"You've started tutoring the Nakano girls already, right? How's it going so far?"
The moment the call connected, Yukino got straight to the point.
Makoto: "Yeah, I've been tutoring them for a few days now. Everything's going well.
But suddenly calling to ask this—could it be you're feeling nostalgic about the good old days of explaining problems and want to join our little tutoring family?"
"Tutoring family? That's exactly the kind of dumb thing you'd say." Yukino scoffed.
Makoto had long gotten used to her sharp tongue. "So you're not joining us?"
Yukino sighed on the other end. "It's not that I want to join—one of the Nakano girls who likes you is bragging to me online."
"Bragging about what?" Makoto guessed it was Ichika.
"She thinks she's made obvious progress in her studies and hinted to me that I probably won't be able to challenge her academically anymore."
"No wonder you're calling me. Looks like you've got a plan for a little counterattack and need my cooperation?"
Makoto imagined Ichika messaging Yukino and couldn't help but laugh—it was a funny mental image.
"I'll correct you—it's not a counterattack, it's a proper response, just as she wished," Yukino said.
"So you want to come along next time I tutor them? If that's the case, do I get to see you one-versus-five?"
"…You're so dumb I'm not even sure I want to answer you."
"Okay, I'll be serious."
"I don't need to visit the Nakano house. Don't you often invite all five of them to the clubroom to relax?
Next time they're there, just don't interrupt. I'll be the one to test Ichika's academic progress."
"No problem."
Makoto agreed quickly.
As for whether he'd actually stay quiet then… only he knew that.
"I'm hanging up now. I have to go out with my mother later."
Then Yukino's voice softened a little. "And also… thank you."
She knew well—thanks to Makoto, her relationship with her mother had been getting better.
Makoto chuckled, "Looks like Aunt Yukinoshita was impressed with our film?"
"Mm. Not just with the quality—she was also very satisfied with the buzz it generated and your directing skills on set."
"Put more bluntly, she sees my potential… I haven't eaten yet. Should I come over for dinner?"
"If you want to come, come. Your legs are your own—I couldn't stop you even if I wanted to."
"On second thought, maybe not. Last time your mom wanted to introduce me to her rich friends.
Even though I'd love to meet some rich ladies, when I think about it… you're already a perfect rich lady. Why would I need to meet her friends?"
"I'm hanging up."
Yukino ended the call without hesitation.
The conversation had clearly gone off the rails. If she kept responding, who knows what outrageous thing he'd say next?
Like that infamous line from before: "Is Yukino there? Let me see those legs."
Putting her phone away, Yukino returned to the living room. Her elegant, graceful mother looked over and asked, "You finished talking with him?"
"Yeah, let's go eat," Yukino nodded.
Mrs. Yukinoshita stood up and casually asked, "You've known Makoto for quite a while now. What kind of boy do you think he is?"
Yukino froze for a second, and her gaze softened without her realizing it, a trace of charm in her expression. "Not very serious, but very dependable."
"That's a high compliment, coming from someone with your personality," her mother said with a smile.
Yukino recalled a series of embarrassing and happy moments, and finally said, trying to stay composed, "And he's someone who likes to be petty."
"Oh? I didn't notice that," her mother said, thinking for a moment and shaking her head.
Yukino didn't explain this time.
To be honest, she couldn't explain it.
In her heart, Makoto was definitely someone who liked to haggle.
For example, that time at her house, when he kissed her for so long. Even if she wanted him to kiss a bit less, he wouldn't relent!
…
On the other side—
Makoto met up with Utaha at the address she sent.
She was just as beautiful as ever.
Her light-colored long dress fit her tall figure perfectly, with the belt highlighting her slender waist and emphasizing her curves that far surpassed those of most girls her age.
The only regret for Makoto was that she wore a long dress past her knees—no black stockings this time.
But he didn't show it on his face and asked, "So, senpai, what's this fun thing you mentioned?"
"I'll show you. It's just ahead." Utaha smiled with amusement, clearly remembering something funny.
Still curious, Makoto followed beside her. To any passerby, they looked like a perfect couple.
Soon, they arrived at the destination.
And Makoto saw exactly what she meant by "fun."
Ahead, a group of young girls were holding up banners and waving glowsticks—some even had megaphones and were cheering.
What stunned Makoto was that the banner read: "Ichika Fan Club."
Quite a few people were watching, and some were filming with their phones.
"So? Isn't it fun?" Utaha asked with a smile.
Makoto chuckled and nodded. "I didn't expect Ichika to have a fan club this soon."
"Well, she is beautiful. You've admitted that yourself." Utaha's smile didn't change.
Makoto remained calm.
When a girl compliments another girl in front of you, that's definitely something.
Utaha spoke again, "Why are you suddenly so quiet?"
"I'm wondering if senpai is trying to trap me," Makoto said.
"And what if I say yes?"
"Then I'll jump into the trap first… and find a way to drag you in with me."
Makoto added deliberately, "Just like that day."
"That day?" Utaha didn't react immediately.
Makoto gave a clue: "You know, I like to improvise."
Utaha's face stiffened as she recalled the moment she'd accidentally lost her first kiss to him.
What annoyed her most was that even though it was such a precious first kiss, she could only blame her own lack of awareness.
Because she had said to him: "I'll allow you to improvise."
[She said: You may begin.]
While Utaha was still trying to recover from her embarrassment, she caught something in the corner of her eye—two familiar figures behind the fan club.
She froze, then smirked playfully. "Guess who I see?"
Makoto followed her gaze and spotted two people approaching the fan club—it was the Yukinoshita mother and daughter.
Utaha noticed his reaction and leaned in with a sly smile.
"You and Yukinoshita have a pretty close relationship, right? Should I help you out and make sure we don't get noticed?"
Despite her words, her mature and curvy figure leaned closer—her chest almost touching him.
Her soft red lips parted slightly, revealing a hint of her pink tongue. "This time, too… I'll allow you to improvise."
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