Chapter 22: It seems you like my stockings as well as my legs...

After half an hour of rest, both Rei Miyamoto and Saya Takagi had recovered.

Saya Takagi harbored feelings for Tsubasa Amagiri!

Though she couldn't pinpoint the exact moment or reason for her burgeoning affection, as a young lady, she didn't concern herself with such intricacies.

Since she liked him, she would pursue him!

Even with the knowledge that two years prior, Tsubasa Amagiri had been in a committed relationship with Saeko Busujima for over a year, making them a well-known couple throughout Fujimi High School.

But, two years had passed! This pink-haired young lady, once envied by countless students for her intellect, figure, and looks, felt like an absolute failure in this romantic endeavor!

Her advances had been consistently thwarted by Saeko Busujima, his ever-present and composed girlfriend.

In fact, she hadn't even had a proper opportunity to speak with Tsubasa Amagiri!

Initially, she believed her chances were nonexistent, but the sudden arrival of the apocalypse, and her subsequent rescue by Tsubasa Amagiri, had ignited a spark of hope.

Even with Saeko Busujima, the steadfast girlfriend, still by his side.

But no matter!

She still had a chance.

While she might not possess the captivating black silk-clad legs of Saeko Busujima, she was undeniably well-endowed in other areas!

This was her greatest asset!

She refused to believe that Tsubasa Amagiri wouldn't find her appealing!

As someone actively pursuing his attention, these thoughts were perfectly normal for Saya Takagi.

However, Rei Miyamoto's situation was different!

At this moment, she was deeply perplexed.

She felt a peculiar shift within herself.

Logically speaking, having recently witnessed the brutal deaths of Kohta Hirano and Takashi Komuro, she should be overwhelmed with grief. Moreover, her acquaintance with Tsubasa Amagiri was superficial at best. During their years at the high school, she had only known of him through his relationship with Saeko Busujima.

She and Tsubasa Amagiri had no real interaction, never even exchanging words.

So why wasn't she consumed by sadness?

In fact!

At this very moment, her thoughts were devoid of Kohta Hirano and Takashi Komuro. Instead, the image of Tsubasa Amagiri admiring Saeko Busujima's legs filled her mind…

If she were to offer him the same… would he be interested?

While she wasn't as tall as Saeko Busujima, and her legs weren't as long, her years of practicing naginatajutsu had sculpted them beautifully. Combined with her JK uniform's short skirt and knee-high socks, she possessed a different, perhaps more youthful, allure.

Furthermore!

When Tsubasa Amagiri had saved her earlier, his gaze had lingered on her panties…

Strange!

So very strange!

Why were these thoughts even occurring to her?

Most importantly, she felt no resentment towards the slap Tsubasa Amagiri had delivered earlier, but instead a bizarre sense of excitement!

Even!

She found herself wanting Tsubasa Amagiri to… discipline her again!

Why did she harbor such a notion?

Rei Miyamoto hugged her legs tightly, burying her face in her knees. Her confusion deepened.

She knew these thoughts were wrong!

But, she couldn't suppress them.

She distinctly felt an increasing pull towards Tsubasa Amagiri, a strange desire to be… chastised by him, even… dominated.

Despite a flicker of fear towards Tsubasa Amagiri, a genuine longing for him had taken root in her heart!...

Meanwhile, Tsubasa Amagiri, completely engrossed in Saeko Busujima, remained oblivious to the inner turmoil of Rei Miyamoto and Saya Takagi, and had no intention of diverting his attention.

His steadfast belief was that black silk was sacred!

Undivided attention was mandatory!

He had even postponed his desire to open a system jar.

At this moment, any distraction would be a profound disrespect to Saeko Busujima's exquisite legs.

"Tsu-Tsubasa Amagiri, is it… alright?"

Saeko Busujima's soft voice broke through his concentration.

Finally, she had returned to her senses from that inexplicable daze. Her voice was barely a whisper, as if she lacked the strength to speak louder.

"Cough… It's okay, how do you feel?"

Tsubasa Amagiri was reluctant to cease his ministrations, but seeing Saeko Busujima's current state, he knew he couldn't continue any longer. He gently lowered Saeko Busujima's legs and feigned as if nothing unusual had just transpired.

"Does it feel any better after the massage?"

"Hmm!"

Saeko Busujima's misty, deep purple eyes, still carrying a hint of bewilderment, looked at Tsubasa Amagiri and she asked softly, "What about you? Are you still upset with me?"

"I'm not upset anymore!"

Tsubasa Amagiri acknowledged his own slight shamelessness, but he certainly couldn't reveal the true nature of his earlier fascination. He simply echoed Saeko Busujima's words.

"You seem to appreciate not only my legs but also my stockings…"

Saeko Busujima glanced down at her legs, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Do these stockings look good on me? If you like them, I'll try other styles and colors for you when we find a safe place tonight."

As she spoke, she looked at Tsubasa Amagiri with a touch of uncertainty.

"Would that be alright?"

Hearing Saeko Busujima's offer, Tsubasa Amagiri, who had just taken a sip of water to soothe his dry throat, nearly choked.

"Absolutely!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Tsubasa Amagiri nodded vigorously.

Saeko, you are truly the most perfect girlfriend!

Without a doubt!

"Well, as long as it pleases you, I will do it for you!"

A genuine, satisfied smile blossomed on Saeko Busujima's delicate features…

After Tsubasa Amagiri's enthusiastic affirmation, Saeko Busujima felt a lightness in her mood. Moreover, the lingering effects of Tsubasa Amagiri's massage, though leaving her slightly languid from the strange sensation, had also brought a sense of relaxation.

She took a can of papaya milk from Marikawa Shizuka and then moved to the window to assess the situation with the "them" – the encroaching zombie horde – outside.

The horde outside hadn't yet transitioned from its agitated state.

The bus keys had been secured long ago. To safeguard them from the often-absentminded Marikawa Shizuka, Saeko Busujima now held them.

But it seemed their departure would have to wait.

It was April, and the full warmth of spring hadn't yet settled. The occasional bursts of heat were quickly tempered by the gentle spring breeze. Even the sun seemed to set with unusual haste, as if eager to avoid the full heat of summer.

Today was bright and sunny, but judging by the sky, the sun would likely set before six o'clock at the latest.

While they were unsure if the "them" would exhibit different behavior after nightfall, the significant reduction in visibility after dark was undoubtedly a considerable threat.

Observing Saeko Busujima's serious demeanor, Tsubasa Amagiri understood her concerns. He took a deep breath, refocused his mind, and reopened the system's gacha interface.

"System, purchase a jar!"