Kamijou Touma found himself in an unusual predicament. He was currently sweating bullets. And it was not, mind you, because he found himself in a life or death situation, as he often did. Instead, he was facing a terror of much different type.
After momentarily returning home to wash and change, he and his new flatmates, trio of blond dark side assassins, the Gokusai sisters, went out to shop for both clothes (at the insistence of Kaibi) and food (at the insistence of Touma). According to Amazora, the sisters either ate out or bought some express food. However, Touma's pride as a somewhat experienced cook did not allow him to stand idly by and just watch sisters eat ramen from a cup day after day, even if he was sometimes eating the same way.
However, he did not expect that...
He was currently standing at one of the most prestigious markets in district 4. The mere sight of shopping windows gave him palpitations. When they went inside, one look on the prices nearly made him faint.
"I-Is this... for eggs... and this... for meat..." his speech sounded as if he aged 80 years and was at death's door.
He swayed slightly and it was a surprise that he didn't crumble away at the very moment, blown away by the colossal abyss that stood between such luxurious place and his own nigh-nonexistent finances.
In this time, when he was surrounded by darkness, salvation arrived in a form of beautiful young woman with a blond hair and huge bust, wearing a shimmering violet dress. Rikuri eyed him with confusion.
"Is everything okay?" she asked the pale teen.
"Y-Yes, I am fine. It's just..." Touma replied, with no way to cushion the hurt for his financially broken self" the things here are a little... over... my capacity to afford them".
Rikuri blinked in confusion, and then started laughing. She had a very cute laugh, which she was half-stifling, probably out of manners towards other customers, into a soft giggling. Touma tried his best not to stare when her bosom bounced along her fit of giggles. Then, the oldest Gokusai flashed him a small smile.
"Kai-chan didn't tell you? We are paying for the food! So let your big sis take care of it"
Touma felt as if suddenly the heavens split in two and divine light fell down, illuminating Rikuri. He practically pounced and grabbed Potion Lady's hands into his own.
"THANK YOU! You are wonderful, Rikuri-sama. You are so amazing that I could just-"
"EKHM!" a dry cough came from Kaibi, who crossed her arms behind them" I am sorry to interrupt, but what Rikuri nee-san meant is that although we pay, you have to make a dish that will satisfy us. And if not... you will pay us back. Double."
Kamijou gulped, but did not falter under Kaibi's gaze.
"I will do my best to satisfy you, Kaibi-sama!"
Kaibi nodded with approval, but also cringed slightly.
"Don't shout things that can be taken out of context, you idiot! Also, how much longer do you to hold Rikuri nee-san, huh?!
Touma turned slightly and realized that he still had his hands clasped over Rikuri's own. They quickly separated. Rikuri had a smile on her face, that formed earlier in the suddenness with which Touma grabbed her earlier.
"All right!" Kamijou lifted Amazora on his back again, who grinned widely "You will be my guide here. I will still find the best ingredients with best possible prizes!"
"Haven't you heard? You don't have to worry about that" Kaibi waved her hand.
Touma gave her a flat look.
"Kaibi-san. Gokusai Kaibi-san. Even if this is a prestigious ojou-sama market, there are still opportunities for the skilled warrior for prizes! There are still products of lesser quality, and quantity! If I manage to grab best ones, our finances will last for us to have much more food and goodness!"
"I don't understand much from what onii-chan said" Amazora added, while tilting her head "But it sounds yummy, so let's go!"
"Glad to hear someone reasonable. Now, CHARGE!"
"Hey, what you two are doing-"
However, Touma departed with Amazora and shopping cart in tow, with such speed that Kaibi's recently styled locks stood up for a second.
"He surely got lively when he heard that we fund it, huh?" she muttered to her sister.
Rikuri shrugged, smile not leaving her face.
(20 MINUTES LATER)
"Honestly, how many times do you want to humiliate me today?" Kaibi was currently assaulting Touma with a barrage of punches, as they waited in line.
"I had- ow!- no idea- ow!- that you will end up in the cart!"
"Now, now" Rikuri tried to mediate in the situation "At least Amazora-chan had fun!"
"Well, I certainly didn't! Honestly..." Kaibi let Touma go.
