Kameko, a student of Hikarimizu High School, also a member of the school's cooking club, was known for her exceptional culinary skills and her ability to infuse creativity into even the simplest of dishes. She had a knack for turning ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals, earning her a reputation as one of the most talented young chefs in the club. Her passion for cooking was evident in every dish she prepared, from delicate pastries to hearty ramen.

  Kameko often stayed late after school, experimenting with new recipes and techniques, always striving to perfect her craft. Her dedication was admired by her peers, and she quickly became a role model for the younger members of the club. Despite her talents, Kameko remained humble and was always eager to help others, whether it was offering tips on how to properly slice vegetables or sharing her secret ingredient for the perfect miso soup.

  One evening, after the club practice, Kameko was preparing to leave, when she noticed a small package left on the countertop in the club’s kitchen. Curiosity piqued, she carefully untied the string holding the package together and opened it, revealing a strange collar, or rather something that was looking just like the collar.

  The package had the logo of the school's WarpWitches club on it and Kameko raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the unexpected gift. The WarpWitches club was known for their playful experiments with arcane technology, often mixing magic with bleeding-edge science. While Kameko had little to do with them directly, their reputation for causing harmless but bewildering chaos was well-known throughout the school.

  The collar, upon closer inspection, was a delicate piece, crafted from a uniform black plastic-like material. Despite its strange appearance, the collar was surprisingly lightweight, almost as if it were made of air itself.

  "Meh. While no one has taken it yet, I suppose it's harmless enough," Kameko muttered to herself, her curiosity getting the better of her. She gingerly lifted the collar from the package, turning it over in her hands. The material felt oddly warm to the touch, and she could sense a faint hum of energy resonating from within it, almost like a heartbeat.

  "Maybe it's some kind of new kitchen gadget? The WarpWitches club is always tinkering with odd things," she reasoned, though she had never seen anything quite like this in the kitchen before. Kameko, known for her adventurous spirit, decided to take it home. After all, if it was left here for her, it couldn’t be anything dangerous, right?

  Kameko carefully tucked the collar into her bag, still feeling the faint hum of energy as it nestled between her recipe book and a bundle of fresh herbs she had planned to use for dinner. As she made her way out of the school, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the campus. The WarpWitches club often held their meetings late into the night, and Kameko could see the faint glow of their experiments from a distant classroom window.

  As she walked, Kameko couldn’t help but wonder what the collar’s true purpose was. It didn’t look like anything she had ever seen in the kitchen, and the more she thought about it, the more intrigued she became. The WarpWitches were known for their innovative gadgets, but they were also known for their unpredictability. She chuckled at the thought of wearing it in the kitchen as some sort of culinary enhancement. Perhaps it would help her chop vegetables faster or season dishes with a flick of the wrist. The possibilities were endless, and her imagination ran wild with ideas.

  When she arrived home, Kameko set her bag down on the kitchen counter and pulled out the collar. The hum was still there, more pronounced now that it was out in the open. She turned it over again, inspecting it closely. There was no clear indication of what it was supposed to do—no buttons, no screens, just a smooth, uniform surface.

  With a shrug, Kameko decided there was only one way to find out. She slipped the collar around her neck, expecting perhaps a tingle or a rush of energy. Instead, there was nothing—just the same faint hum, now more intimate as if it were in sync with her heartbeat.

  Suddenly, she felt a strange sensation, as if the collar started to integrate into her neck, melding with her skin in a way that was both alarming and mesmerizing. The sensation was not painful, but it was undeniably peculiar, as if the collar was becoming a part of her. She reached up to touch it, but her fingers encountered only smooth skin.

  The collar was still there, but it acquired the same texture and feel as Kameko's skin, blending seamlessly with her neck as if it had always been a part of her. The once-visible band becomes a circular fold of flesh, a subtle ridge around her neck that was almost imperceptible to the touch. Kameko’s heart raced as she realized the collar had somehow merged with her body, yet she felt no discomfort or pain—only a heightened awareness, a tingling energy coursing through her veins.

  She hurried to the bathroom mirror, her breath catching in her throat as she saw her reflection. The collar was gone, leaving behind only a faint, almost invisible line that circled her neck. It was as if her skin had absorbed the material, leaving no trace of the strange object she had found in the kitchen.

  “What... what is this?” she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and curiosity. She reached up to touch the line again, half-expecting it to pulse or shift, but it remained smooth and still, a part of her now.

  Kameko took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She had always been curious, always eager to explore new things, but this was something entirely different. The WarpWitches club was known for their odd gadgets and mysterious creations, but this felt more significant—more personal.

  As she stood there, staring at her reflection, she noticed a user manual inside the package. Kameko hurried back to the kitchen, her pulse quickening as she retrieved the small booklet from the package. It was a simple pamphlet, made of the same black material as the collar had been. The cover bore the emblem of the WarpWitches club, a swirling design that seemed to shift and move as she looked at it.

  Flipping it open, she scanned the first few pages, her eyes widening as she read the introduction:

  "Jug-o-Matic. With this unique tool, you can turn everything into a jar or a jug. Just place the collar-like object around the narrow area of the chosen object and you can use the chosen object as a jug with a detachable lid. The Jug-o-Matic seamlessly integrates with various materials, allowing for a perfect transformation without any external signs. You can also use it on pipes to split pipe in two and add a junction in between. The Jug-o-Matic just adds the seamlessly integrated threaded junction to any of your objects."

  Kameko stared at the booklet, the words swirling in her mind as she tried to comprehend what she had just read. A tool that could turn anything into a jug or jar? The concept was bizarre, even for the WarpWitches club. But then again, they were known for their outlandish creations, blending magic and science in ways that defied conventional logic.

  Her thoughts raced as she looked back at her reflection in the mirror. The collar—or rather, the Jug-o-Matic—had somehow integrated with her body, and now it seemed that she was part of this strange transformation device. But how did it work? And more importantly, what did it mean for her?

  Kameko couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The idea of being able to turn anything into a jug or jar was fascinating, yet the fact that this ability was now part of her own body was more than a little unsettling. She wondered if the WarpWitches club had intended for this to happen or if it was some kind of accident.

  “Turn anything into a jug…,” she muttered, trying to wrap her head around the idea. "A threaded junction?" Kameko tried to imagine how such a feature might work in practice.

  Kameko inspected her own neck more closely, her fingers tracing the faint line where the collar had merged with her skin. Certainly, there was a seam, barely noticeable unless you were specifically looking for it. As her fingers followed the line, she could feel a subtle shift, like something under the surface of her skin was responding to her touch. It wasn’t painful, but the sensation was strange, as if her body had become something more than just flesh and blood—something capable of transformation.

  She swallowed hard, her mind racing with possibilities and questions. Kameko turned her head counterclockwise, and as she did, she felt the skin shift around the seam. Surprisingly, there was no limit to rotating her head, as if the mechanism of the Jug-o-Matic had extended into her own body, allowing her head to turn smoothly, almost like a lid on a jar. The sensation was surreal, but not uncomfortable, more like an extension of her natural movements. Kameko’s heart pounded as she continued to experiment, turning her head further and further.

  After a couple of turns, Kameko felt as if her head become loose at the neck, almost as if it were on the verge of detaching. Yet, there was no pain, just an odd sensation of freedom, as if her head was merely another object that could be transformed or repositioned at will. Panic bubbled up inside her, but her curiosity pushed her to continue. Slowly, she unscrewed her head, feeling the smooth rotation as her body responded to the strange new ability.

  In the mirror, she watched in awe as her head was now away from her neck, now entirely detached yet still connected somehow through the space. The sight was both alarming and mesmerizing. Kameko was holding her own head in her hands, like a mythical dullahan, the ancient figure of folklore who carried their head under their arm. She stared into her own eyes, her reflection both familiar and utterly alien in this new context. The sensations were still there—she could feel the warmth of her hands on her cheeks, the subtle shift in weight as she adjusted her grip. The sight was both surreal and undeniably real.

  Kameko's mind raced with a mix of fear and fascination. The WarpWitches club had truly outdone themselves this time. This Jug-o-Matic wasn’t just a quirky gadget—it was a device that had merged with her very being, transforming her into something beyond human, something that could defy the boundaries of biology and physics.

  A part of her wanted to scream, to throw the head back onto her neck and pretend none of this had ever happened. But another part of her—perhaps the same part that had led her to experiment with new recipes and push the boundaries of her culinary art—was intrigued, even thrilled by the possibilities. If this device could do this to her, what else could it do? What other transformations were possible?

  Carefully, she lifted the head over her empty neck and turned it downward, inspecting the top of her neck.

  "No way!" Kameko gasped, noticing a wide opening inside. Her neck had become like a jar with a hollow space, smooth and lined with a soft, pliable surface. The sensation was eerie but oddly fascinating, as if her body had become a living vessel. The interior of her neck was pristine, almost like the inside of a finely crafted container. The edges were seamless, the transformation so perfect that it seemed natural, as if this was what her body had always been meant to do.

  Glancing inside, Kameko noticed, that the rest of her body became empty too, like an intricately designed jar waiting to be filled. The once-solid mass of her torso now seemed hollow, an expansive space that defied the laws of biology. Her heart, lungs, and other organs had seemingly vanished, replaced by a smooth, continuous interior that matched the new form of her neck. The sight was bizarre, yet Kameko felt no fear or discomfort—only a strange sense of detachment, as if her body had merely taken on a new shape, one that was just as natural as the old.

  Kameko lifted her head, still cradled in her hands, and turned it to look down at her hollow form. The act felt instinctive, as if this new reality was something her body understood on a deeper level. The possibilities of this transformation were endless. What did it mean for her to have a body that could be both a person and a container? Could she store things inside herself, or would the transformation allow for even more drastic changes?

  Curiosity, once again, took the lead. Kameko set her head down carefully on the counter, finding it strange yet oddly comforting to be able to see from this new vantage point. She gently reached into the hollow space of her neck, feeling the smooth, cool surface inside. The sensation was alien but not unpleasant, like touching a surface that was both part of her and separate from her at the same time.

  As she explored her new form, she noticed the same opening inside her head, leading to another hollow space, mirroring the emptiness within her torso. The interior of her head was just as pristine and seamless, as if it had been carefully crafted for this purpose. The idea that she could now hold something within her head, as well as her body, sent a shiver down her spine—a spine that, she realized, might also have transformed into something equally strange.

  Kameko couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if she tried to use her new form in a practical way. Would she be able to store ingredients inside herself? Could she pour liquids into the hollow spaces without spilling? The concept was so absurd that she nearly laughed, but the reality of her situation kept the chuckle at bay.

  Gingerly, she decided to test her theory. She walked toward the bathroom. She carefully positioned her body under the sink, and turned on the tap, allowing a small stream of water to flow. As she angled her body, the water poured directly into the hollow opening of her neck, filling the empty space within her torso. To her astonishment, the water did not spill or leak; it was as if her body had been designed to hold it perfectly, like a container made for this exact purpose.

  The sensation of the water filling her was strange but not uncomfortable. She could feel the coolness spreading through her hollow form, a tingling awareness of the liquid as it settled within her. It was an entirely new experience, unlike anything she had ever felt before.

  After a moment, Kameko straightened up, her torso now containing the water as if it were a jug. She could feel the weight of it, balanced perfectly within her body, yet she remained upright and steady, as if her new form had no trouble accommodating the liquid.

  With her head still on the counter, she reached over and gently picked it up, her fingers trembling slightly as she prepared to reattach it. She carefully aligned it with the opening of her neck and began to screw it back on, the motion smooth and effortless, as if her body had always known how to do this. When her head was securely in place, she felt an odd but reassuring click.

  Kameko looked at herself in the mirror, half-expecting to see some visible change now that her body was filled with water, but to her surprise, she appeared perfectly normal, aside from the faint line around her neck. She still felt the water inside her body. Its weight was a gentle reminder of the strange new reality she had entered. She took a deep breath, marveling at the fact that she could still breathe normally despite the liquid inside her. The experience was surreal, and as she moved, she could feel the water shifting slightly within her, almost like a gentle current inside her hollow form.

  Kameko couldn’t help but smile, a mix of awe and amusement washing over her. The WarpWitches club had truly outdone themselves with this Jug-o-Matic. It was a strange, magical creation that defied the rules of the natural world, but in some bizarre way, it felt like it had been made just for her. The possibilities were endless, and as she stood there in her bathroom, water sloshing gently inside her, Kameko realized that her life had just taken a turn into the extraordinary.

  She carefully unscrewed her head once more, setting it down on the counter. The process was becoming more familiar, almost second nature. Kameko then leaned forward and tipped her body slightly, pouring the water back out into the sink. The liquid flowed smoothly, just as it would from any jug, leaving her hollow once more.

  After reattaching her head, Kameko felt a rush of excitement. There was so much to explore, so many experiments she could conduct with her new abilities. But for now, she decided to take things slowly, to learn and understand the full extent of what she had become.

  As she returned to her kitchen, her thoughts drifted to the possibilities this new form could offer. Could she use this ability in her cooking, perhaps to store ingredients in a way no one else could? The idea was both thrilling and slightly absurd, but then again, that seemed to be the theme of her evening.

  Kameko glanced at the user manual again, flipping through the pages to see if there were any additional features or warnings. The WarpWitches club had a reputation for creating devices with unexpected side effects, and she wanted to be fully aware of what she was dealing with.

  But as she read through the manual, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Her life had always been about exploration, about pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the kitchen. Now, those boundaries had expanded far beyond anything she could have imagined.

