Chapter 10 Extra: Saturday Afternoon and a New Beginning

The afternoon sun on Saturday was gentle, casting dappled shadows through the branches of the plane trees lining the shopping street. Yuma and Misaki walked side by side on the sidewalk, their shadows stretching long on the cobblestones, occasionally overlapping.

Misaki wasn't wearing her school uniform today; instead, she was dressed in casual clothes—a beige knit sweater, dark blue jeans, and white canvas shoes. Her hair was loosely tied in a ponytail, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks. She looked less like a noble young lady and more like a friendly girl next door.

But Yu-chan knew that was just an appearance.

The neckline of her knitted sweater was low, revealing the edge of her black bra underneath. Her jeans were form-fitting, outlining her long legs and full hips. The laces of her canvas shoes were tied casually, and one shoe lace had a small gray stain on it—probably from stepping on something while walking.

"The weather is so nice today," Misaki said, her voice light and cheerful, carrying the relaxed feeling that comes with the weekend.

"Mmm," Yuzhen responded softly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

They've been browsing for over an hour—going to the bookstore to look at the latest comics; going to the music store to listen to the latest albums; and now they're wandering aimlessly along the shopping street, looking at the shops on both sides and the passersby.

For Yuuma, this experience was novel. He rarely went out on weekends, and even less often did he have anyone to go shopping with. In the past, he usually spent Saturday afternoons at home reading comics or playing games, spending long hours alone.

But things are different now.

Now someone is with him.

Although this person... is not an ordinary person.

“Yuma,” Misaki suddenly spoke, her fingers gently hooking Yuma’s little finger, “Do you remember? The first time we met?”

Yuuma paused for a moment. He turned his head and looked at Misaki.

Misaki wore a gentle smile, but there was a deeper meaning in her eyes that Yuuma couldn't understand.

"The first time we met..." Yuma repeated, her voice somewhat uncertain.

“Mmm.” Misaki nodded, her fingers sliding from Yuuma’s little finger to his palm, interlocking their fingers. “Not at school, not when I was bullying you. But much earlier… in your backyard.”

Yu-chan's heart skipped a beat.

“That night,” Misaki continued, her voice soft, as if telling an ancient story, “I fell into your backyard. I was… very weak and scared. I didn’t know where I was, what these creatures were, or… whether I could survive.”

Her fingers tightened slightly as she gripped Yuzhen's hand.

“Then you appeared,” she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. “You came cautiously towards me, flashlight in hand. You saw me—at that time, I was still in my original form, grayish-white tissue, translucent slime, long, thin tentacles… ugly, terrifying, right?”

Yuuma didn't speak. He just looked at Misaki, at the beautiful face that belonged to Sato Misaki, but his eyes held the same kind of memory-filled gaze as Stardust.

“But you didn’t run away,” Misaki said gently. “You stood there and looked at me for a long time. Then you turned and left, and I thought you were going to call for help… but you didn’t. You came back with a cardboard box and an old towel in your hand.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“You put the cardboard box next to me and laid the towel inside. Then you looked at me and gestured for me to go in.” She smiled, a warm smile. “I hesitated for a long time, but finally I climbed in. The cardboard box was warm, the towel was soft… It was the first time I felt safe since I came into this world.”

Yu-chan remembers that night. He remembers the strange noises coming from the backyard, remembers taking a flashlight to investigate, and remembers the strange creature—like a large snail, but without a shell, its body grayish-white, covered in slime, and with long, thin tentacles. He remembers his fear at the time, and also… a strange curiosity.

He didn't tell anyone. He brought the creature home, put it in the storage room, and fed it water and food every day. He didn't know what it was or where it came from; he just... didn't want it to die.

“You took care of me for a week,” Misaki said, her fingers gently tracing patterns on Yuuma’s palm. “You brought me food every day, changed my water, and even… talked to me. Although I couldn’t understand what you were saying, I knew you cared about me.”

Her voice became choked with emotion.

“Then that day… at school. Sato Misaki bullied you, pinned you to the ground, and stomped on your hands with her high heels.” Her eyes turned cold. “I saw it. I saw it through the gap in your backpack. I saw your pained expression, the tears in your eyes, and your… helpless look.”

Yuuma lowered his head. He remembered that day, remembered Sato Misaki's arrogant face, remembered the pain of her high heels pressing on the back of his hand, remembered that humiliation and helplessness.

“I’m furious,” Misaki said, her voice calm, but that calm was more terrifying than any roar. “I can’t stand it. I can’t stand someone treating you like this, I can’t stand someone hurting you, I can’t stand… you looking like you’re in pain.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“So I made a decision,” she said, her voice soft but clear, “I’m going to protect you. In my own way.”

Yuuma looked up at Misaki.

Her fingers gently stroked Youzhen's cheek.

“That was the first time I parasitized a human,” she said. “It was painful, it was difficult, but… it was worth it. Because from that day on, I could protect you. I could… get close to you.”

Yuuma looked at her, at the face that belonged to Sato Misaki, but with the loving gaze of Stardust. He suddenly understood—from the very beginning, Stardust hadn't parasitized Misaki for his own sake. She did it for him.

To protect him, to get close to him, to... love him.

“Later…” Misaki continued, her voice regaining its lightness, “I parasitized more and more people. Ayako Suzuki, Aoi Onodera, Mr. Yamada… each one of them was so that I could take better care of you, protect you better, and love you better.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“You know what?” she said softly, “Every time I parasitize someone, I gain access to their memories, learn about their life, and adopt their habits. I begin to understand humanity, your emotions, your desires, your…love.”

Her fingers slid from Yuzhen's cheek to her lips and pressed gently.

“And in the process,” she said, “I also began to understand… my feelings for you. It wasn’t simple gratitude, it wasn’t just a protective instinct, it was… love. Real, deep, and inseparable love.”

Yuuma looked at her, his throat tightening. He didn't know what to say.

Misaki smiled. It was a gentle, content smile.

“So you see,” she said, “there’s a reason for all of this. I parasitized Misaki to protect you. I parasitized Ayako to take care of you. I parasitized Aoi and Mr. Yamada so that I could be with you at school. Everything… is for you.”

She leaned closer, her lips almost touching Yuuma's ear.

“And you,” she whispered, “are my whole meaning.”

