Tsuki Tsuki Vol 8 Chapter 3

Chapter 03: Clumsy Expression of Affection

…During my doze, my body was lightly shaken and my vague consciousness awakened.

Certainly, the soft morning light I felt on my cheek was pleasant.

Therefore, I pulled the blanket over my head with my eyes still closed.

“Geez, that will not do. If you are like that, I will shake you some more, you know? Are you okay with that?”

The one, who waked me up so gently, was without doubt Luna.

I felt regretful, when suddenly a sad mumbling sounded isolated in my ears.

Instantly, I pulled the blanket from my face with attitude.

Inadvertently releasing a surprised voice from my own mouth, I jumped up backwards.

She must have imitated Luna’s voice. It was quite accurate, so I didn’t notice at all. I was perfectly surprised, whereas Kaorun frowned slightly displeased.

“No, no, right back at you, what are you imitating Luna for so early in the morning?”

“I merely did my best to give you a refreshing morning, Shinobu-sama. I do not think there is anything wrong with it?”

“What are you talking about? I am actually the soothing type, just like Luna-sama. Though I do admit that I kind of have the tendencies of a breaking ball…”

“H- How rude. If that is what you think, I will really use a perverted way to wake you up next time, you know? I do not think you would get all that angry, so I will make you feel good plentiful.”

I might dig my own grave with my inapt joke. I properly apologized to Kaorun, suppressed a yawn and asked her.

“Yes. Actually, well…”

“…I am expecting <3”

When I completely brushed it off, Kaorun puffed up her cheeks a bit. However, soon enough she regained her spirits, as she flushed her cheeks once more and this time pulled on my sleeve reserved.

“Ohh, right, you’re not wearing any socks. Your angles are pretty.”

Nah, I just naturally had learned it from Hijiri’s continuous seductions.

“Thanks for waking me up. Sorry, but go on ahead. I’ll change now.”

“Not needed. You’re excused, Miss Maid.”

“…Hey, you just spilled your true intention. Besides, I’m afraid I’m not your Master. Stop joking around and get out already.”

Mumbling somewhat sadly, Kaorun obediently left the room. By the way, I kept it a secret that I quite enjoyed our conversation just now…

After changing, I showed up in the dining kitchen, where Machina, Elni and Nazuna were. Kaorun and my mother were also there.

But, on a rare occasion, Luna wasn’t here this morning.

“Hey, where’s Luna? Is she still sleeping?”

“Luna-sama should wake up soon. Truth be told, I snuck into her room this morning and put off the time of her alarm clock. Then I played a prank--- no, I mean, I then made breakfast instead of Luna-sama. Please praise me.”

While saying so, I also sat down at the table and looked at the breakfast that Kaorun made.

Amidst that, hasty footsteps sounded from the hallway and Luna came leaping into the dining kitchen with attitude.

For some reason, Luna was wearing a white/black cow-pattern swimsuit. Moreover, she wore a cow-ear hairband on her head and a yellow cowbell around her neck, which brought about an indescribable sex appeal.

Regardless of this state, Luna wasn’t aware of her own attire, as she lowered her head in a flustered state.

“Y- Yeah. Kaorun made it.”

Luna smile softly, while we others stared at Kaorun, whereupon she averted her eyes with “Ehm, well…” and clapped her hands to distract.

“Okay, I’m itching to--- not! You’re the one who made her wear that anyway! You said something about a prank earlier! Geez, the heck are you doing!”

“Thank you, Kaorun--- wait, no! Someone hurry and get a video camera--- wait, no! What am I supposed to say…”

“Uhm, Shinobu-san, Kaoru-san, what are you talking about?”

“Okay…”

Instantly, Machina lightly glared at Kaorun a bit angry.

“That is, well, Luna-sama was sleeping in her underwear and she seemed to be surprisingly hard to wake up, so I believed that it would make Shinobu-sama happy…and gave in to the temptation.”

“Machina, Luna wouldn’t get angry over something like that, so what’s the harm. Besides, there are people who play pranks on someone they like, because they want attention. I’m sure it was Kaorun’s way of fawning on her.”

