(This is a side story that doesn’t have any merit to the main story. SO DO NOT TAKE THIS AS CANON OR YOUR DREAMS WILL BE CRUSHED!)

~Yairy.

---

 

 

“Nakagawa-san?”

While I was working, my boss approached me. With her grey hair, shaky hands, and hunched back, she reminded me of the stereotypical wise old lady you see in the movies. I would never say that to her face, though, unless I wanted to get myself fired.

“Yes, Bucho?”

She clapped her wrinkled hands and chuckled lightly.

“I’ve looked at our numbers recently and realized that the clientele here is primarily adults. So, I want to prepare for the upcoming Christmas holiday by promoting ourselves to the younger people… around your age.”

I clenched the menus I had in my hand and put my finger to my lip.

“Oh, you want me to help you with promotions?”

She nodded and gave me a sweet smile.

"Hm… if you want to show this place to the younger audience… maybe we can do something like… I don't know…."

Like a bolt of lightning, an idea came to me. I started hoping with excitement before I even spoke.

“Why don’t we do a Halloween promotion? With all the street parties, wouldn’t it be fun to have a bunch of them come in for special meals?”

Excitedly, my boss clapped.

"Oh, I've never done that before! If you could, would you spread the word to your friends? I think that idea might be a wonderful success!"

I was excited to see that one of my ideas was taking off.  I felt as though I was becoming a big part of the Red Roses.

The next time I came to work, my boss had a box of Halloween decorations. Okabe-san just glared at me. She likely wanted nothing to do with it, but we started stringing them up at our boss's command. There were pumpkin banners, black cats, witches' houses, and the like. Before I realized it, the atmosphere was dark and spooky…

That’s when it came to me…

"I don't like this…."

I unconsciously said. Okabe-san turned to me.

"What, this is Halloween. What did you expect? Did you think this was going to be all rainbows and sunshine?"

Annoyed, I puffed my cheeks.

“Yes! The little girl in me imagined this place being rainbows and sunshine! Why couldn’t we make it more sparkly? Why does Halloween have to be so gloomy?”

Okabe-san curled her short hair in her fingers.

“You’re not good with scary things, are you?”

I recalled the cultural day and the haunted house. I was… terrified by everything inside there. Thankfully, Sophia-san was with me, though, and it made the experiences much better.

“You know what, Nakagawa-san?”

Okabe-san asked as she tilted her head.

“I have to admit, that side of you is a little cute.”

She smirked a tad cunningly. I was slightly upset… but I let it go as I continued putting up the decorations. After we were finished, we discussed that we'd wear our Halloween outfits to work the day we opened. I had no intention of being something violent and scary, though. I wanted to be cute! So, after work, I picked out a stylish outfit.

It was orange and black, of course. It came with a black and orange witch hat, a pumpkin top with a carrot ribbon.  My favorite part was the orange skirt at the top and turned charcoal black at the bottom. With diamond pattern socks and black shoes, it was charming for Halloween.

 

 

As I made my way back home on the train, I looked at my contacts.

“Wow… that’s a lot of messages.”

It seemed a lot of my friends and acquaintances were coming to the Red Roses on Halloween. It made me a little excited and equally worried. They… were going to see me at work in my cute new Halloween outfit.

“Hehe…”

Despite how I felt about scary things, I looked forward to seeing what outfit everyone would come in…

 

---

Halloween Day

---

 

As I made my way to work, the streets were crowded with people in Halloween costumes. It was stressful seeing all the creepy outfits. One man had a big ghost that made me run in terror. Tonight… I should have asked Mari-san to take me to work…

When I got off at the mall, it was just as crowded as the streets. Zombies roamed the world, a ghost haunted the escalators, and creatures of the night were shopping and cheerfully going about. When I made my way to the Red Roses, it was… packed, to my surprise.

“Ah, Nakagawa-san! If you’d like to clock in early, please do. We need your help!”

Bucho called out. 

It was full of younger adults and teenagers. We made cupcakes that were selling extremely fast. Okabe-san and a few others were running about, trying to keep up with orders… and the flood of people didn’t stop coming when I arrived either.

