After teasing her a little, Hayashi Maki finally let go of Akizuki Marina.
Seeing the girl's flushed face in his arms, he couldn't help a satisfied smile. He gently stroked her smooth chestnut hair, then leaned to her delicate ear and breathed a warm sigh.
The girl shivered, giving an adorably shy reaction.
"Eep~…"
Eyes shut, her slender white hands clutched his shirt, the pink in her cheeks deepening.
"Haha, Marina, you really are cute," Hayashi Maki said, delighted by her expression.
Hearing his laugh, Marina opened her eyes and gazed at him plaintively.
"Mean. Maki-kun, you're so bad—you only ever tease me."
Her big eyes grew misty, as if she might cry. Hayashi Maki hurried to soothe her.
"There, don't cry. It's just because you're too cute that I want to tease you. I want to remember every cute side of you."
"Hmph. That doesn't sound like an apology at all." Marina rolled her eyes, then lightly pushed him away.
"Let go of me, you big bully!"
Hayashi Maki chuckled; instead of releasing her, he tightened his arms.
"Don't be mad. I only act this way because I like you. Be honest—did you miss me?"
Marina turned her face aside in embarrassment. "Of course not. Every time you come over, you only want to do bad things."
If she said she missed him, wouldn't it sound like she was missing those shameful "bad things"? A girl had to be reserved—she wasn't going to admit it.
Hayashi Maki patted her head, savoring her scent, then dipped down to plant a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Anyway, I missed you. And since Airi's not here, you can have me all to yourself. Isn't that nice?"
"It's not nice at all…"
Still looking down, Marina covered the cheek he'd kissed; the shy look only made her more irresistible. Seeing she was still being contrary, Hayashi Maki didn't press; his warm hand slipped, practiced, to her fair thigh.
As a heroine from a "certain" world, Marina's figure needed no praise—white skin, exquisite features, long legs—every inch inviting; the youthful glow of a high school girl only heightened it.
"Marina, let's see if you remember what we learned last time." He grinned, pulling her down with him. At first she stifled any sound with her hand; soon she gave in, showing him her charm, her soft voice quickening his pulse. The rest went unsaid.
…
After a while, drained, Marina lay in his arms, cheeks still red. Resting her face against his chest, she looked a little shy—and softly happy.
Hayashi Maki stroked her hair, relishing its smoothness and light fragrance, and felt quietly pleased. She claimed she didn't miss him, but her body was far more honest.
After resting, Marina rose and dressed.
"Maki-kun, are you staying for dinner? Airi's been hoping you'd come."
"Sure. I'll finally taste Marina's cooking," he smiled.
She nodded and headed out. Apron on, humming a tune, she began to cook—love clearly put a spring in her step. Hayashi Maki, satisfied by her gentle, capable look, put on his clothes and pushed open Airi's door.
The twin-tailed blonde was sprawled on the bed in pajamas, on the phone with her best friend. Her small, white feet swung idly, lively and undeniably charming. Fresh from a bath, she'd let down her hair; from his angle her petite yet shapely figure was eye-catching.
"Hee-hee, Sana—deal! You'll help me shoot the MV for my song, okay?"
She seemed to be arranging a video shoot with Kuranaka Sana. As the school's resident songstress, singing and dancing were easy for Airi. A little thing, yet already with the aura of an idol—if a talent scout found her, she'd be a star in no time. But in Neon's entertainment world, the "unspoken rules" were no secret; if she debuted, it would be through his company, not a stranger's.
"Leave it to me," Sana said from the bath. "With my filming skills, you'll love the result!"
Right then Airi let out a squeak on the phone.
"Eek!"
"What happened?" Sana asked, puzzled.
"Mm~ n-nothing. Mosquito bite!" Airi's cheeks were red; she swatted the sudden arms around her from behind and gave the man an accusatory punch. Warm lips brushed her neck; his breath made her go weak.
"Oh—a mosquito? Airi, don't be so jumpy. Remember to use repellent; big bites itch for ages," Sana chided kindly, then noticed Airi's quickening breath. "Airi? Are you listening?"
"Mm… listening… It is a very big mosquito… so annoying… haah… Sana-chan, I—I'll go take care of this pesky mosquito first… Gotta—ah—hang up."
Flustered, Airi ended the call, then turned the tables—throwing herself at Hayashi Maki, the petite blonde pressing into his chest, arms tight around his neck, eager lips seeking his.