Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?, Vol. 6
Since you can only play this game in parent/child pairs, I got dragged into this…”
“And now you’re here, huh? You certainly know how to get your way.”
“My love for the prince knows no bounds! A little professional misconduct is totally acceptable in the name of love! I mean, there are people doing way worse things…”
Rika glanced behind the counter, where Porta was busy stealing snacks. “…Huh?” Porta clearly had no idea why a glance had been directed her way—super-adorable.
“Also! We’re definitely a family with a problem that needs fixing! We’re on the verge of collapse! So it’s totally right that we are allowed in.”
“So what is this problem?”
“I’ve been dreaming about marrying a prince since I was a little girl. It’s so important to me…but Mom says otherwise.”
“I tell her ‘You need to get over this!’ and ‘Get yourself a normal human boyfriend if you ever want to get married.’ I’ve lost track of how many times! But does she ever listen?!”
“See! She’s impossible! What kind of parent fails to support their child’s dreams? I have no choice but to cut her loose for good! So, Masato?”
Rika pulled out the fake Mom Shop flyer, grinning.
“To save our bond and to keep Mamako as your mother, you’re gonna hook me up with that prince!”
“Honestly, you seem like a real pain in the ass, so I’d love to just say no…”
“Oh, I just had an idea! I could use my power as a character designer to cover all your equipment in adorable illustrations of Mamako! You’d be the most embarrassing hero ever!”
“You’re downright evil!! F-fine! We’ll do it! We’ll do whatever you want, just don’t ever make that design change!”
This threat was far too fearsome to ignore. Masato was forced to accept her request.
The next day, the party left the Mom Shop in the hands of Mone and the Suzuyas and headed to the castle.
“The first non-spoiling-related actual job we get, and it’s this crap… I’m tired already.”
“I cringed hard when she started screaming ‘Introduce me to the prince!’ She’s waaaaay too into that idea.”
“She’s less a woman in love than a starving beast.”
“I think she just loves princes that much! But he is a prince, so this won’t be easy!”
“Right… No idea how this will turn out, but it certainly can’t hurt to ask.”
They reached the castle gates.
The guards on duty fixed them with stern glares.
“The first barrier. They don’t let any old adventurer through. Mom’s apparently world-famous now, but that won’t be enough to—”
“Oh! Is that Mamako Oosuki?!”
“Definitely her! The victor of the World Matriarchal Arts Tournament, the mother to beat all mothers, Mamako Oosuki! It’s an honor to meet you! Please, go on through!”
“Why, thank you!”
“They didn’t even ask for ID!”
That was way too easy. “Can you sign my armor?” “Me too!” “Is that good enough?” They were actually there a while, but eventually, the party found themselves inside.
Walls covered in statues and paintings, polished floors, ceilings soaring high above. The splendor of the entrance hall silenced them all for a moment.
“W-well, we managed to get inside… Now for the next problem: He’s a prince. It’s gonna be tough to get an audience with the guy.”
“Shouldn’t it be super-easy, though? Masato, just ask.”
“You already tripped the flag.”
“Masato, it’s up to you!”
“No, no, it’ll never happen. I don’t care what you say… This won’t be something where the prince would happen to walk by, see Mom, and come dashing over to—”
“Oh, if it isn’t Mamako! And Masato and everyone else! It’s been ages!”
“Oh, Your Highness!”
“Seriously?! He just walked by?! What the…? Do I have some sort of secret skill, or—?”
Had Masato developed a previously undetected Flag Craftsman skill? Seemed unlikely.
In came Prince Prince of Catharn, elegant garb fluttering, his running form flawless.
“Welcome, everyone! I’m so pleased to see you all!”
“Thanks. Uh, Your Highness. Pardon the intrusion, but…”
“Could we ask you a personal question?”
“Go right ahead! What is it?”
“Are you, like, married?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Are you seeing anyone? Any fiancées, perhaps?”
“Nothing like that, no.”
He appeared entirely unperturbed by this line of questioning…
“Um, is there anyone you like?”
“Am I in love, you mean? …Well…um…no.”
Porta’s question alone got to him. He denied it in a very small voice, staring awkwardly at the floor.
What did that mean?
That definitely seems like he has someone in mind…
But did he? This really wasn’t Masato’s field of expertise, so he decided to withhold judgment.
“Point is, that’s what we’re here to talk about. We’ve got someone who really wants to be matched with you, so we were hoping you’d agree to meet her.”
“I—I see… You’re bringing me a proposal, then? Can you tell me about the woman in question?”
