Chapter Extra Episode Girls VS Powerpunk Girls 3

April 14, 2014, Friday

"Tokyo Confectionery School"

In the classroom of Tokyo Confectionery School, there was an especially lively atmosphere today.

Many classmates were discussing the upcoming school mixer event this Sunday. It was a rare opportunity for a practice-focused school like theirs, so everyone was looking forward to it. At first, Momoko wasn't interested; she only wanted to focus on her pastry creations, especially with Yuzuhiko already in her heart. To her, the mixer was of no interest.

However, her casual attitude quickly caught the attention of those around her.

"Hey, Momoko, you're not seriously thinking of skipping out, are you?" Mai, a classmate, asked, a hint of disapproval in her tone.

Momoko smiled gently and replied, "Well, I'm not really into these kinds of events… Besides, I already have a boyfriend."

"Oh, come on, Momoko! Just because you have a boyfriend doesn't mean you can't join us and have some fun! It's just about meeting new people," another classmate, Haruka, added with a trace of bewilderment. "Besides, everyone's hoping you'll come along!"

Feeling a bit embarrassed by their comments, Momoko was about to explain herself further when a familiar voice with a hint of provocation interrupted her.

"Oh, Momoko, refusing to come to the mixer… is it because… you're lacking confidence?" The mocking tone came from Tsubaki, who stood in the corner of the classroom with her arms crossed, wearing a smug and challenging smile.

Momoko frowned slightly and looked at Tsubaki calmly. "Tsubaki, what exactly do you mean by that?"

Tsubaki raised an eyebrow and gave a sly grin, her tone laced with amusement. "Look at you—you reject the mixer the moment it's mentioned and then claim it's because you have a boyfriend. Are you afraid you won't make a good impression, or… are you worried someone will steal your boyfriend?"

This thinly veiled taunt stirred a rebellious feeling within Momoko. Normally gentle and accommodating, she rarely allowed herself to be pushed around, especially concerning the people and things she cherished. Sensing that

Tsubaki was goading her on purpose, she couldn't help but retort, "It's not like that. I just don't see the point in going."

Tsubaki scoffed, her tone still dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, so it's really about insecurity, huh? Afraid you're not as charming as the others?"

Nearby, Mai and Haruka joined in, encouraging her. "Momoko, don't worry about it—come on! Everyone's really hoping you'll be there; it'd be a shame if you don't!"

Put on the spot, Momoko felt increasingly conflicted, especially under Tsubaki's provocations. Her pride and competitive nature were beginning to surface, and she told herself, "I can't let Tsubaki think she's right. If I don't go, it'll just confirm what she's saying."

Seeing Momoko's hesitation, Tsubaki's smirk grew more confident, her taunts continuing. "So, Momoko, are you coming or not? Or are you really scared?"

Finally, unable to hold back, Momoko nodded firmly, her voice steady. "Fine, I'll go. I'll prove myself."

Tsubaki grinned slyly, clearly pleased. "Good. That's the attitude I wanted to see."

Momoko stifled her frustration, lifting her chin slightly and responding coolly, "Don't be disappointed when I show up."

Although she wasn't thrilled about it, Tsubaki's taunts had compelled her to commit to this mixer—she wouldn't let this self-proclaimed "cousin" look down on her.

"Bunka Fashion College"

In class, Miyako was completely focused on sketching her next design. For her, working on fashion design was her greatest joy. But today, the classroom atmosphere was different, with many classmates murmuring excitedly about the upcoming school mixer.

Yurina, a classmate, leaned over, smiling excitedly. "Miyako, have you heard? The school mixer's coming up soon, and everyone's planning to go. Will you join us?"

Miyako looked up, smiling a bit hesitantly. "Um, I'm not sure… I already have a boyfriend, so I don't think it'd be appropriate."

"Oh, come on! So what if you have a boyfriend? The mixer is just to meet new people!" another classmate, Misa, added, looking hopeful. "Besides, you're one of our class representatives—it wouldn't be the same without you!"

Feeling slightly flustered, Miyako wanted to politely decline, especially since she saw no point in going now that she had Kagami. But her classmates' encouragement left her momentarily lost for words.