  With a grin, Kameko tucked the manual back into the package. Whatever lay ahead, she was ready for it. The Jug-o-Matic had opened up a whole new world of possibilities, and she couldn’t wait to see where this strange journey would take her.

  The night was still young, and Kameko had a feeling that this was just the beginning.

  "You did what?" Kameko's best friend, Haruna, exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Kameko. During the lunch break at school, they had found a quiet spot under a large cherry blossom tree, far from the bustling crowds of their classmates. Kameko had just finished recounting the bizarre events of the previous evening, including her unexpected transformation into a living jug.

  "I know, it sounds crazy," Kameko replied, her voice hushed yet tinged with excitement. "But it's real. The collar… or whatever it is… it merged with me. I can actually unscrew my head, Haruna!"

  Haruna shook her head in disbelief, trying to process what she had just heard. "You’re telling me that you turned into some kind of… of human jar? And you’re not freaking out about this?"

  Kameko chuckled nervously. "I did freak out, at first. But then I realized how… well, fascinating it is. It’s like I’ve become something more than just a person. It’s strange, but kind of amazing too."

  Haruna narrowed her eyes, studying her friend’s face closely, looking for any sign that Kameko was joking. But all she saw was earnestness and a hint of that same adventurous spark that had always driven Kameko to experiment with new recipes and techniques.

  "Okay, okay," Haruna sighed, running a hand through her hair. "This is a lot to take in. But… can you show me? I mean, if it’s not too weird… or dangerous."

  Kameko hesitated for a moment, glancing around to make sure no one else was nearby. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene in the middle of the schoolyard. But Haruna was her best friend, and she trusted her completely. If there was anyone she could share this with, it was Haruna.

  "Alright," Kameko agreed, lowering her voice even further. "But just a little demonstration. I don’t want to draw too much attention. Let's go to the restroom, where we can have some privacy."

  Haruna nodded, her curiosity piqued despite her initial shock. The two friends stood up and made their way across the schoolyard, weaving through the clusters of students who were enjoying their lunch break. The cherry blossoms above them rustled gently in the breeze, their petals falling like soft pink snowflakes. Kameko couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious as they approached the school building. The last thing she wanted was to be caught in a situation she couldn’t explain.

  Once inside, they headed straight to the nearest restroom, making sure it was empty before slipping inside. Kameko locked the door behind them, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. Haruna leaned against the sink, watching her friend with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

  "Okay," Kameko said, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Here goes."

  She reached up to the faint line around her neck, the seam where the Jug-o-Matic had merged with her skin. Haruna’s eyes widened as she saw Kameko’s fingers turn her head slightly, as if she were unscrewing a jar lid. The motion was smooth and almost effortless, as if Kameko’s body had fully adapted to this strange new ability.

  In a few moments, Kameko’s head was completely detached from her neck. She held it carefully in her hands, the sight surreal and astonishing. Haruna gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief as she stared at her friend’s detached head.

  "Kameko… this is… I can’t believe it," Haruna whispered, her voice barely audible. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

  Kameko smiled, shaking her head—an odd sight since she was holding it in her hands. "No, it doesn’t hurt at all. It feels a bit strange, but it’s not painful. It’s like… I’m still connected somehow, like I can still feel everything."

  Haruna took a hesitant step forward, her eyes locked on Kameko’s head. "Can I… can I touch it?"

  "Sure," Kameko replied, holding her head out slightly toward Haruna.

  With trembling fingers, Haruna reached out and gently touched Kameko’s cheek. The skin was warm and soft, just as it had always been. It was as if nothing had changed, except for the fact that Kameko’s head was now completely separate from her body.

  "This is… unbelievable," Haruna murmured, pulling her hand back. "It’s like you’ve become… I don’t even know what to call it. A living jar?"

  Next, Haruna turned her attention toward Kameko's body, still standing upright, with the faint line where her head had been attached now visible. The sight was both unsettling and mesmerizing—Kameko’s body looked perfectly normal, except for the fact that her head was no longer on her shoulders. Haruna couldn’t tear her eyes away from the empty space at the top of Kameko’s neck, wondering what else her friend’s body was capable of.

  "Does it feel weird?" Haruna asked, her voice a mix of awe and concern. "Not having your head attached, I mean."

  "It’s definitely strange," Kameko admitted, adjusting her grip on her head. "But it doesn’t feel bad. I can still feel everything, like my body and head are connected somehow, even though they’re separate. It’s hard to explain."

  Haruna nodded, still trying to wrap her mind around what she was seeing. She glanced inside the opening at Kameko's neck and noticed the smooth, hollow interior inside her body that resembled a perfectly crafted jar. The sight was so surreal that it almost felt like something out of a dream—or a science fiction novel. Haruna leaned in a bit closer, peering into the hollow space within Kameko's neck, still grappling with the reality of what she was witnessing.

  "It's like... you're completely hollow inside," Haruna whispered, her voice filled with a mix of fascination and disbelief. "I can't believe this is real."

  Kameko chuckled softly, the sound slightly muffled as it came from the head she held in her hands. "I know, it's hard to wrap my head around too—no pun intended. But it's real. I can fill myself with things, like water or maybe even ingredients. I haven't tried anything else yet, though."

  "But I guess, you already did," Haruna carefully sniffed the air at the open neck, and her eyes widened. "It stinks! What did you eat for breakfast this morning?"

  Kameko's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized what Haruna had just discovered. "Oh no," she groaned, a hint of sheepishness in her voice. "I had some rice with raw egg this morning… I didn’t even think about how that might, um, linger."

  Haruna couldn’t help but giggle, the absurdity of the situation finally breaking through her initial shock. "I guess it’s one of the downsides of being a human jar," she teased, "It seems, your breakfast is just lying inside here, waiting to be washed out."

  Kameko let out a nervous laugh, her own embarrassment fading as she joined in on the humor of the situation. "I suppose that’s something I’ll have to be more careful about from now on. I never thought I'd need to, you know, clean out my insides like a dish!"

  Haruna’s laughter grew louder, filling the small restroom as she leaned against the sink for support. The situation was so bizarre, so utterly beyond anything she had ever imagined, that it felt like they were living in a strange dream. Yet, seeing Kameko take it all in stride, even finding humor in it, reassured her.

  "Well, I guess this is just another thing to add to your culinary adventures," Haruna said with a grin, wiping away a tear of laughter. "You’ve always been great at experimenting with ingredients—now you’re experimenting with yourself!"

  Kameko smiled, grateful for Haruna’s ability to find the lighter side of things. "I guess so. Maybe I’ll even come up with some new way to incorporate this… ability into my cooking. But first, I think I’ll need to figure out how to keep things clean. I wonder if I could… rinse myself out like a jar?"

  Haruna's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You could probably use one of those bottle brushes," she suggested, barely able to contain her laughter.

  Kameko groaned playfully. "Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. But seriously, I’m still figuring this all out. I don’t even know what the limits are or what else I might be able to do."

  Haruna’s laughter finally subsided, replaced by a look of genuine curiosity. "Whatever it is, I’m here to help you figure it out. This is… I mean, it’s crazy, but it’s also kind of amazing. You’re like a living experiment, and you’ve always loved exploring new things. Just… be careful, okay?"

  Kameko nodded, her expression softening with gratitude. "Thanks, Haruna. I knew I could count on you. I’ll be careful, I promise."

  As they stood there, the gravity of the situation began to settle in once more, but now it was tempered by a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement. Kameko was still unsure of what the future held, but with Haruna by her side, she felt a little less alone in facing it.

  "Alright," Haruna said, taking a deep breath, "let’s put your head back on and get back to class before anyone wonders where we’ve gone."

  Kameko nodded, carefully aligning her head with her neck and screwing it back into place. The sensation was still strange, but it was becoming more familiar with each try. Once her head was securely attached, she checked her reflection in the mirror to make sure everything looked normal.

  "Good as new," she said with a smile, turning back to Haruna.

  Haruna gave her a thumbs-up. "Ready to face the rest of the day?"

  "Ready," Kameko replied, her voice filled with a new sense of determination. Whatever came next, she knew she could handle it—especially with a friend like Haruna by her side.

  During the next break, both girls decided to visit their cooking club room, hoping to explore the possibilities of Kameko's new abilities in a more familiar setting. The kitchen was where Kameko felt most at home, and she figured it would be the perfect place to test what else the Jug-o-Matic collar might allow her to do. Haruna, equally curious, was eager to help her friend experiment.

  As they entered the cooking club room, the familiar scent of spices, fresh ingredients, and lingering aromas from past culinary creations greeted them. The kitchen was empty, as most of the other members were still in class, giving them the privacy they needed for their unusual exploration.

  Kameko set her bag down on one of the counters and took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Okay, so what should we try first?" she asked, glancing at Haruna.

  Haruna looked around the room, but then she looked at Kameko with a smile. "We need to clean and dry you first," she chuckled, still amused by the lingering scent from their previous discovery. "No offense, but we don’t want any old breakfast leftovers interfering with our experiments!"

  Kameko laughed, appreciating Haruna's light-hearted approach. "Yeah, good point. I suppose I should start by, um, rinsing myself out."

  She walked over to one of the sinks and carefully unscrewed her head again, setting it down on the counter. The sensation was becoming more familiar, though still a bit surreal. Once her head was safely set aside, Kameko turned her attention to her body, positioning herself under the faucet.

  Haruna, ever the supportive friend, turned on the water for her, adjusting it to a comfortable temperature. The water flowed smoothly into Kameko's open neck, filling her hollow form just as it had before. The cool, refreshing sensation was oddly soothing.

  "We need a dishwashing liquid too," Haruna took the bottle with a mischievous grin and added a small squirt of dishwashing liquid into the stream of water flowing into Kameko's body. The bubbles began to form inside her, creating a frothy mixture as the water filled her hollow form.

  Kameko couldn't help but giggle at the absurdity of the situation. "I never thought I'd be washing out my insides like this," she said, her voice slightly muffled by the fact that her head was sitting on the counter.

  Haruna laughed along with her. "Well, it's a first for both of us. But hey, at least you're getting a good clean!"

  After a few moments, Haruna turned off the water and grabbed the longest bottle brush the club room had. It was a comically oversized brush, typically used for cleaning large jars and containers. Haruna held it up with a grin, the sight of the giant brush making both girls chuckle.

  "Ready for the final rinse?" Haruna asked, holding the brush with a mock-serious expression.

  Kameko nodded, though she couldn't help but feel a bit silly about the whole situation. "As ready as I'll ever be."

  With gentle care, Haruna inserted the brush into Kameko's open neck, giving it a few twists to ensure that the soap was evenly distributed inside her hollow body. The sensation was strange but not unpleasant—more like an intense tickling from within. Kameko couldn't help but squirm a little, which only made Haruna laugh harder.

  "Sorry, it tickles!" Kameko giggled, trying to hold still as Haruna finished the job.

  Once Haruna was satisfied that Kameko was properly rinsed and cleaned, she pulled the brush out and rinsed it off in the sink. Kameko, now filled with soapy water and bubbles, stood by patiently as her friend turned the faucet back on for one final rinse. The clean water flowed into her once again, washing away the soap and bubbles, leaving her feeling refreshed and ready for whatever experiment they would try next.

  "All done!" Haruna announced, turning off the water and stepping back with a satisfied smile.

  Kameko carefully tipped her body over the sink, pouring out the water just as she had before. This time, the process felt smoother, almost natural, as if her body had fully adapted to its new capabilities. Once she was empty again, she grabbed a clean towel from a nearby rack and dabbed at the inside of her neck opening to dry it off.

  "Thanks, Haruna," Kameko said, smiling as she finished drying off. "I think I’m ready now."

  Haruna nodded, still marveling at the whole experience. "So, what’s the plan? What should we test out next?"

  Kameko thought for a moment, looking around the kitchen for inspiration.

  "Let's make a drink inside you!" Haruna smiled, approaching the fridge. "A carbonated ramune should be fine. We can see how well your body handles it, and maybe even test out pouring it afterward."

  Kameko's eyes lit up at the idea. "That sounds like a great plan! Let's see how my new abilities handle something fizzy."

  Haruna opened the fridge and pulled out the ingredients for the homemade ramune, including the chilled water, flavored syrup, lemon, and lime.

  "We can also use our club's carbonator equipment to add some fizz to the drink," Haruna suggested, pointing to the sleek carbonator machine on the counter. "That way, we can see how your body handles the carbonation."

  Kameko nodded, intrigued by the experiment. "Sounds perfect! Let's get started."

  "Well. I'll mix everything right inside you then," Haruna said with a mischievous grin. She carefully measured out the flavored syrup and poured it into Kameko's open neck, the liquid flowing smoothly into her hollow body. Kameko could feel the syrup settling inside her, a slightly sticky sensation that was both strange and fascinating.

  Next, Haruna squeezed the lemon and lime juice into Kameko, the citrusy scent filling the air as the fresh juice mixed with the syrup. The tangy liquid created a slight tingling sensation as it spread through Kameko’s hollow form, making her shiver slightly with the unexpected intensity of the flavor.

  "How does it feel?" Haruna asked, her voice filled with curiosity as she added the chilled water to the mix, the cool liquid blending with the syrup and juice inside Kameko.

  "It’s… kind of refreshing, actually," Kameko replied, her voice reflecting the surprise she felt. "I can sense the different flavors mixing together inside me. It’s a bit like tasting, but from the inside out."