Dynamic duo Touma + Amazora was zooming around the shop in the search for ingredients, with Kaibi and Rikuri struggling to catch up. Amazora was squealing with joy and shouting certain not-so-polite warnings for the other customers to get out of the way. With her memorizing most of the store and Touma's keen eyes, the cart was soon filled with vast goodness that were to serve to produce delicious dinner they all wanted to eat in their ever growing hunger.
After a bit of reflection, Touma realized that maybe there wasn't really a need to act like in those small markets made mainly for level 0s. He was simply to accustomed to everyone fighting for best ingredients. But... it was a bit too late for that realization. They already caused quite a commotion which caused Kaibi to quite excessively use Measure Heart to cover for them. And when she tried to stop the shopping frenzy by boldly blocking the cart's way, she was actually knocked from her feet. She flipped into the air, and landed in the cart. Luckily, the things in the cart broke her fall, but her smooth legs were sticking out in the air almost vertically, and her trademark dress fell down. Touma then stopped the cart, and helped her to get out, but still got berated. Afterwards he and Amazora decided to step down a little.
Kaibi looked at spiky haired boy. She did it slightly, pretending to inspect the state of her well-polished fingernails. He was currently comparing two picked up egg packs with a seriousness of someone partaking in some kind of secret ritual. Kamijou Touma. He was a mystery, a curiosity, but also, a seriously annoying pain in the ass. Kaibi could only felt her headache grow. In the dark side, she was cold, professional, efficient. As her sisters stated, she was straight to the point, not overly cruel, but definitely not excessively benevolent. She strategized, she planned, she allied with the strongest to gain profit. She had people at her feet thanks to her ability, she was a perfect mixture of beauty and power.
But with this guy, Kaibi felt like she was thrown into tornado of chaos that overthrew everything she knew. He left her confused, irritated, and... became a center of her curiosity. She wouldn't admit that, but...
"Arrgh! I am hungry! Can't this queue go any faster?" Amazora shouted, snapping Kaibi out of her musings "Kai onee-chan, can't I pull out my gattling gun and shorten it?"
Kaibi vehemently shook her head
"Your weapon is in deposit. Not far away, but you can't use it here. Too much attention and too many problems with potential cleanup"
"Besides" Rikuri joined the conversation with a serious expression" This is simply brutish, Amazora-chan. It would be so much more effective to distribute poison to kill them soundlessly".
"Death from poison is not cool at all! Where are the emotions, the terror, the screams? So lame!" Amazora was clearly defending her fighting style.
"Poisons can be more terrifying than you can imagine. And they are clearly superior to violence and bloodshed of guns" Rikuri also wasn't far behind.
"No way! It is cowardly! And you can be elegant if you can aim efficiently"
"It is loud and impractical! There is nothing more precise than properly extracted toxin."
"Quit it you two! No one is killing anyone over the waiting in line" Kaibi whispered in a tone that demanded obedience.
Touma had an uneasy expression listening to this discussion, until he remembered who the trio was when not upholding the public identity.
'Who did I got involve myself again with, really?'
(MOMENTS LATER...)
"Now, this is finally out of the way, so we can focus on the important part" Kaibi commented cheerfully.
"Listen here..." Touma tried his best not to topple over the enormous tower of boxes, containing various clothing accessories "Do you really need these many? I mean, it's more than two times of my entire wardrobe and it's just one shopping trip!"
Kaibi twirled around with a smirk on her face and approached him, still keeping a smug face.
"Firstly, that's for all 3 of us. Secondly, we are elegant ladies and we need fine clothes. Thirdly... heh... I doubt that you could afford even a pair of socks from that place..."
"That last one was completely unnecessary!"
Touma knew he will be made a pack mule. But even he struggled under the enormous amount of shopping sisters made. What was worse...
"Come on, it's not that hard. See?" Amazora casually lifted a pile half equally big, which was still unbelievably heavy, with just her hands.
From what Touma learned, she used some type of telekinetic power, visualizing it as a support, which drastically reduced the weight. He did not have that luxury, yet he still received glares from people around because he was complaining while the little girl carried her things without any problem.
"Yay! I have a perfect set of clothes to apply my ultimate thigh flashing seduction next time we go out on a mission" Amazora giggled mischievously
"Now that's interesting. " Kaibi smiled sweetly "I will burn it first"
"N-NO..." Amazora trembled" You won't... it's such a nice thing..."
"Sorry for Amazora here" Kaibi turned to Touma " She has obsession with surpassing our charms. For some time now, she does everything to turn on her appeal, including the revealing clothing, which at her age..."
