Reincarnated as Itsuka Shido: Collecting Spirits as Lovers

Yoshino momentarily blanked out when Shido said those words with determination. She has been wandering around alone for many years and just like Tohka, Yoshino longed for a place where she could belong, a place where she would be accepted and would not force her to hurt other people.

Now that Shido wanted her to be with her caused Yoshino to be surprised. Ever since the first time she met Shido, Yoshino had the feeling that she would be entangled with him for the rest of her life. Nevertheless, she didn't dislike the idea and even began to think about the future with him, building their own family together and having children of their own. 

Seeing Yoshino's dazed expression, Shido assumed she was simply shocked by his sudden words. However, before he could say anything else, her face suddenly turned an even deeper shade of red, almost as if it were emitting steam from overheating. Shido immediately tried to sense her emotional state and other than sensing that she was happy and embarrassed, everything looked normal.

"Wow! What an amazing surprise proposal! I didn't expect Shido-kun to be so bold and suddenly propose to Yoshino!" Just as Shido was about to say something to Yoshino. Yoshinon's playing voice rang out once again.

"It's... not a proposal you know?" Shido said with a helpless smile.

Yoshino, who had just snapped out of her daze, instantly turned an even deeper shade of red. Yoshinon's unexpected words made her embarrassment skyrocket, and without thinking, she pulled her raincoat's hood down over her face in a desperate attempt to hide.

Even so, despite her overwhelming shyness, she couldn't stop herself from sneaking glances at Shido. His expression was a mix of helplessness and awkwardness as if wondering why he had to endure such teasing.

But for Yoshino, her heart was pounding too fast to think logically. 'Was this… really like a proposal?' Yoshino couldn't help but think excitedly inside her head.

"So... What will you do Yoshino? Will you accept Shido's proposal? Or will you reject him?" Although still playful, Yoshinon's words were now more serious. Only waiting for Yoshino to make her decision. 

All this time, Yoshinon had always been the one to speak up, to make decisions in Yoshino's place, acting as her voice and shield. But now, for the first time, she remained silent, leaving the choice entirely up to Yoshino.

Yoshino gripped the edges of her raincoat tightly, her heart pounding. She had always relied on Yoshinon to navigate conversations, to express feelings she couldn't put into words. But now, faced with Shido's warm gaze and Yoshinon's expectant silence, she realized, this was something she had to answer for herself.

Slowly, she peeked out from under her hood, her blue eyes shimmering with uncertainty yet determination.

Watching Shido's warm smile and gentle gaze, Yoshino felt a sense of certainty bloom in her heart. His words weren't just empty promises, he truly meant them. He would be there for her, care for her, and protect her. And beyond that, there was an intimate attraction she had felt toward him from the very beginning.

Yoshino tightened her grip on her raincoat, steadying herself. For so long, she had been afraid... afraid of the world, afraid of rejection, afraid of hurting other people. But now, standing before Shido, she knew exactly what she wanted to do.

Taking a deep breath, she slowly lifted her gaze, her blue eyes filled with resolve.

...

Meanwhile, two AST members were stationed on the highest floor of a nearby building, keeping a close watch on the commercial complex with guns ready to fire at any given point.

A woman with short white hair stood silently on the highest floor was Origami, one of the two AST members stationed there. Beside her was a young woman with long black hair, around the age of 25. She was the squad leader and Origami's superior, Kusakabe Ryouko.

"Do we have permission to attack?"

Tobiichi Origami asked. Although her words were direct, she was merely confirming their orders, and deep down, she hoped to avoid engaging the Spirit if possible. After all, she had made a promise to Shido.

The squad leader, Kusakabe Ryouko shifted her gaze toward Origami, noticing that she no longer carried the same eagerness to fight Spirits as before. She didn't dwell too much on this change, if anything, she saw it as a positive development. At least now, Origami wouldn't recklessly charge into battle without thinking.

"I don't think that's likely." Ryouko responded, shifting her gaze back to the target location. "Hermit has been classified as a minor threat, and there's no justification for destroying an entire commercial district over this. The higher-ups aren't willing to fund a reconstruction effort for something like this. This situation is different from the one with Princess. Besides, using our Realizers indoors would be more of a handicap than an advantage."

She paused, then turned toward Origami with a thoughtful expression.

"I still can't believe it. Someone who looks identical to Princess transferred into your school, yet there's no sign of her being a Spirit? Even her background information checks out. Just what is going on here…?"

Hearing those words, the corner of Origami's lips twitched. She felt as though she was now the one burdened with her rival's problem. She let out a quiet sigh, realizing that she had somehow ended up covering for Tohka.