“She’s one of this game’s character designers… Sheesh, that feels really weird to say to a character in the game. Anyway, she really wants to meet you. She wants to so badly that she forced her way into the game.”
“A character designer… Hmm…”
That seemed to give him food for thought. The prince frowned, thinking.
It was best to keep things light here. Better not to mention that she’d actually designed the prince himself. That would just complicate matters.
“I think it would be worth at least meeting her once, but what do you say?”
“Well…since you’ve all been such a great help to me, and she seems very keen on the idea…I suppose meeting her wouldn’t… Oh no, wait a moment.”
“Is there a problem?” asked Mamako.
“I don’t know what my mother would say. My mother is the queen, and without her approval, I could hardly agree.”
“Then we’ll just have to ask Her Majesty! …Masato, you’re up.”
“Go raise another flag.”
“Masato! You can do it!”
“Heh… Watch and weep. Ahem. Uh, there’s no way the queen would just happen to walk by and see us here! I mean, she’s the queen!”
…She didn’t walk by.
They stood there for a very long time.
“Huh.”
“Your phrasing was all wrong,” said Wise.
Medhi agreed. “You shouldn’t have said ‘us.’ You should have said ‘Mamako.’”
“No, no, that can’t be it! That would just mean this was Mom’s power! And that can’t be true. The queen wouldn’t just spy on my mom, and—”
“Oh, Mamako! And your children. Good day.”
“Her Majesty is here!” exclaimed Porta.
“Oh my! Am I intruding?”
She’d really come. Queen Queen of Catharn, in a gorgeous dress, making a beeline for Mamako.
Masato curled up on the floor, sobbing.
As a result of their success the other day, Masato’s party was received as friends. No stiff ceremonies, no audience chambers—they were invited into the castle gardens.
Elegant tea and treats were served, and they got down to business.
“So she’d like to meet the prince with an eye toward marriage?” A cloud passed over the queen’s face.
“I-I’m sorry, I know this is very sudden.”
“Yes…it certainly has taken me by surprise. I suppose the immediate problem is that she’s neither royalty nor of noble birth, but a commoner.”
“Is that entirely out of the question?”
“Perhaps this is difficult for you to understand…but living with these ancient traditions is the fate of the royal family. No matter how silly they may seem, they cannot be easily altered. So…”
“Mother, if I may.”
Seeing his mother about to put her foot down, the prince rose to his feet.
He moved around behind her, giving her a piggyback hug. A rather tight one.
“Oh my! Your Highness! In front of everyone? You’re such a mama’s boy.”
“Hee-hee. You two are so close!”
“See, Masato? You can’t let them win!”
“This is your chance to show the true power of the Hero Family!”
“Go for it, Masato!”
“Right, in that case… Like hell I will!”
“Aw, what a shame. But that’s okay! You let me spoil you so much working at the Mom Shop yesterday, my spoil tank is completely full!”
“Yeah, yeah, don’t bring it up. Focus!”
The prince was trying to make a point. But the queen had taken control again.
“No use trying to curry favor with a little spoiling, dear. The rules are the rules, and this cannot be.”
“Alas, I am shot down. But, Mother, at least consider it. I was just thinking it was time I settled down. I would love to at least meet her. With your permission, of course.”
“I am delighted to hear your desire to get married, but…”
“Then, please.”
The prince tightened his embrace.
“Still…” The queen remained unmoved.
If they couldn’t get past her guard, the conversation would end here.
But then…
“Huh? Masato, the tea is nasty sweet all of a sudden!”
“Hey, Wise, I’m truly amazed you’re just drinking tea at a moment like this, but seriously, read the room. Who cares if the tea is suddenly… Oh, weird, it really is horribly sweet.”
He’d taken a sip himself, and Wise was right. It was unpleasantly cloying. But a moment before, there’d been no sugar in it at all.
Something that wasn’t sweet, suddenly spoiled… Wait, no!
When the accumulated effect of spoiling her child hit her upper limits, Mamako had a terrifying skill that would spoil everything around her—A Mother’s Spoiling.
The effects were astonishing. They could alter the outcome of a bet, change the difficulty of a dungeon, and spoil just about anything.
And Mamako had just said her tank was full.
“Worth a shot… Uh, Mom, can we get a word from you on this matter?”
“Yes. Your Majesty—consider this a request from me.”
“I can’t refuse any request from you, Mamako. Very well.”
“That was way too easy!”
The queen’s guard had been instantly spoiled, and the conversation moved to the next stage.
“That skill is broken.”
