Holding her small hand, Mafuyu Kirisu couldn't help rolling her eyes.
"Aren't you going home yet?"
Hayashi Maki waved breezily and gave her soft, pale hand a little squeeze, making her pretty face flush even redder—yet she had no way to shake him off.
"No rush. That whole incident spooked Mai-senpai out of shopping, but we've still got time today—so I can keep you company, Kirisu-sensei."
Mafuyu shot him a look. "I don't want to shop either. I only came to withdraw cash and wire my sister her living expenses. I'm going home."
She struck a "time to leave" pose, hoping he'd take the hint and go.
Hayashi Maki just shrugged, eyes warm.
"Then I'll walk you home."
"…"
After a pause, she shook her head. "No need. I'm not a child. I don't need an escort."
"No can do. I am walking you home. What if another robber shows up and you get hurt?"
"Shut it, you jinx."
She huffed, then sighed deeply.
"Fine—walk me home, then you head back. Behave."
Hayashi Maki nodded lightly. They walked side by side, unhurried, like a stroll.
After a bit of silence, he spoke.
"What did you think about today?"
"What do I think? You're a jinx—that much I've learned!" Just remembering him stealing a kiss in front of Mai made her snap at him, hot-faced.
Hayashi Maki deadpanned. "We're not getting past this jinx joke, huh? It was a coincidence. And shouldn't you be relieved? Good thing I was there—otherwise you'd have been in danger. Those guys aren't gentle like me."
"Hmph. Like you're any better." She shot him a glare and looked away again—no letting him get too smug, or he'd push his luck.
He sighed, putting on a dejected look.
"I was hoping you'd praise me. Guess not. You really do hate me."
"What else? What woman likes a pervert's behavior?"
Kissing her without permission—absolutely detestable.
Hayashi Maki fell quiet, wearing his "wounded" face. Mafuyu felt a twinge of guilt. In truth, she was grateful he'd been there; she didn't want to imagine being at the robbers' mercy.
For all his faults, he'd given her a strong sense of safety today. So many robbers, and none were a match. And he knew that tough-looking cop… Just what is he?
While she was sneaking a look at his expression, heat bloomed in her palm—he'd boldly laced his fingers with hers again.
"What are you doing?"
Blushing, she tried to pull away, but couldn't.
"C'mon, I did so much today—can't I at least hold your hand?"
Mafuyu opened her mouth, then saw the gentleness in his eyes and said nothing. Letting him hold her, she glanced around nervously. If someone she knew saw a teacher holding hands with a student, she could kiss her job goodbye.
"Kirisu-sensei, how about we sit over there a bit?"
They'd reached a park; Hayashi Maki stopped, hopeful. Mafuyu wanted to refuse—but that pitiful look got to her. Remembering how he'd stood in front of guns to protect her, she found herself nodding before she knew it.
Hayashi Maki's face lit up, and he led her in by the hand. It was late afternoon; sunset glazed everything in an ambiguous glow.
Mafuyu's feelings were a mess. Walking in a park, hand-in-hand with her student—this was basically a date.
If Shizuka Hiratsuka-sensei saw this, she'd cry. Fellow teachers, similar ages, both responsible—they'd become friends.
But poor Shizuka's situation was worse: endless mixers, parents forcing blind dates, every one ending in failure. If she saw her "comrade" out with a boy, she'd probably cry with envy.
"Your hand's so soft, Kirisu-sensei. Feels great to hold," Hayashi Maki murmured.
"Pervert. Saying that to your teacher—are you sick?" She glared; he just grinned, eyes drifting to her rosy lips.
"If you say so. I just like you. Would you give me a chance to become family?"
"Absolutely not. You've already got plenty of 'family.' I bet Mai-senpai's furious right now—you should go comfort her instead of pestering your teacher."
Her cheeks warmed with shame—he still wouldn't let go, giving her no chance to pull free. Scoundrel. Lech. Overbearing.
Ignoring the jab, Hayashi Maki guided her to a bench and sat, slipping an arm around her waist to lean her against his chest. Not even pretending—holding her right there in public.
Mafuyu shivered, torn, pushing at him with a small hand.
"I'm serious. You should go home… Aren't you afraid Mai-senpai will be angry?"
"No. I only just met her—feelings aren't that deep. Compared to a not-so-familiar Mai-senpai, I want to kiss you, Kirisu-sensei. What should I do?"
He smirked, lowering his head, inching toward her lips. Feeling his warm breath and the wash of his scent, she panicked—shoved hard.
"I'm going home!"
She turned and ran from the park.
"Hey, wait! Can't we sit a bit longer? I haven't hugged you enough."
She ran faster at that. Still, he caught up soon; they walked side by side again, the air between them even more charged.
Mafuyu was a simple woman—she'd never dated. His blunt confession and relentless pursuit had stirred her heart despite herself. And his display today gave her a strange sense of safety. Strong, handsome men always draw a gaze.
When she stayed quiet, he shamelessly took her hand again. Mafuyu rolled her eyes and then looked away, tacitly allowing it.
Holding hands with her own student, secretly, this close—
for some reason, it felt… exciting.
~~~
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