Early the next morning.
When Hayashi Maki opened his eyes, angel Mahiru was no longer in his arms. She'd gotten up at the crack of dawn and was already busy in the kitchen.
With someone this capable looking after him, Hayashi Maki felt he was getting more and more spoiled. Before Mahiru started making his meals, he used to drag himself up to cook; if he was short on time, he'd grab bread and milk from the convenience store.
Ever since Mahiru began packing him bentos, he'd been eating too well. If not for his unusual physique—using magic to strengthen his body and burn off extra calories—he'd have put on about five kilos by now.
That girl Mahiru wouldn't spend her part-time money on herself—she used it to buy good ingredients to cook nutritious bentos for him. How could he not be moved by a girl like that?
So, after washing up, he waited until Mahiru was frying eggs and, like last time, slipped up behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her slim waist.
"Mm… don't mess around—I'm cooking."
Without turning her head, Mahiru kept tending the pan, though her cheeks did flush a little. She wasn't nearly as upset anymore about his "sneaking bites" on the side.
She was someone who was easy to satisfy—just a little warmth, a little attention. All she wanted was a warm home, and Hayashi Maki—the man who had barged into her life—had given her that warmth.
It was the first time she'd been cherished like this; naturally, she treasured him deeply.
Anything good she had, she thought of him first.
Because she couldn't fully satisfy him, she had even told herself she could turn a blind eye and let him "cheat"—but not with anyone unsanitary. That was for his health, after all.
Maki didn't let go—he hugged little-angel Mahiru tighter and rested his chin on her fragrant shoulder. She was petite, soft, and sweet-smelling; just holding her was bliss—and stirred his blood a bit besides. He glanced at her delicate profile and stole a kiss on her cheek.
Feeling the warmth on her skin, Mahiru couldn't stay calm. She shot him a mock-glare and "threatened," "If these eggs burn, you're finishing every last one!"
Maki definitely didn't want burnt eggs, so he reluctantly let go and sat obediently at the table to wait.
But once breakfast was over, he didn't hesitate to pull Mahiru into his arms and kiss her pink lips. It was morning—how could he skip such a cozy ritual?
Mahiru's eyes went wide at the sneak attack, but remembering they were at his place and no one would walk in, she relaxed. She slipped her arms around his neck and responded naturally.
After a long moment, they came up for air. Mahiru sat on Hayashi Maki's lap, chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. Maki stroked her silky blond hair, leaned to her ear, and murmured, "Mahiru—my angel. Don't ever leave my side. In this life, you're mine."
Hearing his possessive words made her heart melt. She gave a tiny nod in reply, though she muttered inwardly, As long as you don't abandon me, I'll always be here.
After a bit more cuddling, they headed out to catch the train. This time they didn't enter the school gate one after the other—they walked side by side.
By coincidence, they ran into Yukinoshita Yukino at the gate, cold aura and all. She snorted at Hayashi Maki and turned away.
Puzzled, Mahiru glanced at him. "Maki-kun, when did you offend Yukinoshita-san? She just cold-snorted at you."
Maki shrugged. "I'm probably too handsome. She hates good-looking guys."
Mahiru rolled her eyes. You expect me to believe that? Could the girl he'd "snacked on" be this Yukino who was no less pretty than she was? Mahiru made a mental note to observe Yukino when she had time—and, if necessary, build a good rapport.
Mahiru had her own sense of crisis—especially around beauties on par with her. With Maki-kun's pervy personality, he'd definitely be tempted. At the very least, she had to protect her position, make sure he always liked and cherished her.
As for Yukino… cute face or not, Mahiru didn't see her as a big threat. Why? A look at her chest said enough; Maki-kun clearly preferred Mahiru's type. Thinking that, Mahiru unconsciously straightened her back. The way the uniform arched said plenty about how soft she was.
Sure enough, the move made Maki sneak a few extra glances. If they weren't at school—and surrounded by people—he would've reached out. No one knew better than he did just how soft Mahiru was.
Back on campus, Mahiru put on her warm, approachable face again—the dazzling "angel" everyone adored. Watching her so loved made Maki feel proud. After all, the angel everyone admired already belonged to him. At home, he could be as affectionate as he liked.
…
Morning classes ended; it was time for a pleasant lunch break. Unfortunately, Mahiru had been roped into a bento meetup with Miura Yumiko and the others, and Kato Megumi joined the circle too. Friendships among girls needed tending; if you kept refusing, people would feel snubbed.
Maki didn't feel like going to the club alone, so he took Mahiru's bento up to the rooftop. It was a great spot—wide view, sea breeze drifting by, relaxing as could be. He could look down over the whole athletic field, too.
To Kawasaki Saki, though, the distant noise was just annoying. She shot a brief glance at the guy who'd come to the roof again, finished her onigiri in a few bites, and left. Maki noticed the striking loner, but didn't think much of it; he opened his bento and dug in.
Around then, Kasumigaoka Utaha saw Maki's message—his notes on Love Metronome Vol. 2 and the key issues.
His summary was on point: the second volume's plot was too plain; the couple's dates went too smoothly. Why not ruin a date—say, with a car accident—so it isn't perfect? Then have the heroine or hero lose their memory, and insert a childhood friend who takes advantage of the amnesia to swoop in and "steal." And when they finally get a memory back and a reunion is in sight—the other one loses their memory.
Back and forth tug-of-war—turn the couple's romance into a triangle, even a quadrangle. In short, don't let dates succeed easily; add twists; make it hurt.
After reading Maki's suggestions, Utaha felt like she'd wasted the last ten-odd years. You can do that in light novels? Toy with the leads back and forth?
How does Kurosora Twilight-sensei's brain even work? Why didn't I think of wringing the MCs like this to enrich the plot?
Then she grimaced. If she wrote it that way, the readers would probably "mail her razor blades."
~~~
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