“Huh? Did something break?”
Having a mother who could unconsciously alter anything around her was certainly handy, but for her son, it was also somewhat upsetting.
Anyway, the queen was on board. She nodded and proclaimed, “Then, how about this? Tomorrow, we as a nation will hold a grand-scale courtship ball.”
“A courtship ball?”
“Regardless of rank, anyone can participate. Including the prince and the woman you wish for him to meet.”
“And if they form a connection, you’ll allow them to marry? Regardless of her status?”
“I can only hope the prince finds himself a woman of noble birth instead, but even if that is not the case, I promise I will allow it. That is the only concession I can offer. Will that be good enough for you, Mamako?”
“Certainly. I think it’s a lovely idea. Let’s do that!”
“Then that settles it. A courtship ball it will be!”
Everyone was on board. Masato wasn’t sure about this…
…but it was at least a step toward solving this threat of their client’s request.
One word from the queen, and her ministers gathered, discussing what must be done to hold this ball. With nothing to offer, Masato’s party focused on devouring the really fancy treats the royal family provided.
But others were watching. Hiding in the castle gardens were Amante and Sorella.
“…Tch. Looks like they settled things. We didn’t even get a chance to interrupt.”
“If only the queen had turned her dooown. What nooow?”
“We have no choice but to attack the ball and ruin— No, that won’t work. The only way Mamako Oosuki loses is if the courtship ball happens, but she still fails the request.”
“Theeen…we’ll have to join the baaaall. Let’s goooo.”
Exchanging malicious grins, they began plotting their secret scheme.
Back at the shop, the party gave Rika a progress update.
“I knew I was right to ask you! Thanks! I couldn’t be more pumped!”
“The rest is totally up to you.”
“Huh? How so? You all have to back me up here. I mean…”
Uh-oh.
“A common girl desperate to meet a prince…all dressed up, heart beating fast, headed to the ball…but then she’s surrounded by duplicitous noblewomen! Her path blocked, she is tormented, unable to even get near the prince! Alas! A love like a fresh bouquet, doomed to wither away unsated!”
Rika was getting increasingly theatrical.
Then she turned and slapped Masato on the shoulder.
“That’s how all the prince routes go in Otome games! So I’ll need you running interference.”
“Huh? Interference? Er, no, I really think those difficulties are up to you to—”
“You get through these scenes by getting someone to help you. That’s the key to clearing them! You know it.”
“That might work in games, but…”
“We’re in a game.”
“Oh, right.”
“Then you’re in, yes?”
“Uh…okay.”
She’d battered him down.
The Mom Shop closed for the day, and the party was moving through the evening streets.
They were headed for a boutique that sold ball gowns.
“There it is! The gown that’ll claim the prince’s heart! It’s miiiiiine!” She charged in.
“Wait, Rika! …Argh, I’m so sorry. I’ll go stop her!”
Rika had burst into the shop, all fired up, and Kanako was forced to give chase.
The rest of the group could only watch, amazed.
“So…I’ve been thinking…”
“She’ll be just fine! Nothing wrong with being motivated. Hee-hee.”
“And once she’s in front of the prince, you just know she’ll go all quiet and meek.”
“Ugh, I hate that! That sounds more like something you’d do, Medhi.”
“Heh-heh-heh. Wise, let’s go talk in that shadowy corner.” There was a low rumbling sound.
“Eek! Medhi! Your dark power is overflowing! Bottle it up!” cried Porta.
Some things never changed.
“Come on, Masato! We’re going in!”
“Yikes?!”
Mone had grabbed Masato’s arm, rubbing her cheek against it. “Stop that!” “You know you like it!” It was soft and ticklish, and all the nerves in his arm were screaming.
“Let’s go pick a gown!”
“No, no, we don’t need any! We’re just backup!”
“But to be backup, we need to be on the ballroom floor! We’ve got to dress for the occasion. If we went in our usual clothes, we’d be kicked out!”
“You…think so?”
“Totally! So gowns for everyone! I’m going to pick out an adorable gown that will make your heart skip a beat, Masato. You’ll be so into me that you’ll forget all about your little red and white friends.”
Mone glared at Wise and Medhi.
Neither seemed terribly pleased to be reduced to the primary colors they wore.
“Masato’s heart, huh?”
“You want him so into you that he’ll forget us?”
“Hmm? Wait, wait… Are you two getting competitive here?”
“Mone! Snap out of it!”
“This is Masato you’re talking about! You can do so much better!”