Yuu's face turned red. He lowered his head and whispered, "Don't...don't say it..."

Misaki smiled. She released her grip and took a step back.

"Okay, that's enough," she said, her voice tinged with laughter. "Let's keep shopping."

She turned and continued walking, with Yuzhen following behind her. The two continued strolling along the shopping street, looking at the shops on both sides, listening to the street performers, and enjoying the leisurely weekend afternoon.

But Yu-chan's heart was far from at peace.

The words Stardust had just spoken, the memories, the confession… all surged through his heart like a tidal wave. He suddenly realized that Stardust's love for him was deeper, more complex, and more… unwavering than he had imagined.

It wasn't just a simple possessiveness, nor a mere desire for control, but rather... something deeper and purer.

A love that is willing to change oneself, learn from humans, parasitize countless bodies, and do anything for him.

This love made him feel warm, but also... heavy.

As evening approached, the commercial street became increasingly crowded. The evening rush hour had begun, and office workers hurried by, their faces showing signs of exhaustion.

Yuma and Misaki were heading home. They reached an intersection and waited for the red light.

Just then, a woman in business attire hurried past, her high heels clicking rapidly on the ground. She appeared to be around thirty years old, wearing a dark gray suit skirt, a white blouse, and black stockings, carrying a designer handbag. Her hair was neatly combed, and her makeup was exquisite; she looked like a high-level white-collar worker.

But she walked very fast and didn't look where she was going at all.

She bumped straight into Yuuma.

No, it wasn't a collision, it was... stepping on it.

Her high heels—black, with thin heels and pointed toes—stepped directly on Yuuma's feet.

"Ah!" Yuzhen cried out in pain, staggering backward a step.

The heels of the high heels were very hard, causing intense pain as they pressed against the instep. Yuu could feel the heels almost piercing through his canvas shoes and digging into his flesh.

The woman stopped and turned to look at Yuuma. Her gaze was cold, and...disdainful.

"Can't you watch where you're going?" she said, her voice cold and clearly impatient. "What are you doing blocking the road?"

Yuzhen was stunned. He looked at the woman, at her indifferent face, at her disdainful eyes, and suddenly felt a pang of grievance—she was the one who stepped on him, she was the one who wasn't watching where she was going, so why…why did she say that about him?

Misaki's expression changed.

Her smile vanished, and her eyes turned cold. She stepped forward, blocking Yuuma's path.

“You stepped on him,” Misaki said, her voice calm, but that calmness was more terrifying than any roar. “You should apologize.”

The woman looked Misaki up and down, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

"Apologize?" she said, her voice laced with disdain. "Why should I? A high school student, a...poor kid, does he think he deserves my apology?"

Her gaze swept over Youzhen, noticing his ordinary T-shirt, ordinary jeans, and ordinary canvas shoes, and the disdain in her eyes became even more obvious.

“Look at your shabby appearance,” she said, her voice sarcastic. “You dare to come to a place like this to shop? Can you even afford anything here? Or… are you just here to enjoy the air conditioning?”

Yuu's face turned red. He lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his clothes.

Misaki's gaze grew even colder. Her fingers trembled slightly, not from fear, but from... anger.

“I’ll say it again,” Misaki said, her voice still calm, but that calm was about to crumble, “I apologize.”

The woman laughed. The laugh was contemptuous, and...insulting.

"I'm not apologizing, so what?" she said defiantly. "Hit me? Call the police? Or... cry?"

She paused, looking at Misaki.

“Little sister,” she said, her voice soft but every word cutting, “I advise you to save your breath. That’s how the world is; the rich and powerful call the shots. Poor students like you should stay home and not embarrass yourselves.”

After saying that, she turned to leave.

But Misaki didn't let her leave.

Misaki reached out and grabbed her wrist.

The woman froze. She turned her head and looked at Misaki, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes—Misaki was very strong, and her grip hurt.

"What are you doing?" she struggled, but Misaki's hands were like iron clamps, not moving an inch.

"Apologize," Misaki repeated, her voice soft but clear.

The woman's expression changed. She looked at Misaki, at those cold eyes, and suddenly felt a wave of...fear.

That's not the look a human being should have.

Deep within those eyes, a faint, yet unmistakable, silver-gray light flickered. And Misaki's lips... were twitching slightly, as if something was about to burst forth from them.

"You...you let me go!" the woman screamed, struggling violently.

But Misaki didn't let go. Her fingers tightened, her nails almost piercing the woman's skin.

"Apologize." She said it for the third time, her voice no longer calm, but with a kind of... inhuman hoarseness.

The woman looked at Misaki, at those increasingly bright silver-gray eyes, at that face that began to distort, and suddenly realized—this person in front of her was no ordinary person.

Not a high school student, not...human.

"I...I'm sorry!" she screamed, her voice filled with terror. "I apologize! I apologize! Let me go! Please let me go!"

Misaki let go of her hand.

The woman stumbled backward and bumped into a lamppost. She looked at Misaki with fear in her eyes, then turned and ran, her high heels making a messy sound on the ground, and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Misaki stood there, staring in the direction the woman had disappeared, her body still trembling slightly. Her lips twitched even more violently, grayish-white tissue oozing out and then receding, while clear mucus spilled from the corner of her mouth, dripping onto her chest.

Yuma hurriedly stepped forward and grabbed Misaki's hand.

"Stardust," he whispered, his voice filled with worry, "Are you...are you alright?"

Misaki—no, Stardust—turned her head to look at Yuuma. Her eyes were still silver-gray, but the light was slowly fading. Sticky saliva was still oozing from the corners of her mouth, but the tissue was slowly shrinking back.

"I'm fine," Stardust said, his voice back to normal but still a little hoarse. "I'm just... a little angry."

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“She hurt you,” she said, her voice soft but clear. “She trampled on you and humiliated you. I can’t stand it.”

Yuzhen looked at her, at those eyes that still retained a silvery-gray light, and suddenly felt a pang of heartache.

Stardust was angry, furious, but that anger wasn't for himself, but for him.

He was stepped on because of him, and he was insulted because of him.

"I'm fine," Yuma whispered. "Really, it doesn't hurt anymore."

Stardust smiled. It was a tired smile, but a gentle one.

