I Became a Spirit in Date A Live, but I Refuse to Date

Kurumi let out an adorable sound, her face brimming with happiness.

Lingmeng couldn't tell whether Kurumi was doing it on purpose, but a girl like that somehow brought out a guy's protective instincts, didn't she?

That's what it feels like, anyway, Lingmeng thought.

For the record, patting Kurumi's head for the first time felt pretty good.

And just as Kurumi had said, it really did ease her nerves.

Green Tea

"Lingmeng, it's almost time. Shido's on his way. Once he gets here, hurry over to Origami Tobiichi."

Just as Lingmeng was happily patting Kurumi's head, Kotori's urging sounded in her right ear.

"Ah... Got it."

Lingmeng answered softly, then withdrew her hand and glanced toward the clothing store's entrance.

"Sorry... I'm late..."

A blue-haired boy ran in through the door.

Yep, it was Shido.

He was clutching his stomach, his face twisted as though he were constipated.

Tohka must've dragged him off and made him eat a ton of food, huh?

That was Lingmeng's guess.

"Oh my, Shido. Is your stomach all right now?"

Kurumi asked with concern.

"Yeah... It's a lot better than before. Sorry for the wait."

Shido looked up as he spoke, then froze.

At the sight of the two of them in Catgirl costumes, the corner of his mouth twitched.

"Kurumi, I can understand... but Lingmeng, what are you...?"

Shido pointed at the cat ears on Lingmeng's head.

After all, he had always thought of Lingmeng as a tough guy. Seeing her dressed like this was downright bizarre.

Ask your sister! You think I wanted to dress like this!? Lingmeng grumbled inwardly.

"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not wearing this because I want to."

"Then why are you—"

"Oh, there's a reason for all this."

Before Shido could finish, Kurumi explained what had happened.

A