Chapter 24: Caught Miku’s Eye?

Having finally managed to leave the restaurant with Shinomiya, Wan Mie then planned to head to the aquarium.

When it comes to the essential itinerary for a date, the aquarium was definitely indispensable.

“Sister, where else are we going?”

Shinomiya anxiously looked around.

She had been genuinely frightened when she saw Origami earlier.

If Wan Mie hadn’t thought quickly and slipped into the crowd, today’s events probably wouldn’t have been so simple.

Seeing Shinomiya so alert, Wan Mie felt a pang of discomfort herself.

At such a carefree age, she should be able to relax, but instead, she had to constantly watch out for the Anti-Spirit Team’s pursuit.

It was truly exhausting.

“Sister’s going to take you somewhere really fun. I hope it’s not closed yet.”

Wan Mie affectionately patted Shinomiya’s little head.

The aquarium Wan Mie wanted to visit was a place she had casually seen on TV some time ago.

At that moment, she hadn’t paid much attention—after all, she wasn’t idle enough to visit an aquarium alone, nor was she particularly fond of animals.

She hadn’t even noted the closing time.

It was only afternoon, so it shouldn’t be closed so early, right?

However, reality gave Wan Mie an unexpected surprise.

The aquarium was actually closed.

Just as she feared…

But it wasn’t strictly closed. According to the notice, a VIP had paid a hefty sum to rent the entire venue.

Money really is powerful.

If only I had that kind of money to play around with…

No, now isn’t the time for daydreaming.

Shinomiya looked at Wan Mie with some confusion.

Since Wan Mie read the notice, a sly grin that didn’t fit her usual demeanor had appeared on her delicate face.

Such an expression on her refined little face genuinely startled Shinomiya.

Who would have thought that the usually gentle Wan Mie hid a pervy uncle personality (just kidding)?

When Wan Mie snapped back to reality, she noticed Shinomiya was staring at her with a strange and cautious look.

Did I do something just now?

Wan Mie didn’t know why Shinomiya was looking at her like that but hurriedly tried to say something.

“Seems like our luck isn’t great today. Someone’s rented out the whole aquarium,” Wan Mie said regretfully while quickly thinking about where else to take Shinomiya.

Though she had lived two lives, in her past life she was just an ordinary otaku guy who stayed a virgin well into his twenties and barely touched a girl’s hand.

She had no clue about dating procedures.

While Wan Mie was pondering, the aquarium doors suddenly opened, and a few stunning figures emerged.

They appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing matching school uniforms, each movement exuding the air of refined young ladies.

Wan Mie looked at them thoughtfully.

That uniform looks familiar…

I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before.

After racking her brain, she whispered, “Isn’t that the Ryudanshi Girls’ Academy uniform?!”

Ryudanshi Girls’ Academy was where Miku Izayoi attended.

Could it be that the aquarium was rented by Ryudanshi Girls’ Academy, as the notice said?

Could Miku be inside? Should I go in and look?

After all, Shinomiya’s Hand Puppet was still with me.

Just as Wan Mie hesitated, more students in Ryudanshi Girls’ Academy uniforms walked out.

It was almost certain the venue was rented by them for some event, and Miku was very likely inside.

But on second thought, just barging in like that didn’t feel right.

The mission to retrieve Shinomiya’s Hand Puppet had been fully entrusted to Shidou, so there was no need for Wan Mie to take the initiative.

If she ran into Shidou today, she could relay this information to him.

“Let’s go.”

Wan Mie took Shinomiya’s small hand and prepared to leave.

But then, she suddenly noticed a gaze fixed on her from behind.

She had a vague sense of unease.

Turning around, the owner of that gaze was none other than Miku Izayoi, freshly emerged from the aquarium, wearing the Ryudanshi uniform.

Her purple-silver eyes gleamed as if piercing through Wan Mie’s entire being, radiating a faint heat.

It was the look of a predator spotting prey.

This… didn’t look good at all…

Wan Mie’s thoughts raced, planning to run with Shinomiya, but before she could take a step, Miku smiled and walked toward them.

“Have we met before, classmate?”

The sweet voice emerged from Miku’s lips, but this way of starting a conversation felt rather cheesy.

Wan Mie internally rolled her eyes but returned a smile and said, “I don’t think so?”

“Really?”

Miku looked puzzled.

“Then why do I feel so familiar with you? There’s this… unexplainable closeness.”

