My Magical Girl System

Chapter 51: Passive Type

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Sarah and Lisa walked through the bustling shopping district, bags dangling from their arms.

"I still can’t believe how much money we have now," Lisa said, peeking into one of the bags. "A few weeks ago, I was stressing about rent. Now I’m buying clothes without even looking at the price tags."

Sarah snorted, adjusting the strap of her own bag. "That’s because hero work is high risk, high return. We almost die on a regular basis. The least they can do is pay us well."

Lisa giggled. "True. I definitely don’t miss the office."

They stepped out of another clothing store, their bags now even heavier. Sarah stretched her arms above her head, groaning.

"I think we should take a break first. My feet are killing me."

Lisa nodded, about to agree—when a familiar voice called out from across the walkway.

"Sarah!"

They turned.

Hope was walking toward them, waving enthusiastically. She wore casual clothes today—a simple white sundress and sandals, her golden hair loose around her shoulders. She looked like an ordinary young woman, not an S-rank hero.

Sarah blinked. "Hope?"

Hope reached them, slightly out of breath but smiling brightly. "What a coincidence! I was just grabbing some lunch nearby. How are you?"

Sarah crossed her arms, her expression guarded but not hostile. "We’re fine. You?"

Hope’s smile flickered for just a moment. "I’m... okay. As okay as I can be, I guess. Some things aren’t great, but I’m managing."

Her gaze shifted to Lisa, curious and friendly. "Oh, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Hope."

Lisa bowed her head slightly. "I’m Lisa Sadine. It’s nice to meet you."

Hope’s eyes lit up. "Ah, so you’re the new member of Andrey’s team! It’s really nice to meet you too, Lisa."

Lisa smiled shyly. "Likewise."

Hope’s expression turned more serious. She looked back at Sarah. "Listen... I wanted to apologize. About the gate. I’m the one who invited you, and—"

Sarah held up a hand, cutting her off. "Yeah, that was a mess. Next time, maybe check the fine print before you invite people to a death trap."

Hope winced but nodded. "You’re right. I’m sorry."

Sarah stared at her for a moment, then sighed. "Whatever. Just... be more careful next time."

Hope’s smile returned, smaller but genuine. "Understood, ma’am!"

Lisa giggled at the exchange.

Hope glanced around, then back at them. "So... where’s Andrey? I thought he’d be with you."

Sarah shrugged. "He stayed back at the apartment. Said he had cleaning to do."

Hope’s expression flickered with something—disappointment, maybe. "Ah... I see. Well, could you tell him I said hi? He hasn’t replied to my messages."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Really? That’s weird. Andrey usually replies to everyone. He’s annoyingly responsible like that."

Lisa nodded in agreement. "Maybe he just got busy?"

Hope smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Maybe. Or maybe he’s still angry with me. About what happened."

The air grew heavy for a moment.

Sarah shifted her bags to her other hand. "I’ll tell him you said hi. And... I’ll poke him about the messages."

Hope’s smile softened. "Thanks, Sarah. I appreciate it."

They stood in awkward silence for a beat, then Hope clapped her hands together.

"Well! I should let you two get back to your shopping. Enjoy the rest of your day!"

She waved and walked away, her white dress swaying in the afternoon breeze.

Lisa watched her go. "She seems... lonely."

Sarah snorted, but there was no real bite in it. "Yeah. Well. That’s her problem."

She turned and started walking, Lisa hurrying to catch up.

But Sarah’s expression was thoughtful. ’Andrey didn’t reply to her messages... That’s not like him.’

Lisa pointed toward a store with a soft pink sign. "Oh, let’s go there next!"

Sarah glanced at the shop front—it was a lingerie store, mannequins in the window displaying delicate lace and silk. She raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Fine. I need some new stuff anyway."

They walked inside, the air smelling faintly of perfume and fresh fabric. Soft music played overhead. Racks of bras, panties, and sleepwear lined the walls in every color imaginable.

Lisa immediately gravitated toward a display of pastels—mint greens, soft pinks, pale yellows. She picked up a mint-green bra with tiny white bows and held it against her chest.

"Sarah, what do you think? Does this look cute?"