Just as Miyako was pondering how to turn them down, a familiar, taunting voice cut in beside her. "Well, well, I didn't know Miyako was so lacking in confidence." The voice, full of sarcasm, belonged to Reina, standing by her desk with a cold smile.

Miyako frowned slightly, her tone gentle yet puzzled. "Reina, what do you mean by that?"

Raising an eyebrow, Reina smirked mockingly. "The moment you hear about the mixer, you decline, using your boyfriend as an excuse. Are you afraid you won't stack up? Or maybe… you're just not confident enough to show off your charm in front of others?"

Her words stung, sparking a hint of indignation in Miyako. Normally mild-mannered and unwilling to compete, Reina's taunts stirred a sense of defiance within her. "Reina, I simply feel it's inappropriate, not that I lack confidence."

But Reina continued, undeterred, her tone heavy with sarcasm. "Oh, really? Then go. Everyone's looking forward to it, you know. Turning it down like this just makes you seem insecure."

Biting her lip slightly, Miyako felt her resistance wane as she looked into Reina's challenging gaze. She told herself she couldn't back down here, even if she didn't want to attend. Finally, she nodded slightly. "Alright, I'll go."

Reina's smile grew smug, her tone mocking. "That's the spirit, cousin. I can't wait to see how you do."

Miyako lowered her gaze, a hint of resolve shining in her eyes. This time, she wouldn't let Reina underestimate her; she'd prove her confidence and strength.

"Japan Women's College of Physical Education "

The campus track was bustling with energy today, with many students excitedly discussing the upcoming intercollegiate mixer. Kaoru had little interest in attending—she just wanted to focus on her training, especially with Shigeru already in her life. To her, mixers held no appeal. But her classmates were relentless, trying to drag her along.

"Kaoru, you're really not coming?" her classmate Natsumi asked, smiling eagerly. "The whole women's team is going; you can't miss it!"

Shrugging, Kaoru replied, unconcerned, "I've got a boyfriend, so I don't see the point in going."

"Aw, just go for fun! It's not like you're doing anything serious." Another classmate, Airi, chimed in with a playful tone. "Besides, if you're not there, it'll be less lively!"

Kaoru chuckled helplessly but held firm. "Nah, not interested."

As she turned to continue her training, a taunting voice called out behind her. "Oh, cousin, turning it down already? Afraid you'll get shown up?" The voice belonged to Akane, who crossed her arms, wearing a smug grin as she approached.

Kaoru's brow furrowed instantly as she turned to face Akane, her tone irritated. "Akane, what are you insinuating?"

Smirking, Akane raised an eyebrow, eyes full of challenge. "What's the matter? Refusing the mixer—are you worried you can't compete with the others? Or are you just lacking the confidence to show off?"

The taunt struck a nerve, igniting Kaoru's temper. Normally blunt and bold, she'd never doubted her own abilities. Akane's words provoked her into a sharp reply. "Are you kidding? I'm not lacking confidence."

Akane shrugged with a dismissive tone. "Then come to the mixer. Show everyone how 'confident' you are."

Grinding her teeth, Kaoru felt cornered by both her classmates' encouragement and Akane's mocking challenge. She hated to lose, especially to Akane's public taunts. Taking a deep breath, she replied coolly, "Fine, I'll be there. You'll see."

Akane's smile turned triumphant, her tone dripping with smugness. "I'm looking forward to it, cousin."

Kaoru huffed, internally vowing not to let Akane underestimate her. This time, she'd prove she was anything but insecure.

"University of Tokyo"

In the Faculty of law classroom, I was quietly studying, focused on the pressures of the bar exam. A mixer was the last thing on my mind. Just then, my classmates Kimura and Tanaka approached with eager smiles.

"Shirakawa, you can't miss this mixer!" Kimura said enthusiastically.

I shook my head and dismissed the idea. "No, thanks. I have a girlfriend, so it wouldn't be appropriate."

Kimura gave me a knowing grin. "Ah, but listen! This time, it's with students from Tokyo Confectionery School! Some of them are experts in sweets—you might even learn a thing or two."