We worked hard, giving out free cupcakes and candies to people. The teenagers and young adults loved the service, and as it got later, more and more came in for a big meal.

“Madoka-san!”

Suddenly, a certain fox's voice reached my ear. When I turned to the door, the angel caught me off guard. Before I knew it, she rushed over, put her arms around me, and squeezed me.

“Wow! I love the outfit! It’s so cute and fits you so well, Madoka-san!”

 

 

When I looked at Mari-san, she was nothing short of an angel. With the halo, white dress, and white pumps. She gazed into my eyes and… I felt as though she'd take me to heaven if I wasn't careful.

“Ah, yours is really good too... Mari-san.”

Mari-san beamed at me, causing me to shy away from her. She... certainly fit the image of an angel.

“Onee-san!”

But then the devil known as my little sister rushed in after her mom. She jumped on me too. With horns and a dark dress, she was the polar opposite of my guardian angel.

 

 

“Oooh, I love the devil outfit, Hana-chan!”

“Honey, we made it!”

Mom entered last. She wore a mask that made her look like a mysterious beauty. From her dress that exposed her shoulders and her fabulous puffy skirt that was black and orange, it made me admire her all the more. Once again, mom was flawless as she walked inside. Customers turned to her as she made her way to me.

 

 

“What a wonderful place. Mari has told me all about the Red Roses on the way here.”

I bowed.

“Sorry, I won’t be able to serve you all… because you’re family. But my coworker would love to.”

Okabe-san walked over with bloody overalls and a knife in hand. She looked nothing short of a psycho serial killer. At first, it took me by surprise, and I almost ran when I saw her carrying the knife. Calmy, she approached me.

“…HAAA!”

 

 

Okabe-san cried suddenly, stabbing me in the chest. Her knife sprang backward, but that didn't stop my family from gasping in horror. Cunningly, she laughed like the jerk she was.

“That wasn’t funny, Okabe-san!”

Hana-chan cried out. Mari-san broke into laughter, and mom was even terrified like I was.

“You two must be good friends.”

Mom mentioned before laughing alongside Mari-san.

"Don't worry, guys, I wasn't going to let anything happen to Madoka-san. I’m her guardian angel, you know?”

The fox giggled with her hands behind her back.

Okabe-san smiled and tilted her head.

"Sorry for the scare, but it's Halloween. Might as well get into character."

That's when a certain more petite girl ran out. It was Nagumi-chan. She came from the back of the room with a bloodied nurse outfit. Tenderly, she patted me with a bloody towel as if tending to my wounds.

 

 

“Ohhhhh! Are you treating me, Nagumi-chan?”

She didn’t say anything, but with a stoic expression, she made sure I was okay. I took her in my arms and squeezed her tight.

“Thanks for saving me, Nagumi-chan!”

“Ehhh, I was the one who saved you, though!"

Mari-san whimpered. It was… adorable.

 

After my family sat down and ordered their food, unexpectedly, a few more people I knew came through the door. In a shark outfit like the shark she was, Sophia-san stepped inside.

“Oh my gosh, Sophia-san, you look so cute!”

 

 

"Eh? It's a popular streamer. Since you always compare me to a shark… and…."

As if it all came to her… her face began to glow red.

"I-I didn't pick this outfit because I thought about you, Madoka-san… I like this streamer and… ehhh.”

She crouched down. I petted her on the head when Mae-san and Yuko-san stepped in behind her. With long blonde hair and a demonic dress, Mae-chan was no one other than the vampire princess from A Howl in the Dark Knight. She looked like a whole different person as she approached me.

 

 

“Nom”

She bit my neck suddenly.

“Ahhhahhhh!”

I made an extremely lewd sound causing everyone to turn towards us. Enraged, I whacked Mae-chan on the head.

“You idiot!”

Yuko-chan reluctantly stepped in. She looked like a wonderful bride, but her skin was greenish, and she had a knife in her head. I wouldn't lie; she went all out with her outfit.

 

 

“You look amazing, Yuko-chan!”

I praised the zombie. Yuko-chan put her hand behind her back and shifted her gaze away from me.

“W-Would you marry a zombie, Madoka-san?”

"If she looked this cute, I would, Yuko-chan!"

