"Ugh, seriously? Kasumigaoka Utaha, do you have no shame—wanting to watch me kiss a guy?"
Eriri glared at Utaha, cursing that "busty woman in black stockings" over and over in her head.
Utaha nodded solemnly.
"Yep. I want to watch. Sawamura, I already agreed to your ridiculous request to see me naked—now it's your turn to repay the favor."
Hayashi Maki felt a bit awkward. …Was this really something he should be hearing?
Still… Senpai's naked body… He really wanted to see it too! Why did Eriri get to see it first? Two girls checking each other out in his room—what kind of scenario was this?
While he was silently ranting, Eriri slumped her shoulders in defeat. Then, as if deciding to just rip off the band-aid, she shot Utaha a vicious glare.
"Fine—watch if you want. Don't come crying when you get a sty."
She took a deep breath, stepped up to Hayashi Maki, and squeezed her eyes shut, little fists clenched tight.
"Um… Hayashi Maki, I'm ready. Please help suppress the curse."
Looking at the fair, beautiful, blonde twin-tails right in front of him, Hayashi Maki swallowed. He glanced at Utaha, arms folded, leaning in to observe.
The black-stockings senpai waved a hand.
"Don't mind me. I'm just watching. Reference."
Her tone sounded a little wounded, but not like she hated him for it.
Hayashi Maki's heart skipped; he didn't hesitate anymore. He slipped an arm around Eriri's slim waist and drew her in. Her waist really was slender—and so soft. On par with Yukino's. They were both the delicate type, though Eriri was a bit more developed. Because her waist was so trim and her frame so petite and cute, she actually had more to her than she looked.
Breathing in her faint fragrance, Hayashi Maki leaned closer.
"Okay then, here I come, Eriri."
"Don't be nervous—it'll just take a bit."
Eriri's body trembled; her cheeks were scarlet. What was with his phrasing—"just a bit"? She thought it would be a quick peck. But "a bit" sounded… not quick at all.
Mortified and shaking, she still couldn't back out. Hayashi Maki wasn't about to waste the chance. His warm lips gently covered her rosy mouth.
He began establishing the mana channel. To prove he was actually working, he let his mana show—violet light blooming where their lips met.
Utaha's eyes widened; her breath quickened. It was Eriri kissing Hayashi Maki, but she was the one getting worked up… a strange blend of shame and sourness.
I knew him first… The thought flashed through her mind—and inspiration crashed over her. So this is what Kouhai-kun meant by White Album, huh? Of course it hurts a little.
Unlike Utaha's quiet ache, Eriri felt like she might faint. Hayashi Maki's lips were so hot. And then—what was that? How could he—? First kiss and he's this intense—was he serious? Why was he so practiced?!
Her legs went weak; she melted into his arms. If his hand hadn't been supporting her waist, she would've slid to the floor.
That strange, shy sensation made Eriri open her eyes on instinct—right into his burning gaze. He didn't speak, yet she clearly "heard" his voice in her mind:
"Don't move. We need a bit longer. The mana channel is started—next I'll use my mana to find the anomaly and seal it. We'll handle the art first; later I'll take you to track down the curse's source and end it for good."
"…Thank you." Eriri was moved. First time meeting again, and this handsome guy—her grade-school classmate—was doing this much for her. He was saving her dream. He deserved real gratitude.
Hayashi Maki hugged her waist tighter, deepening the kiss, and answered telepathically:
"No need to thank me. I'm not losing out—Eriri's first kiss is mine now."
Eriri nearly swooned. As expected—this guy does like me, huh? Just a grade-school classmate, and he's thought about me for this long… Somehow, it felt… kind of nice.
Embarrassing, but not unpleasant. Foggy-headed, she followed his lead and slowly looped her arms around his neck.
"Wow…" Utaha stared, eyes wide, as Eriri started responding—her heart grew even sourer. So kissing… is actually kind of wonderful? Otherwise, why did Sawamura look like she was enjoying it? Ugh! I knew him first! You philandering kouhai!
After a long moment, light flickered over Eriri and Hayashi Maki reluctantly let her go.
"All right, Eriri—the curse is temporarily sealed. Rest a second, then try a test sheet."
"Mm… okay…" Eriri, legs still wobbly, leaned against him, clearly not over the moment yet, cheeks flushed bright.
Utaha drifted close and gave her a ghostly stare.
"Sawamura, how long are you planning to cling to Kouhai-kun?"
"Ah? I—I'm not clinging!" Eriri sprang upright, fighting the heat burning in her face, and sat at the desk. She grabbed her pen and went to work.
Utaha gave a soft "hmph," then looked at Hayashi Maki.
"Kouhai-kun—how did our junior's lips taste?"
Hayashi Maki coughed twice, then answered honestly, "Pretty good… sweet. I, uh, wonder how Senpai's would—"
He felt a weight on his foot: a dainty, black-stockinged foot pressing down, a gentle warning full of grievance.
"In your dreams," Utaha said coolly. "Kissing other girls right in front of me and still thinking about kissing me? Kouhai-kun, I am not happy today."
"Uh, Senpai, I didn't have a choice—it was to suppress the curse."
"Hmph. I don't care. I'll remember this for life. Don't expect me to forgive you easily."
Hayashi Maki gave a sheepish smile and, while Eriri was scribbling away, boldly swept Utaha into his arms.
"Then next time… how about we let Eriri watch?" he sent over the mind link. No way he'd say that out loud—Eriri would blow her top.
Startled by his audacity, Utaha's body trembled on reflex. And yet… why did that sound kind of tempting?