"So, what topic did the teacher assign us?" I asked the girl, since I hadn't been very attentive in class and had slept through most of it.
"I thought you at least knew the topic..." MJ drawled, and the look she gave me made me feel awkward. Well, what do you want from me, woman? Whose fault is it that chemistry classes are so monotonous? They're the perfect place to catch some sleep.
"Well, apparently I got distracted for a second and missed it," I scratched the back of my head guiltily.
"Ugh, what am I going to do with you. The project topic is: 'Microplastics and Their Impact on the Environment,'" Watson sighed heavily, scanning me with her eyes, green like the purest emerald.
"Tch, this politicized nonsense," I exhaled heavily, realizing the chemistry teacher had screwed us over.
"What do you mean?" the girl asked, surprised. "Do you know something about this topic?"
"It's not like I've delved deeply into this specific issue, but I'm convinced that if eco-activists are screaming about some problem, in most cases it's blown out of proportion or made up. Take microplastics, for example—their size is so small that it's very difficult to reliably detect them in the human body with modern equipment. Not to mention the supposed harm to humans and animals," I said in a lecturing tone, enlightening the redhead as if I'd momentarily become our teacher, Mertz.
"That's perfect!" Mary Jane exclaimed happily.
"Huh?" I looked at her, bewildered. What's perfect about that?
"If we approach the topic from an unconventional angle, that's even better," the girl beamed, clasping her hands together.
"Are you sure we won't get in trouble for that?" I looked at her doubtfully.
"You don't know Mr. Anderson Mertz very well. He loves it when students go against the grain and express opinions that contradict established views."
Over the next couple of hours, I was completely immersed in microplastics and one cute girl who decided to dive headfirst into the wilds of unconfirmed conclusions and hypotheses. MJ turned out to be an unusually enthusiastic girl; her expression was extremely focused and animated.
Noticing that Mary was starting to slow down a bit, I thought about taking a break. Honestly, I could use one too. This microplastic stuff was starting to drive me crazy. I'd like to yank the brains out of the skulls of those who wanted to make a name for themselves on this topic. Damn perverts.
"Okay," I pushed back from the table, which held a laptop and a stack of marked-up material. "How about a dinner break?"
"Hmm? Dinner?" the redhead looked up from her studying. "I'm all for it; this chemistry has drained all my strength," she smiled tiredly and stretched her whole body, arching her back.
"Well then, break time, no arguments," I declared matter-of-factly. "You can relax for a bit while I go cook."
"Wait, I'll help... whoa!" Watson stood up resolutely, took two confident steps, and started to tip forward because her legs had fallen asleep.
"Got you," I quickly jumped over to MJ and kept her from falling, gently putting my arm around her waist. "Maybe you should rest after all?" I finished with a smile, looking her straight in the face.
"No way, I've sat enough," the pretty girl furrowed her brows adorably, only realizing a moment later where my hands were. "I-I'm standing, could you let me go?"
"Oh, yeah, of course, of course," I raised my hands to head level, showing one hundred percent surrender.
Strictly speaking, my first impression of Mary Jane was a bit misleading. Seeing her for the first time at school, I thought Watson was somewhat frivolous. But in reality, she was moderately smart, mature, and most importantly, sensitive. I'm really glad I was wrong. Getting to know her better, I'm sure we could become friends, or maybe even something more.
"Your kitchen is mind-blowing! You could not just cook for two, but easily have a cooking competition show here," she said, genuinely admiring the kitchen units and utensils.
"You like to cook?" I smiled warmly, watching her.
"Yes! I usually do it with my mom. They say two women in the kitchen don't mix, but Mom taught me a lot," the pleased girl said proudly, lifting her nose.
"Oh-ho, wonderful. Would you mind giving a master class in home cooking next time?" I winked at Mary, hoping for a positive answer.
"Next time? Hmm... are you asking me on a date?" an enchanting smile settled on MJ's lips.
"A date? More like I want to eat for free," I joked.
"Aren't you ashamed to say that to a girl, and so bluntly?" Watson pretended to be offended.
"Ashamed? What kind of word is that? There are no such terms in my vocabulary," I proudly puffed out my chest, as if I were actually boasting about something important.
"I can see that," she said, barely holding back laughter. "Okay, enough chatting, or we'll stay hungry."
