Shuichi tensed, feeling the sting of karma again. *Is this revenge for Nagase-sensei?*
"Uh… Ichika-san, could you touch somewhere else?"
"Oh, sorry, does it feel weird?" Ichika said, her serene demeanor unchanged, as if she were arranging flowers.
"A bit… but if you like it, I'm okay," Shuichi said, his expression conflicted.
"You're confused, right? Honestly, I am too," Ichika said, moving her hand to his thigh, feeling the muscle there.
"Confused about what?" Shuichi asked, curious.
"I don't enjoy talking to people, but sometimes I crave touching or hugging," Ichika said, her tone almost poetic, though her gaze lingered distractingly.
Shuichi chuckled inwardly, then replied, "That's normal. People have basic needs—safety, validation, control. Hugging's one of them. I read that hugging someone you like releases oxytocin, calming stress and emotions."
"You know a lot," Ichika said, relieved. "Guess I'm just ordinary after all."
Shuichi thought, *I used that line on Fumika-san. Of course I know it.* "Need a hug, Ichika-san? I'm here anytime, no strings attached. You could even hug me from behind if you're shy."
"I don't mind you, but today seems inconvenient," Ichika said, eyeing the red handprint on his backside, curious about its source.
"It's just a little pain. I'm not that delicate," Shuichi said, standing and turning his back to her.
Ichika gazed at his broad back, then stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him, her body pressing softly against his. Shuichi felt enveloped in her cool, gentle embrace. "Feel better?"
"Yes… warm and comforting," Ichika said, tightening her hold, resting her chin on his shoulder. She mimicked his earlier move, nuzzling his neck and planting a light kiss.
Shuichi shivered. *Ichika-san kissing me?* If Nagase-sensei saw this, she'd be green with envy. "Ichika-san…"
"Did I do it wrong? Uncomfortable?" Ichika asked, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder, her hands gliding over his abs and chest.
"No, it's great. Just… feels like I'm the one being pampered," Shuichi said.
"It's nice. No wonder you don't find me annoying," Ichika said, her clear eyes growing hazy with a soft laugh.
"Use this?" Shuichi held up the dice keychain.
"Please," Ichika said, a thrill in her voice.
"You're too polite. Makes me feel distant," Shuichi said, pressing the keychain.
Ichika trembled slightly, her arms tightening, as if melting into his warmth. "Anytime you want a hug, I'm here," Shuichi said, captivated by her every quiver.
"Mm…" Ichika's breath quickened, lips pursed. "I should read some psychology books. I avoided them before, but you've sparked my interest."
"My honor," Shuichi said, resisting the urge to take control, letting her lead. Being on the receiving end wasn't bad.
"I thought you'd read everything, including psychology," He added.
Ichika let out a long, sultry sigh, her breath tickling his neck, nearly breaking his calm.
"Psychology…" Ichika buried her face in his neck, inhaling his shampoo's vanilla scent. "I've always resisted it."
"Understandable," Shuichi nodded, then caught her slipping hands, steadying them.
Ichika's lashes fluttered. "Sorry, do you mind being touched?"
"I'm looking forward to it, but I can't stay calm if you do, and I'd miss your hug," Shuichi said honestly.
"It's okay…" Ichika held him quietly. "With you, I don't mind if you're not calm. I trust you."
Shuichi froze. *Your trust is touching, but holding back is torture.* Thinking of Nagase-sensei's envy, he'd bet she'd trade a decade of her life for this. He let go, chuckling. "Your trust is heavy, like a test from God. If I stay composed, will I become chosen?"
Ichika smiled. "If I were a goddess, I'd take you to my divine realm."
"Possessive, huh?" Shuichi teased.
"If I were a goddess, I'd claim you. But I'm just a strange woman," Ichika murmured against his back. "I'm selfish and odd. Don't expect too much from me. I can't give you everything you want…"
Shuichi reached back, holding her waist. "No worries, Ichika-san. I don't want to change you, now or ever. This is perfect."
"Perfect…" Ichika echoed softly.
---
Meanwhile, earlier, An Akiyama sneaked into the ramen shop, aiming for the stairs in the dark. Suddenly, the lights flicked on.
"Where were you, coming back so late?" Tsuki Akiyama sat at the counter, glaring.
Mrs. Akiyama, who'd turned on the lights, chimed in gleefully, "Exactly! I'm exhausted, and my heartless daughter doesn't help."
An puffed her cheeks. "It's my day off. I'm not helping!"
Tsuki tapped the table. "Answer me."
An shrank. "I… went to the salon across the street."
Tsuki blinked. *No wonder I didn't find her next door.* "Why?"
"Just… curious about it…" An mumbled, fidgeting, her fingers tapping together.
Tsuki saw through her lie but before she could press, Mrs. Akiyama sniffed An, eyes widening. "Essential oil? You got a massage?"
"Yeah… super comfy. Ogawa-san let me try it free. She's so nice, way better than you, Mom," An said, wrinkling her nose to tease.
Mrs. Akiyama grabbed An's cheeks. "Ungrateful dummy! I haven't even tried it. Shuichi-kun mentioned I should. Tomorrow, you work, and I'll go."
