Yukieda had a nagging feeling something was off with Mari and Shizuku.

Though she wasn’t looking at them, she could feel it—since the bus ride began, their stares had been locked tightly on her.

Afraid she’d run?

Where could she even go?

After stepping off the bus, their intent grew clearer. They stuck to her like shadows, one on each side, arms linked firmly through hers.

She felt the soft, gentle pressure of their hold.

What was this about?

Yukieda glanced back, shooting Mai a silent plea for help.

He only gave a helpless shrug.

“Yukieda-chan,” Mari began brightly, “I watched this foreign drama recently—a beautiful young lady tricked by an older scumbag. Lost her heart *and* her fortune.”

Yukieda couldn’t shake the feeling Mari had stressed “older” just a little too hard.

“Yes! So tragic!” Shizuku chimed in, voice trembling with righteous fury. “That villain used his teacher title to deceive pure students who’d never even left campus!”

Clueless, Yukieda nodded slowly.

Shizuku and Mari exchanged a glance. Time to press harder.

“Oh right,” Mari added smoothly, “that scumbag teacher didn’t stop at one girl. Tall or short, curvy or flat—he preyed on nearly every single one.”

Yukieda’s lips parted slightly in feigned shock.

Shizuku leaned in. “Worst part? Every girl thought *she* had true love. Never realizing she was just another fish in his pond!”

“So… impressive?” Yukieda murmured.

Two stern stares shot back.

“I mean—it’s *awful*! Exploiting students’ innocence like that!” she quickly corrected.

Shizuku and Mari nodded, satisfied.

Honestly, their tag-team act had hooked Yukieda. She *had* to critique this drama properly.

“So… what’s this evil show called?”

“Bi X Archives,” they chimed in unison.

Fifteen minutes later.

“Do you think our plan actually worked?” Mari whispered near Shizuku’s ear, keeping distance from Yukieda.

Students queued at the hotel entrance. Why did a simple hot spring inn need security today?

Tourists and students alike pulled gadgets from pockets, bags—even questionable places.

The detector beeped constantly, slowing everything down.

“Of course,” Shizuku whispered back. “Didn’t you see Yukieda-chan’s thoughtful face? She might’ve realized her true self—a little lamb being toyed with.”

Mari noted the “-chan” but pushed on. “I think… she’s just genuinely curious about the show.”

“Really?” Shizuku faltered. “Let’s test it!”

“How?”

“The cookies. We both ask Yukieda for one. If she gives them… she’s given up. If not…”

No need to spell it out.

A sly grin spread across both faces.

Just then, Yukieda glanced back. They’d scurried off whispering again after talking to her.

Were they hiding something?

But Shizuku and Mari were honest girls. No strange friends spotted.

Then she saw them waving cheerfully, sunshine-bright smiles.

…Maybe she was overthinking.

“Yukieda, your turn,” Mai called from beyond the gate.

Yukieda hurried through.

*Beep. Beep.*

“Wait, foreign miss!”

“Me?” She pointed at herself.

“Yes.” A staff member halted her. “Detector’s glitchy today—false alarms happen.”

The handheld scanner swept over her.

“All clear. Please proceed.”

She’d removed all metal… yet instinct made her lift her skirt slightly.

*Slap.*

Mai swatted her hand down. “Hey! Everyone’s watching,” he hissed.

Yukieda met his flustered gaze, then the curious stares behind her.

“Ahem.” Blushing, she straightened up and walked calmly ahead—destination unknown.

By the time rooms were assigned, night had fallen. Groups of four settled in.

“A Japanese-style room…” Mari grumbled.

Sleeping on tatami meant unrolling futons from the closet.

She slept on tatami daily at home—what a waste of a fancy inn.

“I really wanted a soft, big bed…”

Still, her smile couldn’t be contained. Three more days sharing a room with Yukieda-chan? Thrilling.

“It’s a training camp,” Yukieda said gently, kneeling to arrange bedding without turning. “We can’t expect luxury.”

So kind… her voice so soothing. Yet this gentle soul was being deceived by some unseen scumbag.

Mari’s eyes flicked to Shizuku. A tiny, silent nod passed between them.

Meanwhile, Yukieda shot Mai a sharp look.

*If you touch Shizuku tonight, I’ll end you.*

He blinked slowly.

*Four-person room. I’m not insane. After all these years as partners—you know me.*

Yukieda studied his face. His blinking had rhythm.

Eye twitch? No… Morse code?

She didn’t know Morse.

Wait—was this about *Master Dai*? A clue because Shizuku and Mari were listening?

Her eyes widened. She gave a slight nod.

Mai nodded back, relieved.

After bedding was set—

“Ugh, that bus ride left me starving,” Shizuku muttered.

“Right? A little snack would be perfect,” Mari added, smile a little too bright.

Yukieda sensed the exaggeration.

*Clatter.*

“Oops! My hand slipped!” Shizuku cried.

Yukieda’s luggage spilled across the tatami. A ribbon-tied box rolled out—wrapped with obvious care.

Mari pounced like a leopard, snatching it.

“Hmm? What’s this?” She untied the ribbon in one smooth motion.

Of course she knew. Inside: a neatly tied bag of cookies.

Yukieda’s homemade cookies—packed with a girl’s quiet affection.

The wire tie fluttered down. Her fingers reached for the soft, milky-scented treasure.

*This is Yukieda-chan’s flavor.*

An old ad jingle echoed: *Twist it, lick it…*

Her pink tongue darted toward the cookie’s surface—

*Slurp.*

*Slap.*

Frozen mid-lick, wrist locked firmly in Yukieda’s grip.

Couldn’t pull free…

This felt familiar.

“Mari-chan,” Yukieda said sweetly, “if you’re hungry, I have other snacks. Dinner’s soon downstairs.”

Same gentle smile.

Only her eyes were narrowed into crescent moons.

Mari’s courage vanished.

*Please don’t open them…*

“Yukieda-chan, I just… wanted a taste,” she stammered.

“If you really want some, I’ll bake more later. But these—no.”

Yukieda retied the ribbon, tucked the box away.

Mari pouted. “Why not today? You used to share everything with me…”

Yukieda glanced at Shizuku and Mai.

*How will she ever accept her father—shorter than her, cuter than her, a Magical Girl—is…?*

So much to discuss with Shizuku later. What would that moment even look like?

Blushing, she covered her face.

*Ehe.*

Master Dai’s identity stayed hidden—for their safety.

“B-because… these are a special gift for someone very important.”

From across the room, Mai watched Shizuku and Mari crouch in the corner like delinquent girls, legs sprawled, both letting out a synchronized *tsk*.