"Ah! Help!"
Her voice was sharp. Wearing VR glasses and looking at the terrifying ghost almost pressed against her face, Erina Nakiri tightly clutched Hoshino Sora's arm with both hands, closing her eyes and shrinking her body, as if this could bring her a sense of security.
"Don't worry, I'm here. These are all fake. Even if they were real, I would protect you from them."
"Really?"
"Of course it's true. If a man can't even protect his own woman, then he's too useless, isn't he?"
Feeling the slightly trembling body on his arm, Hoshino Sora gently comforted her. He truly hadn't expected Erina to be afraid of this. For some reason, he felt like laughing.
"Are you mocking me?"
Despite her fear, Erina still noticed Hoshino Sora's indifferent micro-expression. She immediately puffed out her cheeks and spoke with great displeasure, her words carrying a hint of coquetry.
"Nothing of the sort. My teeth just felt a bit hot, so I wanted to let them out for some air."
"That's a very far-fetched excuse."
There was a hint of a gaze in her eyes, but she was amused by Hoshino Sora's words, and even the scene before her became a bit clearer.
"Oh, how scary!"
Seeing that Erina was comforted by Hoshino Sora and even made happy, Alice, sitting beside her, also copied her, though her acting was, to some extent, a bit sloppy.
"Alice, that's so fake."
Feeling the warmth from his other hand, Hoshino Sora turned his head and couldn't help but complain. If Erina's reaction was from genuine fear, then Alice's was a clumsy imitation, excessively fake.
Her only advantage was her beauty and good figure, so even doing this wouldn't make her annoying; instead, it made people think she was quite mischievous.
"Fake? I was being very serious."
"You're the kind that's obviously fake at a glance, but it's okay. Go ahead and act spoiled as much as you want. No matter what, I'll spoil you, after all, you're my wife."
Held on the left, and held on the right, Hoshino Sora was truly at his peak of happiness at this moment. Luckily, they were in a dark movie theater, and everyone around them was their own people.
Otherwise, with his current state, if he were noticed, the person who noticed him probably wouldn't even be able to watch the movie anymore.
"This is a public place, at least show some restraint!"
"Didn't you two start it? Besides, there are no lights here, and we're in the back row, so no one will notice."
Hoshino Sora said with a mischievous smile. Actually, at first, he wasn't planning on doing anything to Erina and Alice. After all, they were watching a movie, and the plot wasn't boring, even quite interesting.
However, because his arms were held by the two, and his hands were hanging freely...
So, feeling a certain mood and with the perfect environment, Hoshino Sora naturally couldn't resist doing something naughty, which made Erina and Alice roll their eyes repeatedly.
Outdoors… this was a first.
"Even if no one notices, that doesn't mean it's okay, mm..."
"Then you can let go of my arm. As long as you let go of my arm, I won't do anything to you."
"No, just be a little gentler."
A shy voice came from Erina's mouth. At the same time, a strange, stimulating feeling permeated her heart, and her skin also flushed pink, but she still compromised.
For no other reason, the movie in front of her was still somewhat terrifying, and she desperately needed support. Hoshino Sora, who was within reach, was undoubtedly the best choice!
His strong arm felt very secure when held, and it was warm, just like...
"I don't mind, you know. You can do anything you want to me."
Compared to Erina Nakiri's shyness, Alice Nakiri, who was beside her, seemed much more proactive. Not only did she not resist Hoshino Sora's actions, she even personally led the 'ghost' into the village.
"Alice, you're going too far!"
Noticing Alice's actions, the conservative Erina Nakiri couldn't help but scold her. With her appearance, where was there any trace of a refined lady? She looked more like a courtesan from a brothel!?
"No way, and Sora likes me this way, right, Sora~"
Alice said, then made a cute face, and then grabbed Hoshino Sora's hand and acted wantonly. Erina could not see any shame on her face.
