Harpy's First Date
'Nyaang~ So my master's going on a date.'
"Don't tease me."
'No, it's just too funny. And your first partner isn't even human.'
"When you put it that way, it sounds pretty harsh. Besides, if we're being technical, you live with me."
'Huh?'
While rummaging through the closet and fielding Nero's quips one after another, that pleasant voice suddenly cut off for a moment.
"Nero?"
'No, it's because you suddenly said something weird..'
"How about this outfit?"
If it's a date, this has to be the one, right? I don't even remember when I bought it, but this sharp tuxedo might even satisfy picky Nero.
'...Where on earth did that bow tie come from..?'
"Does it look weird?"
'Forget all that and just wear the clothes you had on for the interview.'
"Is it really that bad?"
"Nyaauung..."
'It's a good thing you don't have many outfits.. If our master's closet were any bigger, he'd probably come home crying every day.'
"I can hear you.. Anyway, this is what you meant, right?"
'Leaving a perfectly good hanger behind and struggling with clothes—if that's not a talent, I don't know what is.. Yeah, that one!'
Finally pulling out the plain coat Nero's paw pointed to, I checked the time and realized I was cutting it close to our meeting.
"Thanks. This is all thanks to you! And I won't be back until tomorrow, so don't wait up, okay?"
Thud! Beep— Beep—
After hurriedly shoving my feet into my shoes and dashing out, the door closed behind my master, and only after the automatic lock clicked did the black cat left alone in the quiet room lick the back of her paw and mutter.
'Who exactly is waiting for whom?'
The early morning commotion passed and peace returned, yet Nero's voice didn't sound particularly refreshed.
"Meow."
'..Idiot.'
*
"..."
Shiver shiver shiver shiver shiver..
In this wait that made one minute feel like an hour.. my seated legs, tense with anticipation and nervousness, trembled ridiculously the moment my mind wandered even slightly.
Today's work wasn't at the museum but in a quiet downtown area—a limited space consisting of a shopping street, movie theater, and hotel secured by the field team—where Harpy was finally allowed her first outing.
"Were you waiting here?"
"...!"
Startled by the crisp voice that poked at my ears while I sat tense, I shot up from my seat and turned toward the sound, immediately recognizing its owner.
"Response Team Leader?"
Every time I saw her, I thought the office look suited her, but seeing her in casual clothes now made me realize she simply had an excellent figure. A light sky-blue blouse paired with a slightly oversized cream knit vest, black slacks, and heeled shoes.. She really gave off the vibe of a college student. The kind who could casually boss around several guys in her department.
"Yes. Disappointed it's me?"
'Hehe.. With a sweet position like this, I'd never refuse.'
"..Of course not."
I'd heard that since this was her first outing, another guide besides me would accompany Harpy. I just hadn't expected it to be the Response Team Leader.. And what was that about a "sweet position"?
'Ah, the Management Team Leader isn't with her today, I see.'
Seeming to recall my ability to hear inner voices from my puzzled expression, the Response Team Leader wiped the excited laughter from her face and looked at me as if nothing had happened.
..So that's possible.
"First time seeing you out of a suit? This outfit.. feels like you rushed to a friend's wedding."
"A friend's wedding? Rushed..?"
"It means you're putting in less effort than usual. After all, I'm not the main character today."
Ah. Only after hearing that did my gaze finally reach the someone awkwardly hiding behind her back.
"..Uuu.."
"Harpy?"
At my call, she flinched so hard that I was certain it was her. I'd heard she no longer reacted as extremely when approached, even if she still struggled, but I had no idea when she'd grown so close to the Response Team Leader.
"Harpy, the Counselor's been waiting for you."
"Uut.."
"I've gotten a bit closer to Harpy while helping her pick out clothes and do her makeup this time. You can look forward to it. Even another woman thinks she's adorable."
Haha. If someone with such great style as the Response Team Leader said that, I couldn't help but feel excited.
"Harpy, come on. Don't forget the outing is limited to twenty-three hours—from ten in the morning today until nine tomorrow morning."
Spurred by the Response Team Leader's words that we'd waste precious time if we dawdled, Harpy very slowly emerged from her shadow and stepped into the warm sunlight.
"..."
"..."
Not exaggerating, but "...."
I couldn't close my mouth for a while. I couldn't even blink. Because even that brief moment felt too precious to waste.
"..Ha."
The first thing that caught my eye was the thick white knit top that matched her soft impression perfectly. Probably because of the nature of knitwear itself. Normally the cozy fabric might be the end of it, but the more three-dimensional the figure, the more knitwear transforms into something entirely different, creating unfiltered curves and shadows with a surprising charm. Her undeniable volume brought that out beautifully, leaving my mouth completely dry.
