November 11th, Saturday.
Today was the day of his date with Origami.
However, Shido had only slept for about an hour and a half. Added to the fact that he had stayed up the night before last watching Fraxinus's database, it had already been two nights since he had properly rested.
But that could not be helped. Rather, if it ant Mikoto would be willing to try believing in him, Shido would be willing to stay up until he needed Kotori's healing flas to activate.
[Shido… can you hear ? Shido?]
Just then, Kotori's voice ca through his earpiece.
"Sorry…"
Because of his drowsiness, Shido had been a little distracted.
[Honestly, pull yourself together. In front of you right now is Devil, the Spirit hunter, and Mikoto, who could make you hit a Bad End at any mont.]
Kotori said helplessly as she looked through the screen at the two girls waiting at Shido's destination.
Yes. Today's date included not only Origami, but Mikoto as well.
[I want to confirm whether Shido's desire to save Spirits—the most precious part of him—can truly save Origami.]
After the turmoil of last night, although Mikoto's feelings had not truly been soothed, Shido had at least gained an opportunity to prove himself to her.
So, regarding Mikoto's request to join Shido and Origami's date, Kotori could not refuse. Rather, if this could also raise Mikoto's affection level along the way, it would be more than welco.
Currently, the girl's affection toward Shido was only at about the level of a normal friend. Although it would occasionally fluctuate violently, overall, it was in a very bad state. One wrong move and it might fall to the point where they could not even be called friends.
As a result, today's date had beco a three-person date between Shido, Origami, and Mikoto.
On one side was the terrifying Spirit hunter.
On the other was the girl who might send Shido into a Bad End if he made even one mistake.
[Ugh…]
Looking at the two people standing before the plaza fountain, Shido's heart felt as bleak as a soldier about to march onto a battlefield.
Standing on the left was Origami, with long silver white hair. She wore a cute, thoughtfully designed blouse with a cardigan, and a skirt full of autumn feeling. She was completely different from the Origami in Shido's mories, overflowing with a girlish charm.
Standing on the right was Mikoto, with long black hair. She wore a kimono with a white underlayer embroidered with maple leaves and rice ears, carrying a cute handbag, brimming with Japanese-style beauty.
[Ah… the outlook is truly worrying…]
Seeing Shido freeze because of the two girls's appearances, Kotori sighed helplessly.
[This reaction really is exactly like Shido.]
Looking at the boy's dazed expression, Mikoto sighed in her heart.
Even though she felt unfamiliar with the current Shido, she had still dressed up before going out as a matter of manners.
"Um… I'm sorry. I forced Shido to let join. Please don't bla him, Origami."
Although she had forced her way in, in order not to affect Shido's strategy, Mikoto took the initiative to explain things to Origami.
"No! It's nothing… um… I'm happy to be together with Mikoto and Itsuka-kun."
Origami hurriedly waved her hand.
From Origami's point of view, agreeing to a date with Shido had not been her own intention in the first place. If this opportunity could help Mikoto understand that there really was nothing suspicious between her and Shido, then that would be best.
"Then… where are we going today, Shido?"
After the three exchanged simple greetings, Mikoto asked.
[Wait, Shido, the choices are here!]
At that mont, Kotori's voice ca through Shido's earpiece.
On Fraxinus, the screen displayed the AI's suggested options:
① [Actually, there's a movie I want to watch with you.] Go to the cinema and watch a romance movie.
② [How about we go shopping together?] Enjoy shopping.
③ [Why don't we stop beating around the bush?] Go straight to an adult hotel.
Most people chose the fairly safe option ②, beside that one person.
Even Kotori herself thought this option was relatively suitable.
However, after she told Shido…
"Um… among these options, there's one I want to try."
Shido said.
Considering that conquering Origami was also an important way to prove to Mikoto that he was Itsuka Shido, Shido felt that he had to give this his absolute best.
[Fine… then go ahead and try it.]
On the other side, Kotori thought that since Shido had known Origami in the original world, perhaps he knew details that she did not.
"Um… there's sowhere I want to go…"
Hearing Shido say that, Origami and Mikoto looked at each other, then nodded and followed him.
A few minutes later…
The two stared at the castle like building before them and froze completely.
As for why—Because it was a hotel.
The signs showing overnight rates and rest rates hanging outside proved that without a doubt.
For a mont, sharp alarms rang throughout Fraxinus, and the crew began screaming.
"Emotional values are fluctuating!"
"Tobiichi Origami and Mikoto are experiencing strong emotional disturbance!"
Kotori grabbed the microphone and shouted,
"What the hell are you doing?! Hurry up and smooth this over before Origami and Mikoto get angry!"
"Eh? But…"
[Just do it! Before it becos irreversible!]
The voice through the earpiece nearly deafened Shido.
"Um, it's this way. This way."
Shido led Origami and Mikoto away from the hotel.
"Ah… so it wasn't here."
Realizing that the destination was not actually the hotel, Origami quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
On the other side…
"Eh? So Shido is the type who directly takes the Spirit he wants to conquer to a hotel?"
Mikoto stared at Shido with a "smiling" expression.
The girl's smile made Shido feel a little cold.
"No… um… I just thought…"
[I just thought Origami would absolutely want to co here.]
That was what Shido wanted to explain.
"Well, anyway, this is probably Kotori's choices acting up again."
Mikoto sighed and said she would not pursue it.
After all, his behavior just now was extrely similar to those mysterious options from Fraxinus.
On the other side, aboard the airship, Kotori let out a sigh of relief as the date returned to its normal pace.
"How are their affection levels?"
She asked.
"Mikoto's has dropped slightly."
Kannazuki said in a dejected voice.
After all, that behavior just now was definitely worth losing points over.
"A-about that…"
Nakatsugawa looked at the values on the screen, sweating as he said with so doubt,
"Tobiichi Origami's emotional value fluctuated quite violently. But her affection level… not only did it not drop… it actually increased a little."
"What did you say?"
Nakatsugawa's words made Kotori cry out in surprise.
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