I never wish to experience being forced to try on a mountain of bras ever again. To make matters worse, I was coerced into buying several sets—panties included—that Himiko took a liking to. It was an entirely unforeseen development. While she seemed to be having the time of her life, I found no enjoyment in it whatsoever. Does it even matter? Undergarments are just... they're just... urgh!
I loathe them! I've half a mind to spend the rest of my days without wearing any at all!
...Or so I'd like to say. But the truth is, I've learned all too well today that Himiko is terrifying when I don't wear them. I must be more careful. I simply cannot endure another marathon of fitting rooms.
Regardless. I was feeling quite morose after the lingerie fiasco and the constant buzzing of Curses, but my mood is currently on the mend. In fact, it is impossible for it not to improve. I am about to eat a crepe with Himiko. We've come to a crepe shop for that very purpose, and it's quite lively.
Well, they are delicious, so I suppose their popularity is justified. I am practically trembling with anticipation. I suppose I can forgive her for the undergarment incident. I might have been slightly at fault myself... no, the fault lies entirely with Himiko. I shall not forgive the "sexual harassment" she subjected me to in that fitting room. To think she'd take advantage of a lack of witnesses to suck my blood...
What would she have done if someone had walked in? She truly is a hopeless girl.
"Madoka-chan, have you decided which one you want?"
"Umu..."
Agonizing. This is truly agonizing. Should I go with fresh cream? Or chocolate? The ice cream options are also tempting. I want to eat them all. But if I overindulge, I won't be able to eat dinner. ...I suppose I'll go with fresh cream this time. Adding strawberries as a topping seems like a wise choice. Yes, let's do that.
"Then, fresh cream and strawberry—"
"Okay! Excuse me, one fresh cream with strawberry topping, and one raspberry, please. For drinks... two tapioca milk teas."
Guh. Listen here, Himiko. I've told you before, I dislike milk. It is not delicious. To pair such a thing with a crepe—what kind of harassment is this? I won't forgive you. I absolutely will not!
On another note... what is "tapioca"? I feel as though I've heard the name somewhere before... but I can't quite place it.
"Shall we find a seat? You'd rather sit down to eat, wouldn't you?"
"Umu. It is unseemly to eat while walking."
"You're so serious about the strangest things, Madoka-chan. Even though you're such a ponkotsu..."
"You are simply far too free-spirited. And for the last time, I am not 'clumsy'."
What is with that look? She clearly doesn't believe a word of it. I shall say it as many times as it takes: I am most certainly not ponkotsu.
"Phew..."
As I sat down, still glaring back at Himiko, I felt the tension leave my body slightly. It's been a while since we've been out like this, and while it was meant to be a break, the Curses have been swarming me all day. I've been exorcising them discreetly so she wouldn't notice, but it's becoming quite a nuisance.
In all likelihood, someone has these Curses under their thumb and is using them to monitor me. If that's the case, I really must hurry with the creation of Cursed Tools. At this rate, Himiko will undoubtedly be targeted. Yet, I cannot bear the thought of distancing her from me. Things are becoming complicated. Come at me from the front, you cowards. I will neither run nor hide.
Hmm? What is it, Himiko? Why that bored expression? You were smiling just a moment ago.
"...Are you bored today?" she asked.
"Why would you ask that?"
"Because, Madoka-chan... you won't smile. You've had that blank expression on your face this whole time..."
...I didn't intend to. But I suppose it's true. I've been bracing myself, staying on guard in case a powerful Curse appeared. If that vigilance is making Himiko look so sad, I should dial it back for the day.
"...Forgive me if I made you uncomfortable. A few annoying pests have been buzzing around me incessantly."
"The Curses?"
"Yes. In all likelihood, they wish to keep an eye on me. A futile effort, truly."
Even without surveillance, they should already have a grasp of my strength. I unilaterally exorcised their Special Grade pawn, didn't I? At that point, wouldn't they realize that sending common Curses after me is a waste of time?
"Our date is being ruined."
"My apologies."
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