  Haruna couldn’t help but smile at Kameko’s description. "That sounds amazing! Now, let’s add some fizz and see how you handle that."

  She positioned the carbonator nozzle at the top of Kameko’s neck opening and carefully activated the machine. The carbonated gas flowed into Kameko’s body, infusing the liquid mixture with bubbles and creating a fizzy sensation that was unlike anything she had ever experienced.

  Kameko gasped as the carbonation spread throughout her, the bubbles creating a lively, effervescent feeling inside her hollow form. It was almost like a gentle tickling from within, making her feel light and tingly.

  "This is incredible!" Kameko exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement. "The bubbles are so… lively! It’s like I’m holding a party inside me!"

  Haruna giggled at her friend’s reaction, delighted to see Kameko enjoying the experience. "Let’s see if you can pour it out as smoothly as before," she suggested, grabbing a glass from the counter.

  Kameko carefully leaned over the sink, positioning her neck opening above the glass. With a smooth, controlled motion, she tipped her body slightly, allowing the carbonated ramune to flow out in a steady stream. The liquid poured perfectly into the glass, the bubbles rising to the surface in a delicate froth.

  Haruna watched in awe as the glass filled with the fizzy drink, the carbonation still lively and intact. The sight of Kameko pouring the drink from her own body was surreal, yet somehow it felt completely natural given everything they had experienced that day.

  "Wow, that was perfect!" Haruna said, her voice filled with admiration. "You’re like a living soda fountain!"

  Kameko couldn’t help but laugh at the comparison. "I guess I am! This is so bizarre, but it’s also kind of amazing. Who knew I’d ever be able to do something like this?"

  While Haruna was sipping the fresh lemon-lime ramune, she couldn’t help but marvel at how perfectly it had turned out. "This is really good, Kameko! You’ve managed to mix everything perfectly inside you. It’s just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and fizzy."

  Kameko beamed with pride, even though the situation was entirely out of the ordinary. "I’m glad it turned out well! It’s kind of fun to be able to make something like this… from the inside." She placed her head over the neck and started to turn it clockwise, securing it back in place. The familiar sensation of her head reattaching to her neck was becoming more routine, and as she completed the process, she felt a sense of satisfaction.

  Haruna set the glass down, her eyes filled with admiration and curiosity. "Kameko, this is incredible. I mean, it’s totally weird, but in the best possible way! You’ve always been amazing in the kitchen, but now… you’re like your own secret ingredient."

  Kameko blushed slightly, still adjusting to the idea of her new abilities. "Thanks, Haruna. It’s definitely weird, but I think there’s a lot of potential here. I wonder what else we could try."

  Haruna’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "We could experiment with different ingredients, see how they mix inside you, or even try out different temperatures—like what happens if we pour something hot inside you? Or something cold?"

  Kameko nodded, her own curiosity piqued by the idea. "That’s a good point. We need to find out what my limits are, if I even have any. But we should be careful, especially with hot liquids. I don’t want to get hurt—or, well, damaged."

  "Agreed," Haruna said with a thoughtful expression. "We’ll take it slow and be safe about it. But I’m really excited to see what else you can do. You’re basically a living culinary experiment now!"

  Kameko chuckled at the thought. "Yeah, I guess I am. And you know what? I’m actually kind of excited too. This could be a whole new way to explore cooking—and who knows what other surprises might be in store?"

  The two friends exchanged a smile, their bond strengthened by this strange and unexpected adventure. As they cleaned up the kitchen and prepared to return to class, Kameko couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The Jug-o-Matic collar had changed her in ways she never could have imagined, but it had also opened up a world of new possibilities—both in the kitchen and beyond.

  Whatever came next, Kameko knew she wouldn’t have to face it alone. With Haruna by her side, she was ready to embrace the unknown and explore the extraordinary potential of her new abilities.

  Just then, Kameko noticed the constant hissing of the carbonation inside her. The carbon dioxide was slowly flowing from her mouth like a continuous, gentle stream of bubbles escaping from her lips. The sensation was strange, like a soft tickling that she couldn’t quite stop. Kameko’s eyes widened as she realized what was happening.

  "Haruna, I think the carbonation is still active inside me!" she exclaimed, her voice slightly muffled by the constant hissing.

  Haruna turned to Kameko, her expression shifting from curiosity to concern. "Oh no! Do you think it’s safe? Is it uncomfortable?"

  Kameko shook her head, feeling the bubbles continuing to escape. "It’s not painful, just… weird. Like I’m a soda bottle that’s been left open too long. But I don’t think I can stop it."

  "Maybe we need a proper glass ball? For a proper ramune bottle," Haruna giggled, trying to lighten the mood.

  "Here. Gulp this down," Haruna took the transparent and smooth glass ball from the nearby shelf, one that was typically used for sealing traditional ramune bottles. The ball was small and clear, perfect for fitting into the narrow neck of a bottle—or in this case, Kameko’s own mouth.

  Kameko hesitated for a moment, the idea of swallowing the glass ball feeling odd, but given the situation, she decided to trust Haruna’s suggestion. She took the glass ball from Haruna and, with a determined nod, placed it in her mouth. The ball fits snugly, and as she swallowed, it settled into place at the back of her throat, just like the stopper in a ramune bottle.

  Almost immediately, the hissing sound stopped. The carbonation no longer escaped from her mouth, and the tickling sensation eased, replaced by a feeling of relief. Kameko blinked in surprise, realizing that the glass ball had effectively sealed the carbonation inside her, just as it would in a ramune bottle.

  "Wow, it actually worked!" Kameko said, her voice slightly muffled but free from the hissing. "I feel normal again!"

  Haruna let out a sigh of relief, her expression softening. "Thank goodness! I was worried there for a second. How does it feel now?"

  Kameko took a moment to assess how she felt. "It’s… strange. I can still feel the carbonation inside me, but it’s like it’s just sitting there, not escaping anymore. The glass ball really did the trick!"

  Haruna smiled, clearly relieved. "I guess that’s one way to handle it! You’re like a walking ramune bottle now, Kameko. But we should probably be careful with how much carbonation we put inside you from now on."

  Kameko nodded in agreement. "Definitely. I don’t want to end up as a human soda fountain all day. But it’s good to know there’s a way to control it. Thanks for the idea, Haruna."

  "No problem," Haruna replied with a grin. "I guess this is just another thing to add to our list of weird and wonderful discoveries today."

  Kameko laughed, feeling a mix of amusement and relief. "Yeah, it’s been a pretty strange day, hasn’t it? But at least we’re figuring things out together."

  As the two friends finished cleaning up and prepared to head back to class, Kameko couldn’t help but feel grateful for Haruna’s quick thinking and support. The Jug-o-Matic collar had certainly brought its share of surprises, but with Haruna by her side, Kameko felt ready to face whatever came next—no matter how bubbly or bizarre it might be.

  Later that day, during PE class, Kameko couldn’t shake the lingering sensation of the carbonation inside her. Though the glass ball had effectively sealed the bubbles, she could still feel a gentle, almost pleasant fizzing sensation as she moved. It was a constant reminder of the strange transformation she had undergone, but she tried to push it to the back of her mind as she focused on the activities at hand.

  The class was held outdoors, the warm sun casting a golden glow over the field as students prepared for their usual round of exercises. Kameko lined up with her classmates, trying her best to appear as normal as possible despite the unusual circumstances. Haruna was close by, casting occasional concerned glances in her direction, but Kameko gave her a reassuring smile. She felt mostly fine, though the thought of what might happen during the more strenuous parts of the class was definitely in the back of her mind.

  The PE instructor, a tall, energetic woman named Ms. Yamada, called the class to attention. "Alright, everyone! Today we’re going to focus on endurance training. We’ll start with a few laps around the field, followed by some calisthenics. Let’s see some hustle out there!"

  The class groaned in unison but quickly got moving, forming a loose group as they started jogging around the field. Kameko tried to keep pace with the others, but the sensation of the carbonation inside her was making things a bit tricky. Each step seemed to stir the bubbles, creating a fizzy feeling that spread through her torso and up into her head.

  As they completed the first lap, Kameko noticed that the carbonation was becoming more active. The movement from running was agitating the gas inside her, making her feel like a shaken soda bottle. She tried to steady her breathing, but she could feel the pressure building, the bubbles wanting to escape.

  Kameko did her best to focus on maintaining a steady pace, but the fizzing sensation became more intense with each step. It felt as if the carbonation was looking for any possible way to escape, creating a growing pressure inside her hollow form. The glass ball that had previously sealed the bubbles was holding tight.

  Instead, Kameko felt, as her body started to stiffen, almost as if the pressure inside was pushing against her joints, making it harder to move freely. Her steps became more rigid, and she found herself struggling to keep up with the rest of the class. The fizzing inside her intensified, and she could feel the bubbles pushing up toward her head, creating a tingling sensation in her neck and skull.

  Haruna, who had been jogging close by, noticed Kameko’s change in pace and expression. She slowed down and matched Kameko’s pace, concern etched on her face. "Kameko, are you okay? You’re looking a bit stiff."

  Kameko forced a smile, trying to downplay the situation. "I’m fine… just… the carbonation is getting a bit intense. It’s like I’m a soda can about to explode."

  Haruna’s eyes widened with worry. "Maybe you should slow down or take a break. You don’t want to push yourself too hard."

  Kameko nodded, realizing that Haruna was right. She needed to be cautious, especially since she wasn’t sure how her body would react if the pressure continued to build. As they approached the end of the second lap, Kameko slowed her pace even further, eventually coming to a stop by the side of the track.

  Haruna stopped with her, keeping a watchful eye on her friend. "Let’s sit down for a bit," she suggested, guiding Kameko to a nearby bench under the shade of a tree.

  "Wow! You're stiff like a statue," Haruna remarked, her voice tinged with concern as she helped Kameko sit down. The pressure inside Kameko's body was making her movements slow and rigid, almost like she was made of something more solid than flesh and bone.

  Kameko let out a shaky breath, trying to relax despite the growing pressure. "I can feel the carbonation building up… but I don't know how to release it without making a scene."

  Haruna bit her lip, thinking quickly. "Maybe we need to unscrew your head again? That might help relieve some of the pressure."

  Kameko hesitated, glancing around the field. The other students were still running their laps, but she worried that someone might notice if she started unscrewing her head in the middle of PE class. "I don’t know, Haruna… what if someone sees? It’s going to look so weird."

  Haruna nodded, understanding the dilemma. "You're right… but we need to do something before the pressure gets too intense. Let me push your glass ball down your throat and free the carbonation slowly. It might look a little strange, but it’s better than the alternative."

  Kameko considered the suggestion for a moment before nodding. "Okay, let's try that. But we have to be quick and discreet."

  Haruna glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention. The other students were focused on their laps, and Ms. Yamada was on the far side of the field, supervising.

  Haruna leaned in closer to Kameko, reached inside her mouth with a couple of fingers, and carefully pushed the glass ball down Kameko’s throat, trying to be as gentle as possible. The ball slid down slightly, and almost immediately, Kameko felt the pressure inside her begin to ease as the carbonation started to escape in a controlled manner.

  A soft, almost imperceptible hiss escaped from Kameko’s lips as the bubbles began to flow out. It was a relief, like letting out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. The stiff, rigid feeling in her body started to fade, and she could feel her joints loosening up, allowing her to move more freely again.

  But at the same time, Kameko felt as ramune from her insides began to trickle up, bubbling up her throat. The sensation was like a gentle burp, but it was steady and continuous, with the ramune slowly spilling out of her mouth. She quickly clamped her hand over her lips, trying to contain the fizzy liquid, but it kept coming, a slow, steady stream that she couldn’t stop.

  Haruna watched with a mix of concern and amazement. "Oh no, Kameko! Are you okay?"

  Kameko nodded, though her eyes were wide with alarm. The ramune wasn’t pouring out like a fountain, but it was still a strange and unsettling experience.

  "K... Kiss me. I mean, drink the excessive ramune from my mouth!" Kameko blurted out, her voice muffled by the stream of ramune trickling from her lips. She hadn’t meant to say it quite like that, but the urgency of the situation left little room for decorum.

  Haruna blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly at the sudden request, but she quickly understood what Kameko was asking. Without hesitation, she leaned in closer, her own face reddening as she pressed her lips against Kameko's. It was an unconventional solution, but given the circumstances, it was the best option they had.

  Haruna carefully began to drink the ramune directly from Kameko’s mouth, the sweet and tangy liquid filling her own mouth as she swallowed it down. The sensation was strange for both of them, but it worked. The continuous flow of ramune slowed as Haruna helped Kameko relieve the pressure in her body.

  For Kameko, the act was both embarrassing and oddly comforting, the carbonation inside her gradually easing as the ramune was drained. The tickling sensation subsided, and her body relaxed, the stiffness fading away entirely. After a few moments, the flow of ramune stopped, leaving Kameko feeling much lighter and more at ease.

  Haruna pulled back gently, her face still flushed as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Are you okay now?" she asked, her voice tinged with both concern and a hint of embarrassment.

  Kameko nodded, her own cheeks pink as she let out a relieved sigh. "Yeah… I feel a lot better now. Thank you, Haruna. That was… kind of intense."

  Haruna managed a small smile, the awkwardness of the moment slowly fading. "No problem. I’m just glad you’re okay. We’ll have to be more careful with the carbonation in the future, though."

  Kameko chuckled softly, grateful for Haruna’s quick thinking and support. "Definitely. I think I’ll stick to still water for a while."

