You call this a love game?

She really wanted to eat, but wouldn't this be too intimate? Being fed and all that...

However, the white and fragrant little cake did not give her a chance to hesitate. Before she could even react to whether or not to eat it, her body made the decision involuntarily, and she took a bite. The pure white cream stuck to her lips was particularly eye-catching.

Oops!

She actually ate it!

Bai Yu fed it to him and made him eat it!

Such a bold move was something she never dared to imagine before, and getting so close to a sunny and cheerful young man was also an experience she had never had before.

The power of habit is truly amazing.

Although they had only known each other for two or three days, they often sat close together when they studied together, which led to her being completely unguarded around Bai Yu now. She had gotten used to even sudden closeness.

Ugh... She's so unreserved, not girly at all. I hope Bai Yu will dislike her for this...

While Homura Akemi was still feeling like crying at her own initiative, Shiraha noticed the cream residue on the girl's lips. For some reason, he reached out and gently wiped the cream away from her lips with his thumb.

"!!"

Homura Akemi froze instantly, stopping the chewing of her cake. Her eyes widened as she stared straight ahead, afraid to turn her head for fear of embarrassing the boy.

Bai Yu's cheeks also flushed slightly when she realized what she had done.

He licked the cream off his fingers with feigned composure and commented expressionlessly, "Hmm, it's really good, quite sweet."

The cake is sweet, but you taste even sweeter.

Steam almost materialized from Homura Akemi's head as she frantically tried to escape, only to be grabbed by Shiraha.

"Hey, wait a minute, your cake."

"I...I...I...I don't want it anymore..."

Akemi Homura shoved the box into his hand and turned to run away.

"Homura—" Kaname Madoka's voice suddenly came from ahead, "What are you guys sneaking food for?"

Homura Akemi slammed on the brakes and nearly crashed into Madoka Kaname and Mami Tomoe, who had stopped at some point.

Mami Tomoe gracefully covered her mouth and chuckled, "Oh dear, it seems some people can't wait to go home~"

"I...I didn't!" Homura Akemi waved her hands frantically, her two braids whipping her body like lashes. "It was Shiraha-san... Waaah..."

She couldn't say anything more after that; she stammered and couldn't utter a single clear word.

She couldn't very well say that Bai Yu fed her cake, and, and, and...!

Just thinking about what the boy had done made her so embarrassed she felt like she was going to explode.

She had never hated her memory so much—why did she remember everything so clearly!

"Hey, it was clearly Homura who gave it to me willingly." Noticing Mami Tomoe squinting at him slightly, Shiraha quickly explained.

Mami Tomoe then turned to look at Homura Akemi, who was blushing shyly beside her, and smiled, "Is that so?"

However, Homura Akemi didn't answer. Looking at Shiraha, who was pretending to be innocent, she stomped her foot in embarrassment and indignation: "Shiraha-kun, you big idiot! I'm not talking to you anymore!"

After saying that, she hid behind Madoka Kaname and refused to show her face again.

"Huh? What happened?"

Kaname Madoka, still out of the loop, looked at Shiraha with a blank expression, then at Homura Akemi behind her, before finally turning her gaze to Mami Tomoe, who seemed to have the whole situation under control.

However, Mami could only respond with a kind smile before resorting to changing the subject.

"Nakazawa-kun, we've found the witch's trail. She's probably in that abandoned building up ahead. Want to come and take a look?"

"Of course, I'm a professional at watching the drama unfold." Bai Yu finished the opened cake in a few bites, wiped his mouth, and then deliberately winked at Homura Akemi. "Do you need Homura to cheer us on?"

"Well... that's not necessary, but whatever makes you happy." Mami Tomoe chose to comply with him.

Although she had some vague guesses, Mami Tomoe still didn't understand why he would take such a big risk to come here with them to hunt witches.

You know, he almost died at the hands of those terrifying witches just two days ago. Now, not only has he not developed PTSD, but he is also very excited and eager to watch the battle. He doesn't seem like a normal person at all, does he?

Secondary disease?

But it's true that she's at that age, so it's normal for her to like cool things.

It can't be that he likes Homura Akemi and wants to protect her, right?

Haha, how could an ordinary person possibly protect a future magical girl candidate? It's the other way around, isn't it?

Mami Tomoe almost laughed at her own thoughts.

However, the probability that Shiraha likes Homura Akemi is not zero, and is even very likely!

