Chapter 221: Spirit · Tokisaki Kurumi
Chapter 221: Spirit · Tokisaki Kurumi! Kasumigaoka’s Bath Towel!
In a certain alleyway, a girl and a few delinquents were present. The girl wore a red and black Gothic Lolita dress, a matching headband, and her hair in twin tails. She had heterochromatic eyes—her right eye was a captivating wine red, and her left was a solemn gold.
Tokisaki Kurumi held a pistol to her cheek, her face flushed with excitement. The burly delinquents around her were sinking, enveloped by a strange, black, shadow-like substance.
"Ah, ah, ah!" they screamed in terror. "Let me go! Monster!"
Unfortunately, no one came to save them. One by one, they could only watch themselves be consumed. After everything fell silent, the alleyway was empty.
Tokisaki Kurumi revealed a satisfied smile. "Ate some more time."
Her attention then returned to the Chat Group, and her eyes flashed when she saw Ren’s message.
Tokisaki Kurumi: "Ren, you seem to know a lot about Spirits. Are you from the same world as me?"
This question also concerned Ch’en.
Ch’en: "I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned my identity as a senior police superintendent here, Ren. How did you know? Did Exusiai tell you?"
Exusiai: "Don’t slander me, I didn’t say anything!"
Ren: "We are not from the same world. Don’t ask me like that; I’m not some fortune teller or psychic. I can only say that due to certain reasons, I have a basic understanding of some things about Otherworlds."
Momonga: "To summarize in simple terms: Those who know, know. Don’t ask, because if you do, I don’t know!"
Ren: "Precise."
Tokisaki Kurumi: "..."
Ch’en: "..."
Ren was still trying to find out about their world’s doomsday. Just then, the sound of a bathroom door opening brought him back to reality. He turned to look.
Kasumigaoka Utaha walked out, not in new clothes, but wrapped in a soft bath towel. Her arms were crossed over her chest, and her cheeks were crimson. The towel covered her from her chest to above her knees, highlighting her perfect curves.
Her exposed shoulders were as white as snow, and her wet hair, draped over them, sparkled with crystal-clear droplets. Her hair was soft and lustrous. Water droplets lingered on her forehead before sliding down her cheeks, leaving glistening marks. Her eyebrows were long and elegant, her nose was delicate, and her red lips were moist.
Ren didn’t stare. After a polite glance, he asked, "You’re just wearing that?" Ignoring the low temperature, he was a healthy adult male right in front of her.
Kasumigaoka’s face was flushed with a mixture of shyness and embarrassment. "Uh... I was too rushed and forgot to grab clothes." She had indeed rushed into the bedroom in a hurry.
"Oh." Ren nodded, understanding the situation. He stood up. "You’ve finished your bath. I should go, too."
"Now?" Kasumigaoka Utaha paused for a moment before asking nervously, "Those two monsters..."
Ren waved his hand. "We can talk about the monsters later when I have time. I have something else to do now."
"What is it?" Kasumigaoka Utaha asked subconsciously. After speaking, she realized it was inappropriate to be so concerned about someone else’s private matters. Just as she was about to apologize, Ren pointed toward the main door.
"My girlfriend lives across from your house. She’s waiting for me." With that, he opened the door and left, closing it behind him.
Kasumigaoka Utaha stood bewildered. The one living across from her was Benio, wasn’t it? So Benio really was his girlfriend! It was already so late, and he was still going to his girlfriend’s house. Although she had no experience, she wasn’t naive. Wasn’t this typically leading to... that kind of thing?!
For a moment, Kasumigaoka Utaha couldn’t describe her feelings. She moved to sit on the sofa where Ren had just been sitting. His body heat still lingered.
Her mind couldn’t help but recall her memories of Unheard Flower Name. Then, she unconsciously thought of the mysterious Ren who had shattered her worldview not long ago. Thinking about what might happen between Ren and Benio, a faint sense of vexation clogged her heart. She couldn’t understand why she felt this way.
Ren did not knock on Benio’s door; he entered directly via spatial transfer. The living room was empty, so she must be in the bedroom. He walked to the bedroom, and finding the door ajar, he gently opened it and said, "Benio, I’m here."
"Eh! Ren-kun?" Adashino Benio stood up from the bed in surprise. "Have you showered?" To Ren’s surprise, Benio, like Kasumigaoka Utaha, was only wrapped in a bath towel.
"Mm." Benio, her face flushed, lowered her head and softly hummed. Her legs involuntarily pressed together, making her seem a little reserved. Her breathing became rapid, expressing her inner anxiety.
"Ren... Ren-kun, do you need to shower?" Her voice was low and shy, as melodious as a flowing stream.
Ren’s lips curved into a smile. He casually closed the door, gently picked up Adashino Benio, and returned to the bed, softly saying, "I don’t need to. Will Benio dislike me?"
Through various abilities, his body’s regulation was flawless.
"Ugh! No!" A faint blush spread across Adashino Benio’s face. Her eyes sparkled with shyness; she dared not meet Ren’s gaze. Instead, she lowered her head and gently bit her lip.
Her cheeks trembled slightly from nervousness. Her fingers were tightly clasped together, knuckles white, revealing her tension and unease. Her legs pressed together, and her body curled slightly. She wanted to escape this embarrassing scene, yet she also secretly anticipated it. Her breathing became rapid, and her chest rose and fell erratically.
Seeing her so nervous, Ren simply gave her a warm embrace. He lightly inhaled the fresh scent emanating from her soft, long hair. Her neck appeared even more slender, like a soft willow branch. He couldn’t resist gently caressing it.
Benio’s lips were slightly parted, and her gaze sometimes darted away, sometimes secretly peeked at Ren, like a shy fawn. Ren gently caressed her cheek and softly asked, "Benio, are you sure?"
Benio’s shy eyes gathered courage to meet Ren’s gaze, and she nodded heavily. "Mm!"