After getting to school, Hayashi Maki felt like he'd forgotten something.
He opened his contacts, glanced at his call list, and it hit him.
Eriri hadn't come by yesterday afternoon to get her curse suppressed.
He immediately messaged her:
Hayashi Maki: "Eriri, what's up? You didn't come yesterday?"
Eriri: "I overslept. The suppression was still working, so I figured I'd hurry and finish the illustrations first."
Hayashi Maki: "So when are you coming over to kiss?"
Seeing that message, Eriri's face flared red and she ground her teeth.
Wow—no pretense at all!
Directly asking when she'd come over for him to kiss her.
Who even says that?
If Utaha-senpai didn't think so highly of him, she'd suspect he was the one who cursed her in the first place.
Staring at the phone in mortified silence, Eriri finally caved.
Eriri: "I'll come find you this afternoon."
Hayashi Maki: "Good. I'll be looking forward to it."
Putting her phone away, Eriri's cheeks grew hot again.
Sure, she'd imagined having a partner someday—and kissing, and other intimate scenes.
But she never thought she'd lose her first kiss like this.
And on top of that, she'd compromised for her dream and offered it up herself.
—
With Eriri's "benefits" set, Hayashi Maki was in a great mood.
Sitting at his desk, he remembered someone else who needed "punishing."
Shiina Mafuyu!
He messaged her right away.
Hayashi Maki: "Mafuyu-chan, ready for your punishment?"
Seeing the text, Mafuyu's face went pink and she pouted a little.
Mafuyu: "Mafuyu didn't do anything wrong—why should I be punished, Mr. Pervert?"
Hayashi Maki: "No reason. I'm punishing you anyway. Look forward to it!"
Mafuyu stomped her foot in anger.
Who would look forward to that?!
What a jerk!
Mafuyu: "If you bully Mafuyu again, my sister won't let you off!"
Hayashi Maki: "And who's your sister?"
Mafuyu: "Shiina Minatsu—student council vice president and on the disciplinary committee. Scared yet?"
Hayashi Maki's expression turned odd at that.
So Minatsu had become vice president?
With Katsura Hinagiku as president?
That meant Minatsu was exceptionally capable—and hardworking.
When Hayashi Maki didn't reply, Mafuyu sent another message.
Mafuyu: "Well? Scared now? If you apologize, Mafuyu might consider forgiving you."
Hayashi Maki: "Sorry, Mafuyu-chan—last time I didn't kiss you long enough. Today I've decided to extend the duration. How's that?"
Mafuyu: "That's your apology? Who apologizes like that?"
She was stunned.
Are boys always this shameless?
She asked him to apologize, and his "apology" was to keep bullying her today—longer?
Hayashi Maki: "That's how I apologize. Anyway, look forward to it, Mafuyu-chan."
Mafuyu: "You're not afraid of the disciplinary committee? My sister is the student council vice president."
Hayashi Maki: "You could call the board chair and it wouldn't matter. Mafuyu-chan, I've set my sights on you!"
Mafuyu: "!!!"
She didn't even know how to answer anymore, and her face was burning.
Was he… staking a claim?
What did he mean, "set my sights on you"?
—
After teasing Mafuyu, the cheerful Hayashi Maki poked the slim waist of the girl in front of him—Megumi Kato.
Megumi turned to him, puzzled. "Maki-kun, what is it?"
Ever since he'd boldly hugged and kissed her that time, she'd switched from "Hayashi Maki" to the more intimate "Maki-kun."
"Nothing. Just thought you're extra cute today, tying your hair up in a ponytail—different from usual."
Megumi felt a little happy, though she kept her usual calm, spacey look. "It's fine. I just wanted to try a new hairstyle."
"So, any plans this weekend?" Hayashi Maki smiled, keeping the small talk going.
Megumi thought for a moment. "My cousin did ask if I could help watch her kid."
Hayashi Maki gave her a wry look. "Your cousin's bold. With your… tendency to be overlooked, isn't she afraid you'll forget the kid?"
"How rude. My weird 'low presence' skill only applies to me," Megumi deadpanned, then asked curiously, "So why ask about my weekend? Didn't I go out with Mahiru yesterday to work and shop? I'll probably do the same."
As for babysitting? Hard pass.
She did like kids, but what high-schooler really wants to spend their holiday watching someone's gremlin? If she had no friends she wouldn't mind—just to kill time—but now she had Shiina Mahiru, Nibutani Shinka, Asada Shino, and Aoyama Nanami. Naturally, she'd rather spend the weekend with friends.
Smiling at her question, Hayashi Maki said, "Thing is, I should be able to get an advance on my first royalty payment this weekend."
"I want to invite you and Mahiru and the others out. What do you say—honor us with your presence?"
"Eh, I can go?" Megumi looked a little flattered.
Family trips and the like usually forgot she existed, so she rarely wanted to go out with them.
But Hayashi Maki was different…
"Of course you can. I'm inviting you, aren't I?"
"Mhm. I want to go. Please let me know when."
"Deal."
Hayashi Maki wrapped up the chat with a smile.
That afternoon, Eriri would probably finish the character sheets; once he handed them to Sonoko Machida, they could print and release his light novel quickly. The preview had already blown up online, with lots of preorders—hence the advance.
—
Soon, two periods were over.
During the long break, a shapely upperclassman with twin tails stepped into Class 1-B.
"I'm Shiina Minatsu, student council vice president. Is Hayashi Maki here? Please step out; I have something to discuss."
She spoke seriously, met Shiina Mahiru's eyes, and nodded. Mahiru frowned, a little surprised.
When did Maki-kun get tangled up with her half sister?
Hayashi Maki already knew Minatsu was here because Mafuyu had sent her after him. He didn't flinch—he gave Mahiru a reassuring look, then stood up.
"I'm Hayashi Maki. Shiina-senpai, let's go."
~~~
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