After a while.
Looking down at the black-haired beauty nestled in his arms—cheeks flushed, breathing a little uneven—Hayashi Maki couldn't help a pleased smile.
"Yukino-chan, this won't do. Compared to Mahiru, you're still way behind."
Stamina had always been Yukinoshita Yukino's weak point. Even though she'd made a contract with him and become his familiar, improving her constitution, the mana seed inside her hadn't yet blossomed and borne fruit. And Hayashi Maki's own "constitution" was notoriously relentless.
Naturally, after only a short while, Yukino was already at her limit.
Hearing him, Yukino swatted his chest with a small fist, half-shy, half-annoyed.
"Bullying me and then putting me down—how can you be so awful?"
Hayashi Maki caught her tiny fist, brought it to his lips, and kissed it lightly before speaking.
"Can't help it—you're too cute. So, where's the maid outfit?"
Face burning, Yukino shut her eyes and pressed her cheek to his chest.
"Not wearing it."
"Uh… why? You really won't show me?"
Yukino pouted.
"If I wear it you'll only make me take it off. Why bother putting it on?"
Hayashi Maki leaned to her ear and brushed her delicate earlobe with a whisper of a kiss.
"We don't have to take it off."
Miss Second said nothing. She refused to humor him. He always had a reason to misbehave.
Hayashi Maki didn't push it. After holding her and savoring the warmth for a bit, he left. Yukino drifted off to sleep, looking deliciously content.
…
Back in his room, Hayashi Maki was in high spirits. He sent a few messages to Eriri and to "Senpai," chatted a while, and before long it was dinner time.
Watching Mashiro pick all the green peppers out of her food, Hayashi Maki pinched her cheek and scolded gently: "No picky eating, Mashiro. Look at Rita and Mahiru—their figures are so good. You won't grow if you're picky."
Mashiro pouted at him, then plopped all the peppers into his bowl.
"Hayashi Maki, Mashiro is giving you nutrition. Mahiru says green peppers are good—can't waste them."
"Who's wasting them here? I told you to eat them, not dump them on me! You're the one who needs the nutrition!"
Grumbling aside, Hayashi Maki still ate most of the peppers. Rita watched, speechless. And he accused her of spoiling Mashiro—look who was doing the same.
Thinking that, she saw Mashiro shovel the rest of her peppers into Rita's bowl.
"Rita, green peppers are good. Have some more."
Rita: "…"
Black Shiina Mashiro, huh? I don't like green peppers either! With a put-upon look, Rita glanced at the now-corrupted Mashiro, then dumped her peppers—and the broccoli—into Hayashi Maki's bowl, beaming.
Hayashi Maki ate them without complaint. Truth be told, they were tasty; nothing Mahiru cooked ever tasted bad.
After dinner, they rested a bit, then the girls went for their daily bath. As the night before, Hayashi Maki blow-dried the hair of the three golden-haired beauties. Eyes half-closed, Rita enjoyed his gentle touch, feelings mixed.
"Um… are you free tomorrow afternoon? Could you come with me somewhere for a bit?" she asked quietly.
"Sure. Now that you're here, you haven't really gone out to enjoy yourself, have you? Tomorrow I'll take you around and help you clear your head."
With that plan set, Hayashi Maki went to sleep holding Mahiru. And of course, not without their usual tenderness—he had promised to spoil her. He was still thinking about the maid outfits for Mahiru and Yukino, so he put in the effort.
…
Cupping Mahiru's pretty, adorable face, Hayashi Maki stared at her with smoldering eyes. Tonight, the little angel wore a white camisole dress. Skin white as jade paired with lush curves—every inch of her was irresistible.
Meeting his gaze, the girl's eyes were soft with tenderness.
"Idiot, what are you waiting for? Am I not cute enough?"
He drew a deep breath and leaned in slowly.
"You're too cute—that's why I'm not rushing. I want to give my angel the very best."
He pressed his lips to hers. Mahiru would never refuse her man. She looped her pale arms around his neck and returned him gently. The white dress slipped to the side; both of their breaths grew short; heart to heart, they drew close again—everything sweet and natural.
Since they had school the next day, Hayashi Maki didn't go overboard. After giving Mahiru the best he could, they fell asleep together.
As for Rita—she slept with Mashiro. Since Rita would be leaving soon, Mashiro wanted to spend time with her best friend.
The next morning, when Hayashi Maki opened his eyes, Mahiru was gone from his arms. The sounds from the kitchen said the virtuous angel was already making breakfast. He didn't feel like getting up yet, and shut his eyes again.
After a moment, the door eased open. Hayashi Maki felt a tickle on his nose, opened his eyes—and a delicate face filled his view. Rita?! She was teasing him with the tips of her golden hair.
Unforgivable—teasing him first thing in the morning. Time to pay the price.
Before she could react, he scooped her up and pinned her to the bed, lowering his head for a kiss. The kissing devil was back online. Blushing, Rita struggled a few times, then yielded—and began to respond.
After a long moment, they parted, Rita panting softly, eyes hazy. She looked at him seriously and said, "Don't forget our plan. Otherwise I'll be really upset."
He stroked her hair and nodded.
"Don't worry—I won't forget. This afternoon we'll go out together."
Only then did Rita's smile return. Slipping from his arms, she scampered out.
Hayashi Maki shrugged and thought nothing of it. He had a pretty good idea where she wanted to go. But he had no intention of changing his own mind—Mashiro should stay here, by his side.
To Hayashi Maki, Mashiro's towering artistic talent still couldn't compare to her happiness. As their strongest backing, he'd guard his familiars' dreams—and her joy—no matter what.
~~~
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