Forbidden Fruit

Translated by LyraDhani

Edited by LyraDhani

Tsugumi called Yukitaka on the phone to ask if he could stay for the night.

At first, he thought about staying at a hotel, but since he was still underage, there was a high possibility he wouldnt be allowed to stay there alone. It was the same for karaoke rooms and Internet cafes.

In summer temperatures, he probably wouldnt catch a cold after spending the night outside, but he was tired from the battle and wanted to take a good rest indoors if possible.

Then, Yukitaka came to mind.

Yukitaka lived alone away from his parents and had let him stay several times when they had fun together and missed the last train.

He thought it was a little bit impudent of him to suddenly ask for help, but since Yukitaka usually bothered him, it should be fine to be a little selfish.

With this in mind, he asked Yukitaka, Let me stay the night, and he surprisingly said yes.

I dont mind. But, please buy me something to snack on along the way. Fruit would be nice.

Fruit? I think I can buy some because some supermarkets are still open, but what kind of fruit would you like?

When Tsugumi asked again, Yukitaka replied in his usual tone.

Right, I like bright red apples the most.

Having bought some bright red apples, as Yukitaka had told him to, Tsugumi stood in a room lined with high-rise apartments.

He rang the doorbell and waited for the owner of the room to come out. Soon the door opened and Yukitaka appeared.

Welcome. Its unusual for Tsugumi-chan to stay the night. Did you and Chidori-chan have a fight?

We didnt fight or anything. I told Chidori that I was going to stay somewhere because it looked like my business was going to drag on. Ah, Im sorry for being unreasonable this time. Thank you.

Tsugumi bowed his head and Yukitaka pulled his hand away and invited him into the room with a smirk.

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Im just doing a favor for a friend. See, Im so kind!

Well, I guess you could say thats true for this one time.

Feeling somewhat dissatisfied, he followed Yukitaka, who seemed to be in a good mood, into the room after pulling out his shoes.

It might be surprising, but Yukitakas house didnt have a lot of stuff. There was minimum furniture and appliances necessary for living. And there were a few books and video games left behind by Tsugumi who came to visit from time to time.

He put the apples on the table and turned around to ask Gyoki.

What should I do with the apples I bought? If you want to eat them now, Ill cut them for you.

Hmm, just a little bit then. Put the rest in the refrigerator.

Okay. Whoa, you only have water in your fridge. Are you eating properly?

When Tsugumi said this exasperatedly, Yukitaka opened his mouth in a troubled manner.

I always eat out, so it doesnt matter. There are a lot of people who treat me without asking.

Yes, yes, I envy you.

As usual, Yukitaka seemed to be spending his days being paid off by his followers. Tsugumi was a little worried that he might get stabbed someday, but he also had a mysterious trust that if it was this guy, he would be okay.

Well, the person himself had no intention of changing his ways, so there was no point in saying anything.

While exchanging these words, Tsugumi peeled an apple and brought it to Yukitaka. Yukitaka looked at the apple, which was cut into a cute rabbit shape, and said with a giggle.

What, is this Tsugumi-chans hobby? Its a strange thing to do when its gonna end up in your mouth anyway.

Well, this is the way Ive been peeling for people lately, so I cant help it. Hey, dont laugh so much.

Looking away with an embarrassed look, Tsugumi gently picked up an apple and threw it into his mouth. The reason for cutting the fruit into the shape of a rabbit was simply because it made Shiro, Chidoris contract God, happy. Tsugumi was sometimes confused as to whether Shiro was a rabbit or a God, but he left that aside.

Ah, Chidori-chans hobby, huh. By the way, I heard that Chidori-chan collapsed and was hospitalized the other day. Was she all right?

Well, for now. So far, there doesnt seem to be anything wrong.

Tsugumi replied, averting his eyes deceivingly.

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The public hadnt been informed of Chidoris kidnapping. The school had been told that she fell ill, as Yukitaka said.

If word spread, it would expose the governments ineptitude and possibly damage the reputation of Magical Girls. Due to these behind-the-scene circumstances, those involved were strictly told to keep their mouths shut.

Im glad. I heard you were going to a movie that day after we met. Im really sorry.

Tsugumi let out a small sigh and stared at Yukitaka, who was artificially worried. It was wrong to ask Yukitaka to have decent emotions.

Chidori doesnt seem to be in her best form yet, so dont get too involved. Im begging you.

When Tsugumi said this to him, Yukitaka pouted his mouth and said.

