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

"Something came up?"

"Mm-hmm...!" they both replied.

Origami gave them a puzzled look, while Lingmeng and Shido immediately nodded.

"Is it important?"

"Uh... well..."

Lingmeng was instantly at a loss.

"How do I put this... It's important, but it's also not that important."

Her answer was as vague as it sounded.

They were planning to buy swimsuits.

Was that important? Not really. Kotori's affection level was already maxed out.

But was it unimportant? They still had to do the training if they wanted to give Kotori a happy memory.

More importantly, turning Origami down with a flimsy excuse like "we're going to buy swimsuits" felt terribly rude.

Origami frowned slightly, looking displeased.

"So what exactly is it?"

Just as Lingmeng and Shido were struggling to answer, Tohka stepped forward from behind them and planted herself between the three.

"You're so annoying! You're getting in our way!"

"..."

Origami fell silent. Then she slowly spoke.

"Oh, you were here?"

"Huh?"

Tohka stared at her in disbelief, then burst out angrily.

"Wha—have you been treating me like I'm invisible this whole time?"

"No. Air is at least harmless to humans. You're closer to methane."

"I don't know what methane is, but why does it feel like you're insulting me?"

"I'm only stating the truth."

As Tohka and Origami started arguing, Yoshino, who had been quiet beside them, finally spoke up.

"Um... please don't fight..."

"Yeah, yeah! It's rare for everyone to have time to go out together, so don't spoil the fun."

Echoing Yoshino, Yoshino chimed in from her hand.

Origami followed the voice and frowned.

"Hermit?"

"...!"

Perhaps Origami's cold gaze had reminded Yoshino of being hunted by the AST under Origami's command not long ago.

Like a frightened rabbit, Yoshino ducked behind Lingmeng and Shido.

Come to think of it,