Chapter 2: Hibiki Goes Wild

At school, Hirose and Hibiki didn't exchange a single word, even when their eyes met.

In the six months since they had entered high school, they hadn't spoken once. This silence was their "normal."

However, when Hirose entered the classroom, their eyes met briefly, and he felt as though they had reached a silent understanding. Shortly after, a notification chimed on Hirose’s phone.

'Meet me behind the first-floor stairs during lunch.'

'Got it.'

He was surprised by the sudden message, but he decided to head to the designated spot during lunch.

As he replied, he could hear the conversation of Hibiki’s group of beautiful friends.

"Hey, does my skin look any different today?"

"Hmm? ...I think your complexion looks a bit better than usual..."

"What’s up? Did you change your makeup?"

"Fufu... something like that~♪"

Hibiki was clearly conscious of the changes in her skin as she talked with her close friends.

It wasn't as if there had been a miraculous transformation yet. She needed to continue the treatment for a while to see major results. Still, she wanted to hear from her friends that she had become more beautiful.

As he watched Hibiki laughing and talking, Hirose found himself unable to look away.

When lunch arrived and he went to the blind spot under the stairs, Hibiki was already waiting.

"Yahoo~!"

"Y-Yeah, hey."

Hirose tried to match her high-energy greeting, but it felt a little embarrassing.

This was only the second time they’d spoken directly at school. He wasn't at all used to being alone with her.

Hibiki suddenly leaned in close to Hirose.

"Hey, look, look! Don't you think I've gotten a little prettier?"

A faint, pleasant scent wafted toward him. He took a step back, but Hibiki followed him with another step forward.

Because the change was subtle, Hirose couldn't quite tell. But looking closely, it did seem like she had become more radiant.

"Yeah. Maybe...?"

"Right! I definitely got prettier! Takanashi-kun, thank you so much!"

"U-Uh, yeah..."

She seemed to really want to hear that she was beautiful; she beamed with a wide smile.

"...You know, I’m actually really grateful."

"I can tell."

"Really~? You should be happier for me~"

Hibiki pouted her cheeks as she spoke.

"You probably already know this, but I'm not used to talking to girls like this... so please forgive me for being awkward."

"Fufu... you’re so cu~te."

"Hey, don't tease me..."

She smiled at him with a mischievous, upturned gaze. Hirose was overwhelmed by her cuteness and looked away.

"—You really are different from other boys."

"Eh..."

"No, nothing."

Hibiki said something meaningful but quickly brushed it off.

And then—

"Can you do it again after school today?"

Hirose was a bit surprised. For the treatment to be fully effective, he only needed to do it twice a week. In other words, it didn't have to be today.

After thinking for a moment, Hirose gave his answer.

"...Sure. Where should we meet?"

"Can you come straight to my house?"

"Got it."

It was decided that he would go to a beautiful girl’s house for the second day in a row. He knew he wouldn't be able to concentrate on his remaining classes.

After school. Hirose arrived at Hibiki’s house alone.

When he rang the intercom at the front of the detached house, Hibiki greeted him in her school uniform with a bright, sunny smile.

"Yahoo! Come in, come in!"

"Pardon the intrusion."

Just like yesterday, Hirose was led straight to Hibiki’s room on the second floor.

However, something was different today.

"Oh, you mean this? I realized I was letting you use your skill for free. I figured you’d be tired after using it, so I should at least provide some snacks and drinks."

On the low table sat bags of potato chips and other snacks, along with a glass of orange juice.

"Thanks. But I wasn't really looking for anything in return, so don't worry about it."

Just being able to spend time with a girl this beautiful is reward enough...

To Hirose, this situation was already a massive payout.

Furthermore, Hibiki trusted him—a guy—enough to let him into her room, and she was becoming the catalyst for him to start looking forward again after his dreams of being an adventurer were crushed. He was already receiving plenty without her doing anything extra.

"Is that so? Well, I felt like I had to do something, anyway."

With every conversation, Hirose’s impression of Hibiki continued to evolve.

He’d always assumed that "caste-top" girls like her looked down on everyone beneath them. Hirose had seen people like that in the past, so he’d never had a good impression of the popular crowd.