Sarah stepped closer, examining the lace trim. "It’s cute. But the cups might be a little small for you. Try that one instead." She pointed to a similar style in a slightly larger size.

Lisa nodded eagerly and grabbed it, along with matching panties. She ducked into a fitting room, and a moment later, her voice called out from behind the curtain.

"Sarah, can you come here? I want your opinion."

Sarah sighed but pushed the curtain aside and stepped in. Lisa stood in front of the mirror, wearing the mint-green set. The bra fit well, lifting her modest chest and the panties hugged her hips.

"Well?" Lisa asked, turning side to side.

Sarah tilted her head. "The color suits you. But the straps look a little loose. Try tightening them."

Lisa fumbled with the straps, and Sarah eventually reached over to adjust them herself. "There. Better."

Lisa smiled brightly. "Thanks, Sarah. You’re really good at this."

Sarah shrugged. "I’ve bought enough of these to know what works."

While Lisa continued browsing, Sarah wandered to another section of the store. Her fingers brushed over a display of black lace—more daring pieces than she usually wore. She picked up a bra with sheer panels and delicate embroidery.

’This is pretty...’

An image flashed in her mind—Andrey’s face, his eyes dark with desire. She shook her head quickly, her cheeks flushing.

’I’m not buying this for him. I’m buying it for myself. Because I want to feel good. Not because of that idiot with the glasses.’

She put the black lace bra back on the rack and moved to a different section. But her eyes kept drifting back to it.

Lisa appeared at her elbow, holding her purchases. "Find anything you like?"

Sarah crossed her arms. "Maybe. I’m still looking."

Lisa glanced at the black lace display, then at Sarah’s face, and a knowing smile crept across her lips.

Sarah’s eye twitched. "Don’t say anything."

"I didn’t say anything," Lisa said innocently.

Sarah huffed and grabbed the black lace bra off the rack, along with a matching thong. She marched toward the counter without looking back.

Lisa giggled and followed.

As the cashier rang up their purchases, Sarah stared at the lingerie on the counter, her face burning.

’This is for me,’ she repeated in her head. ’For me. Not for him.’

But even as she paid and stuffed the bag into her larger shopping tote, she couldn’t stop picturing the look on Andrey’s face if he ever saw her wearing it.

She shook her head again, harder this time.

’Stop it, Sarah.’

They walked out of the store, the afternoon sun warm on their faces.

Lisa stretched her arms. "Where to next, Shall we stop by a cafe to take a break?"

Sarah checked her phone. "We should head back soon. It’s getting late."

Lisa nodded, and they started walking toward the train station, bags swinging from their arms.

As Sarah and Lisa walked toward the train station, Sarah’s pace slowed slightly. Her brow furrowed.

"Hey, Lisa..."

Lisa glanced over, noticing her expression. "What’s wrong?"

Sarah bit her lip. "It’s just... Andrey and Sein are alone at the apartment. You know, just the two of them."

Lisa tilted her head. "So?"

"So?" Sarah’s voice rose slightly. "You know how the system is. What if it forces them to do something? What if—"

Lisa laughed softly, shaking her head. "Sarah, relax. Andrey is the passive type. He’s not going to do anything bold on his own. You know that better than anyone."

Sarah blinked. Then, after a moment, she let out a short laugh. "Yeah... you’re right. He wouldn’t dare. That idiot probably just spent the whole afternoon doing push-ups and folding laundry."

Lisa smiled. "Exactly. So stop worrying."

They continued walking, their bags swinging in rhythm.

Meanwhile, at Sein’s apartment...

The place was smaller than Andrey had expected—a modest one-bedroom in an older building, with bare walls and minimal furniture. A few boxes were stacked in the corner, half-packed.

Sein had led him to the bedroom to help with the larger items. But somewhere along the way, things had shifted.

Now Andrey found himself on top of her.

His hands were planted on either side of her head, his weight braced on his palms. Their faces were inches apart. Sein lay beneath him on the unmade bed, her orange hair spread across the pillow, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Andrey stared down at her, his glasses slightly askew. His heart pounded in his chest, loud enough that he was sure she could hear it.

Sein stared back, her cheeks flushed, her lips parted.

"Ehh...?" The sound escaped her, small and confused.