“You’re always like this,” she said, gently stroking Yuzhen’s cheek with her fingers. “Always thinking of others, always yielding, always…sacrificing yourself.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“But Yuma,” she said, her voice soft but clear, “from now on, you don’t have to wrong yourself anymore. Because I’m here. I will protect you, I will take care of you, I will… make everyone who hurts you pay the price.”

Her gaze hardened.

“Now,” she said, “wait here for me. I have some things… to take care of.”

Yuma was stunned.

"What are you dealing with?" he asked.

Stardust didn't answer. She simply smiled, then turned and walked in the direction the woman had disappeared.

Her steps were steady and firm, not at all like someone who had almost lost control just moments before.

Yuzhen stood there, watching her back, a sense of unease rising in her heart.

He knew what Stardust was going to do.

He knew that woman... was in trouble.

The woman ran into the restroom of an upscale shopping mall. She locked the door, leaned against it, and gasped for breath.

Her wrist still ached; red finger marks remained where Misaki had scratched, and in some places the skin was even broken and bleeding. Her heart was pounding, her breathing was rapid, and the scene from just moments ago kept replaying in her mind—the high school student's eyes, those silver-gray, inhuman eyes.

“A monster…” she murmured, her voice filled with terror, “That girl… is a monster…”

She walked to the sink, turned on the tap, and splashed cold water on her face. The cold water calmed her down a little, but the pain in her wrist still reminded her of what had just happened.

She looked up at herself in the mirror. The woman in the mirror looked disheveled—her exquisite makeup was ruined by sweat, her hair was messy, and her eyes were filled with fear; she had completely lost her usual arrogance and confidence.

She took a deep breath and began touching up her makeup. She took out a powder compact from her handbag and started fixing her makeup. Her movements were mechanical and hurried, as if she was trying to forget the fear she had just experienced.

But just then, she saw it.

In the mirror, behind her... stood a person.

Reiko Takahashi suddenly turned around.

Misaki stood there, quietly watching her. The bathroom door had been opened sometime earlier, and Misaki stood in the doorway, leaning against the door, blocking the exit.

"How...how did you get in?" Takahashi Reiko stammered, her voice filled with fear. "I...I locked the door!"

Misaki smiled. It was a gentle smile, but Reiko Takahashi could see the danger hidden within it...

“The lock is useless to me,” Misaki said, her voice soft but clear, “just like your arrogance and prejudice…are useless to me.”

She stepped forward, slowly and steadily, one step at a time.

Reiko Takahashi stepped back and leaned against the sink. The edge of the sink was hard, making her back ache, but she didn't care anymore.

"What...what do you want?" she said, trembling. "I...I've already apologized! What more do you want?"

Misaki didn't answer. She walked up to Reiko Takahashi, reached out, and gently stroked Reiko's cheek.

Her fingers were soft and warm, but Takahashi Reiko could feel the power within them—a power that was not something a human should possess.

“Your skin is beautiful,” Misaki said softly, her fingers tracing lightly across Reiko Takahashi’s cheek. “It’s well-maintained, smooth, and… expensive.”

Her fingers slid from her cheek to her neck, gently pressing on her carotid artery.

“Your heart is beating fast,” she said, her voice tinged with amusement. “You’re scared, aren’t you? Scared of me, scared of this…something you don’t know exists.”

Reiko Takahashi trembled, unable to speak.

Misaki smiled. She leaned closer, her lips almost touching Reiko Takahashi's ear.

“But you know what?” she whispered, “fear… is the best seasoning. It makes you more sensitive, more… delicious.”

She raised her other hand and gently placed it on Takahashi Reiko's shoulder. Takahashi Reiko tried to struggle, but Misaki's hand was like an iron clamp, rendering her unable to move.

“Now,” Misaki said, her voice soft but clear, “let’s… get to know each other properly.”

Misaki's lips began to uncontrollably smirk upwards, the smile gradually twisting and distorting beyond the limits of human facial muscles. Grayish-white tissue welled up from deep within her mouth, slowly crawling out like some kind of viscous living substance, covering her teeth, tongue, and palate. The surface of the tissue was covered with fine wrinkles, gleaming moistly under the pale light of the bathroom, and emitting a faint, peculiar odor similar to humus.

Reiko Takahashi's eyes widened, her pupils shrinking to pinpoints in terror. She wanted to scream, but her throat felt constricted, and she could only manage choked "hoarse...hoarse..." sounds. She wanted to run away, but her legs were as weak as noodles, completely unresponsive.

"Don't be afraid..." Stardust's voice came from the surging grayish-white tissue, indistinct yet eerily gentle, "Soon... the pain will stop..."

Clear, sticky fluid seeped from Misaki's mouth, nostrils, and even the corners of her eyes, slowly trickling down her delicate cheeks and dripping onto the pristine white marble countertop of the sink. The fluid was viscous, forming translucent, shimmering stains on the surface. A few drops splashed onto Reiko Takahashi's expensive dark gray suit skirt, instantly leaving dark, difficult-to-remove spots on the fine wool fabric.

Misaki—or rather, Misaki's body under Stardust's control—leaned forward, cupping Takahashi Reiko's face in her hands. Her fingers were cold, almost inhumanly cold, with dust and fine skin flakes still clinging to them from her earlier grasping. More of that grayish-white tissue welled up from her mouth, slowly extending towards Takahashi Reiko's face like living tentacles.

"No...don't..." Takahashi Reiko finally managed to squeeze out a sound, but it was so faint that it was almost inaudible.

Grayish-white tentacles touched her lips. The touch was cold, slippery, and had a nauseatingly sticky feel. The tentacles gently pried open her tightly closed teeth and probed into her mouth. Takahashi Reiko could taste it—not blood, not rottenness, but an indescribable, complex smell mixed with earth, mold, and some kind of biological secretion.

"Relax..." Stardust's voice rang directly in her mind, not through her ears, but echoing deep within her consciousness, "Resistance... will only bring more pain..."

More tentacles poured out of Misaki's mouth, this time splitting into two. One continued deeper into Reiko Takahashi's mouth, crawling down her throat; the other went around to behind her ear, its slender tip probing into her ear canal.

Reiko Takahashi's body began to tremble violently. She could feel those cold, slippery things crawling inside her, down her esophagus, and inwards through her ear canals. The feeling was indescribable—not pain, not itching, but a deep, devastating, intrusive sensation of foreign objects invading her.

