Listening to the sound of Ye Xing unfolding the kimono and feeling the sensation of his hands touching her skin, Marin discovered something that made her intensely ashamed.
It seemed like...
She was getting aroused.
Blushing deeply, Marin reached for the pillow beside her and covered her face with it, not wanting Ye Xing to notice her current discomposure.
Just being lightly touched by his hand could provoke such a reaction...
Could it be that I'm some kind of sensitive pervert?
That can't be right.
Marin thought about how she dressed like a gyaru and often got hit on by boys when out, but she always rejected them. She'd never even been in a relationship, let alone had physical contact, so how could she possibly be some wanton pervert?
Wait a minute...
Could it be that this perverted nature of mine is a limited edition?
Limited to...
Marin didn't dare continue that thought.
Because she could feel that while helping her into the kimono, Ye Xing's hands kept intentionally or unintentionally brushing against certain sensitive areas of her body.
Marin parted her lips slightly, and to prevent herself from making shameful panting sounds, she even bit down on the pillow. Still, soft moans escaped as her body subconsciously squirmed. She felt her body temperature rising significantly and her head growing dizzy.
"Ye... Ye Xing-kun... is... is it not done yet..."
Marin was almost at her limit.
"Almost there."
Ye Xing's voice remained as calm and composed as ever, as if this was completely unimportant.
His reaction only made Marin feel all the more ashamed.
Just then, something happened that made Marin Kitagawa's body stiffen in disbelief.
"You... how did you get your hand in there..."
"No... you can't take this off..."
"Don't... don't touch there... this isn't right..."
"Mmm..."
...
About twenty minutes later, Marin Kitagawa followed behind Ye Xing, silently descending the stairs.
Her usually loose, light blonde dyed hair was now tied up with a hairband into a bun-like shape, revealing her slender, snow-white neck with elegant curves like a swan's.
Yet upon this pale skin lingered an inexplicable pink flush.
"So, how was it, Marin?"
Hearing Saki Kawasaki's smiling inquiry, Marin Kitagawa instinctively replied.
"Very comfortable..."
"Huh? Comfortable?"
"Ah, no."
Marin Kitagawa snapped back to reality, seeing the members' gazes fixed on her - some confused, some meaningful - causing her fair face to flush crimson as she hurriedly waved her hands in explanation.
"Ye Xing's technique was very good; it fits perfectly."
Mai Sakurajima sighed, first glancing at the awkward Marin Kitagawa, then at Ye Xing standing there with an indifferent expression, before remarking meaningfully.
"Technique, huh... I see... Well, that's good indeed."
Just simply changing into a kimono?
How could that be?
Even if Mai Sakurajima believed time machines truly existed in this world, she would never believe that Ye Xing would uncharacteristically behave himself while changing Marin's clothes, keeping his hands completely to himself.
Even if he could quit eating evil spirits, he would never quit his lecherous nature.
Not that it mattered anyway.
Although Marin Kitagawa might not know the full story, in the hearts of Mai Sakurajima and others, she had long been a member of the Supernatural Society.
And all members of the Supernatural Society maintained connections with one another through Ye Xing as the medium.
Admittedly, this method was quite abstract and absurd, yet it remained the most practical and reasonable solution.
The relationships among club members were generally good, but some didn't get along well.
For instance, Yukino Yukinoshita and Kazusa Touma, or Mai Sakurajima and Kazusa Touma, or Rio Futaba and Kazusa Touma...
Wait, seems like... we've identified where the problem lies?
That's not important.
What matters is that, despite existing conflicts, even though Rio Futaba, Miko Yotsuya, Mai Sakurajima and others didn't have a great impression of Haruno Yukinoshita, they still cooperated during the recent Kyoto attack incident.
All this was because of Ye Xing as the bond.
Was this relationship healthy?
Unhealthy.
Was this relationship normal?
Abnormal.
But to protect Kyoto city, and in the future, protect all of Japan or even China, they could only rely on this abnormal, unhealthy, yet completely genuine relationship.