“I, I will go apologize to Luna-sama, so excuse me. Also, Elni-sama, I am sorry for interrupting your intense staring at my fish, but please do not eat it on your own accord.”

“No, no. Like I said, I do not want you to eat it at all…”

“…Somehow, I get the feeling that I cannot match you, Elni-sama.”

After watching her leave, Machina then pulled on Elni’s sleeve timidly.

“Mh? Isn’t Shinobu just teasing you, because you’re cute?”

On the other hand, Machina smiled while facing sideways and said by turning bright red.

“I, I see. Okay, then I’ll snatch your side-dish right away.”

Well, I had said it to hide my embarrassment, so if she gave me such a bright smile, I was a bit troubled on how to react…
To be honest, I was quite perplexed and after some worrying in my heart, I decided to take a single piece of lettuce.

After not even a few minutes, Luna and Kaorun returned and we each enjoyed our meal.

While watching her, I showed a faint wry smile and called out to Luna.

“Yes. This is not much. Besides, you seemed happy, Shinobu-san…”

“Shinobu-san, they will not give any milk, but would you like to try milking my breasts, like Kaoru-san suggested?”

As one would expect, I snorted and was completely agitated.

I gave her a warning in a flustered commotion, but Luna just smiled while blushing faintly.

At the time I realized that, I felt my cheeks getting hot and a touching joy spread in my chest.

She appeared more flexible now, compared to the beginning of our reunion, and even started to tell jokes recently. I was sure that was because she opened up her heart.

There my vision fell on Machina drowsily rubbing her eyes.

When I asked casually, Kaorun interjected remembering.

“Yes, I stayed up late in anticipation for that— wait, no! I was reading the novel that Shinobu lent me before! It was interesting, so I just lost track of the time…”

I was happy that Machina liked it as well. They say autumn is the season of reading, so I should recommend Machina another novel.

“Shinobu-sama, if possible, would you lend me a novel as well?”

“…You see, I do not want a perverted book. Or rather, just what do you think of me, Shinobu-sama?”

When I gave three choices as a joke, Kaorun replied with a determined expression.

“Hey, don’t add more choices on your own. Well, I can lend you as many novels as you want, but what kind of books do you read?”

…Mhm~, did I phrase my question wrong?

While such thoughts crossed my mind, I felt a bit surprised and opened my mouth.

“Yes. It is entertaining to increase one’s knowledge. Besides, right now…”

“…I want to distract myself, if only briefly…”

But me included, everyone heard them without doubt.

Upon that, Kaorun changed her expression and smiled softly.

“Nah, no need to thank me. Let me hug you instead.”

The instant Elni clung to her with a smile, Kaorun flushed her cheeks in an agitated state. Seeing that, Nazuna imitated Elni and softly put a Vienna sausage on Kaorun’s plate.

“WHO’S BAD!”

While Elni and Nazuna smiled, Kaorun instantly turned bright red, as she wasn’t used to this kind of physical contact.
Moreover, Luna, who loved physical contact, followed after Elni and Nazuna and together with even my mother they started to cling to Kaorun… More lively than usual, the morning went by slowly and enjoyable.

After breakfast, I chose a novel for Kaorun in my room and holding it in one hand, I headed to the living room, where Nazuna was studying with a serious face. Next to her was Kaorun, who seemed to look over Nazuna’s studying.

“How rare for you to be studying so early in the morning…”

Saying so, Nazuna lightly dropped her shoulders, but soon enough continued with a “But” and a smile.

“Hee, is that so…”

“As you can see, I am a perfect maid with a keen mind, pretty looks and no flaws whatsoever. I will solve any problem.”

Taking Nazuna’s math textbook, I gave a random question to test her.

“The Bermuda Triangle of love. That is how the love gears A, B and C started to circulate. Yes, just like a cup of coffee…”

“Of course. Boys be lecherous, right?”

“No, that is not the case. Now, please keep questioning me.”

“The word impossible is not French— who said these words?”