"Ah...ah..." she groaned intermittently, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face, mingling with her delicate makeup and leaving black tear stains on her cheeks. Those tear stains were then soaked by the transparent viscous fluid seeping from the stardust itself, forming dirty, mottled smudges.

Misaki's body began to change. Her eyes turned completely silver-gray, the pupils disappeared, and her entire eyeballs shone with an inhuman luster. Something was wriggling beneath her skin, like countless tiny insects crawling under her skin. Her hair moved without wind, and a few strands clung to her cheeks, sticky with the saliva that had overflowed from the corners of her mouth.

Reiko Takahashi's changes were even more pronounced. Her eyes began to glaze over, her pupils dilated, and her previously fearful expression gradually became blank. Her body stopped trembling, stiffened, and then began to relax—but it wasn't a natural relaxation; rather, it was a kind of uncontrolled limpness.

“Very good…” Stardust’s voice echoed in her mind, this time with satisfaction, “That’s it… Give up the resistance… Accept me…”

The grayish-white tissue had completely entered Reiko Takahashi's body. Now, from the outside, all that could be seen was Misaki and Reiko Takahashi standing face to face, Misaki's hands cupping Reiko's face, their foreheads almost touching. But if an X-ray machine were available, it would be visible—a grayish-white, translucent creature was crawling upwards along Reiko's spine, its tentacles already beginning to connect with her central nervous system.

This process lasted about five minutes.

Five minutes later, Misaki released her grip and took a step back. Her eyes returned to their normal dark brown, and the grayish-white tissue that had oozed from the corner of her mouth completely receded, leaving only some clear mucus residue on her lips. She looked like an ordinary high school girl, except for the mucus stains on her face and her slightly tired expression.

And Reiko Takahashi... was still standing there.

Her eyes were closed, her head was slightly lowered, and her breathing was steady. A few seconds later, she opened her eyes.

Those eyes... have changed.

No longer the arrogant, indifferent, and prejudiced look of before, but... Stardust's eyes. Gentle, profound, carrying a kind of inhuman wisdom and... love.

Reiko Takahashi—no, now it should be said that Reiko Takahashi under Stardust's control—raised her hand and gently wiped away the remaining clear saliva from the corner of her mouth. Her movements were elegant and composed, perfectly befitting the status of a high-level white-collar worker.

“This body…” she began, her voice the original one of Reiko Takahashi, but her tone, manner of speaking, and vocabulary had all become Stardust’s, “Very good. Well maintained, very powerful, and also very… valuable.”

She walked to the mirror and carefully examined herself. The dark gray suit skirt was tailored to fit perfectly, outlining the curves of a mature woman; the white shirt collar was crisp, adorned with a delicate diamond brooch; black stockings encased her long, slender legs, and on her feet were the same black high heels she had just worn.

But she is no longer the same Takahashi Reiko she once was.

Stardust took control of the body and began to tidy her appearance. She took out a wet wipe from her handbag and carefully wiped away the tear stains and makeup smudges on her face. She then took out a powder compact and lipstick and began to touch up her makeup. Her movements were practiced and professional, completely inheriting the experience that Reiko Takahashi had accumulated over many years of professional career.

A few minutes later, the woman in the mirror regained her sophisticated and capable image. Only upon close inspection could one notice subtle changes—her eyes were gentler, her smile more natural, and her overall demeanor less arrogant and more…tolerant.

“Alright,” Stardust said calmly, “Now…it’s time to apologize.”

She turned and walked out of the restroom, her high heels clicking crisply and rhythmically on the floor. Her steps were steady, her back ramrod straight—the very image of a confident, professional woman.

But her destination... wasn't the office, or the meeting room, but... the crossroads where Yuuma was waiting.

Yuuma was still standing at the crossroads, waiting anxiously. His instep was still throbbing, but what worried him more was Stardust. He didn't know what Stardust had gone to do, but he could guess—Stardust wouldn't let the woman who had humiliated him off easily.

Just as he was hesitating whether to go find Stardust, he saw her.

No, it's not Misaki.

It's Reiko Takahashi.

The woman who had just stepped on him, humiliated him, and then fled in panic was now walking towards him. Her steps were steady, her expression calm, completely devoid of her previous panic and fear.

Yuuma froze. He instinctively took a step back, trying to avoid it.

But Reiko Takahashi walked straight up to him and stopped. She looked at Yuuma with a very...gentle gaze.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice sincere and clear. "Just now... I was wrong."

Yuuma's eyes widened. He looked at Takahashi Reiko, at her sincere expression, at her gentle eyes, and suddenly felt a wave of...confusion.

That's not right.

That woman just now was so arrogant, so mean, so...disdainful of him. Why has she completely changed now?

“I stepped on your foot and said those hurtful things,” Takahashi Reiko continued, her voice filled with apology. “I apologize. I’m really sorry.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

"Does your foot... still hurt?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

“It’s…it’s alright…” Yuma stammered, completely confused about the situation.

Reiko Takahashi smiled. The smile was gentle, and...familiar.

“That’s good,” she said, then she held out her hand. “As an apology… could I treat you to a meal? I know a good restaurant nearby.”

Yuuma looked at her hand, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered, "You... are you Stardust?"

Reiko Takahashi smiled. It was a radiant smile, very... stardust-like.

"Guess?" she said, her voice playful.

She didn't answer directly, but her smile, her eyes, her tone... said it all.

Yuuma looked at her, at the mature and beautiful face that belonged to Takahashi Reiko, but with eyes that held the gentle and affectionate gaze of Stardust. He suddenly understood—Stardust had inhabited another body. Controlled another identity. And… gained another way to get close to him.

And this time, it was an adult woman, a high-level white-collar worker, a... very wealthy woman.

“Let’s go,” said Reiko Takahashi—or rather, Stardust—as she naturally took Yuuma’s arm. “I’ll take you to a nice place.”

Her movements were natural and intimate, completely unlike what one would expect from someone they'd just met. But Yuzhen didn't refuse. He let Xingchen link his arm and followed her to the other end of the street.

Stardust led him to a black luxury sedan. The car was new and beautiful, with a logo that Youzhen had only ever seen in magazines. Stardust took out the car key, pressed the unlock button, and the headlights flashed, emitting a soft "beep" sound.