  The two friends shared a moment of quiet laughter, the tension from the earlier incident dissipating as they sat together on the bench. Despite the bizarre nature of what had just happened, their bond felt stronger than ever. Kameko knew she could rely on Haruna to help her navigate the strange new reality she was living in, no matter how unusual the circumstances might be.

  As the other students continued their PE class, Kameko and Haruna took a few more minutes to recover, and their friendship solidified by the shared experience. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Kameko felt ready to face them—with Haruna by her side.

  During the PE class, the carbon dioxide continued to build up inside Kameko, despite the temporary relief she had found with Haruna's help. The initial sense of ease was short-lived as the physical activity continued to agitate the carbonation within her. Each step, each jump, seemed to shake up the bubbles inside her body, making it harder and harder to ignore the growing pressure.

  As the class transitioned from jogging to a series of stretching exercises, Kameko struggled to maintain her composure. The sensation of the bubbles pressing against her insides was becoming overwhelming, and she could feel her body stiffening again, this time more noticeably.

  Haruna, who had been keeping a close eye on Kameko, noticed the change immediately. She could see the strain on her friend's face and the way Kameko's movements had become increasingly rigid. Concerned, she moved closer, pretending to adjust her own stretches as she whispered to Kameko.

  "Kameko, are you alright? You’re looking really stiff again," Haruna asked, her voice low and filled with worry.

  Kameko nodded slightly, trying to mask the discomfort she was feeling. "It’s the carbonation… it’s building up again. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up."

  Haruna bit her lip, quickly assessing the situation. Noticing the large tree behind the field, Haruna came up with an idea. She leaned closer to Kameko and whispered urgently, "Let’s sneak away to that tree. We can try to relieve the pressure there, away from everyone else."

  Kameko glanced around, noticing that most of the other students were focused on their stretches, and Ms. Yamada was busy giving instructions to another group. She nodded, realizing it was the best option they had at the moment. "Alright, let’s go."

  Moving as discreetly as they could, Kameko and Haruna slowly edged their way toward the large tree at the far end of the field. The shade provided some cover, and once they were safely behind the trunk, Haruna turned to Kameko with a determined look.

  "Wait, wait. I need to push your glass ball down first," Haruna laughed watching as Kameko already stretched her lips and even closed her eyes.

  Kameko’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized she had jumped the gun. "Oops, sorry," she muttered, opening her eyes with a sheepish grin.

  Haruna chuckled, shaking her head affectionately. "It’s okay. We’re in this together, remember?"

  With a focused expression, Haruna reached into Kameko’s mouth again, gently pushing the glass ball further down her throat to help release the pressure building up inside. The moment the ball shifted, Kameko felt the familiar hiss of carbonation escaping, but this time she was ready for it.

  Haruna leaned closer and placed her lips over Kameko's, ready to help her once again. The two of them shared a moment of mutual understanding, knowing this was the only way to relieve the growing pressure inside Kameko without drawing attention to themselves.

  As the carbonation began to escape, Kameko felt the bubbles rushing up, creating a soft but steady stream of fizzy ramune. Haruna, without hesitation, began to drink it, the tangy liquid filling her mouth. The sensation was strange and intimate, but there was no time to think about it—Kameko needed relief, and Haruna was there to help her.

  For a few moments, they stayed like that, Kameko feeling the pressure inside her gradually easing as Haruna drank the excess ramune. The stiffness in Kameko's body began to fade, replaced by a sense of lightness and relief. The constant fizzing sensation that had been plaguing her all through PE class finally subsided, and Kameko could breathe more easily.

  When the flow of ramune finally slowed to a stop, Haruna pulled back, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. Her cheeks were flushed, and there was a look of determination in her eyes. "Feeling better now?"

  Kameko nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. "Much better. Thank you, Haruna. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

  Haruna smiled warmly, though her concern was still evident. "We’re a team, Kameko. But we really need to figure out a way to manage this better. Maybe we should talk to someone in the WarpWitches club about it. They might know how to help."

  Kameko considered the idea, realizing that Haruna was right. The WarpWitches club had created the Jug-o-Matic, and they might be the only ones who truly understood how it worked. "Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. We can ask them after school."

  As they stood there, catching their breath under the shade of the tree, Kameko couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for Haruna’s support. This situation was far from normal, but with Haruna by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

  For now, they would finish PE class as discreetly as possible, but the mystery of the Jug-o-Matic and how to control its effects would need to be solved soon. The last thing Kameko wanted was to become a walking soda bottle every time she exerted herself. Together, she and Haruna would find a way to navigate this strange new reality.

  As Kameko and Haruna made their way toward the changing room after PE class, they both felt a mix of relief and apprehension. The incident with the carbonation had been a close call, and while they had managed to handle it discreetly, Kameko knew she couldn't keep relying on quick fixes like that. The thought of something similar happening again, or even in a more public setting, was enough to make her anxious.

  Haruna, ever the supportive friend, walked close by, her concern still evident. "While we're both in the showers, maybe I wash you again from the remnants of the ramune. You know, just to make sure there’s no lingering carbonation that might cause more trouble later," Haruna suggested with a small, reassuring smile.

  Kameko appreciated Haruna’s thoughtfulness, though the idea of needing to be "washed" like a dish was still a bit embarrassing. But after everything that had happened, she realized it was necessary. "Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. I don’t want to risk anything during the rest of the day."

  They entered the changing room, and after making sure they were alone, the two girls headed toward the showers. Kameko felt a bit nervous about what they were about to do, but she trusted Haruna completely. They had already been through so much together, and Haruna had proven time and again that she was willing to help no matter how strange the situation.

  Once in the shower, they both choose the secured stall with the door closed behind them. The sound of running water filled the small space, creating a soothing backdrop to the otherwise tense situation. Kameko stood under the warm stream, letting the water cascade over her as she began to unscrew her head once more, the now-familiar process feeling a bit more routine but still surreal.

  Haruna watched with a determined expression, ready to help her friend as needed. Once Kameko had detached her head and set it carefully aside on a clean towel, Haruna adjusted the water temperature to a comfortable warmth and positioned Kameko's body directly under the showerhead.

  "Okay, let’s get you cleaned up," Haruna said with a gentle smile as she began to rinse out the inside of Kameko’s hollow form. She was careful to make sure the water reached every part of Kameko’s interior, washing away any remnants of the ramune and carbonation that might still be lingering.

  The warm water flowed through Kameko's body, the sensation strangely soothing as it filled her hollow torso and drained out smoothly. Haruna reached for a bottle of body wash and squirted a small amount into her hand before gently scrubbing the interior of Kameko’s neck and torso. The bubbles formed as she worked, creating a fresh, clean scent that mingled with the steam of the shower.

  "How does that feel?" Haruna asked, her tone both caring and practical as she continued to clean Kameko’s interior.

  "It actually feels nice," Kameko replied, her voice coming from the head resting on the towel. "Kind of like a deep cleanse, but from the inside out. I guess this is what a really thorough dishwashing must feel like."

  Haruna chuckled softly, though she was focused on making sure every part of Kameko’s body was thoroughly rinsed and cleaned. "Well, at least we know you’re nice and fresh now. No more fizzy surprises for the rest of the day."

  Once she was satisfied that Kameko was thoroughly cleaned, Haruna rinsed out the bubbles, making sure there was no residue left behind. The water flowed clear, and Kameko felt a sense of relief as the last of the carbonation was washed away.

  Haruna turned off the water and grabbed a fresh towel to dry off Kameko’s interior, making sure she was completely dry before reattaching her head. The process was smooth and efficient, a testament to how well the two friends had learned to work together in even the most unusual circumstances.

  With her head securely back in place, Kameko gave Haruna a grateful smile. "Thank you, Haruna. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

  "K... Kameko, you've attached your head wrong," Haruna tried to suppress the giggle. "You're looking backward." Kameko blinked in surprise, realizing what Haruna meant. The world around her seemed off, and when she tried to move, her body didn't respond quite as expected. She quickly understood that in her haste to reattach her head, she had screwed it on facing the wrong direction.

  "Oh no!" Kameko exclaimed, her voice filled with both embarrassment and amusement. "I can’t believe I did that!" she chuckled, glancing down and noticing her own butt instead of her chest. The realization made both girls burst into laughter, the tension of the day melting away in their shared humor.

  Haruna, still giggling, moved to help. "Hang on, let’s get you turned around properly." She gently unscrewed Kameko’s head, carefully lifting it.

  "It seems, the thread on your neck has two starts," Haruna observed as she examined the base of Kameko’s neck, trying to figure out how the mistake had happened. "That’s why it went on backward. We’ll just make sure to align it correctly this time."

  Kameko couldn’t help but laugh at the situation, despite the oddity of it all. "Leave it to me to screw my head on backward," she said, still chuckling. "I guess I’ve got a lot to learn about being a living jar."

  Haruna smiled, her laughter subsiding as she carefully realigned Kameko’s head with the proper orientation. "Don’t worry, you’re doing great. It’s all a learning process, and I’m just glad we can laugh about it."

  With steady hands, Haruna screwed Kameko’s head back on, making sure it was facing the right direction this time. Once it was securely in place, Kameko blinked, the world around her snapping back to normal as she regained her proper perspective.

  "Much better," Kameko said with a sigh of relief, giving her head a gentle shake to make sure it was attached correctly. "Thanks again, Haruna. I really couldn’t have done this without you."

  Haruna gave her a warm smile, her eyes filled with affection and friendship. "Anytime, Kameko. I’m always here to help, no matter how strange things get."

  The two girls finished drying off and changed back into their uniforms, feeling a sense of camaraderie and resilience after everything they had been through that day. As they left the changing room, ready to face the rest of the school day, Kameko felt a renewed sense of confidence. With Haruna by her side, she knew she could handle whatever challenges her new abilities might throw at her.

  "Want to continue the experiments?" Haruna asked Kameko after the classes, Kameko smiled at Haruna’s suggestion, her curiosity piqued despite the challenges they had faced earlier. "You know what? I do. I think we’ve only scratched the surface of what this Jug-o-Matic can do. But let’s be a bit more careful this time."

  Haruna nodded, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Agreed. We should probably head somewhere private again, just in case things get a little… bubbly."

  Kameko chuckled, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "How about the cooking club room? It’s familiar, and we’ll have all the tools we need if anything goes wrong."

  "Perfect," Haruna agreed. "Plus, it’s the best place to experiment with your culinary skills using this new ability."

  The two friends made their way to the cooking club room.

  "Oh, I think you two already left," Shiho, the cooking club leader greeted them, a warm smile on her face as she finished tidying up some utensils on the counter. "I was just about to lock up, but I can leave the door open if you need the room for something."

  Kameko exchanged a quick glance with Haruna before responding. "Thanks, Shiho! We just need a little more time to work on something… a personal project," she explained, trying to keep the details vague.

  Shiho raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not pressing for more information. "Alright, just make sure to lock up when you’re done. And if you need anything, I’ll be around."

  With that, Shiho waved them off and exited the room, leaving Kameko and Haruna alone in the familiar kitchen space. The room was quiet, the lingering aromas of past culinary experiments still hanging in the air. It was a comfortable, almost cozy environment—perfect for what they had in mind.

  Kameko set her bag down on one of the counters and took a deep breath, feeling the anticipation build. "Okay, so what’s the plan? What should we try next?"

  Haruna thought for a moment, tapping her chin as she glanced around the room. "Well, we’ve tried liquid and carbonation, but what about something more solid? Maybe we could see how you handle different ingredients, like mixing and holding things that are more substantial. It might give us a better idea of how versatile your new abilities are."

  Kameko nodded, intrigued by the idea. "That sounds like a good plan. We could start with something simple, like flour or sugar, and then move on to more complex ingredients."

  Haruna smiled, already moving toward the pantry. "Alright, let’s start with flour. It’s light, but it can also be tricky to manage if it’s not handled properly. We can see how well you can hold it and maybe even mix it with other ingredients inside you."

  Kameko couldn’t help but laugh at the idea. "I’m about to become a human mixing bowl, aren’t I?"

  "Pretty much!" Haruna replied with a grin as she returned with a bag of flour and a measuring cup. "Let’s see how well you can hold and mix this without making a mess."

  Kameko unscrewed her head once again, setting it down carefully on the counter. Haruna, ever the supportive friend, carefully measured out a cup of flour and gently poured it into the opening at the top of Kameko’s neck. The fine powder flowed into Kameko’s hollow body, settling smoothly inside her.

  The sensation was strange but not unpleasant. Kameko could feel the flour resting within her, almost like a light, fluffy weight. It didn’t move around much, but she was aware of its presence, as if it had become a part of her.

  "How does that feel?" Haruna asked, watching closely for any signs of discomfort.

  "It’s… interesting," Kameko replied, her voice coming from her head on the counter. "I can feel it inside me, but it’s not heavy or uncomfortable. Just kind of… there."

  Haruna nodded, intrigued. "Let’s add some sugar next, and then we can see if you can mix them together."

  She grabbed a bag of sugar from the pantry and measured out another cup, carefully pouring it into Kameko’s open neck. The sugar mixed with the flour inside Kameko, the two ingredients settling together in her hollow form. The sensation was different this time—more granular and slightly heavier, but still manageable.

  "Alright, now let’s see if you can mix them together," Haruna suggested, her excitement evident in her voice. "Just try moving around a little, see if you can get them to combine."

  Kameko focused on the sensation of the ingredients inside her, trying to imagine them mixing together as she gently swayed from side to side. The flour and sugar shifted within her, slowly blending as she moved. It was a delicate process, but Kameko could feel the ingredients combining, becoming more uniform as she continued to move.

