"Why is she here too?" As Patchouli questioned Reimu, Aya interjected.
"Don't say that! I've been hanging there all day—no credit for hard work, but at least let me grab a meal!" Aya grumbled unhappily while shoveling food into her mouth. After being strung up on the flagpole all day, she was starving—and had deeply reflected on her mistakes.
Next time I write a scoop, I need to change hideouts, cut off all contact, and even alter my appearance!
Only then can I reduce the chances of getting caught again!
...No way I'd get caught multiple times in a row, right?
The others side-eyed her, clearly unconvinced of her repentance, but didn't bother arguing.
If this troublemaker dared pull another stunt, they'd just mass-print those confession photos and scatter them across Gensokyo—let everyone see how the tengu repented.
"Still, with the boss gone, it feels like something's missing. Even dinner's less entertaining." Yukari muttered, her gaze drifting very pointedly toward Ran.
Ran's scalp prickled under the scrutiny, terrified her master might propose something horrifying. She frantically piled food into Yukari's bowl, hoping to keep her mouth occupied.
"Well, two people did vanish all of a sudden. It's normal for things to feel quieter."
"They're probably still busy. Marisa's house was in pretty bad shape."
"Might've even skipped meals. Yukari, don't you have that 'going-through-things' ability? Why not deliver some food?"
"And check on their progress while you're at it."
After a moment's thought, Yukari agreed.
Ran's face stiffened—but before she could protest, a gap yawned open before them.
And then—
"Nngh—Hah~... R-Really... Ah!"
"R-Really... Hahh~... I c-can't...!"
"Mmmph~ Nngh!"
A chorus of extremely passionate screams exploded through the room, freezing everyone in place.
Marisa's final, desperate whimper—as she bit down on Rin's shoulder—sent a synchronized shiver down everyone's spines.
Rin's hands paused mid-massage. He blinked dumbfoundedly at the audience peering through the gap.
Before he could explain, the gap snapped shut.
"...They were pretty busy."
"Why does the tofu suddenly look yellow?"
"It was always yellow after cooking."
"I didn't even get a photo! Open it again, damn it!"
Amid the clamor, Ran's pupils trembled as she stared at where the gap had been.
Not the silver-haired maid...
So the boss wasn't 'on a business trip'—he was out cheating?!
There's already the proper mistress, Lady Yukari wants to be the homewrecker, and now the boss has another side piece...
This is too sinful!!!
Lady Yukari, wake up! This is straight-up hell-worthy!!
But when Ran glanced at Yukari, her eyelid twitched.
The ancient youkai seemed equally overwhelmed by the sudden spectacle, absentmindedly twirling a lock of hair.
A faint blush tinged her cheeks, her violet eyes shimmering with... something.
Why are you blushing?!
Ran clutched her chest, struck by an indescribable pang of despair.
...I've worked too hard for this family.
Only Reimu remained unfazed, happily stuffing her face.
If you're not eating, more for me!
I can even pack some for Mom~
Her utter lack of reaction earned a round of eye-rolls.
"You're not shocked at all?"
"By what? They've been wild in the shop before. Now that they're alone, of course they'd go all out." Reimu's tone was flat, though her ears were slightly red.
'I've seen worse. Even if the boss banged Yukari on the spot, I'd just glance twice. It's just Marisa. Not like it's Mom. Food's food. Nothing gets between me and a meal.'
Her composure was almost admirable.
Aya, however, fidgeted restlessly.
Such prime news material! Not digging deeper would be a crime against journalism!
After a brief struggle, she whipped out a notepad and cornered Ran.
"Lady Yakumo Ran, may I interview you?"
"Me?"
"Yes! Witnessing such an intense struggle just now—what are your thoughts?"
Ran's pupils shrank. She glanced at Yukari—still dazed—before muttering meaningfully—
"Ahem. It's... inappropriate, no?"
"They're already in a relationship, yet someone else intruded. So sinful!"
"Especially now that everyone knows. Stubbornly continuing would only lead to ruin."
"But if they let go and repent in time, there's still hope..."
"Mhm, mhm."
Aya nodded eagerly, scribbling:
[ Wife Discovers Husband's Affair, Condemns Immoral Acts ]
[ Yet the Pair Refuse to Part, Even Thriving on the Audience's Presence, Escalating Their Fierce Struggle ]
[ Furious, the Wife Storms Out—But Realizes: Why Let Others Benefit? She Returns, Kicks Out the Mistress, and Takes Matters Into Her Own Hands ]
"Mmm~ Thanks for the input! After some polish, this'll make the papers."
"Eh? O-Okay."
As Aya cheerfully marched back toward her doom, Marisa—on the other end—had nearly gnawed through Rin's shoulder in her delirium.
Her entire body writhed against his, fingers clawing wildly as if trying to rip him apart.
The constant shifts in sensitivity had broken her—sweat drenched every inch of her skin.
And the moment she spotted Reimu and the others through the gap—
Her legs locked around Rin's waist, nearly snapping his spine.
"Hah—Hahh~... I... I give up... I sh-shouldn't have... Ngh!"
"I'm losing it! Ah—Hyaa~!"
But Rin's hands only moved faster, his techniques growing more torturous.
With a soundless snap, Marisa's last shreds of rationality shattered.
Her nails dug bloody furrows into his back as she lunged for his lips—