From her brief two interactions with the two men, it's clear that Xiao Yan is very dependent on Bai Yu, to the point that she's practically inseparable from him when they're out together.

When they were rescued, the two seemed very intimate, like a pair of star-crossed lovers about to go to their execution together.

……

Standing in front of the abandoned building, Bai Yu stood with his hands in his pockets, looking at the eerie building with great interest.

Homura Akemi clutched the hem of her clothes tightly, her voice barely audible, "Really... do we have to go in?"

At this moment, she had no intention of arguing with Bai Yu about whether she was shy or not. She subconsciously moved closer to Bai Yu, just like when she was suddenly attacked by the witch last time, hoping to get his help again.

Bai Yu chuckled and leaned closer, "Scared? Why don't you go back first?"

Seeing the stark contrast between his previous mischievous demeanor and his current concern for her, Homura Akemi was somewhat surprised.

She shook her head and refused, saying, "No, I want to stay here."

No way! They're already right in front of her, how could she just back down and run away? She's going to become a magical girl to protect Shiraha!

"Alright~" Mami Tomoe twirled the golf club in her hand, modified it with magic, and handed it to Shiraha. "If you encounter any danger, Nakazawa-kun can use this, but I will protect you too."

She didn't give it to Homura Akemi because the damage caused by the girl's accidental 'touch' at the coffee shop was too dangerous, and she was afraid that the girl might accidentally hurt her own people later, so she gave it to Shiraha, who seemed more reliable.

"Don't worry, we'll take good care of ourselves. Mami-senpai, you don't need to worry too much about us."

"I hope so. Let's go in first." Mami Tomoe turned to Homura Akemi, who was timid, and said seriously, "Akemi, please make sure to stay close to Nakazawa. Don't get separated from everyone, or it will be a big problem."

"Yes...yes!" Homura Akemi replied loudly, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Hearing the girl's strong and energetic voice, Mami Tomoe nodded in satisfaction, and then led the impatient Madoka Kaname into the building.

After Mami Tomoe went inside, Shiraha came to Homura Akemi's side and whispered, "If you're really scared, you can hold my hand."

Homura Akemi's ears turned red instantly. She quickly followed Mami Tomoe ahead, pretending not to have heard what she said, but after a few steps, she couldn't help but turn back to steal a glance at Shiraha's figure.

"Hurry, hurry up..." Homura Akemi whispered to the boy, then ran back with a blush on her face and pushed him forward.

The interior of the building was even more eerie than she had imagined. The mottled walls were covered with strange graffiti, and fragmented light shone through the broken glass windows. It seemed as if a man-eating monster might suddenly rush out from the dark corners at any moment, pounce on her, and devour her.

Feeling the girl beside him trembling slightly, Bai Yu quietly grabbed her wrist.

"Afraid of the dark?" he asked softly, but his voice was very clear in the empty building.

"certainly not!"

Homura Akemi stubbornly insisted, but then exclaimed in surprise after accidentally stepping on a tree branch.

"ah--!"

Bai Yu took her cold little hand in his hand and said, "It seems that tree branches are more terrifying."

Homura Akemi was too embarrassed to speak, but she didn't break free from his hand. Madoka Kaname, who was walking ahead, glanced back and, finding that the two were alright, continued walking ahead to investigate.

Suddenly, the entire corridor began to twist and deform, and the graffiti on the walls came to life, emitting a piercing laugh.

"Here you are~" Mami Tomoe twirled gracefully, the ribbon in her hand transforming into a delicate flintlock pistol. "Madoka, are you ready?"

"Ok!"

Madoka Kaname drew her longbow to its fullest extent, and pink magical light flowed across the arrow.

Shiraha pulled Homura Akemi back to a safe distance, only to find that the girl beside him, who had been very frightened, was now staring intently at the two who were poised to fight, her eyes gleaming with a strange light.

"What?" Bai Yu whispered in her ear, "You want to go up and join us too?"

Homura Akemi shook her head and whispered, "They...are so amazing..."

"You will too," Bai Yu said softly, her fingers tightening subtly. "When you become a magical girl, you'll definitely be even more powerful than them."

Homura Akemi looked up at him in surprise, only to see a serious look in the boy's eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly lowered her head, but couldn't hide the joy on her lips.

Nonsense, how could he not know how capable you are?

Last time, you personally beat Sayaka so badly she was almost paralyzed, and then you even 'threatened' her and 'forced' her to do things that were inappropriate for children.

If he hadn't chosen to temporarily submit to her for the sake of the bigger picture, it's hard to say whether Sayaka would have survived to the end.

