The Big Wet...

Homi Island—

An island perfect for sightseeing and tourism, with beaches, hotels, and no shortage of activities.

If the travel agency had not been affiliated with DEM, Shiori might actually have believed that nonsense about this being "an ordinary school trip."

"Shiori."

Origami's voice suddenly rang out beside her ear, giving Shiori a fright.

"Eek! P-please, go ahead, Origami." Shiori spoke softly, then rubbed her ear. She did not look well; with how violently she had reacted, anyone unaware of the situation might have thought her hackles were up.

The next second, the world spun—and Shiori was dragged off at a sprint in another direction.

Tohka warily scanned her surroundings, feeling as though something was secretly watching her. She broke into a light run, then turned back after covering some distance. "Shiori, do you get that feeling too? Like something's watching you..."

Her amethyst-like eyes widened slightly before she let out a puzzled sound. "Shiori?!"

Shiori, who had just been running alongside her, was gone!!!

Tohka let out a faint, whimpering hum.

"Um, Tohka," Rinne stepped forward and lightly shook Tohka's hand. In a comforting gesture, she took the Chupa Chups she had kept in her pocket and offered it to her. "Shiori just went off to chat with Tobiichi for a bit. Um... daijoubu?"

Tohka immediately unwrapped the candy and quickly perked up. She nodded. "Oh! So that's what happened—damn Origami Tobiichi, she dragged Shiori away without even telling me!"

"Haha..." Rinne smiled gently. "Then... Tohka, when we see Origami later, should I say something to her for you?"

"No, Rinne, you don't need to trouble yourself." Tohka shook her head like a rattle drum, and her attention was swiftly drawn to the beach. "Actually, I wanted to ask Shiori why she smelled like Huanyue. Mm, I guess that