Of course, this was also because the object was Hoshino Sora, and they hadn't been together for a long time. If it were someone else, Alice would absolutely not do such 'exaggerated' things.
"Alright, let's focus on the movie for now. It's almost the ending. I wonder if the female ghost will win or the Taoist priest will prevail. According to the usual trope, justice should triumph, right?"
To this, Hoshino Sora could only laugh and smooth things over.
Compared to doing naughty things, watching the movie was their main purpose for coming today. If they gave up watching the movie for the sake of doing naughty things, that would be putting the cart before the horse!
"Yes."
"Okay."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Alice and Erina responded in unison, looking obedient and cute.
Seeing the two like this, Hoshino Sora also stopped his mischievous hand, moving it upwards until he held both their hands, their fingers tightly intertwined, only then did he stop.
Neither Erina nor Alice said anything about this, they just felt the love from Hoshino Sora with flushed cheeks, their lips slightly upturned.
Soon, the movie ended.
The plot was somewhat scary, and the sudden appearance of ghost faces in some scenes was also very frightening. The overall thrilling atmosphere was well-created, making it an excellent horror film.
The story tells of a secluded mountain village where, every New Year's Day, a bizarre murder case occurs, but the culprit is never caught.
One day, the village chief gathered everyone, wanting to spend New Year's Day together, but by the next morning, people had still died.
And this time, the ones who died were the village chief's family!
The story began to unfold from here, peeling back layers until the truth was revealed.
It turned out that thirty years ago, the village chief was not yet the village chief. At that time, he was a notorious local gangster who, with a group of accomplices, brutally murdered a family from out of town.
Furthermore, they imprisoned the family's daughter, subjecting her to bestial acts day and night in the cellar. The surrounding residents knew about it but did nothing, effectively condoning such behavior.
Later, unable to bear the humiliation, the family's daughter eventually bit her tongue and committed suicide in the cellar, filled with hatred, transforming into a vengeful spirit. Every year, on the day of her death, she would come out to kill people.
And the day she died was New Year's Day, a time when the outside world was bustling with celebration and families reunited. Dying and then seeing the outside world in a scene of peace and prosperity, one can imagine how deep the female ghost's resentment was.
Later, as more people died, the village invited a Taoist priest to perform rituals, but it had no effect. Instead, the Taoist priest unfortunately died suddenly on his way back.
After this incident, the surrounding Taoist priests no longer interfered with matters here, no matter how much benefit was offered. On one hand, their cultivation was insufficient, and on the other, they were afraid of trouble.
After the village chief died, all the people who had bullied the female ghost in the past were dead. Logically, the female ghost should have dissipated and reincarnated after her revenge, but she did not. So, Xiao Song, a disciple of the Qingcheng Sect, descended the mountain to exorcise the demon.
After that came a series of intense magical battles. Leaving aside everything else, the special effects were truly flawless and absolutely brilliant.
It's commendable that this drama didn't write any cliché plots like 'Overbearing Female Ghost Falls in Love with Me.' The overall tone was rather somber, and the art style was bizarre, so a high score was well-deserved.
In this society where bad movies are rampant, being able to produce a film of this quality is already very difficult. Even after the group of seven left the cinema, Tadokoro Megumi was still discussing the plot with Shiina Mahiru.
He couldn't tell that such a simple and honest girl would actually like horror movies.
While marveling inwardly, Hoshino Sora looked at Erina Nakiri, who was still suffering from some post-movie effects. Her expression at this moment was not good, and her hand was tightly gripping his arm, not letting go.
Normally, Erina would absolutely not be able to do this in public.
"Pfft, pfft, pfft, Erina is such a coward."
Looking at Erina Nakiri in such a state, Alice couldn't help but cover her mouth and snicker from the side, her voice full of teasing, which also aroused Erina's displeasure.
If she wasn't so utterly exhausted to argue, she would definitely gather her courage to contend with her, but she was still immersed in the fear from just now, so she could only glare at Alice.
