Chapter 162

Twenty minutes later.

The quiet hum of the oven filled the kitchen as Kouya glanced toward the clock. Right on time, the doorbell chimed with a crisp ding-dong, echoing through the apartment like the call of fate.

Almost immediately, a bright, childish voice followed, soft and sing-song:

“Open up, nya~ Open up, nya~ We’re here, nya!”

Kouya sighed, setting down the towel he’d been using to wipe his hands. He opened the door—and instantly felt his brain short-circuit.

Standing before him was none other than the small cat girl, Rina, the familiar sparkle of mischief dancing in her mismatched eyes. She was front and center, bouncing slightly on her toes. Since she’d been the only one to visit his house before, it made sense that she was leading the group today.

Her outfit was… dangerous.

The black apron hugged her tiny frame perfectly, its edges embroidered with delicate pink lace that made the ensemble far too cute for its own good. A big pink ribbon tied at her chest gleamed under the afternoon light. Her smooth hair had been brushed so thoroughly it shimmered, cascading neatly down her back. Her pale, porcelain-like skin seemed to glow, and her bright dual-colored eyes reflected the sunlight in tiny sparkles. She puffed her cheeks slightly, her lips forming an innocent pout that looked anything but harmless.

“We’re here, nya~!” Rina announced proudly, raising one paw-like hand near her face, her cat ears twitching as she flashed a grin that revealed a small fang.

Kouya’s mouth twitched. ‘Don’t you dare weaponize cuteness like that, you little demon.’

Behind her stood the shrine maiden, serene as ever. “Kou-kun, I apologize for dropping by so suddenly,” she said, bowing politely. Today she wasn’t in her traditional red-and-white garb but in modern attire—a crisp white blouse and fitted dark blue jeans that hugged her figure perfectly. Her long black hair was tied loosely, a few strands framing her gentle face. The casual style gave her a surprisingly warm, everyday beauty—less divine, more real. And those legs… even Kouya had to admit they were distractingly perfect, long and shapely enough to shame any model.

Before he could comment, a high-pitched voice piped up.

“Kou-nii! Hinata came to play too!” The mischievous little girl popped her head out from behind the shrine maiden, eyes sparkling like polished obsidian. Her uniform was slightly wrinkled from her sprint over, her schoolbag swinging behind her. She’d clearly run straight here after class.

“Master, master, Ai and Natsu came too!” chirped the twin bunny girls from the back. Their tiny voices overlapped adorably as they curtsied in unison. They’d even switched their maid uniforms — one was bright blue, the other deep red — each trimmed with tiny ribbons that made them look like living dolls.

Kouya exhaled softly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Come on in. There are slippers in the cabinet. Pick whichever fits.”

“Thank you, Kou-kun.” The shrine maiden bent forward to open the shoe cabinet—and froze for a split second. Inside were several pairs of women’s slippers neatly lined up. To reach them, she had to lean down slightly, and her waterfall-like hair spilled forward over her shoulders, catching the light. Her long legs stretched elegantly, and Kouya quickly averted his gaze, feeling the faintest twinge of guilt.

Once everyone had switched shoes, the shrine maiden set down the lacquered food box she’d brought and smiled politely. “I wasn’t sure what would be appropriate to bring on short notice, so I made some sweets and cookies. I hope Kou-kun won’t mind.”

Kouya waved dismissively. “Not at all. You didn’t have to, though.”

Hinata puffed up proudly. “They’re super good! Big sis makes the best treats, Kou-nii! You have to try them!”

“Oh? Let’s see, then.” Kouya lifted the lid, and the aroma that escaped nearly made him forget how to breathe. The air filled with the rich scent of butter and sugar. Inside were perfectly arranged cookies and pastries—banana-chocolate bites wrapped in creamy coating, golden waffle biscuits patterned like tiny suns, crisp matcha mille-feuille layers, and nut cookies sprinkled with sugar crystals. Every one of them looked like a work of art.

He reached out instinctively, but the shrine maiden immediately passed him a pair of chopsticks. “Please, use these.”

Kouya blinked, slightly amused, then complied. He picked up a cookie and took a bite. The crunch was clean, the flavor divine—sweet, rich, and layered. “This is amazing. Seriously, this could pass for a professional confectioner’s work.”

The shrine maiden’s lips curved into a soft, almost shy smile. “I’m happy you think so.”

Before they could continue, a crisp ding rang from the kitchen. Kouya turned. “Looks like mine are done.”

