Sayaka Tanaka didn't look angry.
[Sayaka Tanaka gets the spotlight once again!]
That was the problem.
She looked composed. Sharp pencil skirt. Tightly-buttoned blouse. Hair in a high, no-nonsense bun. Glasses perched on her nose like a weapon.
Ren stepped into the classroom after the bell and felt her eyes lock onto him like lasers.
It was going to be one of those days.
"Mr. Kurozawa," she said, tapping a red folder against her desk. "Stay after school."
He blinked. "Did I do something wrong?"
Her smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Not yet."
[System Alert: MILF Rivalry Stabilized – Yumi Affection Holding Steady]
[Sayaka Tanaka Mood: Controlled | Emotional Pressure: Rising]
[New Sub-Quest: "Classroom Tension – The Psychology of Repressed Desire"]
Classes dragged.
Yumi had the day off. Megumi was nowhere in sight. For once, Ren almost wished for their chaotic presence.
But he knew he wasn't safe.
Not when Sayaka was watching him like a psychologist watching a mouse about to misbehave.
At lunch, he sat under the courtyard tree, poking at his bento.
Until someone dropped a shadow over him.
Sayaka.
Without the glasses.
Without the smile.
"Walk with me," she said. Not a question.
The faculty lounge was empty. Ren sat at the table. She stood by the coffee machine, stirring her drink like it had insulted her.
"You've been… distracted," she said finally.
"I've been busy."
"I noticed." She took a sip. "Yumi. Megumi. And who knows how many others."
His heart thumped. "You're jealous."
"No." She turned. "I'm focused. And you're wasting potential."
Ren arched a brow. "Is this about my essay?"
"Yes. And no." She stepped closer. "You're gifted. And reckless. Which makes you—"
"Dangerous?" he said, smirking.
"Tempting," she whispered.
[System Notification: Sayaka Affection +5 | Lust +8]
[Status Effect Triggered: "Academic Tease" – All tutoring scenes now include light flirtation and emotional probing.]
After school, the classroom was quiet again.
Ren waited at the front desk, and Sayaka approached with the folder.
"Pop quiz," she said, sliding a paper onto the desk. "Essay analysis. Psychological projection in romantic obsession. Ten minutes. Go."
He blinked. "Seriously?"
"I need to know you've been paying attention."
She perched on the edge of her own desk—legs crossed, skirt rising ever so slightly. Her lips curled in amusement.
Ren focused.
Sort of.
Ten minutes later, he handed it over.
Sayaka read it. Slowly. Quietly.
Then set it down.
"This is excellent," she said softly. "Almost… too excellent."
"Would you like to check me for cheating?"
Her eyes flashed.
"I think I should."
She rose, stepped around behind him, and placed both hands on his shoulders.
"Tell me the truth, Ren," she whispered. "Are you trying to seduce me… or is this just who you are now?"
He tilted his head back, meeting her eyes.
"Maybe I was always like this," he said. "Just never had a chance to show it… until now."
Her lips hovered just above his.
"You're still my student."
"And you're still the one who kissed me first."
Sayaka trembled.
Then she stepped back.
[System Update: Tanaka Route – Emotional Restraint Mode Active]
Bond Focus: Emotional Depth > Physical
Kiss attempts will now trigger resistance unless overridden by player choice.
Goal: Break her walls....Once again!, then destroy her self-control, she has rebuilt.
She cleared her throat.
"You're excused."
Ren blinked. "That's it?"
"For now."
She turned away. But he didn't miss the way her hand clenched.
She wanted more.
She just wouldn't ask for it.
Yet.
That night, Ren lay in bed, scrolling through his phone.
Megumi: "Page 147: Would you call that a climax… or a tease?"
Yumi: "Home late. Don't flirt with anyone. Or else."
Sayaka Tanaka:
"Read your quiz again. Still deciding what grade it deserves."
Attached: a picture of her reading it. In bed. In a robe. Glasses on. Nothing else visible.
Ren groaned.
"I need a vacation."
[System Notification: New Routes Available]
Megumi: Act I – "The Muse and the Minx"
Sayaka: Act II – "Temptation Under Control"
Yumi: Possessive Arc Continuing…
[Bond Status Summary]
Yumi Arai: Affection 95 | Lust 89 | Possessiveness 45%
Sayaka Tanaka: Affection 75 | Lust 64 | Emotional Wall: Cracked
Megumi Sakamoto: Affection 60 | Lust 78 | Voyeurism 92%
To Be Continued…