"You… keep your word?"
Yukinoshita Yukino bit her lips lightly and said in a low voice.
This time, returning to Chiba Prefecture, she would be staying at home for a while. With her sister's methods, by the time they met again, she might even have a baby.
As expected, she couldn't just stand by and watch her sister do that kind of thing.
Therefore.
To protect her sister's chastity, she could only sacrifice herself. Anyway… she had kissed him before, so one more kiss wouldn't matter anymore.
"I always keep my word."
When Yukino blocked his path just now, Amamiya Natsuki already had a premonition. Now, hearing the question, he immediately raised his right hand and said seriously:
"I promise, as long as Hiranoshita kisses me, I will definitely keep my distance from Haruno. Besides holding hands to paste skills, there will be no other physical contact."
Yukinoshita Yukino raised her delicate brows and said:
"Natsuki-kun is shameless enough. What if he goes back on his word?"
"If I go back on my word, you can deal with me as you please, Yukino." Amamiya Natsuki said calmly, "Although I am shameless, I always keep my word. Yukino should know this very well."
Yukinoshita Yukino bit her lower lip lightly. She couldn't deny that, otherwise, she wouldn't be standing here.
Amamiya Natsuki sighed, "No choice, who told me I like Yukino? Of course, I wouldn't lie in front of Yukino."
"Heh heh."
Yukinoshita Yukino sneered, her pretty face hardening. She gripped her left arm with her right hand, glaring at him with disdain:
"Natsuki-kun really likes a lot of girls. In terms of shamelessness, there's probably no one in the world who can compare to you, right?"
Despite her sharp tongue, Yukinoshita Yukino knew deep down that she didn't feel much disgust.
If it were anyone else, confessing to her while clearly having a girlfriend would only make her annoyed enough to turn and leave.
Amamiya Natsuki didn't mind Yukino's sharp tongue. He was indeed a scumbag who wanted to have it all. If he was a scumbag, then so be it; there was no need to pretend to be virtuous. He just exhaled lightly and said calmly:
"This world is very dangerous, especially for players. Perhaps after tonight, we won't see tomorrow's sun again… So, if you like someone, you have to say it, so as not to leave irreplaceable regrets in life."
"…"
Yukinoshita Yukino pursed her lips, said nothing, and turned to leave.
After walking a few steps, she noticed that Amamiya Natsuki was still standing still. She couldn't help but raise her delicate eyebrows and ask:
"Aren't you leaving yet?"
Amamiya Natsuki was startled: "Where are we going?"
Yukinoshita Yukino bit her silver teeth lightly, asking back in annoyance:
"What do you think?"
There's no way he'd want to kiss her on a busy street with people coming and going, right?
That kind of thing was absolutely impossible!
Seeing the second young lady's annoyed expression, Amamiya Natsuki quickly reacted, took two quick steps, and came to Yukino's side, smiling:
"There's a park just ahead, come with me… By the way, Haruno just fed me a spoonful of ice cream with her spoon, you don't mind, do you?"
Yukinoshita Yukino's pretty face hardened, and she turned around, saying:
"I'm going back."
"It's too late to go back now." Amamiya Natsuki grabbed Hirano's soft hand, pulling her towards the park under the setting sun. "Of course, I have to keep my promises."
Yukinoshita Yukino's pretty face flushed slightly, feeling the astonishing heat radiating from Amamiya Natsuki's hand: "Let go."
"No." Amamiya Natsuki said righteously, "We've already held hands, and you still want me to let go? What kind of person do you take Yukino for?"
Yukinoshita Yukino: "A shameless, vulgar scoundrel."
Amamiya Natsuki: "Tsk, you clearly know."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "…"
The two quickly arrived at the small park on the corner.
The sun was setting.
Tired birds were returning to their nests.
The heat had not yet dissipated, and the park was quite hot, with no pedestrians, only the chirping of birds returning to their nests in the evening.
Amamiya Natsuki led Yukino to a bench under a tree.
"Yukino, please fulfill your reward."
Amamiya Natsuki sat down on the bench.
Yukinoshita Yukino took a deep breath, her pretty face slightly red, and said:
"You… close your eyes."
"Alright, alright."