  "It’s working!" Kameko exclaimed, a note of triumph in her voice. "I can feel them mixing together. It’s like I’m stirring them with my body."

  Haruna clapped her hands, clearly impressed. "That’s amazing, Kameko! You’re really getting the hang of this. Maybe we could try adding some liquid next, see if you can mix up a batter or dough."

  Kameko nodded, excited by the idea. "Let’s do it! I want to see how far I can push this."

  Haruna quickly grabbed a small jug of milk from the fridge and measured out a portion. "Okay, I’ll add this slowly, and you just keep mixing. We’ll see if you can make a batter inside you."

  She carefully poured the milk into Kameko’s open neck, the cool liquid flowing in and mixing with the flour and sugar. Kameko could feel the ingredients combining, the mixture becoming thicker and more cohesive as she continued to move.

  "It’s getting thicker," Kameko noted, concentrating on the process. "I can feel it turning into a batter."

  Haruna watched in awe as Kameko successfully mixed the ingredients inside her, creating a smooth, even batter. "Kameko, this is incredible! You’re like a living mixing machine!"

  Kameko laughed, delighted by the success of their experiment. "I guess I am! This is actually kind of fun—if not a little weird."

  Haruna grinned, clearly thrilled by their progress. "I think we’ve proven that you can handle mixing ingredients pretty well. Maybe next time we can try something even more complex, like making dough or even cooking something inside you."

  Kameko’s eyes lit up at the idea. "I’m up for it! This is turning out to be a lot more exciting than I expected."

  As they cleaned up the kitchen, both girls couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. They had pushed the boundaries of what was possible with the Jug-o-Matic collar, and Kameko was starting to see her new abilities as less of a burden and more of a unique opportunity.

  The possibilities were endless, and with Haruna by her side, Kameko was eager to explore every one of them.

  Haruna’s eyes lit up with a sudden idea as she glanced over at a bottle of vanilla extract on the shelf. "Oh, I’ve got an idea!" Haruna exclaimed, reaching for the bottle of vanilla extract. "What if we add a bit of vanilla and see if you can infuse the batter with flavor? We could even experiment with different flavors to see how well you can mix them inside you."

  Kameko’s curiosity was piqued by the suggestion. "That sounds like a great idea! Let’s see if I can become a living flavor infuser."

  Haruna unscrewed the cap of the vanilla extract and carefully measured out a small amount. "Alright, here goes. I’ll add just a little bit at first, and you can tell me how it feels."

  She poured the vanilla extract into Kameko’s open neck, the rich, sweet aroma immediately filling the air. Kameko could feel the liquid blending with the batter inside her, the sensation of the flavor spreading throughout her hollow form. It was different from the previous ingredients—more concentrated, with a strong, aromatic presence.

  "How does it feel?" Haruna asked, watching Kameko closely.

  "It’s interesting," Kameko replied, focusing on the sensation. "I can feel the flavor spreading and mixing with the batter. It’s like I’m infusing it with vanilla from the inside out."

  "Let me help you with the batter," Haruna smiled stepping closer. "Could you undress for that?"

  Kameko blinked in surprise at Haruna's request, her cheeks flushing slightly. She hadn’t expected that suggestion, but she could understand the practicality behind it—mixing ingredients inside her might get messy, and it would be easier to clean up if she wasn’t wearing her uniform.

  After a moment of hesitation, Kameko nodded. "Alright, that makes sense. I guess I don’t want to get batter all over my clothes."

  With that, Kameko began to undress, carefully setting her uniform aside. Once she was down to just her undergarments, she felt a little exposed but knew it was necessary for the experiment. Haruna, always the considerate friend, made sure to keep the atmosphere light and comfortable, her focus entirely on the task at hand.

  "Okay, now let’s get back to mixing," Haruna said with a reassuring smile. She gently placed her hands on Kameko’s sides, helping her sway and move to encourage the batter to mix thoroughly. Kameko could feel the ingredients blending even more smoothly, the vanilla infusing into the mixture with each gentle motion.

  "How does it feel now?" Haruna asked, her tone both curious and caring. She was kneading and pushing Kameko's sides with a careful touch, almost as if she were massaging the batter within her friend.

  Kameko closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the sensation. "It feels… really smooth," she said, her voice reflecting the oddness of the experience. "The vanilla is definitely spreading evenly. It’s like I can feel the batter becoming more cohesive, and the flavor is mixing in perfectly. It’s actually kind of relaxing."

  Haruna smiled, encouraged by Kameko’s response. "That’s great! It sounds like you’re really getting the hang of this. I think we should add a few more flavors, just to see how well they mix together. We can use this as a base for something more complex later."

  She reached for the pantry again, this time selecting a small bottle of almond extract and a hint of lemon zest. "These should add some interesting layers to the flavor. Let’s see how well they blend inside you."

  Kameko nodded, feeling more comfortable with the experiment now. "I’m ready. Let’s see what happens."

  Haruna carefully added a few drops of almond extract and a sprinkle of lemon zest into Kameko’s neck. The scents mingled in the air, creating a delightful aroma that filled the room. As the flavors combined inside Kameko, she could feel the different elements interacting with each other, the batter becoming richer and more complex with each movement.

  "It’s amazing," Kameko said, her voice tinged with awe. "I can actually feel the different flavors blending together, like they’re creating harmony inside me. It’s like I’m part of the cooking process in a whole new way."

  Haruna’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "This is incredible, Kameko! You’re like a living flavor blender."

  Kameko couldn’t help but smile at Haruna’s enthusiasm. The idea of being a living flavor blender was strange, but it was also exciting. The thought of creating something unique and delicious from within herself was starting to feel less bizarre and more like a special talent.

  "Do you want to taste the batter?" Kameko asked, a playful glint in her eye. "I think it’s ready."

  Haruna chuckled at the suggestion. "Why not? Let’s see how well you’ve mixed everything." She grabbed a clean spoon from the counter and held it under Kameko’s neck, gently tipping her friend’s body to allow a small amount of the batter to pour out.

  The batter flowed smoothly, thick and creamy, with a rich aroma that made Haruna’s mouth water. She dipped the spoon into the batter and brought it to her lips, tasting it thoughtfully.

  Haruna’s eyes widened in delight as the flavors hit her palate. "Kameko, this is amazing! The flavors are perfectly balanced—the vanilla, almond, and lemon blend together so well. It’s smooth and light, but with a really rich taste. I can’t believe you mixed this inside you!"

  Kameko beamed with pride, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "I’m glad it turned out well! I wasn’t sure how it would taste, but it’s great to know that it worked."

  Haruna nodded enthusiastically. "It more than worked—it’s delicious! You really have a unique ability, Kameko. I think we could use this batter to make something special, like a cake or cupcakes."

  Kameko felt a surge of excitement at the idea. "Let’s do it! We can bake the batter and see how it turns out. This could be the start of something really fun and creative."

  Haruna grinned, already thinking ahead. "Absolutely! We’ll need to preheat the oven and get some baking tins ready. I think this batter would make perfect cupcakes."

  As the two friends prepared to bake the batter, Kameko felt a deep sense of connection to the process. For the first time, she truly felt at ease with her new abilities, viewing them not as a burden but as a unique way to express her love for cooking. With Haruna by her side, she was ready to explore all the possibilities that lay ahead—one delicious experiment at a time.

  Haruna leaned in closer, peering into the hollow space inside Kameko. "Since the batter is already mixed inside you, maybe we could try something unconventional. What if we use your body to bake the batter?"

  Kameko’s eyes widened at the suggestion. "Bake it… inside me? How would that even work?"

  Haruna thought for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Well, we know you can hold and mix ingredients inside you. If we could somehow heat you up to a safe temperature, you might be able to bake the batter right where it is. It would be like using your body as an oven."

  Kameko hesitated, considering the idea. The thought of using her body as an oven was certainly unconventional, but it was also intriguing. "I’m not sure how we’d heat me up safely without, you know, cooking me too," she said with a nervous laugh.

  Haruna nodded, understanding Kameko’s concern. "Yeah, we definitely don’t want to overdo it. Also, how we can extract the cupcake from you after? That's a pretty important consideration too," Haruna admitted with a thoughtful frown. "We don't want to bake it inside you only to find out we can't get it out easily."

  Kameko smiled, appreciating Haruna’s cautious approach. "Yeah, I’d rather not be stuck with a permanent cupcake inside me! Maybe we need to think about a different method. What if we tried a more controlled approach, like using a heat source that we can easily regulate, just to see if I can handle a little warmth? We could also try something smaller, like a single cupcake, so it’s easier to manage."

  Haruna giggled, "I can use a thin and long spoon to eat the cupcake right from your insides if you want to try baking it inside you. That way, we wouldn't have to worry about getting it out in one piece!"

  Kameko laughed at the idea, the image of Haruna eating a cupcake straight from her insides both funny and oddly fitting for the strange day they’d had. "That’s definitely one way to do it! I guess it would be like a fondue, but with cake batter."

  Haruna grinned, clearly warming up to the idea. "Exactly! And we could start small, like you said, with just one cupcake’s worth of batter. We can use a gentle heat source, like a warm water bath, or even see if your body can naturally retain enough heat to bake it slowly. If it works, you might have just invented a whole new way of baking!"

  "You're kidding?" Kameko responded. "We need something near 160 - 180C for the dough to properly bake. My body definitely can't reach those temperatures without serious consequences!" Kameko laughed, shaking her head at the idea.

  Haruna chuckled, realizing the limitations of their plan. "You’re right. But wait. Since the Jug-o-Matic already had changed your body in ways we don't fully understand, maybe there’s some kind of built-in mechanism we haven’t discovered yet. What if you can withstand the temperature inside an oven like a tempered glass or even ceramics?"

  Kameko paused, considering Haruna's suggestion. The idea that her body might have unknown abilities due to the Jug-o-Matic collar was both intriguing and unsettling. "It’s possible," Kameko mused, "but it’s also a big risk. If my body can’t handle it, I could end up seriously hurt… or worse."

  Haruna nodded, but insisted further, "I can stay outside the owen and then slowly increase the temperature inside based on your feedback. If you feel any discomfort at all, I’ll turn it off immediately. We can take it really slow, just to see if there’s any change in the batter with a minimal amount of heat. But I understand if you don’t want to risk it. Your safety is the most important thing."

  Kameko thought for a moment, weighing the pros and cons of the experiment. The idea was fascinating, but the potential dangers were very real. However, the curiosity of exploring her new abilities was hard to resist, especially with Haruna’s careful approach.

  "Alright," Kameko said finally, her voice steady. "Let’s give it a try, but we’ll be extremely cautious. If there’s any sign of discomfort or anything unusual, we stop immediately. Agreed?"

  Haruna nodded, her expression serious. "Agreed. We’ll take it slow and make sure you’re okay every step of the way."

  They both took a moment to prepare. Haruna found an oven thermometer and set it up inside the oven so they could monitor the temperature closely. Kameko, meanwhile, removed her undergarments to ensure that the batter inside her wouldn’t stick to anything, feeling a little exposed but trusting Haruna completely.

  Once everything was ready, Kameko carefully placed herself inside the oven, sitting down on the lower rack in a way that allowed her to monitor the situation. Haruna stayed right by the oven door, ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble.

  "Better to keep the head cool," Kameko chuckled. With her opened body inside the oven, she left her head outside, resting on a towel on the counter, close enough for her to communicate with Haruna. "This way, I can tell you exactly how it feels without worrying about overheating my brain or anything like that," Kameko said, trying to keep the mood light despite the seriousness of the experiment.

  Haruna nodded, giving Kameko a reassuring smile. "Good thinking. I’ll start with the lowest setting, and we’ll slowly work our way up. If it gets too warm or uncomfortable, just let me know right away."

  With that, Haruna turned the oven dial to its lowest setting, just warm enough to start heating up but nowhere near baking temperature. She watched the thermometer closely, keeping her hand on the oven dial, ready to turn it off at a moment’s notice.

  Inside the oven, Kameko felt the gentle warmth starting to surround her body. It was a strange sensation, like sitting in a sauna, but localized only to her torso. She focused on the batter inside her, trying to gauge if there was any change.

  "How’s it feel so far?" Haruna asked, her voice calm but attentive.

  "It’s warm, but not uncomfortable," Kameko replied, her voice coming from her head on the counter. "The batter feels like it’s just starting to react to the heat. It’s not baking yet, but I can tell something is happening. Maybe it’s starting to set a little."

  Haruna nodded, glancing at the thermometer. The temperature was still low, nowhere near what was needed to bake, but it was a start. "I’ll turn it up just a little more. Remember, you tell me if anything feels off."

  As Haruna slowly increased the temperature, Kameko felt the warmth intensify. The sensation inside her body was becoming more pronounced, and she could feel the batter reacting to the heat. It was a delicate balance—enough warmth to encourage the batter to start setting, but not so much that it would cause her discomfort.

  "The batter is definitely starting to set," Kameko said after a few minutes. "It’s thicker now, almost like it’s beginning to firm up. But I can still handle the heat. Let’s keep going, but carefully."

  Haruna nodded, impressed by Kameko’s resilience and the progress they were making. She turned the dial up just a little more, keeping a close eye on the thermometer and on Kameko’s reactions.

  As the oven continued to warm, Kameko could feel the batter inside her firming up even more. The sensation was unlike anything she had experienced before—her body was acting like a baking mold, and the batter was transforming inside her, turning from a liquid mixture into something more solid.

