If getting roped into a cosmetics spree by Aine—along with the bombshell that Nyamu, a guy who's supposed to be part of the same crew as the demonized "Death," is still kicking around like nothing's wrong—counts as barely within Nero's plans, then being dragged to the mall's clothing section for a full-on wardrobe overhaul was a total curveball.
Nero had dressed androgynously today, aiming to downplay the demonic traits etched into their body. The last thing they needed was Aine, who'd already seen "Samael," piecing together Nero's real identity. But when Aine started questioning the vibe, Nero played it off, blaming Fortuna's conservative culture. That earned a pitying look and unleashed Aine in full-on shopping beast mode.
Once they stepped into the women's section—Aine's domain—her energy went through the roof. She was a whirlwind, completely hijacking the date's direction. Nero didn't even have the guts to argue as Aine yanked them from rack to rack. The only stand Nero made was insisting on high collars.
That was non-negotiable. If Aine caught a glimpse of the demonic markings below Nero's collarbone, the whole "Nero equals Samael" secret would be blown wide open.
Luckily, that excuse was easy to spin as shyness. By the time they emerged, Nero had ditched the jacket and pants for a blue-and-white dress Aine handpicked.
"Blonde hair screams blue," Aine said, grinning like she'd just won a boss fight.
Maybe the people of Wano were too obsessed with that "Alice" aesthetic.
Oh, and it wasn't just the dress. Aine went all out—hairband, ear clips, tie, stockings, and dainty leather shoes. She even slapped some light makeup on Nero and gave a crash course on makeup remover.
Aine's smug satisfaction grew by the second as she admired her handiwork. She even puffed out her chest and declared, "Next time you need to shop, just call me. I got you!"
Nero, who had zero intention of repeating this, forced a smile. "Yeah, thanks, Aine. I'll… keep that in mind."
By the time the ordeal wrapped up, it was well past lunchtime. They grabbed a bite at a food stall in Sunshine City, took a breather, and then headed to the aquarium as planned.
Nero's choice of date spots wasn't random. The Sky Forest Aquarium and the Tsukimiso Observatory, both on the tenth floor of Sunshine City, were places Takamatsu Hikari frequented. Hikari, no surprise, was a friend of Sosei and Muku—meaning she likely held some key intel.
Nero's plan? Stage a "chance" run-in.
Problem was, Nero had no clue about Hikari's schedule. Today was a shot in the dark. Still, the aquarium was a blast—Aine seemed to enjoy it too. And the observatory? Getting to see a starry sky you'd never catch in the city was a damn good way to unwind.
As they stepped out of the observatory, dusk was settling in. Nero and Aine grabbed hot drinks and parked themselves on some steps near the entrance.
A soft "ugh" came from behind. Nero turned and spotted Hikari, clutching a notebook.
"Takamatsu-san?"
Hikari's hand twitched up like she was about to wave, but she quickly pulled it back, ducked her head, and picked up her pace.
If Nero didn't say something now, that purple-haired girl would vanish into the crowd. So, Nero called out, "Why'd you say it'll kill you?"
Hikari flinched hard, her grip tightening on the notebook.
"Huh? What's that about?" Aine asked, clearly out of the loop. She didn't know the rumors about Hikari claiming she "brings death."
Hikari hugged her notebook like it was a shield, staying silent for a few seconds before muttering, "I'm… cursed."
Her voice was raw, like she meant every word, but the claim was hard to swallow. "Anyone who becomes my friend… ends up dead."
"A curse?!" Aine's eyes went wide. This world was crawling with demons, each with their own twisted powers. Hell, demons and the Netherworld were prime research topics for scientists. But curses? That was straight-up myth, superstition. Demons weren't some obedient summons you could boss around—they were humanity's enemies, chaotic and uncontrollable.
"What cursed you?" Nero asked, sounding concerned.
Hikari bit her lip, her gaze dropping as she avoided eye contact. In a voice so faint it was almost lost, she said, "I did it… to myself."
Then she bolted, head down, no more words.
"Ah…" Aine reached out instinctively, but no words came.
A moment later, she turned to Nero with an awkward smile. "Takamatsu-san's got some secrets, huh?"
"…Yeah."
Nero glanced at Aine, then looked away. Aine's eyes were too honest—she clearly didn't know squat about Hikari's deal. No lying in that gaze.
But it was only a matter of time. Aine was already piecing things together from Hikari's reaction. "She's… been through something, right? Like, maybe she lost friends in some accident?"
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Nero shook their head. "No clue. But I hope she can move past it soon."
"Let's head back," Aine suggested, shaking her empty cup.
"Yeah."
They made their way to the station together. Nero wasn't sure if Aine was satisfied with the day, but for them? Mission accomplished and then some. They'd bonded with Aine and pried some info out of Hikari. Jackpot.
Nero glanced at Aine—she looked happy. Her face was an open book, emotions on full display.
"I'm at my stop," Aine said, waving as she stepped out of the train. "See ya, Nerolo!"
Nerolo? Nero waved back, blinking before realizing Aine had slapped a nickname on them. They let out a wry chuckle.
But as Aine disappeared through the train doors, Nero caught a faint whiff of demonic energy. Instantly on edge, they scanned the train car—nothing. Stepping into the station with the crowd, Nero's senses stayed sharp.
"Man, Aine," Nero muttered, eyeing the pink-haired girl vanishing into the sea of people. "You're a damn trouble magnet."