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Tainted Hearts
Chapter 137: Three Days in Tokyo (Part 1)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/59749615/chapters/228877966
Author's Note:
So, uh... this chapter ended up being way too long for Tumblr, and it won't let me upload the whole thing here.
If you're reading this on Tumblr and would like to continue, I've included the AO3 link. You can read the full chapter there instead.
Sorry for the inconvenience, and thank you for understanding! I really appreciate it.
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An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Title: In search of the lost baby
Ship: Yoshiko x Riko (Love Live Sunshine)
Summary: This isn’t the first time Yoshiko has a mini heart attack, but this time she’s sure she’s about to die. The blue haired gamer swears she just left her daughter alone for less than a minute, but once she returns to the nursery room, she finds Reiko is nowhere to be found in her cradle, starting like that a race against time to find her.
Words: 2k
Sneak peek:
“After several tries and having only managed to choke on air, Yoshiko finally manages to, little by little, feel the air filling her lungs and allowing her to breathe evenly once again while her battered heart cooperates in calming down too.
- C-calm down. I’m sure Reiko is just playing hide and seek somewhere around the room. Yep, that’s it. It has to be that.
She tells herself trying to reason her daughter’s absence, trying to calm herself while being optimistic.
After all, how far can a baby that barely knows how to crawl and even less walk or run be gone in less than a minute?
Yet the more she searches for the baby, for her own daughter, the more fruitless seems to be her search proving that a baby can indeed go very far in less than a minute.
- I’m so screwed.
The blue haired young woman whines, the happy smile adorning her features until the package arrived minutes ago harshly wiped away and being replaced by a look of pure anxiety as she inspects the cradle once again in the hope of finding her little girl very well hidden inside it.”
Tainted Hearts
Chapter 136: Walking to School
https://archiveofourown.org/works/59749615/chapters/221425501
Another week had passed.
Morning light filtered softly through the windows of Riko’s small apartment in Tokyo. The quiet hum of the city beginning its day lingered faintly in the background.
Riko stood near her small dining table, fixing her hair and adjusting her uniform as she got ready for school. Her phone was propped up neatly in front of her, and on the screen was Yoshiko.
They had been on a video call since earlier that morning, as usual. It had become a small routine between them, talking from the moment they woke up until it was time to head out.
On the other side, Yoshiko was also getting ready, adjusting her lab coat before finally picking up her phone and dropping onto her couch.
“Oh, right, Riri,” Yoshiko said, holding the phone closer to her face. “Do you want me to ask my mom if she’s free next month for your concert? Or do you want to ask her yourself?”
Riko paused for a moment, thinking as she looked at the screen.
“…I think I’ll ask her myself,” she said. “I’ll try calling her later after my part-time job.”
Yoshiko nodded.
“Yeah, that sounds better,” she said. “It’ll mean more if it comes from you.”
Then she tilted her head slightly.
“You’ve already told your mom, right?”
Riko nodded.
“Yup. She said she’ll come.”
Yoshiko smiled.
“Of course she will,” she said. “She’s your mom.”
Riko let out a small chuckle.
“I bet my mom’s going to be excited to finally hear you play,” Yoshiko added.
Riko smiled faintly, but there was a hint of nervousness in it.
“…Hearing that just makes me more nervous.”
Yoshiko raised a brow.
“Hey, stop that,” she said lightly. “You’ll do great, I know it.”
Then she smirked.
“Besides, it’s still far away. You can be nervous later.”
Riko laughed softly.
“Maybe…”
She glanced at the time, then reached for her bag.
“Anyway, Yocchan, I’m heading out now. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Yeah, same here,” Yoshiko replied. Then, without hesitation,
“Bye. I love you.”
She made a small kiss sound.
Riko giggled.
“I love you too. Bye.”
She returned the gesture softly,
And with that, the call ended.
The room fell quiet.
Riko took a small breath, then turned, heading toward the door. After slipping on her shoes, she stepped out and locked it behind her,
Just as the door next to hers opened.
Ren stepped out, dressed in his school uniform with his bag slung over his shoulder.
He closed the door, then noticed her.
Riko smiled warmly.
“Good morning, Ren-kun.”
Ren paused for a second, clearly caught off guard.
“…Morning,” he mumbled, his cheeks slightly red before he quickly turned and started walking.
Riko watched him for a moment, amused.
“Still grumpy as ever…”
She walked a little faster to catch up, stepping beside him.
“Hey,” she said cheerfully, “since we’re both heading out anyway… want to walk together?”
Ren didn’t look at her.
“We go to different schools,” he said flatly.
“I know,” Riko replied with a small laugh. “But they’re along the same route, right? Your school comes first.”
She glanced at him, smiling gently.
“I’ve kind of wanted to walk together for a while… you know, to get to know you better. Is that okay?”
Ren finally glanced at her.
He quickly looked away again, ears slightly red.
“…Yeah, whatever.”
Riko brightened immediately.
“Yay! Thank you, Ren-kun.”
“Whatever,” he repeated, though there was a faint hint of satisfaction in his tone.
Together, they headed to the elevator.
The ride down was quiet.
Riko tried to start a few conversations, but Ren only gave short, shy replies, avoiding eye contact most of the time.
Still, he didn’t leave.
When they stepped out of the building and onto the street, they continued walking side by side.
After a few moments, Riko spoke again.
“We’ve been neighbors for a while now,” she said, glancing at him, “but we haven’t really talked much.”
She smiled.
“Other than when we found you that time… and when we went to your play.”
Ren stayed silent.
“So,” she continued gently, “can you tell me more about yourself? I’ll tell you about me too.”
“…Not interested,” Ren muttered.
Riko pouted slightly.
“Come on, please?”
Ren let out a small sigh.
“…Whatever. I’ll answer if I want to.”
Riko smiled brightly.
“Great!”
She thought for a moment.
“Okay… are you an only child?”
“…Yeah.”
“Me too,” Riko said. “We’re the same then.”
There was a small pause before she continued.
“What about hobbies?”
Ren shrugged slightly.
“I don’t know… reading comic books, I guess.”
Riko’s eyes lit up a bit.
“You know, I have a similar hobby too.”
That made Ren glance at her.
“You read comic books too?”
Riko froze for a split second.
“…Well,” she said, laughing awkwardly, “not exactly comic books… just something people my age read…”
Ren raised a brow, a bit curious now.
“Like what?”
Riko immediately shook her head, flustered.
“You know what—let’s skip that one for now.”
Ren stared at her for a second, then just shrugged and looked ahead again.
“…Weird.”
Riko let out a small, embarrassed laugh as they continued walking together.
Riko glanced at Ren with a gentle smile.
“So… do you have a favorite food?” she asked. “I can cook, you know. Maybe I can make something for you sometime.”
Ren blinked, slightly caught off guard.
“…Karaage,” he muttered, a faint blush creeping onto his face. “But I don’t need your cooking.”
He looked away, crossing his arms.
“It won’t be better than Grandma’s. No one can beat hers.”
Riko giggled softly.
“Of course I can’t replace Haruko-san’s cooking,” she said warmly. “But… you really love her, huh?”
Ren immediately reacted.
“I don’t,” he said quickly, his face turning red as he frowned.
Riko only smiled, amused.
“Mm-hmm.”
She tapped her chin lightly, thinking.
“Hm… what else should I ask…”
Then suddenly,
“Oh! Do you have any crushes?”
Ren froze.
“…What kind of question is that?” he said, clearly flustered as he looked away.
Riko giggled.
“That reaction says you do~”
“What!? N-No, I don’t!” Ren shot back, his voice a bit louder now.
“You do~,” Riko teased.
“I don’t!”
Riko laughed.
“Okay, okay, sorry,” she said, raising her hands slightly. “You don’t.”
Then she added playfully,
“…Is it someone in your class?”
“None of your business,” Ren muttered, still blushing.
Riko smiled.
“You didn’t deny it.”
Ren blinked.
“Wha—”
“Got you,” Riko said, lightly poking his cheek.
Ren immediately looked away, his face even redder now.
Riko laughed softly.
But after a moment, she noticed something.
Ren glanced up at her while she was laughing… and for just a second,
He smiled.
It was small.
Barely there.
But real.
They kept walking.
Riko continued asking questions here and there, while Ren answered in short, simple replies.
“Do you play any instruments?” she asked.
“No.”
“I play the piano,” Riko said.
“I know,” Ren replied. “Grandma told me.”
“Oh? She did?” Riko smiled. “Are you interested in learning something? I could teach you piano if you want.”
Ren shook his head slightly.
“…Maybe guitar. Guitars are cool.”
Riko giggled.
“They are.”
Then she added,
“You know, Yoccha—I mean, Yoshiko, she can play guitar too. She played electric guitar for a school performance once.”
Her eyes softened slightly.
“She looked really cool.”
Ren glanced at her.
“…That’s the person you’re always with, right? The teacher?”
Riko nodded with a smile.
“Yup. That’s her.”
There was a small pause before Ren spoke again.
“…Are you two dating?”
Riko didn’t hesitate.
“Yeah.”
For just a brief moment, Ren’s expression faltered.
Something quiet and fleeting passed through his eyes.
But just as quickly, he looked away again, returning to his usual grumpy expression.
Riko didn’t push it.
Instead, she smiled gently.
“If you want,” she said, “I can ask her to teach you some basic guitar.”
Ren hesitated.
“…I don’t know. She kind of scares me.”
Riko laughed softly.
“She just looks like that,” she said. “She’s actually really kind and gentle.”
She tilted her head slightly.
“I think you two would get along.”
Ren looked unsure.
“…You sure?”
Riko nodded.
“Very.”
Ren thought for a moment.
“…Then… okay.”
Riko’s smile brightened.
“Great! I’ll tell her later.”
After a short pause, Riko tilted her head again, curious.
“You know… I noticed something.”
Ren glanced at her.
“When Yoshiko tells you to do something, you actually listen,” she said. “Why is that?”
Ren scratched his cheek slightly.
“Well… like I said, she’s scary,” he muttered. “The first time we met, she was scolding me.”
Riko laughed.
“Oh, right…”
Ren looked ahead as he added quietly,
“…And… she’s cool.”
Riko blinked.
“If I follow her… maybe I can be cool like her too.”
He looked away, clearly embarrassed.
Riko’s expression softened immediately.
“You already are cool, you know,” she said warmly.
Ren froze, then turned away even more.
“Shut up.”
Riko giggled.
Without realizing it, they had arrived.
Ren’s school stood right in front of them.
“Oh,” Riko said, looking up. “Looks like we’re here.”
She smiled at him.
“It was nice walking with you, Ren-kun. I got to know more about you today.”
“…Yeah. Whatever,” Ren replied.
But before they could say anything more,
“Ren!”
A group of kids approached, eyes immediately landing on Riko.
“Who’s that?” one of them asked.
“Is that your big sister?” another said.
“…Your girlfriend?” someone added.
Ren’s face exploded red.
“She’s not!” he snapped, crossing his arms.
Another kid leaned closer.
“Wait… isn’t she the pretty friend who came to your play?”
“Oh yeah! That’s her!”
“She still looks really pretty!”
“Hello, Ren’s pretty friend!”
Riko blinked, flustered, before smiling shyly and waving.
“Hello…”
More kids started gathering.
“I wonder where Ren’s cool friend is?” one of them added.
Ren quickly stepped in, clearly overwhelmed.
“Hey, stop crowding her,” he said. “She has to go.”
Then he turned to Riko, trying to shoo her away.
“Come on, go already. Before more of them show up.”
Riko laughed softly.
“Okay, okay.”
She waved.
“See you, Ren-kun. Bye, everyone.”
“Bye, Ren’s pretty friend!” the kids chimed.
Riko waved one last time before continuing down the road toward her own school.
And the moment she was out of sight, Ren was immediately surrounded.
Questions flew at him from every direction.
“Who is she really!?”
“Are you sure she’s not your girlfriend!?”
“How do you know her!?”
Ren groaned, trying to brush them off, but despite his complaints…
There was a faint, hidden pride in his expression.
One he tried very hard not to show.
------------------
Back in Numazu, lunch time once again found Yoshiko seated in Mari’s office, along with Mari, Kanan, and Dia.
The atmosphere was as lively as ever.
As they ate, Mari suddenly spoke up.
“Oh, just to remind you three,” she said casually, “the yearly three-day teachers’ conference starts next week.”
Kanan nodded.
“Already that time again, huh…”
Mari continued,
“As always, it’s in Tokyo. So make sure you prepare your clothes and everything you’ll need.”
She glanced at Yoshiko.
“And the science teachers go first… so that’s you, Yoshiko.”
Yoshiko barely reacted.
“Yeah, yeah,” she said. “It’s the same as always, right? Nothing new.”
Mari smiled.
“Actually… this time, I didn’t book you a hotel room.”
Yoshiko froze mid-bite.
“…What?”
She slowly looked at Mari.
“What do you mean you didn’t book me a room?” she said. “Where am I supposed to stay? Are you sabotaging me now?”
Mari stared at her.
“…Oh, she’s not just dense. She’s clueless.”
Kanan let out a small laugh, while Dia covered her mouth, trying to hold hers in.
“Yoshiko,” Dia said, regaining her composure, “please think about it for a moment.”
Yoshiko frowned.
“What?”
“Why would Mari not book you a room?”
“I don’t know,” Yoshiko said. “Because she’s crazy?”
Dia paused.
“…Well, you’re not entirely wrong about that,” she admitted. “But there is a proper reason.”
Yoshiko crossed her arms.
“…And that is?”
Dia took a breath.
“Where is the conference?”
“…Tokyo.”
“And what is in Tokyo?”
“The conference?”
Dia froze.
For a solid second, she just stared at Yoshiko.
Then blinked slowly.
“…I will simply accept that you are clueless,” she said calmly. “I will not judge you further.”
Yoshiko tilted her head.
“…Okay?”
Kanan laughed.
“Wow… this is actually impressive. You really don’t get it.”
Mari was already holding back laughter.
“This is too funny.”
Kanan tried to help.
“Okay, Yoshiko… you go to Tokyo a lot, right?”
“…Yeah?”
“Why?”
“…For the conference?”
Kanan hesitated.
“I mean—yes—but—”
Mari finally cut in, unable to take it anymore.
“Oh my gosh, Yoshiko,” she said, laughing. “Why are you being like this right now?”
She leaned forward.
“Tokyo is where your girlfriend lives, isn’t it?”
Yoshiko blinked.
“…Oh.”
Then she chuckled.
“Ahh… yeah. I forgot.”
Mari stared at her.
“…How do you forget that?”
She pointed at her.
“Did you just forget your girlfriend exists?”
“What? No,” Yoshiko said quickly. “It’s just… I’m there so often that it doesn’t even feel like ‘Tokyo’ anymore.”
She shrugged.
“It just feels normal.”
Mari sighed.
“…We’ll accept that explanation.”
Kanan nodded.
“Yeah… it kind of makes sense.”
Yoshiko pointed at her.
“See? Thank you, Kanan.”
Mari waved her hand.
“Yeah, yeah. Anyway, now do you understand why I didn’t book you a room?”
Yoshiko thought for a second.
“…Because you forgot and now I have to book it myself?”
“…What? No.”
Dia let out a small laugh.
“Though that does sound like something she would do.”
Kanan laughed too.
Mari pouted.
“Hey!”
Then she sighed dramatically.
“Okay, Yoshiko. Here’s a hint, it has something to do with Riko.”
“…Riri?”
Yoshiko thought again.
“…So… Riri’s going to book the hotel for me?”
Kanan burst out laughing.
“This is too good.”
Mari covered her face.
“No! Oh my gosh, Yoshiko…”
She leaned forward again, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
“Oh, my clueless, clueless Yoshiko. I didn't give you a room because you'll want to stay with Riko during those three days, right? I mean, you haven’t practically been with her every during weekday as it is. That's new for you, isn't it?”
Yoshiko's eyes widened slightly.
“Oh, right! That completely slipped my mind. And you're right, we haven't… I guess Riri and I won't have much time together since she has school and I have the conference.”
Kanan shook her head, a small smile on her face.
“I don't know about that. I think you two will find a way to bond a bit.”
Mari's grin turned mischievous.
“Like maybe a quickie before school?” she teased, her voice dripping with innuendo.
Dia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“Mari, your mouth knows no shame.”
Mari winked.
“True that.”
Yoshiko tilted her head, genuinely confused.
“A quickie?”
“You know,” Mari said, leaning in conspiratorially, “a quick finger exercise to release some bad energy. Get Riko all energized for her day.”
Kanan snorted.
“That's actually a pretty good way of putting it.”
Dia just shook her head, looking mortified.
Yoshiko frowned.
“But wouldn't exercising before school just drain you? And what kind of finger exercise are we talking about?”
Kanan burst out laughing at Yoshiko's complete obliviousness.
“What? What did I say?”
Yoshiko asked, looking between them.
Mari sighed dramatically, placing a hand on Yoshiko's shoulder.
“Oh, sweet, innocent Yoshiko. We're talking about sex, honey. A quickie is a quick sex session.”
“Mari!”
Dia exclaimed, her cheeks turning pink.
“What? I need to spell it out for her, you know how she is,”
Mari said defensively.
Yoshiko's eyes lit up with understanding.
“Ohhh! I see. So that's what it's called! We've never done that before. I mean, once we start, we just kind of… go at it until we lose track of time.”
Mari's eyebrows shot up.
“Oh, lots of energy from you two, I see,” she said, winking.
Kanan gave Yoshiko a thumbs-up.
“Lots of stamina. Good job.”
Yoshiko shrugged, a proud smile on her face.
“Just want to keep my lady pleased, you know?”
Mari pointed a finger at Kanan.
“You hear that? You could learn a thing or two.”
“Hey, what's that supposed to mean?”
Kanan shot back, feigning offense.
Dia, now thoroughly flustered, buried her face in her hands.
“I really don't want to hear any more of this right now.”
“Sorry, haha,”
Yoshiko said, looking a bit sheepish.
“Alright, anyway,” Mari said, steering the conversation back. “Back to the topic. Make sure you're prepared for the conference and enjoy those three days with Riko~”
Yoshiko chuckled.
“Thanks, Mari.”
“Anytime~”
Mari replied with a wink.
Then, Mari clapped her hands lightly as if wrapping things up, though clearly, she wasn’t done yet.
“And next is you, Dia,” she said, pointing at her, “after Yoshiko. Then Kanan.”
She leaned back in her chair with a playful smile.
“So while I’m gone… make sure you two hold down the fort for me~”
Yoshiko continued eating, barely reacting.
“Yeah, yeah—”
Then she paused mid-bite.
“…Wait.”
She looked at Mari.
“Why do we have to hold it down for you? You’re not even attending the conference. You’re not a teacher.”
Dia nodded.
“That’s true.”
Mari tilted her head.
“Well… Kanan is.”
Yoshiko blinked.
“…And?”
Dia added,
“I fail to see the connection.”
Mari sighed dramatically.
“Oh, you two…”
Then she smiled smugly.
“If Kanan’s going to Tokyo for the conference, of course I’m going with her.”
She leaned closer to Kanan.
“I can’t let my Kanan get reeled in by other fishes.”
Kanan chuckled softly.
“I wouldn’t get reeled in,” she said. “You already caught me.”
Mari’s expression softened instantly.
“Aww, that’s so sweet, my Kanan~”
Then she smirked.
“And for that… I’ll let you have your way with me during those three days.”
Yoshiko didn’t even hesitate.
“…Gross.”
Mari gasped.
“Hey! Mommy and daddy are allowed to have fun too, you know.”
“Yes,” Yoshiko replied flatly, “but I don’t need to hear about it.”
Dia calmly added,
“You’ll get used to it eventually.”
Mari perked up.
“Exactly! Just like how Dia got used to almost walking in on you and Riko.”
Yoshiko scratched her cheek.
“…Yeah, sorry about that.”
Dia sighed.
“I’ve become numb to it at this point.”
That earned a small round of laughter from Yoshiko, Mari, and Kanan.
Yoshiko leaned back slightly.
“Well, looks like Dia’s the only one going solo for the conference,” she said. “You’ll be okay?”
Dia nodded calmly.
“Thank you for your concern, but I won’t be alone,” she said. “There will be other teachers and professionals there.”
Kanan grinned.
“So basically a three-day break for you, huh? No us to bother you.”
Dia didn’t miss a beat.
“That is correct,” she said. “Three days of peace and proper conversation.”
Kanan laughed.
“Hey, I was joking.”
Mari leaned forward.
“Do you want us to come with you?” she asked.
Dia immediately answered.
“I would rather not.”
Mari placed a hand over her chest dramatically.
“Aww… Dia hates us now.”
Dia quickly shook her head.
“No, that’s not—”
Mari broke into a grin.
“Just kidding,” she said. “I know you’ll miss us.”
She leaned in teasingly.
“Even if it’s just three days… because you love us~”
Dia looked away slightly, a faint blush on her cheeks.
“…Sometimes I wish I didn’t.”
That made Yoshiko and Kanan chuckle.
After a moment, Yoshiko spoke again.
“Hey… if you want,” she said, “I can ask Riri if you can stay at her apartment.”
Dia looked at her.
“You two are close, right? I’m sure she’d be happy to have you.”
Dia shook her head gently.
“Thank you, but no,” she said. “It’s a weekday. She’ll be busy with school, and I’ll be busy with the conference.”
She added calmly,
“It would be best not to distract each other.”
Yoshiko smiled slightly.
“Strict as ever,” she said. “But yeah… I get it.”
Mari suddenly leaned in.
“What about us?” she asked. “Aren’t you going to offer us a stay too?”
Yoshiko didn’t even hesitate.
“…No.”
Mari gasped dramatically, clutching her chest.
“Heartless!”
Kanan laughed quietly.
Yoshiko just smirked.
Then she looked back at Dia.
“Still, if you feel lonely,” she said, “you can message Riri. Or maybe visit her at her part-time job.”
Dia nodded.
“…I’ll consider it. If not, I’ll visit her another time when things are less busy.”
Mari suddenly perked up again.
“Oh! Then how about this?”
She grinned.
“We all go and surprise her at her part-time job.”
Kanan nodded.
“That’s actually a great idea.”
Dia gave a small nod as well.
“I would join you for that.”
Yoshiko smiled.
“She’ll definitely love that.”
Mari pointed at her.
“Don’t tell her, okay?” she said. “It’s a surprise!”
She paused.
“…But we won’t say when.”
Yoshiko chuckled.
“Don’t worry. I won’t.”
Yoshiko leaned back slightly in her chair, resting her arm on the table.
“Speaking of Riri,” she began, “there’s this final exam concert for the first years.”
That immediately caught their attention.
“She’s going to perform her own composition,” Yoshiko continued, a small hint of pride in her voice. “Play it on stage and everything.”
Mari’s eyes lit up.
“Oh~ that sounds amazing.”
Yoshiko nodded.
“It does. Though… she can only bring a limited number of people.”
She scratched her cheek.
“Two, technically. But her friend gave her an extra slot, so she can bring three.”
Dia nodded in understanding.
“Well, if that’s the school’s rule, then it can’t be helped.”
Kanan glanced at Yoshiko.
“So I’m guessing the three are you, her mom… and your mom?”
“Yeah,” Yoshiko said.
“Thought so,” Kanan replied. “Still… performing as a final exam? That’s nerve-wracking.”
“It’s expected for a music school,” Dia added calmly.
Mari suddenly grinned.
“That’s too bad,” she said. “I could’ve hired a full cheering squad for Riko.”
Yoshiko immediately responded,
“I think Riko would actually be glad you’re not there if you’re going to do that.”
That made the others laugh.
Mari placed a hand over her chest.
“How cruel.”
Then she smiled.
“But since you three will be there, I’m fine with that.”
Kanan nodded.
“Yeah, just cheer for her on our behalf.”
“Of course,” Yoshiko said.
Mari pointed at her.
“Cheer loud and proud.”
Yoshiko smirked slightly.
“Not too loud. I might get kicked out of the theater.”
Mari waved her hand.
“Psh. Music people are so strict. No fun at all.”
Yoshiko chuckled.
“…Yeah, I can see that.”
Mari suddenly paused, then leaned forward with excitement.
“Oh wait—”
She clapped her hands.
“Since you, your mom, and Riko’s mom are all going…”
Her grin widened.
“That means the four of you are going out together after the concert, right?”
Yoshiko thought for a moment.
“…Yeah, I think so.”
Mari looked absolutely delighted.
“Ooh! The in-laws bonding!”
She clasped her hands together.
“I love it already. The moms are definitely going to take pictures.”
She muttered that last part under her breath.
Yoshiko narrowed her eyes.
“…You know I can hear you, right? Miss Stalker.”
Mari froze for a second.
“…Oops.”
Kanan laughed quietly while Dia shook her head.
Then Mari snapped her fingers.
“Oh! Speaking of that day, don’t take your motorbike.”
Yoshiko frowned.
“…Why? How else am I supposed to get to Tokyo?”
Mari raised a finger.
“You can take your motorbike to Tokyo.”
She tilted her head.
“But only you.”
Yoshiko blinked.
“…And?”
Mari leaned forward slightly.
“How is Riko’s mom getting there?”
Yoshiko opened her mouth, then paused.
“…Huh.”
She blinked again.
“…I actually didn’t think about that.”
Mari crossed her arms.
