At first, Kaoru didn't understand what was happening.
Seeing her silent demeanor, he felt somewhat bewildered.
"Did I say something wrong?"
Horikita Suzune stopped abruptly, causing Kaoru to nearly bump into her.
Looking down, he saw her dark hair swirl as she turned, the skin from her hairline to her ears flashing before his eyes - pale and thin, almost revealing the faintly pulsing blue veins beneath.
The crimson hue seemed to symbolize her current emotions.
In that instant, a pair of clear, bright eyes appeared beneath her long eyelashes, staring intently at Kaoru.
"You only targeted me from the beginning, right?"
Horikita Suzune's voice carried a hint of chilliness. "You took advantage of my reckless actions, set a trap for me together with Kushida, then used the contract to threaten me, forcing me to satisfy your desires. I'm not remembering this wrong, am I?"
Her bluntness was rather startling. Kaoru could only nod.
"That's correct. So it's perfectly normal for anyone to hold grudges against me."
"Grudges?"
Horikita Suzune seemed to be tasting the word, as if she had caught onto something.
A strange smile flickered in her eyes. "I understand what you mean. In your eyes, that's indeed the case, and I am indeed very dissatisfied."
"If you want to repay this debt completely, it will probably take you a very long time."
Kaoru sighed lightly. "Moreover, I feel it's useless now. Keeping it serves no purpose other than bullying you."
"If you were a loan shark, you'd definitely go bankrupt."
Horikita Suzune crossed her arms.
Though nothing was revealed, one couldn't help but imagine how they would feel to touch - clearly too substantial to be held in one hand.
Kaoru glanced sideways at her.
"I've already received what I wanted."
However, Horikita Suzune smiled meaningfully: "Where's the determination you showed when forcing me to complete the list back then?"
Kaoru was left speechless.
The list at that time consisted mostly of wishes related to her body.
If all were fulfilled, it could probably amount to over ten ten-draws.
Still, he had completed quite a few already. After all, through various intimate interactions, he could discreetly accomplish one or two by paying slight attention.
With Tachibana Akane earlier, Sakura Airi before that, plus their paired activities, Kaoru had actually accumulated enough for another round of ten-draws recently.
Horikita Suzune was unaware of these matters and decided to counterattack.
"Without these debts, I won't obey your every command like Kushida does. Is that acceptable?"
It sounded like something she might regret, but Kaoru genuinely felt the contract was unnecessary and thought it best to end it here.
"No problem. Horikita Senior has already entrusted Suzune to me. I believe that's sufficient."
Horikita Suzune stiffened momentarily, regretting her decision.
She shouldn't have trusted this guy—she should have just punched him instead.
Without a word, she snatched the contract from Kaoru.
Without even glancing at it, she tore it into pieces with unusual calmness and declared clearly, "With this, the debtor-creditor relationship between us is over."
"How does it feel? A gift worth over a million?"
Kaoru smiled faintly.
He had originally considered giving books but was glad he hadn't, as it would have overlapped with Horikita Manabu's gift.
"It feels like I've been completely renewed."
Horikita Suzune let out a light laugh, then stared intently at him. "So, what kind of relationship do you want us to have now?"
The conversation circled back. Kaoru hesitated briefly.
Given her usual behavior, she likely wouldn't agree to being called lovers, and being friends was even less feasible.
"I hope for a normal relationship." Kaoru added, "Like calling each other by our first names. I want Suzune to call me by my name, and I hope you'll call the others by their names too."
Horikita Suzune sighed deeply, feeling a headache coming on. "Just as Honami said, you're definitely hiding something from us."
Kaoru looked puzzled.
He had many secrets—what was she referring to?
"Never mind. Do you have any other ideas?"
"Will you go on a date with me next time?"
"It's a bit surprising, but I refuse."
"Why?"
"Until you give me the answer I want, I'll keep refusing you."
"..."
Kaoru fell silent, nearly forgetting that Horikita Suzune was also a girl, naturally skilled in using such powerful moves.
"Heh, can't figure it out?"
Horikita Suzune deliberately provoked him, "Should I give you a little hint out of pity? Though I doubt it'll help, since the debt is settled, I don't need to satisfy you anymore."
Her mocking tone made Kaoru take a deep breath.
Then, he grabbed her wrist and, before she could resist, wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Starting to act like a pervert now— Mmph..."
Kaoru fiercely captured her lips, swallowing her words and leaving only muffled whimpers.
Trapped in his embrace, Horikita Suzune couldn't resist.
She squirmed slightly as a token gesture of defiance, allowing him to claim her moist lips and savor their nectar, sweet and delicious like honey.
After a while, Kaoru whispered hoarsely, "Even if we're not lovers, I don't mind forcing the issue."
He sounded almost like a criminal.
Horikita Suzune panted lightly, feeling their shared warmth with every slight movement.
His chest pressed against hers aggressively, making her entire body go weak.
"I do have reservations in my heart, but before that, I've already decided to fulfill your desires."
Horikita Suzune pressed her forehead against his. "So, could you please respect my decision a little?"
Even if the debt was canceled, Horikita Suzune didn't consider it a big deal. Her goal wasn't to repay debts but to advance to a higher class.
Since their relationship began with a debt, he wanted to break the distortion within it and build a new connection—Horikita Suzune could understand this.
However, Horikita Suzune still felt displeased.
Without the debt as a foundation, how would he consider doing mischievous things with her?
Wouldn't they lose a legitimate excuse?
"Sorry, but I think this is better. It shows our relationship isn't just a transactional one."
Kaoru suddenly smiled, "It also means Suzune enjoys doing mischievous things with me."
Horikita Suzune's pretty face flushed red.
He wasn't wrong, but why did he have to say it out loud?
"I'm just fulfilling your requests."
She wrapped her arms around Kaoru's neck and whispered softly, "You wrote it on your list, didn't you? You wanted to tease me fiercely in public, to see me in an embarrassing state in front of others."
After all, it was Valentine's Day.
It was understandable to indulge a little, right?
Unaware of Kaoru's stiffness, she continued matter-of-factly, "Though it's impossible in public, it's fine here. I usually take this path back to the dorm, and hardly anyone passes by during this time."
If these words had come from Kushida Kikyo, Kaoru wouldn't have been surprised.
But coming from Horikita Suzune, he could feel the immense resolve the girl in his arms had mustered.
"Since we're not lovers, it's okay to go a little overboard."
Horikita Suzune still hadn't agreed to be with him, but the girl bravely kissed him nonetheless.
...
"They're taking so long. Did something happen to them?"
Kushida Kikyo checked the time.
The sun was about to set, yet Kaoru still hadn't returned with Horikita Suzune.
"Did you message him?" Ichinose Honami asked.
Kei Karuizawa pouted, "I did, but he hasn't seen it!"
"How strange. Did Horikita run away?" Kushida Kikyo mused thoughtfully.
"I'll call him!"
Kei Karuizawa volunteered and immediately dialed Kaoru's number.
The next moment, a phone rang outside the door.
The girls exchanged glances, and Kushida Kikyo couldn't help but smile.
"Ahem, it seems our guest has arrived. Let's forgive his tardiness for now!"