April 12th, Morning
While Shido and his group headed to university, Kotori led Yoshino, Natsumi, Mukuro, and Mana to the entrance of a shop.
"This is the place I arranged for us. Everything is set, so let's head in," Kotori said confidently.
"I'll pass," Natsumi muttered, frowning. "I don't think I'll be of any help."
But she quickly noticed everyone's piercing gazes directed at her.
"Alright, alright, I get it," Natsumi relented with a sigh. "But don't blame me if I mess up, okay?"
"Natsumi-san, why do you always say that? You're amazing; everything will be fine!" Yoshino encouraged her.
With that, the group entered the shop and began their part-time work.
Present Time
Shido and the others stood in a dimly lit alley, flanked by shops selling energy drinks and dubious products.
"Origami, what is this place?" Shido asked, feeling an ominous chill.
"There's a hidden adult entertainment shop nearby," Origami explained, her tone as emotionless as ever. "Though well-concealed, I know its location."
"Praise: As expected of Master Origami," Yuzuru commented.
"Now's not the time for that. We need to find Kotori and the others," Shido said urgently.
"Follow me." Origami led the group to the entrance of a discreetly marked shop.
"Kuku, is this the legendary blood pact sanctuary?" Kaguya mused dramatically.
"Exclamation: I didn't know such places existed," Yuzuru added.
"Shido, what kind of shop is this?" Tohka asked innocently.
"Well… um…" Shido struggled to find the words.
"This is a place where men experience unparalleled psychological and physical pleasure," Origami stated bluntly.
"Wow! Then Shido must love coming here, right?" Tohka exclaimed.
"N-no, that's not it at all!" Shido stammered, sweating profusely. "Anyway, I'll go in to check if Kotori and the others are here. You all stay outside; this isn't a place for you."
"Alright," the girls agreed, though Tohka's disappointed "Why can't we go in, Shido?" echoed behind him.
"Tohka being inside would only make things awkward for Shido," Origami said.
"Indeed, Shido's indulgence would be hindered in the presence of his entourage," Kaguya teased.
"Questioning. Kaguya, stop spouting nonsense," Yuzuru countered.
"Alright, stay here, be good, and I'll be back soon," Shido said, patting their heads before stepping inside.
The moment Shido entered, a flamboyantly dressed woman approached him with an exaggerated smile.
"Oh my, handsome! It's your first time here, isn't it? Welcome, welcome!" She reached out to grab Shido's arm. "Our girls are all top-notch, guaranteed to make you feel amazing. Tell me, which one caught your eye?"
Shido instinctively pulled away, suppressing his discomfort. While he didn't look down on people in this line of work, he felt an innate aversion to the situation.
"Oh my, shy, are we? You must be a newbie," she teased. "Don't worry; even the most gentlemanly types leave here completely satisfied."
"Um, sorry, I'm not here for that," Shido said quickly.
"Not here for that? Then what are you here for?"
"I'm looking for my sister," Shido blurted out.
"Your sister? Well, we have plenty of sisters here," she said, gesturing to a row of women behind her. "Didn't expect you to be the 'sister-loving' type. That's… a little unexpected."
"Oni-chan~!" Another woman sauntered over, her voice dripping with seduction as she addressed Shido.
Sweat poured down Shido's face as he opened his mouth to respond. But before he could, a familiar voice called out.
"Well, if it isn't Itsuka!"
"Hiroto?" Shido turned to see his high school classmate, Hiroto Tonomachi, casually embracing one of the shop's workers.
"Never thought you'd be into this kind of place too. Birds of a feather, huh?" Hiroto grinned mischievously.
"No, no, no, you've got it all wrong!" Shido protested.
"Don't worry, I get it," Hiroto said, clapping Shido on the shoulder. "I only recently discovered this paradise myself. Look at all these cute girls! They're way better than anything virtual."
As he spoke, Hiroto patted the cheek of the woman he was holding. She responded with a playful "Oh, oni-chan, you're so naughty~," and poked his face with her finger, making Hiroto laugh with delight.
"So gross," Shido thought, shuddering internally.
"Seriously, Itsuka, with all the beauties you're surrounded by, you still come to a place like this? Don't you worry about Kotori and the others finding out? Or is this just your idea of a thrill?"
"Listen to me—" Shido tried to explain.
"No need to explain. Drinks are on me today, buddy! Let's enjoy ourselves!" Hiroto declared, dragging Shido further inside.
Outside the shop
"Why isn't Shido back yet? Do you think he's in trouble?" Tohka asked anxiously.
"Perhaps…" Origami's expression darkened as a troubling thought crossed her mind. "Let's go check."
The girls barged into the shop. Almost immediately, a woman approached them, her eyes lighting up at the sight of their stunning appearances.
"Are you here to apply for a job? Wonderful! You're all so gorgeous; the customers will love you!" she exclaimed, reaching for Tohka's hand.
"Huh?" Tohka instinctively stepped back, not understanding but feeling uneasy.
Before the woman could grab her, Origami intercepted, gripping the woman's wrist tightly. "Watch your mouth," she said coldly.
"Oh, don't act so innocent. You're here to work, aren't you? No need to pretend," the woman sneered.
"Say that again," Origami tightened her grip, her eyes icy.
"Ow, ow, ow! Okay, okay! Are you here to bust someone?!" the woman shouted, realizing her mistake.
Origami remained silent, her expression dark.
"If you're here to cause trouble, you've picked the wrong place," the woman said smugly. "Our shop's reputation is impeccable because we protect our clients. Anyone who tries to make a scene here gets dealt with."
She snapped her fingers, and several burly men emerged, surrounding the girls.
"Listen up," one of the men growled. "You all look lovely, so we don't want to hurt you. But if you don't leave now, we won't hold back."