High schoolers who became adventurers were much the same. While there were none in Hirose’s current class, being an adventurer was a lucrative career. Seeing them risk their lives in dungeons made them stand out to the average student. Consequently, high school adventurers tended to be the stars of the school.

But the girl in front of him didn't look down on him; she spoke to him as an equal. She didn't seem to have any intention of exploiting his Gift, either. It was only natural that his opinion of her was shifting.

The two of them ate snacks and drank juice for a while before getting down to business.

"Today, I want to use <Skin Quality Improvement> again, but I also want you to use the <Fat Burning> skill."

Hibiki was currently crunching on potato chips—doing the exact opposite of what she was asking for.

"........"

"Ah, you’re thinking I’m doing the exact opposite of what I’m saying, aren't you?"

"I mean, snacks are definitely gonna make you gain weight."

"Today’s fine! It’s my 'Last Supper'!"

It was a hard claim to believe, but Hirose decided to take her word for it that it was just for today.

"But... is it okay?"

To use the skill, he had to touch her skin directly. Hibiki was the one taking the risk.

"........I’m only trusting you because it's you, Takanashi-kun, okay?"

Hibiki’s face turned a shade of red as she spoke.

"I’ve never been in my underwear in front of a boy before... I’m embarrassed, too."

"I-I see..."

With her face still flushed, Hibiki continued.

"I mean... even when I ended up in that state yesterday, you didn't do anything weird... If you were some player, you probably would have just..."

"I-I’d never do something like that! Besides, misusing a skill like that is a crime! I’d never, ever do that!"

"I-I see... You’re a gentleman, then."

Having wanted to be a serious adventurer, Hirose could never forgive the misuse of skills. Depending on the nature of the act, one could be arrested as a criminal. This was one of the laws established shortly after Gifts began manifesting in people.

"I don't know if I'm a gentleman or not... but I've never even had a girlfriend. I don't know the first thing about how to handle girls."

"Heh~~ Tee-hee."

"What are you laughing at?"

Knowing he’d never had a girlfriend, Hibiki covered her mouth and giggled.

He felt like he was being teased, but it didn't particularly bother him.

"That makes us the same, then."

"Is that... a good thing?"

"Who knows? But maybe it’s better for me right now that you aren't used to girls."

She probably meant she didn't have to worry about being assaulted.

Still, even knowing that, Hibiki’s state yesterday had been quite a distraction. She had been so disheveled and exposed.

"—I want you to do my arms, my stomach, and my legs. And... my butt, too..."

Hearing that, Hirose imagined Hibiki’s naked body and swallowed hard.

"Well then... if you're ready."

Hibiki, who had been sitting on the carpet, stood up and untied her ribbon.

She proceeded to unbutton her shirt from the top and let it drop to the floor. Finally, she unzipped her skirt, leaving her in nothing but her underwear. It was pure white lingerie that evoked a sense of innocence—a very cute design edged with lace.

Looking at the full view of Hibiki in her underwear, her body was so magnificent that he could hardly look at her directly.

Her shoulders were narrow and delicate. Despite not being particularly tall, she had two large fruits that looked like they might spill out of her bra. Her waist curved sharply into a beautiful line, leading down to a round, perky rear. Her slightly thick thighs gave way to slender, graceful legs.

Hibiki herself seemed concerned about her body fat, but she was slim where she needed to be and had curves in all the right places. Honestly, it was a healthy physique that most men would find irresistible.

"————"

"I’m embarrassed... say something."

"Wh-What am I supposed to say?"

A beautiful girl in her underwear. Despite her saying she was worried about her stomach yesterday, she had a beautifully defined waist. Her thighs, however, were a bit on the thicker side. To put it another way, it was more than enough to arouse Hirose’s desire.

"Like... I'm cute, or something?"

"Is that necessary for the skill?"

"Ugh... it’s fine! Just tell me I'm cute, I'll be happy!"

While expecting a gentlemanly attitude that wouldn't lead to anything weird, she was simultaneously demanding he tell her she was cute in her underwear. It was a bit contradictory, but Hibiki herself didn't quite understand why she had said it.

"...Y-You're cute."

"~~~~~~~~!"

"W-Why are you turning red!?"