"Yeah, I get it" Touma agreed without hesitation.
"She always manages to slip something in without our knowledge. We simply can't figure out where she learned all of that. Who taught her?" Rikuri shook her head in discontent.
Touma eyed Kaibi's showy dress, and Rikuri's hourglass figure, with legs and arms very visible to all observers.
"Yeah, I have no idea as well" he said slowly.
Suddenly, a scream echoed in front of them and they all saw Amazora collapse into the ground. The supplies and clothes all fell down.
"Some guy bumped into me, took some of the bags and ran away!" wailed the youngest Gokusai.
Touma quickly looked over Amazora, to notice a young man quickly running away from their spot.
"Don't worry Amazora. I devised a trick specifically for this. I moved our food to our fashion bags, and our clothes to grocery store bags. So nothing of value was lost." Kaibi explained to remaining three.
Touma came to total halt.
"NOTHING OF VALUE WAS LOST? Listen here, miss pretty dress. You're telling me that he stole our food? That's the worst possible outcome! I can't cook out of nothing. Hell, I can cook you a leather shoe soup, don't ask why I know how to prepare one, but I doubt that will be a meal you look forward to. This robber mocked all the energy we spent on searching for the food. He made an unforgivable sin for all the poor in the city. This..."
He picked up a pack of now smashed eggs. The yolk dripped down his fingers, as Touma's eyes grew darker
"This is personal now!"
Also, if ingredients end up unusable, he will be charged with double the worth. Such misfortune.
(MOMENTS LATER...)
Touma then dashed forward in pursuit of the thief. However, what he certainly did not expect was that he ran into him a few moments later. They collided into each other in the nearby alley.
"OW! What the hell man? What is your problem?" the guy yelled out.
"My problem?" Touma yelled back" What kind of thief suddenly starts running back when he is pursued? Are you the kind of guy that changes clichés for the mere sake of changing them? I mean, can understand, my friend Aogami-"
"It's because of the crap in that bag. Why the hell are there is a damn cabbage and avocado in the DULCE GEBANA'S bag?"
"Oi, no hate on the cabbage. This Kamijou-san found her cheaper than ever!"
"Are you making fun of me?! I thought that with those hotties there are bound to be some expensive clothes, so why cabbage... and...in that bag...a tuna?"
"That's premium sushi class"
The young thief clicked his tongue.
"I wanted to sell something. To have more money so I can live a slightly better life. They wouldn't even feel it and for me it would make a difference!"
Touma nodded knowingly
"I know what you mean. Now, hand over that cabbage and the rest of the food."
However, the thief only laughed
"Hand over? Screw you man! I will teach you a lesson for making a fool out of me!"
He charged at Touma while swinging a knife. Touma instantly switched into melee mode, his senses sharpening. There were certain order of danger in his head. Knives were relatively low on there, compared to for example bullets, because one could do many things to obstruct it, deflect it, or tangle it in some material. He still needed be careful though, especially because his opponent seemed particularly agitated and unpredictable.
"Look, there is a precious food in there we spent time looking for. You don't want it so... can we please talk about this?!"
"What can I possibly get from talking to you? You are probably someone rich, hanging with all those cute girls, and the most fortunate guy ever!"
"Literally, none of those are tru-"
"Meanwhile, what do I get? I got fired, barely having any money left. And when I finally developed a power, it's fricking methane and sulphur compound manipulation. It literally stinks! My girlfriend dumped me because of this!"
Touma jumped back, when he realized something.
"I am not the best student ever, but isn't methane connected with cows and..."
"SHUT UUUUP!" the thief howled "if you say what I think you are gonna say-"
"So you basically weaponized... farts?"
The silence rung out, before a green vapour exploded from nearby sewer, covering the entire area.
"YOU ARE DEAD!"
Touma covered his mouth, trying to fall back, out of the cloud of gas.
"Please, just listen to me" he said, slowly moving back " I understand your concerns. I really do, and I am also really sorry all of this happened to you."
The voice from the vapour shouted back
"Why do you even care?! Why are you still talking?!"
"I can help" Touma explained calmly" Or rather, I know someone who can. He was once in Skill-Out and faced many problems that level those rejected by the city. But now he has good friends, respect, and-"
Touma stopped, feeling that telling a recently dumped guy that Hamazura has a girlfriend would not be a very good option.
