Mahiru's words left Rita a little ashamed.
"So you really are that guy's woman! Am I that easy to read?"
"Being 'educated' by you two makes me feel like an idiot. What am I even holding on to?"
"Mashiro herself has already given it up, and I still want to force her to keep doing what she doesn't want… I really am awful."
Mahiru gently smoothed Rita's hair and smiled.
"But you still flew all the way here, didn't you? That means you care a lot about Mashiro-nee."
"We're not wrong, either of us—so we just have to talk things through. Bottling it up only makes the pressure grow."
Blushing, Rita stared dazedly at the girl in front of her.
"Mahiru-san, you're just like an angel. I almost fell for you."
"Uh…"
Mahiru blinked in surprise, but Rita was already laughing.
"Pfft—don't treat me like a child, Mahiru-san. I'm a mature foreigner."
Mahiru arched a brow. "Aren't you more like a freeloading, foreign 'stray cat' sneaking snacks?"
"I am not sneaking snacks! It's that scoundrel who—" Rita shot back, but her protest lacked conviction.
Talking about Mashiro and Hayashi Maki brought Rita and Mahiru much closer. Glancing at Mashiro's door, Rita sighed.
"Aren't you going to do something? Your boyfriend is 'bullying' an innocent girl."
Mahiru quirked a brow. "And how do you know I didn't 'do something'? Mashiro-nee is frail—because you babied her all this time and wouldn't make her eat properly. I'll probably have to go help in a bit."
Rita's eyes went wide. Am I supposed to be hearing this? Thinking of certain… scenes, her cheeks flushed. She couldn't help cursing Hayashi Maki as a pervert in her heart.
…
A long while later, Mashiro had fallen asleep. After tucking the blanket around her, Hayashi Maki stepped out and met two bright gazes. He raised a brow, said nothing, and simply swept Mahiru up and carried her into her room. As for Rita—she could stay where she was.
His relationship with Rita was clearly not at the point where he could make a move.
Puffing her cheeks, Rita shot him a fierce glare and ducked into Mashiro's room. She'd known already, of course, but actually seeing Hayashi Maki making moves on both Mashiro and Mahiru still made her uncomfortable. So Mahiru really didn't mind? How could there be a girl like that? And Mashiro, that silly thing—half-understanding and already letting herself be "eaten."
All at once, Rita felt that staying in Hayashi Maki's room, sleeping in his bed, was very dangerous.
So—
The next morning, Rita pleaded with Mashiro to sleep with her. Mashiro studied her for a moment and then nodded slightly.
"Okay. From now on, Rita will sleep with me."
(And once Rita fell asleep, she could always sneak into Hayashi Maki's bed afterward.)
…
Without realizing it, the weekend arrived.
Hayashi Maki had a date today, so he'd gotten up early. After eating Mahiru's delicious breakfast, he headed out.
At the meeting spot, he waited quietly. Before long, a beautiful figure appeared, drawing every eye as she approached.
The girl wore a black top with a white skirt. Her glossy black hair was braided into a single plait that fell over one shoulder. Pale skin, fine features, bright aquamarine eyes—unforgettable at a glance. A white purse over her slim shoulder made her look even more stylish.
Under envious gazes, the impossibly cute girl walked up to Hayashi Maki, trying to look composed.
"Good morning, Maki-kun. Sorry to keep you waiting."
The stares made Yukinoshita Yukino a little uneasy, but she'd long since learned to ignore those heated looks; she only peeked at his face with those aquamarine eyes.
Hayashi Maki smiled faintly and, amid the sound of hearts breaking around them, took her hand.
"I just got here. Time waits for no one—let's go, Yukino-chan."
"Mm."
Looking at their joined hands, Yukino felt shy. It was her first date—she was excited. Crowds had never been her thing; she rarely went out on weekends. But with him holding her hand, she felt utterly safe—and slowly relaxed.
"Maki-kun, where shall we go first?"
Her clear, musical voice was enough to make ears fall in love.
Hayashi Maki's gaze traced her fondly. "How about we do what you want? We're going to the cat café for sure anyway."
"Okay—then let's follow my plan."
Yukino pulled out a small notebook—places she wanted to go. With someone to accompany her, she wanted to visit the spots she'd never dared go alone.
For the first time in her life, she was walking down the street hand-in-hand with a boy. All the envious, jealous looks around them made her heart race and flutter.
Since they were out, shopping was a must. It was still early, so they headed to a mall to pick out clothes. Hayashi Maki, eager to see Yukino in different outfits, didn't refuse—in fact, he asked if he could take photos as a keepsake.
Blushing, she nodded. "Do as you like."
He already owned her heart; if he wanted to take pictures, so be it. She wanted to remember, too.
By the time they finished, Hayashi Maki's phone was stuffed with photos of Yukino in different looks. (He'd kept her maid outfit from last time safe as well.)
He wanted to buy everything she'd tried on, but Yukino shook her head. She had plenty at home—no need to buy that many; one would do. She, in turn, picked out a suit for him. Maybe he didn't need it now, but someday he'd be attending events—having a suit ready was necessary.
Hayashi Maki gladly accepted her gift.
Then Yukino stopped in the plush section—there was a panda she didn't have yet. Hayashi Maki didn't say a word; he bought it on the spot.
Next was the photo booth. The tiny booth forced them very close. Meeting his eyes, Yukino blushed, a little flustered. Hayashi Maki slipped an arm around her waist and leaned in slowly.
"Look into my eyes."
Obediently, she did. Hayashi Maki took a breath and said, "I forgot to say—Yukino-chan looks adorable today. This hairstyle really suits you. I love it."
And then their lips touched.
Click.
A kiss-captured sticker photo was made.
~~~
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