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"Wh-what are you doing?" Natsumi shrieked, struggling in my grasp.

"Let me go! You're just laughing at me, aren't you? Laughing at an ugly girl like me for pretending to be a beautiful woman! It's disgusting, right? You're going to post this online and cyberbully me... Let me go!"

Her struggles were frantic, but I held her fast.

'She's surprisingly well-versed in modern social anxieties,' I thought. But my priority was to calm her down. I held her close, letting her feel the warmth of my chest, the safety of my embrace.

"Shh, shh... don't cry..." I whispered softly. "Natsumi is very cute. None of us would ever laugh at you. If you keep crying, your eyes will get all puffy... and that wouldn't be as pretty."

'She's so sensitive and insecure. She must have been through a lot.'

Her struggling subsided. A faint light returned to her eyes, but her voice was still full of doubt.

"Liar," she sniffled. "Everyone said I wasn't cute! Nobody likes me!"

"Then they're all blind idiots with no taste."

"So," I asked gently, "what will it take for Natsumi to believe she's cute?"

My question stumped her. She stared at me for a moment, then turned her head, her lip trembling.

"Y-You don't have to lie to me..." she sobbed. "I'll leave... I'll go far away and I promise I'll never bother you again... okay?"

'Words aren't enough. Time for a practical demonstration.'

I leaned in and kissed her.

Her eyes shot wide open. She stared at my face, so close to hers, as a blush spread across her cheeks. After a moment of symbolic resistance, she shyly closed her eyes, her hands instinctively wrapping around my neck.

'He... he's kissing me again.'

I could feel a wave of shock and shy delight wash over her. Pleased by her response, I deepened the kiss, exploring and expanding on the moment.

Several minutes later, I pulled back. Natsumi was breathless, her face flushed, resting limply in my arms.

'Well,' I thought with a private smirk, 'looks like my little Natsumi has more stamina than a certain tsundere commander. That girl's a real lightweight.'

I inhaled her sweet, fragrant scent.

"Now then," I murmured. "Is that proof enough?"

She didn't say a word, just let her arms hang over my shoulders, her body limp in my embrace.

'Idiot,' she was surely thinking. 'Who in the world uses a kiss as proof?'

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I gently ruffled Natsumi's hair, my voice soft.

"Alright, no more overthinking. The fact is, you're cute, and Kurumi and the others won't hate you."

"R-Really?"

Natsumi, who had reverted to her little witch form, bit her lip and tilted her head up to ask me, "You really think I'm cute like this?"

"Of course," I said. "You have a really nice scent, and you're so soft and comfortable to hold. I could love you for a lifetime."

At my words, Natsumi's emerald eyes blinked, and a sudden warmth spread through her chest.

A wave of emotions washed over her face—shock, embarrassment, and a dawning, giddy realization. 'H-He said he likes me!? So embarrassing! So many people hate me, but he's different... he's so sweet to me. Could he be... the legendary pervert?!'

Even if I was, it seemed she only liked me more for it. The gentleness and affection I'd shown her were more than enough.

Seeing the look on her face, I smiled and patted her head again.

"Since that's all settled, then... come home with me, Natsumi."

I took her hand. Her cheeks flushed a light pink, and though she wouldn't look at me, she didn't pull away. I felt a surge of happiness.

'Looks like we're adding another Spirit to the villa tonight.'

'Home?' Natsumi thought, a small, contented smile forming on her lips. 'I have a home now?'

And with that, we left the park and headed back to the Spirit villa.

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When we got back, I pulled Natsumi out from behind me and made a formal announcement.

"Little Natsumi is officially joining our big family," I said. "So let's all get along, okay?"

"N-Natsumi, H-Hello. I'm Yoshino, and this is Yoshinon. Let's play together from now on."

Yoshino, with her sky-blue eyes and rosy cheeks, was so adorable that the sight of her was like a fastball straight to Natsumi's heart.

'Oh my god!' Natsumi thought, her eyes turning into literal stars. 'What is this adorable creature!? She's too cute!! I want to hug her!'

All her previous anxieties vanished in an instant. Her gaze was locked on Yoshino, and she looked like she wanted to snatch her up and snuggle her.

"Yoshino, You're so cute!"

"Really? Natsumi is very cute too,"

"What about Yoshinon!? Isn't Yoshinon cute!?"

"Yoshinon is very cute too, Ehehe."

I watched the two little girls trade compliments, the corner of my eye twitching.

In the original story, Natsumi and Yoshino were practically inseparable. Watching them now, I could see why. I cleared my throat, interrupting their mutual admiration society.

"Ahem, Natsumi, don't forget to say hello to Tohka and the others."

"Hmph, I don't want to..."

Annoyed at the interruption, Natsumi pouted, crossed her arms, and turned her head away. In truth, she wanted to greet them, but she was still terrified they wouldn't like her.

Her fear, however, was completely unfounded.

Natsumi was undeniably cute. But her deeply ingrained insecurity always made her assume the worst, giving her zero confidence in her own appearance. To Tohka and the others, however, she was the second official mascot of the house, right after Yoshino. Of course they were going to love her.

As expected, the enthusiastic girls, led by Tohka, immediately swarmed her.

"Hi, Natsumi."

"What a cute little girl,"

"Aww, Such an adorable little sister, Do you want to come with me? I can make you something delicious,"

Overwhelmed by their affection, Natsumi shot me a desperate, pleading look.

I just gave her a big, toothy grin and a wink.

"Don't worry," I said. "They're just a little... enthusiastic. But... you do need a proper makeover!"

I turned to the group. "Miku, I'm leaving this mission to you,"

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