My Magical Girl System-Chapter 25: Poor Pillow

The morning sun streamed through the large windows of Andrey’s apartment, casting warm light across the dining table where the three of them sat in their usual spots. Plates of scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit sat between them, steam rising from mugs of coffee and tea.

Sarah stabbed a piece of omelet with her fork, chewing contentedly before glancing toward the kitchen counter. "Andrey, can you pass the soy sauce?"

Andrey, seated at the head of the table, reached over without a word and handed her the small bottle. Sarah took it with a quick "Thanks," drizzled a bit over her eggs, and continued eating with renewed focus.

Lisa watched her for a moment, amused, then turned to Andrey. "So... do we have anything planned for today?"

Andrey swallowed a bite of toast before answering. "I need to go to the Association headquarters. File for compensation regarding the gate incident, and since we’ve been leveling up so quickly, I should request a rank promotion review."

Sarah leaned back in her chair, stretching lazily. "Mmm... I think I’ll just stay home and rest. My body still feels heavy from yesterday."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile forming. "Sarah... if you keep being lazy, you might actually gain weight, you know."

Sarah shot her a mock glare. "I will not. Besides, I’ve noticed my appetite has been increasing lately. Maybe I just need more energy."

Andrey nodded thoughtfully, pushing his glasses up. "That’s likely a side effect of the mana consumption from your skills. The more powerful your abilities become, the more energy your body requires to sustain them. It’s normal."

Sarah grinned triumphantly at Lisa. "See? It’s a hero thing. Not laziness."

Lisa giggled, shaking her head. "Fine, fine. But I think I’ll go with Andrey. I want to check if any new support-type skills are available for registration."

Sarah waved them off. "Go ahead. I’ll hold down the fort here."

Andrey paused, glancing at Lisa with a hint of concern. "Are you sure, Lisa? You should rest too if you’re still tired."

Lisa shook her head firmly, a bright smile on her face. "It’s okay. I’m fully recovered now. Plus, I want to make sure the paperwork goes smoothly—you know, intern experience."

Andrey considered this for a moment, then nodded. "Alright then." He began gathering the empty plates, stacking them efficiently. "I’ll clean up, then get ready."

He carried the dishes to the kitchen, the sound of running water soon filling the space as he washed everything with his usual meticulous care. In his mind, thoughts drifted beyond the day’s errands.

’I also want to check on Marcus... maybe I can ask about him at the reception desk. He saved us back there... I hope he’s recovering well.’

He finished drying his hands, then headed to his room to change. A few minutes later, he emerged in his formal attire—the crisp button-up shirt, tailored slacks, and polished shoes he’d worn to the office what felt like a lifetime ago. It felt strange putting them on again, like wearing a skin that no longer quite fit.

When he stepped into the living room, he stopped short.

Lisa stood by the door, waiting. She’d changed out of her casual loungewear into something entirely different—a soft cream-colored blouse with delicate lace trim at the collar and cuffs, paired with a high-waisted pastel green skirt that flared gently just above her knees. White ankle socks and simple brown loafers completed the look. Her hair was styled in her usual twintails, but neater than usual, with small ribbon accents that matched her skirt.

She looked... adorable. Effortlessly cute in a way that made Andrey’s brain momentarily stutter.

Lisa noticed his stare. A soft pink bloomed across her cheeks, and she ducked her head slightly.

"What? Is it weird? I thought since we’re going to the Association... I should dress a little nicer..."

Andrey blinked rapidly, recovering. "No. It’s... you look nice. Very nice."

The blush on Lisa’s cheeks deepened. "Th-thanks..."

From the couch, Sarah’s voice cut through the moment, flat and hollow.

"Hmm."

Lisa turned toward her, tilting her head. "Did you want to comment on something, Sarah?"

Sarah didn’t look away from the TV, which wasn’t even on. Her expression remained perfectly neutral.

"Nope. Nothing at all."

She paused, then added in the same deadpan tone, "Have fun, you two."

Andrey paused at the door, hand on the handle, glancing back at Sarah with his usual thoughtful expression. "We’ll probably be back by late afternoon. Did you want me to pick up anything for you while we’re out?"

Sarah waved a hand dismissively without looking away from the blank TV screen. "Nope. I’m good."

Andrey nodded, then added in his characteristic overprotective tone, "Alright. Just remember to turn off the TV if you fall asleep—don’t leave it running all day. And don’t set the AC too cold. It’s bad for your health."

Sarah’s eye twitched slightly, but she kept her voice even. "Yeah, yeah. I know."