But the knife in the head was a little too much for me… and the blood on her dress… However, she was too cute!

“Hana-chan, Onee-san!”

Someone I didn't expect walked through the door. The middle-schooler was covered in bandages like a mummy and held a knife in her hand. With a mask, like an Egyptian mistress would have, Sora-chan bounced over and abruptly gave me a hug.

 

 

“Sora-chan! You made it!”

Hana-chan bounced out of her seat and ran to Sora. They hugged for a bit before she looked her up and down.

"Sora! Are you wearing a bra under that?!"

“Nope!”

"Come with me to the bathroom, you idiot!"

Hana-chan must have seen something… through her outfit that I missed. Thankfully she caught her as they both made their way to the bathroom.

“We made it!”

I turned to see two delicious bunny girls walking into the establishment. It was Linda-san and Simpson-san, hand in hand. I couldn’t imagine why they’d wear such a revealing outfit, but it seemed they were having fun. Both had a carrot-colored bunny girl top with black legwear. With sharp pumpkin-colored heels, they clicked closer to me. Cutely, they hit each other's hips and giggled.

 

 

“Oh, Madoka-san! You’re drooling!”

“Eh? No, I'm not!"

There was no way I would be drooling. I'm a proper lady, and doing something like that would be horrible! The bunnies walked past me, causing me to look at the sexy women's fluffy tails. I… wanted to squeeze their tails so bad for some reason.

“Wow, you’re super gawking at them, Mado-chan!”

Mae teased.

“My sister isn’t a piece of meat! Why is she wearing something like that?!”

Sophia-san complained. The shark glared at me.

“Madoka-san! Stop staring!”

I straightened my back and ran right back to work. After around 20 or so minutes, three more visitors came in.

“Madoka-san!”

Playfully, with a broom between her legs and a witch's hat, the mature beauty Saitou-san made her way inside.

 

 

With her little sister behind her and the pink-haired madness, Takade-san on the side of them. Takade-san had a dark dress that split, showing her snow-white legs. She reminded me of henchmen from a fantasy story. As for Saya-san, she sported a Halloween-colored dress with a fantastic top hat that made her look like a magician. She was... beyond cute and I wanted to know where she found such a dazzling dress.

 

 

 

"Holy cow, you look incredible, Nakagawa-san! So cute! Come on, give me a twirl, girl!"

Embarrassed, I did just that. All three of those girls oohed and aahed at me as I did. It made me… super self-conscious.

“Saki-chan, please come over here.”

“Sure thing, Saya-senpai!”

She walked over, and Saya-san started brushing her hair. She took some hair from the top of her without her noticing, smiled brightly, and gave her a brief kiss on the cheek.

 

 

 

“Eeeeh?!”

“In my notes, it says, take hairs from your subordinate and give them a light kiss before beginning the ceremony."

Casually, Saya-san walked behind me towards the restrooms. She was planning something, and I had to stop her before she started making 5-point stars on the Red Roses floors.

“W-Wait a moment! Saya-san, what are you doing back there?!”

I attempted to rush after her but was blocked by her more mature half.

“Oh, leave my little sister be, Madoka-san. I… want more time with you right now.”

Skillfully, the boss lady took me in her hands. She gazed into my eyes, and I gave her a teasing smile.

“Are you going to take me on a ride on your broom, Saitou-san?”

“That was the plan!”

Excitedly, she jumped up and took the broom in hand.

“Let me ride first!”

Surprisingly, Nagumi-chan ran up to her. In awe of the broom, the bloody nurse jumped behind her and took the passenger seat from me.

“Oh, do you want a ride, Nagumi-chan?”

 

 

The cute witch asked, getting ready to take off. Nagumi-chan’s eyes shined bright as she cried.

“Yes, please... and thank you.”

“I’ll have to pick you up later, Madoka-san.”

I waved them off as they raced around the restaurant. My boss, who knew Saitou-san well by this point, just allowed it. Okabe-san shook her head as she watched her little sister fly around the restaurant.

“Hey, Sensei and her friend want to order."

Okabe-san mentioned.

“Oh, I’ll get them.”

I skipped over to catch the two hot bunnies chatting with each other.

“Oh, are you our waitress?”

