Dual System in Daily World

At around three o'clock in the morning, the lights in the living room of Chisato's new apartment were turned back on.

The little crow, Dark Wing, was undisturbed and had scurried to the small room early, cleverly closing the door behind it. 

It had a premonition that tonight would not be as peaceful as usual.

Chisato didn't complain about its lack of loyalty. After all, it was just a little crow and not much help in the current situation.

Still, he felt a twinge of annoyance toward Eriri, who was sleeping soundly in the bedroom. Why had she answered the phone just now?

Even if the call had connected, she had provocatively hugged his neck, making those overly charming sounds. Wasn't she just trying to stir up trouble for Utaha?

But now, it was too late for regrets.

Instead of dwelling on what had happened, he needed to think about how to resolve the current situation.

Chisato, who was in the kitchen, raised his eyes to look at the sofa in the living room.

Utaha sat there with her arms crossed, her toes wrapped in black stockings, gently tapping the ground. 

There was a particularly noticeable gloom and irritation in her eyes, completely different from her usual self. Her elegance and composure seemed a distant memory.

From her small movements and the expression on her face, it was clear that she was extremely angry.

It was no wonder; after all, her original plan had been exposed by Eriri, and she had been outmaneuvered. 

No one could take such a revelation calmly, especially not a woman like Utaha, who had a spirited and competitive personality.

Utaha's thoughts must be a mix of shame, regret, and frustration.

"...coffee."

Chisato walked out of the kitchen and placed the steaming mug in front of Utaha.

She stopped tapping her feet, but aside from that, she didn't react. She sat quietly, and the space between them filled with an uncomfortable silence.

If it weren't for the slight rise and fall of Utaha's chest as she breathed, Chisato might have thought she was just a lifelike doll sitting on the sofa.

"Haahh—"

Chisato sighed softly. At that moment, thunder rumbled outside the window, adding an inexplicable atmosphere to the room.

Speaking of which, it was still raining outside.

He brushed Utaha's damp hair aside and looked at her lower legs, near her ankles. The black stockings clung tightly to her skin because of the rain.

Utaha hadn't even noticed her state when he walked in.

Chisato shook his head in annoyance and quickly turned to run to the bathroom.

When Utaha heard the sound, she discreetly shifted her gaze toward the direction he had gone. 

Upon hearing his footsteps return, she quickly resumed her original indifferent, tired, and lifeless posture.

Chisato came back with a dry towel and handed it to Utaha.

"Wipe your hair and take off your stockings. I'll wash them and dry them for you."

Utaha remained unmoved, insisting on carrying out her cold demeanor.

"..."

Chisato had no choice but to sit beside her, spread the towel in his hands, and wipe her wet hair himself.

Listening to the rustling sound in his ears, Utaha finally turned her head to look at him and responded,

"You're just being courteous, right?"

She suppressed her anger, opting for her usual calm tone.

Chisato focused on the task at hand, remaining relatively unfazed as he replied evasively,

"I don't think I'm being courteous. It's natural to do this kind of thing for a girl you like."

"..."

Utaha bit her lower lip.

So, is hiding something like that from a girl you like and even making a call in the middle of it natural?

She tried her best to control her emotions, reminding herself repeatedly that her personality had led her to this point in her first dream life.

Be patient, be patient...

She suppressed the urge to retaliate, and a calm returned to their interaction.

Chisato stood up and moved to sit beside her. While continuing to wipe her hair, he softly spoke again,

"I'm sorry."

Utaha's eyelashes fluttered.

"Why apologize?"

"You called me several times, but I never answered. You must have been very anxious. I'm sorry for making you worry."

"Chisato, you...!"

Utaha looked at him, her eager tone abruptly faltering as she sighed silently.

There was no way around it; in love, the moment you realize you like someone, you're already at a disadvantage.

"Where's Eriri?"

She asked about the source of her frustration.

"In the room; she just fell asleep."

Chisato put down the towel and glanced at Utaha's stockings.

The stockings she wore were different from the knee-high ones Eriri usually wore. 

They were pantyhose, gathered tightly around her waist. Given her current seated position, removing them was not easy.

Utaha looked at him and understood. After a moment of hesitation, she placed her hands under her knees and slightly raised her legs.

Chisato willingly slipped his hands beneath her skirt, slowly removing her pantyhose and placing them aside before taking a towel and wiping her feet dry.

Utaha watched his actions with a flushed face. It was hard to say how angry she really was. 

When the call connected, her anger had been somewhat uncontrollable.

On the taxi ride over, she had slowly regained her composure. Upon reflection, it wasn't so difficult to accept.

After all, in her opinion, it was only a matter of time before one of them would come out on top. 

Furthermore, this situation might have been her own fault.

"Does Eriri know about my date with you on Thursday?"

"Yeah."

"Haha—so that's why she said that when I called her earlier."

Utaha sighed, seemingly relieved.

She picked up the coffee and took a small sip. To be honest, it was a bit too sweet for her liking, but she chose not to comment further.

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