“So you were just going to leave your future mother in law to commute alone…”
She narrowed her eyes dramatically.
“…while you ride happily on your motorbike?”
“What? No,” Yoshiko said quickly.
Mari raised a brow.
“Are you sure?”
Yoshiko sighed.
“…Okay, fine. I didn’t think about it.”
Mari shook her head.
“Tsk, tsk. That’s minus points for you.”
Yoshiko rubbed the back of her neck.
“Sorry, okay?”
Mari softened slightly.
“If you’re planning to be with Riko long term,” she said, “you have to think about her family too.”
She pointed at her.
“You’re not just dating Riko, you’re also dating her family.”
Dia nodded.
“…I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Mari actually has a point.”
Mari looked proud.
Yoshiko raised a brow.
“Hey, I have been getting along with her family,” she said. “I hang out with her mom sometimes.”
Mari immediately countered,
“And what about her dad?”
Yoshiko froze.
“…Yeah… not really.”
She looked away.
“I haven’t even talked to him yet.”
Mari’s jaw dropped.
“You’ve been dating Riko for almost three years and you haven’t talked to her dad!?”
Yoshiko shrugged awkwardly.
“I mean… you get it, right? Dad with an only daughter…”
Kanan smirked.
“Wow. The cool Tsushima-sensei gets scared.”
Yoshiko shot back immediately.
“Oh yeah? What about you? Have you met Mari’s dad?”
Kanan blinked.
“…Yeah?”
Then she added casually,
“Didn’t you meet him too?”
Dia nodded.
“We all did.”
Yoshiko paused.
“…Oh.”
She cleared her throat.
“Anyway—let’s go back to the topic.”
That earned a few laughs from the others.
Mari smirked but let it slide.
“So,” she continued, “don’t take your motorbike that day.”
She gestured casually.
“Just borrow a car from the hotel.”
Yoshiko blinked.
“…A car?”
Mari nodded.
“Yeah. That way you can pick up Riko’s mom, your mom, and go together.”
She smiled.
“After the concert, you can even drive them around. Make a day out of it.”
Yoshiko’s eyes lit up slightly.
“…Oh.”
Then she smiled.
“That’s actually a really good idea.”
Mari flipped her hair dramatically.
“You’re welcome.”
She smirked.
“That’s why you have your big sister Mari.”
Yoshiko chuckled.
“Yeah… thanks, Mari. You always have a plan.”
Dia shook her head.
“With the way her mind works, I doubt she’ll ever run out of them.”
Kanan nodded.
“True.”
And once again, laughter filled the room, warm and familiar, as their conversation carried on.
------------------
Later that night, Riko was at Natsumi’s house.
More specifically, inside Natsumi’s small but cozy music studio.
The room was filled with instruments, some neatly arranged, others casually placed as if they had just been used. A piano keyboard sat near the center, while violins, guitars, and even a few unfamiliar instruments rested along the walls.
It had a warm, lived-in feeling.
A space made for music.
For the past week, ever since the final exam concert had been announced, Riko had been coming here after her part-time job. Together with Natsumi, she had been working on their duet composition, sometimes staying late, sometimes even sleeping over.
And on nights she didn’t, Natsumi’s dad would drive her back to her apartment to make sure she got home safely.
Right now, Riko sat at the keyboard, her fingers lightly brushing over the keys as she tested a few notes.
Across from her, Natsumi held her violin, trying to match the melody.
A few attempts.
A few adjustments.
A few pauses.
Then finally, they both stopped.
“…Break?” Natsumi said.
Riko smiled.
“Break.”
They both relaxed.
Riko leaned back slightly, looking around the room again.
“I still can’t believe you have all of this,” she said. “All these instruments… in your house.”
Natsumi shrugged casually.
“Yeah, well… they’re not all mine,” she said. “My parents love music too, so we kind of just… collect instruments.”
She smiled faintly.
“We even have a room like this in our house abroad.”
Riko blinked.
“Really?”
“Yeah. Mom’s there right now, actually,” Natsumi said. “Dad and I came back here so I could study.”
Riko nodded, impressed.
“Your family really is musical.”
Natsumi laughed.
“Oh, you have no idea.”
Then she added playfully,
“You’re lucky my mom isn’t here. If she was, we’d probably force you into a full performance session.”
Riko giggled.
“I’d actually love to hear that.”
“Well,” Natsumi said, lifting her violin slightly, “for now, you’re stuck with just me.”
She paused, then added with a small grin,
“My dad plays too, but he’s weirdly shy about it.”
Riko tilted her head.
“I can’t imagine that…”
“Same,” Natsumi said. “And I’ve seen him play.”
That made Riko laugh softly.
But just then, a familiar ringtone filled the room.
Riko blinked, reaching into her pocket and pulling out her phone.
She looked at the screen.
“…It’s Yocchan.”
Natsumi smirked.
“Well, answer it,” she said. “Put it on speaker so I can listen—kidding.”
She stood up, stretching.
“I’ll step out for a bit.”
Riko laughed, shaking her head as Natsumi left the room.
Then she answered the call, bringing the phone to her ear.
“Hello, Yocchan.”
On the other end, Yoshiko lay on her bed, one arm tucked behind her head, her phone resting against her ear.
“Hey, Riri,” she said. “Sorry, were you busy? I can call later if you want.”
“No, it’s okay,” Riko replied softly. “We were just taking a break.”
“Oh, that’s good,” Yoshiko said. “You two making progress?”
“A little, yeah.”
There was a small pause.
Then Yoshiko’s voice softened.
“You’ve been working really hard, Riri,” she said. “School, part-time, and now this…”
She let out a quiet breath.
“Make sure you actually rest, okay? Not just when I call.”
Riko smiled.
“Of course, Yocchan.”
“Good.”
Then Yoshiko asked,
“Have you eaten yet?”
“Not yet,” Riko said. “But we will after this.”
“What are you planning to eat?”
Riko glanced toward the door.
“Usually Natsumi’s dad cooks for us,” she said, “but he’s not coming home tonight.”
She smiled slightly.
“So I was thinking of making curry.”
Yoshiko immediately responded,
“Oh, you’re cooking?”
Then, with a hint of longing,
“Now I want to go there just to eat your cooking.”
Riko laughed softly.
“You eat my cooking every weekend when you visit, you know.”
“Hey,” Yoshiko said, “I just can’t get enough.”
Riko giggled.
Then, Yoshiko spoke again.
“…Actually, don’t cook.”
Riko blinked.
“Hm?”
“Let me order food for you two,” Yoshiko said. “You’re tired.”
Riko shook her head instinctively.
“No, it’s okay, Yocchan. I can still cook.”
“Riri,” Yoshiko said gently, “please.”
Her tone softened further.
“You’ve been doing so much this past week, preparing for your final exam.”
There was a brief pause.
“Let me at least help you this way.”
Riko hesitated.
“Yocchan…”
“You always make sure I eat properly when I’m there,” Yoshiko continued. “So now I want to do the same for you.”
Her voice dropped slightly, more affectionate.
“Let me pamper my girlfriend a little, even if I’m far away.”
Riko couldn’t help it.
She smiled.
Her cheeks warmed.
“…Okay, Yocchan.”
Then she added softly,
“I guess I can’t stop you anyway.”
“Nope,” Yoshiko said with a small grin in her voice.
Riko laughed quietly.
“Then just send me Natsumi’s address,” Yoshiko continued. “I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Thank you, Yocchan.”
“And from now on,” Yoshiko added, “whenever you’re there working, tell me, okay?”
She continued,
“I’ll order food, snacks, coffee, whatever you need.”
Riko shook her head slightly.
“You don’t have to spend money on us, Yocchan. We’re fine.”
“No,” Yoshiko said firmly, but gently. “I want to.”
There was sincerity in her voice.
“I have more than enough,” she added. “So don’t worry about that.”
A small pause.
“I just want to support you… especially since I can’t be there.”
Riko let out a soft sigh.
“…I really can’t win against you.”
But she was smiling.
“Okay. Fine.”
Yoshiko chuckled.
“Good.”
“…So, that’s a deal?”
Riko leaned back slightly, her voice soft but warm.
“Yes, Yocchan.”
Yoshiko shifted slightly on her bed.
“Great,” she said. “I’ll order now, so I’m putting you on speaker.”
Riko heard a few taps from the other end as Yoshiko switched apps.
“So, Riri,” Yoshiko continued, “what are you in the mood for?”
Riko thought for a moment.
“…I’m not really sure. Anything’s fine.”
Just then, the door slid open and Natsumi stepped back inside.
“Oh, you’re still talking?” she said casually. “It’s fine, I’ll just check our composition notes.”
She walked over to the scattered papers on the table.
Meanwhile, Yoshiko muttered from the phone,
“Omurice… hmm. That doesn’t feel right for dinner.”
Riko laughed softly.
“You can order whatever you want, Yocchan.”
Natsumi paused, glancing over.
“Hm? What’s that? Yoshiko’s ordering food?”
Riko nodded.
“Yeah, for us.”
Natsumi’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Food!?”
She rushed over to Riko’s side and leaned close to the phone.
“Yoshiko! You don’t have to—but thank you!”
Yoshiko laughed on the other end.
“Maybe Natsumi has something in mind?”
Riko relayed it.
“Yocchan’s asking if you want anything specific.”
Natsumi tapped her chin.
“…Hmm. Ramen.”
She nodded to herself.
“Warm, comforting… good for the brain. It’ll help with composing.”
Yoshiko didn’t hesitate.
“Ramen it is.”
A few more taps.
“Alright, two ramen bowls, pudding, and green tea,” she said. “Already paid. Just wait for it to arrive.”
Riko smiled.
“Thank you, Yocchan. Really.”
Natsumi leaned in again.
“Yoshiko! Big thank you!”
Then she added dramatically,
“Don’t worry, I won’t let your precious girlfriend wander home alone at night. She’s safe with me!”
Yoshiko chuckled.
“Classic Natsumi.”
Then her tone softened slightly.
“Anyway, Riri… I won’t take too much of your time. You still need to work on your composition.”
Riko smiled.
“Thank you again, Yocchan. Bye—”
She paused.
“…Wait.”
Yoshiko blinked on the other end.
“Hm?”
“Weren’t you the one who called?” Riko asked. “Didn’t you want to say something?”
There was a brief silence.
“…Was I?”
Then Yoshiko laughed lightly.
“Oh—right. I completely forgot.”
Riko giggled.
“What was it?”
“It’s about the teachers’ conference next week,” Yoshiko said. “You know about it, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Well… would it be okay if I stayed at your place for those three days instead of a hotel?”
She added casually,
“Mari didn’t book me a room, so… you’re kind of my only option.”
Riko laughed softly.
“Of course, Yocchan. Why are you even asking?”
She smiled.
“You practically live in my apartment already.”
Yoshiko chuckled.
“…Yeah, fair point.”
Riko then added, her tone shifting slightly,
“…And I’d honestly feel more at ease if you stayed with me.”
A small pause.
“…Rather than with that Momoko.”
There was a faint hint of irritation in her voice.
From the side, Natsumi quietly muttered,
“…Wow. First time I’ve seen Riko like that. Interesting.”
Riko ignored her.
Yoshiko sighed lightly.
“You’re still worried about her?”
“I mean, she already knows I have a girlfriend,” she continued. “I don’t think she’ll try anything.”
Riko shook her head slightly.
“You never know, Yocchan,” she said. “Some people don’t accept things that easily.”
Her voice softened again.
“I’m just being careful.”
Yoshiko smiled faintly.
“Okay, Riri.”
She added gently,
“But there’s nothing to worry about.”
A small pause.
“I love you. Not her.”
“…It’s that simple.”
Riko’s cheeks warmed.
“…I know.”
“But I’ll still be careful,” Yoshiko continued. “Just in case she tries anything.”
Then she added,
“Oh—and maybe I’ll visit your café during my break at the conference.”
Riko nodded.
“That would be nice, but I’ll still be at university during lunchtime.”
She smiled faintly.
“I only go to work after classes, remember?”
“Oh, right…” Yoshiko sighed lightly. “That’s too bad.”
Then she chuckled.
“Well, I might still drop by. Support the café… and say hi to your manager.”
Riko giggled.
“She’ll definitely be surprised.”
“Yeah…”
A small, comfortable silence followed.
Then Yoshiko spoke again.
“…Alright. We’ve been talking for a while.”
Riko smiled.
“Yeah.”
“We should probably hang up so you can get back to composing.”
Riko nodded softly, even if Yoshiko couldn’t see it.
“…Yeah.”
Her voice carried a quiet warmth.
Riko was about to say goodbye, but then she paused.
“Oh—wait,” she said. “I just remembered something.”
Yoshiko blinked on the other end.
“Yeah? What’s up?”
“It’s about Ren-kun,” Riko said. “He told me he’s interested in learning guitar.”
She smiled slightly.
“And I told him you play… so I was wondering if you could teach him a bit? If that’s okay.”
Yoshiko didn’t hesitate.
“Oh, yeah. Sure,” she said easily. “I can teach him while I’m there.”
She thought for a moment.
“We can start next week, maybe at night after the conference.”
Riko’s expression brightened.
“That’s great. Thank you, Yocchan.”
“Of course, Riri.”
Then Yoshiko paused.
“…Oh. Wait.”
Riko tilted her head.
“What is it?”
“I don’t actually have a guitar,” Yoshiko admitted. “I just borrowed one from school before.”
Riko blinked.
“…Do you know anyone who has one?”
Yoshiko hummed.
“I could ask Mari tomorrow… or I might just buy one.”
“Where would we even find one here…?” Riko murmured.
From the side, Natsumi suddenly perked up.
“…Did someone say they need a guitar?”
Riko turned to her.
“Do you know where we can borrow one?”
Natsumi stared at her in disbelief.
“…Riko.”
She crossed her arms.
“Didn’t I just tell you my family collects instruments?”
Riko blinked.
Then laughed softly.
“…Oh. Right.”
“That completely slipped my mind.”
Natsumi sighed dramatically.
“I have, like… four guitars here.”
Riko smiled.
“Then… can Yocchan borrow one? So she can teach my neighbor?”
“Of course,” Natsumi said immediately. “Borrow as many as you want.”
Yoshiko’s voice came through the phone again, amused.
“That actually works out perfectly.”
She added,
“Tell Natsumi I said thank you.”
Riko relayed it.
“Yocchan says thank you.”
Natsumi grinned.
“Anytime. Now it’s my turn to help.”
Yoshiko chuckled softly.
“I’ll bring two to your apartment next time Dad and I drop you off,” Natsumi added.
“Thanks, Natsumi.”
There was a small pause, then Yoshiko spoke again.
“…Alright. Now that’s settled… I think it’s really time to say goodbye.”
Riko smiled.
“Yeah. I think I’ve said everything I needed to say.”
Yoshiko let out a soft chuckle.
“Good.”
Then her voice softened.
“Bye, Riri. Talk to you tomorrow.”
A small pause.
“…Love you.”
Riko’s smile grew warmer.
“Bye, Yocchan.”
“…Love you too.”
“Oh, and the food’s on the way,” Yoshiko added.
“Keep an eye out.”
“I will. Thank you, Yocchan.”
“…Bye.”
“…Bye.”
The call ended.
The room fell quiet for a moment, until Natsumi suddenly spoke.
“You two are so cute,” she said, grinning. “All that ‘I love you’ stuff… I wish someone would say that to me.”
Riko laughed softly.
“You’ll find someone someday.”
“Yeah… maybe.”
Then Natsumi tilted her head.
“But wait—Yoshiko plays guitar?”
She looked at Riko.
“Why didn’t I know that?”
Riko smiled faintly, thinking back.
“When I was in high school, we had a cross dressing contest during the cultural festival,” she explained. “Teachers were participants too.”
She let out a small laugh.
“Yocchan joined… and for the talent portion, she sang while playing an electric guitar.”
Natsumi’s eyes widened.
“…She sang and played electric guitar?”
She shook her head in disbelief.
“Just when I thought she couldn’t get any cooler…”
Riko giggled.
“I actually don’t know when she learned it,” she admitted. “Maybe I’ll ask her next time.”
“I’m curious too,” Natsumi said. “I want to hear her play.”
Riko smiled.
“Me too.”
Natsumi clapped her hands lightly.
“Well, no more chatting. Let’s get back to composing while we wait for the food.”
Riko nodded.
“Right.”
And so, they returned to the piano and violin, slowly shaping their piece together.
Minutes passed.
Then, back in Numazu, Yoshiko lay on her bed, phone in hand, lazily scrolling as she waited for sleep to come.
A notification popped up.
LINE.
From Riko.
Yoshiko opened it.
A photo appeared, Riko and Natsumi sitting at the table, smiling softly at the camera. In front of them were the ramen bowls Yoshiko had ordered, along with pudding and green tea neatly placed beside them.
A simple message followed:
“Thank you, Yocchan.”
Yoshiko smiled.
She typed a quick reply.
“Eat well, you two.”
She set her phone down on the nightstand, turning onto her side.
And as she closed her eyes, there was a quiet, content feeling in her chest.
Soft.
Warm.
Peaceful. And with that, the night carried her gently into sleep.
Tainted Hearts
Chapter 135: Practice Makes Perfect
https://archiveofourown.org/works/59749615/chapters/217521581
Two days had passed since Halloween.
The chaos, the crowded streets of Shibuya, the tension that had lingered in the air, it all felt distant now. Everything had settled back into routine, as if nothing unusual had happened at all.
At the Tokyo University of the Arts, the morning was calm.
Riko sat quietly in her classroom, the soft rustling of paper the only sound around her. With her notes spread neatly across her desk, she reread them carefully, her eyes scanning each line with focus. It was still early, her professor hadn’t arrived yet, and neither had most of her classmates.
She liked moments like this.
Peaceful. Undisturbed.
A small pause before the day truly began.
The classroom door slid open.
“Hey, Riko! Good morning!”
Riko looked up, her expression softening as Natsumi walked in, a violin case slung over her shoulder. Her long brown hair swayed slightly as she made her way over, sharp gray eyes already bright with energy despite the early hour.
“Good morning,” Riko replied with a gentle smile.
Natsumi dropped into the seat beside her with a small stretch.
“So, how are you?” she asked, leaning slightly toward her. “Still shaken up from the Shibuya walk?”
Riko shook her head.
“No, I’m okay now,” she said calmly. “And… thank you again for calming the situation.”
Natsumi blinked, then quickly waved her hand.
“No, no, I should be the one thanking you. And apologizing too,” she said, scratching her cheek sheepishly. “I’m the one who kept insisting you come with me. I didn’t think it’d get that crazy.”
Riko gave a small smile.
“It’s okay,” she reassured her. “I did have fun… even if only for a little while. Since you and Yocchan were there.”
Natsumi looked at her for a moment, then shook her head with a grin.
“You’re really kind, you know that?”
Riko blinked, slightly caught off guard.
“Not really…”
“Well, I think so,” Natsumi said confidently, then leaned back in her chair. “Anyway, about that moment… was Yoshiko really about to go punch those guys?”
Riko nodded.
“I’ve only ever seen her actually punch someone once,” she admitted. “But… she had a really good reason for it.”
She paused, her gaze softening slightly.
“The other times she almost did… it was when she was trying to protect me. She gets heated when it comes to that.”
Natsumi let out a low whistle.
“She’s protective, huh?” she said, smirking. “I mean, I can see that. Honestly… that’s kinda awesome. You’ve got your own guard dog.”
Riko let out a small laugh.
“…Yeah.”
“Wait,” Natsumi added, leaning forward again, curiosity lighting up her eyes. “Is she a hard puncher?”
Riko tilted her head slightly.
“I’m not really sure,” she admitted. “I’ve only seen it once. But when she did…” she hesitated briefly, then continued, “…she ended up injuring her own hand. Her knuckles were bleeding, and she had to wear a splint for a month.”
Natsumi’s eyes widened.
“Whoa, seriously?” she said. “What about the person she punched? Cracked face?”
Riko shook her head.
“…His nose.”
Natsumi leaned back, impressed.
“Yeah… that definitely means she hits hard,” she said. “That’s good, though. Means you’re well protected.”
Riko smiled faintly, but there was a softness in her expression.
“Yes… but she promised me she wouldn’t do it again,” she said. “I don’t want her getting into trouble… and I don’t want her hurting herself like that again.”
Natsumi glanced at her, then grinned.
“Looks like you’re protective too.”
Riko blinked.
“Me? I don’t think so…”
“Oh, I think so,” Natsumi said, pointing at her lightly. “Just… in a different way.”
Riko tilted her head slightly, thinking.
“…Maybe.”
There was a brief pause before Natsumi spoke again.
“So… can I know who she punched?”
Riko hesitated.
“I don’t know if Yocchan would be okay with me telling you,” she said honestly.
Natsumi nodded immediately.
“Got it. I understand, I won’t meddle.”
Riko smiled softly.
“Thank you. But… maybe if you ask her, she might tell you.”
Natsumi chuckled.
“Yeah… or maybe not. I don’t wanna risk getting punched too,” she joked.
That earned a quiet laugh from Riko.
Then, as if remembering something, Riko’s eyes widened slightly.
“Oh—right. I think I forgot to give you this last time.”
She reached into her bag and carefully pulled something out, placing it on the desk.
A neatly wrapped set of treats… along with a high quality chocolate bar.
“This is from Yoshiko,” Riko explained. “Her trick or treat treats that she forgot to give you. And this one…” she gestured to the chocolate, “…is from a friend I told you about. The principal of my school in Numazu.”
Natsumi picked up the chocolate bar carefully, her eyes widening as she examined it.
“…Wait. Isn’t this expensive?” she said, almost in awe. “Why is this just being given away?”
Riko gave a small, amused smile.
“She said she accidentally bought too many… so she gave them out as treats.”
Natsumi froze.
“…Accidentally bought too many?” she repeated slowly. “And this is what she gives out?”
She looked back at the chocolate like it might disappear.
“…Just how rich is this person?”
Riko thought for a moment.
“I’m not entirely sure,” she admitted. “But her family owns the school… and a hotel in Numazu. I think they also have businesses in Italy. Her parents are there.”
Natsumi’s jaw dropped.
“WHAT!?” she nearly shouted, then quickly lowered her voice. “That rich!? You have a friend that rich!?”
She pointed dramatically at Riko.
“Are you God’s favorite or something!? I mean—of course you are, you’re basically one of His angels with how nice you are!”
Riko giggled softly.
“You’re exaggerating…”
“I assure you, I am not,” Natsumi said seriously, then suddenly paused.
“Wait… didn’t you say she treats Yoshiko like a little sister?”
Riko nodded.
“She’s the one who gave Yocchan her motorbike.”
Natsumi’s eyes widened even more.
“What!? That limited edition one!?” she said. “She just… gave it to her!?”
She leaned back, stunned.
“Wow… goals. Imagine being that rich…”
Then she smirked teasingly.
“Well, I guess you’re gonna marry into a wealthy family, huh? Lucky you.”
Riko immediately flushed.
“M-Marriage? There’s no such thing…” she said quickly.
Natsumi laughed.
“Hey, just remember me when that happens, okay? Share some of that wealth.”
Riko shook her head, laughing softly now.
Before she could respond, the classroom door opened again.
Their professor walked in.
Almost instantly, the atmosphere shifted as students began settling into their seats. Riko and Natsumi straightened, their conversation naturally coming to an end as they prepared for the lesson.
And just like that, the day began.
------------------
About an hour or two later, the composition class was nearing its end.
The professor closed the folder in their hands, glancing at the class before speaking.
“Oh, and one last thing.”
The room quieted almost immediately.
“Every year, we hold a school concert,” they continued. “Each year level selects a representative to go on stage and perform their own original piece. Representatives from various music schools across Japan, and sometimes even international institutions, attend to watch.”
A soft wave of murmurs spread across the room.
“On rare occasions,” the professor added, “if they see exceptional potential, they may offer opportunities to study at their institutions.”
That only made the chatter grow louder.
“Seriously?”
“International schools?”
“No way…”
The professor allowed it for a moment before continuing.
“These events usually take place at the start, middle, and end of the academic year.”
The excitement in the room was palpable.
But then,
“However,” the professor said, adjusting their glasses slightly, “first year students will not be participating.”
A collective groan echoed through the classroom.
“Only second, third, and fourth years are eligible. First years are still… adjusting. You are all still new to the world of music at this level.”
Some students sighed in disappointment, while others simply slumped back into their seats.
“But,” the professor continued, raising a finger slightly, “first years have their own concert.”
That caught everyone’s attention again.
“At the end of the year, all first year students will perform, either as a duet or a solo, for their final exam. You will perform your own composition.”
Riko straightened slightly at that.
“Even if you choose to perform as a duo,” the professor added, “you will still be graded individually.”
More murmurs.
“All first year classes will perform next month, before the Christmas break.”
That made things feel suddenly… real.
“Each student is allowed to invite two people to watch,” the professor continued. “Seats are limited, as there are many performers.”
They paused briefly.
“If you wish to invite an additional guest, speak to me. If there are extra seats available, we may be able to accommodate.”
The professor closed their notes.
“That is all. Be sure to prepare well for next month. I will see you tomorrow. Goodbye, class.”
With that, they exited the classroom.
Almost instantly, the room filled with chatter.
Students turned to one another, already discussing ideas, possibilities, and nerves for the upcoming performance.
Natsumi scooted her chair a little closer to Riko.
