Afterward, Mafuyu Kirisu nestled against Hayashi Maki's chest, giving him a wistful look.
"Are you satisfied now, you little brat?"
The corner of Hayashi Maki's mouth lifted. He brushed a hand through her sweat-damp pink hair.
"Barely satisfied. Honestly, I was just getting started."
He flashed a wicked smile and slowly leaned toward her lovely face. "How about… we continue?"
Mafuyu shook her head at once. "No! I've had enough!"
"Haha… Mafuyu-sensei, you're so cute." Hayashi Maki couldn't help laughing. Seeing her so flustered gave him a hard-to-describe sense of triumph.
"Go to hell! All you do is bully me." Mafuyu, cheeks burning, balled her fist and thumped his chest, glared up at him, then ducked her head in embarrassment.
He chuckled, and, in high spirits, didn't push further—just stroked her hair gently in comfort.
Now that Mafuyu had formally become his retainer, he'd also gained a new ability. From her he received "Teach According to Aptitude," a guidance skill that lets him assess a retainer's talents and pass on corresponding skills—so long as he himself knows them.
Mafuyu's feelings were a tangle. On impulse, she'd given herself to him. She didn't regret it, exactly; it made her feel closer to him. There was no escaping anyway—he'd pursued her this far, and it seemed like acceptance was her only option. She could only hope he'd treat her kindly from now on.
Out on the sofa, Miharu Kirisu's feelings weren't calm either. No matter how she looked at it, something was off about the relationship between her sister and Hayashi Maki. What teacher tutors a student all night? Did Hayashi Maki give her a lot of money? But her sister wasn't the type to care about money. Could they really be… in a teacher-student romance?
The thought made Miharu's heart race—and then turn sour, as if something precious was being taken away.
"No, I have to investigate!"
Balling her fists to psych herself up, she tiptoed to the bedroom door and pressed an ear against it—but heard nothing at all. Was the soundproofing really that good?
With no way to eavesdrop, she gave up, and out of respect for her sister, she didn't knock or peek inside. Instead she returned obediently to her room, did her yoga and flexibility work, showered, and went to bed.
As a figure skater, flexibility was crucial. She would carry on her sister's dream.
…
Back with Mafuyu—she had no idea her sister had tried to listen in. Hayashi Maki had long since set a soundproof barrier; Miharu wouldn't hear a thing. He didn't want anything to interrupt their "good moment," either.
Mafuyu lounged lazily against Hayashi Maki, too tired to move. The way he gently petted her head made her feel warm inside—though also a little embarrassed.
This awful man—petting me so tenderly like a child? Honestly. She was more than ten years older than him; he was a brat in her eyes. And yet, after what had just happened, she couldn't see him as a clueless student anymore.
He was a first-class scoundrel. A shameless man.
"Mafuyu-sensei, about what I suggested earlier—what do you say?" Hayashi Maki murmured, dropping a soft kiss on her lips.
Mafuyu pouted and gave him a glare. "I refuse."
"You push me around like that even in my own home. If I moved to your third floor, who knows how far you'd go." Hayashi Maki drew her close, breathing in her scent.
"How could I bully you? You know I only have time to dote on you."
"Let's be fair—these past weeks you've hit and scolded me plenty, and I haven't raised a hand. At most I hug you and kiss you."
"Pah!" Mafuyu scoffed. "And you dare say that out loud? Thick-skinned. That is bullying!"
"Ahem—only because you're too cute. I just want to be close to you… to make you mine."
"Shut up—the more you talk, the madder I get." She covered his mouth to stop him. In any case, things were as they were; she wouldn't regret it. She'd just try to accept him.
Hayashi Maki sighed, took her pale hand from his lips, and held it. "Mafuyu-sensei—come live with me, please?"
"Mm… talk to me again at the end of the month, when my lease is up…" With no way to outmaneuver him, she delayed. She still hadn't decided how to face his "official girlfriend." Just picturing Mahiru's angelic smile made her feel guilty.
"Alright—end of the month I'll come get you and help you move," Hayashi Maki said, sealing the matter. Mafuyu gave a small nod—tacit agreement.
His smile widened; his mood brightened.
"There are plenty of perks if you move in. You'll never have to cook again. And it'll be easier to 'tutor' your student."
"Pah! That's what you call studying? Shame on you," she muttered, face burning red. Just thinking how Miharu hadn't suspected a thing made her cringe.
"Hehe, don't sweat the small stuff, Sensei. Have you rested enough?" Hayashi Maki gazed into her bright eyes; his own turned hot.
Mafuyu swallowed. "W-what are you planning now?" He really isn't human…
He cupped her face and leaned in slowly.
"What do you think? We've had some time together—you should know me by now."
"Ugh… you little brat—let me rest a bit longer." She brushed his hands aside and curled up against him like a quail, cheeks red to the tips of her ears. First times are always like this. She was thin-skinned; Hayashi Maki understood. But there were still things to do.
He lowered his head and kissed her gently.
"Be good, Mafuyu-sensei. Leave everything to me."
He would be very gentle.