Moreover, there was the most crucial point.
As psychics, the members were indeed growing stronger through Ye Xing's infusions.
The problem was...
Ye Xing was growing stronger, too.
This boss wasn't just powerful - his growth potential was absolutely SSS-tier.
How are we supposed to fight that?
To be honest, Mai Sakurajima, Miko Yotsuya, Rio Futaba, Yui Yuigahama, and Haruno Yukinoshita, who wasn't present at the moment, could all clearly sense one thing.
Recently, as they faced Ye Xing's advances, they found it increasingly difficult to keep up and sustain themselves.
Leaving aside whether he was satisfied or not, they certainly didn't want to be literally done to death.
They absolutely needed to seek external assistance.
Even though Marin Kitagawa and others weren't psychics, any help they could provide would be greatly welcomed.
This was no longer about jealousy, but a matter of survival!
"Next, it should be my turn."
Unlike the other shy members, Shoko Makinohara was quite straightforward, even giving off a sense of impatient eagerness.
Mai Sakurajima and the others frowned slightly, wanting to say no, but felt they had no reason to stop her.
After all, Marin Kitagawa had already let Ye Xing help her change into a kimono - preventing him from helping Shoko Makinohara now would be too obvious favouritism.
Just as the members were struggling with this dilemma, watching Shoko Makinohara about to go upstairs with Ye Xing, Hachishaku-sama, who had been silently crouching in the corner, suddenly spoke up.
"Actually, I know how to put on a kimono, too. Let me help Shoko change."
Hearing this, the girls' faces lit up with relieved smiles.
If Hachishaku-sama knew how to put on a kimono, why hadn't she said so earlier?
Why would she?
She could tell that Ye Xing wanted to help everyone change, and everyone wanted him to help them change - why should she spoil the fun?
But at this point, aside from Shoko Makinohara wanting Ye Xing to help her change (and the boss's own intentions being unclear), none of the present members wanted Ye Xing to help Shoko Makinohara into her kimono.
Who said Hachishaku-sama was foolish?
She wasn't foolish at all - truly the embodiment of the saying "still waters run deep".
Shoko Makinohara frowned slightly, but couldn't say anything about it.
After all, with Hachishaku-sama knowing how to dress someone in a kimono, she had no proper reason to insist on Ye Xing helping her change.
If she forced the issue, she'd likely face united opposition from all the members present, especially the combat specialist Kazusa Touma.
How aggressive Kazusa Touma could be was something Shoko Makinohara had personally experienced.
Better not act impulsively - taking it slow for future opportunities was the wiser strategy.
Among those present, only Menma hadn't changed into a kimono.
Although she appeared human, she was ultimately just a spectre - she could remove her clothes, but couldn't wear real-world garments.
Ye Xing looked at the assembled members and smiled.
"If everyone's ready, let's set off."
...
Meanwhile, at Yukino Yukinoshita's home.
"Huh? I have to wear one too?"
Hearing her sister's words, Yukino Yukinoshita couldn't help showing a stunned expression, frowning slightly as she spoke.
"I refuse."
"Don't want to wear it? That's fine too."
Haruno Yukinoshita, who had already changed into a kimono and now appeared more elegant and charming than her usual languid allure, watched her younger sister's awkward demeanour and curled her lips into a playful smile, speaking as if to imply something deeper.
"Though, if I remember correctly, this should be your first time going to a fireworks festival with friends, right? After all, you've never had many friends since childhood."
Yukino Yukinoshita wanted to refute this, but merely opened her mouth, finding no point she could argue against.
Even in life-threatening situations, she had trusted that the other person would definitely come to save her.
Such feelings couldn't be called anything less than friendship, and even that term seemed too shallow.
If it were anyone else here, Yukino Yukinoshita would definitely choose to deny it vehemently, but she knew very well that this tactic wouldn't work on her elder sister Haruno.