I froze. Tokyo Confectionery School… wasn't that Momoko's school? I felt my heart rate quicken as I imagined her being there.

Tanaka patted my shoulder, chuckling. "Come on, Shirakawa, this is a great opportunity! The girls from Tokyo Confectionery School are sweet and friendly—each one a pastry expert. You're just making friends; no harm there."

"Exactly! There's no reason to worry about it," Kimura added with a grin.

Feeling hesitant, I considered that being there might actually make things easier to explain. Finally, I nodded reluctantly. "Fine, I'll go… just to check things out."

In the Faculty of Letters, Shigeru was quietly engrossed in his book. Suddenly, his classmates Oshima and Tanabe came over, grinning mischievously.

"Kusama, you've gotta come to this mixer!" Oshima laughed. "The girls are from Japan Women's College of Physical Education—they're full of energy!"

"Japan Women's College of Physical Education…?" Shigeru froze. Wasn't that Kaoru's school? He imagined her reaction if she found out he was going to a mixer at her school.

Tanabe joined in, "Yep! Sports girls are outgoing and easy to get along with. It's a rare chance!"

Oshima continued to coax him. "Come on, Kusama! We need some literary flair in our group. Besides, you're just making friends."

Shigeru hesitated, imagining Kaoru's reaction, but eventually nodded. "Alright… but I'm only going to talk."

Meanwhile, at Waseda University, Kagami was quietly studying, completely focused. Despite being somewhat absent-minded, he had no interest in mixers.

However, Sasaki and Fujii weren't about to let him off the hook.

"Midou, you've got to join this mixer!" Sasaki grinned, excited. "It's with students from Bunka Fashion College—those girls are designers. It'll be interesting!"

"Bunka Fashion College…" Kagami's mind flashed to Miyako—that was her school. He felt a pang of nervousness.

"Come on, Midou! They're stylish and creative," Fujii added, patting him on the shoulder. "Think of it as networking!"

Kagami scratched his head nervously. Bunka Fashion College was Miyako's school; if she knew he was attending this mixer… He felt conflicted, but under pressure from his classmates, he eventually agreed. "Alright… I'll go check it out."

And so, each of the three boys reluctantly agreed to attend the mixer, feeling a mix of anxiety and uncertainty. Little did they know, their girlfriends had also been pressured into attending…

April 16, 2017, Sunday Afternoon

"Private Room in a Café"

In a private room at an upscale dessert café, I was sipping coffee with a sigh, never expecting this would turn into a "war zone." It was all thanks to those two idiots, Kimura and Tanaka, who insisted on dragging me to this mixer, calling me the "face of the Faculty of law" and pushing me into this situation with introductions to some students from other schools.

My mind wasn't in it at all, though—all I could think about was how to escape.

Just as I was secretly plotting my exit, the door to the private room opened, and I froze mid-sip. There, standing at the entrance, was Momoko—accompanied by her so-called "cousin" Tsubaki!

Momoko was wearing a simple, elegant white dress, exuding a soft and graceful aura, while Tsubaki stood out in a fiery red bodycon dress that was short enough to make me blush, with her shoulders and collarbones exposed, looking bold and provocative.

I immediately sputtered, nearly spilling my coffee as I frantically wiped my mouth and waved my hands. "Momoko… why are you here?"

Momoko looked at me, initially surprised, then her delicate eyebrows furrowed, her eyes showing a hint of unease. "Yuzuhiko, didn't you say you were studying today? Why are you at something like this?"

Caught off guard, I clutched the edge of my coffee cup nervously, cursing inwardly, but quickly tried to explain, "I… my classmates dragged me here! They said the 'face of the Faculty of law' couldn't skip…." I laughed awkwardly, hoping to ease Momoko's concern.

But Tsubaki had already stepped forward, her face lit with an "I see" smile. She leaned in, resting one hand on my shoulder as she spoke in a deliberately sultry voice, "Oh my, Yuzuhiko~ What a pleasant surprise." She drew closer, even sliding a hand to my face as she smiled provocatively.