Amamiya Natsuki obediently closed his eyes.
"Hoo…"
Yukinoshita Yukino let out a soft breath, then raised her hand to tuck the strands of hair behind her ear, and leaned closer.
Her life motto was to keep her promises.
Since she had already come this far, of course, she wouldn't back down or run away at the last minute, but… this should be the third time, right?
The first kiss was to save her sister; at that time, she received a challenge and had to complete it, so it was out of necessity.
The second kiss was in the Hiruko Cave in the dungeon; at that time, the two of them were suspended on a grappling hook, so it could be said to be an impulse.
What about now?
The first two times were passive kisses; this time, she was actively kissing a boy. What did this count as now?
Yukinoshita Yukino carefully analyzed her inner feelings and, unexpectedly, she couldn't feel any dislike or aversion. As the distance grew shorter, her heartbeat involuntarily accelerated, so much so that she could hear her own clear heartbeat in her ears…
Cool, soft lips were imprinted on Amamiya Natsuki's cheek.
Yukinoshita Yukino's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and an uncontrollable blush spread across her pretty face.
At this point, no matter how unwilling she was to admit it, she couldn't deceive herself anymore.
The reason she stopped Amamiya Natsuki was not just to protect her sister, but also because of her own little thoughts… No matter what, she would never agree to that sister rice bowl thing!
After kissing him, Yukinoshita Yukino was about to get up when she suddenly felt a hand reach out and wrap around her waist, pulling her into his embrace.
Amamiya Natsuki opened his eyes and said:
"You're done kissing already?"
"Let go of me." Yukinoshita Yukino's pretty face hardened, and she pushed against Amamiya Natsuki's chest with both hands. "You only said to actively kiss once. I've already fulfilled my promise. Is there a problem?"
Amamiya Natsuki pointed to his lips and said:
"I said kiss here."
"Impossible." Yukinoshita Yukino's pretty face stiffened. "You didn't say that at the time. It's too late to say it now."
Amamiya Natsuki clicked his tongue and raised an eyebrow:
"In that case, shouldn't you fulfill the other reward?"
Yukinoshita Yukino was slightly startled and said:
"What reward?"
"Of course, it's the reward for saving Haruno." Amamiya Natsuki said righteously, "It's been delayed for so long. You won't keep delaying it, will you?"
Yukinoshita Yukino's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she pursed her lips, whispering:
"I've already given you compensation."
Amamiya Natsuki said:
"When?"
Yukinoshita Yukino's pretty face was flushed, and she said in a casual tone:
"That night you asked me for a photo, and I sent it to you."
"Hey, hey, that's too much." Amamiya Natsuki narrowed his eyes and couldn't help but complain, "Is Haruno's safety only worth one photo?"
"Roughly."
Yukinoshita Yukino decided to hold out to the end and not let Amamiya Natsuki succeed.
Then… Amamiya Natsuki chose to flip the table.
With a slight force of his right hand, Amamiya Natsuki directly kissed her: "Since Yukino is unwilling to give, then I'll just take it myself."
"Hmm…"
Lips met.
Yukinoshita Yukino secretly gritted her teeth, her gaze sharp as she glared at him, trying to make Amamiya Natsuki retreat in the face of difficulty.
Unfortunately, it was useless.
Amamiya Natsuki knew exactly where a girl's weakness lay; for example, a girl's waist was always especially sensitive, and he only needed to gently pinch…
"Mmm—!"
The sudden attack on her waist caught Yukinoshita Yukino off guard, causing her defense to crumble. Feeling the foreign object invading her mouth, her eyelashes trembled with anger, and she finally closed her eyes in shame.
Several minutes later.
"You, you've had enough…"
Yukinoshita Yukino felt dizzy, almost unable to breathe, and even felt herself sinking into it. Finally, with her last bit of clarity, she pushed Amamiya Natsuki away, gasping for breath, then fled, getting up in shame and anger:
"There won't be a next time!"
To use such glib-tongued skills in a place like this, shameless, too shameless!
Amamiya Natsuki raised his hand to wipe away the silver thread at the corner of his lips, and said seriously:
"Don't worry, Yukino, I will definitely keep my promises to you."