Simpson-san giggled, bouncing her bunny ears… along with another pair of goods in front of me.

“Oh, are you getting too warm because of us, Madoka-san? Can we order you a cup of ice water?"

Cheerfully, they laughed, hitting the table. I was super embarrassed as I curled my locks in my fingers.

“Alright, I’ll confess…."

Simpson-san snickered.

“It was my idea to tease you a little, Nakagawa-san.”

“Y-You, Simpson-san?”

“Yep. After we got invited, I wanted to get back at you by teasing you a little."

With a stretch of her arms, she winked.

“I figured I would give you a nice Halloween treat, and Linda-san agreed. So, if you want, you can eat me up all night with your eyes, Nakagawa-san."

The bunny detective teased.

"But if that's not enough for you…."

With sly eyes, she looked me up and down.

“That’s enough, Eleanor. You’re going to give her a heartache.”

Thankfully, Linda-san saved me. My heart was going to burst at this rate. With a wave of Linda-san's finger, they began to order.

“We would like to share a plate of yakisoba. And if you have lemon tea, we both would like a glass of that.”

I bowed as I took their orders.

“Will do.”

At that, they both stood up from their seats, grabbed me each on one arm, and pushed their bodies close to me.

“Thank you, Madoka-chan!”

They both cried as they brushed their chest deliberately on me. It was as if these devils planned this… and I believe Linda-san and Eleanor-san did. My body was burning, and my legs nearly gave out as they both pushed their cheeks on me. After a bit more rubbing and teasing, they let go and sat back down…

I…

Was…

For a brief moment…

In heaven…

“Linda! Eleanor! What the hell are you doing to Madoka-san!”

The shark rushed over as if smelling blood. Sophia-san pushed me away and stood between both the bunnies.

“You two always do things like this when you’re together! You’re horrible, terrible! How dare you bully Madoka with your big ti-"

"Oh, look, Linda, Sophia is jealous that we're teasing her Madoka-chan."

“She is not my Madoka-san! Arrggg!”

The shark was literally biting at Eleanor and her sister. I had to step in, grab her from the stomach and pull her away.

“Sophia-san, it’s alright. Go to your seat and cool off.”

“Arrgg… Fine…”

Sophia-san held my arms in hers for a brief moment. Tenderly she rubbed her shark outfit on my arms.

“Mmm… I get annoyed seeing Linda and Eleanor… tease you.”

Sophia-san was super cute when I let her go. She bounced back over to Mae-chan and Yuko-chan, who still seemed to be waiting for their meals. So, I diligently took the bunny girl's orders and rushed them to the back.

“What a night.”

Okabe-san sighed as she worked away in the kitchen. She looked out of place in her blood-splattered overalls. As she cut away at different meats and the like… she honestly looked like a serial killer.

“Eh, what are you looking at Nakagawa-san?”

Behind her creepy outfit, her cheeks were bright red, and she looked a little flushed. It prompted me to ask…

“Are you having fun tonight, Okabe-san?”

Seemingly annoyed, she sighed.

"It's busy, crowded… and a lot of people I would rather not see are here…."

Okabe-san shrugged.

“But I saw Nagumi-chan riding around on the broom earlier… she… looked happy, Nakagawa-san.”

The smile that was briefly gone came back.

“So yeah… I’m having fun. Just keep Conway-san away from me so I can enjoy the rest of the night, will ya?”

I put my hand behind my back and tilted my head.

“I promise I will… as long as you’re having fun.”

Unexpectedly, she turned back to me and put the knife on my nose. It retracted as she giggled.

“Okay, enough being cute. Go out there and do your job.”

We both ended up blushing as I backed up, turned around, and raced back into the restaurant. Despite Okabe-san's rugged exterior… I was starting to see a more tender side to Okabe-san. When I made my way out the door with the drinks, I walked by my family, enjoying their meals.

“I told you this food is worth it, Ayumi.”

Mari-san put her nose in the air. I approached, earning a beam from Hana-chan and the mummy, Sora-chan.

“Are you all enjoying your meal?”

“Yes, Onee-chan!”

Sora-chan cried.

“Stop it, Sora-chan!”