Since childhood, whenever she acted tough, said things she didn't mean, or even just stood there silently, Haruno could immediately detect her unusual emotions.
After all, they were biological sisters.
Going to a fireworks festival with friends for the first time...
"You'll definitely take photos then, won't you? Yukino-chan, you should think carefully."
Haruno Yukinoshita gently stroked Yukino's head as she spoke with a soft smile.
"The first time for anything in life is always important. If you don't wear a kimono this time, even if you wear it for the second or third time later, you won't be able to experience the same feeling as today. Once missed, it's gone forever."
Hearing this, Yukino Yukinoshita hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Deep in her heart...
She really wanted to wear a kimono and attend the lively fireworks festival with her friends - Futaba, Miko, Mai-senpai, Yui Yuigahama, and even Kazusa Touma, with whom she always exchanged sharp words whenever they met.
This was the first time since primary school that Yukino had felt this way.
She... wanted to fit in, wanted to be like everyone else.
"And also..."
Haruno Yukinoshita leaned close to Yukino's ear and spoke with a light laugh.
"Don't you want Ye Xing to see how you look in a kimono, too?"
Yukino Yukinoshita stiffened, brushing the hair beside her ear. Though she tried to maintain a calm appearance, the faint blush on her cheeks clearly betrayed her.
"I... I have no reason to consider that guy's feelings... He's your boyfriend, not mine..."
After saying this, Yukino Yukinoshita noticed her sister's meaningful gaze and hurriedly explained.
"Of course, I'm not the least bit interested in that guy. It's completely not what you're thinking."
"I didn't say anything"
Haruno smiled, then changed the subject.
"Speaking of which, you must have been momentarily stunned when you first saw Ye Xing properly, right?"
"Eh? How did you know..."
"Because he's very good-looking. I was momentarily stunned, too, when I first saw him."
Yukino Yukinoshita remained silent.
She could deny everything about Ye Xing, except for two things she couldn't refute.
His academic results and his outstanding appearance.
Questioning Ye Xing's appearance doesn't mean he's genuinely unattractive; instead, it shows that one's aesthetic standards or eyesight are severely flawed.
"That... so what..."
When it came to handling Yukino, if Haruno Yukinoshita claimed to be second, no one would dare call themselves first.
She had long seen through the other's thoughts.
Clearly wanting to wear a kimono, especially with her present to help with proper wearing, yet pretending otherwise.
Such contradictory behaviour was so very Yukino.
"Think about it..."
Haruno placed a hand on Yukino Yukinoshita's shoulder and spoke gently.
"Ye Xing's appearance made you pause momentarily, catching you off guard. If you wear a kimono this time..."
At this point, Haruno couldn't help but lightly pinch her younger sister's unfairly adorable, exquisite face, smiling.
"You'll definitely make him stare dumbfounded, too. Then, when you argue with him later, you can use this to counterattack. Makes sense, doesn't it?"
Yukino Yukinoshita pursed her lips, thinking, 'What kind of logic is that?'
However...
Although Yukino Yukinoshita didn't particularly care about her appearance, and her striking looks only brought inconvenience and trouble, merely imagining Ye Xing seeing her in a kimono, stammering and speechless...
Seemed rather amusing too.
"Well... alright then."
"Then hurry up and put it on"
Seeing Yukino finally agree, Haruno happily clapped her hands, then delivered a statement with devastating effect on Yukino.
"Given your chest size, you're naturally suited for wearing kimonos. Someone like me would be less ideal."
Yukino Yukinoshita was once again subjected to persecution.
...
Later that evening, at the fireworks festival venue.
"Please explain why she's here, too?"
Mai Sakurajima looked at Natsumi Suga holding a camera, dressed lightly and radiantly beautiful, her eyes showing undisguised hostility.
This female reporter... though not exactly a reporter.
Anyway, what was this mature older sister dressed so lightly doing here?
Looking for trouble?
"I'm here to take photos for you."