“Ohh, he got a delicious name. Well, the correct answer would have been Napoleon…”

“What happens to litmus paper when you soak it in acidic fluids?”

“…W- Well, it certainly will get wet, but it also turns red. Also, don’t make a strangely erotic voice. And lastly, what’s the antonym for Gentleman?”

“Yeah, I wrote that during a test in the past as well, but the correct answer seems to be Lady.”

“Hey Nazuna, should I help you with your homework instead of Kaorun?”

Nazuna praised her to the skies with sparkling eyes, whereupon Kaorun quickly averted her eyes from us, as she got embarrassed.

“Self-study? Then you studied a lot, Miss Maid?”

As Kaorun replied with a small nod, Nazuna widened her eyes and responded.

“Indeed. Even if you increase your knowledge, it might not be all that helpful for your every day life. But I believe that getting to know about various things will open up your horizons.”

“It is a very fortune thing to be able to study. That said, for some people school can become a place of dislike and harshness, but I heard that you learn a lot of things and meet all kind of people at school.”

“It might sound selfish, but if you have the chance and place to be able to study, I would like you to treasure it.”

Kaorun’s eyes were coloured quite gently, yet somewhat sadly, so I couldn’t stop myself from petting her head softly.

“Uhm, Shinobu-sama? Why so suddenly?”

“…Well, thank you very much. Should I pet your head as well as in thanks, Shinobu-sama?”

When I brought up the matter, Nazuna started to smile and gave Kaorun a hopeful glance.

“…Are you really fine with someone like me petting you?”

Nazuna smiled prankish, whereupon Kaorun showed a wry smile and replied.

While saying so, Kaorun gently and carefully, like handling a fragile object, petted her head, whereupon Nazuna narrowed her eyes pleased and clung to Kaorun with a smile, as she couldn’t hold back.

“N- Nazuna-sama? I did pet you, so you would not hug me, right? That is not fair.”

“No, no! Please keep the breaking limited to your coin bank! Besides, where did you learn these words? Good grief, whose influence is that?”

While retorting instantly, I smiled faintly.
This should distract Kaorun a bit. Actually, being hugged by Nazuna, Kaorun looked somewhat happy, albeit embarrassed…

In the afternoon I immersed myself into training my body and after finishing dinner and my bath, I reviewed and made preparation for classes, then enjoyed a novel as a break and in no time it had become midnight.

Going to the bathroom while leaking a yawn, I was then back on my way to my room, when I suddenly noticed that the lights in the living room were still on, so I casually opened the door.

However, even though her eyes faced the television, it was more in a zoned out state and she seemed kind of down.

Unable to keep watching in silence, I softly called out to Kaorun.

“…Yes. Once I thought about my beloved Shinobu-sama, I just could not sleep anymore.”

“How about you have a date with your beloved Shinobu-san now? I don’t have any money, so we can only go to a park, but for that I’ll present you plenty of romance.”

“Aw, well, I can’t sleep either because my body is on fire. So if you want, come along.”

Leaking a faint mumbling, Kaorun smiled and stood up.

“No, no, if we go all the way to the beach, the sun will be out. Sorry, but you’ll have to make do with the park.”

The gentle wind stroking my cheeks was pleasant, the bugs could be heard clearly and the vivid full moon gently shone upon us. Until we reached the park I didn’t really talk with Kaorun, but it wasn’t awkward, rather quiet atmosphere felt peaceful.

“…It is, kind of elegant.”

“Fufu, the moon is pretty as well.”

“Shinobu-sama, even if you have to lie, you ought to say ‘You’re even prettier’… H- Huh? I get the feeling you said something unexpected…”

“Shinobu-sama, are you not cold?”

“You are not thirsty?”

“I am… not a bother?”

While watching the moon, I reached out my hand and petted Kaorun’s head, continuing with a strong tone.

“…Thank… you…”

“Even on a peaceful night like this, the exorcists have to work. While most people sleep, they confront devils, sometimes get injured gravely or at times even lose their lives…”

“Yes. Therefore, I believe that it is really desirable if Hijiri-chan is to quit her job as an exorcist.”

