If this world was some kind of inexplicable game, and Kikukawa Kyo was a character within it, then placing her near a pond or giving her items like potions or honey wine would immediately produce a new buff in her status bar:
[Joyful] – This character is currently delighted, entirely free from troubles or worries. Perhaps something went perfectly, a wish came true, or an obstacle was removed—or maybe it's just the inexplicable thrill from a personal quirk. In any case, now's a great time to chat with her.
Indeed, for Kyo, simply coming into contact with water—be it hearing the gentle trickle, feeling it flowing across her skin, or directly drinking it—always brought her pleasure. The only difference was a matter of degree.
Clearly, the most intense enjoyment came from the most intimate form of contact: drinking the water, feeling it gently flow into her, traveling through her organs, joining the rhythm of her body. Drinking water satisfied her deeply, both physically and spiritually.
Of course, this little quirk initially caused Kyo some trouble. Early on, drinking water left her so energized she couldn't sleep at night, let alone drinking coffee or other beverages.
Fortunately, after long-term adaptation, the excitement and stimulation from these drinks gradually reduced to a manageable level.
But anyone could realize: alcoholic beverages were certainly not among those drinks…
Returning to the present, let's take another look at Kyo's nonexistent status bar. Right now, a brand-new buff was glowing brightly:
[Inspired] – My spirits soar higher than ever, brimming with creativity ready to overflow. The sky feels closer, and the ground seems to vanish beneath my feet… Logic and reason are dull in comparison; I feel sluggish yet clear-headed at once.
Naturally, Uika and Mana couldn't see this invisible status bar. But simply by meeting Kyo's gaze, they immediately sensed a subtle change from mere minutes before.
Though it didn't seem negative—quite the opposite, in fact. Kyo appeared even more lively and energetic than earlier. Perhaps this was actually ideal, considering they were about to start working?
"Kyo-chan, what happened?" Mana asked curiously. Earlier, Kyo had been cooperative enough, but on closer inspection, her attitude had been rather lackadaisical, casually doing only what was required, without any real enthusiasm.
"Hm? Is there something wrong? Does Mana think there's something bad about me right now?" Kyo herself didn't seem aware—or perhaps she was perfectly aware—of how hyperactive she was. Regardless, she saw nothing wrong with her current state.
"No, it's nothing bad. It's just, your mood suddenly feels different, so I got curious—did something happen just now?"
Kyo didn't give a straight answer, instead humming happily to herself, filling the air with vibrations that might or might not have been an actual melody. Perhaps it was just random noise echoing through her mind.
Uika suddenly recalled the unfamiliar drink Kyo had picked earlier, combined with Kyo's lifelong fascination with various beverages, and made an educated guess:
"Kyo-chan, did you find a new favorite drink?" Uika asked, smiling knowingly.
"Correct! Uika-san earns one point!" Kyo clapped her hands enthusiastically, instantly turning this into an impromptu quiz show. "Mana-san, you're at zero points—keep trying!"
"I'm not as smart as Uika! This isn't fair at all~" Mana pretended to pout, though her trademark cheerful smile broke through quickly. "Can't you give me a little advantage? I'll buy you donuts!"
"Oh-ho, openly bribing the judge now? Minus one point for contestant Mana!"
Displaying some surprising dance moves, Kyo playfully took two quick steps and suddenly appeared right beside Mana. Before Mana could react, a swirl of black, white, and gray fabric spun elegantly around her, sweeping her into its current.
When Mana escaped this whirlpool of motion, a gentle karate chop landed lightly on her forehead.
"Hey, no fair! There's punishment for losing points?" Mana complained, dramatically holding her forehead, even though it hadn't hurt at all.
Watching Kyo suddenly join Mana in her playful antics, even Uika couldn't suppress a quiet laugh: "You two, stop fooling around."
Then, Kyo turned mischievous eyes toward her.
"Next question—if losing points means punishment, what does gaining points mean?"
"A reward!" Mana blurted out. There was no way she'd miss this easy opportunity for points again.
"Bingo!"
"So what's the rewa—" Mana's expectant question was abruptly cut off by a sudden hug, along with something firm pressing briefly against her forehead.
Kyo's own forehead.
The contact was brief, but Mana was momentarily dazzled by Kyo's face up close, as though she'd plunged into clear water and glimpsed its sparkling, radiant beauty.
"And now, it's Uika-san's reward!"
"Wait—really, I'm fine without—"
By the time Mana fully came to her senses, Kyo had already dashed over to Uika, who was still attempting to politely decline the reward, leading to a playful struggle between them.
Mana couldn't help but laugh aloud. She liked this version of Kyo even more. Previously, both Kyo and Uika would always just look at her with indulgent, gentle smiles, like she was merely a child. Couldn't they ever join in and be lively with her?
Especially Uika. Despite Mana's cheerful nature, she wasn't truly oblivious. She'd often noticed Uika secretly sighing whenever she thought Mana wasn't watching, always looking quietly exhausted.
Did Uika find being an idol too stressful? Or was it tiresome being partnered with someone like Mana, who could only sing and nothing else…?
Sometimes, Mana genuinely worried about these things. Maybe she needed to tone down her playful side, learn something beyond singing and dancing, or become more mature so Uika wouldn't need to worry so much.
But during their free time, Mana still wanted to show Uika her truest, most carefree self. She often brought donuts for Uika, hoping to brighten her mood outside of their work.
Now that Kyo-chan has joined sumimi, maybe Uika will finally have an easier time.