Hoshimi thought about it and guessed that Kotoko probably wanted to know where he had been today.
Kotoko came back today, and not only did he not go to the station to meet her, but he also left the school, leaving her return empty-handed.
He could almost imagine Kotoko's disappointed expression when she arrived at Sobu High and didn't see him.
With this reasoning, it was natural for Kotoko to have some feelings about it.
Hoshimi leaned down, pressed his cheek close to Kotoko's, and smiled as he repeated his fabricated story about visiting his aunt's house today.
"I see..." Kotoko's smile didn't change in the slightest after hearing Hoshimi's explanation.
She chose not to expose Hoshimi's lie but quietly firmed her resolve.
It seemed she would need to wait for the right opportunity to give Hoshimi the training method… It wouldn't do to give too much without reciprocation. She had the means, after all, and needed to draw out some genuine emotions from Hoshimi. Otherwise, it would be a waste.
"..." Kotoko's smile deepened as she silently stroked Hoshimi's face in response.
"Kotoko." Hoshimi suddenly remembered something. He locked his hands around her waist, leaned down, and exhaled warm breath near her ear.
"Hm?" Kotoko, feeling a tingling sensation in her ear, closed her eyes like a contented cat, basking in Hoshimi's warmth.
"Kotoko, why did you send me photos of those two girls? Was it a backup plan? Or did you want me to use dreams to extract some information from them?"
"..." Kotoko blinked, seemingly caught off guard by Hoshimi's interpretation.
"Isn't it?" Hoshimi asked, suspicious, realizing he might have guessed wrong.
"Nope~" Kotoko explained. "I sent you their photos as extra security. If you encounter a spirit causing trouble when I'm not around, you can ask for their help in my name."
"That's it..." Hoshimi prodded Kotoko's flat stomach, curious. "Kotoko, what are their names, abilities... Are they powerful?"
Snuggled comfortably in Hoshimi's arms, Kotoko responded nonchalantly, "The one with long hair is named Isayama Yomi, and the short-haired one is Tsuchimiya Kagura. Their abilities are... distinctive for onmyoji; they mostly rely on the techniques of onmyoji. As for their strength, it depends on who you compare them with."
After finding a comfortable position in Hoshimi's arms, Kotoko continued, "But overall, their abilities are quite strong for today's spiritually weakened world."
"Isayama Yomi... Tsuchimiya Kagura..." Hoshimi murmured their names, playfully nuzzling Kotoko's cheek. "Got it. And thank you, my adorable Kotoko-chan~"
"Mm~" Kotoko lazily nodded, "No need for thanks. As long as you don't flirt with them, I'll be very moved."
"What? Would I do that?" Hoshimi pretended to be upset, pressing down on Kotoko's stomach.
"..." Kotoko pouted, saying nothing.
To her, Hoshimi was exactly that kind of person.
However, if she dared to give him Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura's photos, she wasn't afraid of him getting involved with them.
Those girls weren't easily swayed. Besides the fact that Isayama Yomi had a fiancé, both had strong inclinations that didn't align with Hoshimi's interests. With Yukinoshita, Kotoko, and some other girl with a rather busty figure around him, how would he even find time to pursue those two?
It just wasn't realistic.
"By the way, Kotoko..." Hoshimi suddenly asked, "I remember you mentioning they were part of an official organization. Which one exactly?"
"The Ministry of the Environment, Natural Environment Bureau, Supernatural Disaster Response Division," Kotoko replied, casting a sidelong glance at Hoshimi. "Why are you asking, Hoshimi?"
"Just curious, to see which department holds that kind of power. But they're under the Ministry of the Environment? That's... unexpected."
Hoshimi rubbed Kotoko's stomach thoughtfully.
If he remembered correctly, one of his father's friends worked at the Ministry of the Environment…
Not to mention, someone from the Arisugawa family was also employed there...
With a complicated look, Hoshimi leaned closer to Kotoko's ear and whispered, "Kotoko, after all this time, why don't we rest first?"
"Alright..." Kotoko replied lazily, showing no shyness. She wiggled slightly, raising her hand playfully, "Hoshimi~ Take me to the ocean~"
"Sure~ Let's go right now~" With a thought, Hoshimi and Kotoko instantly disappeared from the dark red bench.
...
The following morning, Hoshimi woke up on time. As he opened his eyes and saw the peaceful, sleeping face of Kasumigaoka in his arms, he was momentarily dazed.
Why was Utaha in his arms? Shouldn't it have been Kotoko?
After a moment of surprise, Hoshimi quickly realized.
"..." Rubbing his temples, he sat up with a bit of a headache.
A whole night of juggling between Utaha, Yukino, and Kotoko, ensuring he didn't slip up while still being affectionate with each of them, left him slightly dazed.
At this rate, he feared he might accidentally call one of them the wrong name someday…
"Sigh~" Hoshimi sighed, gently lifting the covers and getting out of bed.
He walked to the window, drew back the curtain slightly, hoping to catch a glimpse of the bright sunrise.
But as he looked out, the sky was gloomy, and heavy clouds blocked the morning sun.
"..." Shaking his head, Hoshimi went downstairs to wash up.
...
"Mmm~"
At some point, Kasumigaoka stirred awake, rubbing her drowsy eyes with one hand while instinctively reaching out for Hoshimi with the other.
"Hm?"
Upon not finding him, Kasumigaoka suddenly became alert, opening her eyes wide as she searched for Hoshimi.
"Utaha, you're awake."
The familiar voice, deeply etched into her being, sounded nearby. She looked up and saw Hoshimi standing by the desk, watching her with a soft smile.
"I was just about to leave a note, but you woke up in time." Smiling, Hoshimi walked over to the bed, leaned down, and playfully pinched her cheek.
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[30 Bonus Chapters: https://www.patreon.com/cherryblooming]