Not answering my question, Kaorun averted her eyes from me and began to talk with “…Lately, I have been thinking”.

Opposite to her lively voice, she kept a sad expression and continued calmly.

“…Is that so?”

As she remembered about Hijiri’s little brother, Kaorun said somewhat proudly.

“What a tough guy…”

A bit at a loss for words, she lightly clenched her fist.

Kaorun lovely picked her words carefully, but regret was mixed into her voice.

Biting on her well-formed lips, Kaorun let her voice tremble…and showed an awkward smile.

“Are you fine with that?”

Hiding one’s own feelings, turning one’s back to one’s dream, separating oneself from a precious person and only hurting oneself, such a lifestyle…

“…I am.”

“If I were to insist on it, Hijiri-chan would give me everything. Not swayed by the defamation she receives from the exorcist organisation due to treating me as a human, Hijiri-chan might fulfil her promise, even if it distorts her own life. However, I am scared of that.”

“Even if Hijiri-chan should keep her promise, I have nothing to give her in return. I love Hijiri-chan. I love her very much, so more than anyone, I want her to be happy. Thinking so is only natural as an older sister, is it not?”

“When Hijiri-chan is considering about attending university, then it is a good opportunity. I believe that if I take my distance and get hated, Hijiri-chan will abstain from pursuing the path of the an exorcists. To be honest, if Hijiri-chan were to go to university and live in an apartment, I would like to accompany her, but I already received so many things from her. I cannot wish for any more.”

“I am not a tool like in the past. As long as Hijiri-chan is happy, I do not mind if she hates me. They will hire a new maid and on the right time, I will return to the exorcist organisation.”

Kaorun’s expression enlightened by the moonlight was just too sad that I inadvertently was about to spill out these words.

She told me herself that ever since she could remember, she was used as a tool in the exorcist organisation and didn’t know how to act spoiled.

Because it must have been hard for her, even if she wanted to separate herself from Hijiri.

That was the reason for her change and I didn’t know if her decision was right or wrong. Since I didn’t know… I couldn’t say anything.

Kaorun didn’t resist in particular. She just twined her arms around my back.

“…’Cause I’m cold. Warm me up.”

Finally Kaorun started to cry with hics and tears wetted my chest.

If she sorted out her feelings, then she would separate herself from Hijiri?

Was it okay just to wish for someone’s happiness?
I couldn’t accept that. But I didn’t know what I should do, so I still couldn’t say anything to the crying Kaorun…

It had been a week, since Kaorun started living at our house.

And while living together with Kaorun, I got to see all kind of sides of her.

Also… how she liked my bed?

…Was someone inside?

“Ahh… Shinobu-sama’s scent…”

“Mm… *kiss*… Hah…”

“Uhn… Even though I know… I should not be doing this…”

There Kaorun looked my way and perfectly met my eyes.

“M- Meeooow!”

It was quite cute. While I naturally smiled, Kaorun shook both her hands flustered.

“*snore, snore*”

“…No. It is impossible. I am so embarrassed I could cry. Today I will stay in bed in defiance for the whole day.”

When I made a slightly weak sigh, Kaorung leaked a giggle.

“…Not really a funny joke.”

“Huh? Why little sister play?”

Midway in her sentence, Kaorun cleared her throat with a cough. Changing her tone, she spread both her hands with a smile.

“…I’m going out for a bit.”

Kaorun made a heart-broken expression, but it was embarrassing, so I quickly left the room.

Was what I thought, but she apparently still continued the play.

“Ah, here you are, Dear Brother.”

“…Is it my imagination or are you a bit hot?”

Replying quite erotically, Kaorun begged with “More importantly” and a smile.

“…Yeah, okay. I lost to your enthusiasm, Lil Sis.”

When I replied with a nod, my mother, who had kept quiet so far, faced Nazuna and giggled teasingly.

“Ehh!?”

“Miss Maid! You can’t do that! I’m the little sister here!”

Kaorun replied so softly, but my mother smiled roguish and interjected with “Is that really true?”.

