Muxiao hadn't turned human.
His arms weren't human hands but two tentacles, and his lower body lacked legs, supported instead by writhing tendrils. His upper body, however, had morphed into a human-like torso and abdomen.
Yet, it was distinctly different from a normal human's. Perhaps due to the incomplete transformation, his face was the most human-like part, but his crimson eyes carried an eerie glint, and his mouth revealed sharp, serrated shark-like teeth.
Twisting his body in front of the mirror, Muxiao examined his new semi-human form. After a moment, he conjured a cloak-like layer over his body, covering his tentacles and lower half.
His arm-tentacles retracted into the sleeves, and he pulled the hood low to partially conceal his face and eyes, leaving only his mouth and nose visible. "Hmm, much more normal now. What do you think?"
Izuki Shima's expression was odd, tinged with disdain. "Honestly, Leader, it's terrible."
Muxiao: "…"
"This look lacks the majesty of the cult's leader. It's completely devoid of the Himegami Society's aura. I prefer your non-human form—that's the true…"
"Stop, stop, stop! Don't say it. I shouldn't have asked a pervert like you."
This perverted hooligan!
Muxiao glared at her. "I'm going for a walk alone. Don't follow me."
"While I prefer your original form, this one's not bad either. Since Tomie and I are here, Leader…" Izuki deliberately tugged her collar, revealing the creamy, full curves of her chest, the arc breathtaking. "Don't you want to have some fun with us?" Her tongue grazed her lips, eyes dripping with seduction.
"Hey! Don't drag me into this! I'm not doing that!" Tomie yelped, retreating to a corner. "Don't even think about it! I won't join your depravity."
Though… last time was kind of nice. But Tomie couldn't accept being toyed with.
"Heh, Tomie, I'll make you revel in the pleasure of being played with by the Leader, drowning in desire. As women of the Himegami Society, it's our duty."
"What kind of duty is that… Stay away!"
Izuki turned, only to find Muxiao gone. She shrugged, closing her collar. "What a pity."
Leaving the Himegami Society, Muxiao strolled alone. Though it was night, walking openly on bustling streets was a first.
Passersby occasionally glanced at him, but in the dark, his odd attire drew little attention. Swaying leisurely, he arrived at the Sakura household.
Ding-dong, ding-dong—
"Coming. Who is it?" Natsumi's mother opened the door. Muxiao knew her, but she didn't recognize him. Seeing a strange hooded figure, she grew wary.
The suspicious nighttime visitor's attire didn't help.
"I'm here for Natsumi."
"Do you know Natsumi? What's this about…?"
"Of course I know her. Could you call her, Auntie?"
"…Alright, wait here."
Hearing someone was looking for her, and claiming to know her, Natsumi was puzzled. "Mom, you sure it's not Houichi?"
"I'm not that old yet. His face was a bit unclear, but it's definitely not Houichi. Maybe another friend? He said he's here for you…"
Natsumi was baffled. She didn't connect it to Muxiao—his tentacle-monster form wouldn't show up in front of her mom. Racking her brain, she couldn't guess who this "friend" was.
Suspicious, the ponytailed girl went downstairs, slipped on sandals, and stepped to the entrance. Under a sliver of moonlight, she eyed the figure warily, peering under his hood. "Who are you? Do I know you?"
Muxiao removed his hat, revealing a face unfamiliar to Natsumi. "I'm so sorry, Natsumi. I lied to see you. You don't know me, but… I've been watching you for a while."
Natsumi: "???"
She still didn't recognize him. In her mind, Muxiao was a tentacle monster—how could he be this human boy?
Completely clueless, Natsumi's head filled with question marks. "You said you've been watching me… Where did you see me?"
"A week ago, on a sunny morning, I saw you at a traffic light…"
A total stranger!
"And I fell in love at first sight."
"…"
Is this for real?! Natsumi forced an awkward, polite smile, her gaze wavering.
Muxiao clutched his chest, feigning deep emotion. "Natsumi, I've been thinking of you day and night, unable to sleep. Your image haunts my mind, your presence has overtaken my heart. I can't forget you!"
So cringey…
Natsumi shuddered hard.
"Natsumi, I really like you. So, if possible, please go out with me—be my girlfriend!"
Muxiao's fervent confession was that of a lovesick boy, but Natsumi gave him a dead-fish stare.
"I refuse."
"…"
She glanced awkwardly at the silent boy, eyes darting. "Even if you suddenly show up saying you like me… I'm sorry, I already like someone else."
"So I can't accept your confession. Sorry, you're a good guy." Natsumi flicked her ponytail.
"You really like him?"
"Yeah, I like him a lot."
"Is he important to you?"
"He's the light of my life. I can't live without him," Natsumi said, finding the boy's tone and voice oddly familiar but not thinking much of it. "Anyway, I won't like anyone else, so I'm sorry."
She bowed.
Muxiao's face darkened, trembling with mock indignation—really, he was stifling laughter. "I understand… But I won't give up. Even if you have someone, I'll keep waiting…"
"Can you not use my name?" Natsumi's patience waned, her cute face turning angry. "Whether you wait is your business. Just don't bother me."
Bang—
Slamming the door, Natsumi muttered, eyeing it. "Weirdo."
She stomped back to her room, dove onto her bed, and grabbed her phone to call Muxiao. It connected quickly, and before he could speak, she blurted, "Muxiao, listen, some weirdo just showed up confessing to me, saying a bunch of nonsense…"
Under the quiet night sky, Muxiao smirked, not amused. "Oh, that happened, huh?"
It's normal she refused, but calling me a weirdo?
His eyebrows twitched.
Listening to Natsumi ramble on, Muxiao stood at a traffic light, smiling, eager for the moment she'd learn the truth—her expression would be priceless.