"…Goodbye."
Yukinoshita Yukino wiped the corner of her lips, her pretty face flushed like fire, and turned to leave.
Amamiya Natsuki got up and followed, and the two quickly walked out of the park.
"Yukino, when will you come to play next time?" Amamiya Natsuki said earnestly, "We agreed I'd take you to explore Tokyo, but I haven't been able to fulfill that promise."
The blush on Yukinoshita Yukino's pretty face had not yet faded. Hearing this, she couldn't help but glare at him in shame and said with a stiff face:
"No need, I'm perfectly capable on my own."
You want to take me to explore Tokyo?
I'm too embarrassed to expose you!
"Is that so…" Amamiya Natsuki was not discouraged. He had already grasped Hiranoshita's thoughts. Girls, this creature, their bodies are actually very honest. If they truly dislike someone, they will pull away when kissed and will not let you take advantage of them for several minutes. "Although I've been to Chiba Prefecture a few times, I haven't really had a good time. When I have time to go to Chiba, will Yukino take me around then?"
"I'm sorry, I'm busy." Yukinoshita Yukino secretly gritted her teeth, suddenly regretting her previous decision. This guy was clearly not satisfied and wanted to push his luck. "I'm staying home for the summer vacation."
"Then there's nothing I can do." Amamiya Natsuki sighed softly. "Goldfish have a seven-second memory. My memory is very good; I can probably remember things for a week. If Yukino doesn't come to supervise me often, I might make mistakes."
Yukinoshita Yukino was so angry she wanted to hit him: "…Shameless!"
"…"
After dropping Yukino off at the Train Station, Amamiya Natsuki leisurely returned home.
Upon arriving home, Kaguya and Hayasaka were both in the house, preparing food.
Amamiya Natsuki went to the kitchen for a look, put down the fruits he had just bought at the supermarket, said a few more words, then greeted them and left to go to Miko's house.
"Miko, I'm home."
Looking at the girl behind the door, Amamiya Natsuki couldn't help but smile.
For Miko, these past few days were just an ordinary summer vacation, but for Amamiya Natsuki, it was a thrilling adventure where he could easily have been unable to see her again. Now, seeing his childhood friend, Amamiya Natsuki was in an exceptionally good mood.
"Welcome back."
Miko's eyes lit up, and she moved aside to let him in.
Amamiya Natsuki stepped into the entrance hall and said:
"Where's Kyosuke?"
Miko replied softly:
"Kyosuke is in his room."
"Is that so…"
Amamiya Natsuki's gaze was burning as it fell on Miko, then he took half a step forward.
"Eh?"
Miko was startled and suddenly felt something was amiss. Just as she was about to speak, she was directly embraced by Amamiya Natsuki and then easily lifted high.
"Quick, quickly put me down…"
Miko cried out, both shy and anxious.
"No." Amamiya Natsuki smiled. "Unless Miko lets me kiss her."
Miko was overcome with shame and anger: "Don't talk nonsense, Mom…"
Before she finished speaking, a gentle voice suddenly sounded from the kitchen doorway: "Natsuki, you're back?"
Amamiya Natsuki paused, silently put the lifted Miko down, then turned to look at the gentle lady standing at the kitchen doorway, saying somewhat awkwardly:
"Auntie, good evening."
To take advantage of someone's daughter right in front of her auntie, even he felt his face burning now.
"Good evening." Miko's mother seemed not to have seen the earlier lifting, still smiling, "Natsuki, have you eaten yet? Dinner will be ready soon. Let's eat together later."
"I've already eaten." Amamiya Natsuki cleared his throat twice, handing over the gifts he was carrying. "These are souvenirs I bought on my trip. Miko, Auntie, and Kyosuke, one for each of you."
"Ah, thank you, Natsuki." Miko's mother smiled as she accepted the gifts. According to Japan's customs, they would open them in front of him and then thank him. "Oh, is it a set of skincare products?"
Miko's mother quickly reined in her smile. She worked at a shopping mall and naturally recognized the brand of the skincare products, saying softly:
"The souvenirs are too valuable, little Natsuki, please take them back."
"Not valuable." Amamiya Natsuki held Miko's hand. "The most valuable thing is actually Miko."
