Chapter 80: I'm So Happy I Could Burst!
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The news that Kihara had casually neutralized a Dragon-level disaster spread like wildfire.
Not only were there testimonies from two S-Class heroes, but a crystal-clear video also surfaced online—capturing everything from his sudden arrival to the moment he opened a mysterious gap and swallowed the meteor whole.
The audio had been muted, leaving only the howling wind.
And for some reason, Minami Yume was heavily censored with mosaic blur, clearly to protect her identity.
Anyone with half a brain could guess who uploaded it.
Genos.
Even though he only acknowledged Saitama as his master, Kihara had become an important guide in his life.
He had regretted being unable to defend Kihara before.
Now that he finally had the chance.
He made sure the world saw the truth.
Public Opinion Reversal
"Irresponsible media slanders heroes—driving them away from protecting humanity!"
"Throw those reporters in jail!"
"Come back, Scarlet Rider! The world needs you!"
Reading aloud from her phone in an exaggerated tone, Minami Yume burst into laughter.
Then she leaned over from behind and rested her cheek lightly against Kihara's.
"Well? Hearing all that, doesn't it make my amazing hero feel a little better?"
"Not really," Kihara shrugged. "And I'm still not going back."
Off to the side, Tatsumaki clicked her tongue.
Watching the two act so close right in front of her made her irritation spike.
These past few days, Kihara hadn't paid her any special attention at all.
It felt like she was back to being a cat… forced to watch someone else's affection from the sidelines.
Still—
There was no way she could act cute and clingy in front of Minami Yume.
Her pride wouldn't allow it.
Kihara, meanwhile, was deep in thought.
Although both girls had accepted the idea of a harem, their relationship was… distant.
They lived under the same roof, but barely interacted.
At most, they exchanged a glance or a brief greeting.
That wouldn't do.
If things stayed like this, how was he supposed to build any kind of harmony?
Step one: improve their relationship.
Step two: get them comfortable with each other.
Step three… well, figure it out later.
He cleared his throat and gently caught Minami Yume's hand to stop her from teasing him further.
Then he looked at Tatsumaki.
"You've been staying here for a few days now. We haven't even seen your room yet. Mind showing me around?"
Tatsumaki tried to sound casual, inspecting her nails.
"Sure. But Minami Yume isn't allowed in. My room is only for you."
"Oh?" Minami Yume smiled.
"I can let you two spend time alone. Even a whole week if you want."
"But there's one condition."
"No problem. Say it."
Minami Yume straightened up, folding her arms with a playful glint in her eyes.
"From now on… you have to call me big sister."
"…That's it?" Tatsumaki blinked. "I thought you were going to make me tear down the Hero Association or something."
"Wait—"
Minami Yume stared at her in disbelief.
"You're actually okay with that? You're an S-Class hero! What happened to your pride?"
Tatsumaki lifted her chin slightly.
"You don't get it."
"I only act cold toward people I don't like."
"For someone I do like… I don't mind anything."
"If Kihara wanted the moon, I'd bring it down for him."
Minami Yume froze.
Then slowly raised a thumbs-up.
"…I acknowledge your dedication."
Despite having the advantage in their relationship, Minami Yume knew. In terms of emotional boldness, she couldn't match Tatsumaki.
Still…
That just made things more fun, she leaned closer and whispered something into Tatsumaki's ear.
Tatsumaki frowned.
"You're not lying, are you?"
"Why would I lie? We're going to be family anyway."
"…Fine. I'll trust you."
With that, Tatsumaki suddenly rushed out.
Kihara blinked in confusion.
Just as Minami Yume happily plopped down onto his lap and spread her arms.
"I helped you achieve something big. Where's my reward?"
"…What did you tell her?"
"Secret☆~"
Later That Evening.
Kihara walked into the bathroom, eyes covered with a towel.
After a brief rustling sound.
The towel was removed.
He opened his eyes.
And froze.
Tatsumaki stood there, clearly nervous, hands clasped behind her back.
Tatsumaki, with her hair tied in a bun, stood prettily in front of him wearing a school swimsuit and white over-the-knee stockings. The steam in the bathroom made the flesh color showing through the 30D white stockings even more pink and eye-catching, and it even glistened with a little water.
Especially her knees and toes, which were like ivory and white pearls painted with a delicious light pink. She was quite petite, but her pair of fleshy and slender legs were particularly eye-catching, creating a significant contrast and visual impact with her budding and immature appearance.
Her cheeks were flushed.
"I… I heard from Minami Yume that… this might make you happy…"
She hesitated.
"…Do you like it?"
For a moment, the air went completely still.
Kihara took a deep breath—
Then quietly closed his eyes again.
"…Let's go back to the living room first."
"H-Huh?"
"We should talk properly before anything else."
Tatsumaki blinked.
Then slowly nodded.
"…O-Okay."
...
Thank you for reading.