Don't Tell Me You Became a Demon God? / How Can You Do That in Public?

"...Huh? Hatsuharu still tastes like strawberries today, after all!"

"Hey—Ruiko, what are you doing? There are so many people watching!"

Another girl's scream rang out, shrill and piercing.

"Chapter Twenty-Two: Could It Be That You Became a Demon God?"

"Ruiko—"

Hatsuharu Shiori's scream echoed through the streets of District 15 in Academy City.

Under the astonished gazes of the passersby, Hatsuharu Shiori hurriedly held down her short skirt. Her face flushed crimson as she lowered her head, too embarrassed to let anyone see it.

Saten Ruiko also realized that she might have gone too far. Although she usually liked lifting Hatsuharu Shiori's skirt, she generally did it in places with few people around.

This time, amid the crowds in District 15, she had instinctively gone over to lift the skirt without paying attention to the surrounding pedestrians.

"Sorry, sorry! I was wrong this time, Hatsuharu!"

Saten Ruiko pressed her palms together and repeatedly bowed in apology before Hatsuharu Shiori.

Hatsuharu Shiori was a soft-hearted girl by nature. After seeing Saten Ruiko apologize, she instead waved her hands embarrassedly and said softly, "...I-I'm fine, Ruiko. You don't have to do this."

At that, Saten Ruiko immediately broke into a hearty smile and nodded vigorously at Hatsuharu Shiori.

"...Don't worry, Hatsuharu. Next time, I'll use the updraft somewhere with fewer people. I won't pick a shopping street like this again."

"Ruiko!!!"

Hatsuharu Shiori's voice suddenly rose. She had never expected that Saten Ruiko had not repented at all.

Hearing Hatsuharu's shout, Saten Ruiko laughed happily, leaving Hatsuharu Shiori utterly helpless.

"Misaka-senpai and Shirai-san aren't here yet?"

Hatsuharu Shiori took a deep breath to calm herself before asking Saten Ruiko in confusion.

Saten Ruiko was just about to speak when the two of them heard a lively, cheerful, youthful girl's voice from behind