Kyoh Goshoin watched her friends' banter with a smile, then stood up naturally.
They left the private room for a quiet spot to say their goodbyes.
"Well then, let's end here for today. See you next time," Kyoh waved.
Akane Segawa sneaked a glance at Hayashi Maki—only to earn a warning glare from Ako. Ako immediately hugged Hayashi Maki's arm like a guard dog protecting her food. Akane stared at her, speechless.
"No need to guard him that hard. I'm not stealing him. Besides, he already has a girlfriend—he's a two-timing scumbag."
Hayashi Maki chuckled and didn't argue.
Akane waved and turned away with Kyoh. "Anyway, see you."
With the two gone, only Hayashi Maki and Ako remained—still clinging to his arm.
"Heehee, Innocent Hubby, now it's just us."
"Yeah, just us. But I'd still prefer you call me Hayashi Maki. 'Hayashi Innocent' is just a game name—we're in the real world now."
"No." Ako shook her head sharply, lips pouting.
"If we go back to this so-called 'reality,' you won't be my husband anymore, right? Then I'd rather live in the game world forever!"
Hayashi Maki sighed and rubbed her head.
"Ako, being this clingy and defenseless with a net-friend you just met—it gives me a headache."
"But I'm only like this with you! I've played with other strangers online, but the only one who stayed by me is Hubby!"
"We've been through so much together—our souls already connect. That's why you accepted my marriage proposal, right?"
"Innocent Hubby, Ako has chosen you. Please don't abandon me!"
Faced with her shimmering eyes, Hayashi Maki slowly leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"If you're my wife, then listen to me. Come back to the real world and be with me as real Ako. I don't want my wife meeting up with random net-friends."
"Uuu… I won't. Ako won't pay attention to anyone but you!"
"Heehee—Hubby kissed me. So you do like Ako, right?"
Still hugging his arm, she looked entirely at ease—almost too natural.
"I do. What guy wouldn't like a cute, proactive girl like Ako? So—time to head home. I'll walk you back."
"Okay! I'm in your care, my dear Hubby!"
At her door, Hayashi Maki made a note of the address and turned to leave. Ako rose on tiptoe and pecked his cheek, then scampered inside. Hayashi Maki touched his cheek and laughed silently.
This girl…
Back home, his phone buzzed.
Ako Tamaki: "Hubby, see you in a few days—I'll give you a big surprise!"
Hayashi Maki shook his head with a smile. What surprise? She's not going to transfer to Hakuo Academy… right? …Actually, that might be possible.
…
Mahiru hadn't returned yet. With Rita and Mashiro in their room, Hayashi Maki didn't disturb them. Suddenly, another ping—Kyoh had added him to an Alley Cats group chat. Besides Hayashi Maki, Ako and Akane were in it too.
Kyoh Goshoin: "Innocent-kun, did you notice? Ako seems to have a peculiar condition—like she can't distinguish reality from the game. I'm calling it 'reality–net confusion syndrome.'"
Akane Segawa: "I noticed too. Who brings in-game marriage into real life? And hugging a guy at first meeting…"
Ako Tamaki: "Uuu, sorry for troubling you. But a husband is a husband—why split?"
Hayashi Maki: "Ahem, I noticed as well. So, President Kyoh—what do you propose?"
Akane: "There it is! Scumbag using first names with pretty girls! Gross!"
Kyoh: "I don't mind the address, Innocent-kun—but let's focus. Ako's situation doesn't look like much now, but it will cause bigger problems."
Reality isn't the net. Applying MMO logic in real life only gives people headaches—and gets you labeled nuts.
Kyoh: "As friends, we should help Ako overcome it."
Hayashi Maki: "Agreed. I'm willing to support Ako, but if she stays lost in the net and can't tell reality, I'll be the one with the headache."
Akane: "There it is—the scumbag's proclamation!"
Hayashi Maki: "Segawa-san, cut it out—or I will make a move on you."
Akane: "I was wrong. Please spare me."
Hayashi Maki smirked. She backs down quickly.
Ako: "What about my opinion?"
Kyoh: "It's decided. I'll think up a plan and tell you tomorrow. Logging off—see you."
Ako: "Uuu, Innocent Hubby… how could you all! No one's paying attention to me!"
Hayashi Maki: "Be good, Ako—this is for your sake. We'll help you overcome it and return to reality."
Ako: "What about our marriage? Will it vanish in your so-called reality?"
Hayashi Maki: "Do you want it to vanish?"
Ako: "No—absolutely no divorce!"
Hayashi Maki: "Then be good and cooperate with our 'treatment.' With me here, you've got nothing to fear."
Ako: "Okay."
Ako put down her phone and lay back on her bed, a smile curling her lips.
"Innocent Hubby really is gentle—and so dependable. Ako will be good!"
Even though she didn't think she was "sick," it was true she couldn't interact normally with others.
Just then, a graceful, Ako-like beauty stepped in.
"Ako-chan, how was your meetup today? Did you see who you wanted?"
Gently stroking her daughter's hair, Tamaki-san asked. Ako nodded hard.
"I did!"
"They were all wonderful people!"
"Especially Innocent Hubby—he's so handsome and so gentle! Ako has chosen him!"
"Oh? What kind of boy is he? Any pictures?"
"Heehee—yup! I took one secretly. Look, Mom!"
Seeing the young man on the phone, Tamaki-san's eyes shone.
"Indeed—very handsome. Ako, seize your chance. Good luck!"
Faced with her daughter's reality–net confusion, the gentle mother chose to support her romance.
~~~
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