Chapter 81: Seven Days… A Full Seven Days.
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As the more "experienced" one, Minami Yume knew very well just how intense Kihara could be.
That was exactly why she had tricked Tatsumaki into going along with her suggestion—she fully expected to see her stumbling out, barely able to walk, clinging to walls for support.
But…
It seemed she had underestimated an S-Class hero.
Seven days later—
Tatsumaki walked into the living room as if nothing had happened.
Aside from a faint lingering charm in her eyes and a slightly more mature aura, she looked perfectly composed. Not even a trace of the "tragic aftermath" Yume had imagined.
"…Is this the physique of an S-Class hero?" Yume muttered.
She casually walked into the kitchen, pouring milk into a measuring cup while gesturing thoughtfully.
"A whole week… and yet nothing seems off… Is her recovery ability really that abnormal?"
Her guess was completely wrong.
Tatsumaki was simply holding it together.
Every movement she made was subtly assisted by her psychic powers.
After all, even in daily life, she relied heavily on telekinesis rather than physical strength.
If she tried to walk normally right now.
Her trembling legs would give her away instantly.
"That idiot… got way too carried away…"
Tatsumaki muttered under her breath.
But instead of anger, there was unmistakable joy in her tone.
Despite the fatigue, her mind felt unusually clear—almost energized.
Even her control over her psychic powers had improved.
The past seven days lingered vividly in her memory.
For a fleeting moment, she even thought.
It wouldn't be so bad… to stay like that forever.
But in the end, she still left the room the moment their agreed time was up.
A promise was a promise.
And now—
She finally acknowledged Minami Yume as someone she could stand beside.
Having someone to strategize with… isn't so bad.
Just as Tatsumaki was thinking about how to get more "advice" from Yume.
Kihara walked out, stretching lazily.
Seeing her sitting cross-legged on the sofa with a serious "deep in thought" expression, he immediately felt like teasing her.
He plopped down beside her, casually wrapping an arm around her shoulders while resting his other hand on her thigh.
"Tatsumaki, did you brush your teeth?"
"Of course I did!" she snapped. "What, do you think I've just been sitting here doing nothing?"
"That's not what I meant."
Kihara leaned closer, lowering his voice teasingly.
"I was just wondering… you needed help getting dressed this morning, right? So how did you manage brushing your teeth? Using your powers again to keep up appearances?"
"T-That's not true!"
"Really?"
She shot him a small glare, clearly flustered.
"…Can't you just let me maintain a bit of dignity in front of her?"
She could drop her pride for Kihara.
But not in front of others.
Kihara chuckled softly.
"I'm just joking. You're pretty cute when you act tough too."
He withdrew his hand and kissed her lightly near her temple.
Just like that, the small trace of grievance in her heart vanished.
Blushing slightly, Tatsumaki floated up and returned the affection with a quick kiss.
"Fubuki contacted me," she said.
"Apparently Bang invited us to his dojo. Probably wants us to rejoin the Hero Association again. Want to go?"
"Sure," Kihara replied. "Might as well take you both out for a change. Want me to carry you?"
"No need. I'll recover soon."
Later, as Kihara was getting ready, Minami Yume suddenly slipped into the bathroom.
"Yume… what are you doing?"
"Just checking something," she said with a mischievous grin.
Kihara sighed.
"Honestly… you really don't know when to stop, do you?"
"Hey, I'm just curious!"
"…Yeah, sure you are."
On the Way to Bang's Dojo
As the three of them traveled together, Tatsumaki glanced at Yume.
"…Why do your eyes look a bit red?"
"Oh, nothing," Yume replied casually. "Just got a bit irritated earlier. Probably from rushing."
"…You should be more careful," Tatsumaki muttered, lightly pinching Kihara's arm. "Be gentler."
"I didn't do anything!" he protested.
Bang's Dojo was Located on a quiet mountain at the edge of Z City, Bang's dojo was surrounded by long stone steps.
Tatsumaki didn't even bother walking.
She simply lifted all three of them with her psychic powers and flew straight to the top.
"Hoho… isn't this the hero who saved Z City—Scarlet Rider—and his two lovely companions?"
Bang greeted them warmly.
"Your presence truly brightens this humble place."
He knew exactly what he was doing.
Praising Kihara while including both girls.
Perfect balance.
Both Tatsumaki and Yume looked noticeably pleased.
Tatsumaki crossed her arms, though her tone was far less harsh than usual.
"Hmph. You didn't call us here just to flatter us, did you?"
"Hoho… no need to rush," Bang chuckled.
"Allow this old man to show you around first."
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Thank you for reading.