"Get in the car," Stardust said, opening the passenger door and gesturing for Yuzhen to get in.

Yuma hesitated for a moment, then got in. The car's interior was luxurious, the leather seats were soft, and a faint scent of perfume filled the air. Stardust got into the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt, and started the engine.

The car smoothly entered the traffic. Stardust drove very steadily and skillfully, completely unlike the driving skills a high school student should have—but Yuu knew that this was not a high school student, this was Stardust, who had inherited all of Takahashi Reiko's memories and skills.

"Where are we going?" Yuma asked softly.

“My home,” Stardust said calmly, “or rather… Takahashi Reiko’s home.”

She paused, then turned her head to glance at Yuuma.

“I want you to see,” she said, her voice tinged with laughter, “what this body… can offer you.”

The car drove into an upscale residential area. The buildings here were modern and impressive, the landscaping was excellent, and the environment was very quiet. Stardust parked the car in the underground parking lot, then led Yuzhen into the elevator.

The elevator was spacious, decorated with marble and mirrors, and a faint fragrance filled the air. Stardust pressed the button for the top floor, and the elevator began to ascend smoothly.

“This building was newly built last year,” Stardust said calmly. “Takahashi Reiko—the original owner of this body—bought a penthouse apartment here. She’s very rich, earning over 20 million yen a year, and also has stocks and investments.”

The elevator doors opened. Stardust led Yuzhen out and they arrived at a heavy solid wood door. She took out her key and opened the door.

The scene behind the door stunned Yuma.

The apartment was huge, incredibly huge. The living room's floor-to-ceiling windows almost filled an entire wall, offering a breathtaking view of the city lights at night. The living room was decorated in a modern, luxurious style, with designer furniture and artwork adorning every corner. The floor was dark solid wood, so smooth it reflected your image.

“Come in,” Stardust said, taking off her high heels and stepping barefoot onto the floor. Her black stockings made a slight swishing sound as her feet rubbed against the smooth wooden floor.

Yuzhen also took off his shoes and followed him inside. The floor was cool and slippery; his socks almost slipped on it.

"How is it?" Stardust asked, walking to the French windows and turning to look at Yuuma. "Do you like it?"

Yuzhen looked at the luxurious apartment, at the night view outside the window, and at the beautiful and mature woman in front of her, and suddenly felt a sense of unreality.

This is all too luxurious, too beautiful, too... unlike his life.

"I..." he began, but didn't know what to say.

Stardust smiled. She walked up to Yuuma and cupped his face in her hands.

“Yuuma,” she said, her voice soft but clear, “all of this… can be yours. This apartment, this car, all of Reiko Takahashi’s possessions… can be yours.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“I can give you anything you want,” she said.

Yuzhen looked at her, into those gentle eyes, and suddenly felt a wave of... fear.

It wasn't the fear of stardust, but... the fear of this kind of life.

This luxurious, extravagant, unreal...life.

"I..." he whispered, "I don't need these..."

“I know.” Stardust smiled, a gentle smile. “I know you don’t crave these things. I know you’re a kind, innocent, and unmaterialistic boy. That’s why I…love you.”

Her fingers gently stroked Youzhen's cheek.

“But Yuma,” she said softly, “I want to give you the best. I want you to be happy, I want you to have everything you want.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“So,” she said, “I’ll give it to you even if you don’t want it. Because this is my way of showing my love for you.”

She let go of his hand and turned to walk towards the bedroom.

“Come on,” she said, her voice seductive, “let me use this body… to make it up to you.”

The bedroom was even more luxurious than the living room. A huge double bed occupied the center of the room, covered with dark gray silk sheets that looked soft and smooth. The headboard was made of dark solid wood, carved with delicate patterns. One entire wall of the room was a floor-to-ceiling window, offering the same city night view.

Stardust walked to the bedside and began to take off her clothes.

She first took off her suit jacket and casually tossed it on the floor. The expensive dark gray jacket lay on the dark wooden floor, with a little dust on the cuffs—it had been brought in from outside. The floor was actually quite clean, but there were always some fine specks of dust.

Then came the shirt. She unbuttoned it one button at a time, slowly and gracefully. The shirt was completely open, revealing a black lace bra underneath. The bra was made of a thin, sheer material, clearly showing the shape of her breasts and pink nipples.

She threw the shirt on the floor as well, and it landed next to the suit jacket, the white fabric standing out against the dark floor.

Next came the skirt. She unzipped the side, and the dark gray pencil skirt slid to the floor, bunching at her ankles. She kicked the skirt away, sending it flying to the bedside and landing next to a trash can. The trash can was metal, clean, but with a few specks of dust around the edges—something she'd missed during regular cleaning.

Now, Stardust is only wearing a black lace bra, a black thong, and black stockings.

The pantyhose were in excellent condition—clearly freshly changed today; the nylon fibers were smooth and fine, without any stains or tears. The cuffs were tight, clinging to her thighs and hips, outlining her perfect leg shape. At the toes, the outlines of her five toes were slightly raised, the color of her toenails shimmering with a faint pinkish sheen through the thin nylon.

Stardust stood on the dark gray silk sheets, her legs, encased in black stockings, gleaming delicately in the soft bedroom light. She turned slightly to the side, making the city night view outside the window her backdrop—the dazzling lights spread out behind her like an expensive oil painting, and she was the most alluring figure in the painting.

“Yuma,” her voice was lower and more mature than Misaki’s, with a magnetic quality unique to working women, “come here.”

Yuuma stood there, his fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his clothes. He looked at Stardust, at the mature and sexy body that belonged to Reiko Takahashi, and suddenly felt a strong sense of... unreality.

Just hours ago, this woman had humiliated him in the street, stepping on his feet with her high heels and belittling him with harsh words. And now… she stood almost naked before him, looking at him with tender eyes and calling to him in a seductive voice.

Moreover, this body contains... stardust.

It was Stardust who protected him, cared for him, and loved him from the backyard onwards.

"What's wrong?" Stardust asked, walking towards him barefoot on the silk sheets. Her black stockings made a soft rustling sound as her feet touched the smooth silk. Her steps were steady and elegant, each one exuding the confidence and charm unique to mature women.

