The next morning.
After enjoying little angel Mahiru's delicious breakfast, Hayashi Maki headed to Hakuo Academy. The weekend was over—time for another cheerful school day.
As soon as he entered the classroom, Ako Tamaki dashed over and wrapped herself around his arm. Under the jealous, envious stares of the other boys, Hayashi Maki savored the girl's snug affection. He didn't care what anyone thought.
He patted Ako's head and soothed her for a bit; only then did she return to her seat obediently. Hayashi Maki greeted Yumiko, Yui, Nibutani Shinka, and the other girls he was close with, then went back to his own seat—poking his front-desk neighbor Megumi Kato's slim waist to start chatting.
The little demon Satania was her usual chuunibyou self, swaggering into the room before roughhousing with Gabriel, who came in last. But Gabriel, sleep-deprived from gaming all night, face-planted on her desk to catch up on sleep and didn't even acknowledge Satania—much to Satania's frustration.
So she pulled out a "slave-making demon spear" she'd bought from a netherworld shopping site and fired it at Gabriel… only to be effortlessly countered and one-shotted. Vignette could only sigh at Satania's self-destructive antics.
Later, a tearful Satania begged Hayashi Maki for comfort; it took him an entire big break (with lots of kissing) to coax the dopey little demon back into smiles.
Third period was Mafuyu Kirisu's history class. Naturally, Hayashi Maki spent the whole time running his eyes up and down her.
That heated gaze made Mafuyu squirm; she seized a chance to shoot him a hard glare, hoping he'd rein it in. Hayashi Maki only licked his lips with a wicked smile.
Mafuyu went scarlet to her ears; if not for her sense of professionalism, she might have panicked and run. When the bell rang, she hurried off like a prehistoric beast was on her heels.
But Hayashi Maki didn't chase her to tease her. Back in the office and finding that he hadn't come by, Mafuyu felt oddly disappointed. Then again, that troublesome student didn't only have eyes for her; several gorgeous female students were his girlfriends. Feeling a little sour, she pulled out her phone and texted him:
Mafuyu: "Brat, watch yourself. Don't let your eyes wander during my class again!"
Hayashi Maki: "Is appreciating a beautiful woman a crime?"
Mafuyu: "Hmph. Distracting me while I'm teaching is."
Hayashi Maki: "Fine. Next time I won't look at you."
He agreed too quickly—somehow that annoyed her more. What was that supposed to mean? That he wouldn't look at her anymore? Sulking over his pettiness, she grew even more depressed.
Then another text came:
Hayashi Maki: "I'll just come to your place and look at you in private next time—how's that?"
Mafuyu's mood lifted instantly; a smile tugged at her lips.
Mafuyu: "No. Who said you could come to my place? Don't even think about it."
Complicated feelings aside—she wasn't an easy woman. And thinking of his forced kisses and teasing fingers made her bristle. She refused to give him the satisfaction; otherwise he'd get cocky and stop being respectful.
Hayashi Maki: "Not think about it? Impossible. Perfect timing—I'm free this afternoon, so I'll swing by. Is Miharu still at your place?"
Mafuyu: "What are you planning? Don't you dare set your sights on Miharu!"
Hearing him mention her pure kid sister put Mafuyu on high alert.
Hayashi Maki: "I only want to look after my future sister-in-law, as a proper brother-in-law should. Your sister is my sister, right?"
Mafuyu snorted out a laugh despite herself.
Mafuyu: "What nonsense are you spouting? I never agreed to marry you! And I'm more than ten years older than you—do you ever remember that, brat?"
Hayashi Maki: "Age isn't a problem; height isn't a distance. Mafuyu-sensei can only be mine—this lifetime, I've decided."
Mafuyu: "Shut up. No more nonsense. I'm busy—chat later."
Hayashi Maki: "Alright, we'll talk when we meet this afternoon. I'll show you my passion, Mafuyu-sensei…"
"Ugh! That little punk—he only knows how to bully people…" Mafuyu muttered, cheeks blazing. Hand on her pounding chest, she felt a flutter of panic. If he was set on "expressing his passion," she had no way to fight back—or refuse.
Resigned and a little dejected, she slumped over her desk, eyes going hazy as time ticked by.
Afternoon came quickly. In the school garage, Mafuyu stood by her compact car, glancing around. Not seeing him, she breathed a sigh of relief. She hesitated. Should she wait for that brat? Would he get mad if she left?
As she wavered, a pair of large hands suddenly wrapped her up from behind.
"—Ah!"
She gasped as she fell into a warm embrace—then her lips were captured by a domineering kiss.
"Mmph… brat… let go… mmm~"
After a brief taste, Hayashi Maki released her. Flushed, Mafuyu swatted his chest twice.
"Are you trying to die? There are cameras here!"
"Heh—relax. I've jammed them. No one will see," Hayashi Maki said, then slipped into the passenger seat. "Don't be mad, cute Mafuyu-sensei. Let's go."
"First, the convenience store—we need groceries. You've been living off takeout again, haven't you? I'll cook tonight; just wait for good food."
Hearing that, Mafuyu's emotions tangled. Being cared for felt good; being startled by his ambush made her angry. Biting back her gripes, she got behind the wheel and started the engine.
"No speeding, or when we get out I'll end up spanking your little butt," Hayashi Maki said cheerfully, holding out a hand.
Mafuyu flushed and shot him a fierce look.
"Who put you in charge! And—spank me? Really?"
Hayashi Maki smiled gently. "Safety first. It's not the usual that worries me—it's the unlikely. I don't want to lose you, so please drive safe."
"Hmph." She turned her head away, ignoring him. "I'm a great driver—don't underestimate me."
Her words were prickly—but her heart was warm. Being cared for is hard to hate—though that was only because their relationship was what it was. Otherwise, when an annoying person fusses over you, it's still just plain annoying.
~~~
Thank you for reading!