Back in the office, Mafuyu Kirisu still hadn't recovered from the shock of what just happened.
Just thinking about a certain delinquent student's kiss made her cheeks burn scarlet with anger.
A moment ago, that someone had basically monopolized her for forty minutes—an entire class period.
He'd even made her skip class.
Thankfully it was her own class—first-year Class B.
That "someone" even messaged the class rep, Nibutani Shinka, saying she'd told everyone to self-study this period.
How can there be a man that shameless?
While Mafuyu's feelings tangled into a knot and Hayashi Maki left her flustered and off balance, Hayashi Maki himself had already strolled back to his classroom seat, looking fresh as a daisy.
He knew perfectly well he'd been out of line.
But to him it wasn't a big deal.
He handled other girls the same way—kiss first, build the feelings later.
The whole point was to leave a deep impression so they'd remember him and a bond would form.
That way, with a preliminary "contract," he could even watch her status from a God's-eye view.
When he returned to class, the boys all stared at him with thinly veiled envy.
Especially Hachiman Hikigaya—those dead-fish eyes looked like they might bore a hole right through him.
"Damn normies, go explode already!" he declared, secretly wishing he could trade places with Hayashi Maki.
How come that guy plays a game and ends up with a gorgeous wife?
Meanwhile, when he played, he ran into a crossdressing guy.
From the moment he met that "girl" offline, Hachiman swore he'd never believe any "girl" in an online game again.
And yet Hayashi Maki hit the minuscule jackpot—his in-game "wife" turned out to be an adorable girl.
As for how he knew Ako was Hayashi Maki's in-game wife—
Honestly, the whole class knew by now.
All thanks to Shiina Mahiru.
After Hayashi Maki left with Mafuyu Kirisu, Mahiru took the initiative to chat with Ako and, in the process, revealed that Ako and Hayashi Maki were married in an online game.
That way, no one would misunderstand Hayashi Maki.
Facing Mahiru—the official girlfriend of her "husband"—Ako Tamaki felt a little nervous.
But after a bit of conversation, Mahiru's friendliness won her over, and they became friends.
What else could she do?
Ako might be jealous and want to monopolize her husband Hayashi Maki, but she didn't have the confidence to challenge Mahiru head-on.
So she compromised.
But she wasn't giving up on poaching him.
Before they knew it, second period ended.
As soon as the bell rang, Ako dashed over, threw her arms around Hayashi Maki's, and nuzzled his arm with her cheek.
"Hubby, Ako missed you so much."
Hayashi Maki helplessly patted her head.
"At school, call me Hayashi Maki, dummy."
"And keep an eye on the setting, okay? Now's not the time to be all over me."
"Hee-hee, sorry. I just missed you too much. Oh, and I made a bento today—want to eat together, hubby?"
She fixed him with bright blue eyes, like he was the only thing in her world.
Hayashi Maki could practically see a wagging puppy tail behind her.
Who could say no to a knockout of a girl who only had eyes for him?
He smiled and nodded.
"Okay. Then at lunch, eat with Mahiru and the others."
"Yay—wait, hold on. Why with Mahiru and the others? What about you, hubby?"
"I've got something to do. Next time. Be good, Ako—get along with Mahiru and the others, okay?"
"Mm… if you say so."
She lowered her head, looking crestfallen.
Hayashi Maki pinched her cheek. "Then give me the bento. I'll savor it."
Ako brightened, pulled the lunchbox she'd made from her desk, and handed it to him.
Since she already thought of him as her husband, making his lunch every day felt only natural.
Shiina Mahiru felt a bit of a headache coming on at the sight.
Ako was stealing her job!
Noon rolled around.
Hayashi Maki, Shiina Mahiru, Ako Tamaki, Yumiko Miura, plus Yui Yuigahama, Hina Ebina, Shinka Nibutani, and Megumi Kato were all eating together on a patch of lawn.
To spare Ako's feelings, Hayashi Maki finally gave up on his plan to sneak off for a noon rendezvous with Utaha-senpai and chose to eat with the girls.
Ako's reality–online confusion had a lot to do with her mother's neglect and, directly, with not having friends.
So if she spent more time with Mahiru, Yumiko, and the others, things would definitely improve.
People have to live in the real world; you can't stay in an online game forever.
Hina Ebina and Yui Yuigahama kept sneaking curious glances at Hayashi Maki.
They had clearly noticed how clingy Yumiko Miura had been with him lately.
So they couldn't tell who exactly he was dating.
And the way Mahiru and Yumiko got along so well only made things murkier.
For friendship's sake, Yui and Hina weren't about to pry into someone else's love life.
Besides, things were fine as they were.
At least Yumiko looked happy.
If their friend was happy, Yui and Hina were happy too.
Since Ako had brought a bento, Hayashi Maki ended up eating two lunches.
Now he was lying with his head in Yumiko Miura's lap, rubbing his stomach.
"I'm stuffed. I can't eat another bite."
Ako eyed them sourly; she wanted his head on her lap too.
Ugh—she'd thought Mahiru was her only rival.
Why was Yumiko one as well?
While plotting, Ako "friendly" offered Yumiko a drink.
"Miura, want something to drink?"
"Huh? For me?"
"Yeah. I think you're really pretty—and super elegant."
"Uh… am I? Th-thanks."
Flattered, Yumiko absent-mindedly took a sip.
A little later, she had to excuse herself to the restroom.
Quick as a fox, Ako slid into Yumiko's spot and guided Hayashi Maki's head onto her lap.
"Hee-hee."
She giggled happily, gently stroking his hair now and then.
Schemer Ako, entering the scene!
Shiina Mahiru and Shinka Nibutani were speechless.
This Ako was way too crafty!
And poor Yumiko fell for it.
Yui Yuigahama was still bewildered.
When Hayashi Maki had laid his head on Yumiko's lap and she hadn't pushed him away—just blushed—Yui had guessed they were dating.
But what about Mahiru?
She was smiling and didn't object at all.
So what on earth was going on?
Yui poked Shinka Nibutani in the side, tugged discreetly on Hina Ebina's arm, and shot them both a questioning look.
"What is going on? Why is Yumiko that close to Hayashi Maki? And… why isn't Mahiru objecting?"
Shinka Nibutani cast a resentful glance at a certain someone sleeping soundly on a girl's lap.
"What else? Yumiko and Mahiru are both his girlfriends."
"Huh? How is that okay? Isn't that… two-timing?"
Shinka shrugged. "They're both fine with it. Why would you be against it?"
"I… fine. Forget I asked."
The bun-haired girl pouted and let it drop.
Hina Ebina patted her shoulder in comfort.
"Don't overthink it. If Yumiko's okay with that kind of relationship, we just support her. Still, Hayashi Maki really is an unbelievable—and dangerous—man." She pushed up her glasses and couldn't help letting out a sigh.