Chapter 082 Going to a Love Hotel with Kikyo / The Roleplay Department
"Feeling happy now?" Shimizu Akira looked at her; her smile was so wide even an AK-47 couldn't suppress it.
"I'm not smiling." Kikyo turned her face away, picked up another chicken skewer, and took a bite.
"The corners of your mouth are tilting up toward the heavens."
"That's just my posture for eating."
"Eating posture can make your mouth tilt like that?"
"Yes. You just haven't seen enough of the world."
Shimizu Akira roughly knew what was going on, but he didn't expose her. He just picked up a shrimp skewer and ate slowly. After a while, the plates on the table were empty. Kikyo put down her bamboo skewer, wiped her mouth with a tissue, and took a sip of water.
"My friends told me that both Hoshinomiya and Chabashira talked to you privately. What exactly happened? Tell me."
It had only been ten minutes since he said she was his favorite, and she was already exerting the aura of a "primary wife" without any disguise.
Since it was Kikyo, Shimizu Akira had no intention of hiding anything. He said directly: "Both of them were for tomorrow's Unanimous Decision exam; they planned to use their bodies to win me over. But don't worry, I rejected them both."
Kikyo's eyes widened slightly at the phrase "use their bodies."
"You rejected them both?"
"Both. I didn't agree to either."
"How did you reject them?"
"I just said no, that I have a girlfriend."
"You sure are honest."
"Didn't you ask me to tell you?"
"I asked you to tell me, but I didn't ask for such detail." Kikyo took another sip from her cup. "Hoshinomiya-sensei is one thing—that's just her personality. But Chabashira-sensei... she would actually do something like that? That's a bit unexpected."
"I actually just got back from her dormitory not long ago."
"What did you talk about?"
"The past. She used to be a student at this school too, in the same class as Hoshinomiya."
"I really didn't know that." Kikyo put down her cup, her eyes suddenly lighting up. "What else happened between those two? Dear, tell me more, give me the details."
Her expression of someone hunting for "tea" was completely undisguised. She'd probably record another couple of notes in her secret diary—that was his Kikyo for you. But Shimizu Akira was used to it. He chose to recount the drama of those two to Kikyo exactly as it was.
After listening, Kikyo leaned back in her chair with a subtle expression. She took a sip of water, put it down, then picked it up and took another sip.
"So, Hoshinomiya-sensei has hated Chabashira-sensei for over ten years just because of one vote back then?"
"Yes."
"Chabashira-sensei sacrificed the class's interest to protect her ex-boyfriend."
"Yes."
"And Hoshinomiya-sensei fell into a slump for over ten years because of this, becoming the way she is now."
"I'm not entirely sure about that part; it's just a guess."
Kikyo was silent for a few seconds, then sighed. "How should I put it... both are pitiful, but both are stupid. Terribly stupid. In these ten-plus years, they could have done anything else, but they chose to stay together and butt heads."
"I think so too." Shimizu Akira picked up her half-eaten chicken skewer and took a bite.
Kikyo watched him eat and poured him a glass of water. "Then, what do you think you would have done if you were the leader of that year?"
Shimizu Akira thought for a moment: "Refuse to vote anyone out, then mobilize the class to focus entirely on the final special exam."
"Why not choose to vote someone out?"
"It was their final year as third-years. Randomly voting someone out would leave the whole class bitter; it would be too detrimental for the upcoming final exam. Besides, it's only 100 points; it's not worth losing a person over that. Better to spend the energy on the final big exam—that's the best chance to reach Class A."
Kushida Kikyo thought about it; it indeed made sense. "A pity that leader wasn't that smart."
"The bystander sees more clearly than the player, I suppose."
Kushida Kikyo rolled her eyes at him. Her boyfriend was good at everything, but he was too humble!
"That Hoshinomiya woman is a 'hundred-man slayer'; you aren't allowed near her. But Chabashira-sensei sounds like a pure maiden—why didn't you just make a move?"
