Chapter 52: Chapter 052: Let’s Sleep Together Tonight!
『Ding! Check-in successful. Congratulations to the host for acquiring the Retractable Bandage Lv1, God's Right Hand Lv1, and Pear God Fall Lv2! 』
『Congratulations to the host! God's Right Hand skill has been upgraded to Lv2. 』
『Under its touch, the probability of entering the divine state of bliss is increased, and the chance of critical hits is enhanced! 』
『Retractable Bandage Lv1: A magical bandage impervious to water and fire, extremely durable, and self-purifying. 』
『This bandage obeys the host's commands, controlled by mental strength. Recommended use: hang your opponent for maximum effect! 』
Akashi's eyes sparkled as he read the description. Despite the system's casual tone, the abilities it granted were no joke.
Finally, the skill he had long awaited was in his grasp—extraordinary powers that allowed him to control a bandage.
"A hellish scene, indeed!" he thought, chuckling to himself.
If Ran weren't nearby, he would have tested the bandage immediately, summoning it just to revel in its capabilities.
The appearance of the 『Retractable Bandage』 skill was an unexpected bonus, though his 『Pear God Fall』 skill had already reached Lv3. At this level, progress seemed stalled.
"Looks like I'll need another Lv2 『Pear God Fall』 to upgrade further," he mused.
---
While Akashi processed his new skills, Ran's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Hey, Sonoko, why is your luggage here?"
Sonoko waved dismissively, a mischievous smile on her face.
"We haven't shared a room in ages, Ran. Let's sleep together tonight!"
But her gaze occasionally darted toward Akashi, her emerald eyes gleaming with curiosity. Whatever thoughts flitted through her mind remained her secret.
Ran frowned slightly, her beautiful eyes narrowing. She had hoped to share the room with Akashi and now felt a twinge of annoyance at Sonoko's intrusion. Just as she was about to object, Akashi surprised her by speaking up.
"Sure, it's fine if Sister Sonoko stays here."
Sonoko's smile widened.
"Oh? So Akashi welcomes me too! Do you like me, Akashi?"
Akashi was stunned, momentarily speechless. His agreement had been purely practical—he didn't want Sonoko falling victim to the bandage man at night.
Who would have guessed she'd take it as a compliment to her charm?
Without waiting for an answer, Sonoko stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
"If Akashi stays silent, I'll take that as a yes!" she teased.
"You're Ran's little brother, so from now on, you're mine too. Go on, call me Big Sister Sonoko!"
Akashi felt a wave of exasperation. The gap between Sonoko and Ran chest was vast. This teasing lacked the finesse to unsettle him.
Seeing her best friend's antics, Ran grew anxious. With a swift step forward, she pulled Sonoko back.
"Sonoko, you're scaring Akashi! He's shy—don't tease him like that!"
Meanwhile, Conan, standing on the sidelines, looked utterly defeated.
"Does anyone care about my feelings? I can be shy too!" he grumbled silently, frustration mounting.
Throughout the trip, Conan had been nothing but exasperated, and this moment only deepened his irritation.
After stashing her luggage, Sonoko shifted her attention elsewhere.
"Alright, everyone, let's head downstairs!" she called cheerfully.
The group followed her lead, descending to the villa's main hall, where the other guests were already engaged in conversation.
Ran and the others joined the gathering, gradually mingling with the group.
The attendees were all college classmates of Ayako and members of her former college film club.
A dark-skinned man with a camera draped over his shoulder and a coat hung loosely around him was Hiroki Sumiya, the club's cameraman.
A long-haired man in a white suit and headband was Masaru Ohta, the former lead actor of the group.
The heavyset man with curly hair, whose frame seemed to occupy more than its share of space, was Ryoichi Takahashi, who had worked on props.
And then there was Chikako Ikeda, a striking woman in a purple outfit with short hair. She was now a successful director whose recent film had garnered widespread acclaim. Unsurprisingly, she was the center of attention, surrounded by chatter and flattery.
However, when Ran appeared with Akashi, the dynamic shifted entirely. The attendees quickly turned their focus to the young boy, whose striking features drew a flurry of admiration.
Everyone marveled at Akashi's beauty, remarking that it would be a waste if he didn't pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Chikako Ikeda, in particular, seemed captivated. She approached him with a wide smile, her demeanor suddenly warm and enthusiastic.
"Hey, boya, want to star in a movie with me? I promise I'll make you famous!"
Only moments ago, she had been cool and aloof toward the others. Now, in Akashi's presence, she transformed into a doting, almost eccentric aunt, her persistence both humorous and unsettling.
Her mind raced with possibilities. She imagined Akashi's face enlarged on a cinema screen, drawing in billions at the box office. Or perhaps his likeness as a life-sized roll-up banner displayed at theaters, guaranteed to attract swarms of fans.
Chikako's creative thoughts spiraled further, venturing into ideas for bold and unconventional storylines. The intensity of her inspiration left her cheeks flushed.
Akashi, however, was unmoved. He had no interest in movies and responded bluntly,
"Auntie, I'm not interested. I still have to go to school."
Despite his clear rejection, Chikako wasn't deterred. She continued her relentless attempts to persuade him, ignoring his protests.
Finally, Ayako stepped in, her tone firm yet diplomatic.
"Chikako, we're here to relax, not to discuss work. Let's save this for another time."
The eldest daughter of the Suzuki family had spoken, and even Chikako had to relent, though she still cast lingering glances at Akashi.
Turning to her old friends, Ayako's expression softened.
"It's wonderful to have everyone together again. It feels just like old times."
Her voice grew wistful as she added, "If only Atsuko were still with us… she would have loved this."
At the mention of Atsuko, the atmosphere shifted instantly. A heavy silence settled over the group.
Sonoko, unable to suppress her curiosity, asked,
"Sister, who's Atsuko?"
Before Ayako could respond, Chikako slammed her hand on the table, her face taut with anger.
"Can we not bring up Atsuko? I came here to unwind, not to hear about someone who died two years ago!"
Masaru Ohta scoffed from across the room.
"Listen to her! Fame really changes people, doesn't it?"
"What did you say?" Chikako snapped, her glare sharp enough to cut through the tension.
The two looked ready to argue when Ayako quickly stepped between them, her hands raised in a placating gesture.
"Let's not do this. It was my mistake to bring it up. Please, let's keep things light."
She changed the subject deftly.
"I'll go start preparing dinner. Why don't you all rest for a bit?"
Still fuming, Chikako and Ohta snorted in irritation before leaving the room in opposite directions.
Ryoichi Takahashi stretched and said,
"I'll head upstairs to patch up the roof. Don't want it leaking if it rains later."
With that, he lumbered to the second floor.
Chikako, still visibly annoyed, stormed out the front door, followed closely by Hiroki Sumiya, who carried his ever-present camera.
Sonoko scratched her head, letting out a wry laugh.
"This isn't exactly the party I imagined…"
Akashi glanced knowingly at Conan, who stood silently nearby.
With a slight shake of his head, Akashi thought,
'How could any party be normal when this little brat is involved? '