Miko, who had been caught red-handed by her mother, was currently feeling ashamed and too embarrassed to face anyone. Hearing Amamiya Natsuki say this, she immediately became both shy and angry, urging him to leave:
"You can go back!"
"Go back and do what?" Miko's mother gave her daughter a sideways glance and smiled, "Alright then, I agree to your marriage with Miko."
The lazy girl's pretty face quickly flushed, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Mom, what are you talking about?!"
"Oh?" Miko's mom tilted her head and looked over. "Didn't Miko hear clearly? Then I'll say it again..."
"That's enough, no need to say it again!" Miko's ears turned pink, and she quickly said, "Mom, hurry up and check the cooking, don't let it burn!"
"Ah, I almost forgot." Miko's mom slapped her forehead. "Natsuki, you and Miko go upstairs and play first."
Amamiya Natsuki respectfully said, "Auntie, please go ahead and get busy."
"Phew..."
Watching her mom walk into the kitchen, Miko clutched her chest and let out a sigh of relief, then turned to look at Amamiya Natsuki, her rosy cheeks quickly puffed up, and she whispered in embarrassment, "What were you doing just now?"
Amamiya Natsuki said with an innocent face, "I haven't seen Miko for so many days, so I couldn't help myself."
Miko bit her lip lightly and said, "It's only been a few days."
Amamiya Natsuki spread her hands and said, "And you didn't say Auntie was at home."
"Today's a holiday, it's normal for Mom to be home, right?" Miko was both shy and annoyed, and couldn't help but pinch Amamiya Natsuki's waist again. "It's clearly your fault!"
As soon as he entered, he was hugging and lifting me at the entrance. Luckily, I held you up, otherwise, he would have definitely kissed me, right?
Amamiya Natsuki said earnestly, "My sincerest apologies. I'll definitely pay attention next time and won't let Auntie find out."
"There won't be a next time." Miko couldn't help but glare at him, raising her hand to tuck the strands of hair falling to her chest behind her ear. "...Come back to my room with me."
They walked to the second floor.
They entered Miko's room.
Amamiya Natsuki sat on the chair and then meticulously recounted the events of the Summer Time Rendering dungeon.
When he had just cleared it before, he had actually sent Miko a message, but it was just a brief summary without many details.
Now, listening to Amamiya Natsuki describe the details, Miko finally understood how thrilling and dangerous it had been.
"How could it be so dangerous?"
Miko pursed her lips, feeling a little distressed.
Just listening made her heart race and her nerves tighten from time to time. It was hard to imagine how much pressure Amamiya Natsuki, as the person involved, had endured.
"It's okay, it's all over." Amamiya Natsuki said softly, "At the time, I just felt that I hadn't properly hugged Miko yet, and it felt too regrettable."
Upon hearing this, Miko glared at him in annoyance, clearly aware that Amamiya Natsuki was playing for sympathy, but she still couldn't bring herself to refuse, her pretty face flushing as she whispered, "You... you can hug me once, but you're not allowed to do anything else."
Amamiya Natsuki nodded and said, "I promise I won't do anything."
Miko took two steps forward, her pretty face flushed, and said, "...Hurry up and hug me."
Amamiya Natsuki reached out and embraced Miko, inhaling the fresh mango scent from his childhood friend, and asked, "How's your sleep been these past few days?"
"What do you think?" Miko's tone was resentful. "Especially two days ago, when Hua came to visit, she brought over an awful lot of evil spirits."
Evil spirits have the ability to pass through walls, entering and exiting without any obstruction. Yet, she is an ordinary person and has no means of eliminating evil spirits. She can only carefully endure the torment. Ever since Amamiya Natsuki left, she hasn't had a good night's sleep, and dark circles have appeared again.
Amamiya Natsuki held Miko's fingers and said, "Come over tonight to rest."
"Mmm..." Miko softly hummed, then suddenly gritted her teeth and said, "Your hand!"
Amamiya Natsuki feigned confusion and said, "What's wrong with my hand?"
Miko's pretty face flushed, and she glared at him in annoyance, "Don't pinch my waist like that, it tickles."