Even though she had forced him to say it, Hibiki was the one blushing in embarrassment.

This unexpected reaction made Hirose’s body flush with heat, and he began to sweat slightly.

"...Ugh, fine, just hurry up and do it!"

"What is with her...? I really don't get girls."

Cutting off the conversation, Hibiki headed toward the bed. She laid her head on the pillow and turned onto her back.

"Excuse me..."

Hirose slowly climbed onto the bed and sat down near her feet.

"Do whatever you want... I won't resist."

"...Understood."

Her wording was a bit suggestive, but just like yesterday, Hirose cleared his mind of distractions and began to focus, determined to meet Hibiki’s expectations.

As he placed both hands on Hibiki’s thighs...

"—<Fat Burning>."

A faint, pale light emanated from his hands, and the <Fat Burning> massage began.

"Nng...!"

Activating the skill, he first began to knead her smooth, soft thighs.

Yesterday was <Skin Quality Improvement> on her face, but today was <Fat Burning> on her body. In his life up to this point, physical contact with a woman’s skin like this would have been impossible. Though nervous, Hirose performed the treatment with utmost seriousness.

While <Skin Quality Improvement> only required gentle stroking, <Fat Burning> required the strength to knead. As he worked, he realized this was actually quite exhausting.

Furthermore, he had to keep going until the light in his hands faded. With the expanded surface area today, it was going to be a real ordeal.

S-So soft... Is a girl’s thigh really this...

The first time he’d ever touched a woman’s thigh. And since it belonged to such a beautiful girl, he couldn't help but be conscious of it.

Perhaps that was why Hirose asked Hibiki a question to distract himself.

"Does it hurt?"

"Actually... it feels so good... I feel like I might fall asleep."

Hibiki had been making strange noises yesterday, but today was a little different.

Does it change depending on the location?

Wondering this, he continued kneading her left leg, moving from the thigh toward the ankle.

Though she wasn't that tall, her legs stretched out from her somewhat voluptuous thighs. They weren't quite like a gazelle's, but they were certainly attractive.

As he moved on to massage her right leg, beads of sweat began to appear on Hirose’s forehead. He rolled up his sleeves and settled in for the long haul.

"Hyaaah!?"

However, the quality of her voice changed drastically when he began to knead her inguinal region—the groin area at the base of her legs. Hibiki hid her face with both hands.

"Keep going... don't stop..."

"O-Okay. Also, I’m sorry, but if you could open your legs a bit more..."

"L-Like this? Ahh... I can’t believe I’m in this position...!"

With her face still hidden, Hibiki pulled her legs wide, settling into a posture that resembled an M-shape. Her underwear was pulled tight against her skin. The things he’d been trying not to look at were now in plain view, and he could see the mound of her most private area through the fabric.

"Thank you..."

Hirose made sure not to touch her sensitive parts as he firmly stimulated her inguinal region with both hands.

"Ah... ah... no... my hips... they're moving on their own... ♡"

As he massaged her groin, Hibiki’s hips began to lift and tremble in small increments.

Illustration

"Haa—haa—ahh! ♡"

She exhaled sharply, trying to mitigate the stimulation made hypersensitive by the Backlash, but in the end, her feelings leaked out in her voice.

"Rindou-san... hang in there."

"I know... I'm trying! But... this... isn't something... you just get used to! ♡"

The power of the Gift was absolute. The fact that the Backlash was occurring was proof that Hirose’s skill was working perfectly.

Desperately resisting the side effects, she simply couldn't fight it. Sweat began to seep from her body, and Hirose’s hands soon became slick with it.

"I’m moving to your stomach next."

"Haah, haah... yeah... please."

After finally finishing her legs, the treatment moved upward. She’d said she was worried about her stomach, but it was tightly curved, with a beautiful navel pointing toward the ceiling.

A beautiful girl really is beautiful all over...

Normally, a girl would hate having a member of the opposite sex touch her stomach. However, Hibiki trusted Hirose, even if it was for the sake of beauty. As promised, she showed no resistance at all.

Hirose gripped her stomach with both hands and began kneading.

"Hyah!"

Hibiki began to cry out again.

Perhaps because of the skill, her body temperature was rising and her skin felt warm.

"This is going to take some time, so please bear with it."