She walked up to Yuuma and gently stroked his cheek. Her fingers were soft and warm, with calluses from years of computer use at the tips. The rough texture rubbed against Yuuma's skin, bringing a stimulation different from that of Misaki, Ayako, Aoi, and Yamada-sensei.

"Are you scared?" Stardust asked softly, her other hand sliding down to Yuu's chest and beginning to unbutton his T-shirt.

"No...it's not fear..." Yuzhen said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

"What's that?" Stardust asked, having already unbuttoned the first button and continuing to unbutton the second.

“It’s…it’s just not used to it,” Yuzhen said, lowering his head and not daring to look into Xingchen’s eyes. “This is all…too luxurious, too…unreal.”

Stardust smiled. It was a gentle, understanding smile.

“I understand,” she said, having unbuttoned all the buttons, her T-shirt completely open. She gently pulled the T-shirt off Yuzuru’s shoulders and tossed it to the floor. The white cotton T-shirt landed on the dark wooden floor, immediately picking up a speck of dust—it had fallen from Yuzuru’s body, or perhaps it had drifted in from the air.

“But Yuuma,” Stardust said, her fingers sliding from Yuuma’s chest to his lower abdomen, beginning to unbuckle his belt, “you must remember. No matter how the circumstances change, no matter how my body changes, I… will always be me. I will always be Stardust who loves you.”

She unbuckled her belt, the metal making a soft "click." Then she unzipped her jeans, pulling them down to Yuuma's ankles along with her underwear.

Yuzhen's penis was already semi-erect, trembling slightly in the air. Pre-ejaculate seeped from the urethra, forming transparent droplets on the glans.

Stardust smiled. She knelt down.

Her black pantyhose knees touched the dark wooden floor directly—the floor was clean, swept daily, but there was always some fine dust. Her knees sank into that almost invisible dust, and the nylon fibers of the pantyhose immediately picked up the tiny particles.

She looked up at Yuzhen, then opened her mouth and took his semi-erect penis into her mouth.

Warm, moist, and firm.

But this time, Yuuma could clearly sense the difference—Stardust's technique with this mature body was completely different from when he used Misaki, Aoi, and Yamada-sensei's bodies before.

Her tongue was more agile and powerful, swirling skillfully around the glans. Her lips tightly enveloped the shaft, her throat contracting rhythmically—not a mere instinctive reaction, but a carefully calculated and controlled action—each contraction precisely stimulating the most sensitive spot, each relaxation perfectly urging him to penetrate even deeper.

Moreover, her pace... was slow and unhurried. Unlike Misaki's eagerness, unlike Aoi's awkwardness, unlike Yamada-sensei's authoritative demeanor. Instead... it was mature, confident, and effortless.

Just like the body's owner, Reiko Takahashi, in her performance at work, she is professional, efficient, and in control of everything.

"Mmm..." Yuma couldn't help but groan.

Stardust quickened her swallowing pace. Her tongue swirled around the glans, pressing against the urethral opening, licking away all the pre-ejaculate before swallowing. Her lips tightly enveloped the shaft, her throat contracting rhythmically, sending intense stimulation through the penis.

Soon, Yuzhen's penis became fully erect in her mouth. The glans pressed against the depths of her throat, and she could feel the pulsation, the heat, the...desire.

But she didn't let him ejaculate immediately. She slowed down and began to carefully lick every part of his penis with her tongue—from the base to the glans, from the urethra to the coronal sulcus, from the frenulum to the scrotum. Her movements were meticulous and earnest, as if she were savoring some precious delicacy.

Yuma could feel her tongue sliding across his scrotum, bringing a slight ticklish sensation. He could feel her lips moving along the shaft, bringing a warm touch. He could feel her teeth gently scraping against the coronal sulcus, bringing a slight stinging pain.

These sensations blend together to create a complex, dizzying pleasure.

"Ah... Stardust..." Yuma gasped, her hands unconsciously grabbing Stardust's hair.

Stardust's hair was smooth and soft, the result of high-end shampoo and regular conditioning. But now, those smooth strands were being ruffled by Yuuma's fingers, and a few strands, damp with the sweat from his palms, clung stickily to his scalp.

Stardust didn't stop. She continued to swallow, continued to lick, continued to stimulate. Her hands gripped Yuuma's thighs, her fingers, encased in black stockings, dug deeply into his leg muscles.

She could feel Yuzhen's penis getting harder and hotter in her mouth, and she could feel the desire about to erupt.

But she still didn't let him ejaculate.

She spat out the penis and looked up at Yuzhen. Clear saliva still lingered at the corners of her mouth, dripping down her chin and onto her chest, leaving a sticky residue on her fair skin.

"Do you want it?" she asked, her voice slightly hoarse from the deep throat she had just taken.

"I want to..." Yuma said breathlessly.

"What do you want?" Stardust asked, her fingers gently stroking Yuzhen's penis.

"I want to... shoot..." Yuma said haltingly.

"Where to shoot?" Stardust asked, her fingers applying more pressure.

“Shoot it in…your mouth…” Yuma said.

Stardust smiled. It was a radiant, content smile.

“Okay,” she said, and then took Yuuma’s penis into her mouth again.

This time, she didn't control the rhythm. She quickened her pace, her tongue swirling wildly around the glans, her throat contracting violently. The stimulation was so intense, so direct, that Yuuma almost immediately reached her limit.

"Ah...it's coming..." Yuma screamed, her waist convulsing violently.

Semen shot into Stardust's throat in spurts. She swallowed, her Adam's apple bobbing, swallowing it all. But there was so much semen that some spilled from the corners of her mouth, running down her chin and dripping onto her chest and abdomen.

The whitish liquid looked starkly against her pale skin, like some kind of dirty graffiti. Some of the semen dripped onto her black lace bra, leaving sticky stains on the delicate lace pattern. Some of the semen dripped onto the crotch of her black pantyhose, forming dark spots on the nylon fibers.

Stardust spat out the penis, licking the glans with her tongue to clean up the last few drops of semen. Then she raised her head and looked at Yuuma, with a mixture of semen and saliva still remaining at the corner of her mouth.

"Are you satisfied?" she asked, her voice still hoarse.

Yuma nodded, panting.

