It felt like Shiina Mahiru was transported back to that night again—
The night when, broken and vulnerable, she had been carried home in his arms.
The night she'd been coaxed—provoked—into taking her first steps into adulthood.
Truth be told, Hayashi Maki had been… gentle.
What he gave her had felt good.
It was just that he was such a jerk, and she still hadn't forgiven him for it. That's why she pushed back so hard.
Now, back in his arms once more, Mahiru's body trembled slightly, her cheeks flushing all the way to her ears.
She didn't know what kind of expression she was wearing—but she was sure it was incredibly embarrassing.
Hayashi Maki's hand rested seriously on her slender leg, covered in sleek black stockings.
Suddenly, he mumbled awkwardly,
"Sorry about ripping these last time… once I have money, I'll buy you a new pair."
Mahiru's head almost exploded from the embarrassment.
He actually brought that up?
She opened her eyes and glared at him, her face burning.
"D-Do you really have to do this again?"
"Of course I do," Hayashi Maki replied, dead serious.
Mahiru sighed softly, her voice tinged with frustration.
"Then why didn't you do anything last night?"
Hayashi Maki was honest.
"Because I was afraid you might spiral. I just wanted to stay close and watch over you."
"But today… you were chatting with everyone, laughing, completely ignoring me. I thought you hated me. I was feeling down—until you brought me lunch."
"You totally won me over. So now, Shiina-san, take responsibility."
That made Mahiru angry. She slapped his hand off her leg and snapped,
"You didn't talk to me either! So how's that my fault?!"
"And don't think I didn't notice you staring at Miura-san and Yuigahama-san with those pervy eyes!"
Hayashi Maki scratched his cheek sheepishly.
"Yeah… I guess that's fair. But let's not change the subject, okay? That has nothing to do with what's happening right now."
"Time's ticking. Let's not waste it."
With that, he leaned down and kissed her again.
Mahiru trembled. Her whole body went limp.
She'd always prided herself on not losing to boys when it came to strength.
But somehow, when he held her… she just couldn't fight back.
She looked at the scoundrel above her, eyes full of protest, but slowly closed them.
Nervous… and confused… yet strangely anticipating—
Then, Hayashi Maki suddenly stopped.
"Sorry. I guess I'm too much. You'd probably hate me afterward, so… let's just go to sleep. Good night, Shiina-san."
Mahiru's brain short-circuited.
Her face turned red, then white.
Seriously?!
He had kissed her, hugged her, teased her into a frenzy… only to say "never mind"?
Who does that?!
Mahiru bit her lip and stared hard at the man now casually snuggling under the blanket.
Then she leaned in and bit his neck.
"Ah—" Hayashi Maki winced but didn't fight back. He just stroked her hair softly.
Mahiru realized she'd fallen for it.
He wanted her to react like this.
How far was he planning to push her until he was satisfied?!
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she started to sob softly.
Hayashi Maki sighed, leaned in, kissed her lips, and whispered gently,
"Sorry. I realized if I'm going to be a jerk, I might as well go all the way. I said I'd repay you, remember? I can't break that promise."
Then he kissed her more passionately.
His hand slid down again—caressing her soft thigh, wrapped in black stockings.
But this time, Mahiru didn't resist.
Instead, her pale arms wrapped around his neck.
"I-I… I need to wrap that bite on your neck, idiot… mmph…"
"No. That's my souvenir from you. Let it stay."
"Ugh—don't tear these again! They're expensive!"
"Okay, okay. I'll be gentle. Promise."
After letting out her frustrations by biting him—and receiving his warmth and reassurance—Mahiru's heart softened.
Yes, he was a pervert. A scoundrel.
By all logic, she should be calling the cops.
But that occasional, accidental tenderness…
It completely disarmed her.
Truth was—she hated being alone.
She had so much to say… but no one to say it to.
Yet when she was in Hayashi Maki's arms, she didn't have to think about anything.
She could just melt into his embrace.
Even the night before—when nothing had happened, and he just held her—
It had made her feel strangely safe.
Now?
Now her mind had gone blank.
And Hayashi Maki was using his own way to "repay" the warm-hearted girl who had brought him lunch.
Letting instinct take over…
A long while later—
Mahiru lay curled in Hayashi Maki's arms, cheeks still flushed, completely worn out.
Hayashi Maki gently brushed his fingers through her golden hair, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.
When it comes to girls like her, you've got to act early…
There's a world of difference between "once" and "many times."
Seeing how tired she looked, Hayashi Maki carried her to the shower.
Then they returned to bed.
He kissed her softly on the forehead.
"Rest well. Good night, my angel."
"I'm not your angel…"
She mumbled, then closed her eyes obediently.
She didn't want to think about anything anymore. Whatever happens, I'll deal with it tomorrow…
…
The next morning.
"Ow!"
Hayashi Maki yelped—Mahiru had kicked him out of bed.
"Out! You pervert!"
She was red-faced, hiding under the blanket, eyes full of fury.
Hayashi Maki rubbed his back and pouted.
"Fine, fine. See you later, Shiina-san."
He pulled on his pants, tossed on a shirt, and walked out of her room without another word.
Left alone, Mahiru clutched her pillow, her mind replaying everything from the night before.
Her face went bright red again.
After showering and getting dressed, she tied on her apron and started making breakfast and lunch.
When she realized she'd made one portion too many, she stared at the extra container.
Her expression turned complicated.
Still expressionless, she walked out and rang the doorbell to Hayashi Maki's room.
He opened the door.
"Shiina-san? What's up?"
"Hmph. I accidentally made too much. Please take responsibility and eat it—so it doesn't go to waste."
"Uh… that looks like two meals?"
"No. That one's for lunch."
Hayashi Maki looked at her stiff expression and couldn't stop the warmth blooming in his chest.
She's way too cute.
Was it because I worked so hard last night? Did she want to help me recover my strength?
"Oh! And—don't you dare get the wrong idea!" she suddenly snapped.
"You're only doing me a favor by finishing the extra food!"
And with that, she spun around and ran back to her room.
Leaning against the door, heart racing, her face was completely red.
"Ugh… that idiot better not misunderstand me… I don't want any stupid 'rewards'…"