Although in the end he still didn't survive.

Chapter 44 I admire Xiaoyuan, I mean I like you (4k)

The battle with the witch ended quickly, as easily as eating and drinking. He didn't even have a chance to make a move with the wand that had been enhanced by Mami Tomoe. No familiar could get close to him; they were all intercepted by Mami Tomoe's flintlock pistol.

In fact, Mami Tomoe hardly took the initiative to attack during this battle. She just assisted Madoka Kaname and protected Shiraha and the other two. Madoka Kaname attacked the witch's true form alone throughout the entire battle.

Although I was accidentally grazed by the witch's second-stage transformation attack, I reacted quickly and managed to defeat her relatively easily.

This is also a way for Mami Tomoe to cultivate Madoka Kaname's abilities, since the Witch's Night is coming soon, and only by becoming stronger can she possibly survive under such a being.

"That's great! Xiaoyuan is amazing!"

Seeing that Madoka Kaname had smoothly ended the battle, Homura Akemi happily ran up to her friend to celebrate.

"Hehe... It's alright, it's all thanks to Mami-senpai's guidance. If I had to do it all by myself, I definitely wouldn't have been able to do it as smoothly as I have now."

Madoka Kaname smiled憨厚ly, scratched her head, and looked at Mami Tomoe, who had given the most but was not complacent at all.

"How was my battle, Mami-senpai?"

Mami Tomoe gracefully twirled the flintlock pistol in her hand, the barrel dissipating into specks of golden light. She gently patted Madoka Kaname's head. "Madoka has improved a lot, but..."

She suddenly tapped the girl's forehead and said seriously, "Next time, remember to ensure your own safety first, and then look for an opportunity to attack."

After all, they are not witches. Even a slight hit is very painful, and a serious injury could severely affect their ability to fight in the future.

Magical girls' battles are like dancing on a knife's edge; a slight misstep can result in injury or even death.

Simply put, Mami Tomoe's fighting style is like a glass cannon; if the witch touches her even once, she's dead, but only if she can actually touch her.

Known for her elegance, Mami Tomoe wouldn't give them that chance. No matter how chaotic and complex the attacks were, Mami could still twirl and leap across the battlefield like an elegant ballerina, dodging attacks while simultaneously launching them at the witches. Her movements were extremely graceful.

"Hehehe..." Kaname Madoka stuck out her tongue sheepishly, "Because I saw the witch was about to run away, I got a little anxious. I didn't expect it to be a feigned surrender. How awful!"

Bai Yu followed Homura Akemi leisurely over and teased, "Madoka's final finishing move was so cool! I can't help but admire her now. Please let me be your number one fan!"

However, upon hearing Shiraha's words, Homura Akemi immediately stood in front of Madoka Kaname like a kitten guarding its food, staring sharply at him, "Shiraha-san, you're not allowed to make a move on Madoka!"

Madoka Kaname, who was wondering what to do about Homura, was amused by Homura Akemi's actions and burst out laughing, her pink twin tails swaying gently with her laughter.

"Little Flame is so cute~"

Madoka Kaname couldn't help but pat Homura Akemi's head gently, like stroking her beloved cat.

"Huh?" Homura Akemi looked at Madoka Kaname, who was laughing at her from behind, somewhat confused.

"Oh dear~" Mami Tomoe covered her mouth and chuckled, "Is someone jealous?"

"No, no!"

Homura Akemi's face flushed red instantly. She hurriedly backed away, but accidentally tripped over the steps behind her and fell backward.

"careful!"

Bai Yu swiftly wrapped his arms around her waist, and the two locked eyes, so close they could feel each other's breath.

Homura Akemi's glasses were tilted to one side, and her wide eyes reflected Shiraha's smiling face. Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest, and she even forgot to breathe.

"Ahem!" Kaname Madoka deliberately cleared her throat loudly. "Um... how about we go rest for a bit and get something to eat? That battle just now was quite exhausting."

"Hmm...that's true. How about we go to my house? I have some leftover black tea from last time. If you all like it, I'll buy some more next time."

"Yay! I want a strawberry parfait!" Kaname Madoka cheered, raising her hand. "What about you guys, Shiraha-kun?"

It was only then that Homura Akemi snapped out of her daze, hurriedly breaking free from Shiraha's embrace, frantically adjusting her glasses, her face as red as a ripe Mount Fuji apple.

"I...I need to go to the restroom first!"