My face flushed bright red, my body frozen in place as her voice dropped to a whisper near my ear, "Yuzuhiko, let's have a baby together~" Her voice was soft and teasing, full of playful seduction, and it was obvious she intended for Momoko to hear it.

Momoko's expression changed immediately, shifting from shock to a subtle, simmering anger. Her usual gentle demeanor was now replaced with a chilling glint in her eyes. She took a deep breath, her tone commanding, "Tsubaki, take your hands off Yuzuhiko."

Tsubaki only seemed more entertained, laughing with obvious delight as she held my face, looking tauntingly at Momoko. "Oh, cousin, why are you getting so worked up? I'm just getting close to Yuzuhiko; it's not as if you've lost anything. Or… are you just too scared to let anyone near him?"

Momoko's gaze grew even colder. Though she maintained her gentle appearance, a sense of possessiveness began to surface. She calmly walked up to Tsubaki and me, her tone icy, "Yuzuhiko is mine. You have no right to treat him like this."

"Tsubaki, stop messing around," I forced a smile, hoping to ease the tension. "We're all friends here. Momoko, let's just all get along, okay?"

The moment those words left my mouth, I regretted them. The room seemed to drop in temperature as I caught sight of Momoko's reddened eyes, shimmering with disappointment. Her lips trembled slightly as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. The look of hurt in her eyes pierced right through me.

"Yuzuhiko… I thought…" she murmured softly, her voice trembling. She took a step back, as if unwilling to let me see her tears. My heart clenched as I tried to reach for her, but Tsubaki tightened her grip on my arm.

"Oh my, Yuzuhiko, your 'friend' here is so emotional; it's making me feel embarrassed, too~" Tsubaki giggled, a sly look in her eyes as she moved even closer, gently holding my face and whispering sweetly, "Actually, Yuzuhiko, I understand how you feel… How about we grab another meal together? I might consider making your 'friends' feel a bit better. What do you think?"

My mind was a mess. Momoko was nearly out the door, while Tsubaki's grip on my arm and her seductive stance kept me pinned. I tried to smile, speaking softly, "Tsubaki, this isn't funny… Momoko is…"

But before I could finish, Momoko paused at the doorway, looking back at me, her eyes glistening with tears, her voice thick with disappointment. "Yuzuhiko… I never thought… you'd treat me like this." She looked at me one last time before walking quickly out, leaving me standing there, filled with regret and heartache.

Board Game Café

Meanwhile, Kagami was awkwardly seated in a board game café as his classmates Sasaki and Fujii eagerly explained the games to him, though his mind was elsewhere.

He hadn't wanted to come here and was already searching for an excuse to leave.

Just then, the door opened, and familiar figures stepped in. Miyako entered, wearing a light blue dress that made her look fresh and elegant, with her usual gentle and reserved demeanor.

Beside her was Reina, her golden hair cascading over her shoulder, dressed in a revealing black mini skirt and an off-the-shoulder blue top that highlighted her curves.

Seeing Kagami, Miyako looked surprised and asked softly, "Kagami… what are you doing here?"

He jumped to his feet, waving his hands, desperate to explain, "I… my classmates dragged me here!

They said the mixer was with Bunka Fashion College…." But before he could finish, he inadvertently glanced at Reina's bold outfit and quickly looked away in embarrassment.

Reina, however, moved right next to Kagami, flipping her hair back as she spoke in a flirtatious tone, "Oh, Kagami~ What a coincidence!" She then proceeded to sit on his lap, cupping his face in her hands. "Isn't it fate that we ran into each other?" she cooed, leaning into his ear. "Kagami, let's have a baby together~"

Miyako, who had been standing quietly, froze, her face pale. Her gentle nature couldn't conceal the anger and jealousy simmering in her gaze. She approached, her voice tense, "Reina, you're making Kagami uncomfortable."

Reina smirked, clearly pleased by Miyako's reaction, leaning even closer to Kagami. "Oh, Miyako, why are you so tense? Could it be that… nothing's happened between you two yet?"

