By the time they left the lingerie shop, Yayoi Natural looked half-dead.
As for the reason, well…
"Why was everything we bought 'victory underwear'…?"
"Because your usual style is too plain," Mr. C.B. replied matter-of-factly.
Natural shot her a tired glare. "What, do you actually want to see me in them?"
"Very much so, yes."
"…When did you start quoting weird memes at me?" Natural sighed deeply, shaking her head. "Well, keep dreaming, because that's not happening anytime soon."
Hearing her refusal, Mr. C.B. tilted her head slightly. "Is it because of Mochizuki and Teio?"
"Nope. It's because I don't have the energy to raise another kid."
Natural lifted the single bag she was carrying, shoving it in front of Mr. C.B.'s face. "Also, there was absolutely no reason to buy this many clothes—I'm never gonna wear half of them."
Holding five more shopping bags on her arms, Mr. C.B. offered a gentle suggestion. "You know, there's a simpler solution, isn't there?"
Her words implied an entirely different choice.
"Not happening."
Natural's instant rejection was exactly what Mr. C.B. expected. After all, she'd always been the kind of person to stubbornly handle everything herself.
With a faint smile, she changed the subject. "Next, then…"
"Camping?"
"Huh?"
Natural gave her a confused look. She clearly remembered her mentioning something entirely different earlier—a love hotel, specifically.
"Wanna go?"
"Sure."
"Oh? No rejection~?"
"I did promise I'd spend today with you," Natural said bluntly. "Since that's the case, shouldn't I just let you decide?"
Seeing her respond so easily, Mr. C.B. threw up her hands lightly. "Then let's head back to my place first."
"Alright."
Decision made, the two quickly left the mall, heading straight to Mr. C.B.'s apartment.
Unlike Maruzensky, Mr. C.B. lived in a typical Tokyo apartment—unsurprising since she didn't own a car or need garage space. Natural found the simplicity quite fitting for her.
Once inside, Mr. C.B. casually tossed the shopping bags aside, grabbed a large backpack from beside the sofa, and swiftly returned to Natural's side.
"Alright, let's go."
Natural tilted her head in surprise at how prepared she was. "Why do you even have all this stuff ready to go?"
"Because I camp at school sometimes."
"And Tracen Academy doesn't stop you?"
"Not in the slightest!"
Mr. C.B. even held up a finger proudly, as if camping on school grounds was something worth bragging about.
Natural considered briefly, then murmured skeptically, "I'm not sure that's really something to be proud of."
"I regret nothing."
"You're throwing too many memes at me. I can't keep up." Natural sighed again before turning serious. "If we're camping, though, where exactly are we going? The Tokyo metro area isn't exactly ideal."
"I have a spot in mind."
"Where?"
"You mentioned the old school building, so I checked it out in advance. It's perfect."
At the mention of that place, Natural froze momentarily. She hadn't expected to return there again so soon.
Seeing Natural's hesitation, Mr. C.B. quickly explained, "It's peaceful, surrounded by trees, plenty of wood available—and most importantly…"
She paused, turning her gaze meaningfully toward Natural.
"No one will disturb us there."
Such a direct hint practically announced her intentions. But Natural simply nodded quietly. "Sure, sounds good."
Her calm response boosted Mr. C.B.'s courage. Emboldened, she extended her hand toward Natural.
Natural hesitated briefly, then placed her own hand on hers.
Immediately, a familiar tug pulled her forward, causing her to stumble slightly—and right into Mr. C.B.'s waiting arms. Before she could protest, she swiftly scooped her into a princess carry.
"Alright, let's go!"
"Why are you carrying me again?!"
"To make sure you don't run off."
"Let me down—I'm not running anywhere!" Natural's cheeks flushed noticeably.
It was only natural. Despite her extensive life experiences—toughened by hardships, immune to teasing, and rarely embarrassed—Yayoi Natural had never experienced romance.
Her romantic history was a complete blank.
As a child, she'd never daydreamed about pretty Umamusume; during her teen years, illness had robbed her of any chance at romance. After that, life had become purely about survival.
Years of hardship had armored her against direct flirtation or teasing—but this kind of tender closeness? Forget an ordinary person; even someone thick-skinned would have trouble staying composed.
Natural felt profoundly flustered, hyper-aware of curious stares from passersby. The embarrassment doubled.
"Put me down already!"
Her small cry echoed through the street.
Yet Mr. C.B. didn't hurry her pace, merely continuing onward, comfortably holding Natural.
By the time they reached the old school building, Natural was practically dizzy with embarrassment.
Mr. C.B. finally set her down at the entrance.
"Natural?"
She called gently, but she didn't answer. Smiling softly, she playfully squeezed her ear, then cheerfully set about pitching their tent.
---
T/N: GULP!! HORSE COC-
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