Episode 18 - Ryoko the Witch's Halloween Trick

A Bewitching Welcome Home

After finishing work, Shota returned to the apartment—only to be met with a scene that took his breath away.

"Welcome home, Shota-kun♡"

Standing before him was Ryoko, dressed in a sultry black-and-purple witch costume with a seductive smile on her lips. A high-slit skirt revealed glimpses of her long legs wrapped in black fishnet tights, and the boldly cut neckline left little to the imagination. Topped with a witch's hat, she radiated an almost supernatural allure.

"Uhh... Ryoko-senpai, that outfit..."
"Ufufu~ How do I look? It is Halloween, after all. I thought I'd do something a little special♡" "...It looks amazing..."
"Good answer♡ But Shota-kun, you were a little late getting home, weren’t you?"

Twisting her witch's wand playfully in her fingers, Ryoko slowly approached.

"Ah, well, I had to stay late at work..."
"Hmm~?"

She stepped even closer, tilting her wand under his chin.

"I suppose I can forgive you... but..."

Her expression suddenly turned mischievous.

"Trick or treat?" 

"Huh?"
"I’ll let you choose♡ Do you want a trick, or a treat?"
"Uh... Then I guess... treat?"
"Ufufu♡ Then here—your reward is a kiss♡"

She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

"There, satisfied?"
"Yeah... wait, what?"

Suddenly, strength drained from Shota’s body, and he nearly collapsed.

"Ryoko-senpai... I feel weak all of a sudden..."
"Fufu~ Actually, that kiss came with a little magic charm♡"
"M-Magic?!"
"Yup♡ From now on, you’re cursed: unless you hug me, your energy will keep draining~♡" "Whaaat!?"
"So if you’re feeling tired... come here, okay?"

She spread her arms wide.

"You’re kidding... right?"
"Why don’t you try and see?"

Skeptical, Shota stared at her, but within minutes his limbs grew heavy, his legs unsteady, and his arms limp.

"...This is bad. It’s actually happening...!"
"Ufufu♡ Told you~"

Ryoko gently pulled him into a hug. As she embraced him, strength returned to his body.

"It’s back...!"
"See? So from now on, you’ll need regular recharge cuddles~"

She whispered sweetly by his ear as she held him tightly.

"You’re not going anywhere now, Shota-kun♡"

And so, Shota’s Halloween night was entirely under Ryoko the Witch’s spell—literally.

A Witch's Whimsy

Still feeling a bit drained, Shota slumped onto the sofa.

"Ryoko-senpai, that curse was a bit much for a Halloween prank, wasn’t it?"
"Ufufu~ But Halloween is a witch’s night, you know?"

Still in costume, Ryoko twirled in front of the mirror, clearly enjoying herself.

"Actually, I think I’m really liking this look~"
"Huh?"
"This witch cosplay♡ Maybe I should go full witch mode tonight~"
"Wait, you mean—"

Before he could finish, Ryoko picked up a black broom.

"Of course~ Witches fly, right?"
"N-No way..."

Fwoosh

The broom lifted into the air.

"Ryoko-senpai!? You’re not serious—"
"Telekinesis, remember?~♡"

Mounting the floating broom effortlessly, she turned and smiled.

"Hop on behind me, Shota-kun♡"
"W-Wait... Can this thing actually fly?"
"Trust in my magic♡"

With no other choice, Shota got on behind her. Ryoko waved her hand lightly.

Fwoosh!

"WHOA!!"

The broom rose, darting smoothly through the window into the night sky.

"WAAAAHHHH?!"
"Kyaahaha~ Hold on tight, okay Shota-kun?"

Clutching her waist, Shota stared down in disbelief.

"I-It’s amazing...!"

The Tokyo skyline shimmered below like a sea of jewels. The broom zipped through the night air with breathtaking ease.

"How’s my magic? Impressed?"
"Totally... You really look like a witch."
"Fufu~ You’re not hating this, are you?"

She glanced back, long hair fluttering in the wind, mischief glinting in her eye. Shota’s heart skipped a beat.

"...I love it. So much."
"Ufufu~ Then let’s fly a little longer~♡"

And so the two soared across the Halloween night sky. A magical night, in every sense of the word.