Wan Mie’s mouth twitched slightly.

Could Spirits have a psychic connection?

Then why don’t I have that with Shinomiya?

“What’s your name, classmate?”

Miku asked again.

Wan Mie answered truthfully: “Wanmie Ayase.”

“Wanmie, are you sure you don’t remember where you’ve seen me before?”

Miku wasn’t giving up, but Wan Mie shook her head.

Well, technically she had seen Miku many times in her past life as a die-hard fan of Date A Live.

She had rewatched the original story dozens of times, and the anime and manga even more.

Before she slipped on a banana peel and died, her house was filled with Date A Live figures.

Though Kurumi’s figures were the most numerous, she had quite a few of Miku as well.

“Then this must be fate guiding us!”

Miku excitedly grabbed Wan Mie’s hand and said, “We’ve never met, yet this familiarity exists. Our encounter must be heaven’s design!”

Heaven, fate… What is Miku playing at?

Wait, that’s not the point.

Wan Mie clearly remembered Miku’s original personality wasn’t like this.

“Uh… are you sure you’re not mistaking me for someone else?”

Wan Mie thought it best to keep her distance, unsure what game Miku was playing.

Miku was notoriously yuri.

As a healthy man in her past life, Wan Mie hadn’t minded Miku’s tendencies, but now with her current identity, it was better to avoid her.

At least until her Spirit Power was sealed.

“No, no way!”

Miku’s tone was firm.

She took a step closer, closing the distance between them and whispered seductively into Wan Mie’s ear, “Wanmie, just stay by my side from now on.”

Miku’s voice seemed to contain a mysterious power, evoking an irresistible urge to obey her.

But when it reached Wan Mie’s ear, it had no effect.

Wan Mie was confused.

What was Miku suddenly saying to her?

Suddenly, she remembered Miku’s ability.

Miku’s voice could brainwash!

Wan Mie finally understood that Miku’s earlier approach and the “familiar feeling” were just because she had set her sights on her.

That also explained why Miku had been staring at her like prey.

What to do now?

If she refused, she would expose her Spirit identity.

But she had more important things to do.

The one thousand Coins reward from the Main Quest would not only solve her financial crisis but also allow her to buy rare and strange Skills at the Store.

Forget it, she’d just reveal herself.

This was a busy district, so she doubted Miku would do anything too outrageous.

But just thinking about being targeted by Miku gave Wan Mie a headache.

“What are you talking about?”

Wan Mie laughed it off, grabbed Shinomiya’s hand, and before Miku could react, sprinted away.

“I just suddenly remembered I have something to do! I’ll go ahead!”

Watching Wan Mie’s retreating figure, Miku frowned slightly and muttered, “Not working at all… a Spirit? Or is it those magicians?”

She dared not jump to conclusions.

If Wan Mie was a magician, it could cause her unnecessary trouble.

But thinking back to Wan Mie’s face, her long-dormant heart began to beat faster.

Hmm…

I really want to have her!

Wan Mie was probably the cutest girl she had ever seen.

From her exquisitely crafted face to skin so tender it seemed to drip moisture, she perfectly fit Miku’s preferences.

If there was a flaw… it was probably her flat chest.

But that didn’t matter; Miku had several ways to make that area grow.

No, she couldn’t give up now.

Miku planned in her heart: if Wan Mie wasn’t a magician, she would use every method to keep her by her side. And the little girl with her wasn’t bad either…

Meanwhile, Wan Mie, who had barely escaped disaster, suddenly felt a chill down her spine and sneezed.

Shinomiya looked at her with concern, and Wan Mie smiled, saying she was fine.

Why did everything feel off today?

Wan Mie felt frustrated. It was just a simple date—why was it so difficult?

First, running into Shidou and the others, then the aquarium being rented out, and finally being targeted by Miku…

Wan Mie had a feeling that Miku would cause her plenty of trouble in the near future.

Though she liked the character of Miku, their personalities were destined to clash.

“Sister, are we going home?”

Shinomiya tugged at Wan Mie’s sleeve and asked.

She had vaguely sensed Miku’s oddness but was still excited to be out with Wan Mie.

However, too many things had happened today, and her enthusiasm had waned.

Wan Mie glanced at Shinomiya and made up her mind.

I refuse to let this date be ruined today!

“No, we’re not going home,” Wan Mie said.

“I’m going to take you to another fun place. This time, no one will cause trouble!”