Seeing their fingers laced together, Yukinoshita Haruno's heartbeat kicked up.
Even though they hadn't gone on dates since forming their pact, it hadn't cooled their feelings at all.
Her lips were soft and cool—like pudding, like jelly. Hayashi Maki tasted them lightly, then reluctantly let go. He slipped off her headband, cupped her face, and couldn't help praising her.
"Haruno-nee, you're beautiful."
Her cheeks burned; a quiet joy rose in her chest. Women dress up for the ones they love—what woman stays unmoved when her man praises her?
Still flustered, she felt his warm lips on her pale neck.
"Mm… you tease—it tickles…"
Haruno's eyes narrowed; she lifted her chin on instinct, one graceful hand stroking his hair—as if encouraging him.
The mature big sister's body was flawless. From any angle, Yukinoshita Haruno was a peerless beauty. Hayashi Maki swallowed. His palm settled, practiced, on her fair thigh. He bent, kissing along her neck, then her delicate collarbone.
The first time he'd been brash—"getting on the train before buying a ticket." But when it came to nurturing a bond, preparation mattered. His method now was to touch her as though she were a treasure.
Haruno's gaze grew hazy. She didn't refuse—she had already chosen him, for life. From now on she'd live for him; she even looked forward to it. Hayashi Maki was gentle—especially with her. He was strong, yet tender, attentive to her feelings, bringing her hope and joy. How could she not like someone like that?
Her pulse quickened. His hands moved with easy confidence. The strap of her cami slid from a slender shoulder. Admiring her perfect lines, he stopped hesitating and kissed her again, showing his affection.
…
In the next room, Yukino covered her ears, cheeks pink and lovely. "That jerk… bullying my sister again," she muttered, a sting of jealousy rising. Thinking of Mahiru, she sighed. "Compared to you, Mahiru, I'm still lacking." At the very least, she wasn't so open-hearted; seeing Hayashi Maki close to another woman—even her sister—still made her chest ache.
…
No one knew how long had passed. Limbs boneless, Haruno nestled against Hayashi Maki, tracing circles on his chest with one pale finger.
He stroked her hair—now longer. Having drawn on his mana, her "seed" would soon hatch; her bob had grown to waist-length.
Short-haired, she'd already been beautiful; with long hair, at a glance she could be mistaken for Yukino. The sisters really did look alike—though Haruno was the more mature, in mind and in figure.
Cheek pressed to his chest, she listened to his strong heartbeat and smiled. "Hey, Maki-kun—how are you going to handle Yukino-chan? I've known about you two for a while."
Hayashi Maki knew Haruno was the ultimate sis-con; he had to answer carefully or disappoint her. He chose directness.
"Marry you both, of course. I'll take responsibility."
Haruno nodded, pleased. "As long as you know what responsibility means. But be gentle, okay? Yukino's a sensitive girl. If you're too rough and make her cry, I won't forgive you."
He flushed slightly, looking down at her fairy-like smile, and kissed her. "Don't worry. I'll be gentle. I'll… try my best not to make Yukino cry."
"What do you mean try? If you make her cry again, you don't get to touch me—one week… no, a whole month!"
"Hey now—Haruno-nee, that's torture. Relax, I cherish Yukino too."
He laced his fingers with hers. "It's still early. How about we… study some new positions?"
Haruno rolled her eyes adorably—but didn't refuse. A woman who's just confirmed her man tends to be clingy; she was simply more rational—and busy—so she'd seen him less. If she'd been at his school like Yukino, she'd have been glued to him every day by now, staking her claim…
While Hayashi Maki and Haruno "studied" with increasing depth, Yukino in the next room was busy cursing someone under her breath. Now she understood how her sister felt. Hmph. And Haruno had the nerve to say she was noisy the last time—clearly big sis was noisier!
…
Near midnight, the room next door finally quieted. Hearing footsteps, Yukino opened her door on instinct—met a certain burning gaze—yelped, and shut it. A moment later she cracked it open again and glared. "Why are you loitering at my door? Go home! Otherwise Shiina will get mad."
A smile tugged at Hayashi Maki's lips. "If I leave, you won't be upset?"
"Why would I be? Whatever you do has nothing to do with m—mmph!"
Having said the wrong thing, the second young lady was immediately "punished." He scooped her up, sealed her lips, and slipped into the room. Blushing, Yukino tapped his chest with tiny fists—then softened. He set her on the bed; she reflexively scooted back and hugged her panda pillow.
"Are… you going to bully me again?"
"Put the plush down," he said sternly.
Pout. "I like it. Why should I?"
"It's in the way when I'm trying to hold Yukino-chan," he said, perfectly reasonable. Then his voice softened. "Put it down, okay?" His heated gaze made her heartbeat speed up. Biting her lip, she tossed the pillow aside—only to see him opening his arms.
"Come here. Let me hold you."
Yukino turned her face away. "Why should I listen to you? You only ever bully me." Her mouth said one thing, but her body leaned in, and when she reached him he pulled her in snugly. He kissed her cheek and smiled. "I'm cherishing you. Don't worry—I won't make you cry."
"Hmph. Don't treat me like a kid—I don't cry that easily."
"Oh? Then who was it last tim—mmph!"
He'd meant to tease her a little longer, but soft cherry lips pressed to his, cutting him off. Her initiative surprised him—and delighted him. Yukino-chan had learned to be bold; she'd even picked up his trick for keeping people from talking.
~~~
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