The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the translucent curtains, casting a gentle shimmer over the three figures lying on the large bed. The room was peaceful, filled with the faint scent of flowers that danced through the air like a lingering dream.
Sayaka, dressed in her light blue pajamas, was curled up on one side of the bed, her head resting comfortably against a pillow. Kyoko, in her usual casual sleeping attire—a simple red tank top and black shorts—was sprawled lazily on the other side, arms behind her head. And in the middle, Manaka lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
The warmth of their presence was something he hadn't felt in eons. It was grounding in a way he never realized he needed. The steady rise and fall of their breathing, the small movements as they shifted in their sleep—it was so normal, so human.
Then, a voice broke the silence.
"You still awake?" Kyoko mumbled, cracking open one eye to glance at him.
"Yeah," Manaka admitted. "Just thinking."
Sayaka let out a sleepy sigh, rolling over onto her side to face him. "About what?"
Manaka hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Yog staring at us with amusement, she is waving a hand at me"
Sayaka immediately sat up. "Whose Yog"
"My Best friend and also My supposed elder even if she does look like a Loli" Manaka replied nonchalantly.
Sayaka narrowed her eyes. "A loli-looking elder? Why does that sound like trouble?"
Kyoko groaned, rubbing her temples. "Great. You mean to tell me some weird all-knowing cosmic being is spying on us while we sleep?"
Manaka chuckled. "Technically, she's not spying. She just likes to observe things that interest her. And right now, that happens to be us."
Sayaka looked up at the ceiling warily. "She's not, like... watching us change, right?"
Manaka laughed. "No, no, she has some boundaries. She's more interested in how I interact with you two after all these years."
Kyoko huffed. "That's even weirder! Some interdimensional eldritch girl is taking notes on our relationship?"
Manaka smirked. "Well, she did say she wanted to see how I'd consume myself, so I think she's just curious about my connections with others."
Sayaka groaned and flopped back onto the bed, pulling her blanket over her head. "I swear, Manaka, your life is one bizarre event after another."
Kyoko, however, seemed less concerned and more intrigued. "So, is she, like, a god or something?"
Manaka thought for a moment before replying, "More like an observer of everything. She understands things that even I can't begin to comprehend, but she doesn't interfere too much. Well, unless she finds something fun."
Kyoko rolled her eyes. "Sounds like a lazy god to me."
At that moment, a small ripple in space appeared above them, and a playful giggle echoed through the room. Then, out of nowhere, a tiny white-haired girl with golden eyes materialized at the foot of the bed, sitting cross-legged with a smug smile.
"Fufufu~ I heard you talking about me," Yog said, waving cheerfully.
Sayaka yelped and practically jumped out of the bed, nearly tripping over the blankets. "Holy—! What the hell?!"
Kyoko grabbed her pillow and chucked it at Yog, who effortlessly dodged, still grinning. "Oi! Who invited you into our bedroom?!"
Manaka sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Yog... boundaries."
Yog tilted her head. "But I wanted to see their reactions in person~ And I was right! They're adorable!" She clapped her hands together, eyes twinkling. "Oh, Salem, you should really keep them. They're like cute little tsunderes."
Kyoko growled. "I swear, I'm gonna—"
Before she could finish, Sayaka groaned. "Nope. Not dealing with this right now." She grabbed her pillow and flopped back onto the bed, grumbling into the fabric. "If this universe-hopping nonsense comes with annoying cosmic onlookers, I'm out."
Yog pouted playfully. "Aww, don't be like that~ I just wanted to say hi. And maybe tease Salem a little."
Manaka sighed but smiled slightly. "Alright, you said hi. Now, are you going to just sit there and mess with them all night?"
Yog smirked. "Maybe~"
Kyoko crossed her arms. "I vote we kick her out."
Manaka chuckled. "Not possible. She exists outside the concept of 'kicking out.'"
Yog beamed. "Exactly! Besides, I won't stay long. I just wanted to remind you, Salem, that Tensura isn't as simple as you think. There are forces even you might find troublesome there."
Manaka's expression grew more serious. "You mean the Will of the World?"
Yog nodded. "And others. Let's just say… your little vacation might turn into something more interesting than you planned." Her golden eyes gleamed mischievously. "But I know you like a challenge."
Manaka smirked. "I do. But that doesn't mean I won't enjoy the vacation part first."
Yog giggled. "Of course, of course. Well, I'll leave you three lovebirds alone now~ Have fun!" She winked at Sayaka and Kyoko before vanishing in a swirl of golden light.
Kyoko let out a long breath, flopping back down onto the bed. "I hate her."
Sayaka groaned. "Same."
Manaka just chuckled, closing his eyes. "You'll get used to her."
Kyoko muttered, "Not happening."