However, her glare had no destructive power whatsoever.
"Hoshino-kun, you'll protect me, right?"
Seeing that glaring didn't work, Erina Nakiri uncharacteristically showed a coquettish expression. That charming voice was one Hoshino Sora had never heard before.
The main reason Erina Nakiri was like this was that she could only rely on this man in front of her right now.
Although Hisako wasn't afraid of horror movies, she was a girl, and her arms weren't that sturdy, providing limited security. She certainly wasn't as strong as Hoshino Sora.
So, despite her inner shyness, Erina Nakiri still chose to rely on Hoshino Sora. As for acting spoiled, she could grit her teeth and say it.
Of course, this was already her limit.
"Of course, isn't that obvious, you silly girl?"
Hearing Erina Nakiri's question, Hoshino Sora answered without any hesitation, tightening his grip on her hand as he spoke.
"So what if I'm timid? Someone will protect me anyway."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's definite answer, Erina Nakiri looked triumphantly at Alice, her voice rarely carrying a hint of pride. She had someone holding her hand, did you?!
"I'm scared too, Sora, you'll protect me, right!"
"No matter which of you encounters danger, I will do my best to protect you. There is no doubt about that."
Seeing Alice's outstretched hand, Hoshino Sora naturally took it, then repeated what he had just said.
In fact, he had said these words countless times, but the two of them still asked tirelessly. If it were an ordinary person being asked like this, they would have been annoyed long ago.
But Hoshino Sora was different. He was happy that they were willing to bother him, and their constant asking about such things was a sign of insecurity. Since that was the case, he would give them security.
"Look quickly, the sunset is so beautiful!"
While walking, Shiina Mahiru inadvertently looked up, pointing at the sky with an excited face. Hoshino Sora followed her gaze upwards, and there was a breathtaking sunset.
In the direction of sunrise and sunset, from the ground to the zenith, the colors of the sky ranged from red near the ground, gradually changing to orange, yellow, green, and various shades of blue.
Breathtakingly beautiful! It felt like being in a mottled dream.
"Indeed, why don't we take a photo to remember it?"
"Agreed!"
"Then let's go under those two goddess statues. I'll ask a passerby to take a picture for us."
"Excuse me, could you please…"
After a flurry of activity, the group of seven arrived at the base of the Goddess Statue in Odori Park and struck a pose. Hoshino Sora stood in the middle, and the passerby in front of him was raising their arm, gesturing a three-two-one countdown.
"Cheese."
As the phone's shutter clicked, a fresh photo was produced, capturing all seven people. Each person had a different pose, but they all shared happy smiles.
"I'll send the photo to the group. Megumi, let's go take some pictures over there."
"Thank you."
Watching Shiina Mahiru and Tadokoro Megumi running around in front of him, Hoshino Sora took the phone from the tourist, thanked them, and then sent the photo he had just taken to his harem group chat.
[Group Name: Love Sky House 12 / 12]
[Hoshino Sora]: Photo / Odori Park Group Photo
[Kitagawa Marin]: What, what? Did you go to Sapporo? It looks amazing!
Looking at the extremely Sapporo-esque scenery Hoshino Sora had captured, Kitagawa Marin's thumb quickly tapped on her phone screen, her nail clacking distinctly against the display.
[Yui Yuigahama]: This should be Odori Park. I traveled there with my family two years ago and played inside. It felt quite nice.
Looking at the background behind the few people, Yui Yuigahama also chimed in below Kitagawa's message.
[Alice Nakiri]: That's right, we're currently in Odori Park in Sapporo. We just finished our entrance exam a few hours ago, and after the exam, we even went to see a movie! /smirks
[Asaka]: What movie? Speaking of which, it seems we haven't watched a movie with Sora yet. What a pity!