"I'm not a bulldozer that just jumps on any woman that appears in front of me. I don't have any special thoughts about Chabashira. Why? You seem quite accepting of it. I remember you had quite an issue with her before because of the voting thing."
Kikyo was momentarily stunned by the question. She thought about it, then smiled. "I do have an issue with her. But that's an issue with 'Homeroom Chabashira-sensei,' not 'Woman Chabashira.' The two are different."
"How so?"
"Homeroom Chabashira-sensei dragged our class down, always acting cold and ignoring us." Kikyo counted on her fingers. "Woman Chabashira, though—she's good-looking, has a great figure, and sounds like a pure woman who hasn't dated much. To be honest, if something happened between you two, I'd actually feel like she's the one losing out."
Shimizu Akira looked at her speechlessly. "You sure don't discriminate! But how do you know Hoshinomiya is a 'hundred-man slayer'? Where did you hear that?"
Kikyo said as if it were common knowledge: "I have my information channels, obviously. Many kids go to the nurse's office to ask her for relationship advice, and she says it herself—that she has a lot of experience in that area. You shouldn't touch a woman like that. On the other hand, you could really consider Chabashira-sensei. That kind of woman is surprisingly pure; once the iceberg melts, if she likes you, she'll probably be devoted to you."
"How do you know?"
"Because she's a Chabashira; she's the same type as that Horikita woman." Kikyo smiled. "Horikita used to be like a licking dog toward you, and Chabashira would be the same. How could that be fake?"
Shimizu Akira's lip twitched. "Is this for real?"
"It's for real; I wouldn't lie to you, dear." Kikyo touched his hand. "My eye for people is never wrong."
To be fair, Kikyo's track record with judging girls hadn't missed yet, had it? Is there really a pattern?
Shimizu Akira played along: "Then based on what you're saying, I should have you vet every girl I date in the future, how about that?"
"That won't do." Kikyo shook her head. "I'll only help you analyze; the final decision is yours. If you truly fall for someone, I won't stop you—that was our agreement."
"Thank you, Kikyo."
Shimizu Akira couldn't help but pat her head a few times. Kikyo didn't dodge, only narrowing her eyes slightly.
"Only this once. Don't get addicted to it. I'm your girlfriend, not your daughter or sister."
The real world is not a bishoujo game; although Kikyo felt comfortable being patted, she didn't get so hot or flushed that she couldn't function. She continued: "Do you think there's any hope for Hoshinomiya and Chabashira to reconcile?"
"A ten-year grudge isn't something you can just let go. It's like your relationship with Suzune; if I asked you to make up with her right now, could you do it?"
Kikyo immediately made a look of disgust: "I couldn't stand that."
"So you see." Shimizu Akira withdrew his hand. "You can't do it either, right?"
Kikyo huffed but didn't argue. "In tomorrow's Unanimous Decision exam, will you support me or Horikita?"
"Who do you want me to support?" Shimizu Akira asked back.
"I'm asking you, don't ask me back." Kikyo rolled her eyes.
Shimizu Akira thought for a bit. "Support both."
"Both?" Kikyo wrinkled her nose. "Then how is that different from supporting neither?"
"There's a difference." Shimizu Akira put down his skewer. "If your opinions are the same, I'll go with you. If they differ, I'll listen to your respective ideas first, then find a way to make you reach a consensus."
"And if we can't?"
"Then I'll vote for Hirata Yousuke."
Kikyo sighed. "You really are..."
"Really what?"
"Really good at playing dumb." Kikyo poked the scraps on the plate with her skewer. "I asked who you support, and you took me on a huge detour."
Shimizu Akira spread his hands. "Those are my honest thoughts."
Kikyo stared at him: "You just said I'm your favorite person; shouldn't you stand by my side at a time like this? Were you lying to me?"
Shimizu Akira didn't know what to say for a moment. For someone with a harem, this was the lethal equivalent of "If eight girlfriends fell into the water at once, who would you save first?"
He had to tug her sleeve, lower his head, and plead in a rare soft tone: "Kikyo, don't make it hard for me. It's true you're my favorite, but I really can't show favoritism in this kind of matter.