  "It’s getting thicker, almost like a soft dough now," Kameko reported, her voice steady but filled with wonder. "It’s starting to feel like it’s actually baking. The heat is definitely doing something, but it’s still manageable."

  Haruna leaned in closer to the oven, her eyes locked on the thermometer. The temperature was rising, but slowly, still well below the usual baking temperature. "You’re doing great, Kameko. Let’s hold it here for a bit and see how the batter continues to react. I don’t want to push it too far too fast."

  Kameko appreciated Haruna’s cautious approach. The warmth was becoming more intense, but it wasn’t painful—just a steady, pervasive heat that was causing the batter inside her to set. It felt as though her body was adapting to the process, almost as if the Jug-o-Matic collar had given her the ability to regulate and withstand the heat in some way.

  Haruna noticed, as Kameko's body inside the oven started to glaze out, as if the heat was causing her skin to take on a slightly glossy, almost ceramic-like sheen. It was subtle but noticeable, especially where the batter was thickest inside her. Haruna’s eyes widened in amazement, realizing that Kameko’s body was indeed adapting to the heat, almost like a specialized baking dish.

  "Kameko, your skin… it’s changing," Haruna said softly, trying to keep her voice steady. "It looks like it’s becoming more resilient, almost like it’s designed to handle this kind of heat."

  Kameko could feel the change as well, though it wasn’t painful or uncomfortable. The sensation was more like a protective layer forming over her, allowing her to withstand the warmth without any adverse effects. "I can feel it too," she replied, her voice filled with awe. "It’s like my body is adjusting to the temperature. The batter inside me is definitely setting—I think it’s actually baking."

  Haruna’s heart raced with excitement, but she remained cautious. "This is incredible, Kameko! But we should still take it slow. Let’s keep the temperature where it is and see how the batter continues to bake. If at any point it gets too much, we’ll stop."

  Kameko nodded from her place on the counter. "Agreed. I feel like I’m on the edge of something amazing, but safety first."

  For the next few minutes, Haruna monitored the temperature carefully while Kameko focused on the sensations inside her. The batter was thickening more, becoming firmer and taking on the texture of a soft cake. The heat was steady, but it felt as though her body was managing it, allowing the baking process to continue without any discomfort.

  "How does it feel now?" Haruna asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

  "It’s firming up more," Kameko said, her tone thoughtful. "It’s like the batter is almost fully baked, but it’s still soft. My body is handling the heat well—I think the glaze is protecting me. This is… really something else."

  Haruna leaned closer to the oven, peering through the glass to see the subtle changes in Kameko’s form. The glossy sheen on her skin had become more pronounced, almost as if she were coated in a layer of ceramic or glass that allowed the heat to bake the batter without harming her.

  "This is amazing, Kameko," Haruna said, her voice filled with awe. "Your body is actually baking the batter inside you. I never would have believed this was possible if I wasn’t seeing it with my own eyes."

  Kameko smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment and wonder. "I never would have believed it either, but here we are. I think the batter is just about done. Should we take it out and see how it turned out?"

  Haruna nodded, her hands already moving to turn off the oven. "Yes, let’s stop here and check. I’ll cool you down gradually, and we’ll see if we’ve actually baked a cupcake inside you."

  As the oven began to cool, Haruna carefully opened the door, allowing the warm air to escape. She gently helped Kameko out of the oven, being mindful of the residual heat. Kameko felt the cooler air hit her ceramic-like skin, and it was a relief after the steady warmth.

  The glaze kept shining under the ceiling lights, and Kameko marveled at the transformation her body had undergone. The once soft and pliable surface now had a smooth, almost glossy finish, like a well-made baking dish. She could still feel the warmth inside her, but it was fading as the oven cooled.

  "I... I think, I cannot move it," Kameko noticed, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. "The batter seems to have solidified completely inside me. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s definitely stuck in place."

  Haruna’s eyes widened with realization. "Oh no, that’s right… the batter has probably baked right onto your inner surface. It might be difficult to get it out."

  Kameko nodded, feeling the firmness of the baked batter within her. It was like having a solid, cake-like mass inside her torso, something that was both fascinating and a little unsettling.

  The protective glazing outside was preventing any movement too, and the baked batter seemed to have fused with her inner surfaces, making it feel like a solid part of her. The sensation was strange—she could feel the texture of the baked cake within her, but it was also oddly satisfying, like having accomplished something unique and unprecedented.

  Haruna, sensing Kameko’s concern, quickly began brainstorming solutions. "Okay, we need to find a way to carefully remove the cupcake without damaging your insides. Since the batter is solidified, we might have to soften it a bit. Maybe we can use some gentle heat or steam to loosen it?"

  "Just eat me out with a spoon," Kameko chuckled, "You promised."

  Haruna blinked, then broke into a giggle at Kameko’s playful suggestion. "I did promise, didn’t I?" she replied with a grin, trying to lighten the mood despite the situation.

  She grabbed a spoon from the counter, her mind racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Alright, let’s see if we can carefully scoop it out. I’ll be as gentle as possible, and if anything feels wrong, just let me know."

  Kameko nodded, her smile a little more relaxed now. "I trust you, Haruna. Just be careful not to chip my new glaze!"

  Haruna laughed softly, appreciating Kameko’s humor in the face of something so unusual. She carefully approached Kameko’s torso, examining the glossy surface and the subtle contours where the baked batter had settled. The spoon glinted under the light as Haruna began to gently scoop a small portion of the cake-like batter from inside Kameko’s hollow through the opening at her neck.

  "You know," Haruna took the spoon and carefully inserted it into the opening at Kameko's neck, "this might be the strangest thing I've ever done, but it's also kind of amazing." She began to gently scrape at the baked batter, trying to dislodge it without causing any discomfort to Kameko.

  Kameko could feel the spoon moving inside her, the sensation both strange and oddly satisfying. "It’s definitely up there for me too," she replied with a chuckle, "but it’s also kind of fun. Just be gentle—this is a one-of-a-kind cupcake after all!"

  Haruna nodded, her movements slow and precise as she worked to scoop out the baked batter. "It’s coming out pretty easily," she said after a moment. "The cake is really soft and moist, and it’s not sticking as much as I thought it would."

  She managed to scoop out a small portion of the cake and brought the spoon to her lips, tasting it thoughtfully. Haruna’s eyes lit up as the flavors hit her palate. "Kameko, this is delicious! The vanilla, almond, and lemon blend perfectly, and the texture is so light and fluffy. You’ve really outdone yourself—literally! You're the best living baking mold in the world!"

  Kameko laughed at Haruna's enthusiastic response, feeling a mix of pride and amusement. "Well, I never thought I’d be the mold for a cupcake, but here we are. I’m glad it turned out well!"

  Haruna continued to carefully scoop out more of the baked cake from inside Kameko, savoring each bite. "This is honestly one of the best cupcakes I’ve ever had. And the fact that it was baked inside you just makes it even more amazing."

  As Haruna worked, Kameko could feel the baked batter gradually being removed, the solid mass inside her slowly diminishing. The sensation of the spoon scraping against the inside of her body was still strange, but Haruna’s careful touch made it almost comforting.

  "I’m glad it’s coming out easily," Kameko said, relieved that the experiment hadn’t resulted in anything more difficult to manage. "I was a little worried it might be too stuck, but it seems like the glaze helped prevent that."

  Haruna nodded as she finished scooping out the last bit of cake. "The glaze definitely did its job. It’s like you were made for this, Kameko!"

  Once all the batter had been removed, Haruna stepped back, giving Kameko a moment to assess how she felt. Kameko could feel the emptiness inside her where the cake had been, but there was no discomfort—just a sense of relief that the experiment had been successful.

  "How do you feel now?" Haruna asked, her voice filled with concern.

  Kameko smiled, taking a deep breath. "I feel good, actually. A little lighter now that the cake is out, but no worse for wear. I guess my body handled the whole baking process better than I expected."

  Haruna beamed, clearly relieved and proud of their success. "That’s amazing, Kameko! You’re really something special. We should celebrate with some of the cupcakes you just baked."

  Kameko laughed, nodding in agreement. "I think that’s a great idea. After everything we’ve been through today, a little celebration is definitely in order."

  As they cleaned up the kitchen and enjoyed the remaining portions of the baked cake, Kameko couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. The day had been filled with challenges and surprises, but with Haruna’s support and her own resilience, they had turned something extraordinary into a reality.

  Kameko knew that there was still much to learn about her new abilities, and there would undoubtedly be more experiments and adventures to come. But for now, she was content to enjoy the sweet success of their latest endeavor, grateful for the friendship and creativity that had brought them this far.

  Carefully lifting now empty and still solid on its surface Kameko's body, Haruna carried it toward the club's dishwashing machine, ready to give Kameko's body a thorough cleaning after their successful but unusual experiment. The dishwashing machine was large enough to accommodate Kameko's hollow form, and Haruna was careful to place her gently inside, making sure she was securely positioned for the wash cycle.

  "Are you sure about this?" Kameko giggled with her head still resting on the counter, watching Haruna prepare her body for the dishwasher. "It feels a bit strange to be treated like a dish, but I guess it’s the best way to get cleaned up after all that baking."

  Haruna grinned, her playful side showing through. "Well, you’ve already been a mixing bowl and an oven, so why not a dish too? This will be the quickest way to make sure you’re completely clean, and that it’s gentle enough that it shouldn’t cause any harm. Plus, you’ll be sparkling clean afterward!"

  Kameko chuckled, appreciating Haruna’s humor in the situation. "Alright, I trust you. Just make sure to use the delicate cycle!"

  Haruna carefully closed the dishwasher door and selected the gentlest wash setting, making sure the water temperature would be low enough to avoid damaging Kameko’s body. She hit the start button and then turned back to Kameko’s head, which was still resting comfortably on the counter.

  "We’ll get you all cleaned up in no time," Haruna said with a reassuring smile. "And while we wait, how about we plan our next experiment? Maybe something that doesn’t involve heat this time."

  Kameko laughed softly, nodding in agreement. "I think that sounds like a good idea. Maybe we could explore other aspects of the Jug-o-Matic, like seeing how well I can hold and blend different types of liquids or even try something more artistic, like infusing colors or patterns."

  Haruna’s eyes lit up at the idea. "That sounds fun! We could turn you into a living art project—mixing colors inside you and seeing what kind of designs we can create. Or maybe we could try making different layered drinks and see how they settle inside you."

  As they brainstormed ideas, the dishwasher hummed softly in the background, gently cleaning Kameko’s body. The two friends were filled with excitement and curiosity, eager to continue exploring the possibilities of Kameko’s new abilities.

  When the wash cycle finished, Haruna carefully opened the dishwasher, revealing Kameko’s now sparkling clean body. The glaze still shined under the lights, and the gentle washing had left her feeling refreshed and ready for whatever came next.

  "How do you feel?" Haruna asked, lifting Kameko’s body out of the dishwasher with care.

  "All clean and ready for the next adventure!" Kameko replied with a grin. "Thanks, Haruna. You really know how to take care of me."

  Haruna smiled warmly, carrying Kameko’s body back to the counter. "But you're still stiff and locked in the same couching pose like in the oven. Can I help you to break your protective glazing?"

  Kameko laughed, appreciating Haruna's concern and willingness to help. "Yeah, I guess I could use some help with that. The glazing is nice and protective, but it’s definitely keeping me a bit too stiff. I don’t think I can move much on my own like this."

  Haruna set Kameko’s body gently on the counter, examining the glossy glaze that had formed during the baking process. It was smooth and even, giving Kameko’s body a slightly rigid appearance, like she was encased in a protective shell.

  "The next time before the oven remember me to paint you out," Haruna chuckled, giggling at the thought of painting Kameko like a pottery project. "But seriously, let’s see if we can get you out of this glaze. We can try gently breaking it without damaging anything underneath."

  Haruna retrieved a small, soft mallet from the kitchen supplies, often used for tenderizing meat, and held it up with a grin. "I’ll be careful, I promise. Let’s see if we can crack this glaze without causing any harm."

  Kameko watched with a mix of anticipation and amusement. "Go ahead, just be gentle. I don’t want to end up with any cracks that aren’t supposed to be there!"

  Haruna laughed softly and began tapping lightly on the glaze that coated Kameko’s body. The first few taps were cautious, barely making a sound, but as she gained confidence, Haruna applied a bit more pressure, working her way around Kameko’s form. The glaze began to crack in small, delicate lines, creating a web-like pattern on the surface.

  As the glaze cracked, Kameko could feel her body gradually loosening up, the rigidity easing with each gentle tap. It was a strange sensation—like breaking free from a tight shell—and she could finally start to move her limbs again.

  "Wow, it’s working!" Kameko exclaimed, her excitement growing as she felt more mobility returning to her body. "I can feel the stiffness going away."

  Haruna continued working, draping the towel around Kameko's body to gather the tiny and delicate fragments of glaze that were falling away with each tap. She was careful to avoid any spots that might be too sensitive or fragile, ensuring that Kameko’s body was protected as she broke through the hardened shell.

  Piece by piece, the glaze cracked and fell away, revealing Kameko’s smooth, flexible skin underneath. As the last of the glaze was removed, Kameko stretched her limbs carefully, testing her range of motion. The stiffness was gone, and she felt like herself again—only cleaner and with a newfound sense of accomplishment.

  Haruna stepped back, admiring the work they had done. "There, all done! You’re back to your normal self, and now you’re as good as new."