"A-Anyway, he might be able to instruct you what to do. As for me I really do care. I really get you. Because I am a level 0!"
The stinking mist halted. The thug was apparently unsure.
"You... are... but..."
"Come on" Touma pressed on, knowing that it may be a psychological opening he needed " If I were higher level, I would probably defend myself using an ability. Did I do that? I too understand what is like to be among the rejected. Yet I did not allow myself to be changed by this and got to my feet"
The mist wavered slightly, as the voice echoed, this time with greater clarity
"You didn't..."
"Exactly... now, turn off your ability..." Touma slowly approached the cloud of gas...
Which receded immediately with the sound of shattering glass, leaving the stunned esper in front of him. He blinked and then his eyes darkened, as he pointed at Touma.
"What was that?! You said you don't have the ability... then how the fuck have you blown my gas away like that just now?!"
"Well... I..." Touma grit his teeth. He was too careless, and accidentally touched esper-controlled methane with Imagine Breaker, which caused it to dissipate
He clenched his fist.
"YOU TRICKED ME!" the thief roared, as more of methane rose from the ground.
"Honestly, I was telling the truth. However, if you don't intend to listen to me and don't want to embrace the possibility of honest life..." He started to run towards his opponent "then I will destroy this-"
"DUCK!"
Touma blinked in confusion, but instinctively lowered his head. There was a loud bang and female leg coming from above collided with methane esper's face. Touma felt that the surrounding methane mixes with grey smoke. Someone was using a smokescreen bomb.
He felt the hand on his wrist. Maybe because the very same skin touched his recently, he recognized Gokusai Kaibi.
"Hurry up, you moron. We decided to help you, so be grateful"
Touma felt somewhat exasperated at this comment, but his thoughts were interrupted as methane esper woke up after Kaibi's dropkick and was apparently pursuing them.
"Now, Rikuri nee-san!"
"Hi, reading you loud and clear~"
Buzzing noise surrounded the area and suddenly, the noises of their pursuer came to a halt. What followed was a sudden thud, as if something heavy collapsed to the ground.
"What happened?" Touma asked, as both he and Kaibi turned around to see their pursuer on the ground.
"Over here! Kamijou-san!"
The distorted voice was robotic and Touma soon understood why. At least 10 small robots looking like something between flies and mosquitos hovered in the air. The voice of Rikuri seemed to emanate from them.
Touma noticed that the drones had a single micro-camera lenses and small needles, presumably for the injection of poison.
"You didn't kill him, right?"
"No, I did not"
"Thank god" Touma sighed from relief, then looked at unconscious form of a methane esper "Then... what did you do, exactly?"
"I administered diluted toxin from a certain species of rainforest amphibian. Not enough to kill him, but he will be paralyzed for some time. Maybe... a day or two"
Kamijou shivered slightly.
"That's... good, I guess."
"TOTALLY UNFAIR!" Amazora's voice torn through the alley. The girl came to view, hauling her prized gattling gun. Apparently, she and her sister had to come to some of their storage spots to arm before coming to Touma "Why don't I have a moment to show off with my baby?"
She was of course referring to her enormous gattling gun. Using her power to create invisible support and in consequence redirecting weight into the ground, little Amazora was seemingly lifting that steely monster with no strain, and hauled it together with many rounds on tape. Truly surreal and terrifying sight, given that she was a looking like someone 10 or 11 years old.
"That's probably for the best" Touma waved his hands apologetically "But I appreciate it, really"
Amazora pouted, still looking dissatisfied.
"I know, but when will be my time to shine?"
Her objections were apparently listened to by some force high above, because at the very same moment, a fragment of steel pipe disconnected from the wall above their former opponent.
"Crap! He will be crushed!"
Touma dashed back to methane esper.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Kaibi shouted behind him.
Amazora's eyes widened, and before she knew, her hands moved on her own.
"Onii-chan! Don't worry, help is here! KABOOM!"
Gattling gun started working and torrent of bullets pierced falling steel with precision. Amazora's skill really came to shine, as potentially dangerous pipe was reduced to scraps. In the meanwhile, Touma managed to reach fallen teen. Looking up, he noticed Kaibi shouting something...
He looked up and noticed sparks falling from up above. And there was still some methane unaffected by contact with Imagine Breaker.
Methane...flammability...sparks... ignition...
