fall for that again. I thought we've stopped not long ago."

"No, no, you've fallen for it already."

Worthless conversation.

I took my step ahead, ignoring her further trap. But she tried to stop me with a little "ah", as a respond to that, I paused my step and took a look at her.

Neither of us said a word, instead we just glared at each other.

"Well then, I'm going." I left the doorstep.

I waited for the elevator to welcome me at sixteenth floor. Light that indicated the position of the elevator switched by each number every seconds.

10, 11, 12…

14, 15, 16.

Ting!

My eyes met a girl as both me and her made a tiny "ah" sound as a sign of little surprise.

It's Kurusu Kanata, a mangaka and an old acquaintance of mine. Used to be, but now I'm no anywhere in her league.

"Kurusu-san, what are you doing here?" I started the conversation.

"Ah… Satoshi-kun! Long time no see!"

"Didn't we meet not few hours ago?"

"Yeah, indeed. I just want to say that again, you know after the time you were gone without notice."

"Well, glad to hear you're always as you are. By the way, why are you here? Coincidence? Business?"

"No… it's nothing like that. Hoshii just messaged me your address to come by and see your new place. Though, she sounds like she needs some companions."

That girl… Giving my address away just like that…

I observed Kurusu's condition, seems like she's bringing an umbrella with her, an anime-themed decorated canvas.

Hm… I think she's good to go.

I blatantly entered the elevator and pushed the G button without giving a chance for Kurusu to get out.

The elevator closed.

"What are you doing? I need to get out!" she yelled cutely.

"Don't you miss me?"

"Yes… of course I do, so what…?"

"Then, let's hang out with me for a moment. I need to get some stuff."

"But, what about Hoshii? I need to tell her."

"Just text her, she'll know."

"If so, what should I write?"

That's a problem.

"Maybe, just write that you have job to be done. You're kind of busy girl, aren't you? With that Maschera anime things…"

"Actually, I'm not that busy. I just draw manga and publish it. After that, I got a message informing me of my manga adaptation into anime. Generally, I've done all my things and the rest are into the staff handling the anime creation."

How nice you could undergo your business with the company yourself. As for me… it was a frustrated past.

"So, what about Maschera's next season? I heard rumors saying that it'll be released after the current season ended."

"Hm.. it depends on my progression of the original manga."

"I see…."

I paused for a second, thinking for a good resolve.

"—Just tell Kurara that you're lost."

"…. I can't just…-"

Immediately I cut her words.

"Don't be stiff, I really need you."

And she's hesitating to reply,

"Well…. If you say so…."

Kurusu took out her phone and tapped its button to send someone a message. As soon as she finished typing, the elevator reached the G floor.

Ting!

The door opened and we left the apartment. We stopped at the edge of sheltered area as we were watching the rain that was almost blurring our sight. As the usual reaction for the situation, I laid open my umbrella above my head and walked a few inches forward. But Kurusu didn't do the same, instead she merely carved a neat smile on her face neglecting any movement.

"What's wrong? Let's go."

"It's nothing… it's just, my umbrella got stuck… I can't put it up."

I observed her hands which were holding the umbrella on its stalk but I couldn't see the effort to open it. She merely held it without a sign of using it.

I don't know what the hell is she thinking but I'll just tag along.

"I see…. Come, let's just share this one."

She smiled even brighter along with a leaning of head on the side, then she dashed toward me.

We continued walking through the rainy and wet path. Several of people we came passing by and several of places we saw but we had yet to decide where to stop first. For the information, this is the big city of Chiba, you have high chance to find your desired goods wherever possible.

I wonder why….

Seeing me without a fixed aim, Kurusu asked me.

"Where are we going actually?"

What was I thinking of getting in the first place?

"…"

Oh…

"I need to go to the clothes shop, so tell me if you find any of your liking."

"Are…? Why mine? Why not yours….?"