How boring. Since that day, that transfer student has been absent a lot, so I thought Id ask him if something happened.

Tsugumi-chan wont talk to me, Yukitaka rested his chin and said that. Really, Yukitaka was sharp and tricky. Since it would be troublesome if he asked any more questions about Chidori, Tsugumi decided to divert the conversation.

I think Azalea is a different story. I didnt hear the details either, but I heard that he has been in and out of the governments Ministry of Divine Worship? I dont think hed answer me over there anyway because of confidentiality or something, so I guess its nothing to worry about.

After Chidori was taken to the hospital, Azalea apparently spoke with a government official and was allowed to go in and out of the specialized department of the Ministry of Divine Worship because he had knowledge of exotic spells.

He wouldnt give the details, saying that it was confidential, but he seemed to be doing well, so Tsugumi wasnt worried. When Tsugumi blurted it out, Yukitaka made a blatantly disgusted face and spat out.

That obscure, occult ministry? Wow, its a good thing I didnt get involved with him. You should keep your distance, too, Tsugumi-chan.

I dont think Azalea is such a bad guy. Well, if you guys are that incompatible, maybe its better for everyone around you if you dont have any contact.

I wont get involved even if you dont tell me. I hate people like him.

When Tsugumi said that, Yukitaka responded back unhappily. He didnt know what it was about Azalea that he hated so much, but there must be something about him that even Yukitaka couldnt give up on hating.

As they ate the apples and spent time idly, Yukitaka suddenly muttered something while playing with a rabbit-shaped apple with one hand.

Do you know? I heard that apples are called forbidden fruit in mythology.

You mean the one that Adam and Eve ate? Ive heard of it, but what about it?

Tsugumi replied quizzically, and Yukitaka said with a smile while taking a bite of the apple.

It was a sin, but they ate this fruit, defeated by their own desires. I love that anecdote because it is so human. Its so silly and cute, dont you think? If they hadnt eaten it, we would have been happy and not oppressed by anything.

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Gazing at Yukitakas profile, who was happily recounting the myth, Tsugumi let out a loud sigh. It was usual for Yukitaka to suddenly start talking about strange things, but today it was even more troublesome than ever.

Tsugumi additionally mumbled as he munched on an apple that he had peeled round.

Hmm. But thanks to that, weve been able to eat such delicious food, so isnt it fine? Besides, a life where you cant eat apple pie and apple jam is lonely.

There were plenty of other dishes made with apples. There were many varieties of candy apples and apple cakes. It would still be more constructive to talk about the merits of what they had now, rather than to talk about the impossible alternativethat they didnt eat the forbidden fruit. When Tsugumi told him this with a serious face, Yukitaka looked at him with a puzzled expression and then burst out laughing.

Fufu, hahaha! Thats so stupid!! Youre a glutton after all!

What? I didnt say anything strange.

No one else would be stupid enough to dismiss the proposition of the original sin with the statement, Apples are delicious, so theres no problem. I wonder what that transfer student would think if he heard such a statement. Its kind of funny.

Yukitaka, who laughed until tears welled up in his eyes, pointed to the end of the corridor and said.

Ah, my stomach hurts. Seeing Tsugumi-chans face makes me laugh, so go ahead and take a bath. Ive left you a change of clothes and a towel.

I get it. Also if it comes up, Im done talking about it. To be honest, talking about religion is troublesome.

Tsugumi said so in dissatisfaction. He didnt know what triggered Yukitaka, but he was sure that his excitement was about something that was in poor taste.

Yes, yes, I understand.

Well, I wont hesitate to borrow this. Thanks for everything.

No matter how disrespectful his words and deeds were, that wasnt a reason not to say thank you. Besides, it was a bonus that he let him stay here without complaining.

With this in mind, Tsugumi bowed his head and thanked him, and with a wave of his hand, he disappeared down the corridor.

Yukitaka looked at Tsugumis back and muttered with a pitying, yet frustrated expression on his face.

Ah, Tsugumi-chan is really, really stupid. Thats why youve been taken advantage of by people like us. So direct, so cute, and so pathetic.

Saying that, Yukitaka stood up and slowly opened the cupboard. Then, he picked up a small box that was hidden inside, and let out a sigh as if he couldnt help it.

I was actually going to use this for something else, but Ill lend you a special hand this time. Ah yes, lets talk slowly this evening for the first time in a whilemy other half (Satanael).

Then, Yukitaka smiled with a sad look on his face. Oddly enough, the expression on his face seemed to be showing compassion for someone.

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