Touma's eyes widened.
"Fukou da"
Explosion rocked the small alley.
(ONE HOUR LATER)
Touma sighed, laying on the sofa.
Kaibi, sitting on the chair nearby, scrunched her pert nose.
"You still stink" she added the sweetly laced comment.
"Yes, yes, princess. It will not go away that quickly, but I am trying my best" Touma replied sarcastically.
Small bit of good luck was that the explosion was not very big, as most of the gas was already cleared out, but Touma still got blasted away and smelt horribly. They left the methane guy (his name seemed to be Akikawa Enka) in frog faced doctor hospital after recovering the food (which was still in a miraculously good shape, despite becoming slightly smelly). So after being delegated to the bathroom, and showering, he finally could go to the part he was familiar with. After all the craziness they all forgot how hungry they were.
Touma got the gist of his new kitchen relatively quickly, although he was still slightly intimidated by the possibilities it provided. Nevertheless, he started to explore them and prepare food. Meanwhile, Gokusai sisters sat themselves in the spacious living room with view on District 7. But they did not stay quiet for long.
"This smells divine" commented Rikuri.
Amazora zoomed to the kitchen, but was gently denied access.
"Onii-chan is cutting, frying, and cooking, and doing all wonderful things out there, and I can't eat" she complained out loud" Even though I want to help as well..."
"Maybe he wants it to be a surprise. We just have to trust him on that".
Only Kaibi remained skeptical. Even if the smell was indeed pleasant, this guy probably never cooked food for high class. He was apparently a piss-poor level 0. What could he bring to the table?
Finally, Touma emerged from slightly steamy kitchen.
"Dinner is ready" he announced with a tired yet triumphant smile "There is a set for starters, main course, and dessert personalized for everyone, and samples of various things for everyone to try. For Amazora, we have a miso soup, raw oysters spaghetti with lemon seasoning, and ice cream...
"I LOVE YOU ONII-CHAN!" the scream from young girl caused them to cover their ears.
"Shush, don't scream things like that for the neighbours to hear!" Touma went pale and scratched his head " For Kaibi-san, a sashimi set, Kansai Udon with karaage, and a multi-layered parfait with whipped cream"
The eyes of middle sister widened slightly.
"For Rikuri-san, a Ceasar salad, a pesto with mushrooms and dried tomatoes, as well as tiramisu."
Rikuri licked her lips in anticipation.
Touma spread his arms.
"Meanwhile, I will settle with pasta, soda, and scrambled eggs. That being said... I hope you like it."
Amazora did not have to be told twice and immediately dig in her food. At first bite she stopped, and comical tears burst from her eyes as she started eating with pleasure on her face.
"Amazora! Please restrain yourself!" Kaibi tried to calm her down, but to no avail.
Meanwhile Rikuri got samples of her starter and main dish. She gently blew on the pesto, and elegantly took a first bite. She stiffened for a moment... and then took a second bite. She chewed it down... and then third one. Blush spread on her cheeks, with her eyes glistening. Then she closed them and... moaned. The sound was so sensual and attractive that it actually made Touma momentarily weak in the knees.
"W-What?! What is happening?!" he shouted confusingly "Did I make some mistake?!"
Rikuri panted lightly, and looked at Kaibi.
"Sister dear... just... try this..."
"You are scaring me a little there. You are clearly overreacting, this is just a food..."
Kaibi hesitated for a moment, before getting her own share of the dish and lifting it up to her lips.
"Mhmmm?!" she mumbled with still closed lips. Her eyes lit up, and she looked incredulously at Touma.
"What? Can anyone speak to me? Is it good or bad?" misfortunate teen tried to get a clearer picture.
"It's good" Kaibi put fingers to her lips " Very good, delicious even. How... how did you make so much food in such short time?"
"Well..." Touma was currently busy in eating himself, but found a bit of space to reply "My roommate can eat all of this by herself and if I am not fast enough...the result is usually painful for my skull...
He chuckled darkly, and continued:
"I actually noticed something while we were in the shop. Rikuri-san looked at vegetarian dishes, Amazora at seafood ingredients, and you... you were staring at dessert section..."
"I- I did not..." Kaibi blushed slightly and tried to protest, however she trailed off as Touma got up and then brought out a glistening mountain of sweetness in glass that was her parfait. Kaibi's lips formed a small triangle as she started wordlessly at the dessert, her blush still on the face.