If there's a first time, there will be a second. I owe you one—can you let me off the hook this time?"
Kikyo couldn't help but laugh softly. Actually, she was just teasing; she had already guessed what he would choose. It really wasn't good to show favoritism; if he favored her in front of the whole class, Suzune would probably explode, and the other girls would wonder what was going on. His harem would have major problems.
But through this test, Shimizu Akira had actually agreed to one request. An unexpected gain.
"Anything really?" She blinked.
"Anything. But this topic is over, right?" Thinking Kikyo wouldn't hurt him, Shimizu Akira nodded immediately.
"Yes, it's over." Kikyo smiled and stood up. " I'm done eating, let's go."
"Okay."
Shimizu Akira also stood up and paid the bill. The two walked out of the skewer shop together.
"Back to the dorms next? Your room or mine?" By routine, Shimizu Akira would usually go straight to Kikyo's room for the night.
"Not going back to the dorms this time..." Kikyo looked at him, her hands behind her back. "Do you remember? You promised to accompany me to a certain place."
"Shall we go now?"
"Yeah."
Kikyo took his hand and led him forward. After walking for about ten minutes, they stopped in front of a building. Shimizu Akira looked up; as expected, it was a love hotel—the same one he had visited with Honami last time.
Kushida Kikyo showed no shyness. She held his hand openly, and the two walked in together. Like last time, the familiar soft incense and piano background music greeted them. The woman at the front desk was a familiar face, but seeing Shimizu Akira with a completely different girl, she didn't show any strange expression, pretending it was the first time they met.
"Welcome. You two are new faces, right? First time? Don't worry, our environment is very quiet, privacy is well protected, and the price is affordable."
Professional. This was professional. Seeing a regular with a different girl and saying "first time" without blinking.
"Please show your student IDs."
Shimizu Akira and Kushida Kikyo handed over their IDs. After confirming their identities, the staff handed over a booklet: "This is the guide for room introductions and peripheral services. You can choose a theme."
Kikyo took the booklet and flipped through it. It was just as she expected—mostly roleplay-themed rooms: Car room, Prison room, Hospital room, Workplace room. She looked for two or three minutes, then asked: "Are there other types?"
The staff member paused, took another booklet from under the counter, flipped a few pages, and pushed it toward Kikyo. "There are a few other popular themes; take a look."
Kikyo looked down. The new booklet had photos of more diverse rooms: Japanese garden, Library, Classroom, and even a room styled after a Showa-era cafe.
"Classroom theme?" Shimizu Akira leaned in to look. "Who would choose a classroom when coming here? We're already students."
"Some people choose it," the staff member said meaningfully. "Some people like that... atmosphere of contrast."
Kikyo closed the booklet and said solemnly: "Then the two of us will choose this classroom."
Someone actually chose it. Did he not hear the staff member? Choosing a classroom carries a lot of contrast and a sense of "immorality."
Shimizu Akira saw the mischievous glint in her eyes and swallowed his words. He understood—she was doing this on purpose.
"Fine." He handed the booklet back. "The classroom theme."
The staff member took the booklet and tapped on the computer: "Classroom theme, Room 305, right at the elevator. I wish you both a pleasant time." She handed a room card to Shimizu Akira.
Kikyo took Shimizu Akira's arm as they walked down the corridor. "Akira-kun."
"Yeah?"
"Did you want to stop me just now?"
"No. Choose whatever you want."
"Really?"
"Really."
"You're quite open-minded."
"It's no big deal. It's just the two of us anyway."
305 was in the middle of the hallway; this time, the room number plate actually included a class label. The two swiped the card and pushed the door open. "Go on in," Shimizu Akira said.
"..."
The room was indeed arranged like a classroom. Chalk writing was on the blackboard, desks and chairs were neatly lined up, an open textbook sat on the podium, and a world map and class schedule were pasted on the wall. In the corner was a separate office desk with a lamp and a stack of notebooks. A cabinet on the side had a "cosplay use" label; it seemed the roleplay clothes were stored inside.
