The next morning, I ordered IXX to go back to our headquarters and oversee things in my place.
I found out—just by talking to her—that she can pop right back in if I snap my fingers. Apparently it sends dark energy, like a signal, and she can use it to teleport.
She even demonstrated how it works, and honestly I'm impressed everytime she suddenly pops in out of nowhere!
Now, I'm staring at the mirror once more as I take in my appearance—long, silky black hair and eyes.
Today I wore a simple blue off‑shouldered dress. I felt shy with my collarbones exposed, but I think I'll impress Himeno‑nee with this!
I couldn't help but blush at the thought.
I also wore a black choker because I feel cuter with these on.
Satisfied with my current outfit, I set out and made my way to the location Himeno‑nee sent me.
The road was unfamiliar to me, so I had to ask around and rely on people I met along the way. Thankfully everyone has been kind and pointed me where to go.
After a few more steps, I finally reached the location. I pulled down my phone and my mouth dropped as I looked up.
A towering building loomed ahead of me.
"Isn't this one of the most expensive apartments there is?!"
I screamed that at the back of my mind.
No—why didn't I pay attention to the street signages in the first place?! I looked behind me and my suspicions were confirmed.
[Shingetsu Heights]
Yup. Basically where all the big shots live. I should've known. I laughed awkwardly as I looked away from the road sign.
I gulped as I entered the big building.
Immediately upon stepping inside, the smell of lavender and calming piano music enveloped the place.
It reminds me of my dorm… just slightly better!
I looked around and admired the abstract paintings. I even sat at the couch in the reception area and—oh my god—it was the softest thing ever!
A-Anyways,
"Uhm, excuse me."
I approached the receptionist at the counter.
"Yes, young lady? How can we help you?"
I pulled out my phone and showed her the message Himeno‑nee sent me.
"So uhm, I was told that I should go here."
The receptionist blinked at me, tilting her head.
"Y‑Yes??? Everyone comes here."
I stared at her, stunned, my eyes going blank.
"A-AH! I meant! I meant—uhm, her room, I was wondering where her room is?"
I said, completely flustered.
"Girl… what you're showing me is coordinates. Not a room number."
I swear I could feel my face crack. I even stumbled onto the floor.
O‑Of course. How dumb! How dumb of me!
"A-ah… ahahahaha… sorry…"
I ran back to the reception area couch and wanted to bury myself in a hole!! AHHH I was so excited I didn't even think to ask Himeno‑nee what room she was in—but I didn't know! Don't bash me! Don't hate me!
I immediately began typing on my phone, sending Himeno‑nee a message.
And not even a few seconds later, a notification popped up.
"Yay!"
I raised my hands as I checked my phone.
Room 705.
Cool!
…Where is that?
I stood up and went back to the receptionist.
"I got the room number now! Room 705."
I said with a smile as I presented my phone with Himeno‑nee's message.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow.
"That is…"
She looked me up and down.
"Who are you to this person?"
My eyes widened.
"She's my mother's friend, my aunt!"
I lied as naturally as breathing. If Himeno‑nee heard me call her an auntie… I fear what she'd do to me!
The receptionist's eyes narrowed and I gulped.
"Okay fine, the room 705 is at the fourth floor. If you take the elevator it should be at the right, then go left."
The receptionist pointed at the elevator.
I nodded and complied, making my way toward it.
My feet started to move faster as I stopped in front of the elevator.
I inhaled and exhaled, then pressed the button. Luckily the elevator was already on its way down. Talk about coincidence!
As the door opened, people walked out. I shrugged and walked inside once the elevator was empty.
As the elevator doors closed, a young woman with long purple hair looked back toward where the black‑haired woman had come from.
"Is something wrong?"
Another young woman with blonde hair asked.
"No, it's nothing. I thought for a second there I sensed youma energy…"
The purple‑haired woman muttered.
"Eh, it's probably nothing! Plus we're idols, not fighters. Let Y.I.E.D handle it."
The blonde woman laughed.
But the purple‑haired woman couldn't help but feel like she could've done something. Still, her friend was right. She could only ignore that feeling for now.
,,,,,,,
As the elevator opened, I stepped out.
"I should turn to my right."
I muttered as I turned and looked at the hallway, beginning to walk. The building is air‑conditioned all the way through, it seems. The walls are light brown, and I could totally tell that the carpet I'm walking on must be cleaned every day.
Then, as I reached the corner of the hallway, there were two directions: left and right. Of course I chose left—that's what the receptionist said. I looked at the room numbers as I walked.
Room 698
Room 700
Room 705
"There it is!"
I clapped my hands, my face turning bright.
