"What, that look—does it mean I'm not welcome?"
Seeing Sanshokuin Sumireko sigh at him, Hayashi Maki arched a brow, a hint of danger in his eyes.
Sumireko rolled her eyes.
"What else?"
"What girl would welcome a man who bullies her?"
Just thinking of last time made her blush; her body even trembled a little. This guy was awful.
And a flirt.
Hayashi Maki didn't get angry—he had bullied her, after all. He flashed a wicked smile, pinched her cheek, and slipped off her glasses.
"Even if you say that, I'm still going to pester you."
Sumireko slapped his roving hand away and put her glasses back on.
"There are people here—behave yourself and don't disrupt my work."
She was the librarian and had to log the students' loans.
Hayashi Maki just chuckled and dragged a chair over to sit beside her.
"I'll help then. I'm bored anyway."
She glanced at him, unconvinced.
"With so many girlfriends, you get bored? Starting something and dumping it midway is wrong—watch out for the kitchen knife."
Hayashi Maki waved his hands quickly.
"No way. I value the people around me. I'd never start and abandon."
Sumireko remained skeptical. She couldn't fend off his shamelessness, but the image of him as a womanizer was already rooted deep in her heart.
"Fine. If you insist on helping, go tidy the shelves with me."
Some students pulled books off and never put them back, leaving them anywhere—extra work for the librarian.
He spent the lunch hour in the library. With a super-beauty like Sumireko as a partner, the work felt light, and Hayashi Maki was in a great mood. When they finished, Sumireko's gaze was a touch softer.
"Good work, Scumbag-san."
"What kind of nickname is that?" Hayashi Maki's face darkened at once.
Sumireko's lips quirked.
"You've got a foot in so many boats—aren't you a scumbag?"
"Even if I am, I don't like that nickname. You might as well call me Pervert-kun."
Her voice was lovely—clear and musical like Yukino's, enough to make one's ears pregnant, as they say. Being called "pervert" by a pretty girl didn't anger Hayashi Maki; if anything, it excited him a little.
"Eek!"
Sumireko jumped back two steps, arms crossed over her chest.
"So you do like that sort of thing… as expected, a pervert!"
At her skittishness, he grinned and stepped forward, slipped an arm around her waist, and pinned her to the stacks.
"Since you know my secret, I can't possibly let you go."
"To keep you from blabbing, I'll have to seal your mouth!"
He didn't wait—he pressed his lips to her rosy ones.
"M—mm~" Sumireko's eyes flew wide; she struggled twice on instinct, then, cheeks scarlet, let him come close. Saying he liked being called a pervert—he just wanted an excuse to kiss her. After all, with a pervert, anything goes.
Fine. Since he'd kept her company all noon, she'd give him a little reward.
With that thought, her slender white arms slipped up to circle his neck.
By then, the library was empty; that was why Hayashi Maki dared to touch her like this. He had to consider a girl's dignity, after all.
Though she feigned disdain, Sumireko was actually afraid of loneliness. Deep down, she longed for someone to spend time with her.
And the reason she hid her beauty and perfect figure all this time was because the boys and girls around her once hadn't been good to her—she'd been left with a shadow in her heart.
She preferred to hide, dress like a plain braided bookworm, and stay in the library rather than interact.
Hayashi Maki's heart ached for her; he decided to bring her into his own circle. Mahiru and the others were gentle girls; they'd accept Sumireko and become her friends.
He didn't go too far. After a little affection, he released the breathless Sumireko. Stroking her hair, he said softly,
"Come to my place this weekend. I'll introduce you to some friends."
Sumireko pouted and said nothing. But inside, she was a little tempted. The vibe among Hayashi Maki's girlfriends was harmonious, and she, too, yearned for female friends to talk to. Maybe… she could try?
Seeing her quiet, he didn't press—he dipped down to kiss her once more and turned to leave.
"See you around, Sumireko."
Watching his back, she touched her lips and sighed.
"What an incorrigible man."
…
After parting with Sumireko, the afternoon classes flew by. Hayashi Maki checked in with Mahiru and headed to the Akizuki household. He'd said yesterday he'd come—he wouldn't go back on his word.
Their mother, Akizuki Hanayoko, had already left for work, so only Akizuki Airi and Akizuki Marina were home.
When Hayashi Maki blinked into existence, the blonde twin-tailed beauty Airi was soaking in the bath; Marina was cleaning. Humming as she mopped, Marina was seized from behind by the waist.
"Eek!"
Hit by a sudden attack, Marina squeaked.
"Don't scream—it's me."
He covered her mouth, then, under her shy gaze, swept her off her feet and into her room. He settled the ash-brown-haired, perfectly proportioned little beauty on his lap and brushed his lips against the pale curve of her neck.
"Marina—did you miss me?"
His warm breath made her heart flutter. She melted into his arms, cheeks crimson.
"Mm… Maki-kun… don't…"
Her push had about as much force as a massage. Hayashi Maki covered her lips with his.
"I will. Marina… you're mine."
Declaring his claim, he held her and lay back. How could she refuse now? Eyes closing shyly, the cute girl slipped her arms around his neck and returned his warmth.
~~~
You're Welcome!