"Didn't expect you to remember me."
Souta chuckled, gesturing to the seat across from him for Origami to sit down.
He subtly scanned the surroundings with his spiritual sense.
Once he confirmed no one was observing him, he relaxed.
Reiryoku was a strange power, not only could it actively gather information, it was also highly effective at counter-surveillance.
With Souta's level of spiritual strength, if someone were secretly watching him by magic or camera, he'd feel it.
For example, right now, he could tell a few girls in the shop were sneakily taking pictures of him on their phones.
Sigh. Being this good-looking due to optimized genes is such a hassle.
"Of course I remember!" Origami replied firmly.
Then, realizing she'd spoken a bit too loudly, she looked slightly embarrassed.
She quickly took the seat across from Souta and hunched slightly, as if trying to avoid the stares of others in the shop.
That reaction… yeah, this was definitely "Little Origami."
"No need to be nervous," Souta said gently, trying to ease her tension. "You seem really happy to see me again. I'm kind of flattered."
"Mm, I really am happy. Souta, you've given me such a wonderful surprise!"
Hearing his tone still warm and familiar, Origami relaxed and gave a sweet smile.
Curious about her current condition, Souta asked:
"Origami, right now ... which one are you?"
"Hm?" Origami tilted her head slightly. "Which one… what do you mean?"
"Let me rephrase, do you have memories from the other timeline or are the Origamis from each worldline two separate personalities?"
"Ah, I see what you mean now." Origami nodded. "We're two independent personalities, but we share the same memories."
As she spoke, she suddenly recalled something… less wholesome.
Her pale cheeks turned pink.
"That other me… she's a total pervert! She tried to lick… lick the spoon Shiori used just now."
"…!"
Souta paused mid-sip of his coffee.
"And that's not all!"
It seemed Origami had found a familiar ear in Souta or perhaps just slipped back into their old dynamic, because she launched into a tirade:
"I didn't even want to go on that date with Shiori! But she hijacked my body while I was sleeping. Got up at 5 a.m., put on this… super racy lingerie.
The date was at 11, and she went to the meeting spot at 6 a.m., just stood there waiting for hours. When Shiori arrived, she lied and said she 'just got here', so now my whole body is sore!
She dragged Shiori to a… an adult shop! Bought tons of… stuff! I got such weird looks from the staff… ugh.
She even made Shiori grope me… and wanted to lick Shiori's cheek.
If I hadn't stopped her, she'd have dragged Shiori to a hotel by now… she's totally out of control!"
"…!" Souta's hand trembled slightly as he held his coffee.
Imagining those scenes playing out on Origami's delicate face… he felt an inappropriate surge of excitement.
No doubt about it, Origami was a true veteran.
She knows how to play.
"Ah, sorry, I just keep complaining…"
Realizing how much she'd overshared, Origami quickly lowered her head and covered her face, avoiding Souta's gaze.
Was I being too selfish? Too inappropriate?
But Souta had always treated her kindly… surely he wouldn't mind a little venting?
"Tch! You're the one who stopped me. I could've already gotten to the French kiss part with Shiori by now!"
Suddenly, she looked up again, dropped her hands, and clicked her tongue.
Her tone had shifted, now laced with irritation.
"You're in the way!"
Her whole demeanor had flipped.
From shy and reserved to fierce and confrontational.
Like she'd gone from timid mouse to power-punching boss.
"You're… the Origami from the other timeline?"
Souta steadied his coffee, took a sip, and asked in a low voice.
What the heck is going on!?
Just a moment ago she was blushing and shy and now this!?
"Mm." Origami nodded. "Long time no see, Souta. Did you just get back from the past?"
"I've been back for a while, just busy. Finally had some time today, so I came to check on you or rather, Little Origami."
After clearing that up, Souta asked:
"So, you two can just… switch personalities at will now?"
"Kind of." Origami replied calmly. "We usually take turns based on a schedule. But if we both want out at the same time, we… compete. Whoever wins gets control."
"I feel like I'm living inside a psychological thriller now…"
Souta twitched.
Then asked:
"So, you forced control just now because you had something to say to me?"
"Yes. I came to give you a warning."
Origami stared at him seriously:
"You can't make a move on me. My first time belongs to Shiori!"
"PFT———!"
Souta spat out his coffee, frantically grabbing tissues to clean up and set his cup down.
For a moment… he genuinely had no idea how to respond.
After much internal debate, he tried asking:
"Why would you think… I'd try anything?"
"Because I—I mean, the other me likes you a lot. Just like I like Shiori.
She's missed you for five years. She might not be able to stay away. Even if you don't make a move on her, she might try something on you. She's inherited some of my… habits."
She spoke calmly, as if she were talking about someone else entirely.
"Since I share her memories, I want to thank you, Souta.
Thank you for saving my parents. Thank you for stopping me from killing them. Thank you for the life-saving gear you left behind, which helped them survive.
Thank you for staying with the me from five years ago and giving me so many happy memories. If I hadn't met Shiori, you probably would've been the most important person in my life.
But… the one I love most is still Shiori."
Origami locked eyes with him, firm and unwavering:
"I would never cheat. So give it up."
Souta: "…?"
He suddenly felt like he'd stumbled into some over-the-top romantic soap opera, unable to wrap his head around the situation.
Wait, did I ever say I was going to make a move on you!?
Why did this suddenly turn into a "don't sleep with me" conversation!? Not gonna lie, very tempting...