“This is it,” she said with a grin. “Final exam. Are you nervous?”
Riko thought for a moment.
“…Not yet,” she admitted.
Natsumi chuckled.
“Yeah… I think the nerves will hit when it’s actually the day.”
Riko giggled softly and nodded.
“Probably.”
Natsumi leaned forward slightly, resting her arms on the desk.
“Well… anyway, want to do a duet for the final exam?”
Riko blinked.
“A duet?”
“Yeah,” Natsumi said, nodding. “You play piano, I’ll play violin.”
She smirked.
“We’re both basically experts at our instruments, right? If we combine our power, we’ll ace this easily.”
Riko laughed a little at that.
“…Okay,” she said, smiling. “That would be great.”
She hesitated for a second before adding,
“I think… if I were alone on stage, with so many people watching… I might get too nervous.”
Natsumi raised an eyebrow.
“Really? But when you play here, you don’t look nervous at all.”
Riko shook her head slightly.
“That’s because it’s just our class,” she explained. “But with a big audience… I get really nervous.”
Natsumi gave her a confident grin.
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you with that.”
She paused, then added teasingly,
“And I’m sure Yoshiko will too.”
Riko smiled softly.
“…Thank you.”
“Anytime,” Natsumi said casually, then tilted her head.
“So, who are you inviting? It’s limited to two, right? I’m guessing Yoshiko… and your mom?”
Riko nodded.
“Yeah… it’s a bit sad, though,” she admitted. “I wanted to invite my friends too, but… I guess I can’t.”
Natsumi leaned back slightly.
“Hey, maybe next time you can join the big yearly concert,” she said. “The one with all the school representatives watching.”
She grinned.
“Then you can invite all your friends, and who knows? Maybe you’ll even get picked.”
Riko shook her head lightly.
“I don’t think they’d pick me… there are a lot of people in our class who are better than me.”
Natsumi immediately frowned.
“Hey. Don’t do that.”
Riko blinked.
“Don’t lower yourself like that,” Natsumi continued. “If Yoshiko hears you talking like that, she’ll definitely get mad.”
Riko let out a small laugh.
“And… don’t tell anyone,” Natsumi added, leaning in slightly, “but I think you’re the most talented one in our class.”
Riko laughed again, shaking her head.
“Stop that. You’re just saying that because I’m your friend.”
“What? Of course not,” Natsumi said, crossing her arms. “I’m telling the truth.”
Then she suddenly smirked.
“…Okay, maybe I’m the most talented one, and then you.”
Riko laughed.
Natsumi laughed too.
“I’m joking, of course.”
Riko shook her head, still smiling, before something crossed her mind.
“…Actually,” she said, “I kind of wanted to invite Yoshiko’s mom too.”
Natsumi tilted her head.
“Oh? Then why not just ask the professor? Didn’t they say you could add more people?”
Riko nodded slightly.
“Yeah… I was thinking about that.”
Natsumi paused, thinking for a moment.
“…Actually, maybe you don’t have to.”
Riko blinked.
“Why?”
“Well,” Natsumi said, shrugging lightly, “we get two seats per student, right?”
Riko nodded.
“My mom is abroad, so she won’t be able to come,” Natsumi continued. “My dad will be the only one attending for me.”
She smiled.
“So… you can use my extra seat for Yoshiko’s mom.”
Riko’s eyes widened slightly.
“…Oh.”
She hadn’t thought of that.
“That could work…” she said softly. “But… are you sure it’s okay?”
“Of course,” Natsumi said without hesitation. “Better than leaving it empty.”
Then she smirked teasingly.
“And who knows? You might score some points with your future mother in law if she sees you perform.”
Riko immediately blushed.
“N-Natsumi…”
Natsumi laughed.
Riko let out a small giggle, shaking her head.
“…Thank you. Really.”
“Anytime,” Natsumi said warmly.
Then she clapped her hands lightly.
“Now, let’s talk about our piece.”
Her eyes lit up with excitement.
“We can even compose at my place. I’ve got a lot of instruments there.”
Riko nodded, her expression brightening.
“Sure.”
And just like that, the two of them leaned closer over their desks.
Already beginning to plan the music they would create together.
------------------
Back in Numazu, at Uranohoshi,
Lunch was a little livelier than usual.
Inside Mari’s principal office, the four of them sat around the table, enjoying their meals together. The atmosphere was relaxed, filled with the familiar comfort of their usual banter.
Dia was the first to speak.
“So,” she began, setting her cup down, “how did the Halloween walk at Shibuya go? Did it go well?”
Mari immediately leaned in with a mischievous grin.
“More importantly, did you get to use your free punch?” she teased.
Kanan chuckled.
“I think she might use that free punch on you if you keep that up.”
Yoshiko, mid bite, laughed softly.
“Well… I think it went well,” she said. “At first, at least.”
Dia’s expression shifted slightly.
“Did something happen?”
Yoshiko shrugged lightly.
“It’s nothing major,” she said. “Just some drunk foreigners who wanted to take pictures with Riri and her friend.”
Kanan nodded.
“Well… that’s pretty inevitable in a place like that.”
“Yeah,” Yoshiko agreed. “At first, it was fine. I was the one taking the picture… but then they started getting a little too close.”
Her expression hardened slightly.
“One of them was about to touch Riri. And I could tell she got uncomfortable.”
Mari’s eyes narrowed.
“You punched him?”
Yoshiko shook her head.
“No. But I almost did.”
She exhaled lightly.
“Good thing Riko’s friend stepped in and handled the situation before I actually did something.”
Dia nodded in approval.
“That’s good. You didn’t escalate it.”
Kanan smirked.
“Yeah… because if you did, we’d probably have to visit you in jail.”
Mari waved her hand dismissively.
“Please. I’d bail her out instantly,” she said confidently. “I’m not letting my little sister stay in jail even for a second.”
Yoshiko laughed.
“Thanks, Mari. But I wouldn’t get thrown in jail.”
She leaned back slightly.
“I’m trying to hold back these days… since I promised Riri.”
Dia smiled faintly.
“That’s good to hear.”
Mari, however, crossed her arms with a pout.
“Still… I’m annoyed just hearing about it,” she said. “Those guys trying to take advantage of the situation like that.”
She huffed.
“I should’ve hired a few big bodyguards to go with you three. No one would’ve dared try anything.”
Yoshiko laughed at the mental image.
“That sounds more terrifying than helpful,” she said. “People might’ve thought they were part of the costumes and started taking pictures with them too.”
Mari paused.
“…Oh.”
She blinked.
“…You might be right.”
Kanan laughed.
“Okay, that’s actually hilarious.”
The image alone was enough to lighten the mood.
Yoshiko shook her head with a small smile.
“Anyway, what about you guys?” she asked. “How was the party?”
Kanan stretched slightly.
“You know… still amazing as ever.”
Yoshiko smirked and pointed at Mari.
“This one go crazy again?”
Dia sighed deeply, already tired just remembering it.
“What do you think?”
Yoshiko chuckled.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
Dia crossed her arms.
“She kept dragging students onto the dance floor to dance with her,” she said. “Even though I was trying to stop her.”
She looked genuinely exhausted.
Yoshiko laughed.
“Didn’t you help her, Kanan?”
Kanan scratched the back of her head.
“Well…”
Dia immediately answered for her.
“She was helping her girlfriend.”
Mari grinned proudly.
“What? It was fun!”
Yoshiko shook her head, amused.
“That sounds rough, Dia. I feel sorry for you,” she said. “Sorry for leaving you alone on the battlefield.”
Then she added with a smirk,
“Don’t worry, when we drink, your first beer is on Mari.”
Dia smiled faintly.
“Thank you.”
Mari blinked.
“Hey! I thought you were going to say it’s on you. Why me?”
Yoshiko shrugged.
“You’re treating her because you gave her a hard time,” she said casually. “And you’re treating me too.”
Mari raised an eyebrow.
“Why you too? You weren’t even there.”
Yoshiko smirked.
“That’s for Kanan being crazy with you.”
Mari nodded after a second.
“…Yeah, that makes sense.”
That earned a small round of laughter from Yoshiko, Dia, and Kanan.
After a moment, Yoshiko snapped her fingers slightly.
“Oh—right. There was a ‘Best Costume’ thing, right? Who won?”
Kanan grinned.
“One of your students.”
Yoshiko raised a brow.
“Really? That’s neat. What was her costume?”
Kanan looked like she was holding back laughter.
“You’re not going to believe it…”
She paused dramatically.
“It was Mari.”
Yoshiko blinked.
“…Mari?”
She looked at Dia.
Dia nodded.
Yoshiko slowly turned toward Mari.
Mari grinned proudly.
“Yup! They cosplayed the greatest person of all—me.”
Yoshiko leaned back slightly, disbelief clear on her face.
“I can’t believe I missed that…”
Dia sighed.
“I can’t believe it either,” she muttered. “One Mari is already enough… but two?”
She pulled out her phone.
“The worst part is, she acted exactly like Mari too.”
She showed the picture.
Mari, dressed fully as Daphne, with a wig and complete costume,
And beside her, a student dressed as Mari, blonde wig, signature loop hairstyle, and a principal outfit.
Both of them posing dramatically together.
Yoshiko stared at the image for a moment…
Then leaned back further.
“…I take it back,” she said flatly. “I’m glad I missed it.”
Kanan laughed.
“I don’t think it’s that bad,” she said. “I mean, two Maris? Sounds like heaven.”
Yoshiko rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, because she’s your girlfriend. We get it.”
Mari beamed.
“Thank you, Kanan~”
Kanan just chuckled.
Meanwhile, Dia simply shook her head.
------------------
A bit later, after they had finished eating,
The four of them remained in Mari’s office, now simply lounging around as they chatted about random things before classes resumed.
The atmosphere was easy, unhurried.
Yoshiko leaned back against the couch, stretching slightly as she reached to the side to grab something,
“Hey, Yoshiko?”
She glanced toward Mari.
“Yeah?”
Mari narrowed her eyes slightly, leaning forward.
“What’s that on your neck?”
Yoshiko blinked.
“My neck?”
Dia and Kanan both turned their attention toward her as well.
“Yeah, yeah, over there,” Mari said, pointing.
Yoshiko instinctively reached up, trying to feel it.
“I don’t… feel anything,” she muttered.
Dia sighed softly before reaching into her things.
“Here. Use this.”
She handed Yoshiko a small mirror.
“Thanks,” Yoshiko said, taking it and angling it toward her neck.
She tilted her head slightly, trying to get a better look.
“…Where is it? I can’t see it.”
Mari stood up.
“Hold on, let me just take a picture,” she said, already pulling out her phone.
Before Yoshiko could react, Mari snapped a photo and quickly showed it to her.
“There. Look.”
Yoshiko leaned in, and froze.
Mari, still staring at the spot, suddenly gasped.
“Wait… I think I know what that is.”
Kanan raised a brow.
“What?”
Mari grinned.
“No way… Riko gave you a hickey!”
Yoshiko’s head snapped up.
“What?!”
“Move, Mari,” Kanan said, standing up to get a closer look.
Mari stepped aside, and Kanan leaned in, examining it carefully.
“…Yep,” she confirmed. “That’s a hundred percent a hickey.”
Mari turned toward Dia excitedly.
“Come on, Dia, look at it!”
Dia didn’t even move.
“No, I’m good,” she said flatly. “I don’t need to involve myself in their… intimate life again.”
Yoshiko was still staring at the picture in disbelief.
“No way…”
“Yes way,” Mari said, pointing at the screen. “Look at it carefully.”
Yoshiko did.
And there it was, a clear mark on her neck.
Her hand immediately went up to cover it.
“…I don’t even remember this,” she mumbled. “When did she even do that…”
Kanan smirked.
“Didn’t know Riko had that in her.”
Yoshiko let out a small, awkward laugh.
“…Yeah. Me neither.”
Mari crossed her arms, clearly entertained.
“If you don’t even remember it happening,” she said, “does that mean things got a little wild when you two were… doing it?”
“Mari!” Dia snapped.
“Stop being inappropriate.”
Mari shrugged innocently.
“What? I’m just asking.”
Yoshiko frowned slightly, actually thinking about it.
“…I don’t think so?” she said slowly. “I mean… I think it was normal?”
“There,” Mari said immediately, pointing at Dia. “She answered it. That means she’s okay talking about it.”
Dia pinched the bridge of her nose.
Yoshiko, meanwhile, was still staring at the photo, clearly puzzled.
“…But seriously,” she muttered, half to herself, “when did Riri even have the time to do that? I didn’t even notice she stopped making noise…”
Mari grinned.
“Wow, that’s a bit too much information, but I like it.”
That was enough.
Dia stood up.
“…That’s enough information for me for today,” she said firmly. “And I have no intention of learning anything more.”
She picked up her things.
“It’s almost time for class anyway. I’ll be heading to my classroom.”
Without waiting for a response, she walked out.
Mari waved lazily.
“Aww, too bad. Bye~”
Kanan chuckled.
“And there she goes.”
Yoshiko shook her head slightly.
“…Maybe I should ask Riri about it later.”
Mari’s eyes lit up.
“Yes! That’s a great idea,” she said. “And then record her reaction and send it to me.”
Yoshiko immediately shot that down.
“What? No. I’m not doing that.”
Mari snapped her fingers.
“Ahh, I almost got away with it.”
Kanan laughed quietly.
Mari leaned back in her chair, still grinning.
“You know,” she said, “I thought you were the vampire, but how come you ended up being the one who got bitten?”
Kanan burst into laughter.
“That’s a good one.”
Then she added,
“Or maybe that hickey was the witch’s curse.”
Mari laughed even harder.
“Oh, Kanan, that’s even better!”
The two of them continued laughing together.
Yoshiko just sighed, shaking her head as she stood up and stretched.
“You two really share the same brain cell,” she muttered.
She grabbed her things.
“Whatever. I’m heading to my classroom. See you later.”
As she walked toward the door, Mari and Kanan were still chuckling.
“Bye~” Mari called out.
“See you, Yoshiko,” Kanan added.
Yoshiko waved without turning back.
“Don’t laugh yourselves to death.”
And with that, she stepped out of the office.
------------------
Night had settled quietly over the city.
Inside her apartment, Yoshiko lay comfortably on her bed, the headrest slightly elevated behind her. One arm rested behind her head, while the other held her phone up in front of her face.
On the screen, Riko.
She was lying sideways on her own bed, her phone propped in her hand as well, her soft features lit gently by the dim light of her room. They had already been talking for a while now, their conversation drifting from one random topic to another with ease.
Then, as if remembering something,
“Oh, right, Yocchan, our professor announced something earlier.” Riko said.
Yoshiko raised a brow slightly.
“What? That you’re the greatest player there? Finally?” she teased.
Riko giggled.
“No,” she said, shaking her head.
“Oh? What is it then?” Yoshiko hummed.
“There’s going to be an end of year concert for first years,” Riko explained. “It’s like our final exam.”
She paused briefly before adding,
“Natsumi and I decided to do a duet performance.”
Yoshiko’s eyes lit up a little.
“Oh, right, Natsumi plays the violin,” she said. “I always forget she’s actually really talented.”
She smirked.
“She’s such a funny person, I keep thinking of her as a joke.”
“Yocchan,” Riko said, laughing softly, “she’ll get mad at you.”
“Not if you don’t tell,” Yoshiko replied casually.
Riko laughed again.
“But seriously,” Yoshiko continued, her tone softening, “a duet with her? You two are going to crush it.”
She smiled.
“I mean, both of you are talented. Combine that, and it’s basically guaranteed.”
Riko giggled.
“You haven’t even heard her play before.”
“I haven’t,” Yoshiko admitted, “but you have. And you said she’s good.”
She gave a small shrug.
“I trust your judgment. You’re a musical genius, after all.”
Riko shook her head, chuckling.
“You and your exaggerations…”
“It’s not exaggerating if it’s true, ma’am.”
Riko just laughed softly before continuing.
“Anyway… the professor said we can only invite two people to watch,” she said. “So… I want to invite you.”
She added a bit more quietly,
“It’s next month.”
Yoshiko blinked.
“Oh? Next month?”
She pretended to think, glancing off to the side as if checking an invisible planner.
“Hm… next month might not be good. I think I’m pretty busy.”
Riko raised a brow, clearly playing along.
“Oh? And what might you be busy with?”
Yoshiko kept a straight face.
“You know… cleaning my books.”
Riko tilted her head.
“…Your books? Are they dirty?”
Yoshiko nodded seriously.
“Yeah. They’re full of ants.”
Riko burst into laughter.
“Ants!? What kind of excuse is that?”
Yoshiko laughed with her, the playful act dropping.
“I don’t know,” she admitted, smiling.
Then her tone softened.
“But seriously, Riri…”
She looked at the screen, her gaze warm.
“You don’t have to ask if I’m available to watch you perform.”
Her voice carried quiet sincerity.
“I’d love to watch you every time you step on stage.”
She shifted slightly, more relaxed.
“Even if I was busy, I’d clear my schedule for you.”
A small smile formed on her lips.
“I promised, didn’t I? I’ll always be there when you perform.”
Riko’s expression softened, warmth filling her eyes.
“You did,” she said gently. “Thank you, Yocchan.”
Yoshiko smiled back.
“Always, Riri. You know that.”
There was a small, comfortable pause before Yoshiko spoke again.
“So… who’s the other person you’re inviting? Your mom, right?”
Riko nodded.
“Yeah… and maybe your mom too, if she’s free.”
Yoshiko blinked in surprise.
“Oh? My mom?”
Then she smiled.
“She’d definitely love that. She hasn’t seen you perform yet, after all.”
She smirked slightly.
“Seeing you play might earn you even more approval, though it’s not like you don’t already have it.”
Riko giggled softly.
“But wait,” Yoshiko added, “didn’t you say it’s limited to two people? That makes three.”
Riko nodded.
“Natsumi said I could use her extra seat,” she explained. “Her mom is abroad, so only her dad will be coming.”
Yoshiko smiled.
“That’s really nice of her.”
“It really is,” Riko agreed.
Then her expression softened slightly.
“…It’s just a bit sad I can’t invite the others.”
Yoshiko shook her head gently.
“Hey, it’s okay,” she reassured her. “They’ll understand.”
She smiled.
“And even if they can’t be there physically, I know they’re all supporting you from afar.”
She added lightly,
“And hey… there’s always next time.”
Riko nodded.
“You’re right… thank you, Yocchan.”
Yoshiko smirked.
“Besides, you’re lucky Mari isn’t going.”
Riko blinked.
“Why?”
Yoshiko laughed.
“She’d probably bring a huge banner with your name on it or something.”
Riko laughed softly.
“…I can actually imagine that.”
Yoshiko chuckled too.
Then Riko’s expression grew slightly nervous.
“…Just thinking about it already makes me nervous.”
Yoshiko’s gaze softened immediately.
“Hey… don’t be,” she said gently.
“I’ll be there, okay? I’ll help calm you down.”
She smiled reassuringly.
“If you start feeling nervous, just look for me in the crowd.”
Her voice lowered slightly, more intimate.
“Look at me… and let everything else fade away.”
She paused for a moment.
“Just imagine it’s only the two of us there.”
A soft smile.
“And play with your heart… and with my love.”
Riko’s expression warmed, her eyes soft.
“…Thank you, Yocchan. Really.”
She nodded slightly.
“I will.”
And just like that, their conversation drifted back into lighter, random topics once again, the warmth between them lingering quietly through the screen.
------------------
As their conversation drifted into a comfortable lull, Yoshiko suddenly remembered something.
“Oh—right, Riri.”
Riko looked up from her pillow.
“Hmm?”
Yoshiko shifted slightly, tilting her phone as she brushed her hair aside, exposing her neck to the camera.
“Mari pointed something out earlier,” she said. “She said I had a hickey.”
Riko froze.
Yoshiko raised a brow, a small smirk forming.
“You put this here, right?” she added casually. “I mean… you’re the only one I’ve had sex with.”
Riko’s face immediately turned red.
“…Yes,” she admitted softly.
Yoshiko chuckled.
“Well, obviously,” she said. “But my question is, when did you even learn how to do that?”
She leaned a bit closer to the camera, inspecting it again.
“It’s actually pretty good,” she added teasingly. “Like… 10 out of 10.”
Riko groaned softly, hiding part of her face.
“That’s such a weird thing to compliment…”
Yoshiko laughed lightly.
“But seriously, I didn’t even notice it,” she continued. “When did you do it?”
Riko hesitated before answering, still flushed.
“…That night,” she said quietly. “During Halloween…”
Yoshiko thought for a moment, then her smirk grew.
“Oh… you mean while you were riding my lap and kissing my neck?”
Riko immediately reacted.
“Y-Yocchan! You don’t have to say it like that!”
“What? I’m just remembering,” Yoshiko teased.
“Still…” Riko mumbled, burying her face into her pillow.
Yoshiko let out a soft laugh before continuing.
“So where did you learn it?” she asked. “You still haven’t answered that.”
Riko went quiet for a moment.
Then, shyly,
“…I just thought about it,” she said. “Since you always… do that to me.”
Her voice softened.
“You always leave marks on me… so…”
She hesitated.
“…I wanted to do the same. I wanted people to know that… you’re mine too.”
Yoshiko’s expression softened slightly at that, though the playful glint in her eyes remained.
“So I… looked it up,” Riko added, her voice barely above a whisper. “And… practiced a little…”
Yoshiko raised a brow, clearly amused.
“…Practiced?” she repeated. “How?”
Riko immediately hid her face again.
“I—I can’t say! It’s too embarrassing!”
Yoshiko smirked.
“Come on, Riri,” she coaxed gently. “It’s just me.”
Riko peeked at her through the screen.
“…Promise you won’t laugh?”
“I promise.”
There was a small pause.
Then slowly, Riko revealed her face again, still flushed.
“…An orange,” she muttered.
Yoshiko blinked.
“…An orange?”
And then, she let out a small laugh.
Riko immediately pouted.
“You said you wouldn’t laugh!”
“I’m not laughing,” Yoshiko said quickly, though she was clearly amused. “Okay, maybe a little.”
She shook her head, smiling.
“I'm just... incredibly amused,” she added. “My sweet, shy Riri, practicing on a piece of fruit just to mark me as hers.”
Her smirk returned.
“…I have to admit, the image of you leaving hickeys on an orange is ridiculously hot.”
Riko turned even redder.
“Yocchan…”
Yoshiko leaned back comfortably.
“You know,” she added teasingly, “I think I’m a little jealous.”
Riko blinked.
“…Of what?”
“Of that orange,” Yoshiko said with a straight face.
Riko stared at her for a second, then burst into soft laughter.
“You’re unbelievable…”
Yoshiko grinned.
“Well, it got all your kisses, didn’t it?”
Riko shook her head, still smiling.
Yoshiko’s tone softened just a little.
“But seriously…” she said, “I don’t mind it.”
She brushed her fingers lightly over the mark again.
“…I actually like it.”
That made Riko pause.
“…Really?”
“Yeah,” Yoshiko replied simply. “It’s… nice.”
A quiet, meaningful kind of nice.
Riko smiled softly at that.
After a moment, Yoshiko stretched slightly.
“You'll just have to make it up to me. Next time, let's go wild. I want to mark every inch of you... and I mean every inch.”
She winked.
“I'll even mark you on the inside.” she added casually.
Riko immediately hid her face again.
“Yocchan!”
Yoshiko laughed.
“Relax, I’m kidding.”
“…You’re not,” Riko mumbled from behind her pillow.
Yoshiko smirked in response.
“I can't wait for you to mark me again.”
Whimpering, Riko buried her face in her pillow more, but Yoshiko's teasing whispers followed her, painting pictures that made her blush even deeper.
The teasing lingered for a bit longer, Riko occasionally protesting while Yoshiko enjoyed every second of it, until, little by little, their conversation settled back into something softer.
Lighter.
Familiar.
Eventually, the quiet of the night caught up with them.
“It’s getting late,” Riko murmured.
“Yeah,” Yoshiko agreed.
They stayed on the call a little longer, neither quite wanting to hang up just yet.
“…Goodnight, Yocchan.”
“Goodnight, Riri.”
A small pause.
“…Sleep well.”
“You too.”
And with that, the call ended. Bringing the day to a gentle close.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Title: How to fail a confession
Ship: Yoshiko x Riko (Love Live Sunshine)
Summary: She can do It. Yoshiko is certain she can look at Riko in the eyes and confess. She just... happens to need a little help from a certain shiny blonde, or maybe not...
Words: 2.8k
Sneak peek:
“- She what!?
Kanan hisses loudly yet not enough for the other two girls to hear her, seeing Riko nodding in return with a conflicted expression playing on her features.
Curiosity quickly takes the best of them and both girls decide to stick their heads out of their hiding place to witness said confession, Kanan’s body being shielded by Riko’s smaller one while the older girl’s head rests lightly on the burgundy haired’s shoulder to look better at the other couple.
The older blue haired girl can’t help but tense up upon the way she notices Yoshiko is looking at Mari: the intensity in her magenta gaze, the way her breathing quickens and how she seems to be slightly flustered, leaning more and more forward.
But especially, she can’t help but feel uneasy upon the fond way in which Mari looks at the first year. How her typical playful smirk seems to be softer than ever as her eyes rest on her, or in how she basks delighted in Yoshiko’s trapping arms and kabedon, her own hands resting on the younger girl’s hips in what feels a very intimate way.