"I have to buy girl's clothes… I don't know how girls' taste work out. So, maybe consulting your choice could solve the problem."

"For who?"

"Kurara."

"Now you say that, why did you want to buy her clothes? Did something happen?"

"Did something happen?" or I would thought "did you do something to her?" If Kurara and this girl switched place, I would certainly be getting the second question. Or mostly whoever I know will speak out the same thing. Straight indirectly accusation performed preferentially on me.

Back to the situation, should I tell her? Clearly... or, I could twist the story. Either way it won't harm me because I can't see any evil intent from Kurusu. Only pure heart of a human. Therefore, it'll go smoothly…

Well, I can't say that.

"You see, it's raining and Kurara suddenly got wet. So, we went to my apartment to get changed but it turned out that I'm out of spare clothes."

"What is she wearing now?"

"Bathrobe."

"Is that so…."

She really didn't start a fuss out of it. Really…. Definitely… a nice girl. I might say that I've succeeded on making the story to its simplest form. Neglecting the little lies.

After a few minutes of walking, Kurusu suddenly halted her step and amazingly stared at a window display of a certain shop. She then spoke,

"Let's go there!"

I kept my lips as it was and followed her lead. Presented in front of us, a refined pair of clothes, top with a dark red attire and gray short skirt at the bottom. It wasn't anything special to me but it was presumably to her. Maybe it's because it's a girl's outfit.

"Does it have your interest?" I asked.

"Yes, absolutely!"

"Then, do you think Kurara would like this?"

"Nop!"

Eh?

"Why…?"

Hearing my single word question, she calmed from her enthusiasm and answered it.

"It's my interest, not hers."

"Ah… do you know any of hers?"

"Don't worry, I just merely had my eyes on this. I'll tell you what's suitable for her. We've come this far, let's get inside to check it out."

Kting* Kting* (Bell Rang)

"Welcome!"

And so we'd entered the shop. Not to be surprised unusually, the shop were displaying a lot of outfits at the either direction in whichever you're seeing like a normal clothes shop should have. What makes it different for me is this is the first time I got myself into a girl boutique.

I looked around, taking a summary on how good the shop was. It did have various designs to choose from, and most of them are elegant.

I lifted my hand gently and came in touch with one of the attires, feeling the quality and the originality. After that, I looked at the price tag.

"It's…. expensive…." I mumbled.

At the same time, Kurusu was engrossed in searching for her favorite attires. She ran around non-stop like a little child and her eyes were glittered with gracious.

And when I say this is girls' territory, I'd be in a big trouble. Wherever I stand in this shop, I'm surrounded with stares… stares of curiosity and sensuality, from females that are shopping here. I don't mind the infamous attention but if one of observers come to me, it'll be a hassle to chase them away… nicely I mean.

Ignoring my everyday situation, I approached Kurusu who's at the corner of the store, checking out a gray attire.

Noticing me, she said,

"I think this could do the favor." While pointing her finger towards the attire.

The attire she pointed was as I said, gray. It wasn't fancy nor plain and I think it's nice to be worn in summer. The design affirmed that it won't be so costly,

But….

¥ 14,430

You must be kidding me….

Hmn...

I tried looking back at Kurusu but she's instantly gone to seek opinions from the staff for the clothes she's interested. Seemed like she was minding her own business.

While I was thinking hard to make the best decision, an out-of-nowhere female staff came.

"Gift for a girlfriend?"

It startled me, non-voluntarily I replied,

"A-ah… y-yeah…."

"You really have such a good taste, I really recommend this attire since it's rather popular todays."

"..O-oh.. really?"

"Yes, it's one of our best sales. I bet your girlfriend will look good in this. Furthermore, this clothes really is comfortable and nice to wear in summer."

I paused all my voluntary action, keeping my eyes sharp on the attire. I had a slight peep on the staff as she was smiling so bright and waiting for my answer. Those words when she said "it's rather popular" were just bunch of attractive attempts to get their customers to buy the goods.

