Chapter 24

1.

“So, senpai, where are we going?”

“Hehe. Don’t worry. I, the Millennium’s most brilliant genius and the flower on the cliff, have everything planned out. Nanashi just needs to follow me.”

“Ah, as expected.”

The next day, I went out to the Millennium downtown with Himari, just as she had said we’d go shopping together.

The cold winter weather still hadn’t let up, and the wind swept through us. I looked at Himari, worried about her tolerance of the cold, but she seemed to have prepared well against the chill, as I could see her exhaling warm breath from inside her thick coat.

Her appearance with only her face sticking out, moving her thick arms with difficulty to manipulate the hologram controls, was so cute that I couldn’t help but smile grimly as I observed her for a moment.

“Alright, take a look at this, Nanashi!”

“Wow.”

A map of the Millennium downtown unfolded, and the route Himari had planned began to appear.

I glanced discreetly at the route she proudly showed me and tilted my head, sensing something off.

“…No shopping?”

“Eh… Hmm, certainly not! Since we’re out, I thought maybe first, Nanashi and I could do a bit of sightseeing?”

“Ah, if that’s the case, I’m all for it, senpai.”

Just shopping and then heading back home seemed a bit off.

I nodded compliantly as I spoke to Himari.

“Then, shall we go?”

“Hehe, that sounds good.”

With that, we headed to the Millennium downtown.

2.

Even though it didn’t snow, the chilly weather seemed to have attracted a number of street vendors selling warm food all over the streets.

Despite the state of anarchy not yet being resolved, the streets were filled with citizens — from humanoids, robots, to all kinds of students.

The urban scenery that wasn’t visible in the game offered a fresh impression.

Having usually flown through the skies, I hadn’t had a proper look at the Millennium downtown landscape. It felt refreshing to observe it up close with Himari by my side as we took a stroll.

I must have looked amused observing the town, and suddenly, a laugh came from Himari’s direction.

“Hehe, how do you like it, Nanashi? You’ve been focused on your activities, not being able to have proper rest like this, right?”

“…Senpai.”

“It’s a bit cold, but seeing Nanashi enjoy it makes me feel good. Maybe we should go out once in a while for a change from now on?”

Could it be that Himari suggested we go out just to give me, who’s always busy, a break? Was the punishment just an excuse?

“I’d be happy to come anytime there’s time. Senpai.”

“That statement. Remember it well, Nanashi? From now on, I’ll be using you without hesitation, so prepare yourself. Hehe.”

“Ah, if that’s the case, I’ll have to always keep time free for Senpai’s better health. Maybe you should start exercising too, Senpai.”

We exchanged words filled with future expectations and for a moment stared at one another before bursting into giggles. I stood with my hands in the beige coat pockets, and Himari smiling with her hand resting on her cheek.

Ah, this is healing.

What else could it be but healing to focus on the present with no worries and laugh and chat with a friend?

Thus, exchanging casual chatter multiple times and laughing, a few minutes passed before my gaze was drawn to one of the food stalls we passed as we walked down the street.

“Ah, Senpai Himari, should we try that?”

“What are you referring to?”

At my inquiry, Himari followed the direction my finger was pointing and tilted her head towards one of the food stalls.

It was a pancake shop—apparently a famous one judging by the number of people gathered to place orders.

“I’ll treat you. It’s my day to be punished.”

“Hehe, should we? Let’s trust Nanashi’s judgment this time.”

“Understood. Please wait for a moment.”

I left Himari near the food stall and went to the pancake shop to order two honey pancakes. The humanoid uncle, drenched in sweat while cooking pancakes, heartily replied to my order and said, ‘Wait just a bit!’

A few minutes later, I took the pancakes handed to me by the uncle with a cheerful smile and returned to Himari, handing her a pancake in a paper cup.

“Ah, what an intriguing-looking food.”

“It’s called a pancake. It has honey inside the dough, so it’s very tasty. Go ahead and give it a try.”

“It looks delicious. Then, let me have a bite, yum.”

I stood side by side with Himari, eating the pancake.

The honey and dough harmonize perfectly in my mouth, offering a sweet sensation. The taste wasn’t much different from what I’ve had on Earth, and I nodded in satisfaction as I glanced at Himari.