"True. But first, you need to put on the gear," I reached into one of the drawers and pulled out a blue apron. "Come here, I'll help you tie it."
"Hmm, somehow I sense a catch," MJ squinted, but still turned her back to me.
"Yeah... like this... and like this," I muttered under my breath, struggling with the apron straps.
"Ahem, Levi, I think you're too close," my friend complained, the tips of her ears turning red.
"Bear with it. Do you think I enjoy pressing up against such a beautiful, sexy, and charming girl?"
"I think you do," MJ didn't believe me, frowning suspiciously and threateningly.
"You're wrong!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my indignation. "If this apron were on a naked body, then I'd really be happy."
"Scathingly vulgar!" she chided me.
"Should I move away?" I asked the girl's opinion.
"Absolutely not! First finish with the apron, then I'll start fighting!"
"Domestic violence doesn't suit a lady," I shook my head sympathetically.
When that was done, we started preparing the ingredients.
"Chop the cabbage, and I'll take care of the meat," I gave orders as the master of the kitchen.
"Aye aye, Captain!" the redhead jokingly saluted.
"Good job, sailor. Follow orders well, and I'll promote you to ship's cook," I announced solemnly, met with cheerful, infectious laughter.
Together with Mary Jane, we quickly chopped all the necessary ingredients; all that was left was the small matter of cooking it all.
"You have such skillful hands," my classmate complimented me.
"You have no idea how skillful," I allowed myself an ambiguous joke.
"But I do have an idea how heavy my hand can be," she shook her little fist at me. Honestly, given our height difference, it looked extremely cute.
"Are you sure you're not from the football team?!" I pretended to be scared, taking a step back. "Please don't hit me, I'll do anything you want!"
"Oh-ho, really?" the girl stared at me intently.
"Of course, ask for whatever your heart desires," no expert would doubt the sincerity of my words right now.
"Hmm," the red-haired vixen thought for a moment. "Then let's finish cooking, otherwise..." she gave me a piercing, predatory look, "...I'll eat you."
"I hear and obey," I bowed my head and trembled with "fear."
"That's better!"
Meeting each other's eyes again, our lips curved into smiles, and we both burst out laughing.
The vegetables and meat were added to the pot in sequence, while pieces of select pork sizzled in the frying pan. Before starting, we'd had a long discussion about what dishes to make. I insisted on steaks, while MJ wanted to treat me to a family recipe soup, plus she wanted something lighter for the evening meal than meat. In the end, we reached a compromise and decided to make both.
And she was pretty good at it. She wielded the knife deftly, chopping ingredients into tiny cubes, and did it with great pleasure. Mary Jane's mom, what kind of woman are you, to teach your daughter to handle a sharp tool so playfully? A secret CIA agent in hiding for years? Or an assassin in witness protection?
Laughing at my own thoughts, I returned to cooking, occasionally glancing at Watson to make sure she didn't cut off anything she shouldn't.
Once the cooking was done, we started setting the table. The room filled with appetizing aromas that made our mouths water. After washing our hands, we sat down opposite each other at the table.
"To be fair, you try the steaks, and I'll try your signature soup," I proposed for consideration by the highest authority in the person of the charming redhead.
"Deal," she agreed, serving herself a piece of the delicious-smelling meat.
When I reached for the ladle to get some soup, the redhead caught my hand.
"Allow me. You bought all the ingredients... and you let me stay the night. I have to repay you somehow," she said, smiling trustingly. Damn, how much this little minx believes in me.
"You're right. I am spoiling you too much," I suddenly realized, the corners of my lips rapidly creeping upwards into a full smile.
"You know, modesty becomes a person," Mary Jane instructed me. Man, I really do like teasing her; the only other person I felt this kind of ease with was Gwen.
"But I don't need to be 'become'd,' I'm handsome enough as is," I refused to be manipulated by social norms.
"So, handsome, need I remind you what I told you?" MJ smirked slyly, looming over me like an unassailable mountain peak.
"Okay, okay, let's eat," I instantly deflated under the threat of terrible punishment and the impressive chest my classmate had resting on the table.
"You know, Stone, you really are a cutie," she laughed merrily, ladling out the soup. I'm a "cutie"? You're the one who's terrifyingly beautiful, my friend. "Here you go, enjoy your meal," Watson handed me the bowl and started eating.
"Likewise, MJ," I replied automatically, bringing the fragrant broth to my lips.
