Kawaii and Kowaii

   In Japanese, there are two words that are very similar: Kawaii, meaning cute, and Kowaii, meaning scary. I have always wondered why these two words are so similar, even though they mean completely different things. 

   One day, I came up with a theory that both words were originally created with women in mind. After all, it only takes one small mistake for a cute girl to become a scary girl. But as to how I came up with this theory...

   You'll understand soon enough.

* * *

   The scene in the clothing store was like something straight out of a whirlwind fashion show. Sakura and Lilith seemed to have made it their personal mission to find every possible style and outfit for Luna to try on, while Luna herself was clearly overwhelmed. 

   Meanwhile, I found myself standing awkwardly, my role apparently limited to nodding in approval—or occasionally giving a thumbs-up—when asked for my opinion.

   The first outfit they chose for Luna was a flowing floral sundress.

   “Oh my gosh, Luna, you look adorable!” said Sakura.

   Lilith nodded in agreement. “It’s perfect for summer. You look radiant.”

   Luna fidgeted with the hem of the dress. “Thank you very much, but isn't it a little too much?”

   “Looks good to me." I said. "You look really cute in it.”

   Luna couldn't help but blush at my compliment.

   Before Luna could respond, she was whisked back into the fitting room by Lilith, who was already holding the next outfit: a sleek black leather jacket paired with ripped shorts and black T-shirt with a white skull on it.

   When Luna emerged this time, she looked like a rebellious rock star. She adjusted the collar of the jacket, clearly uncomfortable.

   Sakura grinned. “Now that’s edgy! You look like you’re about to start a band.”

   Lilith added, “All you need is a guitar, and you’re ready to go.”

   Luna raised an eyebrow. “I think this might be a little… too revealing.”

   “Luna,” I chimed in. “you look cool and sexy in this outfit and that’s what matters.”

   "Master?!" Out of embarrassment she quickly retreated to try on the next outfit.

   As outfit after outfit were paraded in front of us—an elegant evening gown, a sporty tracksuit, a traditional-style dress with intricate embroidery.

   With each passing outfit and each encouraging word from the girls, Luna started to enjoy it more and more.

   I know what you're thinking. Two chapters ago, you were expecting the beginning of an interesting plot straight out of a detective novel. But please don’t worry. Soon we will be back on a track. For now, I decided to deal with a more mundane matter.

   Of course, I am referring to Luna. Even though she still doesn’t want to talk about her past, I can tell that she didn’t have such a colorful childhood, because of her skin color. What I'm trying to say is that during all this time, she probably didn’t have the opportunity to interact with girls her own age. After meeting Sakura and Lilith today, I thought this was the best possible opportunity for her to make new friends—

   “Sora!” Sakura shouted directly into my ear, pulling me out of my thoughts.

   I nearly jumped up, panicking. “Why are you shouting in my ear?!”

   Sakura huffed. “I’ve been talking to you, and you weren’t listening.”

    “Sorry, I was thinking. Something happened?”

   “Look,” she said, pointing toward the fitting room.

   I turned to see Luna standing there. She was dressed in a simple yet stunning white one-piece dress. The fabric hugged her figure delicately, with subtle lace detailing along the neckline and hem. The dress flowed down just above her knees. Her long, silvery hair cascaded over her shoulders.

   For a moment, I found myself completely stunned.

   Luna’s cheeks reddened as she fidgeted nervously. “Master... What do you think?”

   I smiled warmly. “It looks great.”

   Her face brightened instantly, and she replied with a happy, “Thank you very much.”

   Before she could say anything else, Lilith darted forward and hugged Luna tightly. “Good for you!”

   Luna flailed slightly, caught off guard by the sudden gesture. “Lady Elizabeth?! You’re a little too close.”

   “It’s fine!" Lilith ignored her protest entirely. "We are both girls after all. Besides, I said you can call me Lilith.”

   Luna hesitated. “Understood, Lady Lilith.”

   “No Lady, we’re already friends, aren’t we?”

   “Friends?”