Sayaka sighed, rolling onto her side again. "Whatever. Just... no more weird visitors, okay?"
Manaka smiled. "No promises."
Kyoko groaned. "You're the worst."
As she said that, she moved closer to Manaka and placed her head on his chest, without another word. Sayaka hesitated for a moment, then did the same, nestling against his side.
Manaka's chest rose and fell steadily as he let out a small chuckle, feeling the warmth of Kyoko resting against him. He knew she'd never outright admit it, but moments like these—where she let her guard down—were rare and precious.
Sayaka huffed from the other side of the bed. "Tch, acting all tough one second and then cuddling up to him the next? Hypocrite."
Kyoko grumbled against Manaka's chest, not bothering to lift her head. "Shut up, Sayaka. It's cold."
Sayaka rolled her eyes but, after a moment of hesitation, scooted closer as well. Manaka felt the shift in weight as she lightly rested her forehead against his shoulder. "Ugh, fine. But if that Yog girl comes back, I'm using you as a shield."
Manaka smirked. "Noted."
The room settled into a comfortable silence again, the only sound being the soft rustling of blankets and their quiet breathing.
The next day Manaka decided to cook something for everybody, he could have just created something by naming it but that would feel lackluster and bland, even the food would taste bad...though he was sure Madoka and Homura don't need food to survive, matter of fact do magical girls even need to eat food with the exception of Kyoko and Nagisa/Bebe, he should probably make her some cheesecake too and then make some tea for Mami and a whole lot of food for Kyoko.
Speaking about Kyoko, she was still sleepy when she came behind Manaka and placed her arms on his shoulder. "Give me food"
Manaka chuckled as he continued flipping the eggs in the pan. "Good morning to you too," he said, glancing back at Kyoko, who was half-asleep, clinging onto him like a lazy cat.
Kyoko groaned, resting her forehead against his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just feed me."
Sayaka walked into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes and stretching. "You seriously just woke up and the first thing you do is beg for food?"
Kyoko peeked one eye open and smirked. "Obviously."
"Sure, but we are having breakfast at the beach with the others, also you guys could literally go to one of the various houses I made for us"
Kyoko groaned dramatically. "Ugh, you're making us move before food? That's cruel."
Manaka smirked, flipping another egg onto a plate. "You'll survive."
"I love you but you're such a drag Ma.na.ka" She said whining.
Manaka chuckled, setting the plate down on the counter. "I love you too, Kyoko. Now go wake up properly before you drool on my shoulder."
Kyoko grumbled but reluctantly pulled away, rubbing her eyes as she leaned against the counter. Sayaka chuckled and went towards Manaka. "I'll help but where is my I love you"
Manaka smirked, glancing at Sayaka as he handed her a plate. "You're really fishing for one this early in the morning?"
Sayaka crossed her arms, feigning offense. "So Kyoko gets one, but I don't? Wow, favoritism."
Kyoko, still half-asleep, waved dismissively. "Tch, I earned mine."
Manaka chuckled, shaking his head before placing a hand lightly on Sayaka's head, ruffling her messy blue hair. "Alright, alright. I love you too, Sayaka."
Sayaka huffed but couldn't hide the slight smile creeping onto her face. "Damn right you do." She grabbed a piece of toast and took a bite, speaking between chews. "So, we're really having breakfast at the beach, huh? That means we should probably wake up the others."
Manaka nodded, finishing up the last of the cooking. "Yeah. Madoka and Homura are probably already up, but Mami and Nagisa might need a little nudging."
Kyoko, perking up slightly at the mention of food, finally moved from her half-leaning position and stretched. "Alright, fine. Let's get this over with."
Sayaka grinned. "Oh? Suddenly you have energy now?"
Kyoko smirked. "Obviously. Food's involved."
"Ok but first you both go change out of your pajamasbefore we head out. I'm not letting you two show up at the beach looking like you just rolled out of bed."
Kyoko groaned. "Tch, you're so strict, Ma-na-ka~" she teased, dragging out his name while yawning. "It's just breakfast, who cares?"
Sayaka smirked, already turning back toward her room. "I care. And also, if we show up in pajamas, Mami's gonna give us that look."
Kyoko shuddered. "Ugh. The Disappointed Mami Look. Fine, fine, I'm going." She trudged off toward her room, muttering complaints under her breath.
Manaka shook his head in amusement, finishing the last of the preparations before packing everything into a large picnic basket. He glanced out the window—golden morning light reflected off the waves, the scent of the ocean mixing with the crisp air. A perfect setting for a peaceful meal.
Of course, with this group, "peaceful" was a relative term.
By the time Kyoko and Sayaka returned, both dressed more appropriately—Kyoko in a red hoodie over her swimsuit and Sayaka in a light blue summer dress he made for them just in case—they were ready to head out.