Transformed into a Spirit in Date A Live, I Refuse to Date

After all, although more than five hours had passed since her date with Shido began, they had actually spent only a third of that time together.

It was almost as if Shido were dating three people at once.

"And Lingmeng always turns up shortly after Shido leaves. It's almost as if they planned it."

Having finished talking about Shido, Kurumi turned her attention to Lingmeng.

Even if Shido had asked Lingmeng to keep Kurumi company the first time, how did that explain all their subsequent "chance" encounters?

"Hehe... Well, this is fine too. I'll just think of it as waiting for my meal."

Kurumi rested her right hand against her chin and smiled.

After all, in her mind, both Shido and Lingmeng would ultimately belong to her, Kurumi Tokisaki, becoming one with her forever.

Dating was merely part of the process.

"I'm getting a little thirsty~"

Having gone a while without drinking anything, Kurumi felt her throat growing dry.

She glanced around, confirming that no one else was nearby.

"Shido probably won't be back for a while. It should be fine if I go buy a drink, right?"

Murmuring to herself, Kurumi stood up and headed toward a nearby vending machine.

She slipped in a coin, and a chilled drink soon dropped out.

"Ah~ That cooled me down a little~"

Holding the bottle against her cheek, Kurumi let out a contented sigh.

Then—

"Meow... Meow, meow...!"

A strange cry came from an alley nearby. Unless Kurumi was mistaken, it was a cat.

"A cat? Did something happen?"

Kurumi tilted her head in puzzlement, then slowly walked toward the alley where the sound had come from.

As soon as she entered, she saw four humans who looked like nothing but trouble shooting toy guns at a newborn kitten.

At the sight,