In the past, Shiina Mashiro did whatever Rita said.
Back then, Rita was her only "handler."
But now Mashiro has two handlers:
Hayashi Maki, who comforts her, brings her joy, and teaches her how to pursue her dreams.
Shiina Mahiru, a patient and gentle "big sister."
Since Rita doesn't support her dream of becoming a mangaka, Mashiro naturally won't listen to Rita anymore.
So if Rita wants to mend things with Mashiro now, she has no choice but to curry favor with Hayashi Maki or Mahiru to get closer to Mashiro.
"Rita is a pet just like Mashiro, right?"
Soaking in the bath—having just agreed to Rita's request to share a bed—Mashiro suddenly said that.
Rita's eyes flew wide. "Why would you say that? How do I look like a pet?"
Mashiro blinked and shot back, "Aren't you?"
"Rita freeloads, contributes nothing here, and is always hogging the handler's bed. That's exactly what a pet would do."
Rita: "…"
"Pfft—" Mahiru couldn't help laughing.
Rita looked plaintively at the two Shiin as. "Yes, yes, I'm the freeloading pet. But you, Mashiro—what do you contribute to this home? At least I can help Mahiru-san in the kitchen. And if Hayashi Maki needs help, I'll do my best."
Cheeks puffed, Rita shot Mashiro a look and pushed back.
Mashiro's little face puffed up as well, and she said righteously:
"But Mashiro is the only pet. Rita has a long way to go—you don't deserve the treatment you're getting."
Rita was speechless.
Why are we even competing over who's more suited to be a pet?
In any case, I'm better than this life-skills disaster, right?
She puffed her cheeks and huffed, turning away. Mashiro had truly gotten under her skin.
"Rita's angry? Then why not just go home—Mashiro is going to stay here and draw manga."
Hearing that, Rita realized Mashiro wanted her to leave—maybe because hogging Hayashi Maki's bed threatened Mashiro's "pet status." Especially since Rita's bust was bigger; Mashiro must be feeling the pressure.
Understanding Mashiro's aim, Rita actually smiled. She hugged Mashiro tight and nuzzled her cheek.
"I'm not going back—unless I'm taking you with me."
Mashiro stared at her dreamily. "Will Rita give up her studies for that?"
"Uh…"
That was indeed a big problem. She'd only gotten a one-day leave from school in the UK to fly over. Even as a top student, she couldn't cut class too long.
Mahiru looked at Rita in surprise. "Rita-san, how many days did you take off?"
"J-just one."
"Huh? So you're basically skipping school now?"
"That's right." Rita sighed and glanced at the ever-dreamy Mashiro in her arms. "You should be called Shiina Mashiro Black—you've KO'd your former handler completely. I'm not going to abandon my studies, so I have to get ready to leave. But… Mashiro, I can't bear to part with you."
No matter the conflict between them over art, she treasured their friendship. After more than ten years together, patiently tending to Mashiro's daily life—how could she let go so easily?
Mashiro's reply was, as always, straightforward. "Then Rita should transfer here."
At that, Rita brightened. "So Mashiro isn't chasing me away—you want me to come to school with you?"
Seeing her moved expression, Mashiro hugged her back. "Mashiro wants Rita to stay. At school, Mashiro is always alone."
Asada Shino and Aoyama Nanami did look after her, but they were in different classes. In the art-track homeroom, Mashiro always drew by herself. If Rita were there, she wouldn't be lonely.
Mashiro's words touched Rita. "I'll think about it. Mashiro, are you really choosing to walk the path of a mangaka and set aside your fine-art talent?"
"Mashiro hasn't given it up—just wants to draw manga right now. If Rita comes along, Mashiro will be happy."
"Oh? Aren't you afraid my manga will surpass yours? Don't cry then."
"Not afraid. Hayashi Maki is here."
"Ugh… why bring him up now!"
Rita puffed her cheeks again, instantly out of sorts. Mahiru listened quietly without butting in. Watching Rita get awkward whenever Maki-kun came up, she felt she'd gained another "sister."
A while later, the three girls—still in their pajamas—went to Hayashi Maki's room. Naturally, he deftly dried their hair. This time he didn't use a hair dryer—he formed a wind spell with his hands instead.
Rita's eyes went round—the world as she knew it cracked. She pointed at the glowing sigil in his palm and the warm air it produced. "Wh-what is that?"
Hayashi Maki cocked a brow and gave her a sidelong glance. "Didn't I mention? I can use magic."
Rita stamped her foot, exasperated, cheeks puffing as she glared. "You never said that!"
She finally understood why Mahiru and Mashiro didn't object to being his fiancées—he was extraordinary.
"Haha—didn't I? My bad. But now that you know… it's a bit late."
After finishing Mashiro's hair, he waved Rita over. "Your turn, Rita—come here."
"Hmph!" She was still sulking—he'd kept this from her so long. She wasn't happy, but she still obediently came and sat on the little stool in front of him. Mahiru and Mashiro promptly monopolized his bed.
Hayashi Maki glanced over and thought tonight we might unlock some new 'lessons'.
Feeling the warm wind at her ear, Rita was thoroughly fascinated. "Hey, Hayashi Maki-san—does this magic only work for blow-drying?"
"Of course not. If I want to blow away an entire city, it's easy."
"For real? You're that strong?"
"What else? If I weren't strong, I wouldn't dare be a philanderer."
He said it—and suddenly kissed her cheek. Rita flushed, her body giving a little tremble. Girls have a natural admiration for strength. If Hayashi Maki were just an ordinary guy dreaming of a harem, Rita would have despised him as greedy and scummy. But when he was strong enough to hold everything in his hands—well, that was different.
A strong man having many girlfriends… isn't that only natural?
~~~
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
— Currently You can Read 220+ Chapters Ahead of Others!