"I know... but... ah... nngh!?"

At least ten minutes were required for each section. Twenty minutes had already passed just doing her legs.

I wonder if the time will be reduced as the skill grows. This is seriously hard work...

Calculating it out, a full-body treatment would take over an hour. Hirose realized that being a massage therapist was a demanding profession.

"Haah... hyaaah! ♡ ...haah, haah... hngh!?"

Her moans wouldn't stop. He wasn't doing anything indecent, yet Hibiki’s face was flushed and her body was bucking.

She’d said she felt like she might fall asleep earlier, but she was well past that point now.

"Okay... next is the shoulders and arms."

"Haah... haah... it’s hot... my body is so hot... ♡"

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Hirose moved to Hibiki’s shoulders and arms.

As he brought his body closer to her arms, her large chest inevitably entered his field of vision. Somehow managing to push aside his stray thoughts, Hirose started with her left arm, kneading from the shoulder down.

"Ah... this part feels just right..."

It might sound strange, but the degree to which an area was an erogenous zone seemed to influence how much the Backlash affected her.

So far, she’d only moaned heavily during the treatment of her groin and stomach. If her legs, shoulders, and arms were fine, it was hard not to reach that conclusion.

Once he’d finished both arms and her jawline, he had Hibiki turn over onto her stomach and took a long breath.

Just a little more... I can do this.

But then, he realized a major problem. Hirose couldn't help but ask.

"Rindou-san, this is really hard to say... but are we really doing your butt, too...?"

What he saw was Hibiki’s beautiful, prominent rear. To be honest, Hirose thought it was perfectly proportioned and didn't need any treatment at all.

However, if he was going to do it, he had to touch it directly. That meant he had to put his hands inside her underwear and knead.

"I’ve... made up my mind. Besides, Takanashi-kun... your hands feel somehow reassuring. I feel like I can trust you with my body... so... it’s okay."

"Are... are you sure?"

"Yeah... do it."

Hibiki’s face was buried in the pillow, so he couldn't see her expression. But she was definitely embarrassed.

Taking the plunge, Hirose slid both hands into Hibiki’s underwear.

"Hyaaan!?"

It was likely the first time anyone had ever touched her bottom.

Hibiki’s rear was perfectly fleshy—exactly like a marshmallow. Its elasticity and firmness were beyond reproach. It was incredibly beautiful, without a single blemish or breakout.

So soft... I can’t believe I’m actually touching a beautiful girl’s butt like this...

Hirose steeled himself and began to knead.

"Ah... hngh...! There... that’s the most... no... my body is going crazy... ♡"

Sinking, sinking. Hirose’s fingers sank deep into Hibiki’s soft flesh. The sensation of all ten fingers plunging in was a softness that brought happiness even to the hands of the one performing the treatment.

Grateful for this incredible perk, Hirose pressed his fingers into her cheeks again and again.

As he continued, sweat began to seep from her skin there as well.

That sweat mixed with the sweat on Hirose’s hands, making them glide more easily.

"Ahhh! ♡ My butt... not my butt... it’s the first time... it’s the first time I’ve been touched there! ♡ If you do that much, I’ll lose it! Ah... hngh... It’s hot... it’s so hot... ♡"

Hibiki’s sultry cries were incessant. Though he was performing a serious massage, to anyone else, it would look like he was doing something lewd. It was the fault of the skill’s Backlash, but it was unavoidable.

"Takanashi... kun... I can’t... anymore..."

"Just bear with it. It’s almost over... only a little longer."

"How am I supposed to... bear this...? Hyaaah! ♡"

Every time she cried out, Hibiki’s body trembled violently.

As the treatment of her rear neared its end, he suddenly noticed something.

Between the cheeks he was kneading, a glimpse of her white underwear revealed a damp stain that hadn't been there before, seeping out from her lower half. He didn't say it out loud, but he understood what it meant.

And then, the final stretch.

He continued to knead her rear. Then, at the very end, a massive change came over Hibiki.

"—No, no, no, no... I can’t... I can’t anymore! ♡ ...It’s okay, right? It’s fine! Ah, ahhh, ahhh... AAAAAHHHH—!?"

