The next morning.
Mio Shirai stood at her window, watching the world outside — every surface wrapped in white. Her crimson eyes shimmered with delight.
It had already started snowing last night, but the visibility had been too poor to appreciate it. Seeing it now, in full daylight, hit differently.
For a brief moment she thought about running downstairs and rolling around in the snow — but one glance at her thin pyjamas and the temperature outside put a quick end to that idea.
Besides, she'd already done that before she transmigrated.
She took a moment to appreciate the view, then got herself ready to go out.
By the time she left the apartment, it was nine o'clock.
Her meeting point with Haruno was right downstairs, so Mio was unusually relaxed about the whole thing.
She stepped outside and immediately felt the bite of the cold — sharper than usual. But it was fine. She'd dressed warmly today, and her [Cold Resistance] buff helped her adjust quickly.
She was just looking around for Haruno when—
A figure crept up silently behind her, reached out and covered her eyes, and whispered, "Guess who~"
"Senpai, if you're going to play that kind of game, at least change your voice and the way you talk first."
...As soon as she said it, Mio felt vaguely like she'd walked into her own joke.
Cough cough.
Caught out, Haruno let go and stepped around to face her, smiling like she hadn't just been exposed. She'd clearly put effort into today — dressed like a girl who'd spent hours getting ready for a date.
Or rather — like a hunter who'd dressed up to look like the ideal prey.
Mio still hadn't figured out Haruno's actual goal. To be safe, she'd used one of her precious [Slacker Cards] for today — a full-day immunity from triggering any new missions.
Better safe than sorry. The last thing she needed was some mission activating mid-outing with Haruno and letting something slip.
Current active missions weren't cancelled, though.
Right now the only one left was a date with Megumi Kato — still well within the deadline. No rush.
"So, senpai, where are we headed?"
"I want to pick out a gift for Yukino. Will you help me look?"
The moment those words left Haruno's mouth, Mio fixed her with the most betrayed expression she could muster. "Here I thought this was a Christmas date... and you're actually just here to shop for your little sister?"
Well, it's Haruno — ultimate siscon. Not entirely impossible. But Mio didn't buy that was the whole story. There was definitely a secondary agenda at work here.
And besides — Haruno knew Yukino's tastes better than anyone. Why would she need an outsider's input?
Haruno, for her part, didn't take the bait. She gave Mio a mild glance. "As my sister's classmate, you might have useful suggestions."
"A cat plush?"
"Yukino does love cats — that's not a bad idea at all." Haruno gave a small nod, then leaned in. "But how do you know her preferences so well?"
"You literally just said I'm her classmate. It's normal to pick things up after spending time with someone. Senpai, you're not actually suspicious your adorable kouhai is doing something weird with your sister, are you?"
"Just teasing. But I will need your help narrowing down the specific one."
"Sure."
They headed to a gift shop nearby. Christmas meant crowds — and couples. Lots of couples.
Haruno noticed where Mio's eyes went. She slipped up beside her and linked their arms. "Don't be jealous, kouhai. I can temporarily fill the role of your girlfriend, you know~"
Mio tried to pull her arm free. Several times. Haruno was stronger than she looked, and after a few failed attempts Mio simply gave up.
Fine. If she wants to play it like that—
She'd used the [Slacker Card] today. No missions, no pressure. She was not intimidated by Haruno Yukinoshita.
While Haruno was still feeling smug about winning the arm-battle, she noticed Mio had stopped fighting and was now leaning contentedly against her shoulder — wearing the most radiant, adoring expression, like someone helplessly in love.
Even Haruno had to quietly admire it. Just for an instant, she'd wondered if it was real.
Neither of them forgot why they were there, though.
They stopped at the stuffed animal display.
"There are so many cute ones," Haruno said, frowning slightly. "It's hard to choose."
"Mm, yeah." Mio pulled out her phone and snapped a photo of the shelf.
"What's that for?"
"Secret~" Mio pressed one finger to her lips, looking thoroughly mysterious.
They made a full loop around the shop, but Haruno still hadn't decided. She was leaning toward just buying all of them — when Mio suddenly tugged her over to one particular shelf and pointed.
"That one."
Haruno raised an eyebrow. "How are you so sure Yukino will like it?"
"Still a secret. But your adorable little kouhai would never lie to you."
Haruno was sharp — she quickly connected the photo Mio had taken earlier. Eyes narrowing, she asked, "Did you just send that photo to Yukino?"
"Ehh?! Senpai figured that out?!"
"If you show her the gift in advance, it ruins the surprise."
"I think Yukinoshita-san actually liking it matters more than a moment of surprise. And it's a gift from an older sister to her little sister — it's not like it's a present for a lover. Why does it have to be a surprise?"
"...I suppose you're right."
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