As evening began to roll around, Stella and Ichika sat down for a break, their shopping complete.

Ichika let out a sigh as she leaned back on a bench the two had found. “Well, that wasn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon.”

Stella nodded. “Indeed! I suppose I ended up enjoying myself more than I thought.”

“Hah, I’d have figured you’d be tired of me by now.” Ichika smirked and leaned in close to Stella. “But you know, if you had fun, we could always take this back to my place.”

“U-Umm… that’s alright. I shouldn’t stay out too long. I’d hate to worry my younger sibling again.”

“Relax, I’m kidding. You’re just fun to mess with.” With a chuckle, Ichika leaned back against the bench once more.

A silence fell over the two as the conversation faded. A large TV positioned opposite the two was playing a recording of an idol performance with an upbeat tune that filled the area, coupled with the sounds of crowds. Ichika watched the TV quietly with a somewhat serious look in her eyes.

Sensing a shift in the mood, Stella decided to break the silence. “Ichika, I enjoyed this but… why did you decide to spend time with me?”

Ichika shrugged. “I was bored. Plus, I was in a bad mood after lunch. Figured I could use something to take my mind off it.”

“I see…” Silence returned as Stella tried to process her feelings.

“I already told you it’s not some big secret plan if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Stella didn’t turn to look at her. “But if you were asked to fight us again…, would you?”

Ichika sighed. “…yeah, probably.”

“But why? You don’t seem like a bad person. I’d hate to have to fight you.”

There was another long silence as Ichika’s expression turned more bitter. “You… still don’t really know me at all.”

As Stella thought over those words, she suddenly felt a kiss on her cheek. Ichika was there with a tired grin. “But hey, it was fun. There’s a little extra reward as thanks. Maybe if we’re lucky we can do it again sometime. Get some good use out of those clothes.”

Before Stella could respond, Ichika walked away.

As Stella cleared her head and was about to leave, her phone rang. It was Alex.

“Ah, hello Alex.” Stella stood up and began walking towards the bus stop.

“Hey, just got on my break. Sorry again for ditching you. I can pick up some stuff for you on the way home if you want.”

Stella laughed loudly. “No need, my dear sibling! I have already taken care of the issue!”

“Oh no… please tell me you didn’t buy clothes yourself.”

“I did not! I happened to run into… a friend. She helped me out.”

“A friend? SHE!? Hold on, when did make friends with a girl? Tell me about her!”

“A-Another time perhaps.”

“Oh come on!”

The call continued on for some time as Stella boarded the train and started heading home.

***

Ichika walked down the street, her head low, as she listened to music through a pair of wireless ear buds. Although she was trying her best to mind her own business, a sleek black limousine pulled up along the street next to her.

A window near the back of the limousine rolled down, revealing a woman with a red, wide-brimmed hat that obscured most of her face, save for her lips coated in black lipstick. “Ichika dear, what a coincidence running into you out here. Would you like a ride?”

Ichika kept walking, her expression souring. “I’m not in the mood today.”

“You’ve been slacking quite a lot lately. I imagine the ravenous feeling deep inside is only growing stronger. Wouldn’t you like some assistance with that?”

Ichika stopped. “What do you know?”

“Oh I know plenty dear.” The rear door to the limousine opened, as a man in a black suit stepped out, gesturing for Ichika to enter. The woman smiled. “Step inside dear. I’d like to discuss a new job for you. Perhaps if you accomplish this, I’ll consider getting rid of your curse.”

“…fine.” Ichika stepped into the limo, glaring at the bodyguard as she sat down. The black-suited man stepped back inside, and the limousine pulled away. 

**END OF CHAPTER 2**