If Riko’s heart beats loudly and erratically in distress upon seeing Yoshiko about to confess and kiss their senpai, Kanan’s heart thunders in a raging storm of mixed feelings, irrationally afraid of losing the blonde to their awkward yet lovely kouhai.”
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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Tainted Hearts
Chapter 134: Halloween Day (Part 3)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/59749615/chapters/215664726
The hum of Shibuya at night was almost overwhelming.
Neon signs bathed the streets in pinks and blues, their reflections shimmering across the damp pavement. The famous crossing pulsed with life, crowds pressing shoulder to shoulder, surging forward in every direction whenever the traffic lights shifted. Laughter echoed between buildings. Police whistles cut sharply through the noise as officers directed the never ending flow of pedestrians.
Snippets of English, Chinese, and Japanese blended together in the air, swirling like an endless wave of sound.
In the middle of that sea of people, Riko tugged gently at the brim of her witch’s hat.
Her costume was elegant, yet just a little playful. A black dress with a flared skirt brushed just above her knees, trimmed with deep plum ribbons that caught the glow of the neon lights. A pointed witch’s hat decorated with a small rose and satin bow rested neatly on her head, while a short cape swayed behind her with every step.
She wore sheer black tights paired with ankle boots, and her makeup remained soft and natural, light eyeliner and a hint of rose lipstick that highlighted her gentle features without overpowering them.
Her cheeks felt warm as she tried to keep up with the rush of people.
Beside her, Yoshiko held her hand firmly.
Yoshiko’s vampire costume was simple but striking. A dark cape draped over her shoulders, flowing over her usual science teacher uniform, white dress shirt slightly unbuttoned at the collar, no tie this time, paired with black slacks.
Her pale makeup gave her skin a faintly ghostly tone. Subtle shadows under her eyes and around them added to the dramatic look, while dark red lipstick and streaks of fake blood trailing from the corner of her lips completed the effect. Thin vein-like makeup crept from her neck up toward her jaw and down into the open collar of her shirt, even spreading faintly along her hands.
And of course, the small pair of fake vampire fangs completed the look.
Riko spotted a familiar landmark through the crowd.
“There it is,” she murmured.
The Hachiko statue stood ahead, half hidden behind a swarm of costumed partygoers taking selfies.
And nearby, waving both arms energetically above her head, was a familiar figure.
“Riko! Yoshiko! Over here!”
Natsumi.
Riko smiled immediately and hurried forward, tugging Yoshiko along with her.
Natsumi’s costume stood out even among the sea of Halloween outfits. She looked like a porcelain doll brought eerily to life. Her frilly white dress was trimmed with lace cuffs and ribbons, the fabric slightly aged to give it a ghostly feel.
Her makeup was what truly made the costume shine.
Her face was painted with pale porcelain-like foundation, while glassy blue contact lenses made her eyes appear almost unnaturally bright. Delicate painted lips and long dark lashes completed the doll-like illusion, while faint crack patterns spread across her cheeks and forehead as if her face were fragile porcelain beginning to break.
A ribbon choker and glossy black shoes finished the unsettling yet beautiful look.
As Riko and Yoshiko approached, Natsumi’s eyes widened in delight as she took in their costumes.
“Ohhh, Riko,” she said excitedly. “You look amazing! I didn’t know you were the type to go for something sexy on Halloween.”
Riko’s face immediately turned red.
“I didn’t pick the sexy version,” she protested softly. “This is the normal one.”
Natsumi tilted her head skeptically.
“Are you sure you didn’t get scammed? Because that short skirt and showing your legs?” She nudged Yoshiko with her elbow. “Yoshiko likey. Am I right?”
Yoshiko scratched the back of her neck, suddenly looking a little flustered.
“Well… yeah, I do like it.”
She squeezed Riko’s hand gently.
Riko blushed even more.
“Thank you…”
Natsumi grinned mischievously.
“And you, Yoshiko, look at you!” she said, circling her slightly. “Very handsome vampire. Very cool. Have you bitten Riko yet?”
“Natsumi!” Riko gasped, completely mortified.
Yoshiko scratched the back of her neck again, a faint blush creeping onto her face.
“Not yet…”
Natsumi raised an eyebrow, smirking.
“Not yet, huh? I see.”
Yoshiko chuckled awkwardly.
“Well, I didn’t really do much with my costume,” she said. “It’s basically just my uniform with a cape and teeth.”
“Minimal,” Natsumi admitted with a nod. “But when you wear it, it looks good.”
She quickly glanced at Riko.
“I’m not hitting on your girlfriend, okay?”
Riko just turned red again.
Natsumi clapped her hands happily.
“A sexy witch and a cool, handsome vampire. A perfect pair! A power couple.”
Riko giggled softly while Yoshiko chuckled beside her.
Shaking her head slightly, Riko said, “And you, your costume looks amazing too.”
“Yeah,” Yoshiko added. “A scary haunted porcelain doll, right?”
Natsumi beamed proudly.
“You got it! And thanks, I did all the makeup myself.”
“You did?” Yoshiko said, clearly impressed. “Damn, that’s awesome. The cracks look realistic.”
“I agree,” Riko said with a nod. “I didn’t know you had a talent for makeup.”
Natsumi shrugged casually, though she looked pleased.
“Yeah, well… it’s one of my hobbies when I have nothing to do. And I really prepared for tonight, so I went all out.”
“It’s really high quality,” Riko said sincerely.
“Thanks!” Natsumi replied brightly.
Just then, a group of zombies shuffled past them, groaning dramatically as they lurched through the crowd. Behind them, three superheroes struck exaggerated poses for tourists snapping photos.
Nearby, a group of gothic lolitas adjusted their parasols beneath the glowing crossing lights.
Police officers blew their whistles again, directing the massive tide of people toward side streets to keep the flow moving.
Natsumi looked back at them with an excited grin.
“Shall we go?”
She was already turning toward the crossing before they even answered.
Riko smiled.
“Sure.”
Natsumi naturally took the lead, weaving through the dense crowd with surprising ease.
Riko followed just behind her, her fingers still intertwined with Yoshiko’s.
And Yoshiko, walking beside her, kept a careful eye on the shifting crowd around them.
Mostly on Riko.
Even without saying a word, Yoshiko’s presence beside her felt like a quiet shield.
------------------
The three of them were quickly swept into the current of Shibuya Crossing as the lights turned green.
People surged forward from every direction, moving like a massive wave across the intersection. Costumes filled every inch of space, zombies lurching dramatically with fake blood dripping from their mouths, neon-haired anime characters striking poses for photos, and someone in a giant inflatable dinosaur suit bouncing comically with every step.
Music from portable speakers clashed with the constant shouts of “Happy Halloween!” while phone cameras flashed endlessly.
“Waaah!” Natsumi squealed, already darting ahead toward a group dressed as Power Rangers. “Look at them! So cool!”
“N-Natsumi, wait—!” Riko called, trying to follow.
But the crowd shifted suddenly, and she nearly got knocked sideways by a passing skeleton carrying a glowing scythe.
Before she could stumble further, a steady hand pressed lightly against her lower back.
“Careful,” Yoshiko murmured.
Her voice was calm and grounding despite the chaos around them. She guided Riko smoothly back into the flow of people while still holding her hand.
Riko’s cheeks warmed beneath the brim of her witch hat.
“…Thanks.”
Yoshiko smiled warmly down at her.
After that, they moved almost naturally together through the crowd, Natsumi bounding ahead with endless excitement, Riko weaving carefully between people, and Yoshiko quietly keeping close beside her.
Whenever the crowd pressed too close, Yoshiko’s arm would subtly shift, shielding Riko without making it obvious. Her eyes flicked around them constantly, alert and watchful.
It didn’t stop people from noticing them, though.
“Witch-chan! So cute!” a group of foreign tourists suddenly cheered, waving excitedly.
Before Riko could react, they surrounded her with phones already raised.
“Oh—uh… sure…” she said nervously.
She awkwardly posed with a small peace sign, trying to smile while the cameras snapped.
Yoshiko allowed it, her lips forming a polite smile, but her sharp gaze stayed watchful. When one of the tourists leaned a little too close, Yoshiko simply looked at him.
That alone made him step back with a nervous laugh.
Natsumi jogged back over just in time to see the scene.
“Riko sure is a celebrity tonight~!” she teased. “Honestly, you’re stealing the show!”
Riko shook her head quickly.
“I-it’s just the costume…”
Yoshiko smirked slightly beside her.
“But you do look pretty hot in it.”
“Y-Yocchan…” Riko mumbled, turning red again.
Natsumi burst out laughing.
A few minutes later, the attention shifted.
Now it was Yoshiko being stopped.
Several girls, both Japanese and foreign, approached her excitedly, asking if they could take pictures with the “cool vampire.”
Yoshiko blinked in surprise but politely agreed.
“Sure.”
She posed casually with them, unaware of the obvious admiration in their eyes as they snapped photos.
Riko stood a few steps away watching the scene unfold.
She kept a polite smile on her face.
But the slight tightness in it didn’t go unnoticed.
Natsumi leaned closer and nudged her.
“Hey, don’t be jealous,” she whispered teasingly. “You already won, you know. They don’t stand a chance with Yoshiko.”
Riko huffed quietly.
Natsumi grinned.
“Let them at least have a picture. It’s the only thing they’ll ever get.”
Riko giggled softly despite herself.
A moment later, Yoshiko glanced over toward them.
Then she raised a hand.
“Hey! Let’s take one with my girlfriend too,” she said casually.
She motioned toward Riko.
“Riri, come take a picture with us.”
Riko blinked in surprise.
Her cheeks flushed pink immediately.
Natsumi nudged her again.
“See? I told you. Now go.”
Riko walked over shyly, standing beside Yoshiko as the group of girls adjusted their cameras again. Even if a few of them looked slightly disappointed, they still smiled politely as they all posed together for the photo.
After that, the crowd continued to carry them along for another stretch of the crossing.
------------------
Nearly twenty minutes later, the three of them finally slipped into a quieter side street.
The sudden space felt like a breath of fresh air.
Strings of lanterns hung overhead, casting warm golden light along the narrow path. Small food stalls lined both sides of the street, filling the air with the smell of grilled batter, sugar, and sweet syrup.
“Food break!” Natsumi declared immediately, already marching toward a takoyaki stand.
Yoshiko and Riko lingered nearby at a candied apple stall.
Riko held her apple carefully, the glossy sugar shell catching the lantern light as she examined it.
Beside her, Yoshiko had already taken a bite of a warm taiyaki, red bean filling steaming gently in the cool night air.
The vampire tilted her head toward Riko, her voice softer now that the roar of the main crossing was behind them.
“Still good?”
Riko nodded quickly, smiling.
“Mm. It’s just… a lot louder than I expected.”
Yoshiko chuckled, a faint puff of breath visible in the chilly air.
“Yeah. Tokyo doesn’t really do ‘quiet’ Halloween.”
Riko took a small bite of her candied apple before glancing at Yoshiko again.
“…But with you here, I feel okay.”
Yoshiko smiled at that.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “I won’t let you get swept away by the crowd.”
Riko giggled softly.
Then Yoshiko added more seriously,
“But really, if it gets too much, tell me. We can leave the busy areas anytime.”
Riko nodded and smiled warmly at her.
“Okay, Yocchan.”
------------------
The three of them soon drifted back into the busy streets, letting the flow of people carry them forward again. Neon lights reflected off the slick pavement, turning the ground into a shifting mirror of pinks, blues, and purples. Laughter echoed from groups of partygoers, and music thumped faintly from somewhere deeper in the district.
They hadn’t walked far when two tall foreign men stumbled out of the crowd toward them.
Their steps were unsteady, their voices loud and thick with alcohol.
“Photo? Photo with pretty girls?” one of them slurred, waving his phone in the air with an overly wide grin.
Natsumi immediately laughed.
“Eh? Sure, sure!”
She struck a dramatic pose without hesitation, spinning slightly so her porcelain-doll skirt flared out under the streetlights.
Riko, though shy, simply followed along with a small smile, standing beside her.
The men shoved their phone toward Yoshiko.
“You take picture,” one insisted, swaying closer.
Yoshiko’s eyes narrowed slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. Still, she took the phone without a word and lifted it, angling the camera toward the two girls.
Riko and Natsumi stood together between the men, their costumes bright under the lights.
The shutter clicked once.
Then again.
But the moment the photos were taken, the men casually, too casually, draped their arms over the girls’ shoulders.
Natsumi giggled, not seeming to mind.
But Riko’s body immediately stiffened.
The taller man leaned closer to her, the smell of alcohol heavy on his breath.
“Cute little witch,” he said in broken Japanese, his hand sliding toward her shoulder.
Riko’s lips parted slightly.
But the words never came.
The noise of the crowd swallowed her unease.
Then Yoshiko’s voice cut through it.
“Enough.”
The single word cracked through the air like a whip.
She shoved the phone back into the man’s chest with enough force to make him stumble.
Without hesitation, Yoshiko stepped forward, smoothly placing herself between them and Riko.
The shift in the air was immediate.
Under the neon lights, her vampire costume suddenly felt far less playful. The shadows sharpened the pale tone of her makeup, and the dark veins along her neck and jaw made her look far more intimidating than before.
“Walk,” she said quietly to Riko and Natsumi, never taking her eyes off the men.
“What? Why?” one of them protested drunkenly. “We’re not doing anything. Just having fun, right?”
He nudged his friend for agreement.
“Yeah, yeah,” the other one laughed. “Let us have fun, okay, vampire?”
He stepped forward again, trying to approach the girls.
Yoshiko lifted her hand and placed it firmly against the man’s chest, stopping him in his tracks.
Her eyes met his.
Cold. Unblinking.
The tension around them tightened like a drawn wire. The surrounding crowd continued moving, oblivious to the silent standoff forming in the middle of the street.
Riko stood frozen behind Yoshiko.
Natsumi quickly sensed the shift.
Before Yoshiko could escalate things further, Natsumi stepped between them with a bright grin.
“Hey, hey,” she said lightly. “It’s Halloween. Why don’t we take it easy and not go to jail tonight, okay?”
She glanced at the men with an exaggerated smile.
“And if you don’t want to lose limbs, guys, I recommend you stop right there. Don’t light the fire.”
Her tone stayed playful, but the message was clear.
The men frowned drunkenly.
“But we want to play with you two,” one muttered. “Especially the witch.”
Yoshiko’s expression darkened slightly.
But before she could speak, Natsumi cut in again.
“Hey now,” she said calmly. “We’re not playthings, you know. We deserve respect.”
Her eerie porcelain smile didn’t fade.
“So if I were you, I’d shoo away before I call the cops on you for harassment.”
The men scoffed.
“Psh. Whatever, lady. Such a killjoy.”
With a few grumbling mutters, they finally turned and staggered back into the crowd.
Only after they disappeared did the tension ease.
Natsumi turned back toward the girls and gave a cheerful thumbs up.
“See? Danger avoided.”
Riko let out a shaky breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding and pulled her cape a little closer around herself.
Yoshiko turned toward her immediately.
She placed a hand gently on Riko’s shoulder, steady and reassuring.
“You okay?” she asked softly, her brows knit with concern.
Riko nodded quickly and gave her a small smile.
“Yes… I just felt a little uncomfortable, that’s all.”
She hesitated, then added warmly,
“And thank you.”
Yoshiko’s expression softened.
“That’s good.”
Riko turned to Natsumi next.
“Thank you too.”
Natsumi waved it off.
“Oh, it’s nothing. I just didn’t want your girlfriend getting into trouble.”
She grinned.
“If they took her away, you’d be sad.”
Riko laughed a little.
Yoshiko looked at Natsumi seriously for a moment.
“No, really. Thank you. I mean… I almost punched them.”
“I know,” Natsumi replied with a small smirk. “It looked like it.”
She shrugged casually.
“As much as I’d love to see some drama, I don’t want you getting arrested. Though if the drama involved strangers, I’d totally watch and record it.”
That finally made Yoshiko laugh.
Riko joined in as well, the tension fading little by little.
After a moment, Yoshiko glanced back at Riko.
“Hey… are you still good to keep going?”
She nodded toward the crowded streets.
“Or do you want to split from here and have our own party instead? Just the three of us. Somewhere quiet.”
Riko thought for a moment.
“If Natsumi still wants to explore, I can still go.”
Natsumi quickly shook her head.
“Oh no, no. I’m good. If you two want to relax, we can go.”
She smiled.
“Honestly, a quiet Halloween sounds pretty nice right now.”
Yoshiko nodded.
“Then let’s get away from this area.”
Riko and Natsumi both agreed with small nods.
And the three of them turned together, leaving the loud heart of Shibuya behind in search of somewhere calmer.
------------------
The three of them slipped out of the press of Shibuya, weaving through narrower side streets until the roar of the crowd slowly faded behind the neon-lit buildings.
Riko’s hand remained looped around Yoshiko’s sleeve the entire way. Her steps were hesitant at first, but steady as Yoshiko walked beside her.
Eventually, they reached a quieter street.
The three of them paused and looked around. The night air was calmer here, carrying the faint scent of frying oil and simmering broth drifting from nearby restaurants.
A wooden sign with a little cloud of painted steam caught Natsumi’s eye.
She pointed immediately, perking up.
“There, ramen. Perfect, right?”
Riko and Yoshiko followed her gaze.
The small ramen shop looked warm and inviting, its windows fogged slightly from the heat inside.
“Sounds good,” Yoshiko said.
They stepped inside.
The shop was narrow but cozy, lit by warm yellow bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The comforting hiss of boiling broth and the clatter of ladles against metal pots filled the air. Steam fogged the windows, blurring the outside world and muting what little remained of Shibuya’s chaos.
The warmth wrapped around them like a blanket.
They slid into a small booth, Riko sitting in the middle, Yoshiko on one side and Natsumi on the other.
A waitress quickly brought them glasses of water and menus, though none of them needed to look very long.
Ramen was exactly what they wanted.
Not long after, three steaming bowls were placed in front of them. The rich aroma of pork broth and soy sauce filled the space between them.
For a moment, they simply ate in silence.
The warmth of the broth slowly spread through them with each bite, and the tension that had followed them from the street began to unravel.
Natsumi was the first to break the quiet.
She slurped loudly before leaning back with a grin.
“By the way, Yoshiko, remind me never to make you angry,” she said. “You looked like you were about to eat those guys alive.”
Riko, her cheeks warm from the hot broth, gave a small laugh.
“Scary, but… safe.”
Her voice softened slightly as she turned her head toward Yoshiko, her hand absentmindedly brushing against Yoshiko’s lap under the table.
“Right, Yocchan?”
Yoshiko’s chopsticks paused midair.
She blinked.
“Yes?”
Then she thought for a moment before continuing.
“…But I nearly broke my no-punching promise.”
She exhaled quietly.
“Barely held back.”
Natsumi burst out laughing so suddenly she nearly choked on her noodles.
“That was holding back? Geez. Good thing for them.”
Yoshiko shrugged slightly.
“Yeah, haha. If someone messes with Riri, I’d probably mess them up.”
“Yocchan…” Riko murmured.
Yoshiko quickly added, “But of course not too much. Just a little.”
Riko gave her a look.
Yoshiko raised both hands defensively.
“Kidding, Riri.”
Natsumi laughed again, clearly enjoying their interaction.
“But lucky for you, Riko,” she said teasingly, pointing her chopsticks toward Yoshiko. “You’ve got your own prince charming to save you tonight.”
Riko’s cheeks turned pink again.
“Yeah…”
She glanced shyly at Yoshiko.
“Thank you again, Yocchan.”
Yoshiko smiled warmly at her.
“Always, Riri.”
For a few minutes, the three of them focused on their ramen again.
Then Natsumi suddenly spoke up again, her tone softer this time.
“You know… honestly?”
She twirled her chopsticks slowly between her fingers.
“I thought tonight was going to be exciting. I mean… it was.”
She paused, sighing a little.
“But yeah. It was a bit too much. The crowds… all the drunk people… and those foreigners who don’t respect boundaries.”
She shook her head.
“Yeah. Not doing that again.”
Then she looked at them with a small apologetic smile.
“Sorry for dragging you guys into the chaos.”
Riko shook her head quickly.
“No, it’s okay,” she said. “I was curious too. I wanted to try it at least once.”
Natsumi nodded firmly.
“Then let’s promise each other never to do that again.”
Riko laughed softly.
Yoshiko chuckled.
“Hey, at least you got to experience it once.”
Natsumi then pointed her chopsticks toward Yoshiko.
“Wait. Aren’t you originally from Tokyo?” she asked. “I remember Riko mentioning that in the past.”
She tilted her head curiously.
“Have you ever done the Shibuya Halloween walk thing before?”
Yoshiko shook her head.
“Me? Not really.”
She leaned back slightly as she thought.
“But there was one time when I was still in school. I had to go home late and passed by the crowd.”
She shrugged.
“I got stuck in it for a bit. But luckily nobody bothered me and I made it home fine.”
“Really?” Riko asked.
“That sounds scary for a kid,” Natsumi added.
Yoshiko waved a hand casually.
“Well, I wasn’t exactly a kid. Probably my teenage years.”
She gave a small laugh.
“But even then, it was a lot tamer than today.”
Natsumi raised an eyebrow.
“Tame? For that event? I can’t even imagine that.”
Riko and Yoshiko both laughed softly.
They continued chatting as they ate, the warmth of the ramen slowly chasing away the lingering tension from earlier.
For a while, it was just the three of them, talking, laughing quietly, and enjoying the calm glow of the little ramen shop.
Reclaiming the night in their own quiet way.
------------------
The bowls were soon emptied, leaving behind only the faint warmth of broth and the lingering comfort of a good meal. Their stomachs were full, and the tension from earlier had finally faded into something distant.
When they stepped back outside, the air felt noticeably cooler.
The loud chaos of Shibuya’s Halloween crowds had dulled to a distant hum, muffled by the narrower backstreets they had wandered into. Neon lights still flickered above them, but the streets here were calmer, with only smaller clusters of costumed people passing by.
Natsumi stretched her arms high above her head and let out a long, satisfied sigh.
“That hit the spot,” she said. “Thanks for sticking with me through that craziness.”
She shook her head with a small laugh.
“I’ll probably think twice before going somewhere I’ve never been before.”
Yoshiko smirked slightly.
“Looks like you learned your lesson.”
“Oh, most definitely,” Natsumi replied without hesitation.
Riko laughed softly beside them.
“It was still… memorable.”
Natsumi’s grin returned immediately.
Before Riko could react, Natsumi suddenly pulled her into a tight hug.
“Text me when you get home, okay?” she said warmly. “And seriously, cutest witch ever.”
She stepped back with a wink.
Yoshiko glanced between them.
“Want us to take you home?”
Natsumi waved both hands quickly.
“Oh, thank you, but I’m safe, don’t worry.”
She tapped her phone casually.
“And I still need to stop by somewhere. My mom made me buy something on the way home. Besides, I wouldn’t fit on your motorbike anyway.”
Yoshiko opened her mouth to respond, but—
“No buts!” Natsumi said quickly, pointing a finger at her.
Then she turned and began walking away, waving dramatically over her shoulder.
“See you guys soon!”
Within moments, she disappeared into the flow of people moving down the street. Her cracked porcelain doll costume blended into the night until she was completely gone.
For a moment, Yoshiko and Riko simply stood there.
Then Yoshiko looked down at her.
“Then let’s go home too.”
Riko nodded.
“Okay.”
The two of them walked together toward the nearby parking lot where Yoshiko had left her motorcycle earlier.
When they reached it, Yoshiko handed Riko the spare helmet before slipping on her own. The engine roared softly to life a moment later.
Riko climbed on behind her, wrapping her arms gently around Yoshiko’s waist as she had done many times before.
Soon, the motorcycle pulled away from the curb and into the quieter Tokyo streets.
And together, they headed back toward Riko’s apartment.
------------------
The door of Riko’s small Tokyo apartment clicked shut behind them, sealing out the last echoes of Shibuya’s chaotic Halloween night.
Both still in full costume, they looked beautifully disheveled, Riko’s pointed witch hat slightly askew, the short black cape clinging to her shoulders, Yoshiko’s vampire cape hanging crooked over her open collared white shirt, the fake blood trails painted down her chin and neck now smudged from the long walk.
Yoshiko dropped onto the sofa with a dramatic groan, long legs sprawling, head tipping back against the cushions.
“That was… a lot,” she muttered, eyes sliding closed. “I never want to do that again.”
Riko laughed softly as she turned the lock, the sound warm and tired.
“I agree.”
She kicked off her ankle boots near the door, letting them tumble haphazardly.
“Now we can finally rest,”
Yoshiko sighed, staring up at the ceiling like it might grant her mercy.
But Riko had other plans.
She crossed the small living room in a few quiet steps, burgundy hair swaying, then swung one leg over Yoshiko’s thighs and settled right into her lap, straddling her. The flared skirt of the witch dress rode up instantly, black fabric bunching at her hips, sheer tights whispering against Yoshiko’s black pants.
“I’ve got an idea for how we could… recharge more,” Riko said, her voice shy, but inviting.
Yoshiko’s eyes snapped open. A slow, knowing smirk curled her red painted lips, fake fangs glinting.
“Well, well… I wonder what idea that pretty little head of yours is cooking up, Riri.”
