Mai regained consciousness, jolted awake by the television’s murmur.

“The police assure the public they will apprehend the robbery gang swiftly. Citizens are advised to avoid nighttime outings and stick to well-lit, populated streets…”

His mind felt foggy. Soon, he realized he was in an unfamiliar place. Instinctively, his muscles tensed—every sense on high alert.

He found himself lying on the sofa, tightly bound like a burrito. Worse, a chilly draft brushed his skin.

*Mmmph.*

Even his mouth was gagged.

Mai’s heart sank. He had to brace for the worst.

“Ah, you’re awake! How many fingers? And who am I?”

Yukieda, looking weary in a white off-shoulder nightgown, held up two slender, pale fingers and waved them before his eyes.

Relief washed over Mai at the sight of his partner. He ignored her fingers and simply stared silently at her face.

Her complexion was smooth and fair. Petite in frame, her face was no bigger than a palm. Long lashes fluttered like tiny fans. Most strikingly, not only her hair but her lashes were silver-white too—sparking a quiet curiosity: *Were the rest the same?*

“Guess you’re not fully back yet.”

Yukieda turned cautiously, silver hair swaying against her slightly perky backside as she moved to leave.

*Mmmph! Mmmph!*

“Ah—sorry! Sorry! I forgot I’d gagged you!”

She untied the rope, pulled out the damp cloth soggy with saliva, and tossed it aside with a grimace.

“Alright. How many fingers? Who am I?”

“Two. Untie me, Oriuchi.”

Yukieda sighed in relief, crouching to loosen the ropes while grumbling, “I didn’t *want* to tie you up. You kept… touching me, moaning weirdly, making noise. I worried the neighbors might misunderstand.”

(Not that soundproofing mattered—she was the only resident on this floor.)

From the sofa, Mai stole a glance at her chest. The loose nightgown offered a glimpse. He quickly feigned indifference, scanning the room. “Where are we?”

“Terashita Apartments. My place.”

“Then starting today, I’ll live here too.”

Ropes undone, Yukieda blinked. “You’re moving in?”

“Obviously. Did you think this expensive apartment was just for you? Future colleagues will likely stay here too.” He added flatly, “We’re partners.”

With his delicate features, Mai could easily be mistaken for a cool female superior. *This guy really has a woman’s face!* Yukieda lowered her gaze.

“I see… Could you pull up your pants while talking?”

Mai kept his expression neutral, answering only with the rustle of fabric as he buttoned his clothes. The tips of his ears burned crimson.

Sensing his mood, Yukieda held back her questions.

“I’ll buy groceries. What do you want for dinner?”

“Whatever.”

Yukieda shrugged. *He reminds me of my daughter.* She’d pick comforting, high-calorie ingredients—tonight would be busy.

A soft click. Mai watched the closed door, embarrassment flooding him. *First meeting with my partner… and this.* He took a shaky breath, rubbing his face. The tight safety shorts made the swelling unbearable. His luggage was still at the inn. All he could do was adjust discreetly.

“Um.”

Yukieda’s voice came from behind. Mai’s pupils shrank to pinpricks, but he calmly withdrew his hand from under his skirt.

“Weren’t you buying groceries?”

“I was—but I realized my terminal’s nearly empty. Can I borrow some? I’ll repay you next payday,” she said sheepishly.

“How much?”

“Five hundred?”

Mai transferred one thousand credits without hesitation. “How do you walk without a sound?”

Yukieda looked innocent. She opened her mouth to apologize—

“Never mind.”

*She didn’t see. Probably.* A faint relief settled in him.

But Yukieda hesitated mid-step toward the entrance.

“You know… I used to be a man too. No need to be shy. If you really need to… go to your room. Not the living room—it leaves a strange smell.”

*Thud.* The door closed again.

Mai stiffly turned. Heat scorched his cheeks. *Last time I felt this… was my first forced cross-dressing.* He’d just pretended nothing happened, speaking so seriously.

Unconsciously, he stepped onto the balcony—top floor of Terashita Apartments.

An urge to jump flickered.

—

When Yukieda returned with groceries, Mai had freshened up: oversized T-shirt, bare long legs, damp strands of black hair clinging to his forehead.

*What would he look like with short hair?* Yukieda wondered.

*Ding-dong.*

“Hello, Nobita Delivery.”

“Hello.”

Yukieda chopped vegetables, watching Mai stride to the door. *His luggage?* She noticed the delivery guy glancing at Mai’s legs.

*Hmm… man over man.*

She shook her head. *Focus on dinner.*

Mai’s room was left of hers—a secondary bedroom. The three-bedroom apartment had balconies on the master and left rooms only.

While Yukieda cooked, Mai opened his terminal. Simple interface. Wallpaper: a selfie. But up close, the “selfie” differed sharply—*notably ample chest*.

Missed calls: none.

Messages: one.

Kenji: *Call me when you wake up.*

Mai locked his room, stepped onto the balcony, and dialed.

“Mr. Kenji.”

Static buzzed. “Mai? Hold on.”

Silence settled.

“How are you? Any issues?” Kenji’s tone felt less superior, more elder-like.

“No issues, sir.”

“Good. Safety first.”

“Yes, Mr. Kenji.”

A near-silent sigh. “Recite your mission.”

“First: investigate the source of Demon births in Hakutsuru District. Second: monitor the Magical Girl Oriuchi Yukieda.” A pause. “If necessary, I can…”

“Enough. Humor HQ. Yukieda’s daughter lives in Hakutsuru—she won’t suddenly snap.”

*Mm.* Mai recalled headquarters’ warnings: *“A late-blooming Magical Girl. Ordinary person with sudden power—who knows what she’ll do?”*

“What’s your impression of Oriuchi?”

Mai gathered his thoughts. “Limited contact so far… but she seems loyal. Holds back against humans. Not arrogant like others. Passionate about cooking.”

*Overall, highly favorable.*

A knock.

“Mai, dinner’s ready.”

Kenji chuckled faintly through the speaker. “All good? Hang up. Enjoy school life.”

*Beep.*

Screen returned to wallpaper. Mai stared—breath hitching.

Meanwhile, Kenji stood on a high-rise balcony. Behind him, glittering hall, guests in gowns sipping wine.

“Mr. Kenji! Windy here—let’s go in.” A woman in red sidled close.

He smiled, crushed his cigarette. “Might blow your skirt up. Guess today’s color?”

“Oh, Mr. Kenji~” She’d glimpsed his screen—a beautiful woman’s selfie. Recognition dawned. *Phew. Just a dead woman.*

—

Yukieda’s dinner steamed elegantly on the clean table, aroma making mouths water.

Awkward silence hung between them.

After a beat—

“Um.” *x2*

“You first,” Yukieda offered.

Mai didn’t hesitate. “Please keep my secret. About the cross-dressing.”

“Of course! I won’t tell anyone.” She met his eyes earnestly.

“Aren’t you curious why?”

“I sensed you didn’t want to share. Like Shizuku—if I push, she gets upset. She’ll speak when ready.” Yukieda shrugged.

“Thank you… We’ll work together long. Please take care of me.”

“Likewise. Please take care of me too.”