Both girls had gone white as a sheet, seemingly super-concerned about Mone’s well-being. “Can I just punch you both yet?” With friends like these…
But just for a moment, the merest fraction of a second…
…both pairs of eyes glanced his way.
Just a peek.
“…Sigh, fine. He’s hardly my type, but I’m not about to let a challenge go unanswered.”
“A formal ball held on behalf of the realm. Of course we should look our best! I hardly want to be considered uncultured. This is a challenge any woman would be forced to accept.”
“Yeah, my point exactly! So we’re picking gowns, too. And so is Porta.”
“Yes! I would love to wear a cute dress!”
“Then it’s settled. Time for a courtship showdown!”
Mone, Wise, Medhi, and Porta—all were clearly taking this seriously.
So the first to step forward was…
“Who will thrill Ma-kun the most? It’s a dress-picking contest!”
““““Yeah!””””
“No, wait! Why is Mom the most into this?!”
But Mamako was already inside the boutique.
Everywhere he looked, there were women’s clothes. All pretty pricey. Formal suits and gowns. But this was a shop specializing in high-end women’s apparel, so what else would they sell?
And all the customers were women, too. News of the courtship ball had already spread throughout the land. Women of all ages were here: groups of friends, ladies with their maids—the place was packed.
There was only one male here: Masato.
“Yeah, I figured… People going to a courtship ball aren’t exactly likely to have men with them, are they?”
The looks he was getting were distinctly uncomfortable. Every glance said “Why is he here?” He was ready to bolt.
Mamako and the girls had fanned out across the shop, searching for their ideal gown. “Ma-kun! Mommy’s right over here!” She kept beckoning to him, but he was pointedly ignoring her.
Masato settled down on a bench by one wall, waiting quietly.
“Sigh… Can I just leave? Go home?”
“That is certainly a pathetic statement. The true test of any man is to put up with women’s shopping without complaint.”
“I know that, but it’s asking a lot someti— Er…”
He looked toward the voice.
Shiraaase was sitting there, in full nun garb.
“Augh! Where’d you scuttle out from?!”
“I’m hardly an insect! I was here long before you arrived.”
“Y-you were? So you’d already spawned?”
“If you insist on treating me like an insect, then very well. I am but a bug…”
Shiraaase reached out her hand, put her fingertips on Masato’s thigh, and began walking them around on it. “Eeeeek?!” He shuddered. This was as bad a sensation as anything not R-rated could be!
“Heh-heh-heh. How does it feel, having a friendly bug mother toying with you?”
“I’m so sorry! I should never have mouthed off to you! Please, show mercy!”
“Then, I will. This seems like a good opportunity for an update. First, about this…”
Shiraaase produced the fake Mom Shop flyer.
“Oh, that. Amante and Sorella, right?”
“Our investigation suggests they designed, printed, and distributed it entirely by themselves.”
“Demonstrating some entirely unnecessary skills and dedication.”
“We believe they are still lurking somewhere within Catharn…but for various reasons, operations have temporarily suspended the search for them.”
“What reasons?”
“Look over there.”
He followed her gaze and saw a woman perusing the gowns intently.
She wore a black dress and looked exactly like Mamako.
“Um… Is that Hahako?”
“Yes. Hahako is here. She suddenly appeared in the Catharn capital, and we’ve been forced to ramp up our monitoring of her.”
“What brings her here? What’s she after?”
“Well…just listen closely.”
Hahako was muttering under her breath:
“I’ve got to pick an outfit that will make people say ‘Can I please be your child?’ Which of these will do that…?”
Hoo boy.
“…A ball is certainly a place to meet others, but not usually for that.”
“But it does appear she has learned that children are not something you can acquire by force. The events of the World Matriarchal Arts Tournament appear to have been a net positive.”
“So she’ll learn from her failures again this time?”
“We hope so. But at the same time, we can’t risk just leaving her to it…”
“You’re in charge of her, right? And that leaves the two Four Heavenly Kings to us.”
“I’m so pleased you understand. Oh, speak of the devil. Look over there…”
“You’re kidding!” Masato hastily scanned the shop. “…They’re not here, are they?”
“No. Showing up here to pick out gowns would be far too stupid.”
“Yeah. They’re really dumb, but not quite that dumb. Ha-ha-ha.”
Then…
“Masato! Over here! Let us know what you think!” Mone was calling for him. Her voice was mercilessly loud.
Every eye in the shop piercing his skin, Masato jumped to his feet.
“Argh! Now everyone’s looking at me! Damn her… Sorry, Shiraaase! I gotta deal with this.”
