And so, Mai Zenin joined Tokyo Jujutsu High's team outing.
Her arrival added a subtle, different atmosphere to the group.
At first, there had been some concern that a newcomer might affect the mood, since they weren't familiar with her.
But in fact, Mai and Maki never strayed half a step from Akutagawa Shang, secretly competing and tugging at him from either side.
The Tokyo Jujutsu High group stood nearby, thoroughly enjoying the show from start to finish.
"Akutagawa-kun, my sister got new clothes, so I want some too!!!" Mai exclaimed excitedly, clinging to his arm.
"Okay, okay, okay. We'll buy them."
"Hey, Akutagawa, I think they're selling ice cream over there. I want some." Maki shook Akutagawa Shang's other arm and pointed ahead.
"Okay, okay, okay. I'll go get you a Cornetto."
"Akutagawa-kun, I want something too. I want a Sprite." Not to be outdone, Mai tugged at Akutagawa Shang's sleeve as well.
"Okay, okay, okay. You'll both get something."
And so, time continued to pass, and the sun slowly sank below the horizon as dusk fell.
Akutagawa Shang had lost track of how many times he had said "okay, okay, okay." By now, shopping bags of every size hung all over him. Although he hadn't paid for them, at least he'd provided emotional support, hadn't he?
At that moment, one of the sisters was drinking Sprite while the other ate a Cornetto. Perhaps Akutagawa Shang had provided enough emotional support, because the two rivals actually seemed strangely harmonious.
"Everyone, it's about time."
"It's dinnertime! Your teacher booked a fancy restaurant-"
After a whole day of shopping and fun, everyone was feeling a little tired.
But the words "fancy restaurant" instantly perked everyone up. The lunchtime bill, which had been longer than their lives, had clearly left an indelible