He brought out the tray. The cookies weren’t much to look at—uneven, cracked, and clearly homemade—but the faint aroma of spiritual energy hummed beneath the surface.

Hinata tiptoed closer, eyes curious. When she saw the modest batch, she pouted, clearly unimpressed. Even the bunny girls’ ears drooped a little.

‘Guess they were expecting miracles,’ Kouya thought.

The shrine maiden smiled gently. “Even so, they look lovely.”

Kouya handed her one. “Try it first before saying that.”

She hesitated but nodded. The cookie was still hot, so she blew softly over it, her breath carrying a faint sweetness. Then she bit down.

Instantly, her eyes widened.

The taste burst through her like light breaking through storm clouds. The flavor wasn’t just sweetness—it was energy. Every nerve in her body seemed to hum, her spirit awakening as if bathed in sunlight after a long winter. She closed her eyes, her face softening into bliss.

She took another bite, and another, her cheeks puffing as she munched. The proud, serene shrine maiden was gone; in her place was a small, delighted girl savoring her treat with adorable abandon.

Hinata’s curiosity flared. She darted forward, clutching Kouya’s sleeve. “Kou-nii! I want one too! Pleeeease!”

Kouya arched an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say you didn’t want any just now?”

Hinata puffed up her cheeks indignantly. “Kou-nii’s mean! Fine, I’ll let you kiss me if I can have one!”

Kouya nearly dropped the tray. ‘Who the hell is teaching this child?!’

“Wash your hands first,” he said flatly. “Then take one.”

“Okay!” Hinata dashed off.

Meanwhile, Rina’s ears twitched as she raised her hands to her cheeks. “Me too, nya! I want one too~!” Her tail swayed like a metronome of cuteness.

Kouya crossed his arms. “Keep that up, and you’ll get nothing.”

Rina froze, then quickly stood straight, hands behind her back. “Nya… okay.”

Moments later, Hinata returned, water still dripping from her fingers as she grabbed a cookie. She blew on it and took a huge bite.

Her eyes went wide instantly. “It’s… normal but so good! How?!”

Rina joined in, nibbling rapidly. “Super tasty, nya~! Best cookie ever!”

The bunny twins followed suit, munching happily. “It’s even better than apples! Ten times better!”

Kouya smirked inwardly. ‘So apples are their new luxury standard, huh?’

Hinata devoured hers in seconds and immediately reached for another. “Mine! They’re all mine!”

Before she could grab one, the shrine maiden caught her wrist gently. “Hinata.”

The girl froze, shrinking instantly. “Sorry, sis…”

“You should apologize to Kou-kun,” the shrine maiden said softly. She didn’t say it aloud, but she knew the truth—these weren’t ordinary cookies. They were infused with spirit energy worth a fortune.

The atmosphere turned still. The cat and bunny girls fell silent.

Hinata sniffled. “Sorry, Kou-nii…”

Kouya waved it off. “It’s fine. Just cookies. Take some home later.”

The shrine maiden blinked in shock. “No, that’s far too kind!”

“You brought sweets, didn’t you? Call it even.”

But the shrine maiden shook her head slowly. She knew the worth of what she’d just eaten.

After a moment of hesitation, she took a deep breath and said, her voice calm but firm: “To you, they may just be cookies, but to me, they’re precious. I’d like to buy a quarter of them—for ten million yen.”

Kouya stared. Her expression was utterly serious. No joke, no hesitation.

He sighed softly. “If that’s what you really want.”

Her face brightened with relief. Then, with a mischievous tilt of her head, she added, “But I can’t just take advantage of you like that. So, how about this—let me cook dinner for you tonight, as thanks.”

“Huh?” Kouya blinked. ‘Why does this feel like I’m being outplayed?’

The shrine maiden slipped her shoes back on, smiling. “I’ll run to the store for some groceries. I’ll be right back.”

Once she was gone, Hinata shuffled closer, her eyes glistening. “Kou-nii, play a game with me?”

He considered, then nodded. “Sure. Turn on the TV.”

“Okay!” she chirped — but instead of moving, she clasped her hands behind her back, looking up at him shyly.

“What now?” Kouya asked.

She traced small circles on her chest with her fingers and murmured, face red, “If I do something nice for Kou-nii… do I get a reward?”

Kouya stared, speechless. ‘It’s just the TV, not a heroic quest.’

Was this… what people called a “runner’s fee” now?

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