"Rinka? Why are you..."
Otome's brain went haywire for a moment, her mind short-circuiting into total confusion. Rinka Okino, her dear friend, seemed to have some connection with these older girls—no, she was clearly in charge!
"I should be the one asking questions! I couldn't believe it when they called, but it really is you, Otome. What a coincidence that you were cornered by perverts right where they were patrolling," Rinka said, pressing a palm to her forehead while the other rested on her hip.
"As for me... we're all partners!" The twin-tailed loli giggled mischievously.
The older girls nearby whispered among themselves, surprised that this little girl was a close acquaintance of their President. Well, it made sense given their age.
"You've been missing lately, Rinka. Kazuki had no idea what you were doing. Don't tell me you were..."
"Yup! I'm currently working for world peace... Haha, just kidding. I don't care about the world. We're just a small support group helping girls in need. That's the mission of the Savior's Support Group!"
Otome stared at her blankly, still reeling from the shock.
What Rinka said was true. The Savior's Support Group was essentially a fan club. The girls who joined were mostly those who had encountered danger and looked up to Alex as their beacon of hope.
Every woman in the group was a hardcore fan of Alex. This was largely Rinka's doing. Ever since Alex saved her, she had become his ultimate fangirl. As for how a primary schooler managed to organize such a powerful group? She likely had help from one of the women close to Alex. Besides, Rinka might be young, but she was cunning—especially after her "awakening," she was the type to be a mastermind behind the scenes.
But now, there was no need to worry about her turning dark.
"Savior's Support Group..." Otome murmured. "You mean that older brother you talked about?"
"Exactly! We're a fan club, but only girls are allowed to join. Otome, do you want in?" Rinka's eyes sparkled. Bringing her best friend into the fold seemed like a great idea, especially after the trauma Otome just faced.
"Otome, come join us!"
The pink-haired girl bit her lip, looking at Rinka with a mix of surprise, awe, and excitement. She didn't fully understand the group, but she trusted her friend, and they had just saved her.
Recalling the terrifying moment in the alley, Otome broke into a cold sweat. Only this group could offer her a sense of security. She blinked and nodded. "Mmm... okay. I'll join."
Besides Rinka and the safety, there was another reason: Otome was intensely curious about this "older brother." She constantly heard his name from Rinka's lips. This fan club made her want to see for herself what kind of person Alex was. "And... I want to meet him. Rinka, if I join, can I meet him?"
"Haha, it's not that easy!" The older girls laughed, covering their mouths. "Even we rarely get to see the Master. We're just 'fans.' We aren't like the girls who are always by his side. Seeing the Master depends entirely on luck."
"Yeah, but just protecting him and being part of this is enough. There will be a chance eventually~"
"I heard Yoshiko and the others in Ginza were lucky enough to run into him tonight. I'm so jealous—"
Listening to the girls' jealous and longing sighs, a thought formed in Otome's mind: This older brother must be incredibly popular. So many girls like him... even Rinka.
Rinka's favorite person used to be her brother, Kazuki.
"Don't complain! You'll all have a chance to be near him soon. The summer festival and the fireworks show are in a few days," Rinka declared, hands on her hips like a master planner. "We need everyone there to maintain order. There will be plenty of chances to get close."
"Yes! The fireworks show is the perfect chance! We have to find a way to get a taste of his charm, hehe~"
"What about you, President? Are you going?"
"Of course I am! But... I don't know if I should let him see me. If I meet Alex, my secret identity will be out," Rinka pouted, her voice trailing off.
"So what? It doesn't matter if the Master knows."
"I know, but... I want to give him a surprise..."
The fireworks show? Otome knew it well. It was her favorite part of summer break, and she had already promised Kazuki they would go together. "Rinka, if you go to the fireworks, what about Kazuki? Aren't you going to the festival with your brother?"
"No way! I'm not wasting the summer festival on him," Rinka rejected the idea instantly. "Otome, you shouldn't go with Kazuki either. If you miss Alex this time, it won't be easy to see him again. It's better to meet him now and get on his good side."
"Besides, if you go with Kazuki and get into trouble, my useless brother won't be able to save you."
Rinka's words struck a chord in Otome's heart. "But... I already promised him..."
"Just make up an excuse! Or I can tell him for you!"
"Uuu... I'll tell him myself. I'll explain it. I hope Kazuki won't be mad." Otome felt a mix of guilt and anticipation. Kazuki was her childhood friend, but the thrill of meeting Alex was starting to outweigh her loyalty.
After the crisis she just endured, Otome was genuinely afraid to go out alone. Rinka was right—Kazuki couldn't provide the security she needed. If it weren't for those older girls, she would be facing a lifetime of trauma right now.
"I hope... Kazuki doesn't mind..."