Her toes curled as her head snapped back violently, like a leaping fish. A few seconds later, she collapsed onto the bed, lying motionless as if she had lost consciousness.

"It felt... too good... I’m done for... ♡"

Watching her, Hirose was stunned.

Was that... no way... it was, wasn't it?

He had just witnessed an incredible sight.

It had only been two days since they’d first spoken, yet he felt like he’d seen things he was never supposed to see.

"Rindou-san... you did great..."

For now, Hirose decided to praise her efforts.

However, there was still one more spot left that she’d asked for: her back. They’d agreed not to touch her chest, where she didn't want to lose fat, but then Hibiki said something outrageous.

"Take off... my bra...?"

"Wait... but..."

The back of her black bra—where the hooks were—was pressed firmly against her skin. Just as Hibiki said, it seemed like it would be quite difficult to slide his hands in and knead. She must have realized it would be hard for him to work like that.

Still, Hirose hesitated. This felt like she was entrusting him with too much of herself.

"It’s okay... I want you to do my back properly... and if you leave it on, Takanashi-kun, your hands will start to hurt."

"........If you say so, Rindou-san."

How many times would he have to swallow hard today? How many times would he have to steel his resolve?

It was nothing but ordeal after ordeal for the virginal Hirose.

He reached for the hooks of the bra, not quite knowing how to undo them.

After some trial and error, he finally managed to unhook it. What he saw were the marks left by the bra on her beautiful back. The bra that supported her large chest seemed to have been quite tight.

"Alright, I'm starting."

"Please do."

Hirose’s treatment entered its final stage.

—Treatment complete.

Several dozen minutes later, once all areas were finished, the light in his hands faded, and today’s skill activation came to an end.

"Takanashi-kun... good job..."

"You too, Rindou-san... good job."

Both were breathing heavily. Hirose’s arms were trembling and twitching; he felt like it was impossible to use his skill anymore today. To use a Gift, one used a type of energy called "Mana" that resided within the human body. The feeling of it being drained was one of overwhelming exhaustion.

Still lying facedown, Hibiki smiled and shifted slightly toward the back of the bed.

"Here, Takanashi-kun, you rest too. You can lie down on the bed."

"Eh... okay."

He was surprised, but he found he couldn't refuse Hibiki’s request.

Hirose laid down on his back on the bed.

"—Hey, Takanashi-kun, your name is Hirose, right?"

"Yeah, it's Hirose. Takanashi Hirose."

He was a bit surprised she remembered his name as he gave his full name.

"I'm gonna call you Hirose from now on."

"...Okay... wait, what?"

"You call me Hibiki, too."

"Is that okay?"

"I’m the one saying it, so of course it is."

"............Hibiki."

"Fufu."

When he called her name, Hibiki’s expression turned melty, and she turned her head to the side to smile at him.

That expression made Hirose blush.

"We really don't know anything about each other, do we?"

"I mean, yesterday was the first time we ever talked."

"Then we have to get to know each other properly from now on."

It was an affectionate statement from Hibiki, suggesting she wanted to be close to him.

"I guess... so... Wait, WHOA!?"

The moment he replied, he happened to turn toward Hibiki. She had turned onto her back without him noticing.

And... she wasn't wearing her bra. She wasn't even trying to hide herself with her hands.

He’d left the bra unhooked after the back massage. Which meant Hibiki’s beautiful, large chest was now completely exposed.

"Hibiki!?"

Hirose was so shocked that he immediately covered his eyes with his hands.

"Hirose... what do you... think of me?"

"Where is this coming from all of a sudden...? Anyway, put your... put your bra back on!"

It was a sudden, confusing question from Hibiki. For now, Hirose couldn't help but be distracted by her chest.

"Just answer me."

"............You stand out in class... and even among everyone, I think you're in the especially cute category..."

"Is that all?"

"...You have a bright personality, and you actually talk to someone like me... I think you're a better person than I thought."

"What else?"

"It’s not like I have a list ready! We've only been talking for two days!"

"I guess so... That’s why—"

Suddenly, he felt a weight on his body.

"To learn more about my charms... let’s get closer, okay?"

"Hibiki...!"

Her eyes were filled with longing, and her flushed face looked like she could no longer hold something back.