“Th- That’s not true! Brother is really kind to me! When I cold a caught, he also got a fever for me!”

I retorted so in my heart to Nazuna, who raised a voice in opposition to Kaorun.

“But, Kaoru-chan is older and sexier, you know?”

“Kaoru-chan is tall.”

“Kaoru-chan is smart.”

Slightly puffing up her cheeks and shifting her gaze, Nazua fiercely pointed at Kaorun as to declare war.

“O- Okay…”

“Nazuna-sama, how about we include Luna-sama and the others on this occasion? And the victor, who claimed the title of the little sister, gets to order the loser anything— What do you say?”

Nazuna readily accepted Kaorun’s conditions.

My mother must have had the same impression. We both looked at each other and quickly retreated from the living room. My mother went to her own room and I left the house, heading for the library…

After reading an old novel at the library, I returned to the house under the evening sun, whereupon Machina and Elni came to greet me at the front door.

Because their attire was obviously strange.

On the other hand, Elni had the image of a princess from a fairy-tale. She wore a pure white dress that exposed her shoulders. Her graceful fingers and arms were covered by white gloves and this mysterious and beautiful appearance made you think it was a picture taken from a wall.

While I was certainly perplexed, Machina approached me with her round breasts bouncing largely and smiled charming.

Machina stroked me under the chin with her slender fingers and continued with a long breathing.

“…Did you eat anything funny?”

When I tilted my head, Machina turned bright red instantly and shouted.

When Machina urged her with teary eyes, Elni averted her eyes from me and said with a small voice.

“Hey Elni! That aren’t the arranged lines! I also did it, so stopd fooling around and obey Kaoru’s order!”

Hearing Machina’s warning, Elni turned bright red on a rare occasion and drew closer. Then, standing on her tiptoes and closing both her eyes, she presented her cheery-like lips.

“—You’re the reason for all of it!”

“Even after losing to Kaoru numerous times, you kept playing tough with ‘Double or quits’, so we were made to dress like this and even had to say these lines! Mad Dog my ass! Why don’t you change it to Loser Dog now!”

“The play-style? You even lost at that! I only joined in because you said you would cheat! Yet Kaoru saw through it so easily and beat us overwhelming! Besides, why do you even have these costumes! Stupid Elni! Idiot! Fool!”

“Muh! I can still forgive the stupid and idiot, but fool is taking it too far! Also, I told you long ago that I got these costumes from a friend! They aren’t my taste!”

While listening to their conversation, I could get the gist of things.

Well, a kind of punishment game, so to speak.

“Mh? Who’s there?”

“…Which is?”

Replying to my question with a weird verbal expression, Nazuna showed up from the living room.

…She was the cat Nazucat.

“Could it be, Kaorun ordered you to say something to me?”

“Hee, I’m sure Kaorun will like that. So, where’s the Kaorun in question?”

“Kaorun was singing ‘Creating a harem, that was my dream in the past~♪‘ while holding us round our shoulders, but she seemed kind of tired, so she went back to her room.“

“By the way, Shinobu, how do you feel right now?”

“I see. But the problems starts now. The ultimate weapon is waiting in the house. Go into the living room.”

But, once more I opened my eyes wide.

S&M. A Dominatrix. Quite maniac.

Without exception, Luna was also acting the punishment. When she recognized me, she showed me a soft smile.

Midway in her sentence, her smiling expression changed completely. Luna raised her chin a bit and tinted her eyes in a sadistic colour, then declaring with a bewitching smile.

D- Dominatrix alright. A shiver ran down my spine. I never experienced anything like this before. While I was scared, my heart just wouldn’t stop beating in excitement. So mysterious.

“L- Luna-oneechan turned into a Dominatrix!”

“El- Elni is right, Nazuna. I’ll call my sister Queen from now on too.”

“I am not a Dominatrix! Kaoru-san just requested it from me! Shinobu-san, tell them something… wait, Shinobu-san? Why are you rubbing your hands together in the corner of the room?”

“Wh- Why did you become so submissive!?”

“W- Well, calm down, Sister— I mean, please settle down, my Queen.”