The devil cried as she shook the mummy’s shoulders. Mom leaned her hand on her cheek and smiled tenderly.

“Ohhh, I would adopt you, Sora-chan, and watch you both fight day and night."

“Eh?! If you adopted me, I could really be Onee-chan’s imouto!”

“No, mom! Madoka-chan is mine!”

Aggressively, Hana bit Sora-chan. Mari-san couldn’t hold down her composure any longer as she burst into a fit of laughter.

“Oh my gosh, she really is a devil tonight!”

I turned to the sly fox, who gave me a cunning smile.

“And I’m being an angel!”

She added. I could have sworn her halo brightened all the more. Needless to say… Everyone was enjoying themselves.

“Happy Halloween! Goodbye and farewell!”

Saya-san cried out as she tugged Takade-san along with her.

"You don't have to worry, Madoka-san! This establishment is well protected. Isn’t that right, Saki-chan?”

“Senpai kissed me on the forehead a lot, Nakagawa-san! I might be able to score tonight!”

That's when Saya-san’s older sister stepped in, wrapped her arms around my shoulder, and spoke to the pink-haired henchmen.

"Sorry, Saki-san, it’s getting late, and you both have school tomorrow. You'll have to find a different day to keep going with your flirts."

She teased. Saitou-san hit her cheeks on me and rubbed her face on mine like a kitten.

“This was a super fun party. Thanks for inviting me. But next time… maybe Christmas, I won’t let you get away without riding along with me for a while.”

“Eh, what does that even mean, Saitou-san?”

“I’ll let your imagination run wild. Takade-san, Saya, let’s go! Bye bye, Nagumi-chan.”

The bloody nurse waved at her newfound companion. I guess they were playing together more than anything. It was… a sweet moment that I got to witness.

“Bye…Witch-san!”

The trio waved as they exited the Red Roses. Next to stand up were Yuko-chan, Ma-chan, and Shark-san. Finished with their meal that made their way to me before reaching the door.

“Alright, say what you want to, Yuko-san!”

Ma-chan pushed the bride forward, but instead of stopping, she fell right into my arms. Despite the bloody dress and knife in her head… and the green skin, she still looked… nothing short of beautiful.

“Ehhh?!”

“Oh, what did you want to say, Yuko-chan?”

I grabbed her tighter so she couldn’t run away. Despite the heavy makeup distorting her cheeks color, I could see the bright red of blood going to her head.

“Oh… ahh… I-I wanted to… get a… p-picture with you?”

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest, and then suddenly, a flash came, breaking my moment between the bride and me.

“Gotcha!”

Sophia-san snickered along with Ma-chan.

“Send me the pics too, Sophia-san!”

“I will. Calm down, Mae-san. The best ones are when they aren’t ready for it.”

The dove was petrified. Yuko-chan was cute as hell but shaken from the sudden bullying.

“M-Mae-san! S-Sophia-san! Give me those p-pictures!"

Yuko-chan pulled the knife out of her head and started chasing the shark around. It was… interesting seeing a zombie attack a shark. Before I noticed, though, Mae-chan snuck up behind me, put her lips back on my neck, and bit me again.

“Ahhhh!”

Once again… I made an unholy sound. People looked my way, and I bonked the vampire princess on the head. Her warmth stayed on the nape of my neck for a little longer before cooling off.

“You idiot…”

I complained as she wrapped her arms around me.

“Just playing… but I wouldn’t mind taking more bites from you anytime.”

With a wave, the vampire princess made her exit. Yuko-chan was still chasing Sophia-san with the knife as they exited the building.

“Oh, there they go.”

Next in line to leave were Linda and Simpson-san. They bounced over to the door, making sure the rest of their… more seductive parts bounced along too.

“I hope you had fun, Nakagawa-san.”

The bunny detective smirked. She was… far different when she wasn’t prying for information from me. A lot more playful when she was with her friend.

"I definitely had fun…."

I shamefully admitted.

“There’s no shame in liking what you like.”

Sensei put out her finger and tilted her head.

“Even if that is seductive bunny girls on Halloween.”

With a pound of their hips, Linda-san and Simpson-san held hands and made their way out the door, giggling all the way. To think I would be pranked by them of all people. But… I could certainly see why they were friends.