“Your value as a man is being tested! I wish you luck in battle.”
“I wish this was just a normal battle, but noooo! Later!”
Mone’s voice had come from the back—where the changing rooms were.
When Masato came running up…
“Oh, you’re here! Where’d you go? Come on!”
“Right! That battle commences!”
“Which of us will make Masato’s heart beat the fastest?!”
“I’m in! I’ll try my best, too!”
Lined up in their respective changing rooms were Mone, Wise, Medhi, and Porta—only their faces poking out.
“What? Wise, Medhi… You guys acted like you didn’t care, but you seem real fired up now!”
“Yeah, well…once you get the dress on, it’s hard not to.”
“I have always enjoyed dressing up. Any woman would.”
“Who’s going to start?”
“Nope, nope! I’m the first at bat! …Ta-daa!”
Mone flung open the curtains and leaped out, wearing…
…a cute, frilly, sweet dress, perfect for jumping into the arms of loved ones.
Any man would open his arms, sweep her up in a hug, and spoil her rotten!
“Well, Masato? What do you think?”
“Uh…it’s okay, I guess.”
“Never say ‘I guess’! It makes it sound like you don’t mean it!”
“Mone definitely didn’t set his heart all aflutter, so she’s already out. I’m up next!”
Now it was Wise’s turn. The high-school Sage sailed out with great confidence, wearing…
…a passionate red dress, just a bit too mature for her.
Like something a femme fatale would wear—the kind of woman whose advances no man could resist.
“C’mon, Masato! Go ahead, say something! Go on! Go on!”
“Hmm… It’s very red.”
“J-just the color?! That’s all you’ve got?!”
“It seems Wise has been shot down, too. Time for the real deal.”
Medhi emerged with a relaxed smile.
A pure-white dress of a simple yet detailed design—very ladylike.
An unblemished flower, blooming where all could see!
“Come, Masato. I await your top-tier compliments.”
“…Daifuku.”
“Huh? Wh-what does that even mean?!”
“White on the outside but filled with something dark. First thing that came to mind.”
“Some thoughts you should just keep to yourself! Do you even remember you’re commenting on our dresses?!”
“Um… Can I come out now?”
While Medhi was reeling in horror, Porta emerged wearing…
…a little princess dress with lots of frills. Even the shoulder bag was cute.
Anyone who saw it would say the same thing: Must protect!
“Wow! Perfect, Porta! That’s super-cute! You’re like a real princess!”
“Th-thanks!”
Masato had unwittingly picked Porta up and spun her around him. “My princess is so cute!” “Eeeek!” Like a doting father playing with his daughter.
Meanwhile, the losers…
“Argh! He’s really into that one!”
“But it doesn’t count as making his heart race. He just thinks she’s cute.”
“Th-that means this battle is a tie! Everyone agree?”
“Y-yeah, sounds good to me.”
“Right. This never happened.”
The girls almost wrapped it up, when…
“Oh, Ma-kun! Are you there? Do you have a moment?”
…Mamako’s voice emerged from a nearby changing room.
Wise’s, Medhi’s, and Mone’s brows all furrowed in unison, their gazes fixed intently on Masato.
“…Um, Masato.”
“Just to be sure, here…”
“…Your mother won’t get your heart racing, right?”
“Don’t be ridiculous! There’s no way! Just you watch!”
Masato put Porta down and moved over to the dressing room.
He took a deep breath. Stay frosty.
“Hey, Mom, it’s me. What is it?”
“Oh, Ma-kun! There you are. I just wanted you to see this!”
The curtains opened, and Mamako emerged.
She was clad in a sexy evening gown, skintight, as elegant as it was gorgeous.
Her beauty so flawless even Aphrodite herself would kick off her shoes and run for it!
But to Masato, she was just his mom. No heart racing here.
“Um… Well, as your son, I’d prefer something a little less revealing, but…good enough. Not weird, at least.”
“Oh? Then I guess I’ll keep it… But it’s a little hard to get on. I just can’t reach the back! …Oops!”
Mamako had twisted to reach the back, and the moment she did, her chest shifted. “Hell noooo!” Masato instantly grabbed the dress, keeping things from popping free. Safe!
“Th-that was close! My heart’s racing so fast it almost leaped out of my chest!”
“““Ugh, I knew it.”””
“Not like thaaaaat! That’s not what I meaaaant! …Look, Mom, you’re done, right? Change back!”
He shoved his mother back into the dressing room and breathed a sigh of relief.
Porta had gone back in the dressing room, too. No problems there.