Riko slid her arms around Yoshiko’s neck, fingers threading into the base of her hair, tugging just enough to tilt Yoshiko’s face up.
“You’re about to find out, vampire,” she murmured, voice already huskier.
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Content Warning:
From this point onward, the content will include explicit sexual scenes (R-18). If you’re not comfortable with this, feel free to skip ahead to the next chapter—skipping won’t affect the story. For those who choose to continue, enjoy the story!
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Her hips rolled forward in a slow, deliberate grind, soft heat pressing down through layers of fabric.
Yoshiko’s smirk deepened. She could feel the warmth of Riko’s core even through the tights and her own pants.
“Ohhh, Miss Witch… are you planning to put a curse on me?”
She tilted her head, letting one fang graze the edge of Riko’s jaw on purpose.
Riko’s breath hitched, but she matched the tease.
“I might. So you’d better behave… or I’ll curse you so hard you’ll beg for mercy.”
Another grind, firmer this time, hips circling.
Yoshiko chuckled low, the sound vibrating against Riko’s throat. Her larger hands found Riko’s waist, thumbs pressing into the dip above her hips.
“I don’t think I can behave if you keep doing that,” she rasped, mouth hovering so close their lips nearly brushed. “So you’d better curse me properly, little witch.”
Riko’s golden eyes darkened. She closed the distance and kissed Yoshiko, hungry, open-mouthed, no preamble. Yoshiko met her instantly, tongue sliding in deep, claiming the wet heat of Riko’s mouth. The fake fangs made it messy, edges catching Riko’s lower lip, scraping just enough to draw a tiny, needy shiver, but Yoshiko adapted, tilting her head to deepen the kiss without breaking rhythm.
Their tongues tangled, slick and eager. Riko kept grinding in slow, needy rolls, the friction making the sofa cushions shift beneath them with soft creaks. Yoshiko’s left hand slid up Riko’s back, under the short cape, fingers splaying wide over warm skin through the thin black dress fabric. Then she brought her right hand around to the front, cupping one breast through the dress and bra, thumb brushing deliberately over the already-stiff nipple.
Riko moaned into the kiss, “Mmmh…”, hips stuttering for a second before pressing down harder.
Yoshiko focused there, rolling the peak between thumb and forefinger, then pinching with just enough pressure to make Riko gasp against her mouth. She broke the kiss only to drag her lips along Riko’s jaw, behind her ear, down the sensitive column of her neck, nipping lightly with blunt teeth and the barest graze of plastic fangs, while her hand kept working the breast, kneading, teasing the nipple into a tight, aching point.
Riko’s fingers twisted tighter in Yoshiko’s hair, tugging it. Her head tipped back, exposing more throat, soft gasps spilling out.
“Hah… Yocchan…”
Yoshiko hooked two fingers into the sweetheart neckline of the witch dress and tugged downward in one smooth motion, dragging the fabric and Riko’s lacy bra down with it until both breasts spilled free into cool apartment air. Riko’s nipples were already flushed pink, pebbled and sensitive.
Without hesitation Yoshiko ducked her head and closed her mouth over one peak, hot, wet suction, tongue flicking fast, then slow, circling, flattening, then flicking again in sharp little lashes. Her other hand took the neglected nipple, rolling and tugging in time.
Riko’s whole body jerked.
“Hh—ah…!”
Her fingers clenched hard in Yoshiko’s hair, hips grinding faster, desperate now, chasing the building heat between her thighs.
“Ah… ah… mnh… Yocchan—!”
Each flick of tongue, each sharp pinch, sent sparks straight to Riko’s core. Her moans grew louder, breathier, hips rocking harder against Yoshiko’s lap.
“Mmh… mmn… nn—!”
She tipped over the edge suddenly, small, sharp orgasm shuddering through her, thighs trembling, wetness soaking into her underwear as she shuddered against Yoshiko. Riko’s gasp broke into a long, shaky whimper.
Yoshiko slowed her tongue to gentle laps, soothing now, then lifted her head. She looked up at Riko through dark shadowed magenta eyes, lips swollen, fake blood makeup smeared across her own chin and Riko’s chest, and smirked again.
“Already, Riri? We’re just getting started.”
She sat up straighter, pulled Riko back down into a deep, filthy kiss, tongue plunging back in, tasting the faint rose of Riko’s lipstick mixed with salt and want. While they kissed, Yoshiko’s right hand wandered lower, sliding over the bunched skirt, stroking the soft inside of Riko’s thigh, then higher, knuckles grazing the damp crotch of Riko’s underwear.
Riko parted her legs wider instantly, a silent plea, hips canting forward to chase the touch.
Yoshiko teased, rubbing slow circles with her knuckles right along the slit through soaked fabric, pressing just enough to outline Riko’s swollen clit without giving direct contact. Riko whimpered into the kiss, hips twitching, trying to grind down harder.
Finally Yoshiko broke the kiss. Both were breathing hard, chests heaving, foreheads almost touching. Hot exhales mingled between them.
Yoshiko’s voice came out rough.
“Stand up for a second, Riri.”
Riko obeyed on shaky legs, still straddling but rising just enough. Yoshiko hooked her fingers into the waistband of Riko’s underwear, black lace, already drenched, and tugged them slowly down. Riko lifted one foot, then the other, the damp fabric slid off her ankles and pooled on the floor.
Yoshiko let the panties drop, eyes locked on Riko’s flushed face, then lower, to the way the skirt still clung high on Riko’s thighs, the sheer black tights now the only barrier left between them.
Riko sank back down properly into Yoshiko’s lap, thighs bracketing Yoshiko’s hips again, skirt still bunched high around her waist. Their mouths met instantly, hot, open, tongues sliding together like they’d never stopped.
Yoshiko’s right hand slipped under the flared black skirt without hesitation. Two fingers traced Riko’s slick folds through the tights, slow, deep strokes at first, parting her gently, then pulling back to feather light glides along the outer lips.
The variety made Riko’s hips jerk forward every time, deep pressure drawing a low, throaty moan into Yoshiko’s mouth, “Mmh… mnh…”, then soft, teasing circles around her entrance pulling sharper, needier sounds, “mm… hah…”
When Yoshiko’s fingertips finally found Riko’s clit, she circled it deliberately, slow loops, then quick flicks, Riko gasped hard against her lips, hips stuttering, trying to chase more.
Riko had been soaked since their first real kiss back at the door, but now she was dripping, wetness coating Yoshiko’s fingers, slick sounds filling the quiet apartment with every slow thrust.
After long minutes of that torturous teasing, Riko broke the kiss with a shaky exhale. She rose just enough to peel the sheer black tights down her legs, fabric whispering as it slid over thighs, calves, ankles, then kicked them aside to join the damp panties on the floor. Bare now from the waist down except for the rumpled skirt, she climbed back into Yoshiko’s lap.
A quick, hungry kiss, then Riko pulled back, bracing both hands on Yoshiko’s shoulders. She lifted herself slightly, golden eyes locked on magenta ones, breath ragged.
“Ready your fingers,” Riko whispered, voice trembling with want. “I want to be the one who moves this time.”
Yoshiko’s smirk was instant, dark and fond. She shifted her hand between them, two fingers extended straight up, palm facing her own body, the pads already glistening.
Riko lowered herself slowly.
The first stretch pulled a long, broken moan from her throat, “Nhhh…”, as Yoshiko’s fingers slid inside, warm walls parting eagerly around them. Riko sank all the way down until herfull cheeks settled flush against Yoshiko’s thighs, fingers buried to the knuckle. She rocked forward once, twice, small, testing grinds, then leaned in and kissed Yoshiko deeply while her hips started to move.
Up… down… slow bounces at first. Each lift dragged Yoshiko’s fingers almost out, each drop sank them deep again, curling just right against that sensitive front wall. Riko’s moans spilled soft and breathy against Yoshiko’s lips, “Ah… ah… mnh…”, then muffled into the crook of Yoshiko’s neck as she buried her face there, kissing and nipping the skin.
Her mouth found the spot just below Yoshiko’s ear, warm, salty with sweat and smeared makeup, and she sucked hard, teeth grazing, tongue soothing. A dark hickey bloomed under the fake veins, unnoticed by Yoshiko, who was too busy groaning low at the tight heat fluttering around her fingers.
Riko pulled back just enough to admire her work, proud little smile, then licked over the fresh mark once before diving back to Yoshiko’s mouth.
Her hips picked up speed, bouncing faster now, thighs flexing, skirt flapping uselessly against their joined bodies. Each downward thrust drove Yoshiko’s fingers deeper, hitting that perfect spot over and over.
Riko’s moans sharpened, “Mmh—mm! hah—!”, breasts jiggling under the half-pulled-down dress with every movement.
Yoshiko felt the telltale flutter, the sudden tightening. She pressed her thumb firmly to Riko’s clit, tight circles matching the rhythm of Riko’s bounces, and leaned forward to capture one flushed nipple with her mouth. Tongue flicked fast over the stiff peak, then sucked hard, plastic fangs grazing the sensitive areola just enough to sting sweetly.
Riko’s head fell back. No more kissing, just desperate, gasping moans, “Ah… ah…! Yocchan—!”, hips slamming down harder, chasing, chasing.
Her fingers dug into Yoshiko’s shoulders. Back arched sharply. A final, shuddering cry, “Hnnnn—!”, and she came hard, walls clamping rhythmically around Yoshiko’s fingers, a fresh gush of wetness flooding Yoshiko’s hand and dripping down her wrist. The pointed witch hat finally slipped off Riko’s head and tumbled to the floor with a soft thud.
Riko collapsed forward, panting against Yoshiko’s neck, whole body trembling through the aftershocks.
When her breathing steadied, she lifted her head just enough to find Yoshiko’s lips again, this time slow, warm, languid. Tongues brushed lazily, tasting sweat and lingering rose lipstick.
Yoshiko kept her fingers inside, still, gentle, letting Riko feel the fullness. With her free hand she brushed a sweaty burgundy strand off Riko’s flushed forehead.
“That was a lot,” Yoshiko murmured, voice rough but soft, a quiet chuckle under it.
Riko laughed tiredly, eyes half-lidded. “It felt… too good.”
Yoshiko’s thumb stroked once along Riko’s inner wall, making her twitch. “I can literally feel my hand flooding with your juice right now.”
Riko buried her face in Yoshiko’s shoulder with a mortified whine. “Don’t say it like that… it’s embarrassing.”
“It’s true though,” Yoshiko teased, pressing a kiss to Riko’s temple.
They stayed like that for a long minute, warm, sticky, still connected, Riko’s heartbeat thudding against Yoshiko’s chest, Yoshiko’s cape half-slipped off one shoulder, fake blood makeup smeared across both their necks now.
Finally Yoshiko spoke, voice low and amused. “Are we… not gonna move out of this position anytime soon?”
Riko nuzzled closer. “I kinda want to stay like this a little longer… can we? I like the feeling of you inside me.”
Yoshiko swallowed hard, throat clicking. Her free hand slid up Riko’s back under the cape, holding her close. “Yeah… of course. Anything for you, Riri.”
Riko smiled against her neck, pressed one last soft kiss there. “Thank you, Yocchan.”
They lingered like that, quiet, comfortable, warm, for what felt like forever. Eventually the need to clean up won out. Yoshiko gently withdrew her fingers, earning one last small whimper from Riko, helped her stand on shaky legs.
They disentangled slowly, sharing quiet laughs and gentle touches as they cleaned up together. Makeup smudges were wiped away, fake fangs set aside, and costumes peeled off layer by layer until nothing of the night remained but faint marks and tired smiles.
After quick wipe downs and slipping into soft sleepwear, they went to Riko’s bed, crawling under the covers. Their bodies curled together naturally, Riko tucked close while Yoshiko’s arm settled around her waist. Warm, comfortable, and finally clean, they drifted off to sleep, the Halloween night fading into peaceful sleep.
Tainted Hearts
Chapter 133: Halloween Day (Part 2)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/59749615/chapters/213121016
Riko’s apartment in Tokyo was quiet when she stepped inside, the soft click of the door shutting behind her echoing gently in the small space. She slipped off her shoes near the entrance, setting her bag down with a small exhale.
It still felt a little strange, being let off early.
Usually, part-timers were asked to stay longer on busy days like this. But earlier, her manager, Misato, had simply waved her off with an amused smile.
“Go home and do some trick-or-treating and enjoy your first Halloween here, okay? Be a kid, go out.”
Riko had only giggled shyly at the time.
Now, standing in her quiet apartment with the evening still young, she wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself.
She padded over to the small sofa and sat down, hands resting neatly on her lap as she looked around the room.
“…It’s still early,” she murmured softly.
A beat passed.
Then she suddenly straightened.
“Maybe I should take a bath now and prepare my costume… so later I won’t have to do anything.”
Nodding to herself, Riko stood and headed toward the bathroom.
------------------
After a while, warm steam filled the apartment as she finished bathing. Riko stepped out, hair damp and clinging lightly to her shoulders, and carefully began blow drying it. The soft whir of the dryer filled the room until, finally, her burgundy hair fell smooth and dry down her back.
Once done, she walked toward her bed where her costume was neatly laid out.
Riko hesitated for just a second… then quietly removed her towel and began dressing.
The classic witch costume fit her frame beautifully, elegant, but with a subtle playful charm.
The black dress flared just above her knees, trimmed with deep plum ribbons that added a gentle softness to the look. After smoothing the skirt, she sat down on the edge of the bed and carefully pulled on her sheer black tights, making sure there were no wrinkles.
Her short cape and pointed witch hat still rested on the bed beside her, untouched for now.
Riko stood and turned toward the mirror.
She studied her reflection.
“…Isn’t this a little too short?” she murmured, lightly tugging at the hem.
Her cheeks tinted faintly pink.
“…I guess this will do for now. I don’t have anything else to wear…”
She took a small breath and reached toward her makeup pouch—
Ring ring.
Riko blinked.
Her phone lit up on the bed.
“Oh?”
She picked it up and her expression immediately softened.
“Chika-chan?”
Riko tapped accept, and the screen shifted into a video call.
Immediately, an extremely close view of Chika’s face filled the screen.
“Hello, Riko-chan!” Chika beamed excitedly.
Riko couldn’t help but smile.
“Hey, Chika-chan! Why the sudden call?”
“Oh, nothing~” Chika sang, then her eyes sparkled. “But oh—you're a witch! So pretty!”
Riko giggled softly.
“Thank you… but why is your face so close to the screen?”
Chika’s lips curled into a mischievous smirk.
“Oh this? Because I want to surprise you with my Halloween costume!”
She suddenly pulled the phone away from her face, and revealed herself.
Riko blinked.
Then blinked again.
Chika was… bread.
Specifically, a slice of toast with bright red jam on top.
“Look!” Chika grinned proudly. “Can you guess what I am?”
Riko pressed her fingers lightly to her lips, trying not to laugh.
“Let me guess, hmm…”
She pretended to think very seriously.
“…A toast with jam on top?”
“Well, close!” Chika puffed proudly. “I’m actually a peanut butter and jam sandwich! Where’s the peanut butter, you ask?”
Her grin widened.
She shifted the phone sideways, and revealed You beside her.
You was wearing the matching bread costume, but with peanut butter.
She looked deeply, deeply resigned.
“Here she is! Tada—PB & J!”
Riko giggled warmly, eyes soft with fondness.
“That’s such a cute costume, you two. It really suits you.”
“Thanks!” Chika chirped.
She immediately turned to You with a smug look.
“See? I told you it’s a cute costume. My ideas are good.”
You just huffed lightly, though there was a small smile tugging at her lips.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever…”
Then she leaned slightly toward the camera and waved.
“Hey, Riko-chan! Nice witch costume. You’re really ready for the Shibuya walk later.”
Riko smiled gently.
“Thanks.”
Chika suddenly puffed her cheeks and drooped dramatically.
“…I really wanted to join that walk too.”
You snorted.
“I don’t think you can survive that.”
“Hey!”
You continued teasing, glancing at the camera.
“Well, I mean, Riko-chan barely can, but she has Yoshiko. Yoshiko can protect her.”
Then she added with a teasing grin,
“You might drown in that sea of people and we might never see you again.”
“Hey!!”
Chika puffed up in protest.
“Well I have you, you know! You can protect me too! And if I drown you can save me, you’re a good swimmer, right?”
You blinked.
For just a split second, a faint blush crossed her face.
“…Well yes, but—but I won’t,” she said, trying to sound cool.
Chika gasped dramatically.
“Huh?! So mean! Riko-chan, You-chan’s being mean!”
Riko couldn’t help it, she laughed softly, shoulders shaking just a little as she watched the two bicker like always.
Riko’s soft laughter gradually settled as she looked back at the screen, her gold eyes warm.
“Are you two going to a party or trick-or-treating?”
Chika perked up immediately.
“Oh! My school has it, but not really a party, like… a school Halloween festival,” she explained proudly. “So I invited You-chan to come with me.”
“I see,” Riko nodded.
You crossed her arms, though her tone was clearly teasing.
“And I was supposed to be working right now. But nooo, I have to accompany her so she won’t get lost in her school again.”
“Hey!” Chika protested, puffing her cheeks. “I’m not gonna get lost again, you know! And you were just as excited as I was when I asked you.”
You smirked.
“Was I? I don’t remember.”
“Meanie!”
Both You and Riko chuckled at her reaction.
Chika huffed for a second, then quickly brightened again.
“Well anyway! That’s why we’re wearing these costumes. It was my idea, and You-chan doesn’t have a choice but to wear it with me.”
You rolled her eyes lightly.
“I could’ve made something better, you know.”
“Yes, yes, I know,” Chika waved it off dramatically. Then her expression softened into something fond. “But now we’re PB & J together. I always wanted to do this with You-chan.”
She turned toward You with an expectant smile.
“You’re my PB.”
You sighed, but there was a noticeable blush dusting her cheeks.
“…Yeah, yeah. And you’re my J.”
“Yaaay!”
Chika immediately lunged forward and hugged her tightly.
Riko’s smile widened as the video call shook from Chika still holding the phone while clinging to You.
Then.
“Oh! Look, Riko-chan!”
Chika hurriedly set the phone down on the table, angling it so the camera showed both of them fully.
Before You could react, Chika hugged her from the front.
The two bread costumes pressed together perfectly.
“We’re a PB & J sandwich now!”
You’s face turned a deeper shade of pink, but she didn’t actually pull away, just letting out a small, embarrassed huff as she allowed herself to be hugged.
Riko covered her mouth, giggling.
“You guys are cute!”
“Take a screenshot, hurry before You-chan gets away!” Chika urged, squeezing tighter.
“W—wa—hey, stop!” You protested, though there was no real struggle behind it.
Riko quickly tapped her screen several times, taking plenty of screenshots while softly laughing.
A moment later, Chika finally let go and dashed back to the phone, snatching it from the table.
She leaned close to the camera and whispered conspiratorially,
“Send that to me, Riko-chan.”
Riko nodded with an amused smile.
“I will.”
“I heard that!” You immediately called out.
Chika and Riko both burst into laughter.
After settling down, Chika plopped onto their sofa, holding the phone up to her face again.
“Oh—and look, Riko-chan! Mari-chan sent us an expensive chocolate!”
She held up the fancy chocolate bar proudly toward the camera.
You deadpanned beside her.
“Yes… but the one she’s showing isn’t hers, because she already ate hers before she even said thanks to Mari-chan.”
Riko giggled softly.
Chika puffed her cheeks.
“It’s because it was the first time I ever saw one of those! And it looked tasty, and it was tasty, and before I knew it, it disappeared.”
You snorted.
“Yeah. Disappeared in your stomach.”
“Hey! You had some of it too!”
“Well, you shoved it in my mouth, so it’s not like I had a choice.”
That earned another soft laugh from Riko, her shoulders shaking slightly.
Chika leaned closer to the screen again.
“Have you gotten yours, Riko-chan?”
Riko blinked.
“No, I didn’t. And… I’m not aware that she was giving those out.”
You’s lips slowly curved into a knowing grin.
“Well, don’t worry, Riko-chan. Maybe yours is on the way.”
She tilted her head teasingly.
“And maybe the delivery person might just be your type.”
Riko’s face immediately warmed.
“Y-You-chan…”
Chika blinked in confusion.
“Riko-chan is in a relationship, you know. She wouldn’t have a type other than Yoshiko.”
You stared at her flatly for a beat.
“…Chika-chan.”
“Yes?”
“The delivery person I’m talking about is Yoshiko,” You said patiently. “Because Mari-chan probably gave it to Yoshiko since she’s coming to Riko-chan’s place.”
There was a pause.
Then.
“OHHHH!!” Chika lit up. “Okay, I get it now! Hahaha!”
You just shook her head in mild disbelief.
Meanwhile, Riko simply giggled softly, cheeks still a little pink as she hugged her phone closer.
Chika leaned closer to the camera, eyes bright with curiosity.
“So what are you up to now, Riko-chan? Getting ready?”
Riko nodded lightly.
“Yup. I’m just about to put on some light makeup.”
“Oh, let me see!” Chika perked up. “We can talk while you do that.”
From off-screen, You’s voice came, mildly skeptical.
“How can she do her makeup if she’s talking to you and holding her phone?”
Chika immediately shot back,
“She can put it down somewhere and point the camera at her. Duh.”
There was a brief pause.
“…Okay, you have a point,” You admitted.
Chika grinned smugly.
“Hah. I won.”
Riko couldn’t help but laugh softly at the two.
She gathered her makeup kit and moved to her small dining table. Carefully, she set her phone down and angled the camera so it clearly showed her upper body. A small mirror followed, propped neatly in front of her.
Then she began.
You finally slid into frame beside Chika, resting her chin on her hand.
“So Yoshiko isn’t there yet?”
Riko shook her head slightly while working.
“Nope. Not yet. I think she might arrive later.”
“What’s her costume? Do you know?” Chika asked eagerly.
Riko’s lips curved.
“Yup. Mari-chan sent me a picture earlier when she finished doing her makeup.”
Chika leaned forward even more.
“Ohhh, what costume is she wearing?”
“She’s a vampire,” Riko said warmly. “Mari-chan did really good makeup on her. She looked really cool.”
“I’ll send it to you guys later.”
“Yaaay!” Chika cheered.
They continued chatting casually while Riko worked. Her movements were gentle and practiced, a light sweep of eyeliner, a soft touch of rose lipstick. Nothing too heavy, just enough to enhance her natural elegance.
------------------
After a few more minutes, Riko set the brush down.
“There… done.”
She looked into the mirror briefly.
Soft. Pretty. Just right.
“Woaaah, Riko-chan’s really pretty,” Chika breathed.
“Even with just light makeup,” You added with a small approving nod.
Riko’s cheeks warmed immediately.
“S-Stop it, you two…”
“We’re just telling the truth, you know,” Chika said innocently.
You smirked slightly.
“I bet Yoshiko’s gonna flip when she sees you.”
Riko’s blush deepened, and right on cue, the doorbell rang.
You’s smirk widened.
“Speak of the devil.”
Riko smiled, already standing.
“Excuse me for a bit. I’m going to see who that is.”
Chika leaned toward the camera with a knowing grin.
“Oh, we know who that is.”
Still smiling softly, Riko left the phone and makeup on the table and walked toward the door.
She opened it.
And there, stood Yoshiko.
Backpack slung over one shoulder, helmet in hand, still dressed in her subtle vampire ensemble. The dark cape draped over her science uniform, the top two buttons of her white shirt left open. No tie. Black slacks neat and sharp.
The makeup Mari had done made the whole look striking, pale complexion, faint vein details creeping along her neck and hands, shadowed eyes, and those fake vampire fangs peeking out from her smirk.
Yoshiko’s magenta eyes softened the moment they landed on her.
She smiled, revealing her fangs.
“Trick or treat, my enchanting witch.”
Riko’s face flushed instantly.
“Didn’t expect you to arrive so fast, Yocchan…”
Yoshiko stepped inside smoothly.
Before Riko could fully process it, one arm slid around her waist.
With practiced ease, Yoshiko pulled her closer, bodies pressing together. Riko’s breath hitched as she instinctively placed a hand against Yoshiko’s chest, looking up at her.
Yoshiko’s gaze dropped briefly to Riko’s lips, then returned to her eyes.
A slow, pleased smirk formed.
“My, my… what a lovely witch we have here.”
“Th-Thank you… you look really cool too,” Riko managed softly. Then her eyes widened slightly as reality caught up. “O-Oh—but Yocchan, we can’t—um, they—”
Yoshiko stepped even closer.
The words died in Riko’s throat.
In a low, teasing voice, Yoshiko murmured,
“Mind if I get my treat now, Miss Witch?”
Her eyes flicked meaningfully to Riko’s lips.
Riko, already flushed from head to toe, gave the smallest nod, completely entranced.
That was all the permission Yoshiko needed.
She lowered her head and kissed her.
Riko rose slightly onto her tiptoes, fingers tightening against Yoshiko’s shirt as the kiss deepened. It was warm, slow at first, then more insistent.
At one point, Riko’s tongue accidentally brushed against Yoshiko’s fake fang, making her shiver faintly.
Yoshiko pulled back just enough, only to trail her lips down to Riko’s neck instead.
A soft kiss there.
Then another.
Her voice dropped into a husky murmur against Riko’s skin.
“…Too bad you just wore the costume…”
A light kiss.
“…because I already want to remove it from you.”
