Today was a special day for Mari.

Her idol—the famous author Lan Lan—was holding a book signing for her new release!

The long queue snaking outside the bookstore proved her popularity, and Mari was one of Lan Lan’s most devoted fans.

She’d slipped out of the academy during her short lunch break just for this.

It should have been a joyful day.

But Mai-san and Yukieda-chan had both called in sick, claiming they felt unwell.

Shizuku-san didn’t know the details—or rather, her explanation was vague.

She said they looked utterly exhausted that morning… like they’d run a marathon all night.

Impossible. Yukieda wasn’t the type to sneak around in strange outfits after dark like some pervert.

Mari had wanted to text her but worried about disturbing her.

*Maybe visit after school with a small gift. Seeing her will ease my mind.*

The line moved faster than expected. Mari sighed in relief.

She’d feared missing roll call—being absent would’ve been trouble.

Plenty of time left. The bookstore was close to the station.

Just as she neared the front, Mari casually glanced around.

A figure with white hair—looked just like Yukieda.

She turned back nonchalantly.

Then froze. Something felt off. She fumbled in her pocket for her glasses.

*That… that’s Yukieda!*

Mari had never seen anyone else with hair that white!

But Yukieda-chan called in sick—why was she here?

Mari instinctively raised a hand to greet her… then froze again.

Yukieda was chatting intimately with someone beside her.

*A man!*

Vaguely familiar, yet Mari was certain—he was a man.

In that instant, lens glare hid her eyes as she pushed up her glasses.

*Secret.*

The word surfaced in her mind.

Yukieda-chan hadn’t noticed her—and was walking away!

Hesitating only a second, Mari abandoned the line.

“Leaving already? You’re almost next,” the staff member said kindly—probably because Mari looked so cute.

“Sorry! Emergency! Just getting Lan Lan-sensei’s book is enough. I’ll wait for the signing next time!”

Fueled by gossip-fueled curiosity and concern, Mari stealthily followed Yukieda.

Yukieda looked genuinely happy.

*Because of that man?*

Mari wondered about their relationship.

She couldn’t see his face clearly.

Passersby eyed the sneaky girl. If Mari weren’t so cute and clearly a student, someone might’ve called the police.

Ears sharp, she caught fragments of Yukieda’s words:

“Adult pleasures…” “Scorching…” “Fill me up…”

*So they’re going to do… that?*

Yukieda-chan discussing this openly on the street? Mari’s cheeks flushed.

She’d always seemed shy and conservative.

If not for today… Mari never would’ve guessed she was this bold.

Why was she still following? Her face grew even redder.

She looked up.

A massive sign loomed ahead.

*Th-this is the red-light district?!*

Had ordinary dating no longer satisfied Yukieda-chan?

*But… is it too early for me to step in here?* Mari shrank back.

*Oh no—class starts soon!* She glanced worriedly at Yukieda’s retreating white hair vanishing around the corner.

No time to hesitate. Heart pounding, Mari dashed after her.

Her eyes swirled like spirals staring up at the sign: *Haru no Koi*.

Ambiguous name—but she knew. A love hotel. Territory she’d only seen in apps.

After hesitation, she messaged Shizuku-san.

Meanwhile, in class, Shizuku worriedly glanced at Mari’s empty seat.

Class had started long ago. No Mari. No reply to messages.

She knew Mari left campus for the signing.

Suddenly, her terminal vibrated. She peeked at the teacher, then opened it under her desk.

A photo of a strange shop. Message:

*“I saw Yukieda-chan enter with a strange man.”*

“What?!”

Shizuku’s scalp prickled.

*Clatter!* She shoved her chair back and stood. Drowsy students jolted awake.

Everyone—including the teacher—stared.

“Shizuku…-san? Problem with the lesson?”

“No! I—I’m not feeling well!” she declared with surprising vigor.

—

“Ah, this place really is the best—great vibe, good drinks. A man’s paradise,” Yukieda said.

The room felt warm. She undid two buttons on her blouse, revealing a hint of skin.

She’d felt watched all the way here—but not unusual. Beautiful girls drew stares. And this gaze held no malice.

The proprietress, Sakei, sized them up slowly, then *snap!* opened her fan with a chuckle.

Mai sighed. “Sister Sakei.”

The elegant woman nodded. “Don’t pay. Let that scoundrel Kenji settle my bill.”

Yukieda tilted her head. “You know her well?”

“Ms. Sakei was my sister’s classmate… and rival for Kenji’s heart,” Mai said, twisting a bottle cap. “But Kenji never accepted her.”

“Kenji really was popular back then,” Yukieda murmured, taking the bottle. “Won’t you drink?”

“I’m not twenty.”

“Neither am I,” Yukieda said, wrinkling her nose. She downed the glass.

A peachy blush bloomed on her cheeks—like freshly opened jelly.

“This is stronger than last time…”

They chatted idly, mostly about Sakei.

“Running an izakaya alone here… tough. Crowded, but thugs linger. A beautiful single woman attracts trouble.”

“True. But hardworking women have charm,” Yukieda said, pouring another. “Has Kenji never considered it?”

“He says he can’t give her what she wants. Truth is… he’s never forgotten my sister.” Mai clinked his water glass against hers.

Yukieda shot him a dissatisfied look, clicked her tongue. *Like Kenji… after losing love, no room left.*

She poured herself into raising her daughter; Kenji chased revenge against Borel.

*Next time… I must defeat Borel.*

Another gulp. Warm liquor stained her lips vivid red.

Food untouched. Drinks nearly gone. A pleasant buzz fogged her mind.

She grew bolder, steering talk toward Mai—but the brat dodged every hint.

“Seriously? Drinking alone is boring!”

“Someone must stay sober,” Mai said.

Yukieda tossed her hair. “What did that calligraphy say?”

Mai turned. “‘Drinking and merrymaking.’”

He faced her—Yukieda raised her glass. A toast.

He lifted his water glass… then paused. A faint sweet scent. A lipstick trace.

*Shizuku’s gift. Yukieda wouldn’t buy it herself.*

He looked up. Yukieda was sneaking glances.

Mai set the glass down with a sigh. *Childish. She swapped them while I turned.*

Yukieda’s face fell.

Mai added, almost taunting: “Even Kenji couldn’t force me to drink.”

“Hmph!” Yukieda’s eyebrows shot up. *So Oriuchi Yuki can’t either?*

*Clatter!* She snatched the glass, gulped it—but didn’t swallow. Puffed her snow-white cheeks and lunged at Mai.

Still struggling? Challenging a Magical Girl’s strength with mere human flesh?