Just three teenage girls all glaring at him.
He shouldn’t have to do this, but…
“Uh, Mone.”
“Mm? What?”
“That frilly dress really is perfect for you. I don’t really know how to give compliments like this, so…that’s the best I can manage.”
“Oh… N-no, that’s… Thank you.”
“Wise, your dress isn’t bad, either. Red’s definitely your color. And the cut of it’s right for you—down to the way it’s trying to be a little older than you are.”
“Er… Oh, uh…thanks…”
“Medhi, too. Your body language is always graceful, so I think it’s the right choice to wear something simple like that rather than try too hard with something flashier. It brings out the best in you.”
“Th-that’s really nice of you… Thank you.”
He’d been hoping not to have to say all that, but there you are.
Mone, Wise, and Medhi were all left staring at him, mouths half open.
“Um. What’s with the staring?”
“W-well…”
“Just… I dunno, we really didn’t expect that. My brain just, like, short-circuited…”
“I’m at a loss for what to do next.”
“Come on; it’s not that hard! If you’ve picked a dress, change back into your normal clothes, buy the dress, and let’s go home! Keep it moving; one, two!”
He clapped his hands, and the three of them went back into their changing rooms. “Ugh, what the heck?” First they were demanding, then mean, then all suddenly flabbergasted. A real piece of work, these girls.
“Whatever. At least we’re done shopping now… Shiraaase left the Heavenly Kings to us, but they won’t be here… We can just relax and go home!”
He stretched, feeling free.
And then his eyes met theirs.
Two faces poking out of the changing rooms opposite, staring at Masato.
A fierce-looking girl with a ponytail and a woman with languid, sinister eyes.
“…Um.”
They gave Masato a long stare, then looked around, then gave Masato another long stare.
“Wha—?! Amante?! Sorella?! What are you…?!”
Instantly, Amante shot out of the changing room. “Mmph?!” She grabbed a fistful of Masato’s shirt and dragged him in with her.
It was very cramped. The two Heavenly Kings were right in front of Masato, crammed in like sardines…and both in their underwear.
His heart was really racing now, for more than one reason. Definitely the fastest rate he’d hit that day.
“Hey?! Th-there are so many problems here, but first—!”
“We’re in our underwear, but never mind that! You already saw me wearing a bath towel at the Mom Guild! I got over it then.”
“I never cared in the first plaaace. It’s only youuuu. Who caaaares.”
“Some things should just be unacceptable! All I’m asking is that you treat me like a man—or at least an enemy!”
“If you obey our instructions, we won’t attack. We might have it out for Mamako Oosuki, Wise the Sage, and Medhi the Cleric, but we don’t really consider you a threat.”
“Masatoooo…you just aren’t dangerouuus. But don’t wooorry. We just have a few questioooons.”
“…Sniff.”
The Hero deemed neither man nor enemy allowed a tear to roll down his cheek.
But at least as long as he did what he was told, his life wasn’t in immediate danger.
But if he cried out, and the others came running and rescued him from a pair of underwear-clad girls…he could say good-bye to his last shred of dignity. He had to avoid that at any cost.
It was safer to do as he was told. Masato nodded, acquiescing, and Amante released him.
“…What is it you want to ask?”
“Ha! Only one thing it could be.”
“You seeee… It’s these gooowns.”
Amante and Sorella both grinned.
They held up a pair of dresses, one tiger-striped, and the other featuring a bone motif.
“Well? Does this seem right for me?”
“Can I get an honest male perspectiiiive?”
“How should I know?! Wear whatever you like!” Masato snapped, his voice louder than intended. “Oops…,” he said, realizing it. “You idiot!” “Eeeek!” Amante and Sorella both grabbed their clothes and ran. They were instantly out of sight.
Masato was out of danger…or not.
“Ma-kun, what’s wrong? I heard yelling!”
Mamako swept in to check on him, the rest of the girls behind her.
Masato was in the changing room of a store exclusively for women, clutching the gowns Amante and Sorella had foisted off on him. How could he explain this one?
“D-do these look good?” he said, holding the gowns up against him.
“Um, I guess? I don’t really know how to compliment a guy in a dress, honestly.”
“Nothing says Masato like tiger print and bones.”
“They really bring out the best in you.”
Mone, Wise, and Medhi each spoke in a flat monotone.
“Er, um, um… I—I like them!” Porta said, a hint of desperation in her voice.
“Hmm…,” pondered Mamako. “But they’re not the right size. I’ll go find one big enough for you, just you wait!”