"You're the dummy, Mom. It's expensive, and you're not cute like me, so no freebies," An said smugly.
"Hmph, the shop's doing well. I deserve a treat. Your allowance is halved next month to cover it," Mrs. Akiyama retorted.
"No! My tiny allowance? Mean Mom!" An whined.
"You're the dummy!" Mrs. Akiyama shot back.
"Enough!" Tsuki snapped, head aching. "You're both idiots!"
"Mean Tsuki!" Mrs. Akiyama huffed.
"Mean Sis!" An echoed.
Tsuki rolled her eyes, storming upstairs, climbing over the balcony to prepare for the night's plans. *Swinging needs prep, like the catmaid outfit.*
---
Half an hour later, in Shuichi's bedroom:
"She actually did it?" Tsuki asked, incredulous.
"What else?" Shuichi patted her head, slouching in his chair. "Why's that surprising? It's been over two weeks since she moved here."
"More like *only* two weeks," Tsuki muttered.
Shuichi poked her puffed cheek. "Ichika-san's just hard to approach. Once you're close, she's warm inside. If she didn't have to initiate, things would move faster."
Tsuki nodded thoughtfully, clearly agreeing. "Does she smell like Ichika-san?" She asked, excited.
Shuichi smirked. "More than Nagase-sensei, doesn't she thrill you?"
Tsuki squirmed, mumbling, "The loftier someone is, the more I want to see them fall to earth."
"You're wicked," Shuichi said, pinching her cheek until her dimple showed.
"You're no saint," Tsuki retorted, huffing.
"Not really. With Ichika-san, since that accident, I've been passive, just following her lead," Shuichi said, sighing. "She's so lonely. Once she opens up, it's unstoppable. People can't stay shut in their own world forever."
Tsuki pouted. "You're calling this charity?"
Shuichi stood, shrugging on his jacket despite the chill. "Is that how a maid talks?"
Tsuki clung to his leg. "Rest a bit! Your maid messed up, okay?"
"Mistakes mean punishment," Shuichi said, zipping up. "Hurry. We're swinging at the park, as promised."
"Just a little longer…" Tsuki grumbled, licking her lips, reluctant to move.
"No whining," Shuichi said, smacking her ass, mirroring his own earlier treatment.
But Tsuki, unlike him, seemed to enjoy it.
Nighttime was precious, so they didn't dawdle, slipping out the management office's back door and heading to the empty park under cover of darkness. Tsuki, still miffed, rubbed against him, annoying Shuichi.
"Not enough swinging later? You seem hungrier for sneaking bites," He said, pinching her ass.
Tsuki let out a soft moan, her face flushed. "What cat doesn't sneak fish? Eating's way more fun than playing."
Shuichi was speechless. "You and your sister, total foodies. You're just pickier."
"When are you taking your maid to the salon?" Tsuki asked, clinging closer, her boldness making Shuichi miss her old stubborn act.
"Forget that," Shuichi said, tugging the pull-tab on her outfit, silencing her teasing.
Step by step, they reached the familiar park, ready for the swing. No need for the woods or clearing the area—they went straight to the playground and found the swing.
Shuichi sat first, adjusting his clothes, patting his lap. "Come on."
Tsuki turned, lifting her skirt, gripping the swing's chains, and carefully sat, settling in. Late October's chill made them shiver, huddling for warmth.
Shuichi wrapped his arms around her, Tsuki clutching the chains. Their bodies pressed close as they gently swung in the quiet, midnight park. Not high, just enough to lift off the ground, swaying softly, both smiling with contentment.
This was the pure joy of youth… probably.
"Master…" Tsuki murmured, gripping the chains to steady herself.
"What now?" Shuichi asked, savoring the night's calm.
"Can I borrow your phone?" Tsuki reached for his pocket.
"Don't squirm!" Shuichi pinched her waist. "You'll flip the swing."
Tsuki yelped, settling down. "Play with the dice, Master. Switch the mode on your phone."
Shuichi inhaled her scent. "Getting demanding, huh?"
"Isn't a naughty maid supposed to be punished?" Tsuki teased, rubbing her cheek against his neck.
"Stop moving, or we'll tip," Shuichi warned, holding her still. "You little vixen, fine."
He reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone—and accidentally An's underwear. He quickly tucked it away, but Tsuki noticed, her voice low. "What was Master thinking?"
"Nothing," Shuichi said calmly, opening the app. "Thinking about Nagase-sensei tomorrow. Exams kept her away, but she's free for the student council, right?"
Hearing this, and with the app activated, Tsuki forgot her suspicion, her face flushing with excitement. "Yes, she should be free… then…"
"Then you can have a nice chat with her," Shuichi said, pushing off lightly, the swing swaying again.
"It feels… like I'm flying…" Tsuki said, biting her lip, gripping the chains.
"Never swung before? You're so excited," Shuichi said, shivering in the cold.
"Maybe… when I was little? I don't remember," Tsuki said, her words choppy from the swing's thrill.
"Sounds pitiful. I'll bring you more often," Shuichi said, kissing her ear.
Tsuki's heart raced, emotions spilling over. "Master…"
"Hold tight. Don't fly off," Shuichi warned.
"Can't… I'm already flying…" Tsuki's voice scattered in the night breeze.
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