  Kameko smiled, feeling a wave of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Haruna. I feel so much better now. I couldn’t have done any of this without you."

  Haruna waved off the thanks with a grin. "It was my pleasure, Kameko. This whole experience has been wild, but it’s also been amazing. I’m just glad I could be here to help."

  Kameko moved to reattach her head, screwing it back on with ease now that the glaze was gone. As she looked around the familiar kitchen, she couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of excitement for the future. There was so much more to explore, so many possibilities to discover with her new abilities.

  "So, what’s next on the agenda?" Kameko asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

  Haruna’s smile widened. "Well, we’ve already done baking and cleaning—how about we dive into those artistic experiments we talked about? Maybe we can try mixing colors or creating layered drinks inside you. The possibilities are endless!"

  Kameko nodded, eager to continue their journey of discovery. "Let’s do it! I’m ready for whatever comes next."

  With a shared sense of adventure, the two friends began to prepare for their next experiment, their bond strengthened by the extraordinary experiences they had faced together. As they set up for their next round of creativity, Kameko knew that with Haruna by her side, there was nothing they couldn’t accomplish—even if it involved using her body in the most unconventional ways imaginable.

  In the evening, after a long and eventful day, Kameko finally arrived home. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden light through the windows as she stepped inside, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The day had been filled with unexpected challenges and discoveries, and while she was grateful for all she had learned, she was also ready for some much-needed rest.

  Kameko dropped her bag by the door and slipped off her shoes, feeling the cool floor beneath her feet. She stretched, feeling the muscles in her body relax after the day’s unusual activities. Her body still felt different—lighter, more flexible—but it was a sensation she was starting to grow accustomed to.

  "Kameko, dear. The dinner is ready!" Noriko, her mother called from the kitchen, her voice warm and inviting. The familiar scent of home-cooked food wafted through the house, comforting and soothing after the day's events.

  Kameko smiled, feeling a wave of comfort wash over her as she made her way to the kitchen. "Coming, Mom!" she called back, grateful for the normalcy of home after such an extraordinary day.

  Strangely, she didn't feel thirsty or hungry at all. After all of the baking experiments and being filled with various ingredients, it made sense that her appetite might be off. Still, she didn’t want to worry her mother, so she decided to sit down for dinner anyway, even if she didn’t eat much.

  When Kameko entered the kitchen, she was greeted by the sight of a beautifully set table, with steaming dishes of her mother’s delicious cooking laid out. Noriko looked up and smiled warmly at her daughter. "You look tired, Kameko. Long day at school?"

  Kameko nodded, taking a seat at the table. "Yeah, it was… a pretty unusual day. But I learned a lot, and it was actually kind of fun." She tried to keep her tone light, not wanting to reveal just how unusual the day had been.

  Noriko served up a plate of food and placed it in front of Kameko. "Well, I’m glad to hear that. You should eat something to keep your energy up. You’ve always been so dedicated to your studies and activities—I’m proud of you."

  Kameko smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart at her mother’s words. "Thanks, Mom. I’m really lucky to have you."

  She picked up her chopsticks and took a small bite of the food, even though she still didn’t feel particularly hungry. The flavors were as comforting and familiar as always, but her body didn’t seem to respond in the usual way. It was as if the experience of being filled with ingredients and baked had altered something fundamental in her, making her less reliant on regular food for sustenance.

  As they ate, Kameko’s mind wandered back to the events of the day, the strange but fascinating experiments with Haruna, and the new abilities she was slowly coming to terms with. It was all so surreal, yet somehow, it felt like a natural progression of her adventurous spirit and love for cooking.

  After dinner, Kameko helped her mother clean up, feeling more grounded as she returned to the familiar routine of home life. The day had been extraordinary, but being at home brought her back to a sense of normalcy that she needed to balance out the wild experiences.

  Once the kitchen was clean, Kameko headed to her room, eager to unwind and reflect on everything that had happened. She felt the dinner lying at the bottom of her hollow body, not quite digesting in the traditional sense but more like it was stored there, almost as if her body was deciding what to do with it. The sensation was strange but not uncomfortable, just another reminder of how much had changed.

  As Kameko settled into her room, she changed into her pajamas, feeling the soft fabric against her skin. She glanced at the mirror, noticing that her body still held a faint sheen from the glaze earlier in the day. It wasn’t as pronounced as it had been, but it was still there—a subtle reminder of the baking experiment she had undergone.

  Sitting on her bed, Kameko reached for her notebook, where she often jotted down ideas and reflections. She opened it to a fresh page and began to write, the pen gliding smoothly over the paper as she captured the events of the day.

  "Wait. I didn't even borrow the porcelain at all during the last few days," Kameko noticed, her pen pausing mid-sentence as she considered the implications of that realization. Normally, she would have felt the need to use the bathroom by now, but since her transformation, her body seemed to operate differently. The food she had eaten felt more like it was stored rather than digested in the usual way, and she hadn’t felt the need for any typical bodily functions.

  Kameko frowned slightly, her mind racing with questions. Was this a permanent change? Would her body continue to function differently, or was this just a temporary side effect of the Jug-o-Matic collar? The possibilities were both intriguing and a bit unsettling.

  She set her notebook aside, deciding to focus on the present rather than worrying too much about the unknown. After all, she had successfully navigated the challenges of the day, and there would be time to explore these changes further. For now, what she needed most was rest.

  Kameko slid under the covers, feeling the comforting weight of her blanket as she settled in for the night. Her mind was still buzzing with the day’s events, but her body was tired, and she could feel herself slowly drifting off to sleep.

  As she lay there, she couldn’t help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. There was so much more to discover, so many possibilities to explore with her new abilities. But whatever came next, Kameko knew she could handle it—with Haruna by her side and her own adventurous spirit guiding the way.

  With that comforting thought, Kameko closed her eyes, letting the day’s excitement fade away as she drifted into a peaceful sleep, ready to face whatever challenges and discoveries awaited her in the days to come.

  In the morning, during the early shower, Kameko washed away the remnants of the previous day, feeling the warm water cascade over her body. The shower was a comforting ritual, a moment of normalcy that helped her clear her mind and prepare for the day ahead. As she scrubbed herself clean, she noticed the faint sheen of the glaze from yesterday’s baking experiment was still there, though it was starting to fade.

  "Oh, the dinner," Kameko remembered and started to unscrew her head again, carefully setting it aside on a nearby shelf, just as she had done the previous day. With her head detached, Kameko gently opened her neck and tilted her body, allowing the remnants of last night’s dinner to pour out into the drain. The food hadn’t digested in the usual way, but rather remained stored within her, as though her body had become more like a container than a biological organism.

  As the last of the food emptied out, Kameko couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly she was adapting to these strange new routines. Pushing the showerhead inside her empty body, Kameko began to rinse out the interior, making sure every part of her was thoroughly cleaned. The sensation was still unusual, but she was starting to get used to it. The warm water flowed through her hollow form, washing away any residual food particles and leaving her feeling refreshed and renewed.

  As she worked, Kameko couldn’t help but think about how much her life had changed in such a short time. Just a few days ago, she had been a normal high school student with a passion for cooking. Now, she was navigating a new reality where her body could mix ingredients, bake cakes, and store food in ways that defied biology. It was a lot to take in, but she felt a growing sense of acceptance and even excitement about what these changes meant for her future.

  After thoroughly rinsing out her body, Kameko carefully reattached her head, twisting it securely back into place. She took a moment to check her reflection in the mirror, noting that the faint sheen from the glaze was almost completely gone now. Her skin looked smooth and normal, aside from the small line where her head attached to her neck—a subtle reminder of the extraordinary abilities she now possessed.

  Satisfied with her appearance, Kameko stepped out of the shower and dried off, feeling more ready to face the day. As she dressed in her school uniform, she couldn’t help but wonder what new discoveries awaited her. The thought filled her with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

  Before leaving the bathroom, Kameko took a deep breath, centering herself. Whatever challenges or surprises came her way, she knew she could handle them. She had already come so far, and with each new experience, she was growing more confident in her ability to adapt.

  With a determined smile, Kameko left the bathroom and headed downstairs for breakfast, ready to start the day with a fresh perspective and a sense of adventure. The world might have changed for her, but she was ready to embrace it, one step at a time.

  "The new day - the new experiments," Haruna greeted her near the school gate, a playful grin on her face as she waved at Kameko. "I’ve been thinking about what we could try next, and I’ve got a few ideas that might be fun."

  Kameko couldn’t help but smile back, her own excitement bubbling up at the thought of more experiments. "I’m all ears, Haruna. What do you have in mind?"

  Haruna linked arms with Kameko as they walked toward the school building, her enthusiasm contagious. "Well, since we’ve already explored baking and mixing inside you, I was thinking we could try something with temperature control. Maybe we could see if you can keep things cold instead of warm—like turning you into a living refrigerator or cooler."

  Kameko laughed at the idea, though she was intrigued by the possibilities. "That’s definitely different! I’ve noticed that my body seems to adapt to different conditions, so maybe it’s possible. We could try it with something simple, like keeping a drink cold."

  Haruna nodded, clearly pleased that Kameko was on board with the idea. "Exactly! We could start with something like iced tea or a cold dessert. If it works, you might even be able to create your own chilled drinks or treats from the inside."

  As they entered the school, their conversation continued, full of ideas and possibilities. Kameko’s initial apprehension about her new abilities had faded, replaced by a sense of excitement and curiosity. With Haruna by her side, she felt ready to explore whatever new challenges or discoveries the day might bring.

  "After school, let’s meet up in the cooking club room again," Haruna suggested as they reached their classroom. "We’ll have plenty of time to try out the new experiment without any interruptions."

  Kameko nodded eagerly. "Sounds like a plan. I’m looking forward to it!"

  As they settled into their seats and prepared for the day’s lessons, Kameko couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The day ahead was filled with potential, and she was excited to see where their next experiment would take them.

  During the lunch break, Kameko and Haruna bumped into Yumi, an Ice cream club president. Yumi, known as a cheerful and inventive spirit, was always experimenting with new flavors and textures in her ice cream creations. She was a bit of a legend among the students for her ability to turn even the most unusual ingredients into delicious frozen treats. Spotting Kameko and Haruna, she greeted them with her usual bright smile.

  "Hey, Kameko! Haruna!" Yumi called out as she approached, holding a small cooler in one hand. "I was just about to head to the cooking club room to test out a new ice cream recipe. Do you two want to join me? I could use some taste testers!"

  Kameko and Haruna exchanged a quick glance, both intrigued by the idea. The timing was perfect, given their earlier discussion about experimenting with Kameko's abilities. This could be an opportunity to explore whether Kameko could help with cooling or freezing in some way.

  "We’d love to!" Kameko replied, her curiosity piqued. "Actually, we’ve been working on some experiments of our own, and I think they might complement what you’re doing."

  Yumi’s eyes lit up with interest. "Really? That sounds exciting! I’m always up for new ideas. Let’s head to the cooking club room and see what we can come up with together."

  The three girls made their way to the cooking club room, chatting animatedly about their various projects. Once inside, Yumi set her cooler down on the counter and suddenly began to undress.

  Kameko and Haruna exchanged surprised glances as Yumi started to undress. Kameko quickly stepped forward, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and concern. "Uh, Yumi? What are you doing?"

  Yumi paused, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, "Are you don't know it yet?"

  "Know what?" Haruna carefully asked, her curiosity piqued by Yumi's sudden actions. Kameko and Haruna exchanged puzzled looks, unsure of what Yumi was implying.

  Yumi, still blushing slightly, quickly realized that her friends might not be aware of something she assumed they knew. "Oh! I guess I should explain. You see, I can transform into an ice cream machine. Just like our chemistry teacher, Tanaka Eri can change into a sophisticated coffee machine."

  "What? That Eri-sensei? The supervisor teacher of the WarpWitches club?" Haruna asked, her eyes widening in surprise. "I had no idea she could do that! And you can transform into an ice cream machine? That’s incredible!"

  Yumi nodded with a sheepish smile. "Yeah, it’s something I acquired from our WarpWitches club members. Kana, Futaba, Fumi, and others."

  Kameko and Haruna exchanged glances, their surprise quickly turning into excitement. The idea that Yumi could transform into an ice cream machine was both fascinating and completely unexpected, especially since they were just beginning to explore Kameko’s new abilities.

  "That’s amazing, Yumi!" Kameko exclaimed, her curiosity fully engaged. "I had no idea you could do something like that. I guess we all have our own unique abilities, huh?"

  Haruna nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with interest. "It’s incredible how many possibilities there are with these transformations. We’ve been experimenting with Kameko’s abilities too, so it’s really cool to learn about yours."

  "Kameko? You can transform too?" Yumi leaned closer. She placed her school uniform into a neat pile and stood there, waiting for an explanation from Kameko with keen interest.

  Kameko blushed slightly, realizing she was about to reveal something she hadn't yet shared with many people. "Yeah, I can. It's a bit different from what you do, though. I can mix and bake things inside me, like a living jug, or a mixing bowl, or a bottle, or something like that," she smiled.

  Yumi's eyes widened with amazement as she listened to Kameko's explanation. "Wow, that's incredible! You’re like a living culinary tool! I’ve never heard of anything like that before. We definitely have to experiment together—imagine what we could create!"

  Haruna nodded enthusiastically, her excitement matching Yumi's. "We were actually planning to test if Kameko could keep things cold, maybe even help with freezing. Your ice cream experiments might be the perfect opportunity to try it out."