"I'm not pinching." Amamiya Natsuki said seriously, "I'm just holding you."
"Pfft." Miko lightly spat, "Then don't move."
"I can't do that. I've already agreed to only hug and not do anything else. How I hug is my right." Amamiya Natsuki looked at Miko and whispered, "Unless..."
Miko looked disgusted: "Unless what?"
Amamiya Natsuki smiled and said, "Unless Miko kisses me."
Miko looked disgusted, her face red, and she chided, "...You really didn't have good intentions!"
"..."
After a while of talking, Miko broke free from his embrace and, with eager anticipation, took out the Witch Potion she had made these past few days.
Miko used to work part-time at the Convenience Store on an hourly basis, earning one thousand yen per hour. Now, she works on a piece-rate basis, which has greatly increased her enthusiasm, even changing her usual lazy, 'get by' habits. In just a few days, she used up all the materials Amamiya Natsuki had given her.
"Let me see." Amamiya Natsuki inspected each potion, then nodded and said, "Not bad, the success rate has increased a bit more."
After putting away the Witch Potion and handing a stack of Fukuzawa Yukichi to Miko, both Amamiya Natsuki and Miko were very satisfied, and everyone was happy.
Amamiya Natsuki sat for a while longer, then went downstairs with Miko, politely declined Miko's mother's invitation, and took his leave, returning home.
"President, you're back?" Shinomiya Kaguya, wearing a panda apron around her waist and a towel wrapped around her head, was carrying a dish out of the kitchen. Unbeknownst to him, the cold aloofness that once kept people at a distance had completely vanished, and she had officially transitioned into a housewife. Hearing the sound of the door opening, she turned her head and said, "Hurry and wash your hands, dinner's ready."
"Thank you for your hard work."
Amamiya Natsuki changed into his slippers and walked towards the bathroom.
After washing up.
By the time Amamiya Natsuki came out of the bathroom, the rice had already been served and placed on the table.
Amamiya Natsuki walked to the table and sat down, and dinner officially began.
There were three people in the house: Amamiya Natsuki, of course, the runaway young lady, and the down-and-out junior who couldn't find a place to rent. Mrs. Shimizu, who was watching TV on the sofa, didn't count as a human.
During the meal, Hayasaka Ai suddenly said, "Senpai, Senpai, I have something to tell you two."
"Hmm?" Amamiya Natsuki looked at Hayasaka, "What is it?"
Hayasaka Ai clasped her hands together and said, "It's already summer vacation, isn't it? I plan to go back to my hometown for the summer vacation and visit my parents. Thank you for taking care of me during this time, Senpai and Senpai."
It was reasonable and faultless. It would be strange not to go home after the summer vacation.
Shinomiya Kaguya put down her chopsticks and said softly, "When are you going back?"
"I'm leaving tomorrow." Hayasaka Ai pushed up the plain glasses she wore as a disguise on her nose. "I don't have much stuff, I can just pack my luggage simply later."
Amamiya Natsuki looked at the sincere Spy Maid and said calmly, "That's good, it's good to go back and play for a few days... Continue eating."
"..."
Dinner ended.
Amamiya Natsuki collected the dishes and went to the kitchen. Since Kaguya was in charge of cooking, he naturally took on the post-meal task of washing the dishes.
After finishing up and coming out, Amamiya Natsuki found that Kaguya was taking a bath. He went upstairs and found Hayasaka in her room, packing clothes, and asked, "Why are you suddenly leaving?"
Hayasaka Ai glared at him in annoyance, "Why do I have to leave? lecherous president knows very well, doesn't he?"
As the saying goes, youth is impulsive, and once you taste it, you know its flavor. In the past, she could still trust Amamiya Natsuki's self-control, but now she can't. Hayasaka Ai is very worried that if she continues to live there, Amamiya Natsuki won't be able to resist coming over to raid her at night, and then she'll be caught red-handed by Kaguya. That scene...
No!
I must keep it a secret from Kaguya!
So, Hayasaka Ai made a choice: to nip the danger in the bud. The best way, of course, was to move out directly. This way, she wouldn't have to worry about their relationship being exposed.
Amamiya Natsuki was silent for two seconds, then suddenly smiled and said, "Moving out is also good. I'll help you pack your luggage."