Those words made Miyako's face flush red, her eyes filled with both embarrassment and anger. Her hands trembled as she held back tears, her gaze growing colder. Taking a deep breath, she replied firmly, "Kagami is my boyfriend. Show some respect."

Reina laughed dismissively, raising an eyebrow as she taunted, "Oh, cousin, you're adorable. But aren't you being a bit possessive?"

Kagami, still unaware of Miyako's tear-filled gaze, tried to mediate, "Miyako, can't you two just get along? Reina didn't do anything to you…."

Miyako's face crumpled with pain and disappointment as she whispered, her voice trembling, "Kagami… is that really how you feel?" Without waiting for a response, she turned and fled, her eyes glistening with tears.

Kagami sat there, dumbfounded, completely oblivious to his mistake, while Reina pressed herself against him and murmured, "Kagami, if you join me for a meal… I might 'consider' getting along with her~." Blushing, he stood there awkwardly, unable to muster a response.

Karaoke Room

In a karaoke room, Shigeru sat with a resigned expression as his classmates Oshima and Tanabe enthusiastically sang.

All he wanted was to find a reason to leave. Just then, the door opened, and Kaoru entered with her "cousin," Akane.

Kaoru wore a simple tracksuit, casual and practical, while Akane was dressed provocatively in a tight mini-skirt paired with fishnet stockings, clearly aiming for a more seductive look.

Seeing Shigeru, Kaoru's face filled with surprise. "Shigeru, what are you doing here?"

He quickly explained, "My classmates practically dragged me here. I really didn't want to…."

Before he could finish, Akane walked over and sat herself on his lap, leaning in with a playful smile. "Shigeru, let's sing a song together~"

Blushing furiously, Shigeru stammered, "Akane, this… isn't appropriate…!"

Akane laughed, leaning closer to his ear and whispering sweetly, "Shigeru, let's have a baby together~"

Kaoru's face immediately turned dark with anger and embarrassment. Clenching her teeth, she snapped, "Akane, get off him. You're going way too far."

Akane simply laughed, looking at Kaoru with mock innocence. "Oh, cousin, why so tense? Are you scared I'll take him away? Or… is it that nothing's happened between you two yet?"

Kaoru's face went red with anger, and she walked over, pulling Shigeru towards her and saying sharply, "Shigeru is my boyfriend, so back off!"

Caught in the middle, Shigeru started to sweat nervously, managing to stammer, "Kaoru, don't be angry… Akane was just joking."

Kaoru's eyes flashed with hurt and frustration, her voice shaking with betrayal. "Shigeru, I won't let you be around her anymore!"

Shigeru, caught off guard, scratched his head awkwardly, holding Kaoru's hand with a forced smile. "Kaoru, you don't have to be so upset… Akane didn't really mean anything by it. Can't we all just get along?"

Her face filled with pain, Kaoru pulled her hand away and choked out, "You… you've really let me down." She turned and ran out, leaving Shigeru dumbfounded.

Akane gently grabbed Shigeru's hand, whispering sweetly, "Shigeru, if you join me for a meal… I might 'consider' getting along with her~." Sighing, he resignedly agreed to the idea.

The girls returned to their shared home with downcast expressions. The empty room felt unusually heavy, with a silence that weighed on the air. Momoko, Miyako, and Kaoru each sat on the sofa, heads bowed, their eyes empty.

Their eyes were red-rimmed, evidence of recent tears. Even the normally cheerful Momoko was quiet, lightly biting her lower lip as if replaying the scene from the mixer in her mind, filled with a sense of hurt and unspeakable disappointment.

Miyako sat nearby, her gentle face marked by unmistakable sadness. Her eyes were swollen, and her fingers gently brushed the rim of her teacup, her gaze trembling slightly as if trying to calm the pain in her heart.

She was always kind and never this distressed, but today's events had cut deep, making her question if her relationship with Kagami was really that fragile.

Kaoru, on the other hand, sat with her arms crossed, her gaze fixed coldly ahead. Her eyes flickered with a mix of resentment and disappointment, though she kept quiet. Internally, she felt a sharp, indescribable pain.

