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Chapter 23 - Act 21 - Mizuki - Hikami Bestfriend

Far beyond the reach of mortals, hidden beneath layers of shimmering lakes and crystal mist, existed the Water Fairy Realm — a kingdom of elegance, serenity, and endless flow. Waterfalls whispered secrets to koi dragons, and pale blue lotuses floated eternally under silver moons. It was here, in a palace sculpted from frozen light and sea-glass, that Princess Mizuki Hanegawa, the Water Fairy's heir, dwelled.

Graceful, polite, and composed like a lily on still water, Mizuki moved through the halls with calm authority. Her pale skin shimmered faintly with aqua energy, and her long sky-blue hair rippled like waves in a breeze that wasn't there. Her soft voice had soothed beasts and charmed gods.

But today, the kingdom trembled.

War drums pounded far beyond the watery border.

"The Southern Coral Fortress has fallen," reported her advisor, kneeling. "The Dry Blight spreads."

Mizuki stood still for a moment, her delicate fingers tightening over her ceremonial trident.

"We mustn't panic," she said with her usual serenity. "Tell the Seers to prepare the Celestial Current. I will invoke the Ancestral Waters myself."

"But Princess—!"

"I will protect our realm."

That was the last thing anyone saw before she vanished — diving alone into the Sacred Spring, vanishing into the mortal world with a ribbon of mist.

---

A Day Later — Near a Shrine in the Human World

The torii gate creaked in the wind. Moss grew thick on ancient stone. Birds circled high overhead.

A girl lay collapsed at the shrine's heart, her pale legs tangled in a ripped azure gown, her arms scratched and bleeding.

Mizuki Hanegawa — unconscious.

A spirit-signal shot skyward, like a flare made of water and sorrow.

---

Back in the Human World — In a Very Chaotic Apartment

"PUT DOWN MY UNDERWEAR, SUCCUBUS!"

"IT'S FOR LAUNDRY PURPOSES ONLY, PERVY OTAKU!"

Gojo barely dodged a flying bra as Suma and Hikami-sensei waged another all-out panty war. Meanwhile, Hiyori sat on the sofa, drinking tea and pretending she didn't see the lace thunderstorm.

"Why is it always lingerie battles in this house?" Gojo groaned.

"Because SOMEONE leaves his boxer briefs in the microwave!" Hikami shouted, hurling a lacy red thong like a shuriken.

Suddenly—

BWOOM!!

A splash of water magic hit the ceiling, making everyone freeze.

Hikami's eyes widened. She turned pale.

"That signal… Mizuki?!"

Everyone stopped mid-underwear-toss.

"Who's Mizuki?" Suma asked, a pink bra on her head.

"My best friend," Hikami said, her voice quiet and urgent. "From the Water Fairy Clan."

Without hesitation, she grabbed her jacket and summoned a glowing water orb.

"She's in danger. I'm going to her."

"I'm coming too," Gojo said instantly, standing up. "I don't know what's happening, but I won't let you go alone."

"I'll go too," Hiyori added, adjusting her glasses.

Suma pouted. "Fine. But only 'cause I smell plot development."

---

At the Shrine — Twilight

When they arrived, Mizuki still lay curled by the shrine, her clothes torn, her body limp. Her translucent fairy wings fluttered weakly, barely visible. She had a deep wound across her side, glowing faint blue.

"Mizuki!" Hikami cried, kneeling and cradling her.

Gojo looked at the girl in awe. Even unconscious, she looked serene — like a sleeping moonlit goddess.

"We need to heal her. Fast."

---

Later That Night — Back at the Apartment

The living room was transformed into a magical infirmary.

Mizuki now lay on a bed of water lilies conjured by Hikami, wrapped in fresh bandages and breathing peacefully.

Gojo watched as Hikami whispered ancient spells and glowing droplets danced over Mizuki's skin, sealing her wound.

"Her spirit core is stable now," Hikami finally said, exhaling. "She'll wake up soon."

"I didn't know fairies could get hurt like that," Gojo murmured.

"There are things worse than swords," Hikami replied.

A gentle silence fell.

Then—

"Unnh…"

Mizuki stirred. Her lashes fluttered open, revealing eyes like deep springs.

"Hika…mi?"

"I'm here, Mizuki," Hikami said, smiling warmly.

"Where…?" she whispered, dazed.

"You're safe. You're in the human world. With me… and some chaotic friends."

Mizuki blinked, turning her head to see Gojo, Suma, and Hiyori standing awkwardly nearby.

"Hello," Gojo waved, trying not to look too stunned. "I'm Gojo."

"I see," she said softly, her voice like rippling water. "Thank you… for helping me."

Suma whispered, "She's so pretty it hurts."

"You need rest," Hikami said. "But first, maybe a bath. You're covered in shrine mud and blood."

Mizuki nodded. "Of course. Thank you."

She stood — barely — and made her way to the bathroom, a towel clutched in her arms.

---

Five Minutes Later — Steam Room of Doom

Gojo, yawning and rubbing his eyes, wandered toward the bathroom. He thought Hikami was still in there.

"Hikami-sensei?" he asked, knocking.

No answer.

"Guess she's done…"

He opened the door.

Big mistake.

Inside, steam curled like dragon's breath. The bath was filled, and standing in the center, completely naked, her long hair wet and shimmering down her back, was—

Mizuki Hanegawa.

She turned slowly.

Their eyes met.

Gojo froze, like a deer before an oncoming train of death and boobs.

Her body was art. Slender waist, soft curves, perfect posture — like a goddess sculpted in water.

She blinked. "Oh… hello."

"I-I-I thought this was— I mean, Hikami-sensei, she— THE DOOR— I—!"

SMACK!!

Her hand moved faster than human sight.

Gojo flew backward like a launched torpedo, slammed into the hallway wall, and slumped down, steam rising from his body.

"PERVERTED… HUMANS…" Mizuki muttered, cheeks glowing.

---

Ten Minutes Later — Gojo With Ice on His Head

"Ow…"

"You walked into the bath on a naked royal fairy," Hikami said, sipping tea. "Do you want to die?"

"I didn't know! I thought you were still in there!"

Suma giggled. "So, what was she like? Curves? Skin tone? Thighs?"

"Why are you asking?!"

"Field research," she winked.

Hiyori just adjusted her glasses and muttered, "He's never gonna recover."

Mizuki re-entered the room, now in a proper fairy robe, face still slightly pink.

"I apologize," she said calmly. "I overreacted."

"No, no! Totally fair reaction!" Gojo said, bowing like crazy. "I'm the one who—uh—shouldn't have—seen… everything."

She gave a small, knowing smile.

"I suppose… some things are inevitable."

He turned red again.

---

Later That Night — Rooftop

Gojo leaned on the railing, looking up at the stars.

Mizuki stood beside him, her long hair fluttering softly.

"Thank you," she said gently. "For helping me. I don't often rely on others."

"Any time," Gojo said, then added awkwardly, "Sorry again about the bathroom thing…"

She let out a soft, graceful laugh.

"In my realm, bathing is communal. I suppose I've just… been human too long tonight."

They stood in silence for a moment.

"Are you going back?" he asked.

Mizuki looked up at the stars.

"I don't know yet. But for now… I'll stay."

He nodded.

Then from below—

"HANDS OFF MY MAN, MIZUKI!"

"Hush, Suma. They're having a moment."

"Should we interrupt it?"

"I'm already halfway up the stairs."

Gojo sighed.

Mizuki chuckled again.

"…I think I'll like it here."

To be continued.

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