"Eh?"
Hayasaka Ai was slightly stunned, then quickly bit her lip, angrily throwing a punch, and couldn't help but exclaim, "I haven't even left yet, and you're already so eager to make a move on Kaguya?!"
"You misunderstood." Amamiya Natsuki held the maid's small fist and quickly explained, "What I mean is, both Koharu and the maid are my girlfriends. It's okay for the junior to go offline temporarily. I'll go on a date with Koharu and the maid."
"Pfft~" Hayasaka Ai lightly spat, trying to pull her hand back, and snorted, "They're not your girlfriends."
Amamiya Natsuki said, "I'll take you to the station tomorrow morning."
Hayasaka Ai immediately became wary and said, "What does President want to do?"
"Nothing." Amamiya Natsuki said with a righteous expression, "It's too much trouble for you to carry your luggage alone. It's perfectly normal for me to help, isn't it?"
"Sorry, absolutely not needed." Hayasaka Ai looked disgusted. "If Senpai has needs, you can go find Kitagawa Marin."
Just listen to this sentence.
Amamiya Natsuki knew very well that this Hayasaka was actually super jealous, otherwise the mushrooms that often grew would be 'jealousy mushrooms'! If he really turned around and went on a date with Marin, he would definitely be made into a paper doll!
"No." Amamiya Natsuki said seriously, "I like Koharu the most."
"Heh." Hayasaka Ai looked disgusted and pointed towards the door, "Get out, Kaguya will be done with her bath soon."
Amamiya Natsuki shamelessly said, "Kiss me, and I'll leave."
Thud!
Hayasaka Ai's five slender fingers clenched one by one, and she raised her pink fist, punching Amamiya Natsuki, gritting her teeth and saying, "lecherous president! I've tolerated you for a long time!"
"Wait, your strength is too great." Amamiya Natsuki clutched his chest and retreated, "I'm leaving."
"Come back here." Hayasaka Ai pulled him back, a pleased smile on her face, "Let me punch you to let off some steam."
"..."
The night passed without a word.
The next day.
After waking up and having breakfast, Hayasaka Ai picked up her suitcase and said goodbye, the maid temporarily offline.
Time finally became leisurely.
The summer was scorching.
The outdoor temperature was already close to forty degrees Celsius. Amamiya Natsuki and Kaguya were unwilling to go out. The two stayed at home reading and playing games, enjoying a rare few days of leisure. Every day, they only needed to go out in the evening to help Chizuru apply a healing skill.
During these past few days, Tsubame began her cram school life.
Marin was out shopping with her friends, enjoying her wonderful summer vacation.
Secretary Chika, on the other hand, was grounded and temporarily not running around.
Juju was lying flat at home, being a lazy person.
Shoko went to visit relatives with her mother.
Everyone was enjoying a rare moment of peace.
During this time, Yukinoshita Haruno said she couldn't rest alone and asked if she could stay over for a while, but Amamiya Natsuki firmly refused. After all, the most important thing for a person is to be true to his word. Copying skills is fine, but sticking together is not.
"I'm leaving."
In the evening, Amamiya Natsuki changed his shoes in the entryway, preparing to go out.
Kaguya, wearing an apron, stood at the kitchen door and said, "Come back early."
Amamiya Natsuki waved his hand, walked out of the house, and headed towards the setting sun to meet with Chizuru, to help copy healing skills. The skills produced by the game were clearly unscientific, but with a continuous daily healing, Chizuru's grandmother's health gradually improved.
After the skill was copied, Amamiya Natsuki walked out of the cold drink shop, when suddenly a clear and bright voice, like an oriole singing, called out:
"Senpai, Senpai~"
Amamiya Natsuki looked over at the sound and saw a pink-haired junior high girl with short pigtails, happily waving in the sunset. She was wearing a white shirt, and the Squirtle on her chest had big, round eyes.
It was Chika's younger sister, Fujiwara Moeha.
"Senpai~" Fujiwara Moeha jogged over, stopped in front of Amamiya Natsuki with a little huff, her small chest bouncing, and her eyes sparkling, she said, "I found a new kaidan."