Natsumi Suga smiled slightly, waving the camera in her hand.
"It's your first time wearing kimonos to a fireworks festival. You definitely want nice photos, right?"
Hearing this, Mai Sakurajima and the others were immediately convinced.
Indeed.
As girls, they certainly wanted their first photos wearing kimonos at a fireworks festival to look as good as possible.
Moreover, this wasn't just their first time wearing kimonos.
It was also the first time attending a fireworks festival with a boy.
Although not the imagined scenario of spending time alone together, it was still early. They could discuss and allocate time later.
As for the evening...
Better not spend the evening alone together - no one could handle that. Better to team up and fight the boss instead.
"Yahallo yahallo!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Rio Futaba turned to see Haruno Yukinoshita in a kimono and snorted unfavourably.
"Hmph, you came too."
Haruno Yukinoshita maintained her smile, retorting without backing down.
"Of course I came."
"Hmph, it's fine that you came."
While Rio Futaba was bickering with Haruno Yukinoshita, Yui Yuigahama noticed Yukino Yukinoshita standing beside them, now wearing a kimono and sporting an adorable twin-tail hairstyle. She immediately ran over and grabbed Yukino's hand, smiling sweetly.
"Yukino, you look absolutely lovely in that outfit! We must take a photo together later. I'll show it to my mum when I get home - she's always wanted to know what you look like."
"Eh?"
Yukino Yukinoshita blinked in surprise.
"You've talked about me with your mother?"
"Of course."
Yui Yuigahama continued holding Yukino's hand, her sweet smile unwavering.
"You're my good friend, so naturally I've told her about you."
A faint blush coloured Yukino's cheeks as she lowered her head and murmured softly.
"Well... I consider you my friend too, Dango."
"Hehe, I already knew that, of course."
Yui Yuigahama, with her endearingly naive yet cheerful and lively personality, served as the Supernatural Society's stabilising anchor.
If the members had gathered because of Ye Xing, then it was Yui Yuigahama, the master of internal management, who prevented members with clashing personalities from coming to blows.
Though Dango might appear unremarkable in daily life...
In truth, she was the true master guiding the atmosphere among all the girls.
"Um... hello everyone."
Hearing this familiar voice again, the members of the Supernatural Society were stunned.
The girls turned to see Shizuka Hiratsuka standing there in a kimono, looking rather awkward and avoiding direct eye contact.
"No way..."
Even Kazusa Touma, typically the most aloof and indifferent to external matters, was completely bewildered.
What was happening?
Had their homeroom teacher joined the battle too?
Saki Kawasaki, Yui Yuigahama, Yukino Yukinoshita, and Mai Sakurajima - who had encountered Shizuka Hiratsuka at the Tokyo hotel before - weren't particularly surprised by this development.
The rumour about Sobu High School's Satan, Ye Xing, teasing their homeroom teacher in the staffroom...
Naturally, that wasn't entirely accurate.
But to say it was completely unfounded?
Probably not entirely baseless either.
At the very least, claiming Shizuka Hiratsuka had no such thoughts whatsoever was absolutely impossible - did she take everyone for blind?
The teacher-student relationship was an obstacle.
But simultaneously, it could also be an advantage.
It all depended on whether Shizuka Hiratsuka's moral principles about not crossing teacher-student boundaries would prevail over her feelings for Ye Xing.
Truth be told, all the members believed the latter would undoubtedly win out.
As for the reason...
That guy's charm was so overwhelming that he could openly maintain a harem without anyone objecting - could Shizuka Hiratsuka possibly resist?
If she truly could resist, she wouldn't have appeared here today.
Just as everyone fell silent, they suddenly heard a powerful shout coming from the road ahead.
"The sacred palanquin approaches!"
They all looked up simultaneously to see four men carrying a bright red ceremonial palanquin slowly approaching them.
When Ye Xing looked over, his gaze happened to meet a pair of bloodshot eyes staring out from within the palanquin.