"You know... I’ve been struggling with skin irritation for a long time, ever since elementary school. It’s gotten a little better, but new acne keeps popping up over and over... Look, even here."

She took Hirose’s hand and brought it close to her chin.

" I couldn't tell at all..."

"I hide it with makeup... When I thought about that being fixed... I was just so happy, I actually cried a little..."

Hirose didn't understand why Hibiki had been so distressed. But for a woman, beauty was that important...

"That’s why right now, I have so many emotions swirling inside me... happiness, gratitude, and—"

Hibiki then pressed her two "cantaloupes" against Hirose’s upper body.

"I don't really understand you, Hibiki..."

"But surely you understand... the state my body is in right now... don't you?"

What flashed through Hirose’s mind was the stain on Hibiki’s underwear.

The meaning behind it—

"Part of it is definitely that I'm so excited I can't help myself. ...But I think part of it is that I want to do it because it’s you, Hirose."

"That’s just the Backlash from the skill... Besides, I’m... I’m a virgin."

"I’m a virgin, too."

"Then all the more—mmpfh!?"

In an instant, an incredibly soft sensation was transmitted to Hirose’s lips. it was a deep first kiss that felt like an electric shock running all the way to his brain.

At the same time, Hirose’s hands were gripped by Hibiki’s, their fingers interlocking.

"Mmph... haah... We really... kissed, didn't we? ♡"

A thin thread of saliva stretched between their lips.

"I’m... really your first, aren't I?"

"Yeah... Did you hate that I was your first, Hirose?"

"How could I ever hate that...? I just meant... for someone like you to have someone like me..."

"Then, I'll make you understand—"

Hibiki pressed her lips against his again and again from above, making lewd, wet sounds.

Hirose couldn't resist; the feeling was so good that he simply accepted it.

I feel like I'm going crazy... this is...!

"Now... do you understand how I feel?"

"Completely..."

"Then... I'm taking these off."

"Ah—"

I shall say no more of what followed.

Exhausted from using his skill, Hirose was left at Hibiki’s mercy.

Yesterday was only a facial treatment. But today, because of the skill’s Backlash, Hibiki’s entire body was hotter and more sensitive than before, and she could no longer hold herself back.

"Well then, see you tomorrow."

"Yeah. Thanks for today—wait, why am I the one saying thanks?"

"Isn't it because we did something worth saying thanks for?"

"Hibiki..."

"Tee-hee!"

Hirose had used his skill on Hibiki. After that, he’d lost to Hibiki’s forcefulness and they’d gone all the way.

Hibiki knew how cute she was. Hirose, on the other hand, felt that it was a miracle that someone like him could share such intimacy with someone as high-caste as Hibiki. Perhaps that was why the words "thank you" had come out.

It had been Hibiki’s first time, too. Afterward, she kept saying her stomach hurt, but she never stopped smiling. They’d curled up together naked under a blanket, and Hibiki had clung to Hirose’s arm as they talked about themselves.

Hirose told her how he’d always aimed to be an adventurer and how that dream had been cut short.

When Hibiki heard that, she didn't offer words of comfort, but she did stroke his head with a "there, there."

On the other hand, Hibiki apparently had people make fun of her appearance back in elementary school. That was the reason it had become such a complex for her.

Since then, she’d worked hard to change her hairstyle, makeup, and even her clothes to become the cute girl she was today. That was why her beauty consciousness was higher than anyone else's. However, her skin was the one thing she just couldn't seem to fix, no matter how hard she tried.

"Once the skill’s effects show up, I'll say thank you to you properly."

"Yeah."

His body exhausted in two different ways, Takanashi Hirose left Hibiki’s house and headed straight home.

◇

"Hirooo-se!"

"Oh, hey, Hibiki."

The two of them had finally reached the point of calling each other by their given names.

About two weeks had passed since the treatments began. Having shared skin-to-skin contact and deepened their bond, they were finally heading out on their very first real date.

"You got here before me? What a total gentleman, Hirose!"

"I just happened to be early. Anyway... Hibiki, that outfit looks really great on you today."

In the past, Hirose never would have been able to compliment a girl so easily. But now, the words slipped out of his mouth naturally.

"Aw, thanks! And... anything else~?"