"I knew it. You have a sweet tooth" Touma exclaimed, hiding the dessert back to the fridge.
"N-N-No I don't! It's just... it would be a waste if it went uneaten" Kaibi tried to regain her "ice queen" persona, only to meet with ironic glare of Touma.
"Sure, princess"
"Stop calling me that immediately or you will wake up with the bullet in your ass!"
For some time, each one of them was focused on eating, and eating only, with Amazora happily stuffing her face and humming "oysters, oysters, oystery oysters~", Rikuri eating with vigour combined with some pretty interesting sounds, and Kaibi trying to eat rationally calm, but failing. She did not want to admit that so easily, but it was one of the most delicious meals she ate in a long while. Kamijou Touma definitely had some skills.
Soon, they were all full, and even Kaibi could not hide the grin on her face.
"Onii-chan, you are amazing!" Amazora clapped her hands with enthusiasm.
"This diner was simply marvellous!" Rikuri also concurred.
"Ekhm" Kaibi coughed slightly, and then looked at Touma "I find your dishes... d-decently delectable. Your usefulness outweighs your incompetence"
"Emmm... thanks?" Touma was not fully sure what to say at such a roundabout praise.
Suddenly, Amazora tipped the soy sauce bottle. Two hands shot out to stop its fall, but accidentally tangled with each other. Touma and Rikuri looked at each other
"I am sorry... no, let me just..." Touma tried to let go, but ultimately failed as Rikuri tried to do exactly the same. She smiled and winked to him.
"Come on. Don't be shy boy, you already know the touch of my skin from before~"
'I am having some serious sense of déjà vu here' Kaibi thought 'Although one thing bothers me. He never once referred to our time together during mission with Mitsuari Ayu and Matsuo Ryunosuke. This may be nothing, but something seems off about this'
She then spoke out loud to Touma.
"I am impressed you managed to remember our preferences. I got to admit, you are an observant guy"
Touma shook his head
"It was nothing special. Although it was surprising that each one of you is more focused on one part of the meal."
"You also did not put spices in my dish" Rikuri smiled with gratitude" Thank you, I am a little bit oversensitive to them".
Kaibi still didn't look convinced, but Amazora yawned and rubbed her eyes. Kaibi found herself yawning as well.
"Well, that was a... strange and eventful day. It would be best to get some rest now"
"Yay!" Amazora jumped on Touma's lap, staring cutely into his eyes "Can onii-chan wash my back? I will even demonstrate you my improved thigh flashing seduction move..."
"Denied!" two older sister flatly stated.
"What kind of situation do you want to create here, missy?" Touma added exasperatedly.
"Aww, you really are no fun"
(MEANWHILE, IN THE UK...)
On the other side of the world, an attractive young woman with black hair tied in a ponytail, jeans with differing leg length, and T-shirt tied under impressive bust. She was currently sneaking away silently with a small bundle of clothes in her hands.
Her name was Kanzaki Kaori and she was one of less than 20 Saints, superhumans similar to Christ, in the world. However, what she was doing now did not feel particularly saintly.
"It's okay Kaori. You just... confiscated that wretched thing... so Tsuchimikado can't blackmail you with it anymore... that's it..." she mumbled, reaching her dorm in Necessarius headquarters and closing them quietly.
She slowly followed to the mirror, and stretched out the item. It was the infamous Fallen Angel Ero Maid Costume, that Tsuchimikado has once offered her as an assistance in sedu... seduc...
'No, no, no, no!" Kanzaki shook her head, her cheeks gaining endearing red hue "It's REPAYING THE DEBT. It is a pure matter of honour. Nothing more, nothing less. Although..."
She took another look on the revealing costume and pressed her fingers together.
"I-I still need one closer look... to remember exactly what to avoid in the future... yes, that's for reference..."
Rather quickly, she found herself wearing the costume again. Kanzaki looked at the angelic version of herself dressed in a maid costume. She gulped and flashed a coy smile while slightly lowering and tilting her head at the same time.
"H-How can I serve you today, To...Touma..."
She looked at herself hypnotized. Then, with a squeal completely different from her regular samurai attitude, she snapped out of it.
"What the hell am I doing?" she said, fanning her ablaze cheeks" I-I guess I was very happy that Kamijou entrusted Index to me and went a little too far in my excitement. Still..."
She smiled softly still looking into the mirror.
