"A... massager?"
Erina blinked, clearly taken aback.
"Yeah," Alice said nonchalantly, pulling out an unmentionable item. "Haven't you complained about your neck being sore lately?"
"Well, yes."
Erina nodded. Sitting at her desk, reviewing documents for hours often left her neck stiff and aching.
Sui: "…"
"When did you even buy this?" he asked, bewildered.
"Oh, it was in the vending machine in the hotel room," Alice responded casually.
Erina examined the item(vibrator) in her hand, looking puzzled. "How do you use this?"
"There's a button right here," Alice explained enthusiastically. "You press it, and it vibrates. Then you just place it on your neck. Super simple!"
Erina pressed the button as instructed. "Oh! This actually feels nice," she said with a small smile. "Thanks, Alice."
"No problem," Alice replied cheerfully. "It's pretty light too, so you can carry it around and use it whenever your neck feels stiff."
"You're planning to carry it with you?" Sui asked, eyes widening in shock. Though Erina and Alice were blissfully unaware of what the item actually was, Sui could already imagine the scene if anyone recognized it for what it truly was.
"Why not?" Erina asked innocently.
Sui cleared his throat, trying to maintain a straight face. "Erina, I don't think you should carry this around. People might get the wrong idea."
Erina thought for a moment and nodded. "You're right. As one of the Totsuki Ten, it might not seem... appropriate." She laughed lightly, agreeing with his logic. "I'll just leave it in my room."
"Good idea," Sui sighed in relief. After all, aside from her secretary, only he ever entered her room, so it was safe enough there. Hisako probably wouldn't recognize it either.
After Alice left, Erina hesitated, biting her lip before asking, "Did you spend the whole day shopping with Alice?"
"Yeah, why?" Sui's heart skipped a beat, wondering if Erina had picked up on something.
"It's nothing," Erina replied, shaking her head. She didn't elaborate further, but Sui could sense a hint of envy flickering in her eyes.
That's when it hit him—despite their deepening relationship, he had never taken Erina out for a typical date. They hadn't gone shopping together or watched a movie like normal couples do.
Maybe Erina was quietly hoping for that kind of experience?
Feeling a pang of guilt, Sui suddenly suggested, "Erina, how about we go out on a proper date soon? We can shop, watch a movie—whatever you want."
"Eh? But... my schedule..." Erina looked both surprised and excited.
"It's fine," Sui said, pulling her into his arms. "Just have Hisako handle some of your work. I can even help with the food tastings if you need."
"Alright," Erina agreed with a soft smile, resting her head against his chest. The warmth of the moment filled her heart.
Later, after spending time with Erina, Sui returned to his room.
"Sui, you're back?" Tohru greeted him eagerly, leaping forward like a diligent maid as she helped him with his things.
"Sui, what's that? Is it food?" Kanna asked, her eyes glued to the bags.
"Yup," Sui said, pulling out a piece of taiyaki. "Here, Kanna, catch!"
He tossed it in her direction, and Kanna pounced, catching it in midair before chomping down. "Mmm, delicious!" she squealed, her little tail wagging happily.
Tohru, meanwhile, picked up a string of candied fruits. "What's this red thing? It looks like the eye of a six-winged bat!" she mused aloud, her comparison bewildering to most humans.
Dinner that night was beef hotpot once again. The beef came from Freezer Bison that thrived in icy climates, storing an abundance of fat under their skin, making the meat incredibly rich and perfect for hotpot. Dipped into a spicy broth and paired with sake, the flavor was so intense it was nearly overwhelming.
They also enjoyed cheese-filled rabbit meat, fragrant with melted cheese, a dish so affordable that Sui suggested buying more once they finished it.
After dinner, with their cheeks flushed from the hotpot, Sui and Tohru relaxed. Kanna had already fallen asleep by the time Sui lifted the blushing Tohru and carried her to the bedroom. He thought briefly about visiting a couple's hotel with Tohru—perhaps one with a prison theme, which, given her personality, he suspected she might enjoy.
Two days later, it was the day of Sui's official date with Erina.
Erina had ditched her usual school uniform, opting instead for a floral dress. Her long, golden hair cascaded down her shoulders, and she wore red high heels, light makeup enhancing her already delicate features. She looked pure and cute—almost like a model from a magazine.
It was the first time Sui had seen her dressed this way. Usually, she was either in her school uniform, chef's attire, or casual pajamas around the mansion. The sight made him pause.
"Do I look okay?" Erina asked nervously, her cheeks turning pink as she glanced at Sui.
She had spent hours preparing for this date, even taking makeup lessons from her secretary the day before and carefully choosing her outfit.
"You look great," Sui reassured her. Without her usual attire, Erina appeared softer, more approachable, yet her noble and elegant demeanor remained unchanged.
"Really?" Erina beamed, pleased with his response. She naturally slipped her arm through his. "So, what's first? Shopping or a movie?"
This was her first proper date, and based on what she had read in manga, movies seemed to be a must-do activity for couples.
"Whatever you want," Sui said with a smile.
Just then, his phone rang. The name on the screen was Luna. It had been a while since he'd heard from her.
"Sui, you haven't been to school in a few days," Luna said from the other end. "The teachers are asking about you."