After a long while, Hayashi Maki reluctantly let go of Mafuyu Kirisu's soft lips.
Looking down at her flushed, breathless face, he couldn't help a wicked grin.
"Thanks for the treat, cute Mafuyu-sensei."
"Shameless!"
"Mm-hm."
"Pervert!"
"Thanks for the compliment."
"Liar!"
"Uh… when did I lie to you?" Hayashi Maki looked at her, puzzled.
Mafuyu ground her teeth and glared at him. "I thought you were an outstanding honor student, but you're actually a shameless, sleazy creep! I'm calling the police!"
She felt deceived. She'd had such a good impression of Hayashi Maki—thought he was exceptional—and had even agreed to be the advisor to his club.
Hayashi Maki pulled her into a tight hug, burying his face in her snow-white neck. "Even if I get arrested, I'll accept it. Mafuyu-sensei is just too cute."
"Shut up! Stay away from me…"
Her cheeks burning, Mafuyu tried to push him off, but his hold was too firm—there was nowhere to run. And the way he kept calling her cute—so hateful!
Of course, she was mostly bluffing; she wasn't actually going to call the police. If she did, she could kiss her teaching job goodbye. Teacher conduct is strictly policed in Japan; if rumors of a teacher–student romance spread, she'd be disciplined and likely dismissed.
And honestly, she didn't want Hayashi Maki hauled off either. He might be a scoundrel, but he was a handsome one—and if he were arrested, Shiina would be devastated, wouldn't she?
…Wait.
I can ask Shiina for help!
Mafuyu's eyes lit up. If she couldn't straighten Hayashi Maki out herself, then let his girlfriend do it. If he really treasured Shiina Mahiru, he'd stop acting this way.
So, during the long break, Mafuyu called Mahiru to the office.
On her way into the classroom earlier, a certain someone had been giving her a lecherous look, which made her blush despite herself.
"Um, Kirisu-sensei, what did you need me for?" Mahiru asked, confused.
Mafuyu took a deep breath and put on a solemn face.
"Shiina, you're dating Hayashi Maki, right?"
Mahiru nodded, the faintest pink on her cheeks. It was true, but being asked by a teacher was still embarrassing.
"Yes. Maki-kun is my boyfriend. Is something wrong?"
"You're asking me what's wrong…" Mafuyu rubbed her temples. "Shiina, do you know about some of the… questionable things you've done—"
"I know."
"Huh? Y-you do?"
Mahiru's calm reply widened Mafuyu's eyes.
"Mm. I know Maki-kun has other girlfriends too. It's fine—I don't mind. He's… special."
Then she glanced at the dumbfounded Mafuyu. "Why? Did he make a move on you, Kirisu-sensei?"
"No! Of course not. I'm a teacher—how would he dare, ha ha ha…"
Mafuyu denied it with a dry laugh, her thoughts a jumble. So what he'd said was true? Mahiru really didn't mind him seeing other girls?
Mahiru gave her a curious look but didn't press.
"Ahem. Shiina, as his girlfriend, you should still keep him in line. It'd be best if he didn't go around flirting with other girls."
"Mm, I understand. I'll talk to him," Mahiru said with a smile—though she didn't take it to heart. Then she added, "Kirisu-sensei, he really hasn't made a move on you?"
"Absolutely not. Would he dare?"
Mafuyu waved both hands and put on her fiercest face. Mahiru didn't call her out; she only smiled.
"Ahem. All right, that's all. Pay a bit more attention to your boyfriend; I have high hopes for you two. You're both excellent—you'll become remarkable people."
"Thank you. I'll do my best. I'll be going, then."
"Okay, off you go."
Once Mahiru left, Mafuyu's expression collapsed. It felt like she'd said all that for nothing. Mahiru seemed completely unfazed. What on earth had Hayashi Maki done to make his girlfriend accept his philandering? In what way was he "special," exactly?
Mafuyu decided it was best not to see Hayashi Maki at all. If she couldn't handle him, she could at least avoid him. Given time, surely he'd forget about her.
Only… why did that thought make her chest ache?
She shook her head quickly, chasing the strange feeling away.
Yes—decided. She wouldn't meet that pervy student again.
That hateful guy had clearly said he'd apologize in person last night, and then just used it as an excuse to kiss her again.
—Noon.
A purple-haired girl suddenly came by.
"Kirisu-sensei, I'm Kyoh Goshoin from Class 2. Would you be willing to serve as the advisor for our Electronic Network Communications Club?"
"Electronic Network Communications… what exactly do you do?" Mafuyu asked, puzzled by the second-year beauty.
Kyoh was about to explain, but Mafuyu waved her off.
"I'll pass. I'm already advisor to one club; I can't take on another. Please find a different teacher, Goshoin."
But Kyoh wouldn't give up. She bowed deeply.
"Please—at least come take a look before you decide. And it would only be in name. Serving as advisor to multiple clubs is entirely permitted and compliant."
"This… all right."
Mafuyu was all bark and soft heart. Faced with Kyoh's earnest plea, she agreed to go check the club out.