Magiclad Girls and a Mob who will save them, or else the world is doomed!

Chapter 76: Kitchen and Lightning

[Moegi PoV]

While the two haven't returned yet, we played tag with him and then took a break to watch TV. It seemed like Aoi-chan was on the phone with her parents.

At this time, there were no children's shows airing, so we watched a variety show that was on rerun. I placed him on my lap and supported him with my arms like a seatbelt so that he wouldn't fall off my knees. It's the first time we've been this close, and it feels a bit ticklish.

On TV, there's a segment where idols are getting their body measurements taken. It's quite entertaining, but he seems tired and starts dozing off on my lap.

"Are you sleepy?"

"I'm not sleepy... I don't need sleep..."

He stubbornly claims he's not sleepy when he clearly is. Maybe he's got another five minutes left? As I think about that, I watch the TV, and they display the average height for men and women across the country before the idol's body measurement segment.

The average height for women is around 160 cm at age 20, and I'm... 180 cm...

[You're petite and cute.]

[No no, not really.]

They praise the idol on TV. She's small with a cute, bubbly personality.

[Being small and resembling a small animal is charming.]

Is being small really that cute? I'm about one or two heads taller than the three of them... and taller than him too...

"Don't worry about it."

–A hand was placed on my head with a pop.

"180 cm is not a big deal."

"!!"

He, who was sitting on my lap, placed his hand on top of my head, and I'm a bit surprised that he seemingly read my thoughts.

Even with his young mind, he seems to be comforting me.

"To be honest, I have hundreds of past lives, and one of them was a giant, about 5,000 meters tall."

"Ah, I-I see..."

As he pets my head, my heart starts to race. Despite being small, he looks so big to me.

"At that time, I couldn't get close to anyone, and no one could even reach the top of my head... but you're different. My hand easily reaches your head."

Saying so, he runs his hand through my hair as if combing it. To be honest, I can't fully grasp what he's saying, but his kindness gets through to me. And... his way of patting me reminds me of something...

[Moegi is such a kind child. Thank you always...]

Mom...

"...It's just 180 centimeters. Compared to 5,000 meters, it's nothing... Uh, well, in other words... Uh, what was I trying to say again...? Um, don't worry about it. Yeah, that's what I wanted to say."

He seemed embarrassed and turned away, still not quite used to saying these things.

Before I knew it, I found myself hugging him tightly.

"O-oi."

"It's about time for your nap... I'll comfort you."

"I-It's not like I need that..."

He says he doesn't need it, but his body doesn't really resist. Maybe he secretly likes it?

"Just leave it to Onee-san."

"N-No..."

"Come on, come on."

I return the head pat. He quickly starts to breathe deeply, showing signs of falling asleep...