Eriri, face crumpled, finally gave in. She sent a reluctant reply, then buried her cheeks on her desk. Her face was red to the ears.
Why was she even discussing what color stockings to wear with him—plus kissing and that kind of thing? That infuriating jerk! He'd left her flustered and off-balance.
After teasing Eriri, Hayashi Maki was in a great mood. Thinking about her golden twin-tails, her petite cuteness, those soft pink lips—he licked his lips, eyes full of anticipation.
Shameless? Maybe. But delightful. And getting closer to Eriri step by step would deepen their bond. Since forever, sincere feelings alone don't always win—only a bit of strategy wins hearts.
Sometimes "on the train first, buy a ticket later" isn't a bad approach. Spend three to five years holding hands and then lose her to a "fall-from-the-sky" type? How unfair would that be?
So he figured: if he liked a girl, striking quickly was the smartest play.
As he was daydreaming, his phone buzzed again. More and more girls filled the top of his contacts list. This time it was Katsura Kotonoha: did he have time on the weekend? Kokoro wanted him to tutor her.
He absolutely did. Thinking of Kotonoha's figure made his mouth water. And her mother, Katsura Manami—now that was a knockout. He replied that he was free and penciled in the weekend.
And he couldn't forget Yukino-chan—he'd promised to take her to the cat café. A promise was a promise; disappointing a familiar breeds trouble.
As if on cue, Yukino messaged first—a surprise.
Yukino: "Maki-kun, are you free at lunch?"
He wanted to say no—he'd already booked Senpai's lap pillow—but he really did love Yukino-chan. Introduce her to Senpai? …No. Mahiru was one thing; Senpai wasn't formally contracted yet—too soon.
Hayashi Maki: "What's up? Did you need me for something?"
Yukino: "I accidentally made an extra bento."
Hayashi Maki: "Please let me have it!"
Yukino: "Forget it. I'll save it for dinner."
Hayashi Maki: "Why? Bento is best at lunch—by dinner it won't be fresh!"
Yukino: "I don't want to give it to you. You'll just bully me."
Hayashi Maki: "For the weekend cat café's sake—please give it to me?"
Yukino: "Come get it yourself. I'm not coming at lunch. I'm studying! This month's exam—I'm taking first ahead of you and Mahiru!"
Hayashi Maki: "Hearing that makes me itchy to come 'interrupt' this evening."
Yukino: "Please don't. Excellence is the only thing I have to be proud of."
Hayashi Maki: "Yukino-chan has always been the girlfriend I'm most proud of. Chin up—I'll help you grow, too."
Yukino: "Pervert—where are you going with this?"
Hayashi Maki: "I mean, some things require consistency. If you don't push harder, how will you catch up to Haruno-nee?"
Yukino: "Either way, I'm not coming at lunch. …Tonight we'll see."
Hayashi Maki: "Then be good. Don't lock the door."
Yukino: "I've got my taser. Want a taste, Pervert-san?"
Hayashi Maki: "You had it last time, too—and didn't use it. Be good and wait; I'll teach you something new today."
Yukino: "Tch!"
New "knowledge," huh? He just wanted to bully her.
When first period ended, Hayashi Maki dashed to the science lab on the third floor. Yukino slipped in, face red, and handed him a bento box.
"Here. I made an extra by accident. On second thought, it shouldn't go to waste—eat it all."
Hayashi Maki took her hand with a grin. "I'll take care of it. How will Yukino-chan thank me?"
Blushing, she glanced up, then slowly shut her eyes. No way he'd hesitate—she was clearly consenting. Maybe because he'd remembered the cat café, she was feeling generous.
He kissed her soft lips, gentle and warm. No need for words—his lips said it all.
Just before the bell, Yukino straightened the ribbon at her collar and slipped back to class, cheeks burning. He'd definitely corrupted her—kissing at school like that. But… it was kind of thrilling.
…
Back in class, Hayashi Maki wore a satisfied smile. For him, Yukino-chan acting shy and affectionate was only good news.
Class began; Mafuyu Kirisu walked in. Cool-faced, crisp voice—she taught like a beautiful iceberg.
When the long break came, Hayato Hayama turned to Yumiko Miura and flashed his usual bright smile.
"Yumiko, it's been a while since we played tennis. Want to go this afternoon?"
Hayama, starting a conversation—and inviting her? Yumiko was surprised. But she no longer felt any starry-eyed admiration. After being held and kissed—experiencing that tense, exciting kind of romance—she had nothing left for a "central air-conditioning" type like Hayama.
She smiled and declined. "Sorry, Hayato-kun. I'm working a shift with Mahiru this afternoon. Earning pocket money is fun. I'll pass on tennis—go with Tobe and the others."
Her mouth said one thing; her heart was dismissive. Hmph. I used to invite you and you always dodged. Now you take the initiative, and I'm the one not interested.
And did he think she was stupid? He wanted to "play tennis" to be seen with a radiant girl; the real goal was to show the other fangirls that someone was at his side. A shield, as always.
Hayama hadn't expected a refusal; his smile turned awkward. "Haha… if you're busy, then never mind."
"Mm. Or invite Tobe, Ooka—whoever."
He waved both hands. "No, I think Kakeru's busy…"
"Oh? Then never mind," she said, turning away.
Hayama stewed. So Yumiko really had a boyfriend? Otherwise why ignore him like that? Damn it—who was it, swooping in and stealing her?
Outwardly, he still smiled as brightly as ever.
~~~
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