"...Your skin. It looks... beautiful."

"Hehe, correct!"

Hibiki flashed a calculated, mischievous grin when he gave her the answer she’d been fishing for.

Two weeks in, the changes in Hibiki’s skin were becoming impossible to ignore.

"Whoa... This is kind of embarrassing," Hirose muttered.

"Don't worry about it, don't worry about it!"

Hibiki suddenly hooked her arm through his. They were right in front of the station with plenty of people watching. Hirose felt his face heat up, but Hibiki refused to let go.

Their first stop was a clothing store. Since Hirose was largely indifferent to fashion, Hibiki had suggested that she give him a total makeover.

They stepped into a standard fast-fashion outlet. Hirose had been in places like this before when accompanying his mother, but he had no idea what actually looked good on him.

"Hmm... Hirose, you seem like a 'Warm Autumn' type, so I think these earth tones would suit you perfectly!"

"Warm... what now?"

"Never mind! Just try this on. Oh, look, that big changing room over there is open. Let's use that one."

Hibiki threw out a bunch of terms he didn't understand, but since it was her recommendation, he didn't protest. He took the clothes she’d picked and headed for the stall.

"Wait—Hibiki?! Why are you coming in here too?!"

"What are you making a fuss about now? It’s a little late to be shy after we’ve seen every single inch of each other's bodies, don't you think?"

"I mean, yeah, but..."

Hirose panicked as Hibiki followed him right into the cramped space. He ended up having to change right in front of her.

"Hmm... Has your body gotten a bit more toned lately?" Hibiki asked, watching him as he stripped to the waist.

"I wonder. Maybe it's from using so much strength during the massages? Or maybe..."

"Or maybe?"

"N-never mind!"

"...Is it because we’ve been doing such intense things?"

"I... If doing that made people lose weight, every couple in the world would be skin and bones."

"I don't know about that. It’s still exercise, right?"

She teased him, suggesting his physique had improved because of their sexual encounters. Hirose, however, still wasn't used to discussing such things so openly.

"Ooh! Not bad, not bad at all! It looks great on you!"

"Really...? Well, if you think it's good... I'm glad."

"Yeah! Next time, I’ll introduce you to my hair stylist. We’ll get you a really cool haircut!"

"You're really going for the full coordination, aren't you?"

"Hey, I’ve been obsessed with fashion since elementary school. Just leave it to me!"

In the end, Hirose bought exactly what Hibiki told him to. He wasn't entirely sure if it suited him, but seeing Hibiki so happy made it worth it.

After leaving the clothing store, they grabbed a bite to eat, browsed through a gift shop, and eventually ended up at a photo booth to take some sticker pictures.

"What is this? This doesn't even look like my face."

"Hehe, that’s just how they work! Here, this one’s for you, Hirose."

He stared at the photo she handed him. The digital processing had turned him into a different person entirely, and he couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

"I’m gonna stick mine inside my phone case!" Hibiki chirped.

"Wait... won't people see it?"

"It’ll be fine! As long as I don't take the case off, it’s our little secret."

They weren't officially 'dating' yet. However, Hibiki's actions were clearly fueled by genuine affection.

"Also, Hirose... Today, whenever we were outside, you kept making sure to walk on the side closer to the street, didn't you?"

"Ah... you noticed?"

"It’s our first date, and I could tell you were trying really hard for me. It made me happy."

"It was just some last-minute knowledge I looked up on the internet, though."

"No... it’s the thought that counts. Really."

"I see. Then I'm glad."

The sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of brilliant orange. They boarded the train home together, and after getting off at their stop, they walked side-by-side at a leisurely pace.

"Ah..."

Suddenly, Hirose felt something brush against his left hand. He didn't even need to look to know what it was.

Hibiki had gently taken his hand in hers. Thrilled, Hirose gently squeezed back.

He stole a glance at her face. Whether it was the reflection of the sunset or something else, her cheeks seemed to be glowing a deep, beautiful red.

◇

And so, twice a week—actually, more often than that—Hirose began visiting Hibiki’s house, often just to hang out regardless of whether it was time for a treatment.

At first, they had alternated between using the <Skin Quality Improvement> and <Fat Burning> skills, but eventually, Hirose realized he could use them simultaneously, and they continued the sessions that way.