From the phone resting on the small dining table, You suddenly cleared her throat loudly.
“Ehem. Ehem. Just to remind you… we’re still here, Riko-chan.”
Riko and Yoshiko froze instantly.
Chika gasped in betrayal.
“Why did you talk, You-chan?! You interrupted them! We were just getting to the exciting part!”
Riko’s face went completely red.
Yoshiko blinked, then leaned slightly toward Riko, whispering,
“…I didn’t know you were in a call.”
Riko winced and whispered back,
“I tried to tell you, but… uh… I failed…”
From the phone, You’s voice came again, smug.
“We can hear you, you know.”
Riko looked like she wanted the floor to swallow her whole.
Yoshiko just let out a low, amused chuckle.
“Let’s close the door first… and let me put my stuff down.”
Riko nodded quickly.
“Y-Yeah…”
“Yeah, you should!” You called out helpfully.
Chika leaned closer to the camera, eyes sparkling with mischief.
“They haven’t even closed the door and they already started making out. That’s some high level stuff.”
Riko made a small distressed sound as she hurried to shut the door properly, her ears burning.
Once done, she quickly returned to the dining table.
Meanwhile, Yoshiko casually set her backpack and helmet on the sofa before walking over and pulling out the chair beside Riko. She sat down smoothly, then gave the phone camera an awkward little wave.
“…Hey, guys.”
You was already smirking.
“Hey yourself. You just arrived and you’re already making out with Riko-chan? Was that the Tsushima Technique?”
Chika nodded vigorously.
“Right?! And they were even roleplaying! And we got to hear it live, for free! This is better than the shows I watch.”
Riko completely folded in on herself, hiding her face in her hands.
“P-Please stop…”
Yoshiko rubbed the back of her neck, laughing awkwardly.
“Well… I didn’t know we had an audience. If I did, I wouldn’t have done it.”
You snorted.
“It’s a good thing we kept quiet at first, right, Chika-chan?”
“Yup! We’re experts at being quiet,” Chika declared proudly.
Yoshiko muttered under her breath,
“…I don’t know about you being an expert at that, Chika.”
“Hey!” Chika puffed her cheeks. “You’re back to bullying me again!”
Then she added dramatically,
“You’re lucky we didn’t record that, you know.”
Riko’s head snapped up in panic.
“You didn’t, right?!”
You waved a hand.
“We didn’t, calm down, Riko-chan.” Then her grin turned wicked. “But we should’ve. We could’ve sold it to Mari-chan and gotten extra cash.”
Yoshiko’s eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous little smirk forming.
“Oh… if you did that, you might insta-regret it, You.”
You immediately stiffened.
“I—I was just joking, you know? We wouldn’t really do it,” she said quickly, laughing a bit too nervously.
The brief tension passed so fast that neither Riko nor Chika caught it.
Chika tilted her head.
“…What does that mean?”
Riko looked just as confused.
“Yeah, what do you mean by that, Yocchan?”
Yoshiko’s expression softened instantly, slipping back into her usual easygoing smile.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just, uh… karma, right? Karma comes back fast or whatever. So she might regret it quickly.”
She glanced sideways at You.
“Right, You?”
You nodded a little too fast.
“Y-Yeah! That’s it.”
Completely satisfied, Chika hummed.
“Hmm… okay!”
Riko also relaxed, none the wiser.
And just like that, the moment passed.
Yoshiko shifted the conversation smoothly, leaning a little closer to Riko’s phone on the table. Her magenta eyes narrowed playfully as she studied the screen.
“Hey… nice PB & J costume, you two.”
Chika instantly beamed.
“Thank you! See? That’s the second time someone said it’s nice!”
Yoshiko smirked faintly.
“Yeah, it’s cute… and very couply.”
The teasing tone was subtle, but not subtle enough.
You caught it immediately.
Her shoulders stiffened just a bit.
Yoshiko continued innocently, though the glint in her eyes said otherwise.
“It’s very… the two of you, yeah. Like you two look good together… in that costume… as a couple… of sandwich, I mean.”
You’s face warmed slightly.
“…Yeah, I think you should stop.”
Only Yoshiko noticed the faint red creeping up You’s ears.
Meanwhile, completely oblivious, Chika just shone brighter.
“Thank you! Wow, you’re so nice today! Guess this costume fits us very well!”
“Yup,” Yoshiko said lightly. “Fits very well.”
Riko nodded earnestly beside her.
“I agree with Yocchan. It really does fit you two.”
Chika giggled happily, completely missing the undercurrent.
Then she leaned closer to the screen, eyes sparkling.
“You look very cool too, Yoshiko! The vampire fits you! And the makeup too! Very… um… bitey.”
You slowly raised one eyebrow.
“…Bitey?”
Chika threw her hands up.
“Hey, I don’t know how to compliment a vampire!”
Yoshiko and Riko both laughed softly while You just shook her head with a sigh.
“Thanks, Chika,” Yoshiko said.
You leaned forward slightly, studying Yoshiko more carefully through the screen, then leaned back with a click of her tongue.
“…Are you just wearing a vampire cape and your uniform?”
Yoshiko shrugged.
“Yeah. Why?”
You crossed her arms.
“Tsk, tsk. Such a cheap and lazy costume. If I were there, I would’ve made you something amazing.”
Yoshiko snorted.
“Hey, the lazy part is from me. I didn’t want to go full effort.”
“I can tell,” You said flatly.
Chika burst out laughing. Riko followed with a soft giggle.
Then Riko suddenly paused, eyes widening slightly.
“Wait, Yocchan… did you drive from Numazu to here wearing that?”
“Yeah,” Yoshiko said casually. “Why?”
Chika gasped dramatically.
“No way! Did your cape fly while you were driving?!”
Yoshiko blinked.
“…What? No. I have a backpack on.”
Chika leaned closer to the screen, still excited.
“But did it feel like flying when the cape went whoosh?”
You stared at her like she’d grown a second head.
“…Did you not just hear what she said about the cape?”
“I did,” Chika said proudly. “I was already planning to ask it. I just didn’t want to stop myself.”
Yoshiko chuckled.
“That’s awesome, Chika.”
You shook her head in defeat while Riko laughed softly.
Then suddenly, Chika’s expression shifted as she glanced off-screen, clearly reading something.
“Oh— we gotta go. Aww, I was just having fun chatting…”
Riko smiled gently.
“We can always talk again next time, Chika-chan.”
“Yeah!” Chika perked up. “We need to head to the school now. It was nice talking to you two, Riko-chan, Yoshiko! See you next time! Bye!”
She waved energetically.
You lifted her hand in a small wave.
“Bye.”
Riko and Yoshiko waved back.
“Bye, have fun.”
The call ended.
Silence settled over the small apartment.
Both of them exhaled at the same time.
Yoshiko leaned back slightly in her chair.
“…Can’t believe they heard us making out.”
Riko immediately turned red again.
“D-Don’t remind me, please. It was your fault, you know.”
Yoshiko tilted her head, completely unapologetic.
“Not my fault the person who opened the door was a super hot and sexy witch. Can’t help myself, I wanted to get cursed by you.”
Riko’s face burned hotter.
“It’s not supposed to be sexy, you know…”
“I know,” Yoshiko murmured.
She leaned in, lips brushing softly against Riko’s neck.
“It’s just… you make it sexy.”
Riko shivered slightly at the contact.
Then Yoshiko’s voice dropped to a teasing whisper.
“…Want to continue what we stopped earlier?”
Riko quickly pressed a hand to Yoshiko’s shoulder and pushed her back just a little.
“C-Can we continue later after the walk? Because if we do it now… we might get tired.”
Yoshiko leaned back easily.
“…Yeah, okay. Let’s go with that.”
Riko let out a small relieved breath.
Then she smiled softly.
“You look really cool too, Yocchan.”
Yoshiko tilted her head.
“Cool and hot?”
Riko blushed, and nodded.
A slow smirk spread across Yoshiko’s lips.
“Thanks, Riri.”
Riko’s gaze softened as she studied Yoshiko more closely.
“Mari-chan did a pretty good job with your makeup.”
“Yeah…” Yoshiko sighed. “I didn’t want it, but well, Mari doesn’t take no for an answer. Now here I am, covered in makeup.”
Riko giggled quietly.
“Well… it suits you.”
Her eyes drifted down to Yoshiko’s hands, gently reaching out.
“With the little details too…”
Her fingers softly traced the faint vein makeup along Yoshiko’s hand, then up toward her wrist, slowly… carefully…
Yoshiko went very still.
Riko’s touch moved higher, to Yoshiko’s neck, following the faint veiny pattern disappearing beneath the open collar of her shirt.
Yoshiko watched her quietly.
Then, in a half-joking, half-warning tone, “…Keep that up and I might get turned on.”
Riko immediately pulled her hand back.
“O-Oh— sorry!”
Yoshiko just chuckled, standing up and stretching her arms overhead.
Then she turned and casually plopped onto the sofa beside her backpack.
“Right. Here, Riri. Some chocolates from the others.”
She began pulling things out one by one.
“This one’s from Dia.”
A neat pouch of treats.
“This one’s from Kanan.”
A small box.
“And these—”
She held up two plastic packs.
“—are from your mom and my mom.”
Riko carefully received each one, placing them neatly on the dining table.
“You even went to my mom and yours?”
“Yeah,” Yoshiko said. “I did a quick stop to give them some of my treats. And they gave some to us too.”
She leaned back into the sofa.
“And when I went to my house, my mom was on a video call with your mom, so I had to say hi to your mom again.”
Riko’s eyes widened in surprise.
“…They’re video calling?”
------------------
Flashback, earlier in Tokyo.
Before heading to Riko’s apartment, Yoshiko made one more stop.
Her old home.
The motorbike engine quieted as she pulled up in front of the familiar house. The evening air was cool, carrying the faint sounds of distant Halloween chatter from the neighborhood.
Yoshiko lowered the side stand and swung her leg off smoothly. She removed her helmet and set it carefully on top of the motorbike before walking up the short path to the front door.
Once there, she pressed the doorbell.
Then, in the best childish voice she could manage,
“Trick or treat~”
She barely held back a grin.
A few moments later, the door opened.
Her mother stood there, holding a bowl full of treats, but immediately paused when she saw who it was.
“Oh—Yoshiko! It was just you.”
Yoshiko laughed and stepped forward, giving her mom a quick hug.
“What do you mean ‘just me’? Don’t you wanna see your kid?” she teased.
Her mom chuckled warmly, patting her back.
“Oh, stop it. You know I didn’t mean it that way. I just thought you were one of the neighborhood trick-or-treaters.”
“Well, you’re not wrong,” Yoshiko said with a crooked smile. “I am a trick-or-treater. Just not a kid.”
Her mother’s expression softened.
“Well… you’re still my baby. And a kid at heart.”
Yoshiko huffed a small laugh.
“…Yeah, you’re not wrong.”
Her mom then reached forward, gently fussing with Yoshiko’s cape and collar like she used to when Yoshiko was younger.
“Well anyway, you have such a nice costume. You look really cool.”
She lightly tugged the fabric straight, smoothing it out.
“And the makeup looks good too. It goes well with it.”
Then, pinch.
“So cute!”
“Mom…” Yoshiko chuckled, mildly embarrassed. “Thanks, but this is just my uniform and a vampire cape. And the makeup was forced on me by Mari.”
Her mother smiled knowingly.
“Still, even for a lazy costume, it looks good on you. And Mari did a great job. It’s a good thing you let her do your makeup.”
“I didn’t exactly have a choice in that part,” Yoshiko muttered.
Her mom laughed.
“Oh—speaking of Mari, she actually sent me a very expensive chocolate bar earlier. I didn’t expect it, honestly, but I was happy. She sure is rich.”
Yoshiko blinked.
“She gave you one too? Did she give one to everyone else? That’s kinda impressive…”
Then she shrugged lightly.
“Well, anyway, I also came here to give you my treats.”
She slipped her backpack off one shoulder and grabbed a generous handful.
Her mom’s eyes lit up.
“Ohhh, you didn’t have to, but thank you.”
She accepted them happily.
“Here, from me too. Open your bag.”
Yoshiko obediently opened her backpack.
Her mother dropped in two small plastic packs.
“There. The other one is for Riko. Be sure to give it to her.”
She narrowed her eyes playfully.
“I’ll know if you eat it.”
Yoshiko snorted.
“Yes, yes, I know, Mom.”
She closed her bag and slung it back over her shoulder.
Then her mother added casually,
“Oh, you know, speaking of Riko… I’m actually talking to her mom right now.”
Yoshiko blinked.
“Oh? Right now? Mrs. Sakurauchi’s here? But I just saw her in Numazu earlier.”
Her mom laughed.
“No, no, of course she’s not here. I meant I’m on a call with her.”
“…Now?”
“Mhm.”
“…Where?”
“Oh, I left my phone in the living room. Wait, let me get it so you can say hi.”
Before Yoshiko could protest, her mom turned and hurried inside.
A moment later, she returned, holding up her phone.
“Sakurauchi-san, here she is.”
She angled the screen toward Yoshiko.
On the display, Riko’s mother appeared, smiling warmly.
“Hey, Yoshiko. You arrived there fast, you were just here earlier.”
Yoshiko lifted her hand in a small wave.
“Hi, Mrs. Sakurauchi!”
Then she glanced sideways at her own mom.
“…What are you two even talking about?”
“Just random stuff,” her mother said innocently.
From the phone, Riko’s mom added cheerfully,
“We’re just chatting while we wait for trick-or-treaters to come by.”
“I see…”
Riko’s mother suddenly put on an exaggeratedly sad expression.
“You know, since both of us are so lonely on Halloween, we might as well entertain each other.”
Yoshiko’s face immediately fell.
Her mom burst out laughing.
“Oh, you shouldn’t joke like that with with my baby, she’ll actually get sad and rush back there to cheer you up.”
Yoshiko did, in fact, look concerned.
Riko’s mom quickly waved her hand.
“I’m just joking, Yoshiko dear. Your mom and I are having a blast talking, so don’t worry. Just focus on making my daughter happy.”
Relief softened Yoshiko’s expression.
“…Of course, Mrs. Sakurauchi.”
Her mom nodded approvingly.
“See? We’re not lonely. We actually both have parties to attend later. I have a Halloween party with my co-teachers.”
“And I have one with my coworkers,” Riko’s mom added.
Yoshiko’s shoulders finally relaxed.
“…I’m glad.”
Her mother smiled gently.
“Now why don’t you go to Riko? We’re fine. I’m sure she’s waiting for you.”
Riko’s mom nodded from the screen.
“Be careful later, okay?”
“Be safe,” Yoshiko’s mom added.
Yoshiko gave a small nod, then stepped forward and hugged her mom tightly.
“Bye, Mom. Bye, Mrs. Sakurauchi.”
She waved once more toward the phone as she walked back toward her motorbike.
Behind her, her mom waved from the doorway, and on the phone screen, Riko’s mother waved too.
Yoshiko slipped her helmet back on, swung onto the bike, and the engine roared back to life.
End flashback.
------------------
Riko giggled softly, her shoulders relaxing as the earlier embarrassment finally began to fade.
“It’s nice to know they’re really getting closer,” she said warmly.
Yoshiko nodded, her expression gentler than usual. “Yeah, actually, it makes me happy too.”
For a brief moment, they simply looked at each other, comfortable, easy.
Then Riko’s expression shifted.
“…Wait.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she turned toward Yoshiko.
“You went to see them and you even arrived early too…” she said slowly. “Are you sure you’re driving carefully and not racing?”
Yoshiko immediately raised both hands in surrender. “Hey, hey—no racing. And yes, Riri, I am driving safely for you. I promised, remember?”
Riko studied her for another second, then her shoulders softened and she smiled.
“That’s good then.”
Yoshiko huffed lightly, though there was fondness in her voice. “It’s just that driving fast feels normal to me, but in a very safe way.”
Riko couldn’t help the small giggle that slipped out.
“Well, anyway,” Yoshiko continued, reaching into her bag. “Here. This is from Mari.”
She pulled out an expensive looking, high quality bar of chocolate and slid it across the table.
Riko’s eyes widened in surprise as she carefully picked it up. “Oh… this is what Chika-chan and You-chan were talking about.”
Yoshiko blinked. “They were?”
“Yeah,” Riko nodded. “They said Mari sent some to them too.”
Yoshiko snorted softly. “Looks like she really did give one to everyone.”
Riko turned the chocolate over in her hands, clearly impressed. “This looks expensive…”
“Yeah,” Yoshiko said dryly. “You know Mari, crazy rich and crazy with spending. She bought a ton of these and is handing them out like it’s nothing.”
Riko smiled fondly. “That’s Mari for you.”
“Oh—and here’s the other one.” Yoshiko pulled out another bar. “She said your friend can have one too. So let’s give it to Natsumi later.”
Riko nodded brightly. “She’ll love this.”
Yoshiko smirked. “Who wouldn’t? I mean, expensive chocolate. The students were literally crying just from receiving these.”
Riko laughed softly. “Well… I’ll message them later and say thanks.”
“They’ll like that,” Yoshiko said.
Then her expression shifted slightly, almost sheepish.
“Well, anyway… here’s my treat for you.”
She placed a plastic bag stuffed with assorted treats onto the table.
Riko blinked. “…Is this all for me?”
Yoshiko grinned. “Yeah! Only for Riri.”
Riko stared at the bag, clearly overwhelmed. “This is a lot…”
“Yeah, well,” Yoshiko said, leaning back casually, “I want my girlfriend fed with sweetness, you know? You can snack on it while studying. I made sure some of it’s dark chocolate and some with nuts, stuff that helps with focus.”
Riko’s expression softened into something very fond.
“Thank you, Yocchan… that’s really thoughtful, even if it’s just treats from trick-or-treating.”
Yoshiko waved it off. “It’s nothing. And hey, if you want more, I can supply you every month.”
Riko giggled. “I’ll think about it. I don’t even think I can finish this in a month.”
Yoshiko chuckled, then reached into her bag again.
“Oh, and these too.” She placed a smaller plastic bag on the table. “If you see some of your neighbors, Haruko-san, Ren, and that office lady, give them these.”
Riko blinked. “…How many did you buy?”
“A lot,” Yoshiko admitted without shame. Then she added more softly, “But yours are different. I specifically picked those for you.”
Riko’s cheeks warmed again.
“…Thank you, Yocchan.”
Yoshiko just hummed, clearly pleased.
“I still have some small bags in here,” she added, patting her bag. “We can bring them later to give out while we walk around Shibuya.”
“Sounds good,” Riko nodded.
Then suddenly her expression fell.
“…Oh.”
Yoshiko tilted her head. “Hm?”
“I think I forgot to buy treats too,” Riko admitted, looking embarrassed. “I don’t have anything for you, Yocchan… I think it slipped my mind.”
Yoshiko’s expression softened immediately.
“Hey. It’s okay. Totally understandable, Riri,” she said gently. “You’re a very busy student and part-time worker. Being independent is hard sometimes, but you’re doing a really good job.”
Riko’s shoulders relaxed, a shy giggle escaping her.
“Thank you, Yocchan…”
But after a second, she still looked a little troubled.
“…Still… sorry. I wanted to give you something too since you trick-or-treated me.”
Yoshiko’s lips slowly curled into a mischievous smirk.
“Well… there is something you can give.”
Riko blinked. “What is it?”
Yoshiko leaned a little closer, voice lowering playfully.
“If there’s no treat… you can give me a trick.”
She winked.
“But save it for later, when we come back home after the walk.”
Riko immediately turned bright red, fully understanding the implication.
“…That’s so unfair,” she mumbled.
Yoshiko only chuckled, clearly pleased with herself.
“So,” she said casually, glancing at the clock, “what time are we actually gonna go?”
“Maybe a bit later?” Riko said. “Let’s wait for Natsumi to message us.”
“Okay,” Yoshiko nodded. Then she looked Riko over. “Are you done with your costume, or do you still need to do more?”
Riko thought for a moment.
“Hmm… since I’m done with my makeup, what’s left is just putting on the witch cape and hat. Then I’m done.”
“Alright,” Yoshiko said, settling more comfortably in her chair. “Then we can relax for now while we wait.”
“Yeah, I think so,” Riko agreed.
A beat passed.
Then Yoshiko smirked.
“…Want to make out again?”
Riko snapped upright immediately.
“No! I mean—not now, okay!” she sputtered, face burning. “I already told you, we can do that once we’re back home. We still have to go out.”
Yoshiko chuckled under her breath. “I know, I know. Just checking if you changed your mind.”
Riko shook her head firmly, though she was still blushing.
Yoshiko leaned back, looking satisfied. “Then let’s talk a bit while we wait.”
Riko smiled softly.
“I would love that.”
------------------
Back at Uranohoshi in Numazu, evening had already settled in.
The sky outside was dark, and the school glowed warmly under strings of Halloween lights hung across the courtyard and windows. Inside the school gymnasium, the Halloween party was now in full swing.
Music pulsed from the speakers while students and teachers filled the large space. Some gathered around the dance floor in the center, moving along to the beat, their costumes ranging from subtle accessories to elaborate outfits. At the sides of the gym were rows of tables set up with different Halloween themed games, while another section held trays of food, colorful treats, and drinks decorated to look spooky.
Near the back of the gymnasium stood the photo booth, decorated with pumpkins, fake spider webs, and hanging bats, where groups of students lined up to take pictures together.
At the stage stood Mari, holding the microphone with a confident smile.
She was fully dressed in her costume, dazzling as Daphne.
Her tailored violet dress hugged her figure perfectly, trimmed with subtle satin details that caught the light every time she moved. A high quality orange wig flowed over her shoulders, styled with just the right shine and bounce to look almost natural. Paired with a silky green scarf and polished lavender heels, the whole outfit looked like it had come straight off a professional film set.
Mari lifted the microphone.
“Hey students!” she called brightly. “How are you?”
The gymnasium erupted with cheers.
Mari grinned wider.
“And our new students!” she added. “How’s your first Halloween party?”
Another wave of excited cheering answered her.
“Perfect!” Mari said happily. “Now as usual, you can go dance in the center with our dance floor. On the sides are the Halloween games if you want to try them, there are prizes too.”
She pointed toward another section of the gym.
“And on the other side we have food, treats, and drinks. They’ve all been Halloween themed, so be careful eating them… or you might get cursed.”
The students laughed at the joke.
Mari chuckled softly before continuing.
“And at the back, of course, we have our photo booth. So if you want to get your pictures taken, be sure to head there.”
She paused dramatically before adding,
“And of course… just like last year, we will have the costume contest again! So be sure to vote for who you think deserves to win.”
She pointed toward the side of the stage.
“Just write their name and slide it inside that box over there, with my very handsome Fred.”
Everyone’s attention turned to the side of the stage.
There was a small table with a decorated voting box sitting on top of it.
Standing beside it was Kanan.
She was wearing her own full costume, dressed as Fred.
Kanan’s outfit looked crisp and clean, an impeccably fitted white sweater with a neatly tailored blue collar and a silk orange ascot. The short blond wig she wore had been styled carefully, making the look surprisingly convincing.
Despite her relaxed posture, the costume gave her a strikingly authentic “Fred” appearance.
Kanan lifted a hand and gave the students a calm wave.
Immediately, several students began whispering excitedly, some even swooning over their cool P.E. teacher.
Mari gasped dramatically into the microphone.
“Hey! No swooning over my Fred—she’s mine!”
The exaggerated complaint made the entire gymnasium burst into laughter.
Mari placed a hand on her hip before continuing.
“Well anyway,” she said, smiling again, “our last winner of the costume contest was our very own Ruby Kurosawa… as a cute fairy.”
As if on cue, many students turned to look toward the middle area near the stage.
There stood Ruby and Hanamaru.
This year, however, they had gone with the simplest costumes imaginable.
Both of them were dressed as classic sheet ghosts.
White blankets were draped over their bodies, each with round eyeholes cut out.
Ruby’s pink twin tails poked out from the sides of the blanket, making her look far more adorable than frightening. Though her face was mostly hidden, it was obvious she was feeling shy under all the attention.
Beside her, Hanamaru’s ghost costume was slightly uneven, the bottom hem dragging a little along the floor as she shifted her weight. The result made her look like a clumsy wobbling ghost.
Hanamaru tilted her head slightly, giving Ruby an encouraging eyesmile through the blanket.
Back on stage, Mari laughed lightly.
“So the question is…” she continued playfully, “will she be dethroned this year?”
The students murmured with excitement.
“So be sure to vote, okay?”
Many of them nodded enthusiastically.
Mari clapped her hands once.
“Good!”
Then she lifted the microphone again with a bright grin.
“Now I’m done talking, so it’s time to party!”
Cheers erupted across the gymnasium once more.
Music grew louder as students immediately scattered back toward the dance floor, the games, and the food tables, filling the room with laughter, chatter, and the lively energy of the Halloween celebration.
Mari hopped down from the stage, stepping off gracefully despite her heels. She walked over to where Kanan stood beside the voting box, still keeping watch over the costume contest slips.
Stopping beside her, Mari looked her up and down with a playful grin.
“You know,” she said, tilting her head slightly, “you look really good in blond. You look handsome, my Fred.”
Kanan smiled calmly at the compliment.
“Thanks,” she replied. “You too. You look really beautiful.”
Mari lightly slapped Kanan’s arm.
“Such a charmer, you.”
Kanan simply chuckled.