Kikyo let go of his arm, walked to the blackboard, and looked at the chalk writing: "'Study hard and make progress every day'... who wrote this?"
"Doesn't look like a previous guest left it." Shimizu Akira walked over to her. "It's probably part of the scene, meaning we can write whatever we want."
Kikyo thought for a moment, walked to the cabinet, and pulled out a few cosplay outfits. There were styles for a female sensei, a male sensei, and school uniforms for a female and male student. Kikyo held the clothes up against herself.
The female sensei's pencil skirt was dark grey, paired with a white shirt and a black blazer—it looked serious and ascetic. The female student's uniform was a deep blue sailor suit with a skirt that just reached the knees and a dark red ribbon tied at the collar.
"Which one are you wearing?" Kikyo turned and looked at him.
"Me?" Shimizu Akira was startled. "I have to wear one too?"
"Of course." Kikyo nodded. "It's roleplay; of course both people have to wear them."
Shimizu Akira looked at the two male options. The male sensei style was dark suit pants and a white shirt; the male student style was the deep blue uniform matching the female student's. He thought for a moment and picked up the male student uniform.
"Student?"
"Yeah." Kikyo smiled. "Then I'll be the sensei."
She took the female sensei's clothes and walked into the bathroom. The door closed, and the rustling sound of changing clothes came from inside. Shimizu Akira stood outside, shook out the uniform, and checked the size—it was quite a good fit. He took off his jacket, changed into the uniform, tied the ribbon, and placed his original clothes on a chair.
After about three minutes, the bathroom door opened a crack and Kikyo poked her head out. "Ready."
The door swung open. Kikyo walked out, the female sensei suit perfectly fitted. The blazer outlined her slender waist, and the narrow skirt ended just past her knees, revealing a portion of her shapely calves. She had tied her hair into a low bun at the back of her head, with a few strands falling by her ears. From somewhere, she had even produced a pair of thin-framed glasses, and she wore black low-heeled shoes.
Crucially, she was holding a rolled-up booklet. Her whole appearance was crisp and sharp—a completely different person from the usually smiling Kikyo.
Shimizu Akira was dazed for a moment. "Does it look good?" Kikyo asked again.
"Good," Shimizu Akira said. "Very good."
Kikyo chuckled. She walked to the blackboard, picked up some chalk, and wrote a few lines. After finishing, she turned around, threw the chalk onto the podium, crossed her arms, and looked at him.
"Shimizu-kun."
"Yeah?"
"Class is starting. Go back to your seat."
'Entering roleplay that quickly?'
Shimizu Akira hurried to the front row desk, sat down, and placed his hands on the table like an obedient student. "Hello, Sensei."
"Hello, student." Kikyo picked up the textbook on the podium and flipped it open. "Today we will study...!" She looked down at the page and froze.
"What's wrong?" Shimizu Akira walked over.
"This isn't a textbook." Kikyo turned the book toward him. "It's... some... formulas and procedures for quickly entering roleplay."
Shimizu Akira glanced at it. There were scenarios for male student and female sensei, male sensei and female student, and even procedures for two senseis—it was quite detailed.
'Seriously? How many films did they watch to write this?'
"Is this book specifically prepared for roleplay?"
"What else?" Kikyo closed the book without changing her expression and stuffed it into the podium drawer. "I guess they thought just having clothes wasn't enough, in case guests didn't know how to act. Quite thoughtful."
"...Thoughtful."
"What's with that expression?" Kikyo leaned against the podium, arms crossed, resuming her female sensei persona. "Does this student have an issue with the teaching materials?"
Shimizu Akira cleared his throat. "No, Kushida-sensei."
"Good." Kikyo picked up a piece of chalk and twirled it in her palm. "Then let's officially begin. If you don't mind, I'll check the procedures first." She pulled the book out again.
"Didn't you just glance at it?"
