In the corridor, Makoto and Yukino had already separated and walked up one floor. Now they were standing side by side like two friends chatting.
That was Yukino's idea.
Even though the previous spot didn't have a camera, she was worried a resident might suddenly show up.
If she were caught kissing a boy, even by a stranger, she would still feel embarrassed.
Because Yukino suggested coming upstairs, Hiratsuka Shizuka ended up awkwardly stuck downstairs.
She had come just to mooch a meal—why else would she have brought ingredients?
But she never expected Yukino to actually do something even she considered incredibly daring.
From what she saw, Yukino had grabbed Makoto by the collar as if she wanted to say something, but then forcibly kissed him before he could speak.
The scene was too intense!
Hiratsuka Shizuka still couldn't stop thinking about it.
From that forceful kiss, she was sure—that definitely wasn't Yukino's first kiss.
Normally, what girl would treat her first kiss so roughly and casually?
Especially someone as calm and intelligent as Yukino.
But Hiratsuka also knew that Yukino's decisiveness and ability to act were exceptional.
So now, hiding outside the apartment, Hiratsuka began to imagine: the frail (crossed out) Makoto, caught off guard by Yukino's boldness, was picked up and thoroughly dominated...
"Why aren't they going inside? Just standing there? Now I feel awkward going upstairs too."
Hiratsuka Shizuka muttered bitterly. She had peeked earlier and saw Makoto and Yukino chatting in the hallway.
Though she cared about Yukino a lot, and felt relieved to see her with a boy she liked, and that they'd come together—
Still, could the two of you not be so lovey-dovey in front of a lonely single woman?
Here I am, repeatedly failing at arranged dates, and over there you're all lovey-dovey and kissing.
That emotional damage was brutal.
Hiratsuka fell silent and simply leaned against the wall, reminiscing about her depressing matchmaking failures.
Meanwhile, in the hallway—
Yukino's cheeks were still slightly flushed, her eyes still filled with lingering shyness, when Makoto asked, "Still want to deny it?"
Yukino glared at him in frustration. "If possible, could you change the subject to something more appropriate?"
"Alright then." Makoto leaned on the railing and smiled. "So, are you still coming upstairs with me?"
"Idiot!"
Yukino couldn't help but curse at him.
Given what just happened, if I still followed you upstairs, it probably wouldn't stop at just kissing…
Wait a second. This guy once said he wanted to lick my feet!
Yukino instantly became alert, her beautiful eyes scanning Makoto like a radar.
"What? What now?" Makoto asked, confused.
Yukino withdrew her gaze and said in a sarcastic tone, "Nothing. I just thought of someone's perverted hobby."
"Perverted?"
Makoto pretended to think. "You mean the fact that I like your legs?"
"Hah, and you can admit it so naturally. That's so you."
"I'm in a good mood, so I won't argue with you. Whatever you say goes."
"..."
Yukino faltered for a second.
But soon, she looked away.
Because she was in a good mood too.
Earlier, Ichika had deliberately mentioned in front of her that Makoto would be visiting the Nakano house.
That had really upset her.
Ichika's provocation was exactly what made her follow Makoto here.
Of course, she hadn't intended to come over and kiss him…
But none of that mattered anymore.
The frustration and annoyance she had felt toward Ichika had vanished in the kiss just now.
That kiss in the hallway—it was clearly a secret tryst.
But Yukino knew in her heart, not only was she not repulsed by it, she was even somewhat addicted.
She was falling.
Suddenly, she asked Makoto, "Why did you go to the Nakano house?"
In the past, she would never ask something like that.
This was proof she was falling for him.
Makoto chuckled. "If you were always this honest, you'd be even cuter."
Yukino blushed. She was smart enough to understand exactly what he meant.
Still, she composed herself, lifting her graceful chin to maintain a calm demeanor. "Please don't stray from the topic when I'm asking a serious question."
"Alright, alright, I'll answer." Makoto's tone was full of affection.
Yukino's cheeks grew hotter.
They weren't standing too close—just close enough that she couldn't elbow him like she usually did.
So instead, she raised her leg—clad in long stockings—as if to kick him.
But Makoto said in surprise, "You're willing to reward me here?"
Yukino silently lowered her leg.
Nope. He's a pervert. I absolutely can't kick him outdoors.
Makoto stopped joking and offered a single word: "Tutoring."
Yukino understood instantly. "For all five of them?"
"Yeah. Their grades are so bad, I doubt they'll graduate without tutoring."
