The shift over, Hayashi Maki left the shop under Youko Saionji's wistful gaze and headed home with Mahiru.
On the way, he picked up Mashiro too. Who knows when Rita will show up—attending art class alone is pretty lonely for Mashiro. She may be used to drawing by herself, but Hayashi Maki still felt it'd be better if Rita were around to keep her company.
When he picked her up, Mashiro Shiina immediately slipped her small hand into his. Passing a convenience store, she was once again drawn to the baumkuchen on the shelf.
Hayashi Maki helplessly patted her head and pulled a bill from his pocket.
"Here. If you want it, go buy it yourself. By the way… do you know how to buy things?"
At that, Mashiro puffed her cheeks.
"Is Hayashi Maki stupid? Doesn't even know how to buy something?"
"I meant you—do you know how—"
"Hmph. Idiot~!"
"…," Hayashi Maki sighed.
Watching Mashiro throw a tiny tantrum, he mischievously pinched her cheek.
"Fine, fine—I'm the idiot. Go get your baumkuchen. Mahiru and I will wait here."
No point quibbling with his "pet"; better to go along with her.
"Mm. I'll be right back."
A minute later, seeing the cake in Mashiro's hands, he smiled in relief. She really was growing up a bit.
Mahiru, watching Mashiro shove one hand into Hayashi Maki's while using the other to pop cake into her mouth, rolled her eyes. She wasn't angry. If Mashiro were a child, holding hands would be nothing. But she looks like a fair-skinned beauty—and thanks to Hayashi Maki's "education," she now had an unforgettable, distinctive air about her.
With Hayashi Maki holding Mashiro's hand and Mahiru walking beside them, they drew a lot of stares.
"Cut Mashiro open and she's black inside after all," Mahiru muttered—she should really be called Kuroshiro, not Shiro.
Even now she didn't forget to act cutesy and have Hayashi Maki hold her hand. Mahiru grumbled inwardly but didn't mind; she was used to all of Mashiro's little stunts. Who knows how many times Mashiro had "snuck a bite" when she wasn't looking.
Back home, Mashiro let go of Hayashi Maki's hand and ran off to draw. Her dream of becoming a mangaka had never changed. Aside from interacting with her two "owners," she focused entirely on manga every day. With that kind of persistence and single-minded dedication, no wonder her art was so accomplished.
Hayashi Maki didn't disturb her. Still, looking at her slender legs, he thought that tonight both Mahiru and Mashiro should wear white stockings.
Just as he was thinking bad thoughts, Mai Sakurajima dropped by. Living on the third floor made visiting easy.
"Shiina-chan, can I borrow your man for a bit?"
Mahiru went straight to the point as well. "Sure. Eat dinner here with us tonight, Mai-senpai."
"Okay."
And so Hayashi Maki was "loaned out."
Holding Mai's hand, he shot her a wry look.
"Mai-senpai, are we going on a date?"
"Hah? What are you talking about? Gross."
She gripped his hand tighter, even as her face showed disdain.
"If it's gross, why are you holding my hand?" Hayashi Maki grumbled. There's a time and place for tsundere, you know. Being looked at with disgust still pricked his pride.
Blushing, Mai looked straight ahead.
"Because you're… special. I discovered that as long as I'm holding your hand, other people can see me. Otherwise I can't even go buy groceries."
Hayashi Maki rolled his eyes.
"If you're going to use me, can't you say something nice? Do you know what this act of yours is called, Senpai? Wanting it both ways—tsundere has no future!"
"Cut the nonsense. You're already taking advantage; what more do you want?"
She pouted and quickened her pace. Hayashi Maki shrugged and matched her stride—still hand in hand, after all. He didn't mind her prickliness. He'd already "tamed" someone even pricklier: Yukino Yukinoshita. Was anyone more tsundere than Second Heiress? Every time she saw him she had a barb ready, always looking down on him. Well, he had bullied her a bit too much at first… But once in bed, in his arms, she was obedient enough—and if he asked for something sweet, she'd say it through her shyness.
…Better stop thinking—any more and he'd overheat. He shook his head and focused on his surroundings.
"Mai-senpai, are we buying groceries at the convenience store?"
"No. Bank first—I need to withdraw some cash."
Without Hayashi Maki by her side, not only did she risk disappearing, even her bank card wouldn't work. So cash was a must.
Hand in hand, they headed to the bank, drawing lots of looks—their public handholding, two stunning people being openly affectionate, drew a forest of envy, jealousy, and resentment.
While they were in line, a familiar figure walked in and met Hayashi Maki's gaze.
He blinked. "Kirisu-sensei!"
Seeing him, Mafuyu Kirisu was startled for a second, then noticed his and Mai's interlocked hands—and a pang of sourness shot through her. She huffed, stood quietly behind him in line, and refused to look his way. Her lips moved slightly—though no sound came out, Hayashi Maki could read it:
"Scumbag."
And wasn't he? She already knew he was dating Mahiru Shiina; now here he was, hand in hand at the bank with a fair-skinned black-haired beauty. Such a scumbag. Thinking of what he'd done to her only made her more upset.
Mai noticed the oddity and lifted a brow. "Is Kirisu-sensei also your girlfriend?"
"Absolutely not!" Mafuyu blurted.
"Yes," Hayashi Maki answered matter-of-factly.
Then he simply looked at Mafuyu, who, under his gaze, grew uncomfortable and quickly turned her eyes away. Mai's mood soured too. Clearly, those two had a story.
Great—so even the beautiful teacher, huh? Scumbag.
Still, Mai didn't let go of his hand—they hadn't withdrawn the cash yet. If she suddenly vanished, this outing would be wasted.
Their eyes met; sparks seemed to fly.
A love battlefield? Hayashi Maki thought, helpless—but he didn't intervene. Kirisu-sensei getting jealous was a good sign. If she didn't get jealous, it would mean her feelings weren't that deep.