Loading User Commands:
[X] Custom

---

The situation is developing into something pleasant, but incredibly dangerous. While he isn't very knowledgeable about dealing with girls, he still isn't comfortable with getting inappropriately close to them.

Komachi is sitting beside him on the right. Yuyuko is sitting on the seat to the left. Chen is sitting right across from him. For some reason, he feels surrounded. No, that isn't the right word. He feels trapped.

Vincent gets up from his seat, and without a word, steps around to the other side of the table. He gets behind Chen, and before she can argue, he gently lifts her up. The nekomata is surprisingly light, even for her size.

"N-Nya?" stammers Chen, completely surprised.

He carries her to his former seat and places her gently on it. Chen looks up at him with a puzzled expression. He gives her a smile as he goes to the other side and takes the seat directly across Chen.

"Ah!" says Komachi. She looks a bit disappointed.

Yuyuko chuckles at him, clearly amused.

Suddenly, the door slides open. Youmu step inside and wordlessly places the last two dishes on the table. She doesn't look directly at Vincent as she takes the seat on his right. A serious expression is on her face.

"It is time to eat," the half-ghost declares.

...

The five of them had a pleasant and lively conversation over the meal. Yuyuko shared several interesting stories of her travels. Most of them included careful and vivid descriptions of the different rare dishes that she had tasted. Komachi talked about her work at the Sanzu River, though she seemed to be ranting about her boss most of the time. Chen discussed her daily life at Mayohiga, and while this Yukari person sounds interesting (and dangerous), Vincent can't help but feel a little sorry for the nekomata. By the sounds of it, Ran, her master, seems to be too busy for her lately.

At the start of lunch, Youmu was silent and kept to herself, but even she couldn't help but get caught up in conversation. Soon, she and Vincent had an interesting discussion on the difference between Western and Eastern swordsmanship. The animosity she showed earlier seems to have disappeared.

For some reason, Vincent feels at home with them like this. Eating a delicious meal together and chatting about anything under the sun - somehow, it feels like nothing can possibly go wrong.

"Ah, I almost forgot!" says Yuyuko suddenly. "I'll have one of the spirits bring it in."

After a moment, a ghostly white wisp enters the dining room (how did it open the door by itself?). It heads straight to Yuyuko and deposits something beside her. It seems to be a bucket full of ice and bottles.

"What's the occasion?" asks Komachi. She seems to have an eye on one of the stronger drinks.

"We must welcome our new guest of course!" declares Yuyuko. "Even Chen can have a little bit."

"Yay!" cries Chen. "What is that stuff? Is it tasty?"

"W-what?" argues Youmu. "I must say that it is truly inappropriate to drink at this time of the day!"

"Ara? Don't be such a party pooper!" says Yuyuko.

"I am completely against this," says Youmu sternly.

"Youmu is so mean!" returns Yuyuko as she pretends to weep.

"Why don't we let Vincent decide?" suggests Komachi.

The girls wait for his decision. He doesn't have much time to think.
[ ] "This is not the appropriate time to drink."
[ ] "Perhaps a little bit won't hurt."
[ ] "What is a party without some alcohol?"
[ ] "Let's drink until we can't walk anymore!"
[ ] Custom