Mari crossed her arms with a teasing look. “You know… I can already see it. Our kids will look like you, but blond like you are now.”
Kanan raised an eyebrow, amused. “Kids already? We aren’t even married.”
Mari placed a hand dramatically over her chest. “Oh? If marriage is what you want, I can call someone right now. We can get married here, on the spot.”
Kanan laughed softly. “Are you sure about that, Mari? Getting married right now?”
“Well of course,” Mari said with a playful shrug. Then her tone softened slightly. “But we’ve talked about this before, right? I’m happy with what we have for now.”
Kanan nodded with a small smile. “Yeah. Me too.”
Mari clapped her hands together once.
“Okay! Enough of that serious talk. Let’s party!”
She suddenly glanced around the gym.
“Wait… where’s our Velma?”
Kanan turned her head and pointed across the room.
“Over there. Currently being bombarded by students since their cool teacher Tsushima-sensei isn’t here.”
She laughed a little.
Across the gymnasium, near the side area, Dia stood surrounded by students asking for photos.
She was dressed fully in her Velma costume, an orange sweater paired with a neat red skirt and knee high socks. Her short brown wig framed her face perfectly, and the square glasses completed the look so well that she looked like she had stepped straight out of the cartoon.
Students crowded around her excitedly, holding up their phones to take pictures.
Dia maintained her usual composed posture, though the growing crowd around her was clearly beginning to overwhelm her.
Mari laughed when she saw it.
“I think we should rescue her before she either explodes or passes out.”
Kanan laughed quietly and nodded.
The two of them walked over toward Dia and the group of students.
Mari raised her voice cheerfully.
“Hey! That’s not fair! Only Velma is getting pictures with you guys.”
The students turned, surprised.
“Take them with us too,” Mari added dramatically, throwing an arm around Dia’s shoulders. “Since, you know… we are the trio.”
The students immediately lit up.
“Oh right! Please join the picture, Principal Mari! Matsuura-sensei!”
Soon the three of them were posing together with groups of students, sometimes all together, sometimes individually. The flashes of phone cameras went off repeatedly as laughter and chatter filled the space.
Meanwhile, over at the food area, Ruby and Hanamaru had found their way to one of the snack tables.
Ruby stood beside her friend mostly as support, while Hanamaru enthusiastically sampled the food.
Hanamaru had pushed part of her ghost blanket up over her head so she could eat more easily.
“Try some of this, Ruby-chan,” Hanamaru said happily, holding out a piece of food. “It’s really good.”
Ruby lifted the edge of her ghost costume slightly and took a small bite.
Her eyes brightened.
“It is delicious.”
“Right?” Hanamaru said proudly before immediately reaching for another snack.
------------------
A little while later, Mari, Kanan, and Dia made their way over to them.
Mari rested her hands on the table as she leaned toward the two girls.
“Hey,” she said warmly, “since this is the last Halloween party for you two, you’ll be graduating next year after all, why don’t you party with us?”
She glanced at Ruby with a soft smile.
“And Ruby… you can bond with your sister a bit more too.”
Ruby looked toward Dia shyly.
Dia adjusted her glasses slightly before speaking.
“Come on, Ruby,” she said gently. “Why don’t we dance together?”
Ruby’s eyes brightened, and she nodded with a smile.
Then she turned toward her best friend.
“Come, Maru-chan.”
Hanamaru quickly swallowed the last of her snack and nodded enthusiastically.
“Okay!”
The four of them headed toward the dance floor together.
Music pulsed through the gym as students continued dancing in groups. Ruby stood beside Dia while Hanamaru bounced happily nearby.
Mari and Kanan joined them, blending in with the rest of the students and teachers enjoying the celebration.
Dia moved carefully with a light, reserved rhythm, nothing too energetic, but despite her usual seriousness, she was clearly enjoying herself as she danced with Ruby.
Around them, laughter, music, and flashing lights filled the gymnasium as the Halloween party carried on late into the night.
------------------
Back in Tokyo, inside Riko’s small apartment, the atmosphere was much quieter.
Yoshiko sat comfortably on the couch while Riko stood close in front of her, carefully touching up her makeup. Since Yoshiko had worn her costume all the way from Numazu to Tokyo, some of the makeup had faded slightly during the trip, and Riko was now fixing the small details with careful concentration.
Just as she finished adjusting the eyeliner near Yoshiko’s eye, Yoshiko’s phone buzzed.
Riko paused mid motion.
“Hmm?” Yoshiko murmured, reaching over to grab her phone from the table.
She glanced at the screen.
“It’s from Mari.”
Opening the message, Yoshiko saw a photo. It showed Mari, Kanan, Dia, Ruby, and Hanamaru all together in the gymnasium at Uranohoshi, clearly in the middle of the Halloween party. They were laughing and posing together while other students danced behind them.
A second message followed underneath the picture.
“Too bad you’re missing out.”
Along with it was a playful sticker of Mari sticking her tongue out.
Yoshiko chuckled.
“Don’t go too wild there, you crazy girl,” she typed back jokingly before locking her phone.
“Looks like they’re having fun,” she said, turning the screen toward Riko so she could see the photo.
Riko leaned closer and giggled softly.
“Yeah… their costumes this year are great. They’re all doing a matching theme again.”
She pointed at the picture.
“Ruby-chan and Hanamaru-chan are ghosts, and the three of them are the Mystery Gang.”
“Yeah,” Yoshiko said with a small laugh. “Those three are always matching. Even if Dia’s against it, she doesn’t really have a choice. Mari would force the heck out of her.”
Riko laughed quietly at that.
“Why hasn’t Mari tried to make you match with them before?”
“Oh she has,” Yoshiko replied casually. “But last year I told her I wanted to match with you instead. Even if it was just a little. And this year I’m spending Halloween with you anyway, so I can’t exactly match with them if I’m not even at the party.”
Riko smiled warmly.
“I see. Well… thank you, Yocchan, for matching with me.”
Yoshiko smiled back.
“Of course. You’re my girlfriend. I have to match with you.”
She leaned back against the couch comfortably.
“Besides… I’m already your match.”
Riko’s cheeks turned pink immediately.
Trying to move the conversation forward, Yoshiko added with a chuckle,
“And you know, Mari actually asked me to match with them as Scooby-Doo.”
“Like, why the dog?” she added with a small laugh.
Riko giggled.
“I can kind of see it, actually. I think it would fit you.”
She gently patted Yoshiko’s head.
“You are my puppy, after all.”
Yoshiko laughed.
“Yeah… Mari said that too. I guess she might be right.”
Riko laughed softly.
“Hey,” Yoshiko continued, suddenly grinning, “maybe next time we should do a costume like that. I could be a dog, and you could be a cat.”
Riko tilted her head thoughtfully.
“That actually sounds really cute. Let’s do it.”
“Perfect,” Yoshiko said with a mischievous smile. “And after that we can mate—”
Before she could finish, Riko’s face turned bright red.
“Yocchan!” she exclaimed, lightly smacking Yoshiko’s chest. “What are you saying!?”
Yoshiko burst out laughing.
“Sorry, sorry. My bad.”
Riko crossed her arms, still blushing deeply.
“I swear… your train of thought always leads there.”
Yoshiko raised an eyebrow playfully.
“Hey, at least it’s just my train of thought.”
She leaned closer with a teasing smile.
“Unlike you. Your body leads there.”
Riko froze for a second before staring at her with an embarrassed, slightly annoyed look.
Her cheeks burned even brighter.
Yoshiko only chuckled.
“Hey, I don’t mind,” she added teasingly. “I’m always happy to satisfy you whenever.”
Riko immediately hid her face against Yoshiko’s chest in embarrassment.
“Yocchan…” she mumbled.
Yoshiko laughed warmly, wrapping an arm around her.
At that moment, another phone buzzed.
This time, it was Riko’s.
Riko slowly lifted her head and sat up again.
“That might be Natsumi,” she said, reaching for her phone.
She opened the message.
Sure enough, it was from Natsumi.
“Hey, I’m done with my costume. I think we can meet in front of the station. See you later~”
Riko quickly typed back.
“Okay, see you.”
She set her phone down and turned toward Yoshiko.
“I think we can go now. Natsumi said she’s done.”
“Cool,” Yoshiko replied, standing up from the couch and stretching slightly.
“So… let’s put on your witch hat and cape and get going?”
Riko nodded with a smile.
“Okay.”
And with that, the two of them began preparing to head out into the Halloween night together.
Tainted Hearts
Chapter 132: Halloween Day (Part 1)
https://archiveofourown.org/works/59749615/chapters/210876596
Halloween had finally arrived at Uranohoshi High School, and the entire school felt different from the moment the sun rose.
Paper bats hung from the hallway ceilings. Little pumpkin cutouts were taped to classroom doors. Even the bulletin boards had been decorated with fake cobwebs and glittery orange letters spelling out Happy Halloween. Students walked around in every kind of costume imaginable, some subtle, some extravagant, some clearly thrown together last minute. Teachers weren’t exempt either. After all, it had been announced in advance.
And tonight, there would be the Halloween party.
Excitement buzzed through the air.
------------------
Yoshiko arrived early as usual, the low hum of her motorbike fading as she parked in her reserved spot. She removed her helmet and shook out her hair before walking toward the school entrance.
Her costume was subtle, but unmistakably Halloween.
A black vampire cape draped over her usual science uniform. Her white dress shirt was left without a tie this time, because vampire. Black slacks, polished shoes, and of course, fake vampire fangs resting neatly against her lower lip whenever she spoke.
She carried her backpack on one shoulder and four paper bags stuffed with treats, two in each hand.
“Overprepared,” she muttered to herself. “Probably.”
She nudged the teachers’ office door open with her foot.
Inside, only three familiar figures sat chatting.
Mari, Kanan, and Dia.
And they were very clearly committed to a theme.
Subtle, but coordinated.
Dia, dressed as Velma, wore a rust orange knit sweater paired with a tan A-line skirt that brushed below her knees. Thick framed fake glasses rested perfectly on her nose, and a single brown streak highlighted her bangs.
Mari, as Daphne, wore a violet wrap dress layered under a fitted blazer. A green silk scarf tied neatly around her neck, with a red orange streak accenting her bangs.
Kanan, as Fred, wore navy track pants with a white athletic zip up jacket, a soft blue shirt visible underneath. An orange whistle hung from her neck, and a blonde streak ran through her bangs.
The Mystery Gang, Uranohoshi edition.
Mari spotted Yoshiko first.
“GOOD MORNING!” she called out loudly, voice echoing in the mostly empty room.
Yoshiko winced slightly. “Yeah, morning. Loud as always.”
She walked to her desk, next to Dia’s, placing the paper bags carefully underneath before sitting down.
Kanan eyed the stack of treats. “That’s a lot. Planning to supply the whole town too?”
Yoshiko crossed her arms. “I don’t know how many students are going to trick-or-treat. And I don’t know how much I should buy. Riri said I should buy a lot. I don’t know why, but I did. Just in case.”
Mari leaned back in her chair and mumbled dramatically, “Probably because you’re Miss Popular Teacher~”
Kanan and Dia chuckled quietly.
Yoshiko blinked. “What was that?”
Mari waved a hand. “Nothing~”
Yoshiko narrowed her eyes suspiciously, then shrugged. “Uh-huh.”
She leaned back slightly, eyeing their outfits again.
“Nice costumes. I thought you three were going to go all out?”
Mari grinned. “We are! But Dia suggested we save the full transformation for the party tonight. You know, wow factor.”
Yoshiko smirked faintly. “Probably because Dia wouldn’t want to wear a wig at school. Her students might not take her seriously.”
Mari gasped dramatically. “WHAT? Dia, is that true? Don’t you know if you wore a wig they would take you seriously? I would wear a wig and they would take me seriously. So Dia, will you wear wigs? When will you wear wigs?”
Dia slowly turned her head toward Mari.
The look she gave her was calm.
Cold.
Threatening.
Mari immediately raised her hands. “Woah, scary~” She scooted her chair closer to Kanan and pretended to cling to her arm. “Protect me, Fred!”
Kanan just laughed softly.
Yoshiko chuckled. “Don’t tease Dia too much. You might never see those wigs again if you keep that up.”
Mari straightened. “Yeah… true.”
Dia adjusted her glasses with quiet dignity, saying nothing further, but the message had already been delivered.
Mari suddenly clapped her hands together.
“Well anyway, Yoshiko, what do you think about our costumes? You like it?”
She stood up from her chair and smoothed down her violet dress dramatically. “Kanan, stand up too! And twirl me, you’re my Fred.”
Kanan chuckled under her breath but stood anyway. She lightly took Mari’s hand and gave her a small, obedient twirl. The green scarf fluttered slightly as Mari spun.
Yoshiko leaned back in her chair, arms crossed.
“Yeah. Cute. I really like the streak in the hair.”
Mari perked up immediately. “This?” She flicked the red orange highlight in her bangs proudly. “Since someone doesn’t want to wear wigs here, we just did subtle highlights inspired by our characters. Genius, right?”
Yoshiko raised a brow. “Yeah, actually it is. You thought of it? Ha. As if.”
Mari gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “Hey! How dare you! You think I wouldn’t think of something so genius like that?”
Yoshiko nodded without hesitation.
Mari deflated instantly. “Well… you’re right. It was Dia’s idea.”
“Thought so,” Yoshiko replied calmly. “I’m sure Kanan wouldn’t either.”
Kanan nodded. “Yeah, true—” She paused. “Hey, wait.”
Mari ignored her and instead leaned into Kanan’s shoulder. “Isn’t it cute? My hair color on Kanan’s bangs? She’s wearing my hair~”
Yoshiko gave a half hearted nod. “Yeah. Uh-huh. Sure. It’s cute.”
“Thanks~” Mari beamed, sitting back down. Kanan followed.
Mari tilted her head toward Yoshiko now. “You look cute too. Or cool? Hmm…”
She suddenly gasped.
“WAIT. Where’s the blood makeup leaking from your mouth? You said you’d add that!”
Yoshiko blinked. “Oh, that? Didn’t have time. I have the fangs. Isn’t that enough?”
Mari slammed her palms lightly on the desk. “No, it’s not! That’s essential to the costume!”
Dia calmly glanced at Yoshiko. “Best prepare yourself.”
Yoshiko frowned. “Huh?”
Mari clapped once. “Kanan. My makeup pouch.”
Kanan rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small cosmetic pouch, handing it over. “Here.”
Mari grinned slowly at Yoshiko.
Yoshiko swallowed.
Mari unzipped the pouch with theatrical suspense. “Stay still.”
Yoshiko sighed but complied.
“First,” Mari said thoughtfully, “let’s add a little white to your face. You’re already pale, but let’s make it pop.”
She gently dabbed powder onto Yoshiko’s cheeks and forehead.
“There. Just thin. Now a bit of red on your lips… some eyeliner… and let’s darken your eyes a little with shadow.”
Mari worked quickly and confidently.
“This is so stupid,” Yoshiko muttered.
“Stop moving and let me do my work,” Mari scolded.
Dia chuckled quietly from her seat, watching the transformation unfold.
Meanwhile, Kanan had discreetly taken out her phone and was capturing short videos and photos.
“Done!” Mari declared. “Now, blood time.”
She carefully painted thin trails of dark red from the corners of Yoshiko’s mouth, letting them drip down toward her chin.
“There.”
Yoshiko blinked. “You done?”
“Nope. Let’s add some touches.”
“What else is there?!” Yoshiko protested.
“Shush, vampire,” Mari said cheerfully. “I’ll add some small details on the neck. Maybe some veins, like they’re crawling up toward your head?”
Dia adjusted her glasses. “That sounds like a good detail.”
“See? Even Dia agrees.” Mari gestured upward. “Look up. Show me your neck.”
Yoshiko sighed deeply but tilted her chin upward.
After a few focused minutes, Mari stepped back with a satisfied hum.
“Now done. Perfect.”
Yoshiko blinked.
Dark veins now traced from her neck down beneath the two open buttons of her dress shirt. Faint veins marked her hands as well, adding an unsettling realism.
“I think you went a little crazy with the veins,” Yoshiko muttered.
“It was so fun!” Mari said brightly. “Wait, maybe I should add glitter so you can sparkle too?”
“Stop! That’s a different type of vampire,” Yoshiko snapped immediately.
Mari laughed. “Oh right. Haha.”
Kanan burst into laughter. Dia simply shook her head, though a faint smile lingered.
Mari suddenly lifted her phone.
“Now say cheese!”
Before Yoshiko could react—
Click.
The flash went off.
Yoshiko, wide eyed and caught mid blink, stared up at the camera from her teacher’s desk.
“Hey—wait! What was that for?!”
Mari tapped her screen once. “There. Sent.”
Yoshiko froze. “Who did you send it to?”
Mari winked.
“I think you know who~”
Yoshiko slowly slumped down in her chair, groaning under her breath.
“I wasn’t even prepared…”
Mari giggled.
Kanan and Dia chuckled softly as well.
Outside, the hallway noise grew louder as more students arrived.
------------------
By the time Yoshiko’s science class began, the Halloween atmosphere had fully settled in.
Students filled the classroom in a mixture of subtle and playful costumes, witch hats paired with uniforms, cat ears perched atop neatly brushed hair, pumpkin pins clipped onto blazers, and the occasional dramatic cape swishing through the aisles. Even the usually serious students seemed lighter, more animated.
At the front of the classroom stood Yoshiko, now fully transformed into Mari’s enhanced version of a vampire.
Her cape rested neatly over her shoulders. The darkened eyeliner sharpened her gaze. Faint veins traced up her neck and disappeared beneath the slightly unbuttoned collar of her dress shirt. The painted blood trailing from her lips down to her chin gave her an eerie, theatrical presence.
She looked… convincing.
“Alright,” she began smoothly, turning toward the board. “Today we’re continuing our discussion on chemical reactions, specifically oxidation.”
She wrote the term neatly on the board.
“And no,” she added dryly, glancing back at the class, “this has nothing to do with vampires oxidizing in sunlight.”
A few students giggled.
“Though,” she continued, tapping the marker lightly against her chin, “if a vampire were exposed to enough UV radiation, I suppose we could run a theoretical experiment.”
“Sensei, please don’t,” one student laughed.
Yoshiko smirked faintly and continued teaching, explaining electron transfer, balancing equations, and giving practical examples. Even while discussing redox reactions, she somehow managed to weave in playful Halloween themed comparisons.
Despite the costumes, the students listened attentively. The room felt lively, but focused. There was an energy in the air that only Halloween could bring.
When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the period, the class collectively stirred.
“Okay,” Yoshiko said, setting the marker down. “That’s it for this lesson. See you next week for the next one.”
She leaned casually against her desk.
“And enjoy the party later. Of course, before you go, don’t forget to trick or treat from me now so you won’t have to come back later.”
She crossed her arms lightly. “Any questions before you leave?”
A student near the front raised her hand.
“Yeah, you.”
The student stood. “You’re going to be at the party later too, right, sensei?”
Yoshiko hesitated briefly. “Oh. That? Sorry, but I won’t be.”
“Awwww…” the class collectively groaned.
“I know, I know,” Yoshiko said with a small chuckle. “Don’t look so disappointed. Be excited for the party, it’s your first time, right? Make the most of it even if I’m not there. Other teachers will be there. Even Principal Mari.”
She added, amused, “She’s a party girl. Be sure to party with her.”
The students laughed.
“There was a Halloween party last year too, right, sensei?” someone asked.
“Oh yeah,” Yoshiko nodded. “I attended that one. It was pretty awesome.”
“What are we going to expect later?” another student asked eagerly.
Yoshiko tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Hmm… last time there were games, food, dancing… oh, and a photo booth. And we had a costume contest too. So be sure to go all out.”
“Costume contest?!” several students repeated excitedly.
Yoshiko blinked. “Oh wait… was I allowed to say that? Just keep it a secret that you heard it from me.”
The classroom erupted in laughter.
“We won’t, sensei!”
Another student tilted her head curiously. “Why aren’t you attending later, sensei?”
Yoshiko scratched the back of her neck. “Oh, uh… I have my own party later. With my girlfriend.”
The class immediately reacted, whispers, giggles, a few dramatic gasps.
“Sensei~!” someone teased.
“Your girlfriend is so lucky!”
Yoshiko just chuckled, slightly amused at their reactions. “Alright, alright. I think all of you need to head to your next class before your next teacher wonders why you’re missing.”
She paused, then snapped her fingers lightly. “Oh yeah. Trick or treat.”
She walked to the side of the classroom and sat at her desk, pulling one of the paper bags up onto the surface.
“Line up properly. One at a time.”
The students eagerly formed a neat line, holding out small Halloween sacks and bags.
“Trick or treat, sensei!”
Yoshiko reached into the bag and dropped a generous handful of candy into the first student’s sack.
“Next.”
“Trick or treat!”
Another handful.
And another.
She didn’t count how many she gave each time, it was simply whatever her hand scooped up. She wasn’t worried about running out. Riko had told her to buy a lot, and she had listened.
Good thing she did.
One by one, students thanked her.
“Thank you, sensei!”
“You look really cool today!”
“Your makeup is amazing!”
Yoshiko gave small nods, faint smiles appearing here and there.
“Go on, don’t be late.”
Soon the classroom emptied, laughter and chatter fading down the hallway as they headed to their next lesson, arms full of candy and anticipation for the night ahead.
Yoshiko glanced down at the still heavy bag of treats.
“…Good call, Riri,” she muttered quietly.
Outside, the school buzzed with excitement.
------------------
Lectures ended earlier than usual that day.
By Mari’s special Halloween decree, the final periods were shortened so students could fully enjoy going around campus to trick-or-treat from every teacher, including the principal herself.
The hallways buzzed with laughter, the shuffle of costume capes, and the rustling of candy bags.
------------------
A small group of students gathered neatly in front of Dia’s desk.
“Kurosawa-sensei! Trick or treat!”
Dia adjusted her thick framed glasses, Velma in every composed detail, and smiled gently.
“Trick or treat indeed.”
She handed out treats one by one with calm precision.
“Thank you, sensei! Your Velma costume looks really good on you!”
Dia gave a modest nod. “Thank you. Your costumes are quite charming as well.”
The students beamed before hurrying off to the next stop.
------------------
Inside the gym, students clustered around Kanan, who stood near the equipment room door with a bag of candy slung casually over her shoulder.
“Matsuura-sensei! Trick or treat!”
“Okay, okay, calm down,” Kanan laughed. “I’ll give everyone one, so don’t go wild.”
She passed out treats while the students eyed her outfit.
“Sensei, your Fred costume looks cool! I can’t wait to see you wear the wig later! I want to see you blonde!”
Kanan chuckled softly. “It really isn’t that exciting. But you better be ready for the party, okay?”
She gave a playful wink.
The students squealed and ran off giggling.
------------------
Meanwhile, outside the principal’s office, a long line stretched into the hallway.
Inside, Mari sat behind her desk, beaming as students lined up both inside and outside the doorway.
“Principal Mari! Trick or treat!”
Mari gasped dramatically. “Oh! What cute little ghosts~!”
The students giggled.
“I would love a trick,” Mari teased, leaning forward conspiratorially. “But since I promised treats… that’s what you’ll get~”
She reached into a decorative box and handed each student a large, clearly expensive, premium chocolate bar, as if it were nothing.
The students stared at it with wide eyes.
“P-Principal Mari… thank you!”
Some nearly teared up at the sight of such high quality chocolate.
A few reached across the desk and hugged her.
“Oh! A hug! I love hugs!” Mari laughed, happily returning them, completely unaware that they were hugging her out of shock and gratitude over the chocolate.
------------------
In her science classroom, Yoshiko remained seated at her side desk, cape draped behind her chair, veins and dramatic vampire makeup still perfectly intact.
A steady line of students filled the room.
“Sensei! Trick or treat!”
She dropped generous handfuls of candy into each bag.
“Next.”
Some students lingered longer than expected.
“Sensei, can we take a picture with you? Please?”
Yoshiko blinked. “Uh… sure?”
Before she could properly prepare herself—
Click.
Most of the photos captured her wide eyed, slightly confused expression. Sometimes an awkward half smile. Always caught off guard.
She didn’t mind.
Though it became increasingly clear that the students weren’t lining up just for candy.
They were lining up for their cool, popular vampire science teacher.
------------------
Eventually, two small “ghosts” stepped forward.
White blankets draped over their heads, little eye holes cut out.
“Trick or treat!” they said in unison.
“…zura,” one added at the end.
Yoshiko smiled immediately.
“What cool costumes, Ruby and Hanamaru.”
One of the ghosts jolted.
“Pigi?! How did you know?!” asked Ruby.
Yoshiko chuckled. “Hmm. Maybe the pigtails peeking out from under that blanket… and the ‘zura’ at the end of that sentence.”
“We’ve been caught, zura…” said Hanamaru.
Ruby giggled. “Oh haha…”
“But still,” Yoshiko added warmly, “great costumes, you two.”
“Thank you!” Ruby beamed beneath the blanket.
“Will this be your costume at the party later?” Yoshiko asked.
Ruby nodded enthusiastically. “Yup!”
“And this will also be my costume when I sleep! It’ll be my blanket too, zura!” Hanamaru declared proudly.
Yoshiko chuckled. “I see. Very convenient costume.”
Ruby giggled. Hanamaru nodded proudly again.