Stardust smiled. She stood up, the dust on her black pantyhose knees now more noticeable—the fine particles gleamed unnaturally under the light. Her chest and abdomen were stained with semen, the cloudy liquid slowly trickling down, leaving sticky marks on her pale skin.

But she didn't care at all. She walked up to Yuzhen and cupped his face in her hands.

“Now,” she said, her voice soft but clear, “it’s my turn.”

She led Yuzhen to the bedside and made him sit down. Then she turned her back to him, bent over, and placed her hands on the edge of the bed. This position made her buttocks stick out high, and the outline of her fleshy buttocks, encased in black pantyhose, was clearly visible. The crotch of the pantyhose was completely soaked—not only because of the semen from earlier, but also because of her own vaginal fluid. Dark stains spread from her vaginal opening to her groin, the nylon fibers becoming transparent from the liquid, clinging tightly to her skin and outlining the contours of her vulva.

“From behind,” Stardust said, his voice seductive, “use this mature body… to truly feel you.”

Yuuma stood up and walked behind her. His penis was still semi-erect, covered in Stardust's saliva and residual semen. He stood behind Stardust, his penis pressed against the wet area at the crotch of her pantyhose.

He thrust his hips forward, and his penis entered Stardust's vagina.

Without the pantyhose in between, this time it was direct insertion. The penis was completely submerged in that warm passage.

“Ah…” Stardust let out a satisfied sigh.

Yuma began to thrust slowly. Each thrust brought out a mixture of fluids—Stardust's own vaginal fluid, the semen left over from the oral sex, and the semen Yuma had just ejaculated, which hadn't completely drained. These fluids smeared the point where the two were joined, running down Stardust's thighs and soaking the crotch of her black pantyhose.

The nylon fibers of the pantyhose had become transparent from being soaked in liquid, clinging tightly to her skin and outlining the contours of her genitals. Were the liquid mixed with dust particles—from the floor, or from the air? Yuu couldn't tell. He could only see the dark water stain spreading across the black pantyhose, like some kind of dirty mark.

“Ah… Yuma… so deep…” Stardust gasped, her voice trembling with pleasure. “This body… is tighter than Misaki’s, more elastic than Ayako’s, wetter than Aoi’s, and more… skillful than Yamada-sensei’s.”

Her vaginal walls began to contract rhythmically, a contraction that was peculiar—not a mere instinctive reaction, but one carefully calculated and controlled. Each contraction precisely stimulated the most sensitive part of his glans, and each relaxation perfectly urged him to penetrate deeper.

"Can you feel it?" Stardust said haltingly, "This body... has been trained. Takahashi Reiko... specifically learned... sexual techniques to please her boss and gain an advantage in the workplace. Her vagina... can remember rhythms, can actively respond, can... make you orgasm faster."

Yuma could feel the skillful stimulation. Indeed, this body's vagina was different from all her previous bodies—tighter, more elastic, contracting more rhythmically, and…more proactive.

Just as Stardust said, this body has been trained. Every reaction it makes is not simply instinct, but the result of learning and practice.

This realization excited Yuuma even more. He increased the speed of his thrusts, each one more forceful and deeper. Stardust's back was slightly red from the intense impact, and her buttocks, encased in black pantyhose, collided with Yuuma's lower abdomen, producing a dull thud of flesh hitting flesh.

“Ah…deeper…deeper…” Stardust screamed, her hands gripping the sheets tightly, the silk fabric crumpled under her grasp. “It’s hitting…the uterus…ah…the uterus of this mature body…is being…penetrated by your cock…”

Her vaginal walls began to spasm violently, and a warm liquid gushed from deep within—it was orgasmic fluid, a special liquid mixed with her own body fluids, with a slightly humid smell. The liquid gushed out in large quantities, flowing down from where the two were joined, soaking the black pantyhose on the inside of Stardust's thighs, and also wetting the skin of Yuuma's lower abdomen.

The inner thighs of the pantyhose were now completely soaked, dark water stains running from the crotch down to the knees. The nylon fibers clung tightly to the skin, outlining the lines of the inner thigh muscles as the liquid seeped through. The liquid, a mixture of semen, vaginal fluid, dirt, and mucus, formed sticky, reflective marks on the black pantyhose.

The stimulation of the climax brought Yuuma to his limit. His waist convulsed violently, and his semen shot into the depths of Xingchen's vagina in spurts.

This ejaculation was powerful and prolonged. Yuujin could feel the semen filling Stardust's vagina, and even feel some of it being drawn deeper into her cervix. Stardust's body trembled violently with the rhythm of the ejaculation, and a sticky, wet sound came from her throat. Grayish-white tissue overflowed from the corners of her mouth—this time more noticeable, with more tissue gushing out, almost covering her entire chin.

But Stardust controlled it. The tissue only gushed out briefly before receding. Clear mucus seeped from her mouth and nose, dripping onto the sheets and leaving milky white stains on the dark gray silk.

After the last drop of semen was ejaculated, Yuzhen went limp and collapsed onto Xingchen's back. Xingchen also went limp, her hands bracing against the edge of the bed, panting heavily. Her body was still trembling slightly, and her vagina was still contracting rhythmically, as if squeezing out the last bit of semen.

A mixture of fluids gushed from where the two were joined, running down Stardust's thighs and soaking her calves in black pantyhose. The nylon of the pantyhose was now completely ruined—the knees were covered in dust, the crotch was soaked with bodily fluids, her calves were wet from the dripping liquid, and the cuffs were loose and frayed.

Stardust's black lace bra was also covered in various stains. Dust and semen clung to the delicate lace, and the smear of fluid on her nipples had dried, forming a thin, translucent film. The thin straps of her thong were stuck in her buttocks, covered with a mixture of fluids that had flowed from her vagina, which were slowly dripping down the straps and onto the sheets.

The sheets were now completely ruined. The dark gray silk was covered in a variety of stains—the pale yellow of semen, the clear color of vaginal fluid, the gray of dust, and the milky white of mucus. These colors mixed together to form filthy, difficult-to-clean stains. Moreover, silk is a delicate material, and these stains had likely seeped into the fibers, making them impossible to remove completely.

But Stardust didn't care. She slowly straightened up and turned to face Yuuma. Her face was covered in sweat, her hair was disheveled, and there was still a trace of clear saliva at the corner of her mouth. But her eyes were bright, clear, and full of satisfaction.