After eating our fill and enjoying dinner, we started cleaning up and doing the dishes. Mary took charge of the latter, ordering me to rest. That was followed by another two hours of studying, towards the end of which the girl started yawning.
"I think that's enough for today," I took pity on her, realizing she didn't have my physique to withstand such strain. "Come on, I'll show you the room where you'll sleep."
"I need to take a shower," the redhead murmured shyly.
"No problem, I'll get you something to dry off with," I jumped up to pull a bath towel from the closet. "Oh, and wait a second," I quickly went to my room and grabbed shorts and a loose light t-shirt from the linen drawer.
Escorting MJ to the bathroom, I showed her where the shampoos, soap, and other supplies were.
"Thanks. Just don't peek," she warned me, whether to deter me from doing it or to provoke me into it.
"You wound me. I'm a man of the most honest principles," I beat my chest, assuring her of my trustworthiness.
The girl closed the door, and soon I heard the sound of running water. This was my chance!
I promised not to peek, and I'd keep my word. But the panties needed to be retrieved. It's not cool, of course. Next time, I'd have to somehow compensate for the loss.
Even though MJ had locked the door, there was a small keyhole on the other side that could be opened with a special key. Using that very key, I quietly cracked the door open, made sure my friend, behind the shower curtain, couldn't see my actions, and started looking for the location of the underwear.
Okay, t-shirt, jeans, bra – not that... ah, here are the panties! The target was found under the pile of clothes. Quick as a flash, I snatch them, close the door, and turn the key back in the lock, as if no one had been there. Operation "Catch the Panties If You Can" is officially declared a success.
Back in my room, I immediately fed the system the black panties to get rid of the evidence.
[Scanning in progress... Object identified as Rarity Level D. Absorption successful. Calculating reward... Object triggered special rewards. Congratulations, Master, for obtaining the special ability "Charisma Above All Else."]
What kind of ability is this? Well, I understand the general concept, but I have questions about the limits of this power. The system, as if understanding my confusion, provided more detailed explanations.
["Charisma Above All Else" – a special ability to attract attention, inspire trust, and motivate others through verbal and non-verbal cues.]
Sounds good. Really good. I was already a pretty charismatic guy, but now, now no one will be able to resist my charm. My friend, I'll never forget the sacrifice of your panties, trust me.
Half an hour later, the bathroom door opened and a slightly damp, flushed MJ fluttered out in my clothes, which looked very, very attractive on her. The loose t-shirt perfectly accentuated her bust, and the shorts ideally showed off her delicate legs.
Looking at me with a complicated expression, she was silent for a second and then said:
"I put my laundry in the washing machine, you don't mind?"
"Of course not. Wash to your heart's content," I replied, meanwhile thinking about the panties. Apparently, she hadn't noticed their disappearance, or maybe she just decided to stay silent about it. Oh, this isn't a girl, this is an angel!
By the time I'd also taken a shower, the last ray of sun had finally disappeared over the horizon, giving way to the night's darkness. We slowly started getting ready for bed. Of course, no one cancels the evening ritual called "getting glued to your smartphone."
"Look, Taylor posted a photo in a swimsuit," Mary Jane turned her smartphone towards me, apparently wanting me to appreciate our classmate's figure too.
"Bold," I answered thoughtfully, looking closely. "And she's got a great shape," I couldn't help but note the obvious.
"You men are all the same," MJ snorted, pouting her lips in mock offense.
"Well, yeah, we appreciate beauty. But I'm not interested in this Taylor. I'd much rather admire your beachwear."
"Oh, you want me to post such revealing photos on social media too?" the girl arched an eyebrow in surprise.
"Never, only for me. Besides, I didn't say I wanted to admire your outfit through despicable pixels," I made a provocative statement that left Mary Jane stunned, her mouth slightly agape.
"I... I'll think about it," she looked away shyly.
Grabbing my headphones, I immersed myself in watching some interesting videos, and when I looked up, I noticed the little red-haired fox had fallen asleep on the couch in the living room, phone in hand.
Approaching my friend, I confirmed she wasn't pretending but was actually in a deep sleep.
Well, I had no choice. As a true gentleman, it was my duty to carry the lady to bed. So, without further thought, I gently scooped the girl into my arms and carefully carried her to her room. Making sure my guest was well covered and lying comfortably, I returned to my own room to also surrender to sleep.