The next day.
After soothing Mashiro Shiina, who had wriggled into his arms to be pampered, Hayashi Maki got up with her, washed up, and had breakfast.
While dressing Mashiro, he couldn't help thinking of the tsundere noble girl Louise. Compared side by side, Louise's bust was even more "minimal" than Yukino-chan's used to be. He suddenly felt he had a long road ahead. Mashiro, thanks to his efforts, hadn't reached Mahiru's "standard," but she'd made progress.
Entertaining wicked thoughts, Hayashi Maki headed to school with the girls. Under classmates' envious gazes, Ako Tamaki chattered and clung to him as usual.
Behind him, Gabriel slumped on her desk like a salted fish—probably up gaming all night.
Hayashi Maki handed her a piece of bread; Gabriel took it without a shred of politeness. Vignette patiently coaxed Gabriel to do her homework, occasionally shooting Hayashi Maki a complicated look.
As the senpai who'd helped her power up, she had a special feeling about him—but he seemed a bit too flirtatious, and every so often her chest tightened in a way she couldn't name.
Satania, still her chunni self, considered Gabriel a rival and kept buying bizarre "demon realm" gadgets to use against her—only to get countered every time.
Then she'd cling to Hayashi Maki, begging for "Great Demon Lord" training. Hayashi Maki never refused the adorably dim little demon—every time he "trained" her, holding her close and kissing her carefully.
With the end of the month near, Gabriel was eagerly awaiting heaven's monthly allowance; she'd spent her money on gacha and was stone broke.
The big-busted, black-bellied angel from the next class, Raphiel, also stopped by often to hang with Gabriel and Satania. Satania hated it—she truly felt Raphiel was too wicked, always tricking and trolling her. Couldn't someone rein in that angel?
Hayashi Maki basked in his normie life, content and oddly at peace. This calm, steady routine was what he wanted.
At lunch, Ako planned to cling to Hayashi Maki, eat together, and get cozy—but Yumiko Miura and Mahiru pulled her away. Girls gossiping and chatting—it made for a nice everyday rhythm. Kyoh Goshoin and Akane Segawa from the Electronic Network Club, introduced by Hayashi Maki, were now friendly with the group, too.
At this rate, Ako would soon shake off her reality/online confusion. You can't live online forever; you have to face life head-on. Ako had retreated into the net out of loneliness; now, with like-minded friends and newfound camaraderie, she was adapting. Still, she felt love mattered more and kept scheming for one-on-one cuddle time with Hayashi Maki.
With Ako and the others off to lunch, Hayashi Maki headed to the rooftop. After a long-overdue chat with the beautiful Utaha Kasumigaoka about light-novel craft, he held her and enjoyed a quiet midday rest.
Leaning in his arms, Utaha's eyes held a hint of grievance. The more she learned about him, the more she realized how flirtatious he was—so many pretty girls liked him. He really was a light-novel protagonist, wasn't he? Otherwise, who gets this kind of treatment?
He noticed her look and simply kissed her to comfort her and show his feelings. Utaha gave a token push and accepted, blushing, arms sliding around his neck to answer softly. How could he let such a senpai down? He'd see it through to the end.
His identity and his retainer-contract powers meant he was destined to be a "scumbag," so he'd walk that road to the end and take what he wanted. If something was his, he wouldn't let go.
After trading notes on writing—and on their relationship—the noon break ended.
Afternoon.
Two classes later, Hayashi Maki waited at the school parking lot. Soon, a beauty in office attire—a pencil skirt and long cherry-colored hair—appeared. Seeing him by her car, Mafuyu Kirisu's heart skipped; she eyed him warily.
"You little punk—why are you here?"
"Waiting for you. I'm visiting your place today. My grades have been dipping, so I wanted to ask Kirisu-sensei for tutoring…"
He spoke while eyeing her with a half-smile, licking his lips. Mafuyu shot him a look. "As if. My sister's home; I don't have time to tutor you!"
Hayashi Maki stepped closer, talking as he walked. "Your sister won't stop us from studying. Kirisu-sensei, if you turn me down, I'll be so sad."
"Who cares about—don't… don't come any closer. Stay right th—mmph… don't…"
He didn't give her the chance to refuse—he pulled her into his arms and kissed her rosy lips. Mafuyu blushed and pushed hard, but it was useless—she couldn't move him.
She stared at the shameless delinquent, feeling her body go soft on its own. It wasn't her first time being kissed like this; though nervous, she was getting used to it.
After a while, he reluctantly let her go and teased, "So… taking me home, Kirisu-sensei?"
"Ugh… you little brat—let me go… fine, I'll take you."
"You could've just said yes. Why make me bring out that move? Can you walk? Your legs look a little wobbly."
"Hmph—and whose fault is that?" She shot him a look, pushed him away, and opened the driver's door. "Get in. At my place, no funny business—and don't say anything weird in front of my sister. Otherwise—"
"Otherwise what?" he asked, amused.
"Otherwise I'll never forgive you."
She was dead serious. Her sister, Miharu Kirisu, held a special place in her heart. As the big sister her sibling admired, she had to maintain her dignity—and she absolutely couldn't let her see her messy side.
(Meaning: she couldn't cook, lived on takeout, and didn't clean.)
Seeing how serious she was, Hayashi Maki nodded. "Got it. I won't do anything odd in front of your sister."
"You'd better keep your word," Mafuyu huffed at the little troublemaker. "Seat belt. We're driving."