"You're wrong there," Yukino corrected. "Itsuki's progress isn't slow, and she's motivated. As for Ichika…"
She laughed—not out of concern, but satisfaction.
Smiling, she said, "Every time I force her to study, she always looks like she's in agony and tries to resist. But I have plenty of ways to make sure she can't run away."
Makoto shook his head in amusement at the girl's delight. "So, she's improving too?"
"Mhm. Though she resists, don't forget—if I'm willing to teach them, they'll definitely improve," Yukino said with her characteristic confidence.
"That, I believe."
Makoto didn't mock her pride.
After all, he knew just how capable Yukino was.
"Now that I think about it," Yukino said, recalling something,
"Ichika once mentioned that not only are their grades terrible, but all five of them oppose the idea of tutoring."
Makoto mimicked her confidence. "Don't forget—if I step in, I can handle it."
Yukino shot him a glare. "Don't imitate me."
Then she let out a soft laugh.
Every time she was alone with him, she always ended up being teased, but somehow it always put her in a good mood.
It wasn't just because of her feelings for him.
It was also because they were so in sync on many things.
While Yukino was secretly delighted, Makoto suddenly said, "I think I saw Hiratsuka-sensei."
"Hm?"
Yukino instantly went on alert and leaned forward to look downstairs.
Makoto pointed to the apartment wall.
"She's over there. I saw her sneaking around like a thief earlier… actually, kind of like how you're acting now."
Yukino clenched her fists and said coldly, "Do I have to hit you before you stop spouting nonsense?"
"I already said, I'd be happy if you rewarded me."
"You're hopeless."
Yukino shook her head in disgust.
Then a thought crossed her mind, and her expression changed slightly.
"I remember Hiratsuka-sensei and Matsukaze-sensei are really close. She even told me they often go shopping and eat together."
Makoto nodded. "Right."
Yukino, in detective mode, narrowed her eyes.
"But if Hiratsuka-sensei didn't come in and instead is hiding out there, doesn't that mean…"
She took a deep breath. "She probably saw us just now. That's why she ran off."
Makoto added,
"But since she came here for dinner, and probably already made plans with Matsukaze-sensei, she couldn't just go home.
She's probably hiding, waiting for us to leave so she can go upstairs."
Yukino thought so too.
After hesitating, she said, "Let's go to your place first."
"Alright."
The two of them headed upstairs.
Though the door was open, neither of them changed their shoes.
They waited at the entrance for a while, then, with perfect timing, Yukino and Makoto stepped forward together and looked down.
Sure enough, Hiratsuka Shizuka appeared carrying a bag.
She was walking quickly toward the hallway, mumbling something to herself.
Yukino looked a little embarrassed. "She really did see us."
"Want me to keep it a secret?" Makoto asked with a grin.
Yukino shot him a glare. "What do you think?"
"If you want me to keep quiet, I'll need something in return."
Makoto gestured for her to head inside, trying to avoid running into Hiratsuka Shizuka.
Yukino followed him into the room, closed the door, and they stood beside the shoe rack, even closer than before.
This guy actually wants something in return?
Yukino was a little annoyed, but instead of saying anything, she kept watching through the peephole.
Not long after, Hiratsuka Shizuka's figure appeared.
But Yukino quickly froze.
Hiratsuka Shizuka didn't go straight into Mayu's apartment. Instead, she stopped at the doorway, sticking close to it like a thief.
Her movements were completely like a burglar scouting out a location, pressing her ear to the door trying to eavesdrop on the sounds inside.
Yukino stared outside, her lips slowly parting in surprise, her beautiful face filled with disbelief.
"Let me see."
Makoto, now curious, leaned in.
Yukino wanted to move aside, but suddenly felt an arm tighten around her waist—just like when he held her in the hallway earlier.
Her face reddened, and she was just about to scold him when she looked up—and froze.
Makoto was looking at her.
He wasn't looking outside at all.
So when he said "let me see," he meant her?
In translation: someone was showing off again.
"What about my reward for keeping your secret?" Makoto asked softly, gazing into her flushed, beautiful face.
Yukino's eyes blinked rapidly, and her moist lips parted nervously, revealing white teeth and the tip of her pink tongue.
I've fallen into his trap again. There's no escape this time.
That was her thought—but she didn't resist. Instead, she raised her shimmering eyes and stood on tiptoe.
Once again, she took the initiative.
I must be crazy.
In the last moment before her reason melted, she told herself so in her heart.
But her slender arms had already wrapped around Makoto's neck.
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