I wondered if she would enjoy it, so I observed her response. And Himari’s reaction was more amusing than I expected.

“Yum! This is delicious. Sweet and warm, it perfectly matches my taste. I could eat another one…”

As I slowly munched away while casually admiring the street, Himari had already eaten hers thoroughly, seemingly because it was truly delicious.

Seeing this, I handed her my pancake with a smug smile.

“Would you like to try this one?”

“Ye-yes? But, then Nanashi…”

I nonchalantly shook my shoulder as if to say it was okay.

Initially, I’ve already eaten enough, and for my senpai, there’s no reason not to share.

Did she feel embarrassed about taking from her junior? Himari’s blushing face came into view.

She took my pancake and stared for a moment at where I had bitten it. Then, as if determined, she placed her lips next to that spot and took a big bite.

Did such street food unexpectedly suit her palate? I smiled as I watched her enjoy it.

“You shouldn’t stare too intently…”

“Ah, you’re eating so deliciously. Sorry for making you feel pressured. I’ll look away.”

“…”

Having finished the pancakes, Himari cleared her throat and said to me.

“Alright, let’s make the most of this outing now.”

“Should we?”

We hadn’t yet completed the plan she had laid out; now it was time to get busy.

“Hehe, just follow Sister Himari!”

“Huh…”

I’ve noticed before, but I don’t know why, Himari loves being called ‘Sister’ so much.

3.

After that, the two of us followed the route Himari had planned and visited various places.

Arcades, libraries, botanical gardens, department stores, and cafés.

Moving along the monorail routes operated across Millennium, we enjoyed ourselves without realizing the passage of time, visiting locations scattered throughout Millennium.

“Senpai, you really planned an intense route.”

“B-busy? Surely, Nanashi, aren’t you very tired from today’s journey…?”

“Not at all, it’s more admiration for how meticulously you planned it. Thanks to you, I had lots of fun.”

“A-are you sure? Hehe, this is child’s play for me, Millennium’s most brilliant genius and charming girl.”

“Senpai, the frail attribute is missing.”

“Aaah…!”

Himari, screaming at my remark while covering her mouth, revealed her natural cuteness in moments like these.

Currently, I was inside a café nearby after having mostly cleared out the route that Himari had set up, taking a short rest while sipping on beverages and chatting with her. That and ordering an extra chocolate cake upon Himari’s sweet tooth request.

Looking out the window, the evening sun was setting, painting the sky yellow.

As if announcing the end of the day, the gradually darkening skies seemed to indicate that it was time to wind down.

The streets were gradually transforming from venues of playful encounters to pathways for people heading home.

I glanced casually at Himari.

She was usually rather frail; I wondered if she was okay after being out all day and thus sent her a glance. But it seemed she was also looking at me as our eyes met.

“Why are you staring?”

“W-well, what about Nanashi?”

“I was just wanting to look at Senpai.”

“Ehh?!”

I teasingly poked her, causing her pale face to redden like a tomato as expected.

I shook my head with a snicker.

“Just kidding. It’s just that the weather’s a bit chilly today, and I wondered if Senpai Himari was alright.”

“…Isn’t that practically the same thing?”

“Hmm, now that I think about it, it’s not exactly a wrong statement.”

Ultimately, wanting to look was right.

Nodding in agreement, Himari answered my inquiry with a smile while subtly acknowledging my concern.

“I’m fine, thanks to you.”

“But I feel like I haven’t done much.”

“Because you were there, I didn’t even feel the cold.”

“Eh, is that so?”

I don’t know exactly, but if that’s the case, I’m glad.

I nodded, lowering my head, and mentioned to Himari that it was time to head back.

“As it’s getting late, let’s go back, shall we?”

“Good idea. But… can we stop by one more place before going?”

“I don’t mind.”

Upon Himari’s suggestion, we left the café, and the place we headed to was a clothing store near the Millennium campus.

It was a store specializing in women’s clothing. A place I couldn’t even step into on Earth!

“AAAaaagh! The atmosphere is overwhelming…”

Inside, a wide array of women’s clothing filled the space, a sight that was overwhelming for me. Though the clothes were pretty, I couldn’t identify the specific items, and the prices were high.

“…Se, senior, are we here to buy clothes?”

“No, it’s not me.”

