We traveled for a few dozen minutes by train, followed by another ten or so on a bus. By the time we arrived at our destination, I had been led deep into a massive shopping district. Himiko called it the largest "shopping mall" in the area.
True to her word, the place was teeming with people. If I were to lose sight of her in a crowd like this, I feel as though I might never find her again. I must take care not to be separated.
That being said… as I expected, the place was crawling with Curses. Most were insignificant vermin that posed no threat, but here and there, I spotted a few that looked like they could cause actual trouble. They were nothing compared to Kurourushi, of course, but I couldn't simply ignore them. I couldn't exorcise them all while trying to enjoy myself with Himiko, but I could certainly thin their numbers.
Honestly. Do not interfere while Himiko is having such a marvelous time.
"Madoka-chan, you mustn't wander off, okay? It would be a disaster if you got lost in a place like this."
"How could I possibly get lost while we are holding hands? If anything, it is you who should be careful not to leave my side."
"But Madoka-chan, you're so ponkotsu and have absolutely no sense of direction…"
"Now look here. I am neither 'clumsy' nor 'directionally challenged.'"
"Anyway! Don't let go of my hand. I want you to keep holding it all day today."
This girl. Will you not stop treating me like a helpless child? Lately, I have been making a conscious effort to memorize the routes we take. Even today, I recall exactly how we arrived at… at… well…
…Alright, I don't remember which train we boarded. And I haven't the slightest idea which bus leads back to the station. However, I remember everything else! Once I am at the station, I can certainly find my way home. Truly!
On that note, Himiko. Is it really necessary to hold hands constantly? It is rather inconvenient.
…Though, it is also true that I have no reason to let go.
"Himiko, would you lean down for a moment?"
"…? Yes?"
"Come closer."
"Wawa!"
I made her lean down and pulled her head toward me. Simultaneously, I released her hand for a split second to punch and exorcise a Curse that had been creeping up on us. Do not disturb us, you bottom-feeder. And stay away from my Himiko. Honestly, some creatures have no sense of timing.
"Mm, forgive me. There was a bit of dirt in your hair. I've removed it."
"…A-Ah. Thank you…"
"Think nothing of it."
I took the opportunity to pat her head. Well? Why aren't you smiling? Why are you blushing, you brat? You laugh so happily at home; why are you acting like this out in public? I shall never understand a maiden's heart.
Also, what is that scent? You smell quite sweet today. Like flowers… or honey. Is that what they call "perfume"? To create a scent without burning incense… how strange.
"Goodness, Madoka-chan, you're being quite bold today…"
"Is that so? I thought that was your specialty."
"Are you teasing me? You're definitely teasing me, aren't you?!"
"Hey, wait! How did it turn into that?!"
I am not teasing you! Stop! Do not lick my neck! Do not hug me like that, and stop breathing into my ear! What are you planning, you minx?! We are in public! At least wait until we are somewhere private…!
"Wait… Madoka-chan… why aren't you wearing a… bra? I'm going to attack you, you know? You are wearing panties, right??"
"…Was I? Let me check…"
…Umu. I am not wearing one. I completely forgot. I am, however, definitely wearing panties.
"…Shall we go buy a bra?"
"U-Umu… I suppose we should…"
And so, I was led away by Himiko—who looked either exasperated or predatory, I couldn't tell which—toward a "lingerie shop."
Is a bra truly such a necessity? I feel as though I would be perfectly fine without one, but…
I do not understand. What is with the undergarments of this era? Better yet, why is there an entire store dedicated solely to them? And the variety is staggering. Why is there a need for such a massive selection…?
Is this "diversity"? I haven't a clue. Why must there be so many variations for something worn under one's clothes? Regardless, I'll just pick something. If I let Himiko choose, I have a feeling things will go south very quickly. I don't understand these things, but I'll try to pick for myself.
I truly wish to avoid being "violated" by Himiko in public. Such things should be done when we are alone. And just because we are alone outside doesn't mean it's acceptable either, do you understand, you brat?!
"Are you going with that one? It's not cute at all."
"…I told you, I don't understand these things…"
"I'll pick. Something 'ka-ai-ii' that suits Madoka-chan."
"No, it's fine. I'll choose."
"If it isn't cute, I'm vetoing it."
"…"
…This is a problem. I feel as though this is a battle I cannot win. It might be faster to just surrender and let her have her way. However… however! I have a dire premonition that letting her choose will lead to something scandalous.
The bras she has been eyeing are not things I ever wish to put on my body. I feel as though if I wear one of those, I'll be toyed with for the rest of the night…
"For now, let's go try these on."
"Hey, what is with that mountain of fabric?!"
Why are you holding such a massive pile of bras? When did you even select all of those? Are you truly expecting me to try on every single one?!
This… is going to be a long day. And Himiko, that one on the very top… that is essentially just a collection of strings. Do you honestly expect me to put that on?
Wait. Calm yourself. Stay back! Why are you wearing such an evil smirk?! Do not approach me with that face…!
"To the fitting room we go!"
"…N-No! Stop!"
I have nothing but bad feelings about this! I must flee! I must escape this place!!
Hey, unhand me! Wait, do not pull! Stop it, I beg of you!!
CEASE! I HAVE NO DESIRE TO WEAR THAT!!
STOP! HEY! WAIT, I SAID—!!!
Ugh… what on earth is this…?
(Note: Madoka is currently wearing nothing but the oversized hoodie over her bare skin. This "bare-skin hoodie" situation is exactly what triggered Himiko's predatory instincts.)
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