"Even bad guys are your doing!" Hayashi Shuichi snapped, "If you hadn't played with fire, would it have come to this?"
"How was I supposed to know you'd be so easily teased!" Fujimine Yukiko muttered, a hint of regret creeping in.
Privately, they could mess around however they wanted, but this was a moving train.
If this kept up and someone noticed, it'd be mortifying!
With Hayashi Shuichi's ear right in front of her, Fujimine Yukiko didn't hesitate. She parted her lips and bit down.
She meant to use the pain to cool certain parts of Hayashi Shuichi down, hoping to escape the awkward situation.
But once his ear was in her mouth, she couldn't bring herself to bite hard, only grazing it with her teeth.
Afterward, worried she'd hurt him, she gently licked it with the tip of her tongue.
To Hayashi Shuichi, this was nothing short of teasing, and certain parts grew even hotter.
"Why would you…" Fujimine Yukiko was on the verge of tears. It was only getting worse!
"Stop messing around!"
Hayashi Shuichi was at his limit. If this continued, how was he supposed to get off the train?
"What now?" Fujimine Yukiko asked pitifully.
What could Hayashi Shuichi say? It wasn't like he could control it. "Stay still! It'll calm down soon."
"Okay," Fujimine Yukiko nodded obediently, not daring to make another move.
But pressed so close together, even if they didn't move, the train's swaying did the work for them.
Amid their closeness, no amount of mental chanting could cool Hayashi Shuichi down.
Ten minutes later, Fujimine Yukiko couldn't take it anymore. She pinched him in frustration. "Didn't you say it'd be fine soon? It's been ages!"
"I'm in good shape, what can I do?" Hayashi Shuichi said helplessly. "Besides, if it did calm down that fast, wouldn't you be the one complaining later…"
He trailed off.
Fujimine Yukiko caught his meaning, glaring at him in embarrassment. "Pervert!"
…
Time ticked by. The train stopped at several major stations, and nearly half the passengers got off, finally easing the crowded carriage.
Hayashi Shuichi and Fujimine Yukiko breathed a sigh of relief, quickly separating from their close contact.
Blushing, Fujimine Yukiko stole a downward glance. Still no change. "Why's it still like that?"
"Cover for me," Hayashi Shuichi grabbed her arm, stopping her from escaping. "It'll be fine soon."
"That's what you said earlier," Fujimine Yukiko huffed but couldn't bear to see him humiliated. She shifted to stand by his side, shielding him.
They held out until their stop, but nothing had changed.
Left with no choice, Hayashi Shuichi used Fujimine Yukiko's cover to slip off the train, then bolted into the station bathroom, face burning with embarrassment.
Fifth Sister, we're counting on you!
…
Ten minutes later, Hayashi Shuichi emerged, hands washed, looking refreshed.
Fujimine Yukiko glanced over, saw everything had finally settled, and burst into laughter.
This was the most flustered she'd ever seen Hayashi Shuichi since they met.
"Stop laughing!" Hayashi Shuichi grumbled, his dignity in tatters. "Let's go, we're gonna be late!"
…
At the audition venue, besides Fujimine Yukiko, there were over twenty other girls of varying appearances.
Fujimine Yukiko grabbed her queue number from the staff and sat waiting.
Though she tried to seem calm, Hayashi Shuichi noticed her tension from her tight lips and clenched fists.
This audition was Fujimine Yukiko's first step into the acting world.
Failure would hit her hard.
Hayashi Shuichi thought for a moment. "Know which profession has better acting than actors?"
"No idea," Fujimine Yukiko shook her head, puzzled.
"They say a famous actor thought his skills were unmatched," Hayashi Shuichi grinned. "His agent, to humble him, turned on the TV to political news. In less than ten minutes, the actor admitted defeat. 'I was wrong. My acting's nothing compared to these politicians. I need eyedrops for tears, but they cry or laugh on cue, no prep needed, tears flowing like tap water…'"
Fujimine Yukiko's lips curved, about to laugh.
But a blonde girl sitting nearby beat her to it, chuckling.
Catching Hayashi Shuichi and Fujimine Yukiko's glances, she smiled sheepishly. "Sorry for interrupting, but that joke was great, haha…"
They were around the same age and all there for auditions, so they quickly struck up a conversation. Learning Fujimine Yukiko's role didn't overlap with hers, the blonde girl grew even friendlier. "I'm Kurazumi Kyouko. Are you both auditioning?"
Fujimine Yukiko shared their names, shaking her head. "Just me. Shuichi's my classmate, here for support."
"Classmate? Sure, probably boyfriend," Kurazumi Kyouko teased.
Hayashi Shuichi was about to clarify, but Fujimine Yukiko cut in. "First time auditioning. You?"
"Me?" Kurazumi Kyouko gave a wry smile. "Lost count. If I fail this time, I might give up acting."
Fujimine Yukiko wanted to encourage her, but Kurazumi Kyouko, guessing her intent, changed the subject. "Shuichi's so good-looking, never thought of acting?"
"No talent for it," Hayashi Shuichi laughed.
"You're too modest," Fujimine Yukiko giggled. "Your acting was way better than mine during those reporter interviews."
"Reporter interviews?" Kurazumi Kyouko paused, studying Hayashi Shuichi. "No wonder you look familiar… You're that high school detective! You're all over the news lately."
In the past half-month of high school, Hayashi Shuichi had helped solve several cases. Despite his attempts to stay low-key, reporters weren't about to let a traffic magnet like him slip away.
In Mihama, Hayashi Shuichi's fame rivaled some second- or third-tier celebrities.
"Fujimine Yukiko…" Kurazumi Kyouko repeated, then slapped her forehead. "You're the girl who did that deduction performance at Mihama City Hall!"
"Heh," Fujimine Yukiko lifted her chin proudly. "That was my first public performance. Not much experience…"
(Chapter End)
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