The next day, when Mafuyu Kirisu woke up, he was already gone.
There wasn't a trace of him beside her; if not for his lingering scent and the odd way her body felt, she might have thought last night was just a dream.
Thinking about how that little brat wasn't hers alone, Mafuyu felt a stab of jealousy and subconsciously pouted.
"That two-timing brat… if he ever treats me badly, I won't let him touch me again!"
Muttering in embarrassment, she patted her cheeks, showered, got dressed, and went to the living room.
Miharu Kirisu wandered out, still sleepy, then beamed at her sister.
"Onee-chan, you're up so early—and you made breakfast! It smells amazing. You're the best!"
Looking at the breakfast on the table, Mafuyu's heart warmed; she knew perfectly well who had cooked it. Being praised by her sister only made her feel awkward. Still, keeping up the big-sister image, she nodded calmly and sat down to eat.
After breakfast, she changed into her professional outfit and drove to St. Hakuro Academy. There were still classes today. After being pestered by that brat all night, she hadn't had time to prep, so she'd have to squeeze it in at the office. Luckily, she taught history; worst case, she could teach straight from the text.
"Yo, Kirisu-sensei. Morning." A black-haired beauty in a white lab coat greeted her.
"Mm, good morning, HIratsuka-sensei," Mafuyu replied politely.
Hiratsuka Shizuka gave her a curious once-over. "Kirisu-sensei, is it just me, or do you look even prettier than usual today?"
Her cheeks were pink, with a certain indescribable allure.
"Ah? Really? Must be your imagination. I'm the same as always," Mafuyu deflected with a laugh—though inside, she was mortified. She knew what had changed: her purity was gone; she had truly become a woman. A change in aura was only natural.
"I don't think it's my imagination. Your skin looks more radiant. Using some secret cosmetics?" Shizuka teased with a smile.
"No, just my usual routine," Mafuyu said, waving her hands.
Shizuka sighed. "I envy you. My family's pushing me to marry—I'm at the end of my rope." Every mixer or blind date arranged by her parents ended in failure.
"Well, my family isn't in a hurry. Marriage is something to discuss when you meet the right person. Otherwise, better to stay single," Mafuyu said, cheeks heating as a certain someone's shameless, domineering words crossed her mind—how she could only belong to him.
Hiratsuka nodded. "You're right. Better to be single than marry someone who isn't a fit."
Freedom was nicer—except her family wouldn't let her be free. She sighed and went back to her desk to prep for class.
Mafuyu shook off her wandering thoughts, shooed that certain someone out of her head, and focused on her lesson plan.
A little later, a sweet-smiling blonde beauty arrived.
"Good morning, Kirisu-sensei."
It was Mahiru Shiina!
Seeing her made Mafuyu tense up; her cheeks flushed.
"Ah… Shiina-san, g-good morning. What brings you here?"
She was nervous by reflex. After all, even if Hayashi Maki had been the persistent one, she, the teacher, had slept with her student's girlfriend's boyfriend.
"Hehe, nothing big. I just brought this," Mahiru said gently, handing over a bento wrapped in floral cloth.
"This is… a lunch? For me?"
"Yup. We're going to be family from now on, right? Let's get along, Kirisu-sensei! At the end of the month, Mu-kun and I will help you move," Mahiru said earnestly—so warm and reassuring that it settled you from the inside out.
Mafuyu, scarlet with shame, didn't know what to say. She felt a burst of annoyance at Hayashi Maki. That jerk—had he already told Mahiru everything?
"Well then, I'll head back to class. See you later, Kirisu-sensei." With her goodwill delivered, Mahiru left the office, leaving Mafuyu conflicted and alone.
Looking down at the bento in her hands, she sighed. What else could she do but accept graciously? Not fighting was best—and, strangely, she felt much calmer. Thinking of Mahiru's angelic face and gentle nature, Mafuyu clenched a tiny fist.
"That brat—he's absurdly lucky to have such a good girlfriend. If he doesn't cherish her, I'll make him."
But the thought of "disciplining" him only made her deflate. If she tried, she'd probably be the one "disciplined" instead.
At noon, she opened the bento and ate; warmth spread through her. She had to admit—Shiina's cooking was truly superb. Much better than takeout. It even felt like she could taste the girl's feelings in every bite; it was strange and comforting. The chaos in her heart settled, and a smile tugged at her lips.
"Shiina-san is so thoughtful," she murmured. Maybe getting along with everyone wouldn't be so hard after all.
She'd barely finished when Hayashi Maki appeared with a grin. Mafuyu rolled her eyes.
"What are you doing here? It's lunch break—I don't have time to tutor you."
Hayashi Maki smiled. "Should we find somewhere quiet to talk?"
"Hmph. Come with me," she said—she knew the office wasn't the place for this.
In a secluded spot, Hayashi Maki spread his arms and pulled her into a hug.
"Ah—brat, be careful! If someone sees us, we're done."
Mafuyu's cheeks flamed; she wriggled a bit, heart pounding. His boldness left her helpless. She darted glances around, anxious.
Hayashi Maki simply smiled, sank onto the grass, and let her sit on his lap.
"Relax. No ordinary person will see."
He'd only just won her—he had to strike while the iron was hot: closeness to reinforce the bond. Feelings have to be maintained, or they fade. He was greedy; he couldn't afford to lose Mafuyu.
Of course, he'd said no ordinary person would see… and he hadn't said no extraordinary person would.
Sure enough: just as he kissed her, a kimono-clad girl with a blankly cute face, lost and wandering, rounded the corner—and witnessed them kissing.
"Eek! So bold!" Covering her mouth, Isumi Saginomiya stared, red-cheeked and stunned into stillness.