  Yumi’s face lit up with a huge smile. "That’s perfect! I’ve been working on a new flavor, but I’ve been having trouble getting the texture just right. If Kameko can help with the cooling process, we might be able to create something amazing together!"

  The three girls, now fully in sync with their shared enthusiasm, quickly got to work. Yumi explained her latest ice cream creation—a unique blend of matcha and red bean paste with a hint of yuzu. The flavor combination was inspired by traditional Japanese sweets, and Yumi was determined to make the texture smooth and creamy.

  "Normally, I’d use my own ice cream machine transformation for this," Yumi said, "but if Kameko can help with the cooling, we might be able to achieve an even better result. Plus, it’ll be fun to see how our abilities work together!"

  Kameko, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, nodded. "I’m ready to give it a try. Let’s see if I can help with the freezing process."

  Yumi finished undressing and took a deep breath. Her body began to shimmer slightly, and within moments, she started to transform. Her limbs and torso shifted, becoming more mechanical and sleek, until she had fully transformed into a large and professional ice cream machine. The transformation was smooth and seamless, and before long, Yumi stood before them as a fully functional machine, complete with dispensers and cooling elements.

  Kameko and Haruna watched in awe, amazed at the fluidity of Yumi’s transformation. Haruna couldn’t help but grin, her excitement bubbling over. "That’s incredible, Yumi! You look like a top-of-the-line ice cream maker!"

  Yumi, now in her machine form, responded with a slight hum, her voice still recognizable but with a mechanical quality. "Thanks! Let’s get started with the experiment. Kameko, if you can mix and chill the ingredients inside you, I’ll handle the final freezing and churning process."

  Kameko nodded, feeling both excited and a bit nervous. This would be a completely new test of her abilities, but she was eager to see how it would turn out. "Alright, let’s do this!"

  "Want to become her ice cream supply container?" Haruna giggled, already gathering the necessary ingredients from the shelves. "We can pour everything inside you, mix it up, and then connect you directly to Yumi. It’ll be like a seamless production line—straight from mixing to freezing and serving!"

  Kameko laughed at the idea, but she was also intrigued. "That’s actually a great plan, Haruna! I’m ready whenever you are. It is like a gattai scene from the anime, where the heroes combine their powers to create something even more powerful!" Kameko added with a playful grin.

  Haruna couldn’t help but giggle at the comparison. "Exactly! Let’s make the ultimate ice cream creation!"

  Yumi, still in her ice cream machine form, hummed in agreement, ready to begin the experiment. Haruna quickly gathered the ingredients: matcha powder, red bean paste, yuzu juice, sugar, cream, and milk. She carefully measured out the portions, making sure everything was ready to go.

  Kameko unscrewed her head, setting it aside on a clean counter. Haruna, now familiar with the process, began to pour the ingredients into Kameko’s open neck, starting with the cream and milk, followed by the matcha powder, sugar, and yuzu juice. Kameko could feel the cool liquid mixing inside her, the flavors beginning to blend together.

  "How does it feel, Kameko?" Haruna asked as she added the last of the ingredients.

  "It’s cold, but manageable," Kameko replied, focusing on the sensations. "I can feel the ingredients mixing together. It’s like they’re swirling around inside me, getting ready for the next step."

  Once all the ingredients were inside Kameko, Haruna gently tilted Kameko’s body back and forth, helping to mix the contents more thoroughly. The coolness inside Kameko intensified as the ingredients combined, creating a smooth, well-blended base for the ice cream.

  "Alright, I think it’s ready," Kameko said after a few moments. "The mixture feels smooth and evenly mixed. Let’s see if Yumi can handle the next step."

  Haruna grinned, eager to see the experiment in action.

  Next, Kamemo moved her headless body, climbed onto the counter, and crouched just behind Yumi. Carefully aligning her opened neck with the intake valve of Yumi's ice cream machine form, Kameko positioned herself as the supply container for the ice cream mixture. Haruna, acting as the coordinator of this unique experiment, made sure everything was lined up perfectly.

  "Alright, Kameko, I’m going to fasten you to Yumi with these clamps so the connection is secure," Haruna said, picking up a couple of adjustable clamps that were usually used for holding large mixing bowls in place. She carefully attached Kameko's body to Yumi's intake valve, ensuring a tight seal.

  Once everything was secure, Haruna gave Kameko’s body a gentle pat. "Okay, you’re all set! Kameko, if you feel anything strange or uncomfortable, let us know right away, alright?"

  Kameko gave a small nod from her head on the counter, her voice steady despite the unusual circumstances. "Got it, Haruna. I’m ready."

  With the connection secure, Haruna moved over to Yumi’s control panel.

  Yumi's face, drawn on the panel's LCD screen, displayed a cheerful expression as Haruna activated the freezing function. With the soft hum of the compressor inside Yumi, she started to pump the refrigerant gas under Kameko's skin, cooling the mixture inside Kameko’s hollow body. The sensation was immediate—a wave of cold spread through her, making her feel like a human refrigerator. The liquid ingredients inside her began to chill rapidly, thickening as they cooled.

  Kameko could feel the transformation happening within her. The once-liquid mixture was turning into a semi-solid state, becoming more like ice cream with each passing moment. It was a strange, yet fascinating experience, like nothing she had ever felt before.

  "How does it feel, Kameko?" Haruna asked, her voice tinged with both excitement and concern as she monitored the process.

  "It’s cold," Kameko replied, her voice a bit shaky from the chill, "but I can handle it. The mixture is definitely freezing—it’s becoming more solid. I think it’s working!"

  Haruna’s eyes lit up with excitement. "That’s amazing! You’re actually turning the mixture into ice cream inside you. Let’s keep it going and see how smooth we can get it."

  As the freezing process continued, Kameko pressed herself tightly to Yumi, ensuring that the connection between them remained secure. The ice cream mixture inside Kameko was now almost fully solidified, the transformation from liquid to creamy dessert nearly complete. She could feel the coolness intensifying, but it wasn’t unbearable—just an unfamiliar sensation that she was quickly adapting to.

  Haruna monitored the process closely, watching as Yumi’s ice cream machine form efficiently handled the freezing and churning. With each passing moment, the mixture inside Kameko was becoming more like the smooth, rich ice cream Yumi had envisioned.

  "It’s really thickening up now," Kameko said, her voice a bit more strained from the cold but still steady. "It feels like the ice cream is almost ready."

  "I'm receiving the telemetry through her neck," Yumi said, her tone was slightly mechanical and tinged with excitement. "The texture is perfect! The mixture is nearly at the ideal consistency. Just a little bit longer, and we’ll have the most amazing matcha and red bean ice cream!"

  Haruna couldn’t help but smile at the success of their collaboration. "This is incredible! You two are like the ultimate ice cream-making team. I can’t wait to see the final result."

  "Here, let me help you," Yumi chuckled and lowered the protective cover over Kameko's body behind her, ensuring that the cold was maintained and the process continued smoothly. The protective cover created a seal, effectively insulating Kameko's body and maintaining the optimal temperature for the freezing process. The cool air circulated within the enclosed space, ensuring that the ice cream mixture inside Kameko would reach the perfect consistency.

  As the final stages of freezing took place, Kameko could feel the mixture inside her becoming more and more solid, the texture smooth and creamy. The sensation was intense but also strangely satisfying, knowing that they were on the verge of creating something truly special.

  Under the cover, her body was whitened and covered with frost, a testament to the extreme cold required to achieve the perfect texture for the ice cream. Kameko felt a deep chill settle within her, but she focused on the goal, knowing they were almost there. The sensation of the frozen mixture solidifying inside her was both strange and thrilling, a unique experience that she was beginning to embrace.

  Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Yumi’s mechanical voice announced, "The ice cream is ready! The texture is perfect, and the mixture has fully solidified."

  Haruna approached Yumi, grabbing a bowl from the counter, her excitement evident as she prepared to serve the ice cream they had just created. "Alright, let’s see the results of our hard work!"

  Just as Haruna pressed the Release button at Yumi's control panel, Kameko felt the compressed air start to enter her bottom, pushing the now fully frozen ice cream mixture up through her body and into Yumi’s ice cream dispenser. The sensation of the cold air rushing through her was intense, but Kameko stayed focused, knowing that this was the final step in their experiment.

  "Ah, be gentle, Yumi," Kameko moaned slightly from her detached head, which was still resting on the counter, her voice tinged with both the chill and the strange sensation of the compressed air pushing the ice cream out. "This is definitely the most unique experience I’ve ever had!"

  Haruna carefully positioned the bowl under the dispenser, her eyes wide with anticipation as the rich, creamy matcha and red bean ice cream began to flow out in a smooth, perfect swirl. The color was vibrant, the texture looked incredibly smooth, and the aroma was absolutely mouth-watering.

  As the bowl filled, Haruna couldn’t resist a taste. She dipped a spoon into the freshly made ice cream and brought it to her lips, her eyes widening as the flavors hit her palate. "This is incredible! It’s so smooth and rich—the flavors are perfectly balanced. Kameko, Yumi, you two did it!"

  Yumi, still in her ice cream machine form, hummed happily, her mechanical voice conveying her satisfaction. "I knew we could create something amazing together. Kameko, you were the perfect cooling chamber!"

  Kameko smiled, despite the lingering chill in her body. "I’m just glad I could help. It’s definitely an experience I won’t forget!"

  Haruna placed the large cooled mold under Yumi's dispenser, catching the ice cream as it was released from Kameko’s body. The mold quickly filled, the ice cream settling into it perfectly. Haruna then carefully removed the mold and placed it in the freezer to set the ice cream further.

  "That should be enough for all of our club cooking club members," Haruna said with a smile, her eyes shining with excitement and pride in their collective achievement. "This has been such an incredible collaboration. We’ve managed to create something truly special, and I’m sure everyone is going to love it."

  Yumi, still in her ice cream machine form, hummed in agreement, her voice carrying a tone of satisfaction. "I can’t wait for everyone to try it. This is definitely one of the best ice creams I’ve ever made, and it wouldn’t have been possible without you, Kameko!"

  Kameko, still feeling the chill but starting to warm up as the process came to an end, gave a small, tired smile from where her head rested. "I’m just glad I could contribute. It was definitely a strange experience, but I’m really proud of what we accomplished together."

  Haruna, always the practical one, began to disconnect Kameko from Yumi’s ice cream machine form, carefully releasing the clamps and making sure everything was done gently to avoid any discomfort.

  "Kameko. You're frozen hard as a rock!" Haruna chuckled, gently tapping Kameko's frosty body with her knuckles. The sound was solid and clear, confirming just how cold Kameko had become during the process. "We need to get you warmed up and back to normal!"

  Yumi, having completed her part in the experiment, slowly transformed back into her human form. As the mechanical parts shifted and reconfigured, Yumi's usual cheerful self emerged, looking slightly tired but extremely pleased with the results. "That was amazing, Kameko! But yeah, we should definitely focus on getting you thawed out."

  Haruna carefully lifted Kameko’s body, which was indeed cold and stiff from the intense freezing process. She carried her over to a warm spot near the ovens and placed her gently on a soft towel, hoping the residual heat from earlier baking sessions would help warm Kameko up gradually.

  "Just relax, Kameko," Haruna said soothingly. "We’ll get you warmed up slowly so you don’t crack or anything. We’ll keep an eye on you to make sure everything’s okay."

  Kameko, still a bit frosty but starting to feel the warmth seep into her, nodded slightly from her head on the counter. "Thanks, Haruna. I can already feel it starting to thaw out. It’s a weird sensation, but I’m sure I’ll be back to normal soon."

  Yumi, now fully human again, joined Haruna by Kameko’s side. "You were amazing, Kameko! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone handle such an intense process like that. Once you’re warmed up, we’ll have to celebrate with some of our ice cream!"

  Haruna laughed softly, nodding in agreement. "Absolutely. But first, let’s focus on getting you back to your usual self."

  As Kameko’s body slowly began to warm, the frost on her skin started to melt, turning into droplets of water that Haruna carefully dabbed away with the towel. The rigidness in her limbs gradually lessened, allowing Kameko to regain her flexibility bit by bit.

  "It’s working," Kameko said, her voice sounding more relaxed as the warmth continued to spread through her body. "I can move a little more now. Just give me a few more minutes, and I should be fine."

  Haruna and Yumi stayed close, monitoring Kameko’s progress and making sure she was comfortable. After several more minutes of gentle warming, Kameko felt fully thawed, her body returning to its normal temperature and flexibility.

  Kameko reattached her head, twisting it securely back into place and giving it a gentle shake to make sure everything was in order. "All good now," she said with a relieved smile. "That was definitely an experience, but I’m glad we pulled it off."

  Yumi clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You were incredible, Kameko! I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this experiment."

  Haruna grinned, placing a comforting hand on Kameko’s shoulder. "You did great, Kameko. I’m so proud of you. And now, I think it’s time for all of us to enjoy the fruits of our labor—or, should I say, the ice cream of our labor!"

  The three friends shared a laugh, the tension of the experiment giving way to a sense of camaraderie and achievement. As they prepared to serve the freshly made ice cream to their fellow club members, Kameko couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. The day had been filled with challenges and unexpected surprises, but it had also been one of the most rewarding experiences she’d ever had.

  And as she enjoyed a bowl of the smooth, creamy matcha and red bean ice cream, Kameko knew that this was just the beginning. There were so many more possibilities to explore, and so many new experiments to try, and with friends like Haruna and Yumi by her side, she was ready to face whatever came next.