But then what about the wings' outline? The answer came in the form of the shawl cardigan draped over her shoulders. A pale pink slightly lighter than strawberry milk gently brought out her cute atmosphere without being excessive. Though it might feel odd in the heat of summer, it was a perfectly suitable outer layer for the current cool weather. It also conveniently covered the side profile of the knit top, which had become far too provocative for its original purpose.
And below that..
"..Ah."
A rush of heat surged from my stomach, struck the crown of my head, and made my nose tingle. Faced with the black miniskirt paired in complete contrast to the wrapped-up top and the plump thighs beneath it, I pressed the back of my hand to my philtrum, worried blood might actually come out—but fortunately, nothing embarrassing happened.
Then, when my gaze finally dropped all the way down, I saw the deep coffee-colored long boots that completed the outfit she'd prepared. The top won with purity and cuteness, while the difficult-to-match items below were covered solely by her figure, giving off an "I wear this much" kind of reversed charm. Of course, it was hard to view the top as purely pure and cute when.. that lethal presence was..
Anyway, the makeup—focused mainly on eye makeup and clearly helped by the Response Team Leader—revealed an older sister's personal taste in dressing up her innocent younger sister for her first time outside. Even so, Harpy, whose looks far exceeded average, pulled it off naturally. Yet she still worried it might not suit her and showed a shy expression.. I couldn't think of anything more lovable.
"Counselor.. sir?"
'Really... does it suit me..? These pretty clothes...'
Despite the worried content, her voice was bright like a child on a picnic. Clearly because she enjoyed being dressed up, as confirmed in the documents. So what I needed to say here was obvious.
"It suits you perfectly, Harpy.. You're really beautiful."
"...Uuthee.."
As if trying to hold back the corners of her mouth that were rising without permission, Harpy lightly bit her lower lip, hunched her shoulders, and avoided my gaze. Her face was naturally flushing red.
"..."
And.. I could feel it too. My own face was probably red as well, if not quite as much—my burning cheeks told me so.
'He's completely smitten. Can't you see this side? I'm starting to feel a little offended..'
"Ahem, mm.."
Perhaps she was displeased at being treated like she was invisible for a moment? The Response Team Leader's inner voice snapped me out of my daze.
"This won't do. Remember our promise for next week? I'll have to put in more effort then."
"Yes, I remember.."
"Anyway, I'll explain once more, so Counselor, lend me your ear for a moment.. No, just listen."
'If you can hear me, nod your head.'
Things she didn't want Harpy to hear? When I nodded, she began reiterating the precautions for this outing.
'I'll explain again midway anyway, but first, the outing time is until nine tomorrow morning, as I said before. You can return earlier if you want, but since I want to rest outside as long as possible, I'd appreciate it if you used the full time.'
Nod..
'Since the guide is considered on a business trip, all expenses—meals, facility use, everything—will be covered by the company card. So if you're going to spend, eat something expensive and delicious and rest somewhere nice.'
Nod?
'Ah, and you've memorized the permitted area for this outing, right? The field team will be watching from various places, so please refrain from any sudden actions. That said, don't ruin this date by worrying too much about their gazes. Once you get used to it, it'll be fine.'
Nod nod.
'As long as you keep to the set time and place and avoid dangerous behavior, everything's fine. So if there's something you want to do, don't hesitate—just do it.'
Anything, anything at all..
"Alright, please lead the way. It's a bit funny coming from me, but I don't plan on standing here with sore legs while escorting two such beauties. Harpy and I will both get tired standing too long in heels."
"Yes, then.. where to?"
"..Look here. Who exactly is your date partner that you're asking me?"
Well, the Response Team Leader was intimidating enough to make anyone shrink when standing in front of her, but that was because of her sharp, attractive eyes.. No, that wasn't it.
"Harpy."
"Y-yes..!"
"Is there anywhere you'd like to go..?"
Since I'd mentioned several places last time, she must have somewhere in mind she wanted to visit.
"..."
Nod..
As expected, Harpy carefully nodded.
"A place I'd like to go.."
Swish..
Perhaps encouraged by my gaze that said anything was fine, she took trembling steps and headed first toward..
"..Ha,"
Along with the Response Team Leader's dumbfounded chuckle,
"Harpy..?"
I stared blankly at Harpy, who had come directly to me as her "desired place."
"A place I'd like to go.. so.. next to Counselor.."
"...Ah."
Seeing Harpy approach so close that our arms touched and carefully reach out with her hand wrapped in the knit sleeve to tightly grasp mine..
From that warm touch, I felt a strong conviction that today would be my best day ever.