As the light clicked on, Hayashi Maki's gaze naturally fell on the girl in his arms.
Her delicate face was tinted pink with shyness. Her small, rosy lips looked irresistibly cute.
The second young lady wore a simple white camisole dress, and her long, well-proportioned legs… fulfilled his request—she'd changed into the white over-the-knee stockings she rarely wore.
Feeling his heated stare, Yukino pressed her legs together on instinct and covered his eyes with her cool white hands.
"Don't look… you big bully!"
"Eh? What a waste not to. You're so cute."
"I want to burn every cute look you make into my memory, and you won't even let me look? That's too cruel, Yukino-chan."
She pursed her lips and tried to sound tough. "I said you can't look. Your eyes are bad."
He brushed her hands aside and leaned in. Yukino shut her eyes—
but the expected kiss didn't land. She opened them in confusion.
Hayashi Maki grinned and hugged her tight.
"Yukino-chan, I suddenly don't feel like letting you sleep tonight. What should we do?"
She gave him a token push and sighed.
"I'm already over a month behind everyone else. You're still going to bully me? Do you want me to miss school and become a problem student?"
He caught her small hand and pecked her lips.
"You won't be a problem student. I can tutor you."
He drew a breath, gaze dropping to her slim white legs. His hand slid lightly along them as he bent his head. Yukino pressed his head with one hand, lips parting in flustered embarrassment.
A moment later, he raised his head and kissed her again. Yukino looped her arms around his neck and answered with warmth. By now he filled her eyes completely; whatever he wanted to do, she wouldn't refuse.
Night deepened.
No one knew how long passed. Hayashi Maki looked at the second young lady in his arms—breathing hard, cheeks flushed—and felt a warm satisfaction. His palm rested on the smooth sheen of her white stockings; he couldn't keep his hands off them. Yukino glanced at him, then gently stroked his neck, not resisting in the slightest. There was a hint of longing in her eyes.
Yukino might look cold, but that was only the armor she wore because she wasn't good with words or people. A cool aura keeps others at bay. Once you're in her heart, you find that disarmingly tender side.
"Hey, Maki-kun… you really won't leave tonight?" she asked softly—so different from her usual sharp tongue.
"Of course not. Tonight, Yukino-chan stays in my arms."
He lowered his head and kissed her again. Her heart fluttered; her body softened once more.
What followed needs no words. Only two beating hearts drew closer and closer.
—
Morning.
With her impeccable routine, Yukino slowly opened her eyes. Seeing the man still holding her, her pretty face flushed.
"This scoundrel…"
Fighting the shyness, she carefully slipped out of his arms. On the side of the bed lay a crumpled pair of white over-the-knees. She pouted.
"Do socks not cost money? All you do is misbehave."
She picked them up, dropped them in the laundry basket, turned on the shower, and bathed. When she came out dressed, someone was leaning at the door with a half-smile. Yukino huffed, tossed her hair, and strode past. The glossy black strands, with just a little extra flick, swatted his cheek.
Hayashi Maki chuckled. The second young lady was in full tsundere mode.
After his shower, he headed to the kitchen. She was already making breakfast. Unlike her usual straight black hair, today she wore a blue apron and had tied her glossy hair into two low ponytails that fell over her shoulders. The style switch made her pop—fresh and new.
The bad-boy demon couldn't help it; he slipped behind and hugged her lightly.
"Mm… don't mess around, I'm cooking."
Her cheeks flamed and she wriggled twice.
"I'm not messing around. You're just too cute right now. Your back is gorgeous."
"And this hairstyle—first time I've seen it. It's beautiful. Any special reason for the change?"
"No special reason. It's just easier to cook like this…" she said, trying to sound calm, but the corner of her mouth lifted.
Mahiru had been right—he loved this kind of hairstyle. Or rather, he liked novelty; with two absolute beauties like her and Mahiru, a simple change of hair could bring a different kind of pull.
"Eh, really no other reason? Dress this attractively and I will turn bad, you know."
"You're already bad. Do you need to 'turn'?" She shot him a disdainful look over her shoulder. Being held like this could make her very obedient—but most of the time she refused to give this thick-skinned guy the satisfaction; she'd rather snipe at him.
…And then he'd "punish" her with a mock scowl.
"Oh? Yukino-chan dares say that about me. If I don't turn bad, I'll lose the argument."
Seeing her omelet done, he flicked off the burner, lifted her onto the table, and sealed her lips again. Yukino met him softly, no resistance. He'd stayed the night; he was here now. It made her happy. She didn't mind being close.
After breakfast, Hayashi Maki finally left—then headed home to eat Mahiru's breakfast, too. The path of a time-management master is long and winding.
Mahiru had wanted him back in the morning—that's why she'd said so yesterday. And Yukino-chan had wanted him to stay, so she'd gotten up early to cook. He couldn't let either girl down.
Once they finished, Mahiru linked her arm in his with a smile and they headed out to catch the train. It was Monday—time for school. She'd felt a little sour about him staying at Yukino's, but now that he was back, her sparkle returned.
Still… this wouldn't do. Even she got jealous; Yukino definitely would. And Asada Shino…
Mahiru sighed despite herself. If she wanted to keep the household harmonious, she had a lot of work ahead. If only Yukino could move nearby. This place was too small. Best if, someday, they bought a manor and settled in properly.