Lisa smiled warmly at Sarah from the doorway. "We’ll be back soon! Rest well, Sarah!"

Sarah finally glanced over, offering a small wave. "Mm. See you."

The door clicked shut behind them.

For a long moment, Sarah sat perfectly still, staring at the closed door. The apartment felt suddenly too quiet.

Then, slowly, her expression shifted.

"Lisa... she’s gotten more aggressive lately," she muttered to herself, voice flat. "And that idiot Andrey... falling for it so easily. He was completely smitten when he saw her dressed up."

She hugged a throw pillow to her chest, staring at nothing.

"Not that I care. I don’t care at all. If they want to go on a date or whatever, that’s their business. None of mine."

She squeezed the pillow tighter.

"It doesn’t bother me."

Another squeeze.

"Not even a little."

A pause. Then, unbidden, an image flashed through her mind—Andrey and Lisa walking side by side through the Association halls. Lisa in her cute outfit. Andrey looking at her the way he had this morning. Maybe holding hands. Maybe—

Sarah’s face contorted.

"GAAAHHH!!"

She grabbed the nearest pillow and started pounding it mercilessly against the couch cushion.

"Andrey you idiot! You stupid workaholic! Bastard! Moron! Blockhead!"

Whack. Whack. WHACK.

"Why didn’t you look at ME like that?! I was sitting RIGHT THERE! And you just stupidstupidstupid!!"

She threw the pillow across the room, then grabbed another and resumed her assault.

"And Lisa! That sneaky little—dressing up all cute like that out of nowhere! ’Oh, I’ll go with Andrey~’ Yeah right! I see through you, Lisa! I SEE THROUGH YOU!"

More whacking. More yelling.

"ANDREY YOU IDIOT! YOU BETTER NOT HOLD HER HAND! YOU BETTER NOT—"

She froze mid-swing, realization dawning.

"Wait... why am I even angry about this?"

She stared at the crumpled pillow in her hands, breathing hard.

"...I’m not jealous. I’m definitely not jealous. That would be ridiculous. We’re just teammates. I’m not jealous at all."

She hugged the pillow again, smaller this time.

"...right?"

The apartment offered no answer.

Sarah slumped back against the couch, staring at the ceiling, a complicated mess of emotions flickering across her face.

After a long moment, she grabbed the TV remote and turned it on—loud enough to fill the silence.

"...stupid Andrey..."

Meanwhile.....

Andrey walked beside Lisa, his formal shoes clicking against the pavement in a steady rhythm. The morning sun cast long shadows as they made their way toward the train station, the city slowly waking around them.

Lisa glanced sideways at him, taking in the crisp button-up, the tailored slacks, the polished shoes. She tilted her head curiously.

"Andrey, why are you wearing formal clothes? We’re just going to the Association headquarters, not an office meeting."

Andrey adjusted his glasses with a small shrug. "Habit, I suppose. Besides, formal attire looks neat and professional. It’s suitable for any situation."

Lisa blinked. "Any situation? What do you mean by that? You could wear something more comfortable, you know. Like a nice polo shirt, or even just a casual jacket."

Andrey considered this for a moment, then shook his head slightly. "I’m comfortable in these. They’re familiar."

Lisa bit her lower lip, a small furrow appearing between her brows. "That’s not what I meant..."

She trailed off, her cheeks tinting slightly pink. In her mind, thoughts tumbled over each other: ’I just meant... you always dress like you’re about to give a presentation. Don’t you ever want to relax? To just... be yourself?’

But she didn’t say that aloud.

Instead, she glanced at his hand swinging casually at his side. Her own hand twitched slightly, fingers brushing against her skirt.

They walked in silence for a few more steps.

Then, very slowly, very carefully, Lisa reached out. Her fingers brushed against his—feather-light, tentative—then curled around his hand properly.

Andrey’s stride faltered for just a fraction of a second. He glanced down at their joined hands, then at Lisa.

Lisa stared straight ahead, face burning, but didn’t let go.

"It’s... it’s crowded," she mumbled, gesturing vaguely at the mostly empty sidewalk. "Don’t want to get separated."

Andrey said nothing for a long moment. Then his fingers squeezed hers gently—just once, a small acknowledgment.

They continued walking, hands clasped between them.

The train station loomed ahead, and somewhere in the back of Andrey’s mind, the system’s voice whispered with amusement.

System: Oho~ Handholding in public? How bold, Lisa-chan~ Affection +5 for spontaneous romantic initiative ❤️

Andrey ignored it.

Lisa pretended she hadn’t heard.