"How is one glance enough?" Kikyo flipped the book. "Teaching must be serious; preparation must be thorough. You think being a sensei is easy?"
She paused on a certain page, then nonchalantly flipped to the next. Shimizu Akira saw everything.
"Sensei, what was on that page you just flipped past?"
Kikyo's hand paused. "Nothing."
"I saw you looking at it for a while."
"I was reading seriously." Kikyo looked up, unruffled. "The sensei is preparing for class, yet the student is asking questions left and right—is that proper? Go back to your seat." She pointed to a front-row desk.
Shimizu Akira had no choice but to sit in the designated spot. Kikyo placed the book on the podium, opened to a certain page, and weighted it with the chalk box. Then she adjusted her blazer collar, picked up the rolled booklet, walked out from behind the podium, and leaned against the edge of the front row desk, looking down at him.
The atmosphere suddenly shifted.
"Student," Kushida Kikyo asked in a low voice: "Do you know what score you got on this mock exam?"
Shimizu Akira paused. "...I don't know."
"Fifty-two points." Kikyo unrolled the booklet—nothing was actually written on it, but she looked at it with great gravity. "Bottom of the class. You tell me, what should we do?"
Almost instantly, Shimizu Akira realized that what she had seen in the book was likely a similar opening line. He lowered his head cooperatively. "Sensei, I... I didn't mean it. I actually know how to do those problems, I just got nervous during the exam."
"Nervous?" Kikyo lightly patted his head. "Not nervous normally, but nervous during the exam?"
"Really." Shimizu Akira looked at her with sincere eyes. "I remembered all the methods the sensei taught, and I copied the notes; my mind just goes blank during exams."
Kikyo tapped the booklet against her palm twice. "Then shall I give you a private supplementary lesson now?"
"Would that be too much trouble for the sensei?"
"No trouble." Kikyo stood up from the desk edge, walked to his side, and leaned over his table. "After all, isn't a sensei's duty to help students solve their problems?"
Her face was very close to his. A faint scent of laundry detergent came from her blazer sleeve, mixing with Kikyo's natural scent—not too strong, just right. Shimizu Akira's gaze fell on her lips; he leaned forward and kissed her.
Kikyo was startled, then immediately tapped the back of his head with the booklet. "How dare you!"
"You said it yourself: a sensei's duty is to help students solve problems." Shimizu Akira sighed. "I got a 52 in Health and Physical Education this time because I don't understand this area well. I hope the sensei can give me a good supplementary lesson."
"You..." Kikyo rolled her eyes.
Wait. That booklet clearly said the score was 52 in English! That's how the script was supposed to unfold! How did this guy just change the script? Health and Physical Education? Is that even the same thing!
However, Kikyo still leaned in, kissed the corner of his mouth, and took half a step back. "Fine, then the supplementary lesson officially begins now. Your grade for this subject can reach a maximum of 60 points right now."
"Just passing?" he said.
"I'll keep teaching."
Kikyo leaned in again. This time, she kissed and touched for a long time.
"Up to a 65 after just two lessons; you're quite a talented student."
"It's all because the sensei teaches well."
Kikyo turned and walked to the blackboard, picking up chalk to write a few lines. First Lesson: 60 points Second Lesson: 65 points Third Lesson: —
She stopped writing at the third lesson and turned back to look at him. "What score do you think you can get in the third lesson?"
Shimizu Akira walked over, stood behind her, took the chalk from her hand, and wrote a number after the line. 90.
Kikyo looked at the number. "Quite a big mouth, Student Shimizu."
"Isn't that how senseis set goals? 'Aim for the top to get the middle'."
"You even know 'Aim for the top to get the middle'? What about 'Aim for the top-top'?"
Shimizu Akira thought for a bit. "Full marks?"
"You're a long way from full marks." Kikyo took the chalk back from him, erased the 90, and wrote a 70. "Goal for the third lesson: 70 points. Don't be overambitious; be down-to-earth and take it step by step."
She put the chalk back in the tray and turned to face him. "Alright, third lesson..."