I looked left and right, then proceeded to tidy up my hair for some stubborn strands. I also straightened my dress.
I gulped as I stared at Himeno‑nee's door.
So this is it, huh?
I gathered my courage and knocked.
Knock knock
…No answer.
"Maybe I should knock more?"
Knock knock knock
"Wait a minute—"
a hoarse voice said from the other side.
"Himeno‑nee? I wonder what's wrong…"
I muttered to myself—then I heard some kind of commotion inside, like things being moved around.
The door knob started to twist… and then the door opened.
My eyes widened and I smiled.
"Himeno‑nee! W‑woah!"
I greeted her cheerfully, but she fell onto me. I was caught off guard and nearly dropped her.
"I‑I'm sorry… I'm a little sick cough…"
I hugged Himeno‑nee tightly, the smile on my face disappearing and turning into pure concern.
Oh no, oh no, why today???
I looked at the woman in my arms with sad eyes.
I placed a hand on her forehead and my eyes widened.
"Himeno‑nee, you're burning hot!"
I said, panicked.
"It's fine, it's just a fever… hehe…"
Her lips shivered as she spoke.
"Oh dear, let's get you to your room."
My heart raced as I closed the door behind us. Jesus, Himeno‑nee… if you were sick you could've told me!
Without hesitation, I dragged her gently to her room and laid her down on the bed.
"Stay here for a second, let me cook you something."
I looked at her, biting my lip.
"Why is she alone? I thought she'd have a husband or something… not even a friend nearby?"
I thought to myself in frustration. But on the other hand… maybe… I'm all she has.
I clutched my chest.
"She's human too… I'm all she can rely on."
I told myself as I headed toward her kitchen. Looking at it now, Himeno‑nee's apartment is quite big, kind of similar to my dorm room.
My eyes wandered the kitchen, taking in how everything was arranged—shelves on top with wine glasses hanging underneath, a marble counter, utensils placed neatly under the counter, knives in a sleek rack.
And of course! I looked to my left.
"That's one big fridge!"
I placed both hands on my head, shocked.
I leaned in closer—HOLY SHIT IT HAS A SCREEN. THERE'S A SMALL SCREEN.
What's it even for?!
I straightened up and coughed, changing my demeanor.
"Himeno‑nee's taste is quite good, as expected of her!"
I closed my eyes and nodded.
But I knew I shouldn't waste time!
I opened the fridge, brought out some ingredients, and managed to make chicken soup.
It took me 20 minutes, though.
Placing some into a clean white bowl, I went to Himeno‑nee's room with the soup.
"Himeno‑nee, I brought some soup."
I said softly, gently.
Himeno‑nee, curled up in a ball, sat up with half‑lidded eyes. I couldn't help but feel saddened seeing her like this.
"Is that for me? cough Thank you… I'm sorry you have to see me like this…"
She placed a hand on my cheek and looked at me with gentle eyes.
"It's alright, Himeno‑nee… it's the least I can do."
I smiled a little, averting my gaze.
Right now, Himeno‑nee looks disheveled, but she's wearing her pajamas… I sometimes don't know where to look!
Himeno‑nee looked at me and let out a small laugh.
"You're really cute… cough …Shizuka…"
She reached out to grab the bowl.
"A‑ah! Let me feed you, Himeno‑nee!"
I laughed nervously.
"H‑hueh?"
She looked at me with a slight blush.
"I‑If you insist…"
She averted her eyes…
"M‑Mouuu! Don't do thattt, it makes my heart skip a beat…"
I thought, frustrated. Himeno‑nee's sick state is dangerous! Dangerous, I say!
I pressed my lips together, scooped some soup with a spoon, and held it up.
"Say ahhh."
I moved the spoon toward her mouth.
She looked at me, then at the spoon—deep in thought—before opening her mouth and closing her eyes.
"Ahnnn~"
Her eyes fluttered open as she tasted the soup.
"This is delicious, Shizuka."
Himeno‑nee smiled warmly.
"Hehe, thank you."
I smiled back, slightly blushing.
"Ah, can you tell me where you keep your medicine?"
I asked as I stood up. Looking around again, her room is pretty girly. Stuffed toys beside her bed, cute keychains near the mirror on her desk…
"The medicine is at the shelf near the mirror."
I jolted, looked behind me, then back at her, and walked to the desk.
On top—besides the keychains—there's a small mirror, some watches, necklaces, and a transparent container full of medicine.
Over‑the‑counter stuff. Not concerning. Convenient, actually. But then again, I don't know much about Himeno‑nee's personal life.
I opened the container, picked out fever and cold meds, and gave them to her.