If it really is popular, why is it hung up at a rather deep area?

Anyway, that doesn't worry me much, what am I still thinking is, is it worth to purchase? It won't harm my financial but it's such a waste if it comes to nothing.

Wait… why am I thinking so hard….?

Kurara will be staying for a night and she'll be gone tomorrow. It doesn't matter if she likes it or not. As it's recommended by Kurusu, it will definitely take to Kurara's liking.

Yea… Doesn't matter….

"Give me one."

"I understood, what about the size?"

Size? Oh yea… screw it.

"A size of any normal 20-year-old female should be."

"Okay… please wait a moment."

The staff took the attire and slowly left the area. As she was leaving, I yelled mildly.

"Just so you know, she's not my girlfriend!"

She turned around and replied with a smile.

"Yes."

I wonder if she gets it….

Though, I commend her for being able to maintain such a smile… you know, they frequently fake smile to keep their customers alive but this one, is kind of a genuine smile.

I had my eyes on a place where Kurusu was standing, but it's empty. I continued searching for her, she's now near the front of the shop looking for the prior outfit that was shown in the window display.

I stood still at my current position, watching both of Kurusu and the personnel.

At first Kurusu was happily asking the personnel while lightly touching the fabric of the outfit, later on, she was surprised and eventually disappointed.

And so here I assumed, Kurusu was asking, "Does this outfit have X amount of size, or what size it's available for?", then the personnel answered, "Sorry, this outfit does not come with that size."

And there came the deduction.

I approached them as to ask the proper problem.

"What's the matter?"

"Hear me Satoshi-kun…. I want this clothes but I'm out of money… The price is kinda high and it hurts me not to buy it…"

Hmm? The hell?

Out of all, it's about money?! I thought she's loaded enough as if she doesn't care to spend a large amount for these.

"Are you serious…? Didn't you get fair enough of allowance for your manga? And addition to that, an adaptation to anime…?"

That's right, an approved anime adaptation by certain companies really give the writers great amount of allowance. I know it because I had one.

"Ah.. ha… a-about… that, I actually have spent all my allowance for this month… hehe…"

"How is that possible?"

"I know… but, it's spent on comicket! And other stuff…."

Okay… that makes sense… Even I couldn't resist to spend money on the day either. I just happened to get bored on this annual summer comicket. A result from that, I've still got plenty to be spent on.

I took a deep breath and released it. Then I spoke to the assistant,

"We'll take this with her size, the bills are on me."

From being a cheerless girl, she's now happy as she shouted,

"Really?!"

"Yeah, but just this time."

"Ah-haha~ Thank you very much!"

"You're welcome, now fast, get over your size. I got Kurara waiting in my house."

Kurusu abruptly paused, looking sharply into my eyes.

"You'd better not to do things funny on Hoshii."

"Hell no!"

"Well, glad to hear!" she regained her smile and went to complete her business.

After a while of waiting, I completed the payment which cost me roughly ¥21 000, we headed out of the shop.

Kting*Kting*

"Please come again!"

Once again, I looked at the receipt and mumbled,

"I can't believe I wasted my money for this…."

"What's the matter?" Kurusu asked, seeing my pile of heavy sigh.

"No…. it's nothing."

The street lamps had been lighted up and shone the area with artificial light. Before I realized it, it was already night and the rain had stopped falling.

"—By the way, do you want me to accompany you until home? It's dangerous."

"Nah, I'm fine by the station."

Well good, it isn't far. Not to mention, it'll save my energy.

We walked through our way to the train station. During the walk, Kurusu blissfully hugged the bag that's filled with her new clothes… what was creeping me out was she did it without rest. As if it's the first time for her to get anything new.

I know her reasons though… I don't want to say it.

We arrived at the station the same time the train stopped to pick up passengers. There's lots of people mostly from the comicket getting out from the train. The flashy plastic bags held by each returning passenger were the solid proof… anime, little girls…. Siscaly…. And anything else related.

