Kaguya froze, feeling as though she had been struck by a bolt of divine lightning.
What exactly was happening?
Could it be April Fool's Day?
Once, she had been the one teasing others, yet now she found herself being teased by someone else. This was hard to believe, and Kaguya's first reaction was to suspect that Sayo was playing a prank on her.
Even though she knew Sayo to be a lively and cheerful girl, such a thing seemed a bit too bold for her. It was more in line with someone like Leone, who was more carefree.
Seeing Kaguya in a state of shock, Sayo also appeared slightly embarrassed, her face turning even redder as she awkwardly said, "Isn't it strange? After all, a girl liking another girl is quite unbelievable. Princess, you don't think I'm a pervert, do you?"
Pervert?
At this moment, Kaguya snapped out of her daze, clearing her throat, and said seriously, "How can this be considered perverted? Girls liking girls is perfectly normal."
Kaguya spoke with utmost seriousness, as if stating something utterly ordinary, though she was actually just making things up with a straight face.
"Really?" Sayo was dumbfounded by Kaguya's words and blinked. "Is it really like that?"
"Of course," Kaguya said earnestly. "How can you have a romantic relationship if the genders are different?"
"But I see other people…" Sayo hesitated.
"Don't mind what others think," Kaguya placed a hand on Sayo's shoulder and said solemnly, "In matters like this, just follow your feelings."
"Is that okay?" Sayo was still somewhat uncertain.
"Absolutely," Kaguya declared firmly, her clear eyes fixed on Sayo. "Don't you trust my word?"
Kaguya's words were resolute, as if she truly believed them, though no one knew she was just speaking irresponsibly.
"That's wonderful!" Sayo's face broke into a bright smile, and she leapt into Kaguya's arms, exclaiming, "I thought I was some kind of perverted freak."
Well, you aren't a perverted freak, but you aren't quite normal, either.
But I like it.
Kaguya savored the softness of Sayo's body, especially the fullness of her chest, feeling as if she might drool. She never expected such a delightful surprise today, and it made her quite happy.
Could this be the reward for all her hard work?
"Slut."
A crisp voice suddenly pierced the air, dispelling the intimate atmosphere entirely.
Kaguya turned to see a girl with long black hair standing in the doorway. It was Kurome.
"Slut?" Sayo was shocked. No one had ever used such a word to describe her before. It was an outright, baseless insult, leaving Sayo too stunned to feel anger.
"Using your overdeveloped chest to seduce the Princess so shamelessly," Kurome snorted disdainfully. "Isn't that what sluts do?"
"Oh," Sayo smirked, "Could it be you're jealous?" She emphasized the fullness of her chest.
"Why would I be jealous of those meaningless lumps that hinder combat?" Kurome glanced at her dismissively. "Only someone as incapable as you would resort to such cheap tricks."
"Cheap tricks?" Sayo's face flushed with anger, but recalling something, she covered her mouth and laughed. "I'm more worried that when you sleep with the Princess, she won't be able to tell your chest from your back. Cover your face, and I bet she wouldn't know if you're facing her or turned away."
Kurome clenched her lips. Her figure wasn't as flat as Sayo claimed, but it didn't matter because compared to Sayo, she seemed insignificant.
They locked eyes, and the air seemed to crackle with tension, as if a fight could break out at any moment.
Kaguya couldn't help but chuckle at the escalating tension between them. They had always disliked each other, but now they argued immediately upon meeting, seemingly born enemies.
This winter was particularly cold, with temperatures plunging unexpectedly before the harshest season. Outside, frost coated the ground, and water on the roads turned to ice. The chilling northwesterly wind howled like wailing ghosts, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Kaguya awoke from sleep, her eyes still a bit bleary, halfway between sleep and wakefulness.
She noticed an arm draped over her, holding her tightly. Turning her head, she saw Sayo's rosy face beside her, smiling gently in her dreams.
As Kaguya gently moved Sayo's arm to rise, she discovered her waist pinned by another long, smooth leg. Glancing over, she found Kurome curled up on her left, limbs entwined like a content kitten, sleeping soundly.
No wonder she felt so heavy while sleeping; she thought it was sleep paralysis. How had these two ended up in her bed?
It took Kaguya a moment to recall that out of boredom yesterday, she invited them for a game of cards. Along with them came the sisters Air, Fal, and Luna.
While playing, Kaguya complained it was too boring and suggested a drinking game for the losers, prohibiting cheating with powers. She planned to get these little kittens drunk, but her luck was abysmal. Nearly every round she lost, causing her to nearly lose her mind.
Air, pitying the Princess's predicament, tried to secretly help her win, only to be caught by Sayo.
Kaguya intended to turn the game around but found her luck didn't improve. She lost terribly and ended up drinking most of the wine herself, eventually passing out on the bed.
As Kaguya held her throbbing head, vowing never to drink again, a soft groan came from beside her. She turned to find both girls awake, staring at her with wide eyes.