"To be trusted by him is... very pleasant and comforting..."
Her new phone rang. Tsuchimikado insisted that she should have a modern one in addition to old phones used in the Necessarius. In all honesty, it brought her more pain that easiness, and she dreaded what possible reasons could the blond spy have to suggest it to her.
She absentmindedly looked at the screen. Name "Kamijou Touma" was displayed there, with a photo of her and the spiky haired teen posing with Index eating a parfait.
"ABAGHUBABAGAHHH?!" a strange sound emerged from her throat as she saw who was phoning. She almost dropped the phone several times, before trying to pick up and finally succeeding:
"Hai, Kanzaki here! How can I serve... I mean... what can I do for you, Kamijou-san?"
"Oh, hey" the voice on the other side sounded tired, but Touma was apparently in safe place as he did not sound tense at all" I just want to thank you again for taking care of Index for me with the rest of female dorm."
"Oh, that's not a problem. I was more than happy to spend so time with her. I am sure Stiyl would be as well, although he is quite busy at the moment. You know, we really want her to trust us again. From what she knows of us, we didn't really make the best of impressions..." Kanzaki bit her lip, bitter memories flowing through her mind.
"Don't worry. I am sure you can do it, and rebuild your bond anew. It will not be the same, but you will learn to cherish it again" Touma's reassuring voice sounded through the speaker " Even if you don't believe that, you are one of the most amicable people I met."
Kanzaki was silent for a moment, then smiled warmly
"Thank you. It's important, hearing that from you"
"No probl-" the line was filled with noise, and screams which shouted like "Amazora, don't throw yourself on him! Your towel!" and few other screams.
"K-Kamijou-san? Is everything all right? Wait, was that a woman-" Kanzaki was cut off, as Touma's voice emerged yet again.
"Yeah, yeah, I am fine. Everything is fine here~"
"So... I assume that your time is going okay?"
"Well, there were certain... developments, that I didn't predict, but this Kamijou is still alive and kicking. Well, good night to you..."
"I'm in England" Kanzaki remarked, chuckling slightly" it's dawning here as I speak to you"
"Oh, right, so yeah... that, and make sure to say hi for me to others in the dorm. Also..."
Silenced reigned for a few seconds...
"I am really sorry for not telling you before... but I think you accidentally activated your phone camera... and with the way you are holding your phone... I see THEM... but you still look nice-"
Kanzaki blinked, then looked at phone screen. And sure enough, there was a flashing light, and certain spiky haired teen smiling nervously.
Kanzaki's face heated up so much that it made the rest of her upper body pale.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" with all of her saintly strength, the phone was thrown away. It broke the window, and travelled all the way to the building next side of the street, when it smashed into the concrete, cracking it slightly, before the remnants fell down.
Kanzaki circled around the room, with her mind at disarray. To be honest, Kamijou Touma saw Kanzaki's body before, but it was not something she was ready for so easily. Moreover...
She stopped, as her mouth formed a small "o".
"He called me... nice-looking..."
She smiled and threw her fist in a quiet "yes". Unfortunately, in her enthusiasm she didn't measure up her strength again. Against the strong punch, the wall she hit collapsed partially, revealing a girl with a frayed bobcut, attractively slim body, middle-sized bust, and dark coloured eyes with double eyelids. Itsuwa, wrapped in towel after exiting the shower, smiled somewhat awkwardly at her superior and friend.
"H-Hello Priestess-sama... emm... do you need something?" the young amakusan tried her best to ignore the fact that her senpai just made a hole in their wall. She then smiled gleefully "Also... was that Kamijou-san?".
Kanzaki tried to act naturally, extremely embarrassed with Itsuwa witnessing her moment of slipping out of role.
"Yes, it was him indeed. He sends his regards."
"I didn't speak with him in ages. I really hope to see him again" Itsuwa shy smile adorned with small blush hold only pure willingness to return into life of the boy they both respected. Kanzaki felt exactly the same, yet she honestly envied the beauty of Ituswa's caring expression. It was honestly a touching sight.
"What do you think he is up to right now?" Itsuwa asked the Saint.
Kanzaki sighed, looking at the beginning of the new day behind the window.
"I am curious as well. But one thing for sure. With this guy, it will not be boring."
"That's a given. Kamijou-san can't catch a break"
This comment caused both women to let out a chuckle at the same time.