She'd always thought of herself as strong and unafraid, but today had made her feel more powerless than ever. Seeing this expression on Kaoru was rare, even for Momoko and Miyako, who had lived with her for so long.

"Did Yuzuhiko really… get swayed so easily?" Momoko murmured, her voice laced with helplessness as her eyes filled with tears. She had always believed their bond was unbreakable, but today's events made her question everything.

Miyako tightened her grip on her teacup and spoke softly, "Kagami is usually so naive, but… could he really be that easily swayed just because someone looks and feels like me?"

Kaoru scoffed bitterly, her voice tinged with hurt and anger. "Shigeru… I thought he could tell who genuinely cared about him. But to be so easily… taken in by that woman." Her gaze held a hint of bitterness, as if she were mocking herself for her misplaced trust.

Silence settled over the three of them, the only sound in the room being their soft breaths. They were full of bitterness, some doubts creeping in as they each asked themselves, "Is our bond with them really so fragile?"

But as memories began to surface, their gazes grew more resolute.

They thought back to the countless times they'd fought side by side with the boys, facing down powerful enemies without a moment's hesitation, tackling one challenge after another together.

They remembered the time they sacrificed themselves to save the world, and how those three madmen, against all odds, had stormed into the Yomi

to bring them back, enduring merciless conditions and paying the ultimate price.

Even when Izanami set the final condition of their own annihilation, they agreed without hesitation, willing to disappear forever just to see them alive again.

And just last year, after each of them faced near-assault and found no justice, the boys took matters into their own hands, punishing each assailant with ruthless determination.

The girls knew that when it came to them, these boys would do anything—things they couldn't even imagine.

With that thought, Momoko's gaze softened, and a hint of confident warmth returned to her eyes. "No, they were just confused… they would never actually abandon us." She clenched her fist lightly, starting to regain her faith in Yuzuhiko.

Miyako also managed a small smile, her voice filled with determination, "Kagami might be clueless, but he would never hurt me. He just got mixed up for a moment… I'll make sure he remembers that I'm the one he truly loves."

Kaoru scoffed, but her expression grew confident. "Shigeru might be a fool, but I won't let him off that easily. He's mine, and no one is taking him from me." She tightened her fist, her spirit filled with fierce resolve, ready to "teach him a lesson" once he returned.

The three girls exchanged smiles, feeling their mutual trust renewed. Their love was not so easily shaken, and this time, they were determined to show the boys that they were their true, one and only home.

"Private Booth at the Café"

Tsubaki leaned close to me, smiling as she spoke in her sweet, honeyed voice, "Yuzuhiko, if you rush back to see Momoko now, it'll only make her angrier. Trust me; the best thing to do is to let her cool off a bit."

My heart was torn, with the image of Momoko's disappointed, tear-filled face lingering in my mind. But what Tsubaki said made sense, in a way. She seemed so calm, as if she had everything under control.

"Really?" I asked, hesitating. "But if I don't go back and explain, won't she just misunderstand even more?"

"Oh, Yuzuhiko, you're so sweetly naive," Tsubaki chuckled as if I'd said something adorable.

She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, her gaze carrying a kind of reassuring warmth. "Trust me, let her cool down for tonight. Let's go to the hotel and grab a nice dinner together, hmm? Think of it as a little comfort from me," she murmured, leaning in closer with a playful smile.

I hesitated, feeling conflicted. What she said seemed reasonable. It was just a dinner, after all. Perhaps I could talk to Momoko tomorrow, when things would hopefully be calmer.

"Board Game Café"

Kagami sat in the board game café, staring blankly at Reina. The sight of Miyako walking out lingered painfully in his mind, but Reina's words made him pause.

"Kagami, if you run after her now, it'll only make things worse. She's definitely furious right now," Reina said with a smile that feigned concern, reaching over to take his hand and pat it gently, "Rather than making her more upset, it's best to let her cool down and talk tomorrow."

Kagami frowned, conflicted. "But… if I don't explain, won't she be even angrier?"

"Don't worry! We're just going to the hotel for some dinner and a chat." Reina smiled sweetly, moving a little closer, her voice soft and reassuring. "Think of it as a chance to relax, to clear your thoughts, okay?"

