Smoothing down her uniform skirt, then flattening the creases in the fresh black stockings on her jade-white legs, Kasumigaoka Utaha—cheeks still pink—shot Hayashi Maki an exasperated glare. She raised the red ribbon at her collar and handed it to him.
"Maki-kun, since you're the one who untied it, you're responsible for tying it back!"
"No problem."
He smiled, took the ribbon, deftly buttoned her blouse, and refastened the bow. He was so practiced at it that Utaha's eyes turned slightly reproachful.
"Playboy! Just how many girls' ribbons have you tied?"
Hayashi Maki gave an awkward grin, then suddenly pulled her into an embrace, circling her in his arms. He leaned in to kiss her cheek and said gently, "Not that many. Does Senpai mind?"
"Hmph. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. You're too skilled!"
Utaha thumped his chest with the back of her head a couple of times, then turned to bury her face against him. "Hey, you'd better take responsibility. If you dare dump me, I'll snip off your bad thing!"
"What a terrifying threat. Don't worry—I'm not stupid. Who would give up a beautiful and gentle senpai like you?"
"Hmph. As long as you know."
Satisfied with his answer, she shyly glanced up at him and gave his cheek a quick kiss. "Alright, class is about to start. We'll end here for today."
Hayashi Maki patted her head, savoring the sleek scent and softness of her dark hair. "We have all the time in the world, Utaha. I'll make you happy."
"Then I'll try to believe you. See you later—and think of me at least once every day."
With that, Utaha pushed him away with a flourish and strode off. Watching her disappear, Hayashi Maki finally left the rooftop as well. How could he ever bear to disappoint a girl like that? He just had to cherish her.
…
Returning to her seat under the curious stares of classmates, Utaha touched her lips, still blushing. Thinking of the scene from earlier left her heart sweet and buoyant.
"Kouhai-kun is really bold… I'll be looking forward to it. That 'happiness' you promised."
For Utaha, romance wasn't something to toss around lightly, nor would she hand herself over "for research." Hayashi Maki was different. His feedback had set her career back on track; his warmth and passion had given her the feeling of being in love.
Since they were both interested, why not try dating? Besides, his girlfriend—kouhai Shiina Mahiru—accepted his behavior.
Maybe she should find time to get to know Shiina properly… maybe not just Shiina, either. Just how many girlfriends did this playboy have?
She huffed inwardly, but she wasn't angry—if anything, remembering his bold closeness at noon left her wanting more.
Honestly, she'd almost given herself to him right then, but he'd cherished her enough to stop—saying it would be disrespectful to do that there. In that case, a proper date it would be—much more befitting a literary heroine's romanticism.
…
Hayashi Maki headed back to class. The first period after lunch was Shizuka Hiratsuka's classical literature. No question about it—Hiratsuka-sensei was a stunning beauty with a fiery figure… and a fiery temper.
When Hachiman Hikigaya came back late from the bathroom, she drilled a straight punch into his gut. Hachiman turned green—he swore he'd never be late again.
(He exaggerated; it didn't actually hurt that much. Hiratsuka was passionate, not a brute—she'd just given him a light lesson. Hachiman, ever the drama king, staggered back to his seat like he was on death's door.)
Hiratsuka nodded, satisfied. "Alright—let's begin."
Her literature class was genuinely interesting—especially to Hayashi Maki. It was all Chinese characters anyway, practically no pressure.
Before he knew it, the period was over. The last class of the day was Mafuyu Kirisu's history. Two gorgeous teachers back-to-back—not a bad lineup.
After class came club time. Since Hayashi Maki needed to meet Eriri and help suppress her curse, he let Mahiru and the others know early.
The policy: confess early, avoid suspicion. Mahiru rolled her eyes but said nothing—just told him to come home early. Then she headed off to their part-time job with Nibutani Shinka and Megumi Kato.
Walking toward the school gate, he rounded a corner on the first-floor corridor—and a petite figure barreled into him.
"Ah!"
The girl yelped as he caught her quickly, half-cradling her. Glancing down, he chuckled: waist-length blonde hair, a cute face, a big bow on her head—it was Shiina Mafuyu.
"Well, well—long time no see, Mafuyu-chan. You've been pretty mouthy in our chats lately. Didn't you keep saying you'd have Nakamaguro-senpai 'take care' of me?"
At that, Mafuyu trembled. "I… I… that wasn't me!"
Panic led to denial—but it didn't help. Since she'd run into him again, he wasn't about to waste the chance. He guided her to a quiet corner under the stairs and gently kissed her. Mafuyu gave a muffled little cry; when he finally let go minutes later, he tapped the bow on her head with a smile.
"Alright—lesson delivered. Remember my kiss. No more thinking about BL's Nakamaguro."
Mafuyu pouted up at him, unwilling to be "bullied," but she could only nod meekly—then bolted. He didn't chase. A little teasing to deepen the impression was enough; too much would be bad for the bond.
Stepping out from the stairwell, he watched her flustered figure and couldn't help but praise, "Mafuyu-chan is so cute." No wonder she was Mahiru's sister.
What he didn't notice was Mafuyu Kirisu—the teacher—stumbling on the stairs just then, almost tripping. What did she just hear? This student, Hayashi Maki, said "Mafuyu-chan is so cute"? She was his teacher—and the club's advisor! How could he refer to her as "Mafuyu-chan"?