“…They seriously knew how to make someone’s heart race.”

I was upset, letting them get to me that way.

“Onee-san!”

“Arrrg, Sora-chan! Stop it!”

The two middle schoolers ran up to me next. The demon pushed the mummy from behind.

“Did you two have fun?”

I asked, looking down at the two of them. I couldn’t see Sora-chan’s eyes from under the mask, but her smile told me everything. She hit her knife on her head and smirked.

“A lot of fun. I really love your family. They are super cool and paid for everything!"

“I wouldn’t say that aloud, Sora-chan.”

I teased, poking her nose. She rubbed her head on my shoulder before rushing out. I could see Hana-chan a little worn out, so I put my hand on her head.

“I hope Sora-chan didn’t make you too exhausted, Hana-chan.”

She sighed but looked at me a tad daringly.

“No, that’s just what happens when I deal with her. She’s… super fun, Onee-chan.”

With a sly smile, one that mirrored Mari-san, she looked at me.

“But I want her to know that you’re only my Onee-chan. Even if I have to lock you up in my demon tower and make sure she never sees you again.”

"What does that mean?"

The demon waved me closer to her. I followed her command and put my face close to her. I expected her to whisper something to me, but Hana-chan giggled like a true devil instead. It surprised me when she suddenly brushed up against my cheek and... nibbled on my ear.

“Eh?”

I found myself blushing as I bolted back. Hana-chan laughed as she held her stomach.

“I had a lot of fun… but you’re only for me! I’ll have to make sure Sora-chan knows that, Onee-chan."

Without explaining herself, she bounced out like the little devil she was.

“Hana, Sora, don't go off alone!”

Mom screamed as she passed me. But before she left, she turned around, gave me a quick kiss on the forehead, and hugged me.

"Seeing you at work made me so proud of you! I'll see you at home, and I forgot to say, you have such a cute outfit!"

"You too, mom."

I pecked her cheek before she rushed off to the mummy and her demon partner.

“Oh gosh, what an eventful day.”

Last but not least, my guardian angel made her way to me. With her nose in the air as proud as could be, she stopped right at my feet and looked down at me.

"We had a lot of fun… and it was nice seeing you at work. You really have matured, Madoka-san.”

“Well, it’s thanks to you that I got this job in the first place… you truly are my guardian angel, aren't you, Mari-san?”

I didn’t mean to embarrass her, but she blushed and looked away from me. It was super adorable, and I wanted to tease her more. But suddenly, she turned back to me, held me in her arms, and whispered.

“I’ll do everything to protect you… never forget that.”

Her words… made my heart slam fiercely. She rubbed her cheek on mine and looked me in the eyes. Sincerely, I felt a connection that was powerful as she nuzzled her nose on mine.

"Get home safe. Your angel, Koda Mari, is waiting for you, Madoka-san."

Cunningly, she let go and gave me an evil grin.

“Bye, bye…”

I couldn’t help but wave back at her as she vanished into the night. No matter how bright she was, she still had this darkness to her… that drew me in.

“… Stupid Mari-san.”

I complained. But that didn't make my heart slow down. It was... raging just thinking of Mari-san waiting for me...

“Haaa!”

I heard a scream before a knife stabbed into my back.

“Eh?! Okabe-san! Stop that.”

“You looked so vulnerable. I’ve killed you like 3 times tonight.”

I’ve never seen Okabe-san so playful before. It only added to the fact that today was a special day. Her little nurse ran up to me, dabbed her bloody towel on me again, and spoke.

“You aren’t dead… I keep saving you.”

Nagumi-chan explained to her older sister.

“… Well, stop saving Madoka-san. I can’t be a serial killer if you keep saving her from death, Nagumi-chan.”

Annoyed, the failed serial killer crossed her arms. But I could tell that it was all for amusement's sake. After a bit, the boss came in, asked us to clean up, and said we could leave early and still get full pay. The night was dying down, and we did just that. After waving goodbye to the Okabes, I made my way onto the train…

 

 

 

 

 

“What a wonderful Halloween.”

I said as I watched the streets from the train. Remembering everyone in their outfits brought joy to my heart…

 

Happy Halloween!