Kagami felt his own resolve falter. Reina's gentle smile eased his defenses, and he nodded slowly, offering a small, hesitant smile. "I… guess that could be okay."

"Karaoke Room"

Shigeru sat in the private karaoke room, looking at Akane with a mix of discomfort and guilt. The memory of Kaoru's gaze and voice was still fresh in his mind, leaving him feeling muddled.

"Shigeru, don't be silly. If you chase after her now, you'll only make Kaoru even angrier. She's the jealous type, and there's no way she'll calm down quickly," Akane said with a cheerful look, her eyes filled with a gentle encouragement. "Come with me to the hotel for dinner; let her cool off. This is really the best choice."

Shigeru frowned, torn. "But… what if she thinks I don't care about her?"

"Oh, stop overthinking." Akane immediately looped her arm around his, leaning close with a soft, soothing smile. "Trust me, let her cool down, and tomorrow she might just understand your intentions."

The doubt in Shigeru's mind quieted down for a moment, and he nodded. "Alright… if you say so."

And so, the three of us found ourselves "persuaded." That night, Kagami, Shigeru, and I each went to the hotel with the Powerpunk Girls, completely unaware of how disappointed and heartbroken the girls would be back home.

"The Shared Apartment"

As night fell, the atmosphere in the apartment became tense with an unspoken sense of unease. The disappointment and pain from the day's mixer were still fresh in the girls' minds, and their anger and frustration only grew with each passing moment that the boys didn't return.

Momoko sat on the sofa, gripping her phone tightly, her face a mixture of frustration and heartbreak. Her eyes were red, and her fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of her phone as a growing sense of worry gnawed at her.

Kaoru paced back and forth in the living room, occasionally glancing at the clock on the wall with a dark expression, as if she might explode at any moment.

Miyako sat nearby, her face marked by deep concern. Her hands trembled slightly, and a painful feeling gripped her heart.

"There's no way… they couldn't really be that easily swayed by those women, could they?" Momoko murmured, her voice carrying an undertone of hurt and anger. She recalled Yuzuhiko's clueless expression at the mixer, and her heart clenched with frustration and sadness.

"These three idiots aren't actually still with them this late, are they?" Kaoru spat, her face growing darker by the second. "They better not have actually been lured away by those women!"

Miyako, frowning with an unusual show of agitation, spoke softly, "They… they wouldn't… would they? They're probably just… just not back yet…" Her voice wavered, betraying her own doubts.

Momoko took a deep breath, then reached for her iphone, opening the location-tracking app they'd all set up as a precaution. She pulled up the location, waiting as it loaded. After a few seconds, Yuzuhiko's location appeared on the screen.

"They're… at the Shangri-La Tokyo Hotel?!" Momoko's breath hitched, her eyes widening in disbelief. She gripped her phone tightly, her brows knitting together.

The mention of that location made Kaoru's expression turn even colder, her eyes blazing with anger. "The Shangri-La? What could they possibly be doing there? Those women really think they can just take them like that?!"

Miyako's face fell, a look of pain and disappointment flickering across her features as she murmured, "Could it really be that easy for them to be led astray?"

She recalled the events at the mixer, and a sense of bitterness and injustice swelled within her, tears forming in her eyes.

Momoko clenched her teeth, her emotions reaching a breaking point. Her heart was filled with disappointment and anger, feeling as if she'd been betrayed. "How could Yuzuhiko do this…" she whispered, her voice thick with hurt. Her gaze turned resolute. "I have to go see what he's really doing there!"

Kaoru's fists tightened as she gave a cold, determined look. "Exactly! Those women are delusional if they think they can just take our boyfriends like that! We're going to show them who they belong to."

Miyako pressed her lips together, nodding as a hint of resolve lit her eyes. "They're probably just… momentarily distracted… but either way, we can't just sit here and do nothing."

Their bond and love for the boys drove them to their feet, each of them exchanging a determined look.

Filled with both anger and determination, they refused to back down. Together, the girls left the apartment, resolute in showing those Powerpunk Girls that their connection with the boys wasn't something anyone could easily shake.