“Well,” Yoshiko continued, reaching into her bag, “since you two are my girlfriend’s friends… I’ll give you double the treats I normally give. Open up.”
They eagerly held out their bags.
Yoshiko scooped two generous handfuls into each.
“There. Think of it like Riko gave you one too. Enjoy.”
“So many, zura!” Hanamaru exclaimed, eyes sparkling.
Yoshiko smirked. “You know what, Hanamaru? Since I know you… appreciate food, I’ll give you a third scoop.”
She added another handful to Hanamaru’s bag.
Hanamaru’s eyes widened dramatically. “Thank you, zura!”
“I know all of that will be inhaled later,” Yoshiko said dryly.
Ruby burst into laughter.
Hanamaru examined the candy. “Wow, these candies are top notch too.”
“Yeah?” Yoshiko said. “Tried to find good ones. But I bet Mari bought something even more top notch.”
“Yup!” Ruby pulled out an extremely expensive chocolate bar. “She gave this!”
Yoshiko’s eyes widened. “Damn—oh. Excuse my language. She gave that to everyone?”
Ruby nodded. “They were almost crying when they left her office.”
Yoshiko shook her head, amused. “That crazy girl… maybe I should trick-or-treat to her too.”
Ruby and Hanamaru laughed.
“Well,” Yoshiko said, waving lightly, “I won’t keep you from the rest of your candy rounds. Go on.”
Ruby nodded. “Say hello to Riko-chan for us!”
“Yup. Will do.”
Yoshiko gave a small wave.
“Bye, zura!” Hanamaru called as the two ghostly figures shuffled out of the classroom.
The line slowly thinned.
The afternoon light filtered through the windows.
------------------
By late afternoon, the steady stream of students finally thinned.
Some had already gone home to prepare for the evening festivities, while others lingered around campus, buzzing with excitement for the Halloween party later that night.
Inside the science classroom, Yoshiko remained behind for a few more minutes.
Her vampire cape rested neatly over the back of her chair as she organized the leftover treats and stacked the remaining papers on her desk. She moved efficiently, already mentally preparing for her trip to Tokyo.
Just as she finished tying one of the treat bags—
The classroom door slid open.
“Trick or treat!”
The voice was far too excited for someone who had clearly come late.
Yoshiko glanced toward the door.
“…Oh. It’s you.”
Momoko placed a hand on her hip. “Wow. You sound very excited to see me.”
Yoshiko simply continued packing.
Momoko walked closer, eyes roaming over Yoshiko’s appearance.
“Nice costume. Vampire?”
Then under her breath—
“…looks really hot.”
“What was that?” Yoshiko asked without looking up.
Momoko straightened. “I said your vampire makeup looks awesome. With the veins and blood.”
Yoshiko finally glanced at her. “Oh, this? Mari did it.”
“Oh, I see,” Momoko nodded. “She did a really good job then.”
“Yeah.”
Momoko cleared her throat.
“Ahem.”
Yoshiko looked at her flatly. “What?”
“Well…” Momoko gestured dramatically to herself. “Aren’t you going to say something about my costume?”
Yoshiko paused and finally scanned her from head to toe.
“…Oh. Right. Uh…”
She tilted her head slightly.
“…nice school nurse costume?”
Momoko’s eye twitched.
“What? Yes, I am a nurse, but not a school nurse. I’m wearing a sexy nurse costume, isn’t it obvious?”
She subtly lifted one leg forward in what she clearly thought was a seductive pose.
Yoshiko stared.
In Momoko’s mind, “I bet she finds it hot too… she’s totally into this… I’m so ready to be taken right here, right now”
Meanwhile, in Yoshiko’s head, “Why is she doing that with her leg…? Is she okay? Is she itchy? Should I ask? What am I supposed to say here…?”
Completely oblivious.
Momoko leaned slightly closer. “Do you like what you see?”
Yoshiko blinked and snapped back to reality.
“Uh… sure, yeah. Your costume’s nice. The nurse.”
Momoko frowned. “Not just nurse. I said it was a sexy nurse costume.”
Yoshiko tilted her head thoughtfully.
“…Is it really sexy though? Or did they just scam you with that part?”
She sounded genuinely curious.
Momoko gasped. “So mean!”
“Oh—sorry,” Yoshiko said quickly. “Didn’t mean to. I actually meant the question.”
Momoko stared at her for a second… then suddenly laughed.
“Well,” she said with a small smile, “I forgive you. Just because you’re cute.”
Yoshiko looked mildly confused.
“…Yeah. Thanks?”
Momoko waved it off.
“Well anyway, the reason I’m here is—” she leaned casually against the desk, “since your girlfriend graduated already and won’t be at the party and all that… want to hang out later at the Halloween party?”
Yoshiko shook her head almost immediately.
“Oh, actually, I’m not attending later.”
Momoko blinked. “What? Why?”
“Going on a Halloween walk with my girlfriend,” Yoshiko said simply. “Mari and the others already know. I excused myself earlier.”
Momoko’s smile stiffened.
“…Well, isn’t that nice,” she muttered through slightly gritted teeth.
“Yeah,” Yoshiko nodded easily. Then she reached into her treat bag. “Sorry about that. But here, I still have a lot leftovers.”
She dropped a generous handful of candy into Momoko’s hands.
Momoko’s mood flipped instantly.
“Oh! Thank you!”
“Well, at least I got her treats”, she thought happily.
“I would give you some,” Momoko added aloud, “but I’m already out.”
“Nah, that’s okay,” Yoshiko said. “I’m fine.”
“How considerate…” Momoko thought, quietly pleased.
Meanwhile, Yoshiko was thinking, “I really don’t need more treats. I still have a ton of my own.”
She slung her backpack over her shoulder and picked up the last remaining bag of candy.
“Well,” Yoshiko said, standing, “if we’re done, I gotta head to the principal’s office to say goodbye to the others so I can get to Tokyo fast.”
She gave Momoko a casual, friendly pat on the back.
“But yeah. Enjoy the party later, okay?”
And just like that, she walked out of the classroom.
Leaving Momoko frozen in place.
“…She told me to enjoy,” Momoko whispered.
Her hand slowly touched the spot on her back where Yoshiko had patted her.
“…and she patted my back…”
She leaned against the wall, practically melting.
“…I think she might like me deep inside… I still have a chance…”
Completely.
Utterly.
Delusional.
------------------
Yoshiko made her way through the decorated halls, the distant chatter of excited students echoing around the school. Paper bats and pumpkins hung from the ceiling, and the whole school still buzzed with Halloween energy.
She soon reached the principal’s office.
Knock knock.
Without waiting long, she pushed the door open.
Inside, Mari, Kanan, and Dia were exactly where she expected, sitting together and talking comfortably.
Mari spotted her first.
“Hey! Going already?”
“Yeah,” Yoshiko replied as she stepped in. “So I can arrive in Tokyo fast. But I still have time to chat.”
She dropped into an empty chair.
Mari beamed. “Great!”
Then she clapped her hands once dramatically.
“Now that we’re all here, I want to give my treats to you three too! I saved some.”
She proudly presented, the most ridiculously high end chocolate bars any of them had ever seen.
All three reached out almost in sync.
Kanan chuckled. “Thanks, Mari.”
“Thank you,” Dia added politely.
Yoshiko nodded. “Thanks. But still… isn’t it a bit crazy for you to give something this expensive to each student?”
Dia glanced at her. “Why are you doubting whether Mari would do something crazy?”
Yoshiko immediately lifted her hands in surrender.
“Yeah, you’re right. This is Mari we’re talking about. Crazy is just in her blood.”
She turned the chocolate over in her hand.
“But what I meant is, crazy expensive. You’re just giving these out like it’s nothing.”
Mari leaned back proudly.
“Why not? I love the students here. I just wanted to give them a small happiness.”
Her smile softened slightly.
“Because I know they deserve it.”
Yoshiko snorted lightly.
“Yeah, I didn’t mean they didn’t deserve it. But wow… ‘small happiness’? I think this chocolate bar alone is like a year’s worth of happiness just to taste something this expensive.”
Kanan raised her own bar, examining it.
“…I kinda agree. I feel like this chocolate is more expensive than my salary.”
Mari immediately pointed at her.
“Hey, stop exaggerating. It’s not more expensive than your salary. I would know, I'm the one who pays you.”
She paused.
Then added casually, “And besides, you have like double the pay out of everyone here.”
Both Yoshiko and Dia froze.
“…Excuse me?” Dia said slowly.
Yoshiko whipped her head toward Kanan. “The heck does that mean? How come you have double, Kanan?!”
Kanan looked just as shocked.
“What?! I don’t! I swear I have the same paycheck as you two! I don’t know what Mari is talking about here!”
Mari rested her chin on her hand, smiling innocently.
“Well… I do pay you extra because you’re dating me, right?”
Silence.
Then, Yoshiko leaned back with a dramatic nod.
“Ahh, so it’s hazard pay. Dating you is hard work. I see. In that case, I think Kanan deserves the extra.”
Dia let out an amused chuckle.
“Only Kanan can handle a wildcard like that. Good work, Kanan.”
Kanan groaned.
“A wildcard… yeah, that really captures Mari. But please don’t talk about payment like that, Mari. I almost got murdered by the two of them just now.”
“Oh yeah,” Yoshiko added casually. “For sure. And thrown into the river.”
Dia nodded calmly.
“And body on fire too.”
Kanan stared at them in mock horror.
“…Body on fire while in the river? Okay, that’s something else and I’m scared.”
Mari burst out laughing.
“Hey~ you two can have extra dating pay too if you date me~”
She blinked cutely.
Dia answered instantly.
“Pass.”
“Yeah, nope,” Yoshiko added. “I’d rather just throw myself into the river while on fire.”
Mari laughed even harder.
“You guys are such a riot!”
Then she suddenly leaned forward and grabbed another chocolate bar.
“Well anyway, here, Yoshiko.”
Yoshiko took it, blinking in confusion, her head tilting slightly like a puzzled puppy.
Before she could ask, Mari pointed knowingly.
“Oh, don’t go all doggy on me now. That one’s for Riko. Give it to her later. That’s my treat for her.”
Realization lit Yoshiko’s face.
“Oh! Yeah, thanks. I’ll give it to her later.”
Mari grinned.
“Great!”
Yoshiko turned the expensive chocolate bar over in her hand, still looking mildly stunned.
“Oh, by the way,” she said, glancing up at Mari, “how many pieces of this did you even buy? You seem to have… a lot.”
Mari’s grin widened.
“Oh, I have a lot! Look.”
She dramatically scooted her chair aside and bent down under her desk.
There, was a massive sack.
Like an actual Santa sack.
Stuffed to the brim with those same ridiculously expensive chocolate bars.
Yoshiko’s eyes went wide.
“Woah! That’s— that’s a lot! And you already gave a bunch to the students!”
Mari nodded proudly.
“Yup! Just like you, I didn’t really know how many I should buy… so I bought a lot.”
Yoshiko snorted.
“…Of course you did.”
She leaned back slightly.
“So what are you gonna do with the leftovers now?”
Mari waved a hand casually.
“Oh, this? I’ll give some to the other teachers, then bring the rest back to the hotel and give them to the staff there. Everything will go to them.”
Yoshiko stared at her for a second… then smirked.
“So thoughtful. Are you okay?”
Kanan immediately chuckled.
Dia covered a small amused smile.
Mari gasped dramatically.
“Hey! Yes, I’m okay! How could you!”
Yoshiko chuckled under her breath.
“Yeah, yeah. Sorry.”
Mari suddenly perked up again.
“Oh! And you know what, since you said you’re going to help Riko and her friend in Shibuya…”
She grabbed another chocolate bar and held it out.
“How about giving the friend one too? Here.”
Yoshiko took it.
“Oh, she’ll love this too. Thanks.”
Kanan leaned forward next.
“Now that Mari’s done, I’ll give some of my treats too. I still have a whole bag left.”
She pulled over a small box and started handing some out.
Dia accepted hers. “Thank you.”
Mari beamed. “Thank you, Kanan~”
Then, she leaned in and gave Kanan a quick peck on the lips.
Yoshiko immediately scrunched her face.
“…Gross,” she mumbled.
Mari shot her a look.
“Hey! You do it too, you know.”
Yoshiko straightened instantly.
“Yes! But not in front of my friends. I still have decency in me.”
Mari’s eyes sparkled mischievously.
“Then why don’t you try kissing in front of us too?”
“What? No thank you.”
“Come on, why not? You can make out too if you want~”
Yoshiko pointed accusingly.
“No! We would never. And I know what you’re doing, Mari. You want us to make out so you can take a picture for your little group chat with our moms.”
She crossed her arms firmly.
“Never gonna happen.”
Mari snapped her fingers dramatically.
“Oh man. Plan foiled again.”
She even slumped slightly like a certain cartoon fox.
Yoshiko just stared.
“…Unbelievable.”
Mari huffed playfully.
“It’s so unfair that only Dia gets to experience you and Riko’s intimate moments.”
Dia immediately sighed.
“…Don’t remind me.”
Mari leaned toward her eagerly.
“Come on, Dia. Next time take a pic if you ever see something. I’ll pay big money for those goods.”
Dia adjusted her costume glasses calmly.
“I’d rather not.”
“Aww, Dia, you’re no fun.”
Yoshiko let out a long breath.
Dia spoke evenly, “I simply don’t like meddling with someone’s privacy, especially their intimate moments.”
Yoshiko immediately pointed at her.
“Yeah, you heard that, Mari? Maybe you can learn a thing or two.”
Mari, however, was already leaning toward Kanan, whispering something jokingly.
Then she looked back at Yoshiko.
“Oh? What was that, Yoshiko? I wasn’t listening~”
Yoshiko just shook her head slowly.
“…Unbelievable.”
Dia sighed lightly.
“That’s Mari for you.”
Kanan chuckled.
“Well anyway, here, Yoshiko. For Riko… and an extra for her friend too.”
She handed over two small boxes of treats.
Yoshiko accepted them.
“Thanks.”
Dia then reached into her own things.
“I will give mine as well. Here.”
She handed each of them a neat plastic pouch filled with treats.
Kanan smiled. “Thanks!”
Mari examined hers with delight.
“What a cute pouch. It’s so you, Dia. Thanks~”
Yoshiko nodded.
“Thanks, Dia.”
Dia gave a small nod back.
“There are also extras for Riko and Riko’s friend.”
Yoshiko blinked.
“Oh? You have extras too?”
Dia nodded once.
“Yes. I also did not know how many would be enough.”
Kanan scratched her cheek.
“…Looks like we all had the same idea.”
“It seems so,” Dia agreed.
Yoshiko huffed in amusement.
“Yeah… but what do you two plan to do with the extras?”
Kanan thought for a moment.
“Maybe I’ll leave them in front of our diving shop so people can grab one.”
Dia answered more calmly.
“I will give mine to trick-or-treaters… or perhaps simply to Hanamaru-san.”
Yoshiko immediately laughed.
“Yeah, she’d be so happy. She’d annihilate that in seconds.”
That earned a round of soft laughter from the room.
Yoshiko shifted the remaining bags at her feet.
“Well anyway, I’ll give mine too. I still have like two bags left, so here—”
Without ceremony, she reached into one of the bags and grabbed a large handful of assorted treats, dropping portions into each of their waiting hands.
The three caught the candy instinctively with both hands… then just stared at what they were holding.
Yoshiko blinked at them.
“…What? No thank yous?”
Kanan quickly straightened. “Thank you— uh… it’s just…”
Mari tilted her head, amused. “We didn’t expect to be given it like this. Don’t you have a pouch or bag for the treats?”
Yoshiko shrugged lazily.
“No. Didn’t have time to prepare.”
Dia adjusted her Velma glasses.
“But it was announced last week, was it not?”
“…Yeah?”
“Then you had plenty of time to prepare for it.”
Yoshiko clicked her tongue lightly.
“Yeah, okay, it slipped my mind, okay? I just bought everything yesterday last minute. Good thing they had a lot of stock for me to buy.”
Mari immediately burst into laughter.
“That’s so you, Yoshiko! I bet you were busy with gaming stuff that you forgot.”
Yoshiko stiffened.
“Wha— no—”
She looked away.
“…Yeah, okay, it is that.”
Kanan grinned.
“Wow. If Riko knew this, she’d scold you~”
Yoshiko visibly tensed.
“…No. Please don’t.”
That only made Mari and Kanan laugh harder while Dia simply shook her head in quiet exasperation.
Yoshiko huffed.
“Hey, at least I still bought a lot.”
Kanan leaned back slightly.
“So what are you gonna do with the extras?”
Yoshiko thought for a moment.
“…Maybe since we’re going to Shibuya, I’m sure there’ll be a lot of people there. I’ll give it to them.”
Mari’s eyes sparkled.
“Ooh, smart~”
Dia’s expression turned more serious.
“That walk… I still cannot believe you actually agreed to that. Make sure nothing happens to Riko.”
Yoshiko’s posture immediately straightened.
“Yes. I will definitely make sure of it.”
Mari suddenly leaned forward mischievously.
“Do you want me to close the whole place for the three of you there? So there won’t be trouble?”
Yoshiko stared at her flatly.
“Stop joking, Mari. That’s like the biggest tourist attraction when it’s Halloween. There’s no way you can do that.”
Mari only smiled wider.
“Oh trust me, my dear little sister… Big Sister Mari has connections you don’t know about.”
Yoshiko gulped.
“…That sounded scary.”
Mari only giggled.
“Well anyway~ if you don’t want that, want me to hire bodyguards? Like four big guys?”
Kanan waved a hand dismissively.
“You know they don’t need that, right? Just Yoshiko alone is enough to keep them safe there. She can punch every person in the way.”
Yoshiko immediately frowned.
“I’m not that kind of person anymore. I don’t punch people anymore, just like Riko said.”
Dia gave a small approving nod.
“Good for you.”
Yoshiko’s eyes sharpened slightly.
“…Not unless they deserve it. And if someone pushes my buttons—”
Her voice dropped just a bit.
“—and they make a wrong move toward Riri… not only will they get a punch, they’ll get a ticket to the hospital.”
Kanan pumped a fist.
“Hells yeah.”
Mari grinned. “Don’t worry, Yoshiko. I’ll bail you out.”
Dia slowly turned her head toward them.
The room temperature dropped.
Yoshiko immediately raised both hands.
“Hey, we were all just joking, you know. So please stop with the scary eyes.”
Dia looked away with a quiet huff.
Yoshiko cleared her throat.
“W-Well anyway… I think I better get going now. I need to arrive before dark and prepare with Riri.”
She began carefully packing all the treats the three had given her into her backpack along with the remaining bags. Once everything was secured, she zipped it shut and stood.
Kanan leaned back in her chair.
“Just make sure you drive safely. Because if you crash, you’ll pop like a piñata with all that candy in your bag.”
She laughed.
Mari immediately smacked the desk lightly.
“Hey! Don’t say she’ll crash, that’s bad luck. Knock on wood, Kanan.”
Kanan chuckled. “Okay, okay. It was just a joke.”
Yoshiko let out a small amused breath.
“No, it’s fine. It’s funny, you know.”
She smirked faintly.
“Well, it is Halloween. A bloodied candy explosion on the ground would definitely gather a crowd.”
Dia turned to her slowly.
“…Not funny.”
Yoshiko lifted both hands again.
“A joke.”
Kanan started chuckling, then immediately stopped when Mari shot her a look.
Mari sighed, rubbing her temple.
“Honestly, you two…”
Then she pointed toward the door.
“Now go on, Yoshiko. Ride your horse to your princess. And be extra safe and careful driving.”
Yoshiko slung her backpack securely over her shoulder.
“Yeah, I will. Bye, guys.”
“Bye. Stay safe,” Dia said calmly.
Kanan waved. “Bye! Say hi to Riko for us!”
Yoshiko gave a small wave back as she stepped out of the office.
A few minutes later, she emerged into the parking area in front of the school.
Her motorbike waited where she left it.
She picked up her helmet from the seat and slipped it on, then pulled out her driving gloves from the small handlebar bag. After sliding her phone safely inside the compartment, she secured the gloves snugly over her hands.
With practiced ease, she swung one leg over the bike.
Key in.
Engine on.
The motorcycle roared to life.
And with one smooth motion, Yoshiko Tsushima pulled out of Uranohoshi, heading straight toward her next detination.
------------------
After a steady ride through the late afternoon streets, Yoshiko slowed her motorcycle to a stop in front of the Sakurauchi household.
She put down the side stand, she wouldn’t be long, and swung off the bike smoothly. Without removing her helmet, she walked up the familiar path and pressed the doorbell.
A moment later, the door opened.
Riko’s mother stood there, holding a bowl filled to the brim with treats. Her eyes immediately landed on the tall figure in full vampire attire.
“Oh my~” she said brightly. “A vampire rider. Are you here for trick-or-treating?”
Yoshiko let out a small chuckle and flipped up her visor.
“Hey, Mrs. Sakurauchi.”
Recognition dawned instantly.
“Oh! It’s just you, Yoshiko. I thought someone was already doing trick-or-treat for me.”
Yoshiko rubbed the back of her neck lightly.
“I think I’m too old for trick-or-treating.”
Riko’s mother waved that off immediately.
“Hey, you’re never too old for that, you know. I take any kind of trick-or-treaters here, old or young.”
Before Yoshiko could respond, the older woman was already reaching into the bowl.
“Oh, and here, since you’re here.”
She placed a generous handful of treats into Yoshiko’s gloved hand.
“Be sure to share that with my daughter, okay?”
Yoshiko accepted them with a small smile.
“Will do, Mrs. Sakurauchi.”
Her mother tilted her head curiously.
“By the way, why are you here? Aren’t you going to see my daughter today?”
“Yeah, I am,” Yoshiko replied. “Just stopped by to give you something first.”
“Oh? What is it?”
Yoshiko slipped her backpack off one shoulder, quickly tucking away the treats she’d just received. Then she reached inside and pulled out a generous handful from her own stash.
She held them out.
“Here, Mrs. Sakurauchi. A treat from me too.”
Riko’s mother blinked, then her expression softened warmly.
“You stopped by because of this?”
Yoshiko nodded simply.
The older woman smiled, clearly touched.
“Oh, how sweet of you, Yoshiko. Thank you!”
Yoshiko immediately added another handful into her bowl.
“And here’s some more… if it’s okay, could you pass these to the Takamis next door?”
“Some for them too?” Riko’s mother brightened. “Of course, I’ll give it to them. Don’t worry.”
“Thanks.”
Riko’s mother seemed to remember something and let out a small laugh.
“You know, earlier this morning Mari-chan actually came by and gave me some really expensive chocolates, and the Takamis too.”
Yoshiko’s brows lifted slightly.
“She did?”
“Mm-hmm.” She nodded. “I was surprised too. Not by the sudden visit, but by the expensive chocolate bar.”
Her eyes softened knowingly.
“You two are very alike. Both very kind.”
Yoshiko scratched her neck, looking just a little awkward.
“…Yeah. I guess.”
Riko’s mother giggled gently.
“Oh, I should probably stop holding you here. My daughter might cry if you arrive late.”
Yoshiko let out a soft chuckle.
“Yeah, probably.”
But just as she shifted to leave—
“Oh! Wait.”
Yoshiko paused.
“Can I at least see your full costume before you go?”
Yoshiko shrugged lightly.
“Sure.”
She removed her helmet.
The late afternoon light caught the details immediately, the pale dusting of white across her face, the darkened shadows beneath her eyes, the subtle red tint on her lips. The thin trail of blood makeup ran down from her mouth, while faint vein like patterns crawled from her neck downward into the open collar of her dress shirt.
Riko’s mother’s eyes widened in delight.
“Oh wow… that looks good. It’s very you, if you ever became a vampire.”
Yoshiko huffed softly.
“Thanks, Mrs. Sakurauchi.”
“Did you do all that makeup yourself?”
“Nah. That was all Mari. And I didn’t have a choice.”
That earned a knowing laugh.
“Mari really does have a talent for makeup. And I see you have the fangs too.”
Yoshiko lightly tapped one with her tongue.
“Oh, this? Yeah. It came with the cape.”
Riko’s mother leaned in just a bit, lowering her voice playfully.
“Be careful with those fangs with my daughter, okay? Don’t bite too hard…”
She winked.
“…though I think she’d be okay if you went a little too hard.”
Yoshiko let out an embarrassed chuckle.
“…Yeah. I think I can see that.”
Riko’s mother straightened, still smiling.
“Oh dear, I really should stop chatting. You should go, I’m sure my daughter is ready to be bitten now.”
Yoshiko snorted softly.
“I’m heading out.”
But before she could turn, “And Yoshiko.”
She paused.
“Promise me you’ll keep her safe during that walk in Shibuya, okay? It gets very crowded. Make sure to hold her tight so she won’t slip away from you.”
Yoshiko’s expression softened with quiet certainty.
“I will, Mrs. Sakurauchi. I promise. I’ll keep her safe.”
The older woman smiled warmly, clearly reassured.
“I know you will. Now go.”
She made a gentle shooing motion.
Yoshiko chuckled, slipped her helmet back on, and swung her backpack securely into place.
She gave one last small wave before turning and heading back toward her motorcycle.
A moment later, helmet secured.
Side stand up.
Engine roaring to life. With one smooth motion, Yoshiko pulled away from the Sakurauchi residence and accelerated onto the road, heading straight toward Tokyo.
