Soaking in the tub with her hair pinned up, Nibutani Shinka hugged her knees, cheeks faintly flushed. Her fine figure was half-hidden by the water. She fished out from her pale chest the charm Hayashi Maki had given her, and her eyes grew hazy.
The necklace carried a special meaning for her. When that serial killer cornered her in an alley, she'd been in despair—yet this tiny charm miraculously activated, blocking the attack, holding out until Hayashi Maki arrived.
Truth be told, she still had a good impression of Hayashi Maki now. The guy was handsome… but shameless and lewd—always making her blush and her heart race.
She did want magical power. But if she handed herself over just to get magic, wouldn't that seem too casual? Becoming a mage was important. She didn't want him to see her as "easy." So the question was:
How could she make that guy like her so much that he couldn't help but make a move on her?
…
Hayashi Maki had no idea about Shinka's dilemma. With time to spare, he didn't want to sit around waiting. After chatting on his phone with Marina, Airi, and the others, he slipped out of the room in an instant.
Not heading to Marina today, he instead appeared by Asada Shino.
"Ah—Maki-kun, y-you're here?" Seeing him, Asada Shino lit up, though a little nervous. She looked herself over, worried something about her appearance wasn't right.
Smiling, Hayashi Maki scooped her up by the waist and set her on his lap, leaning back on her narrow bed as he gently stroked her hair. "Of course I came because I missed you. Sorry, little Shino—between writing my light novel and everything else, I haven't had time to come by."
She'd been a bit pouty, but hearing that made her instantly happy. Shaking her head, she nestled her cheek to his chest, breathing in his scent. "It's okay. I'm doing my best too. I'll get better and won't drag you and Mahiru down."
"Oh? Have you thought about what you want to do in the future?" he asked with a smile.
Asada Shino thought it over; her gaze firmed. "I want to be a detective! I'm a good shot—and because I shot a robber when I was little, people slap the 'killer' label on me wherever I go. But being a cop is different: I can use my strength to fight criminals and protect the weak—people like I once was."
Hayashi Maki dipped and kissed her forehead. "Not bad at all. Ambitious. I support you. But you're still weak right now. The charm I gave you can block some harm, but it's safest if you master your own strength."
"So—are you ready?"
Meeting his heated gaze, Shino's heart fluttered. She nodded shyly and closed her eyes. "I'm ready, Maki-kun…"
Hayashi Maki didn't hesitate—he kissed her. Time to catalyze the mana seed. Once she awakened, he could use that power too—two birds with one stone.
Time was short. After letting Shino drift off to sleep and tucking her in, he left the room—and flashed to Yukinoshita Yukino.
He'd missed lunch with Yukino-chan for a few days; he had to make time for closeness, or feelings would cool. When he arrived, Yukino was sitting on the sofa watching TV—specifically, a commercial for a cat pet shop. Cute cats mewed on screen—so many types—and Yukino's eyes shone, longing written all over her face.
He remembered: Yukino was a total cat-lover. She liked all cats, often carried cat food in her bag to feed strays—but never had the chance.
Seeing her look so wistful, he said, "Since you like them, how about we go check it out together next time?"
"Ah! You—stop appearing behind me and scaring me!" Yukino jumped.
"Sorry, sorry," he laughed, sitting beside her. "This ability of mine just teleports me to my familiars. It's only because your mana seed hasn't hatched yet—otherwise you'd sense me coming. Haruno's almost there—you still need to work on it."
Yukino rolled her eyes. "What 'work'? You just want to do bad things to me."
He didn't even pretend; he slid an arm under her and lifted her into his lap, brushing his lips to her pale neck. "I'm trying to do good things for Yukino-chan, but you insist on calling them 'bad.' So, are we going cat-cuddling? With me along, going out won't be a problem, right?"
"Hmph… I can go out on my own. Don't make it sound like I wouldn't leave the house without you."
She pushed, but he didn't budge. Blushing, she tilted her chin, making it easy for him to touch. He took her white, delicate hand and kissed along her fine collarbone.
"I remember you've got no sense of direction," he teased. "I really should go with you—wouldn't want you to get lost or get lured off by some creep."
"Hmf—who's creepier than you? And… ugh… when did I say I'd go out with you?"
Her mouth said no, but her heart had already softened; she really did want to go to a cat café—paradise for a cat-lover.
"Not negotiable," he said, voice possessive. "I want you to come with me."
His hand slid to her shoulders; the strap of her white cami slipped under his palm and fell to the floor. Yukino flushed, covering her chest—and he simply picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, laying her on the bed and kissing her again, not holding back this time.
…
Later, Yukino lay weakly in his arms, arms around his neck. "Hey… are you really taking me to a cat café?"
"Of course. I love cats too. And if Yukino-chan wore cat ears and a tail—with a maid outfit—that'd be even better."
"P–please. Keep dreaming!"
She shot him a look, shy to the core. Still… seeing how much he liked the idea—maybe she'd look online for a costume… and try it on for him?