As Yuko's words fell, the slightly awkward atmosphere caused by her sudden bout of stupidity instantly fell apart.
"You really are..." Yoruichi smacked her on the back in exasperation. "You never grow out of that terrible habit of messing with people. At least learn to pick the right time, will you?"
Yoruichi looked at the red mark on Yuko's face and thought, She definitely deserved that... Wait! A red mark?
Yoruichi froze for a moment before realizing that the slap mark on Yuko's face had not faded.
"Exactly!" Shinji clutched his still-aching stomach as he scrambled miserably to his feet beneath the tree. "We were genuinely worried about you!"
"Worried? You sure you weren't taking advantage of the situation?" Yuko shot him a sidelong glance.
"Of course not!" Shinji coughed dryly.
Watching this bunch of clowns, Yoshino finally smiled gently again. She walked over to Yuko and carefully examined her face. Only after confirming that both cheeks were merely a little red and otherwise unharmed did she relax.
"All right, since everything's fine, let's head back."
After hearing that, Yuko took two steps forward. When no one followed, she turned around and found everyone staring at her in unison.
"Come on?"
Hiyori stepped forward. "Wouldn't it be easier if you used your ability to take us back?"
Yuko's expression shifted slightly. "Ah, sorry. I'm kind of wiped out right now."
"..."
And so, the group set off on the journey home in grand procession.
The moment they entered, the warm heating drove away the chill of the winter night. The living room was still as lively as when they had left, and they had not even had time to turn off the lights.
"We're finally back." Shinji collapsed onto the sofa with a groan, utterly drained. "I thought we'd be