   “That’s right!” Sakura chimed in, joining in by snuggling up to Luna. “Me too!”

   Luna, overwhelmed by the sudden affection, turned her wide eyes toward me, silently begging for help. I smiled back and said simply, “Good for you.”

   Something about my words seemed to reassure her. Her tense shoulders relaxed, and a small, genuine smile appeared on her face. “Yes.”

   Sakura and Lilith, satisfied, let her go from their embrace. 

   “Therefore, no more formal language.” Lilith declared,

   “That’s right!” Sakura added. “Call us Sakura and Lilith, and we’ll call you Luna, got it?”

   Luna, looking like she was trying to process a whirlwind of emotions, stammered, “O-okay. S-sakura, L-lilith.”

   “Look how you’re blushing. Luna, you’re just adorable!” 

   Watching them, I felt genuinely happy for Luna. Her smile was brighter than I’d ever seen before, and it was a beautiful sight.

   “Big brother! How do I look?” 

   Bel’s voice pulled my attention. I turned my gaze toward him, standing proudly in front of the fitting room. He was dressed in clothes that perfectly balanced youthful charm and boyish maturity—a light blue button-up shirt tucked into tailored beige shorts, with small suspenders and polished shoes.

   “You look great, Bel.”

   His face lit up with happiness, and he spun around once to show off the outfit. Suddenly, Sakura appeared behind him and hugged him tightly from behind. 

   “How adorable you are, Bel! I just want to take you home with me.”

   Bel’s moment of pride turned into panic as he flailed in her grip. “I’m not for sale! Big brother, help meee!”

   I stood there, arms crossed, analyzing the situation as Sakura pressed her chest against the back of his head. I decided to impart some “brotherly wisdom.”

   “Bel, a man’s greatest disgrace is to reject a woman’s advances. Therefore, instead of running away from it, remember every second. Otherwise, you may regret it in the future.”

   Sakura, clearly enjoying herself, chimed in: “Exactly! Therefore, enjoy this moment as long as you can.”

   “I don’t understand what you mean, but... I’ll try.”

   Sakura, delighted, squeezed him even tighter, practically engulfing his head in her ample chest. Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but observe her surprisingly large... assets. I thought to myself, Aren’t those even bigger than Luna’s?

   That thought didn’t linger long. Suddenly, I felt a cold, piercing stare from behind. I turned to see Luna glaring daggers at me with icy expression.

   Lilith, on the other hand, stood beside her, smirking with a look that said, I knew it.

   I decided it was time to change the subject. Quickly.

   “In that case, since the shopping is over, let’s go to the checkout!” I said with a flourish, pulling Zephyra’s credit card from my pocket.

   “Master. How did you—?” Her eyes widened, a dazed expression spreading across her face, before muttering in defeat, “I let my guard down...”

   I couldn’t help but feel a bit proud of myself at that moment. After all, when I casted that teleportation spell earlier, I’d included a sneaky little maneuver to transfer the card from her possession to my pocket.

   I grinned. “Let's not waste time here—?!”

   Before I could finish, Sakura and Lilith simultaneously stepped in front of me.

   Lilith crossed her arms, a predatory smile forming. “Wait a minute. Didn’t you forget something?”

   A shiver ran down my spine. “Forget... something?”

   Lilith leaned closer. “Now it’s your turn.”

   Panic set in. I glanced toward Luna for help, but she simply crossed her arms and smirked, replying coolly, “Payback.” Her tone made it clear—taking the card from her had wounded her pride, and she wasn’t about to let it slide.

   Desperation growing, I turned to Bel, hoping for an ally. He only grinned and said, “After all, big brother, you said yourself that ‘the greatest disgrace of a man is to reject a woman’s advances.’ ”

   You too Brutus?!

   Realizing there was no escape, I let out a deep, resigned sigh. Shoulders slumping, I muttered the only thing I could: “Please... be gentle.”

   Lilith and Sakura both grinned with unrestrained glee as they dragged me toward the fitting rooms.