Episode 31 - Shota’s Singapore Business Trip (Part 3)

Day 14 — Shota Returns

Landing at Narita Airport, the first thing Shota did was pull out his phone and try to contact Ryoko. But no matter how many times he called, she didn’t pick up.

"This is bad… Is Senpai okay…?"

With a growing sense of unease, Shota grabbed his suitcase, hopped into a taxi, and went straight home. He rushed through the entrance, took the elevator up, and finally stood in front of their apartment door.

"Senpai, I’m—"

BAM!!!

The door burst open with incredible force, and Shota was sucked into the apartment like a ragdoll.

"Whoaaa!!!?"

He slid down the hallway at full speed and was launched straight into the bedroom, where he landed face-first into their fluffy bed. And there, waiting, was Ryoko—throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace.

"…Shota-kun… recharge me… I need to recharge…"

Her voice was barely more than a whisper. Ryoko’s Shota battery was at a critical 2%. Dark circles under her eyes, sunken cheeks, her hair dull and lifeless—it was clear she was at her limit.

"Senpai, are you okay!? Have you eaten anything? Water? Work? Wait, forget work—this is way more serious!"

But the moment Shota tried to move— Clamp!

"No… Don’t move, Shota-kun… Not for a while…"

Her arms wrapped around him like steel shackles. 100% full-body contact. Physically and emotionally, Shota was utterly trapped. For the next hour, all he could do was hold her while she recharged back to 10%.

One Hour Later — Ryoko, Recharged and in Sweetheart Mode

"…Shota-kun… don’t go anywhere ever again…"

Ryoko whispered softly.

"Senpai…"

"I really did my best. I really did. But… I just can’t be apart from you anymore… Take me with you next time…"

"…Alright. Next time, we’ll go together. No matter what."

"Really…? You promise…?"

"Yeah. I promise."

Ryoko squeezed him tightly, finally relaxing as her expression softened in relief.

However—

"Okay, time for your punishment, as promised ♡"

"Wait—huh?"

Triple Curse Activated

"Since Shota-kun committed the grave sin of neglecting Ryoko-recharging for two whole weeks, I’m officially placing a triple curse on you♡"

"Wh-What!?"

The ‘Cry Without Ryoko’ Curse

→ If Ryoko’s out of sight, instant tear flood.

The ‘Recharge by Hug’ Curse

→ No hug within 30 minutes? Total body shutdown.

The ‘Chocolate Special’ Curse

→ Every time you see Ryoko, she looks deliciously chocolatey.

"Wait wait wait, how am I supposed to go to work like this!?"

"Hmm? Work? Oh yeah… I’ve been skipping work too, so I guess I’ll start going back tomorrow. But I’ll need my mobile battery right next to me♡"

"…So basically, I have no choice but to go to the office too?!"

Seeing Ryoko’s beaming smile, Shota realized:

—This curse wasn’t going to lift anytime soon.