Chapter 15. As Expected, A Fox Indeed
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Kiyoshi Yuuma froze for a moment before suddenly realizing what was going on.
No wonder she had seemed like such a heavy drinker.
But... forcing herself to throw up? That's so harsh on the stomach.
"President Kiyoshi, you should also work harder. A game's quality alone doesn't decide everything. Sometimes you need to play golf with clients, have a few drinks too," Tsuda Nao frowned.
To be honest, Kiyoshi Yuuma hated this kind of socializing in his past life.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have ended up as a shut-in programmer.
Well, looking at it this way, being an employee is way easier. No need to deal with all this nonsense.
"Well... I'll be taking my leave then." Kiyoshi Yuuma turned to her and gave a deep bow. "Thank you for tonight, President Tsuda."
"Huh!" Tsuda scrunched her brows and looked at him in disgust. "You don't even have any gentlemanly manners at all. Shouldn't you walk a lady home at a time like this? Especially a beautiful woman like me. It's easy to run into danger late at night, you know?"
You?
Kiyoshi Yuuma rolled his eyes at her.
You're clearly a big bad wolf.
A fox spirit in human form. If I walk you home, I'm the one in danger.
"I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to hold myself back," he said, hands in his pockets with a grin.
"It's fine, I'll control myself. Let's go now!" Without waiting for his reply, Tsuda strode ahead on her own.
To be fair, her place wasn't far from where they'd had dinner. A top-tier apartment in Tokyo, and the rent cost a million yen a month.
The slope leading up was lined with flowers in full bloom.
Perhaps from the long day, her feet were sore, and Tsuda Nao simply took off her heels and carried them in hand.
The moonlight shimmered.
Her black evening dress slipped slightly off one shoulder, adding to her allure.
Watching her carefree silhouette, Kiyoshi Yuuma felt an indescribable envy.
After about ten minutes of walking, they arrived at the base of Tsuda's apartment.
Kiyoshi Yuuma looked up and couldn't help but click his tongue. "Wow, as expected of President Tsuda. Even your home is this luxurious."
"It's just a million yen a month in rent," she raised her brow. "You could do it too."
"I hope so." Kiyoshi Yuuma stuck one hand in his pocket, staring at the apartment bathed in moonlight. Even from the exterior, the ornate design hinted at the extravagance within.
Now that Tokyo's housing prices had dropped, they were still absurdly expensive. Unless absolutely necessary or swimming in cash, renting wasn't a bad option at all.
"Well then, good night, President Tsuda." He gave a faint smile and prepared to leave.
"Wait a moment." Just as he was about to walk away, Tsuda Nao called out from behind.
"Hm?"
Kiyoshi Yuuma turned around.
Suddenly, a pleasant fragrance surrounded him. Tsuda took a step forward, bringing their bodies almost within touching distance.
She stared directly into his eyes, making Kiyoshi Yuuma flustered.
His heart pounded rapidly.
To say he wasn't moved would be a lie. He wasn't some monk. Tsuda was the most stunning woman he had ever seen. From looks to figure to intelligence, power, and status, everything about her was admirable.
Maybe it was because she was too perfect that she felt unreal, distant. Until tonight, Kiyoshi Yuuma never even thought about approaching a woman like her.
If he messed up, he'd end up like the other executives tonight, ensnared by her charm and toyed with like a pet.
Kiyoshi Yuuma was very aware of this.
"What's wrong?" he murmured.
Tsuda's flawless face was so close. If he just tilted his head slightly, he could see the shape of her full lips and the inviting color on them.
Just then, Tsuda Nao raised her long, fair finger.
"There's something on the corner of your mouth." She gently wiped his lip with her index finger.
Kiyoshi Yuuma felt his whole body jolt.
Ah…
This…
Damn it, the hand you were using to carry your shoes—you used that to touch my mouth?!
"Is it clean now?"
Kiyoshi Yuuma pulled a face.
"Not yet."
Tsuda took another step closer.
Heh... foxy woman.
I'm not falling for that trick.
Kiyoshi Yuuma frowned slightly and reached out to grab her wrist. "Thanks, but I'll take care of it myself from here."
"Mm-hmm. Alright then~"
Though she said that, Tsuda Nao didn't make any move to pull her hand back. Instead, she let Kiyoshi Yuuma hold her wrist as she raised her other hand and gently touched the side of his face.
Her high heels slipped off with a crisp clack on the pavement.
"Please don't misunderstand," Tsuda Nao said softly, "I just purely think you look kind of cool." Then she stood on tiptoe, stabilizing herself against Kiyoshi Yuuma.
Eh?!
Kiyoshi Yuuma's pupils widened sharply, completely caught off guard by how things were unfolding in this direction.
But to be honest—
…it actually felt pretty good.
A few seconds passed before Tsuda leaned back, pulling away from him.
She looked into his face, her eyes filled with endless amusement.
Ah…
This wicked woman.
It's truly infuriating.
Kiyoshi Yuuma sighed, then tossed his briefcase to the ground and took a step forward, pulling her into his arms.
"Then please don't misunderstand either. I just purely think you're cute, that's all."
"Mmm…"
Tsuda Nao's cheeks flushed red.
"That's right~ That's right~ that's more like it. You're finally starting to get it."
One minute later.
Tsuda pushed him away firmly with both hands.
"That's enough," she said, turning her head and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. With a faint shyness in her fox-like eyes, she glanced at Kiyoshi Yuuma.
"Huh? That's it?" Kiyoshi Yuuma smacked his lips. "Not even inviting me up for a cup of tea or something to sober up?"
"I told you I'd control myself. Well then. Good night, President." Tsuda Nao stepped back politely, her face blooming with a youthful smile.
She picked up her heels from the ground, slipped them back on, and walked into the apartment building with graceful steps.
Her back was like that of a proud queen, leaving behind only a bewildered Kiyoshi Yuuma.
Nani?!
No way, this woman…
Damn it! She flirted and ran, without the slightest care for how he might feel afterward.
So frustrating!
This woman… she really is a fox!
But…
He touched his lips, still feeling a trace of warmth, as if he were a bit unsatisfied.
No good!
He shook his head quickly. He mustn't fall into this fox's trap.
Who knows how many men Tsuda had already used that same trick on?
Just thinking about what happened made Kiyoshi Yuuma feel a chill run down his spine.
Get a grip, Kiyoshi Yuuma! You're just a naïve little lamb, and she'll eat you down to the bones!
"A real monster…"
Yeah. It's best to stay far away from her.