After teasing Mafuyu Kirisu a bit, Hayashi Maki put down his phone, still not satisfied.
He glanced at Sakurajima Mai, who was sitting on the sofa lost in thought.
"Mai-senpai, it's already night—where are you planning to sleep?"
Facing his lecherous stare, Mai snorted, stood up, and walked into Mahiru Shiina's room.
"I've already talked with Shiina. I'll share her bed for now."
Hayashi Maki shook his head, unconcerned. Looked like he wouldn't be "reviewing" with Mahiru tonight. Shiina Mashiro also needed to work on her manga—best not to bother her. In that case… time to see Shino-chan!
He wasn't the type to abandon the old for the new; every one of his "retinue" deserved proper attention.
Back in his own room, his figure flickered and vanished. When he reappeared, he was already in Shino Asada's room.
The girl, wearing pajamas and about to get into bed, flushed when she saw him.
"Maki-kun, what brings you here?"
Hayashi Maki chuckled wickedly, slipped an arm around her slim waist, and lifted her to sit on his lap.
"What, I can't drop by just because I miss you?"
"O-of course you can. I'm happy you're here." Shino pressed her cheek to his chest, body soft and utterly unresisting—completely obedient.
"Shino, did you miss me?" he teased, brushing a light kiss against her cheek.
She looped her pale arms around his neck, inhaled his scent, and her eyes turned impossibly gentle.
"I did," she whispered, blushing.
Seeing her red, adorable face, Hayashi Maki's heart stirred.
"In that case, let's not waste time. Let's work hard and let your 'magic seed' bloom."
He tilted her face up and kissed her rosy lips—cool and soft, irresistible. Shino trembled but made no move to resist; she even responded, a little clumsy but steadily growing under his guidance.
Hayashi Maki didn't hesitate. His hand settled—expertly—on her slender calf, toying lightly. When he let her lips go, he looked her over with heat in his gaze.
"Shino, you seem to have filled out a bit—guess you've been eating well lately."
Face burning, Shino nodded softly.
"Mm. Because you and Mahiru have been taking care of me."
She still worked part-time, but she wasn't lacking nutrition anymore.
Hayashi Maki kissed the pale curve of her neck, his hands moving with practiced ease. Her pajama top soon slipped aside. Their breathing grew ragged. He supported her slim waist and eased her down with him.
Everything felt perfect.
After a long while, Hayashi Maki kissed Shino's forehead and closed his eyes, satisfied.
"Good night, Shino."
"Mm… good night, Maki-kun."
They fell asleep in each other's arms, basking in the warmth.
…
At dawn, Hayashi Maki stroked Shino's hair, slipped out of bed, made her a nutritious breakfast, left a note, and quietly departed.
A little later, Shino opened her eyes. The empty space beside her left her a bit lonely—until she saw the breakfast and note on the table, which warmed her through. Glancing at the wrinkled panties by the bed, her cheeks flamed, but her heart felt sweet.
Nothing to be jealous about—she could always go see him and Mahiru. It was just… there seemed to be even more girls around him now. Honestly, how many girlfriends did he intend to have?
She grumbled inwardly, but didn't get angry. If even Mahiru accepted it, what right did she have to be mad? Getting along and being happy—that was enough.
…
After leaving Shino's room, Hayashi Maki didn't head straight home. He teleported to Yukino's room instead. He'd been busy these past few days and hadn't "bullied" Yukino-chan much. With a free moment, he came right over. Their last date was still vivid—just thinking about it excited and satisfied him.
Looking at the peacefully sleeping "Second Heiress," he smiled wickedly. He quietly lifted a corner of the covers and slipped in.
"Mm…" Yukino, sleeping soundly, suddenly felt a chill—then warmth. Something felt off; she opened her eyes, flipped the quilt, and looked inside. She saw the wicked "demon" had tossed her cotton sleep shorts by the bed and slipped a pair of black over-knee socks onto her slender legs.
"Ugh… pervert! What are you doing first thing in the morning?"
Flustered and annoyed, she yanked the blanket over his head. Hayashi Maki wriggled free, then hugged her tight and kissed her deeply.
Yukino gave a token push, then accepted it. The closeness set both their hearts racing; their breaths grew short. Hayashi Maki threw the blanket back, scooped her up, and sat her on his lap. His hand—expertly—settled on those long legs sheathed in black over-knee socks.
"Yukino, did you miss me?" He released her lips and gazed at the girl in his arms, heat in his eyes: a too-cute face, lips pink and a little swollen, skin whiter than milk, and curves that, like Shino's, were starting to bloom. Everything about her made his heart pound.
She looped her arms around his neck and rolled her eyes.
"Why would I miss you? Aren't you busy flirting with your new 'wife'?"
Her tone was full of grievance—clearly she'd heard about him and Ako Tamaki.
Hayashi Maki took a slow breath, savoring her scent, and clasped one of her fair hands, fingers interlacing.
"The 'new wife' is a game-addicted girl with reality–online confusion. We only married in a game, but Ako took it seriously."
Yukino rested her cheek to his chest and murmured, breath warm as orchids,
"I don't believe you kept your hands off her. That Ako girl—pretty big up top, right?"
"What's this—Yukino, feeling insecure about your own figure?" he teased, hugging her closer until their hearts were pressed together.
Yukino tilted up her pale chin and kissed him.
"Shut up, wicked demon. When you're holding me, keep your eyes on me—and only me."
Hayashi Maki lay back with her. While there was still time, they began "reviewing" their prior lessons.