As a girl with a striking figure and looks, Sanshokuin Sumireko had already been the center of attention back in middle school.
She was even called the school beauty.
Because of that, countless boys chased after her—top students and sunny boys, as well as pretentious "cool" delinquents. They openly and secretly competed, trying to date her.
But Sumireko wasn't interested in any of it. She immersed herself in her own world and only wanted to read in peace.
She was, through and through, a literary beauty.
And with her gentle nature and outstanding looks, she triggered in others a strong urge both to protect and to conquer. Harassed to no end, Sumireko finally learned to disguise herself after meeting a best friend who resembled her by about 90%. She hid her true figure and face, then, without telling anyone in class, applied to St. Hakuro Academy, where she became an inconspicuous library assistant.
She even went to a Dimensional Magic Shop and bought a face-hiding pair of glasses from a witch.
She thought she could spend her high school days quietly—but Hayashi Maki's appearance ruined all her plans.
Feeling the man's heartbeat behind her and his hot breath, Sumireko—seated on his lap—blushed. It was her first time being this close to a boy. Scheming as she could be, at heart she was a delicate girl. Being held so assertively, she didn't know what to do. Thankfully he wasn't that impatient—he was just holding her. Otherwise she really might have cried.
"By the way, Sumireko—do you have any friends at school?" his voice asked by her ear.
Her body trembled slightly; she instinctively shook her head.
"None."
"Once I put on these glasses, everyone decided I was a gloomy, ugly girl. No one comes near me, let alone talks to me. So I don't have male or female friends here."
She did feel lonely sometimes. But compared to the trouble that followed her real face being exposed, the quiet suited her better.
Listening, Hayashi Maki's lips curved. "Well, now you have a boyfriend."
Sumireko rolled her eyes.
"I don't remember agreeing to date a womanizing scumbag like you."
"Heh, it's only a matter of time," he said, brimming with confidence.
"Thick-skinned!" she shot back, cheeks red, and wriggled a bit. "Could you… put your bad thing away?"
She'd never dated, but as a girl who read a lot, she knew what was what. She was perfectly aware of the "change" caused by the rogue holding her.
Hayashi Maki chuckled awkwardly and hugged the beauty in his arms tighter.
"Sorry—force majeure."
Feeling him tighten his hold, Sumireko's heart skipped; her breathing quickened.
"So… are you planning to bully me?"
"May I?" His eyes lit up, as if asking her opinion.
"Like hell!" She pinched the arm around her waist in irritation.
He didn't get angry; instead, he leaned in and brushed a kiss against her white neck. Feeling her shiver made his mood lift.
"In the end, you hide your face because you don't want to be bothered, right? If you had a strong boyfriend to protect you, everything would be easier."
"And I'm the perfect man for the job."
He shamelessly volunteered himself. Sumireko despised the line—but also felt a little shy. Hayashi Maki wasn't ordinary. He could see through the witch's glasses and teleport them from the library to here; clearly he was powerful. Being protected by someone like that… it moved her a bit. But he was a flirt—she couldn't accept that so easily.
She bit her lip and stayed silent.
Seeing she didn't answer, Hayashi Maki teased: "You're actually timid, aren't you?"
"Why else hide your face? Afraid of being discovered by someone?"
Her body flinched; he'd hit a nerve. With a soft sigh, she looked up at this shameless man with wounded eyes.
"Yes. I've been hiding from a man. He's my ex-boyfriend. Does that answer satisfy you?"
"Ex-boyfriend?" Hayashi Maki muttered. He lifted his hand from her tummy and gently tilted her chin up. Meeting her bright eyes, he asked, "What kind of guy gets to be Sumireko's ex? And why are you hiding from him? Will you tell me?"
Seeing the heat in his gaze, her face flamed. He clearly wanted to understand her—know her story. It felt like a couple sharing their hearts, and it made her shy.
She brushed his hand off her chin and looked away. "Why should I tell you? A girl's secrets aren't for you to pry into."
Hayashi Maki grinned and "threatened" her:
"If you don't tell me, I'm not letting you go today. I'll keep feeding you drinks; when you need the bathroom, I still won't let go."
"Huh?"
Sumireko stared, dumbfounded. "You can say something that awful with a straight face?"
He shrugged. "Why not? I mean what I say. Besides, I'm a demon; even if you curse me in your heart for not being human, I'll still do it."
"So—choose. Tell me honestly about that 'ex-boyfriend,' or I'll carry out my 'threat.'"
"…"
After a few seconds of silence, Sumireko sighed in defeat.
"Fine—you win."
How could she not? Just listen to him—holding her, plying her with water, refusing to let go even when she was desperate. If she slipped up for even a second, she'd die of embarrassment on the spot.
Hayashi Maki smiled in triumph. "Well then—this ex of yours."
Sumireko pinched him again, eyes full of reproach.
"He's not really my ex. He's just someone who took the liberty of calling himself that."