I stepped out to grab a glass, filled it with warm water, and returned.
"Here's some warm water."
I said gently, closing the door behind me as I approached her.
"Thank you, Shizu… you've been quite a dear… cough…"
She smiled weakly as she took the medicine.
"What happened, Himeno‑nee? Did something happen? Why'd you get sick?"
I placed a hand on her forehead again, concern taking over.
She lay back down.
"Oh, it's nothing… cough I really just got sick today. It's no big deal."
She looked at me with half‑lidded eyes.
"Really?"
I asked, hoping it wasn't something deeper.
She let out a small laugh.
"I'm really… alright, Shizuka. Just a bad fever. I swear."
She gave me a small reassuring smile.
My worries began to fade. I didn't need to press further, so I smiled back.
"I still can't believe you live in such a cool apartment though."
I looked around, low‑key jealous.
"Hehe… really? It's compensation I got… when I retired…"
She looked at the ceiling, her eyes softening, as if recalling something distant.
"Compensation?"
I asked.
She nodded.
"Mhm… compensation… cough …do you remember what I said during my announcement?"
My eyes drifted to the ceiling, replaying her words…
「I plan to return to studying. Before I became a magical girl, I dreamed of being a vet, you see.」
My eyes widened.
"You planned to study and become a vet!"
My black eyes shimmered, reflecting her tired face.
"Yeah… but that dream didn't happen. Instead, I went for a short course and got hired as human resources."
The light in my eyes dulled.
"I see… so in the end, you never achieved your dream…"
I said quietly, bitterly.
"That's true. That's why I… as much as I should… didn't bother changing your mind. Joining the youma faction."
Himeno‑nee looked at me with nothing but pure love.
"I believe that maybe you can change the system that I couldn't."
Water began forming in her eyes.
"I'm sorry I'm such a bad example… I'm not as strong as you might think…"
Tears spilled down her face between coughs.
"I'm just as scared as any other girl… but I didn't want to show it. I was scared of letting anyone see me as weak…"
Her voice trembled as she cried even more.
"I just feel so empty… so alone.
Even though I saved a lot of people… nobody ever came up to me… to ask if I was alright too.
Even my teammates think I'm okay because I'm the cheerful one… but I'm not…"
Meanwhile, I didn't feel any contempt, anger, or frustration toward her.
My hands curled into fists as I looked down. I couldn't bear seeing my idol not only sick… but crying in front of me.
"You're not setting a bad example at all, Himeno‑nee."
I said firmly.
Her eyes widened.
"You aren't weak. You aren't a coward. You're the bravest and most lovable person I know."
I wrapped my arms around her tightly.
"Shizuka… you…"
She looked at me, tears flowing freely.
"So please don't cry anymore. You're sick… and you can rely on me too."
I said with a comforting smile.
"Thank you."
Himeno-nee said as she hugged me tightly.
"I'm sorry… for not visiting you when I know you're hurting from my retirement… I just didn't know how I should approach you."
Himeno-nee confessed further, and I could only hug her even tighter.
"It's okay, Himeno-nee. I never hated you for anything."
I whispered into her ear.
"I'm sorry that I lied… about being the leader."
She sniffled, hiding her face against my shoulder.
"To me, you're the leader of the magical girls, Himeno-nee."
I smiled.
I had always thought Himeno-nee was the coolest and kindest. I thought I wanted her to stay that perfect, untouchable magical girl…
But maybe… this vulnerable side of her, the side only I get to see, isn't so bad after all.
I couldn't help but look at her disheveled pink hair and gently caress it.
"You've saved my life, and you mean so much more to me than you realize, Himeno-nee."
I whispered. But as I stroked her hair again, I noticed she had stopped crying. I peeked gently and… the girl had drooled on me.
"Pfft… she fell asleep."
Himeno-nee was still quite hot, so I carefully laid her on her bed and pulled a blanket over her.
I looked outside; the afternoon sun painted the sky in warm hues.
I yawned as I sat on the floor, observing Himeno-nee's face. Her fever still seemed to linger, but her expression had softened—like a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
"Were you keeping all that to yourself, Himeno-nee?"
I whispered, resting my head against my folded arms at the edge of the bed.
"Don't worry… no matter what you do, I won't hate you."
I smiled as sleep slowly claimed me too.
…
..
.
It was already dark. Himeno-nee sat up, feeling her fever finally subside. She grabbed her phone, turned on the flashlight, and saw Shizuka sleeping at the edge of her bed.
Himeno-nee smiled warmly.
"Thank you, my sweet girl."
She whispered softly, gently pulling Shizuka fully onto her bed, wrapping her in a tender embrace.