"Eh? You can't go to the festival?"
The next day, when Kazuki Okino came to find Otome, he was hit with the news like a bolt from the blue. "How... why?"
"I'm sorry, Kazuki. I really can't go," Otome said, her face full of guilt. It was her first time lying, and she couldn't meet his eyes. "My family has guests coming that day, so I have to stay home..."
"Is there no way at all?"
"Mmm..."
The boy felt a hollow ache in his chest, but he didn't blame her. He forced a smile. "I understand. It's okay, Otome. I'll bring you a souvenir."
His kindness made her feel even worse. Kazuki is so nice. But despite her guilt, she didn't tell him the truth. She realized that being "nice" couldn't save her from the monsters in the dark.
So... Kazuki, I'm sorry.
"I don't really care about souvenirs, but... thank you, Kazuki."
"Don't worry about it. I just want to get you something. Otome, are you okay? You're acting so formal, and you seem... different. Did something happen?"
"No, nothing! I'm just a bit tired. Kazuki, you should go. I need to rest."
"So early? I thought we'd play this afternoon. Well, okay..."
As soon as Kazuki left, Otome clutched her chest and exhaled. Rinka stepped out from behind a tree, giggling as she grabbed Otome's arm. "My brother is so stupid! He couldn't even tell you were lying."
"Rinka-chan~"
"Hehe! Otome, you've clearly never lied before. You were so obviously guilty. But Kazuki is just too naive. I wonder what face he'd make if he knew you were blowing him off to see Alex."
"Rinka, stop it! I'm just curious about him, it's not like that... and Kazuki and I aren't like that, we're just childhood friends."
"Is that so? I don't believe you haven't noticed. Kazuki likes you."
"That..."
Otome felt it, of course. She had feelings for Kazuki too, but after yesterday's terror, those feelings had paled. "Anyway, we're just friends. Tell me more about the Support Group and that older brother..."
Otome, like a curious kitten, began firing off questions.
The summer festival was largely supported by the Savior's Support Group. From the booths to the games and the fireworks, they organized everything.
The group was incredibly efficient. They weren't just numerous; they were combat-ready. They maintained the order of the festival because they didn't want any disgusting men ruining the mood. To these women, every man except Alex was trash or a crawling insect.
This was the consensus of the group. If it weren't for the sake of appearances, Rinka would have renamed it the "Alex Support Group." Following Rinka, Otome saw firsthand how powerful these older sisters were.
She saw their obsession and their absolute devotion to the mysterious Alex. He was their faith. Rinka, the number one fan, couldn't stop talking about him for even three sentences.
"Rinka, are you done yet?" On the day of the festival, Otome had changed into a kimono, dressing up specifically at Rinka's request. But Rinka was still fussing over her own look.
"Coming, coming!" Rinka rushed out. "Today is a special day! I have to look perfect. Let's go!"
At twilight, the pink-haired girl followed Rinka, looking at the colorful lanterns hanging along the street. The warm summer wind carried the noise of the crowd.
However, a close look revealed that most attendees were girls in small groups—members of the Support Group. Some were enjoying the stalls, while others were on patrol, watching for any suspicious men. Any man on the street was under constant surveillance.
The women occupied the majority of the space. The rest were families with children. There were almost no couples to be found. The ratio of couples in Tokyo was dropping fast, and Alex was the reason why.
"Rinka, are all these games and shops run by our people?" Otome asked, already considering herself a member.
"Of course! This whole festival was basically organized for Alex," Rinka giggled. "But even though we're family, we still have to pay. The only person with the privilege of getting everything for free is Alex."
Rinka bought a box of takoyaki. Otome watched as Rinka and the stall owner interacted like complete strangers, despite both being in the group.
It was impressive. Everyone acted like they didn't know each other, yet they moved with perfect synchronicity for the sake of one person. Otome's curiosity reached its peak. What kind of man could inspire such devotion?
Tonight, she was supposed to be with Kazuki. Instead, she was here to see Alex. By joining the group, Otome was, in a way, already Alex's.
"He's here—!"
Rinka grabbed her friend's hand, pointing toward the intersection. Otome widened her eyes. A group of stunningly beautiful girls walked down the street, laughing. And in the center of them was Alex.
He was a high schooler, taller and more handsome than she had imagined. He fit her fantasies perfectly.
He's so handsome...
Otome's face flushed red as she lowered her head. Rinka, however, was shameless, staring at him as if she wanted to devour him whole. Her love and lust were completely visible, despite her being only a primary schooler!
As Alex appeared, the older girls around the street became visibly excited, though they tried to stay natural. Rinka pulled Otome behind an ice cream freezer, peeking out as Alex's group passed by.
"Otome, what do you think?" Rinka whispered.
"He's... very different," Otome said, sensing his unique aura even if she couldn't put it into words.
"Hehe, of course he is." Rinka could never forget the moment Alex saved her from those perverts. Just thinking about it made her stomach feel hot—specifically, the silver crest on her belly was pulsing with heat.
So warm... feels so good...
The little loli began to feel the heat rising. She rubbed her legs together. Even as a child, she was developing quickly. Her panties were already starting to get damp.
Wuu, I'm wet...
Otome had no idea Rinka was getting turned on. She watched Alex's back and asked, "Rinka, why don't you go talk to him? You know him, right?"
"I do... but I don't want to interrupt them," Rinka panted softly, her eyes misty. She was possessive, but she knew she couldn't have him all to herself. The girls around him were powerful.
"It's their date time. Let's just watch," Rinka pulled Otome's sleeve. "We can follow them secretly. Let's go—"
"A date? Are all those girls his girlfriends?"
"Yeah, Alex is a total player," Rinka pouted before laughing. "But that's why we have a chance. Everyone in the group belongs to Alex~"
Otome was shocked. "Rinka... aren't you jealous? You clearly love him."
"A little, but it's okay. Maybe Alex is a lolicon! There are many women around him, but I'm the first little loli," Rinka bragged, hands on her hips. Then she turned to stare at Otome.
"Rinka?"
"You're a loli too, Otome. Should we team up? To conquer his heart?"
"Rinka! What are you saying... conquer... that's..." Otome covered her face, her cheeks burning crimson.
"You're part of the group now, which means you're already his. What's there to be shy about? If we work together, we might make his heart skip a beat." Rinka led her after Alex's group. "I bet you're already thinking about dirty things... Look over there!"
Rinka suddenly shook Otome's shoulder. Under the shadow of a large tree, they saw Alex kissing one of the girls.
"Oh—"
It was so bold. Otome covered her eyes but peeked through her fingers. For girls their age, even a kiss was a shock.
But it wasn't just a kiss. The girl and Alex began moving further. Otome saw Alex's hand slide under the girl's top, grabbing and kneading her large, firm breasts.
The sight made Otome's body grow hot. Her eyes glazed over, and her breathing became ragged. "They... they're..."
Rinka didn't say anything; she was entranced. She put one hand on her own chest, mimicking the rubbing, while her other hand slid under her skirt. She stared at Alex while her fingers slid over the sensitive folds of her own slit.
"Alex... Alex... mmm..."
Rinka—! Otome noticed her friend's behavior and felt herself being influenced. She couldn't control herself anymore. She reached into her own "secret garden," stroking the tender petals. Soon, her fingers were slick with her own juices.
Two little lolis, watching in a trance, tasting the burn of lust for the first time...