Then, one morning a month later...

"Ah... Oh my god... this is incredible..."

Upon waking up and heading to the bathroom, Hibiki stood frozen before the mirror.

She patted her face repeatedly, even pinching her cheeks to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Only then did it finally sink in. The effects of Hirose’s skills, which had been manifesting gradually, had finally reached their absolute peak.

"My skin... it’s like a baby's!"

It was as if every cell in her skin had been replaced. It was fine-textured, moist, and radiant. It was so supple and bouncy that calling it "baby-soft" felt like an understatement.

"The pores, the blemishes... even the redness is completely gone. I think I even look fairer because of it."

As she slid her hand across her cheek, the difference from the night before was staggering. It was smooth, without a trace of oiliness—the perfect skin she had always dreamed of.

"Which means..."

Hibiki threw off her pajamas, standing there in only her underwear.

"I knew it!"

The marks from the breakouts on her shoulders and back were entirely gone. More than that, she didn't even need a scale to see that her body had leaned out significantly.

"I did it! It really worked...!"

The weight loss wasn't skeletal; it was healthy. Perhaps Hirose’s subconscious had influenced the skill, or perhaps he simply believed that being too thin wasn't good—either way, she had attained a stunning figure that maintained all her feminine curves.

"Hirose... you’re amazing. I wonder if you have any idea just how grateful I am..."

Thinking of the boy she had already fallen for, Hibiki whispered her feelings to the empty room.

"Whoa, Hibiki, what happened?! You look even more gorgeous than usual!"

"I swear you look thinner... and your skin is literally glowing!"

The moment Hibiki arrived at school, she was cornered by her close friends, Himari Motoya and Umiri Ihara.

The second they saw her, their eyes went wide. A moment later, they were all over her, poking and prodding at her face, legs, and even her stomach.

"Hey! That tickles! Stop touching me so much!"

"I can't help it! I mean, look at her, Umirin!"

"Right?! Seriously, what did you do?"

The two were dying of curiosity over the visible transformation. As the top three of the class hierarchy, they were all beautiful, but Hibiki’s recent change had pushed her beauty into a completely different league. Of course they wanted to know her secret.

"I told you guys before, didn't I? I changed my skincare routine... and I've been dieting. I’ve actually been working pretty hard, you know?"

That was a total lie.

Hibiki had done nothing but lie on her bed. The only thing she had lost was her virginity. And since she had been the one to proactively pursue that, it hadn't cost her a dime, nor had she really had to starve herself.

"No way. You can't change that much just from that."

"Wait... Hey, Hima! I think I figured it out!"

"Eh...?"

Umiri shook Himari’s shoulder as if she’d just had a breakthrough.

Wait, did they find out...? Hibiki panicked, fearing they’d realized it was the work of a Gift.

"I bet... you got a boyfriend, didn't you?!"

"Huh?!" Both Himari and Hibiki shouted in unison.

However, their surprises carried entirely different meanings. Himari was shocked at the idea of her friend having a boyfriend, while Hibiki was just stunned by the unexpected accusation.

"Hibiki! Is it true?!"

"No, no! I told you, I don't... Geez, Umirin. If I got a boyfriend, I’d tell you guys!"

"But they always say a girl gets prettier when she’s in love!"

"I mean, I’ve heard that too, but... I don't have one."

Hibiki averted her eyes. She didn't have a "boyfriend," per se. But she had someone very close to her.

Since that first time, she and Hirose had shared more than just one intimate moment. They did it almost every time he came over.

Yet, neither of them had uttered the words "Let’s date." If they did, it would undoubtedly become a proper relationship, but for some reason, they both hesitated to say it.

"Aha! There was a total pause just now!"

"Well, well... looks like we need to take her to a family restaurant and grill her until she talks~"

"I’m telling you, there’s nothing! Besides, I have plans today, so I can't."

"See! She’s got a date with her boyfriend!"

"I said that's not it!"

From there, it was essentially a done deal in their minds. Convinced she was hiding a guy, Himari and Umiri spent the rest of the day relentlessly teasing her. By the time school was out, Hibiki was completely exhausted from their onslaught.