Chapter 264: Date A Live
"Brainwashing?"
After understanding what that term meant, Origami Tobiichi huffily pinched Yoshinon's small cheek.
"You're not allowed to say that about Lin. He just helped me recover the part of my childhood memories that had been sealed away. Lin and I grew up together—we're childhood sweethearts.
I know him extremely well, and our relationship has always been very close. Kotori can prove that too.
But judging from Kotori's reaction just now, her memories must have been sealed as well."
After hearing Origami Tobiichi's explanation, Yoshinon's expression instantly returned to calm. She nodded with sudden understanding.
"Tohka, you heard that too. She's been very close with Franklin since childhood. If you don't put in some effort, it'll be really hard for you to secure a place in Franklin's heart."
Hearing Yoshinon deliberately stirring up conflict, Origami felt completely helpless.
"Tohka, that's not what I meant. Don't overthink it…"
At this point, Tohka couldn't listen anymore. She looked at Origami, then at Yoshinon, and a faint spiritual aura instantly began to radiate from her body.
Inside the Ferris wheel, Kotori pressed Franklin directly down into the seat and glared fiercely at him.
"What did you do to Origami Tobiichi? Why did she become like this? And why does she seem so familiar with me?"
Facing Kotori's look as if she were staring at a pervert, Franklin felt utterly helpless.
"I just helped her recover the memories that were sealed before. You're the same—you also have part of your memories sealed away. Once I help you restore them, you'll understand why."
Seeing Franklin's hand reaching toward her forehead, Kotori immediately slapped it away.
"I don't believe you. This is obviously brainwashing. You've completely turned Origami Tobiichi into a different person…"
Franklin was speechless. If Origami Tobiichi had suddenly become like this before her memories were recovered, even he would have believed he had brainwashed her.
But now that he understood everything, he only felt incredibly wronged.
"You're really putting me in a difficult spot. Do you seriously think I'd be twisted enough to brainwash my own little sister too?"
Seeing Franklin's helpless expression, Kotori didn't know what choice to make for a moment.
"Part of my memory really is sealed? Then why don't I feel anything wrong at all?"
"Origami didn't feel it either. I didn't feel it either. I only just recovered my own memories, and there are still a lot of blank spots.
For example, in my memories, I should have already seen the appearance of the Origin Spirit, Mio Takamiya. But in my recollections, she's been directly blurred out—I can't make out her appearance at all."
Hearing Franklin say this, Kotori finally suppressed some of the wariness in her heart.
"I trust you a lot, big brother, but when it comes to memories, it's really hard for me to make up my mind. I hope you won't let me down."
Watching Kotori close her eyes, Franklin let out a light breath and placed one hand on her forehead. The sealed memories were immediately released by him.
Vague memories from childhood rapidly became clear, and Kotori's expression subtly changed as well.
She looked at Franklin with a strange expression. "So, big brother… you actually knew from the very beginning that I would become a Spirit, didn't you?"
Franklin awkwardly scratched his head. "Sorry. According to the normal course of events, that's true. I could have stopped it, but if I did, the Flame Spirit would have become some other unfamiliar girl.
Dealing with that would have been extremely troublesome and complicated…"
Kotori waved her hand helplessly. "Whatever. If I hadn't become a Spirit, I probably wouldn't have been able to like you, big brother.
My life right now is really good. As for the future, I'll be in your care, big brother.
And the other girls who became Spirits will also have to trouble you to save them one by one."
Just as Franklin was about to reminisce more about their childhood, a familiar surge of spiritual power suddenly pulled him back into reality.
Looking at Tohka below the Ferris wheel, surrounded by surging purple flames, Franklin expanded his domain to cover everyone. In the next instant, they were all teleported to an uninhabited mountaintop.
"So what exactly happened? Why did Tohka's spiritual power go berserk again?"
Hearing Franklin's question, Yoshinon whistled lightly and turned her face away, while Yoshino lowered her head with a flushed face, repeatedly apologizing under her breath.
"I'm sorry, Lin. I mentioned that I'm your childhood sweetheart, and that's why Tohka became like this."
After learning the cause, Franklin let out a sigh of relief. At least it was still within a controllable range.
He flashed to Tohka's side, directly grabbing both of her hands and meeting her gaze.
"Lin… I'm sorry… I didn't want this to happen, but I can't control my emotions.
Whenever I think about you leaving me, I can't help but feel anxious, and my spiritual power goes out of control…"
Franklin smiled and shook his head. "It's okay. Feeling like this is completely normal.
Wasn't Origami the same at first? That was also why you two were upset with each other in the beginning, right?
Now that she's recovered her past memories and knows that I like her, that I won't abandon her, she's become more positive and optimistic.
We've known each other for a very short time. It's perfectly normal for you to feel uneasy, Tohka. Don't blame yourself.
I won't scold you over something like this. In the future, please stay by my side. Let time wash away all of this insecurity."
Hearing Franklin's words, Tohka's emotions quickly calmed down, and the overflowing spiritual energy gradually dissipated.
Knowing the timing was right, Franklin gently kissed Tohka. The two of them held each other tightly, the soft sensation against his chest constantly stimulating him.
After several kisses, Tohka found the rhythm as well, and their breathing grew increasingly heavy.
It wasn't until Yoshinon coughed lightly within Franklin's consciousness that he snapped back to his senses and slowly released Tohka.
"I like you, Lin. I'll always stay by your side in the future."
Looking into Tohka's resolute eyes, Franklin smiled and nodded. "Thank you. I'll definitely always like you too, Tohka."
A peaceful life was the best harbor for love. With the groundwork laid on the first day, over the next three days Franklin went on successful dates every single day.
He took Tohka, Yoshinon, and Yoshino around to familiarize them with all kinds of entertainment venues in Tengu City, while the relationship between Tohka and Origami gradually eased as well.
"The school side has already been arranged, right? And Yoshino and Yoshinon's safety can be guaranteed?"
Kotori nodded seriously. "Don't worry. I can handle these basic things properly.
What I'm more concerned about is your side. Didn't you say your deal with Kurumi had already started? Why has there been no movement at all?
Ratataskr still hasn't received any information about the other Spirits. Kurumi is a Spirit herself, and her clones are spread everywhere—she should have plenty of information.
Hurry up and ask her. You also need to start acting on the other Spirits as soon as possible.
I've received word that DEM has already noticed the abnormalities in Tengu City and has sent reinforcements to support the AST anti-Spirit unit."