[Hoshino Sora]: Midnight Murder. Asaka-nee, Rika-nee, let's watch it together when we get back @Asaka @Rika
[Kitagawa Marin]: I want to too, I want to too!
[Hoshino Sora]: Okay, then I'll bring Kitagawa and Yuigahama too @Kitagawa Marin @Yui Yuigahama
[Yui Yuigahama]: Yay!
Watching the messages scroll rapidly on his phone, Hoshino Sora's lips curved slightly upward. The scene before him was truly harmonious. In his previous life, he probably wouldn't have dreamed of having a day like this.
Surrounded by beautiful women, they both competed for his affection and coexisted harmoniously. This feeling of being surrounded by girls was truly wonderful. No wonder there were so many awful normies in his previous life!
"What are you thinking about? It's getting late, we should head back."
Alice Nakiri said, tapping Hoshino Sora's shoulder from behind.
They had finished taking photos, and she had also, for the first time in a while, taken a group photo with Erina. Although the latter seemed a bit reluctant, she believed that Erina was just shy.
"Ah, oh, okay."
Hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Hoshino Sora replied nonchalantly, then started walking, following behind the girls.
Watching the girls paired up, either chatting or simply walking together, in short, no one was left alone, which was a cause for joy and celebration.
Soon, the group returned the way they came. Most of the examinees had already completed their assessment, with only a small portion still struggling inside. Hoshino Sora only went in for a quick look, then boarded the train with everyone else.
Although the departure time was in the evening, because of their wild night until late yesterday, they were now extremely sleepy and decided to go back to the train to catch up on some beauty sleep.
Meanwhile, Hoshino Sora had just returned to his room and lay down, still holding a cookbook for research.
"Come in."
Hearing a knock on the door, Hoshino Sora called out towards the door, then put down his book. The next moment, the door opened, and Erina Nakiri walked in from outside.
"What's wrong?"
Looking at Erina Nakiri, who was holding a pillow and had a hesitant expression, Hoshino Sora knowingly asked.
"Tonight, can we sleep together?"
Her voice carried intense shyness, and her toes slightly gripped the floor. Although she didn't know how many times she had slept with Hoshino Sora, each time she would be this shy.
The concept of an old married couple clearly didn't apply to Erina Nakiri.
"Come on, you don't need to ask me specifically for something like this. I'll always agree."
Seeing Erina Nakiri's charming appearance, Hoshino Sora naturally couldn't refuse. He silently lifted his side of the blanket, directly inviting her.
"Phew, so reassuring."
As her body entered the covers, feeling the warmth from behind her, Erina Nakiri's face showed a look of relief, then she closed her eyes.
"Thank you, Hoshino-kun."
With her eyes closed, Erina Nakiri suddenly spoke.
"You don't need to thank me for something like this."
"Not for this."
"Even though I've been to Sapporo many times, this is the first time I've enjoyed the scenery so leisurely, like today."
"You can do this in the future, if you want to come." Hoshino Sora said softly, embracing Erina Nakiri's body from behind.
"As someone with the God Tongue, I have to be responsible for tasting, and I have to meet with food industry giants every day. Thanks to Hoshino-kun, I was truly able to leave the Nakitiri Family mansion and live for myself.
Looking back now, at that time, I probably didn't think to look at anything; just fulfilling the responsibilities and obligations of a Nakitiri Family heir exhausted me."
In the darkness, Erina Nakiri's voice was soft but exceptionally clear. Perhaps only when they were alone like this could she truly speak her mind.
"Isn't that also quite impressive? Bearing such a great responsibility with such a small body. To be honest, I lived quite casually when I was little, with no goals, just drifting through each day.
It wasn't until last year when I came to Far Moon. Do you remember the first time you evaluated my cooking? To be honest, I was really angry then, even though it seems true now."
Feeling the girl in his arms, Hoshino Sora also spoke softly. Although he didn't know why she suddenly had an emotional outburst, what he needed to do now was to hug her more and listen to her words.
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