Suddenly assaulted by femininity, I clung tightly to Himari to ask, only for her to deny my inquiry.

So why are we here then? Urggh. Please let me go.

I followed Himari closely like an exposed demon in a holy atmosphere. I hardly managed to interpret her words.

Himari was maneuvering her wheelchair around the shop. I trailed after her like a maid for a few minutes.

Suddenly, Himari spoke.

“Here, Nanashi, try this on.”

“Eh?”

I caught sight of something suddenly thrust at me.

To be exact, not just one but multiple pieces of clothing.

White and black tops and skirts, and even a scarf. What is this?

“What, what is this?”

“Nanashi, weren’t you just dressed in your school uniform for today’s day o—cough—outing? So, this is my gift to you.”

“…Eh?”

“Just go in and try it on.”

But, I have clothes at home.

It’s just that wearing women’s clothing feels a little burdensome.

But before I could voice my protest, I was shoved by Himari and a store employee into the fitting room.

In the enclosed space, I stared at the reflection in the mirror, holding the clothes awkwardly.

“Ugh, sigh…”

I wanted to get out immediately, but I had the intuition that Himari would sincerely be disappointed if I did that.

I took a deep breath and looked down at the clothes in my hands. Seriously, do I have to wear these?

“It’s just because the school uniform is convenient…”

I know it’s not that Himari’s intentions are bad. But the gratitude feels more burdensome to me. But since I’m already in, there’s no way out.

So, I need to bear with it and just wear it this once.

I talked myself into it, placed the brought clothes to the side, and began to take off my school uniform.

Swoosh – Swoosh

For a few minutes, the sound of fabric gliding over my skin resonated.

Finally, after getting fully dressed, I glanced at the mirror.

“…This looks ridiculously pretty, really.”

Embarrassingly feminine to the point of being envious, combined with a pretty face.

Every time I see myself in the mirror, I realize that it perfectly matches my taste.

The fashion Himari prepared for me was simple.

A white knit top with a basic black skirt, topped with a cozy beige coat. And a white fox fur scarf draped around the neck.

It matched perfectly with my pale hair and blue eyes.

The casual fashion didn’t suit my ponytail, so I untied it, revealing a look fit for a fashion magazine.

At that moment, my heart slightly lifted, and I cleared my throat before stepping out of the fitting room. Himari, who was browsing something else, slowly turned her head towards me, and she froze on the spot.

“…”

“…”

We silently looked at each other, with me feeling a bit awkward while Himari stared intently at me, her chin resting on her hand.

She seemed more focused than when she works.

“Uh, what do you think…?”

“…It’s good. Really. I like it.”

“Then, it’s fortunate.”

Unable to withstand the atmosphere, I finally asked, and Himari, snapping out of her thoughts, nodded satisfactorily.

Then, her curiosity peeked as she asked.

“Nanashi, why do you only wear the school uniform if you look this pretty?”

“…It’s just more convenient.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

Himari’s voice carried a deeper meaning.

At that moment, seeing her pull out a card from her wallet made me freeze in shock.

“H-Himari Senpai?!”

“Ah, is something wrong, Nanashi?”

“I’ll pay for it. Since it’s my outfit, why…”

“No, if I don’t buy it, Nanashi won’t wear it, right? You said the school uniform is more comfortable.”

“…”

How did she know?

Honestly, I wanted to take it off right away because I was so embarrassed.

Not only for that reason, but it also felt a little burdensome to ask her to pay on my behalf.

“Hmm, but…”

“Please don’t worry. Wouldn’t it be nice to do something for my adoring junior? Let me be the senpai this time.”

“Umm…”

“Isn’t it fair if next time Nanashi gives me something as a present?”

She’s right.

I contemplated this but eventually sighed and stepped back.

Alright, since Himari is going through so much effort, I’ll wear this a few times out of gratitude…

In the end, I decided to let go of my identity.

“Hehe, good. Please go ahead and pay.”

“Yes, I’ve received the card~”

And as a substantial sum exceeding 100,000 yen was debited from Himari’s card, I bowed my head deeply.

“Thank you, senpai. I’ll wear it well.”

“You might get scolded if you don’t wear it often?”

“Ah…”

I responded dejectedly.

Thinking that I would have to wear this outfit a few more times in front of Himari.

Thus, our excursion came to an end.

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