[HI3] Protocol Stigmata

Chapter 34 - Walking Towards Tragedy

Please... Release my sister from the painful memories she is cursed with.

As I opened my eyes, I found myself on the tatami mattress, feeling a sense of déjà vu wash over me.

Ah... What happened while I was out?

I sat up, noticing Kiana's comical sleeping pose beside me. "Looks like Kiana's having sweet dreams about Mei-senpai again," I mused, watching as she murmured in her sleep, a contented smile gracing her lips.

Gently nudging her shoulder, I called out to her, "Hey, Kiana. Wake up."

She stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she blinked away the remnants of sleep. "Huh? What's up, Shin?"

I couldn't help but grin at her adorable confusion. "You were dreaming about Mei-senpai's cooking. Must have been a good dream."

Her cheeks flushed pink as she rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of her dream. "I-I was? Oh, um, never mind that. What about you? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I laughed softly, waving off her concern. "Just a strange dream, nothing important."

With a sleepy yawn, Kiana stretched her arms and legs, "Well, I'm glad you're alright, Class Monitor and I found you on the ground."

As I rose from the mattress, I couldn't help but notice that my attire had changed from my usual Valkyrie uniform to a traditional haori outfit. Confusion flickered across my face as I glanced at Kiana.

"Hey, Kiana-chan, did you change my clothes?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Kiana paused, feigning innocence as she whistled nonchalantly. "Hmm, I wonder..."

My eyes widened in realization as I caught on to her mischievous tone. "Wait... you... and the Class Monitor?"

"Eek!" Kiana squealed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Y-Yes! But don't worry, Shin! It's not like it's too small or anything!"

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I buried my face in my hands. "Oh god, Kiana, you didn't have to mention that!"

With a playful grin, Kiana nudged me teasingly. "Come on, Shin, don't be shy! Miss Yae was even surprised!"

"Enough with it already!"

As the door slid open, Fu Hua entered the room, her expression calm and composed. "Hm? What's with the ruckus in the morning?" she inquired, her eyes darting to Kiana, However, upon seeing me, a faint blush colored her cheeks.

...

Fu Hua nodded, seeming to understand. "Well, no matter. Breakfast is ready, so let's go. We should thank Yae Sakura for her hospitality."

Oi oi! What's with the silence

As we entered the main room, the aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, instantly awakening my senses. My eyes widened at the sight of the oversized onigiri and sashimi spread out on the table, each dish more enticing than the last.

"It's... big..." I remarked, my voice tinged with awe as I took in the sheer size of the culinary masterpiece before us.

Kiana's face lit up with excitement at the sight of the giant onigiri. "Oh! I love Onigiri!"

she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with delight as she reached eagerly for one of the oversized rice balls.

"Hehe, please eat lots," Yae Sakura said with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement at Kiana's enthusiasm.

"Yeah... But will we be able to finish this?" I wondered aloud, However, before I could finish my sentence, Fu Hua gestured towards Kiana, who had already begun devouring her meal with gusto.