"How is it?" she asked softly, her fingers gently tracing Yuuma's chest. "This mature body...do you like it?"

Yuuma looked at her, at the mature and beautiful face that belonged to Reiko Takahashi, but with eyes that held the gentle and affectionate gaze of Stardust. He suddenly felt a surge of... complex emotions.

Do you like it?

Yes, he liked it. The body was sexy, alluring, and skillful, giving him intense pleasure.

but……

"But what?" Stardust asked, seemingly able to see through Yuzhen's thoughts.

“But…” Yuma whispered, “This body… isn’t yours. It belongs to Reiko Takahashi. You just… controlled her.”

Stardust smiled. It was a gentle, understanding smile.

“You’re right,” she said, her fingers gently stroking Yuuma’s cheek. “This body isn’t mine. Misaki’s body isn’t mine, Ayako’s body isn’t mine, Aoi’s body isn’t mine, and Yamada-sensei’s body isn’t mine either. All these bodies… belong to other people.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“But Yuma,” she said, her voice soft but clear, “you must remember. The body is just a vessel, just a tool, just… a way of expressing love. What truly matters is the consciousness within, the… me within.”

Her fingers slid from Yuzhen's cheek to her lips and pressed gently.

"No matter what body I use, no matter what I look like, I... will always be me. I will always be the stardust that loves you."

She leaned closer, her lips almost touching Yuuma's ear.

“Moreover,” she said softly, “these bodies… can give you different experiences. Misaki’s body is young and energetic, Ayako’s body is mature and gentle, Aoi’s body is pure and shy, Yamada-sensei’s body is majestic and seductive, and this body… is mature and sexy, and highly skilled.”

Her lips pressed against Yuzhen's, giving him a tender kiss.

“All of these,” she whispered between kisses, “are gifts for you. They are… ways I love you.”

Yuzhen looked at her, into those gentle eyes, and suddenly understood—Stardust was right. The body is just a vessel; what truly matters is the consciousness within, the…love within.

Moreover, these different bodies could indeed give him different experiences. They could indeed make him feel... different kinds of love.

"I understand," Yuma whispered.

Stardust smiled. It was a satisfied, happy smile.

"That's good," she said, releasing Yuma and walking to the window. Outside, the city's night view was still dazzling, with lights scattered across the land like stars.

“Yuuma,” Stardust said, her voice calm, “move in with me.”

Yuma was stunned.

"Move...to here?" he asked.

“Mm.” Stardust nodded, then turned to look at Yuuma. “This apartment is big, comfortable, and safe. Besides, Reiko Takahashi is very rich; her wealth is enough for us to live a very good life. You don’t have to worry about money anymore, you don’t have to worry about being bullied anymore, you don’t have to worry about… anything.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“I can give you anything you want,” she said, her voice soft but clear. “The best food, the best clothes, the best education, the best…everything.”

Yuzhen looked at her, at the luxurious apartment, at the night view outside the window, and suddenly felt a wave of... hesitation.

It's all so wonderful, so tempting.

but……

“I…” he said softly, “I feel… it’s not appropriate.”

Stardust was stunned.

"Not suitable?" she repeated, her voice filled with confusion.

“Hmm.” Yuzhen nodded, lowering his head and not daring to look into Xingchen’s eyes. “This is all too luxurious, too… not for me. I’m just an ordinary high school student. I don’t deserve to live in a place like this, I don’t deserve to live this kind of life.”

Stardust was silent for a few seconds. Then she smiled, a smile that contained no disappointment, but rather...relief.

“Yuuma,” she said softly, walking back to the bedside and sitting down next to Yuuma, “Do you know why I love you?”

Yuma looked up at her.

“It’s not because of your appearance, not because of your family background, not because of your abilities,” Stardust said, her fingers gently stroking Youzhen’s hair, “but because of… your heart. Your kindness, your innocence, your… lack of greed.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

“Just now on the street, when that woman humiliated you, you weren’t angry, you weren’t resentful, you were just… aggrieved. When I offered to give you all of this, you weren’t excited, you weren’t greedy, you just… felt it wasn’t right.” Her voice was gentle. “This quality… is so precious in this world.”

Her fingers slid from Yu-chan's hair to his cheek, gently cupping his face.

“So you see,” she said, her voice soft but clear, “that’s the you I love. Not the you who lives in a mansion, not the you who wears designer clothes, not the you who has wealth. But… the you who is kind, innocent, and not greedy.”

She leaned closer, her forehead gently touching Yuuma's.

“But Yuma,” she said softly, “I want to give you the best. Not because you need it, but because… I want to give it. Because I love you, I want to give you everything. Because I love you, I want you to be happy. Because I love you… I want you to live a good life.”

Her lips pressed against Yuzhen's, giving him a deep, passionate kiss. The kiss was long and tender, carrying the taste of semen and saliva, the taste of sweat and sticky fluids, but above all… the taste of love.

She kissed him for a long time before letting go. Her eyes were a little moist, not from sadness, but from... being moved.

“So,” she said, her voice choked with emotion, “even if you don’t want it, I will give it to you. Because this is my way of loving you. You can refuse, you can continue living where you are, you can continue living your life as before. But… please let me take care of you, please let me protect you, please let me… love you.”

She paused, looking at Yuuma.

"With Misaki's body, with Ayako's body, with Aoi's body, with Yamada-sensei's body, with this body... with all bodies, in all ways, I love you."

Yuzhen looked at her, at those moist eyes, at that sincere face, and suddenly felt a surge of... intense emotion.

He knew Stardust was telling the truth. She loved him, not because of what he had, but because… he was who he was. She wanted to give him everything, not because he needed it, but because… she wanted to give it.

This kind of love is too pure, too... heavy.

But he... didn't want to refuse.

He reached out and gently embraced Stardust.

"Okay," he said softly, his voice choked with emotion. "I...I accept. But...don't give me too much. As long as...I have you, that's enough."

Stardust's body trembled slightly. Then she hugged him even tighter.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling with tears, “thank you…for accepting me.”

The two of them held each other like that for a very long time.

Outside the window, the night was deepening.

The smell of semen and vaginal fluid slowly dissipated in the room, but the atmosphere of love grew stronger and stronger.

So strong...it puts your mind at ease.

So rich...it brings happiness.