After a long while, the gentle, jade-like Youko Saionji nestled softly in Hayashi Maki's arms. Her slender, pale arms circled his neck, clinging like a little girl who couldn't bear to let go—afraid that if she loosened her grip he would leave immediately.
She felt a bit ashamed; once again Hayashi Maki's silhouette overlapped with that of her husband in her memory.
The strange sense of familiarity left her both puzzled and too embarrassed to bring it up. Men can be petty—especially possessive ones.
If she said he felt familiar, what if he thought she was treating him as a substitute? Youko didn't want to show a weakness or leave a bad impression, so she said nothing—only leaned her soft, faintly fragrant body against him to show her heart.
Hayashi Maki, for his part, was thoroughly pleased. Youko-san's looks and figure needed no praise—she was stunning. And, well, he hadn't held back: just now he and Youko had, ahem, sealed the deal. Since she'd taken the initiative, dithering would be unmanly. He'd take responsibility—simple as that.
And the moment they were done, his "Demon" panel popped up a special new box:
[Special Spacetime Node: Activates under specific conditions.]
A special spacetime anchor had appeared, though the activation condition was unknown. Hayashi Maki didn't overthink it—if his future self had left no instructions, it meant he should just follow his instincts. He wasn't the type to cut off his own escape routes.
Looking at the blushing beauty in his arms, he dipped down and pecked her lips.
"Youko-san, I'm moved that you like me. I will take responsibility."
"But I should be honest with you: I'm currently dating Mahiru… and I've also made a move on Yumiko. I'm… kind of a scumb—mmph!"
Youko covered his mouth with a small hand.
"I already knew. The way someone looks at the person they like can't be hidden. Funny thing is, even though you're 'that kind' of man, I don't dislike it."
"So, when you say 'take responsibility'—does that include giving me a wedding someday?"
"Of course it does. I'll marry you, Youko."
He said it earnestly. He was a demon, not a normal human; how many he married was… flexible. Once the Hayashi Empire rose, the world would be his—an empire of demonic delight.
Youko's face lit up at the promise; she leaned in and gave his cheek a quick kiss.
"Then you'd better keep your word. I don't have much experience, but I'll do my best to be a good wife. I only ask one thing—come see me often, okay? I get lonely."
Hayashi Maki nodded with a smile and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry. I'm not the type to toss someone aside. I'll marry you and Mai-san."
"Eh—what did you just say? Mai? When did you get involved with Mai?"
Youko's eyes went wide—she'd been deliberately keeping Kiyoura Mai away from here. Seeing her shocked face, Hayashi Maki's lips curled.
"Not yet. But my gut tells me she'll be mine."
Youko studied him for a long moment; something seemed to click, and her gaze turned faintly wistful.
"So you really aren't an ordinary person… my dear Maki-kun—my husband, whose face is so foggy in my memory?"
"Ahem. Let's put that aside. It's not time yet. For now—Youko, you're adorable," he said, steering the conversation and sealing it with a kiss.
She gave him a plaintive look, then answered the kiss anyway. It wasn't such a big deal—if her hunch was right, it actually made her happy. Her purity belonged to Maki-kun; how wonderful. She'd been worried he'd mind that she was a mother, but if her daughter was his, there was no problem.
Still, what a sly man—cutting her off with a kiss so she couldn't speak. Such a rogue.
Time was short; he couldn't stay in the break room forever. Soon, closing time arrived. Drawing on his exceptional stamina and familiar skill, he coaxed Youko happily content and then left with Mahiru and the others.
Youko, refreshed, leaned back against the headboard, pulled out her phone, and snapped a cheek-flushed selfie to send to Kiyoura Mai. Good news should be shared with your closest girlfriend—bonus points for making her a little jealous.
They had opened the convenience store together—Mai handling the business/dealer side and procurement, Youko running the shop day-to-day and managing operations. That's why Kiyoura Setsuna sometimes came by to help.
Mai had just finished her day, ready to head home for a bath and bed, when Youko's message popped up—a picture that made her blush just looking at it. Youko, leaning against the break-room headboard, bare white shoulder showing, that rosy face and satisfied smile—clear signs she'd been cherished by a man.
Mai's cheeks heated.
"Tch, that shameless Youko—sneaking a taste behind my back!"
"But who is he, to capture her heart?"
For years both women had thrown themselves into work—zero interest in men. And now her bestie suddenly… indulged?
Staring at Youko's flushed face in the photo, Mai couldn't help messaging:
"Youko, who is he?"
Youko: "Hee-hee, you'll find out soon enough."
Mai: "Just you wait—I'm coming over in a couple days to catch you red-handed!"
Youko: "Good! It's been a while—I want to see you too. Bring Setsuna-chan."
Mai: "Oh? So enthusiastic? Looks like you really did have good news."
And now her heart itched a little. What kind of man could make her friend this happy? If he really was that good… maybe she could… too…
Thinking that, Mai's cheeks reddened as well.
~~~
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