She didn't finish her sentence because Shimizu Akira suddenly reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Sensei, I want to improve so badly. What if I want to get full marks directly?"
Kikyo huffed. "Then that depends on your performance."
It was a classroom-themed room, after all; it really did feel different from being outside normally. For Kikyo, who enjoyed a sense of excitement, this feeling was incredible. In the end, Kikyo herself wrote "100 points" on the blackboard three times. They even tried a role reversal at the very end.
Of course, this was just a classroom-themed room; there was no bed, so they couldn't stay the night. They played until around 10:00 PM, paid, and went straight back to the dorms. This time they didn't go to Shimizu Akira's room, but to Kikyo's.
Entering the room, Kikyo had a pair of blue slippers and a matching couple-style pajama set ready for him. The two took a quick shower, were intimate for a while longer, and then went to bed together. Shimizu Akira lay on the pillow with Kushida Kikyo curled in his arms.
"Akira, are you not planning to participate in any activities for the Culture Festival in November?"
"No. I'm not really interested in any of those five activities."
Speaking of the Culture Festival, Shimizu Akira had promised to prepare a romantic confession for Shiina Hiyori, which required activity funds. As the captain of the boxing club, he could get a 30,000 budget, plus his personal basic budget of 5,000; he was still about 30,000 private points short.
"Kikyo, I want another 30,000 for the Culture Festival budget," Shimizu Akira said.
Since they were a couple, it was good to speak directly about what was needed. Being able to solve things for her boyfriend was also a pleasure for Kikyo.
"Hmm... let me think." She thought for a bit. "How about you prepare a Culture Festival activity yourself? If you can help the class earn a turnover of over 50,000 points, the class funds should agree to give you an extra 30,000."
"I can't really think of an activity that suits me."
"I've thought of one for you."
"Hmm?"
"It's simple and fits you well. Three words: Arm Wrestling."
"Can you be more specific?"
"Basically, just a table and two chairs. Literally: you arm-wrestle visiting guests, best of three. Anyone who beats you gets a gift worth 10,000 private points. The entry fee is 2,000 points."
Shimizu Akira's eyes lit up, but he soon frowned. "Sounds good, but isn't a gift worth 10,000 points too expensive? If many people come, the class funds won't be able to handle it, right?"
"That's why there's an entry fee," Kikyo said with a smile. "2,000 points per try, best of three. How many people can actually beat you? Never mind the school—there aren't many in all of Japan!"
"I haven't tried wrestling Koenji yet," Shimizu Akira said.
"Koenji-kun won't be interested in a small game like this." Kikyo shook her head. "Besides, even if he comes, you won't necessarily lose. In short, as long as 25 people sign up, you'll have earned it back completely. I'll also talk to Ichinose and have her help promote you. Then I'll have Sakayanagi's class put your activity on the first page of their promotional booklet. The traffic should be huge."
"Sakayanagi is making a guide manual?"
"Yeah. I took a quick look and discussed it with Horikita and Hirata; we thought it was pretty good."
"It can't be free, can it?"
"100,000 private points. Although I worry Sakayanagi will sneak in her own stuff to promote her class projects and suppress others, the school is said to be reviewing it thoroughly."
"Is that so? Is Sakayanagi's class doing an activity themselves?"
"I heard they aren't doing any activity at all, as if they've given up on the November Culture Festival. Sakayanagi herself said class funds weren't sufficient and she just wants private points."
Shimizu Akira didn't quite believe it. Sakayanagi Arisu was clearly lying, wasn't she?
He thought for a bit and asked: "I don't need Sakayanagi to specifically put my activity on the first page or anything; wouldn't that cost extra private points?"
Kikyo smiled and said: "Sakayanagi will probably put your arm-wrestling activity on the first page for free."
"Why?"
"Because that woman has liked you since the start of school."
That girl with the heart condition liked him?
Shimizu Akira thought for a bit, then reached out and turned off the light, hugging his fragrant Kikyo and preparing for sleep. Regardless, she had a heart condition; there was no point in overthinking it.
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