"Satoshi-kun, you've really had my thanks. I can't express more than this."

"It's nothing, you're just exaggerating."

"Nop, I insist, let me repay you some time." She replied with a smile and left for the train.

This concluded my evening workout. Now is the time to head home and expel whatsoever is staying in my house.

"Wait… it might be rude to do that."

As if I care.

As planned, I went home directly for I didn't call to stop by at anywhere.

Ktack*

The door opened.

Soon after, a blow of smell stroke towards my face. It wasn't a bad smell, but an appetizing smell.

"Food…?"

Out of my tiny kitchen, Kurara appeared while wearing my daily apron that I always use to cook. Brightly smiled along with sarcasm, she greeted me.

"Welcome home Aragaki-kun! Do you want food or bath?... Or…..-"

"Stop it, it's disgusting."

Probably the most disgusting scene I've seen in manga or anime's realm.

"Cehh!~ I'm trying to have fun."

"You're having too much fun. By the way, are you cooking?"

"Yep! I've just finished!"

The reply for her enthusiasm was just a moment of hum from me. Should I feel grateful because a girl is cooking foods for me? Not to mention, in my own house?

Seeing me in deep and expressionless thinking, she asked,

"Aren't you feeling the thrill?"

"Not really."

"Ehh..?! Why? I thought I've played a good role in maid dress!"

She wasn't saying nothing. The maid outfit and the cooking really made a good setting. It'd improve more if she had helped cleaning the house.

But let's see,

I took my eyes for once-over every area in the room and I noticed it was cleaner and tidier than usual. The bed was no longer sluggish and the books and the eroges that were out of the place were compiled neatly in the rack.

Wait… my eroge…

Nah, I guess she wouldn't mind…

With a tiny hope of being impressed, I nodded.

Now that's impeccable setting.

"Hooo...? You can cook?" I asked, sarcastically.

"That's rude! Despite my career, I still learn stuff from onee-chan!"

"Good for you. Anyway, here's your new clothes, get changed and go home." I said, pushing the newly bought clothes to her.

Hearing the shocking order, she suddenly talked slow,

"But… it's already past night…"

"So?" I continued walking.

"Wait! At least, give it a try to my cooking… and if it won't disturb you… tell me your opinion…"

Another hassle.

"Nice suggestion, but don't worry, it's really delicious."

"How'd you know…?"

"I can tell just by the smell."

A second of silence hit the conversation, making it even gloomier.

"Say… why are you becoming so cold out of sudden…?"

Assuming by her voice, she's trembling.

"Beats me."

I kinda remember this sort of thing happened before. When a certain time reaches the space, I will treat people badly… even to my little sister. Maybe it's due to the fatigue I'm experiencing. Not technically true but acceptable.

Despite the unfavorable conversation earlier on, we still had the dinner together and it's good as said. After that I went straight to bed and Kurara went to the bathroom to get changed. At that time, the lights were already off as I decided to leave Kurara on her own.

(We didn't talk.)

I laid my body to the side opposite the doorstep.

In the darkness, I heard the door was opened and closed. I expected that Kurara had left the apartment, leaving me in peace.

"Now I can sleep tight."

But that dream didn't last long, I heard the door was once again opened and closed.

Ktack*

The hell that is? A thief? Possibly because I didn't lock the door. Alright, I'll knock his head the moment he approached me.

Strangely, I didn't feel any threat.

Maybe it's Kurara. She forgot something and came back to claim it?

Whatever, let's just sleep, I can't even more my body anymore…. Too exhausted.

Before I managed to fall asleep, I heard the sound of clothes being waggled. Then, suddenly, my blanket moved on its own.

Déjà vu…?

Wait! I've experienced something similar…

"I love you…."

It was back then, with Kirara!

Damn it! I should've expected this!