“…Scary. I won’t play weird pranks on Queen Luna anymore.”

“You are all so mean! If you say all that, I really will become a Queen!”

“—Everyone, sit down formally right away. You will be punished.”

“… Am I, really that scary…?”

“Muh, Shinobu-san, what is so funny?”

“—I understand.”

…Huh? That was a different remark than I had expected.

On that occasion, her plenty voluminous breasts bounced and with a sadistic glitter in her eyes, Luna declared while sweetly smiling.

“Uhm, I’m sorry. The joke went too far. I’m scared, so please forgive me.”

“…Y- Yes, as you command…”

“I will tease you plentiful, Shinobu-san. First I will step on your cute face.”

“—Just kidding. There is no way I would ever do something like that. How was it? Were you surprised? It was all a lie.”

I made a big sigh of relief.

There I carelessly spilled my true thoughts, whereupon Luna raised her voice while moved to tears.

…Ehm, it might be Luna’s idea of anger, but gently rubbing my cheeks like this didn’t hurt at all. And from this position, I could see the movement of Luna’s breasts well.

Instantly, my mother showed up and shouted bright red upon seeing us.

“T- Tomoe-san! I am not a Queen! To begin with, what do you mean by super sadistic side— wait, why are you all averting your eyes from me!?”

I retorted with that in my heart…

Afterwards everyone apologized to Luna, then I returned to my room, but

once again, Kaorun was sleeping in my bed.

“Please stop with… the S&M play already… It grosses me out…”

When I approached the bed and lightly slapped her cheek, Kaorun opened her eyes and curiously looked around the room, making a small sigh.

“No one asked for a detailed summary of your dream.”

“You sure do love my bed, huh. Were you sniffing my scent again? You damn perverted maid with a scent fetish.”

W- Was she still half-asleep? She said quite the man-killer remark.

“Sorry, but let me see your forehead.”

“…Why didn’t you say anything when you had a fever?”

Speaking in riddles like that, she actually wanted to hide it forever? Kaorun returned to her usual inexpressiveness and quickly tried to straighten up her upper body.

“If you’re sick, rest. Don’t overexert yourself.”

Kaorun tried to escape, but increasing the strength on my grip on her shoulders, I made her lay down on the bed. Kaorun tried to resist, but it was too weak and while I held her down, I rebuked softly.

“However…”

When I cracked a joke like that, Kaorun slowly relaxed her body, as she had given up, and tried to respond to my joke.

“That’s an impossible request. I’ll take all the pictures I want.”

“Leave it to me. You have a photogenic body, so no problem. You’re pretty after all.”

“Eh? How so?”

“Even though I know it is a joke… I am so happy… It is frustrating…”

…Could she be bashful?
The moment I realized that, I inadvertently showed a smile. Then I gently stroke her head to stay by her side until she fell asleep…

After that, I told everyone about Kaorun’s cold and decided to sleep on the sofa in the living room, surrendering my bed to Kaorun. And before going to bed, I absent-minded watched some TV together with my mother… whereupon she said isolated.

“Me and her? How so?”

Catching me off guard, my mother continued with “Let me ask you on this occasion” and a serious expression.

“…You noticed?”

Staring into my eyes, my mother rebuked softly.

Temporarily stopping her words, my mother then said while still looking into my eyes.

“…Really?”

“In other words, Nazuna surrendered the dojo to me?”

Softly shifting her gaze, my mother told me gently.

“…Even if it’s done for Hijiri’s sake?”

Softly resting her hand on my shoulder, my mother then left the room. I, left behind, looked up to the ceiling of the living room and ruminated my mother’s words.

For example, if Luna, Machina, Elni, Nazuna, my mother or my dad left without a word, I would likely be unable to bear it. Even if the days after that were peaceful, the sadness would not be cured.

That was why I couldn’t say anything back then.

With that hunch, I fell asleep at some point— The next morning. I went to check upon Kaorun. She leaked a mumbling,

as she was thinking of her even in her sleep, and was damping her long eyelashes…

Chapter end