Rather than a question, it was more of a statement confirming an already obvious truth.
You're Twilight Song, aren't you? Don't even bother hiding it. I've found the answer already—I'm just being polite enough to ask.
Gotham Song stared quietly at Sunday Silence, who currently occupied Cafe's body, and strangely found herself not all that surprised.
If she thought about it carefully, it was rather obvious, wasn't it?
Sunday Silence had long known Gotham Song could see ghosts. And what kind of person could see ghosts?
Someone born uniquely gifted, like Manhattan Cafe—or…
Someone who had already died, and thus naturally belonged to the world of spirits.
And Gotham Song?
She'd literally died once already and had reincarnated—no wonder she could see ghosts.
But still, that was just conjecture. What exactly had allowed Sunday Silence to confirm this?
"I thought I hid it pretty well, actually..."
Using casual honorifics like usual felt strangely inappropriate here. Also, could you not use Cafe-nee's body for this kind of intimate bullying?
Gotham Song was acutely aware that "Manhattan Cafe's" leg was pressing between her own, with hands gripping lightly at her waist, fingertips mischievously tracing tiny circles against her skin.
You ghostly pervert—why are you so good at this? Did you do this sort of thing often when you were alive?
More importantly—you're a ghost now! At least have some shame and stop using other people's bodies for such inappropriate things, you damned old pervert!
"Why? Well… It'd probably be hard for ordinary people to notice, but when Ramonu asked that question, you got nervous, didn't you?"
Sunday Silence's smile widened mischievously as she leaned even closer, speaking in an intimate whisper.
Gotham Song carefully replayed what had just happened, and reluctantly admitted to herself that she had indeed reacted nervously.
But once she realized that, she breathed out a subtle sigh of relief.
Thankfully, only Sunday Silence seemed to have noticed, right?
She recalled the scene again: Aside from Mejiro Bright quietly sipping coffee as if nothing were amiss, Mejiro Ardan's attention had been solely focused on Ramonu's near-argument with "Cafe."
So it's still safe, probably?
"Even something like that gave me away? Being a ghost must be pretty convenient…"
Sunday Silence laughed, reached out, and pulled at Gotham Song's cheeks like a child discovering a favorite toy.
Honestly, it was a small act of revenge.
She couldn't do anything truly inappropriate—Cafe would never forgive her—but at least a little harmless teasing was fair game.
But that hardly mattered now, because Sunday Silence had just discovered something far, far more interesting to play with.
She giggled to herself, excitement bubbling inside her.
Mejiro Ramonu cares deeply about Twilight Song, right? Then, what if, while she's completely unaware, I have Manhattan Cafe seduce her own beloved sister?
While Ramonu is desperately fighting for her lost love, what if over here we've already progressed into a cozy romance?
Hehehe…
This was infinitely more entertaining than floating around all day bullying children.
Her mind immediately jumped into action, mapping out detailed plans and strategies to coax Cafe into making a move.
She even decided that, if necessary, she'd personally intervene so neither girl could back out.
Of course, that would be a last resort. Provoking Cafe unnecessarily would be troublesome—calming her down afterwards was a real headache.
For now, Sunday Silence couldn't reveal this delightful idea to Cafe. The girl would never agree.
She was about to tease Gotham Song a little more, but before she could continue, she sensed something approaching. Annoyed, she clicked her tongue softly, then mischievously leaned in again and pressed her cheek warmly against Gotham Song's face.
I'll have to hold back today, but next time…
Cafe, you wouldn't want to see your beloved cousin whisked away by some strange woman, taken somewhere you can't even reach, would you?
Better do it yourself first—!
Cafe's body suddenly went limp, collapsing against Gotham Song. Instinctively, Gotham Song caught her cousin, wrapping her arms protectively around her.
Suddenly, the two were pressed tightly together, their cheeks brushing warmly.
Speechless and confused, Gotham Song simply held Cafe close.
"Um…"
"Ah, Song… Why are we here…?"
Because Sunday Silence kidnapped me—can I say that?
Gotham Song quickly shook her head to show she didn't know either. Supporting Cafe, who now rubbed her temples, Gotham Song silently added another mark against Sunday Silence in her heart.
"Um, Cafe-nee? Could you… maybe get off me first?"
Cafe blinked in confusion, then suddenly became painfully aware of how intimate their position had become.
She immediately jumped back, creating distance between them.
This… this was all my 'friend's' doing!
Wait… can I really say something like that? Song doesn't even know who my 'friend' is—wouldn't it sound like I'm irresponsibly passing blame?
"Um… I'm… sorry…?"
Cafe's normally cool, composed face was flushed bright red with embarrassment. Such an unusual sight had incredible impact—paired with her usually calm aura, it was downright lethal.
Gotham Song quickly looked away, shaking her head slightly.
"N-no worries. It's fine."
Hehe~ But then, why are you blushing too?
Sunday Silence's teasing voice briefly echoed in Gotham Song's ear, before quickly vanishing again.
Only then did Gotham Song realize with horror that her face was burning hot. She raised a hand to cover her cheek in disbelief.
Just like Cafe, she found herself tongue-tied and embarrassed beyond words.
An awkward silence settled over them, lasting quite a while. Finally, as the younger cousin, Gotham Song managed to steady herself with a deep breath. She reached out gently, taking hold of Cafe's wrist.
"Um, why don't we head back together first, Cafe-nee?"
There wasn't much else they could do now except return. As for today's bizarre misunderstanding… next time she got a chance, she would definitely teach a good lesson to that damned ghost who lived only to stir up trouble.
Sunday Silence… Just wait till I catch you next time!
Cafe hesitated for only a brief moment, then nodded shyly. Although her cheeks remained warm, there was nothing else they could do at this point.
I'll have to have a serious talk with my "friend" when we get back.
At least, she would absolutely never allow something like today to happen again.
"Oh, right… Cafe-nee?"
"Yes…?"
"You should probably go on a diet."