There's a saying: When someone gets desperate, they can do anything.
Likewise, when someone's in a rush, their rationality starts to fade with their growing frustration.
That was exactly how Utaha felt right now.
Irritated.
Annoyed.
And especially when she saw the flushed, happy expression on Eriri's face, she grew even more upset.
Just one "you're pretty" and you're swooning? Really Eriri? Have some pride will you?
Utaha crossed her arms, not in the mood to even look at the photos anymore. Her restlessness made her beautiful legs bounce impatiently.
Makoto had already memorized that little habit of hers.
He turned toward the bedroom. "I'm gonna grab something. You two can keep looking at the pictures."
He casually picked up the shopping bag with the tights inside.
"Okay," Eriri said, still engrossed in the photos.
Utaha stared at Makoto's back for a few seconds, then suddenly stood up and followed him.
She had no patience left.
She had to ask him directly.
Out of sight, Makoto's lips curled upward when he heard her footsteps behind him.
Finally, the moment I've been waiting for.
He had just entered the bedroom and set down the bag when a faint, sweet scent drifted over from behind.
He turned back slowly and saw Utaha with her chin slightly raised.
"You seem to have forgotten something important."
"You mean the tights I picked out for you? Aren't they right here? I even brought them into the room," Makoto replied calmly.
Utaha shot him a look of disdain. "You know that's not what I meant."
Makoto put on an innocent face. "Not the tights? Then… were you not happy with the two-shot photos?"
This bastard!
Utaha's chest rose and fell quickly. She refused to believe Makoto didn't understand what she was talking about.
Their previous interactions had made it clear—he was one step ahead of her.
So how could he possibly not realize she was irritated because he had been way too focused on Eriri?
Utaha fell silent for a moment, then stepped forward.
The distance between them closed. Her scent became even more distinct.
Makoto smelled her hair, her body wash, and… possibly her body lotion?
He wasn't entirely sure—he'd never seen her apply any.
But it definitely wasn't perfume.
"You wanted to see me get jealous, didn't you?"
Up close now, her beautiful eyes were filled with visible annoyance and anger.
"So you figured it out already?" Makoto said, feigning surprise.
Utaha gave him a knew it kind of look, her full figure nearly pressing against him.
"Well? Now that you've seen it—what's your impression?"
"Cute."
"..."
Utaha almost broke character.
Then Makoto added, "It's a shame the camera's still in the living room. Otherwise, I'd totally snap a shot of your expression right now."
"Because it looks good?" Utaha raised an eyebrow.
"No—because it looks good and it's cute." Makoto glanced at the bag on the floor. "But Senpai, you're still missing one crucial prop."
Utaha understood he meant the tights.
She suddenly pushed Makoto backward, away from the doorway.
In the next moment, she lifted her lovely face and said, "Given what you just pulled, you'll have to listen to me during this next shoot."
As she spoke, her slender fingers caressed Makoto's face, her wine-red eyes shimmering with excitement.
At that moment, the queenly aura returned to her.
"But the problem is—I'm the photographer," Makoto reminded her.
"What's that matter? You can make me look beautiful in photos anyway. But I know… what you really want isn't just to photograph me looking pretty..."
She paused, her tone becoming teasing.
"Because you like my legs."
Watching her try to take back control, Makoto couldn't help laughing. "Honestly, your expression right now is really cute."
Utaha's cheeks turned a little red. Can this guy read the mood or not?
She wanted to regain the upper hand—to become the hunter, not the prey.
But Makoto wasn't taking the bait.
"Thanks for the compliment," she said.
Utaha raised her other hand, now gently cupping Makoto's face.
With her blushing, refined features and those smoldering, fire-lit eyes, the sight of her was breathtaking.
"I should remind you," Makoto said, "Sawamura-san is still outside."
Utaha just smiled.
"I know Eriri better than you. She's completely absorbed in those pretty photos. And we're in the bedroom—unless you call her in, she's not going to interrupt—"
She didn't get to finish.
Suddenly, Eriri's voice rang from outside: "Fushimi, can you send me those photos tonight? I want to show my mom—eh?"
Utaha froze and turned sharply.
Eriri was standing just outside the door, eyes wide as saucers, staring in shock at the two of them pressed close together.
The air seemed to go completely still.
"You two… I'm sorry."
Eriri didn't even finish her sentence. With a stunned expression, she turned and ran.
She called out quickly, "Fushimi, I'm heading home first. Thanks for the pictures today!"
Then came the sound of rapid footsteps—and finally the door slamming shut.
Eriri only slowed down after she reached the hallway outside the building.
Breathing heavily, she tried to collect herself.
So Senpai and Fushimi are… that kind of relationship? No wonder they came back together today…
Her cheeks turned bright red again. That image from just now had clearly rattled her.
From her angle, the two of them had looked exactly like they were about to kiss.
But then, as she thought about it more, Eriri suddenly realized something wasn't right.
"Did Fushimi's posture just now… look like he was being forced?"
She recalled the moment Utaha cupped Makoto's face, tiptoed, and leaned in close—and immediately froze in place.
She had the impulse to go back and confirm what had really happened.
But two seconds later, she chickened out.
…
"See? I warned you, but you didn't listen," Makoto said with a chuckle.
Utaha awkwardly let go of Makoto's face. She hadn't expected Eriri to walk in at that exact moment.
Just as she was thinking of doing something to ease the tension, she suddenly felt his arm tighten around her waist—Makoto had pulled her into an embrace.
When she looked up in shock, their faces were nearly touching.
"You..."
"Now the prey is going to strike back at the hunter, Senpai."
Hearing that, Utaha felt a mix of shame and frustration. So he had noticed she was trying to seize the upper hand.
But her pride wouldn't let her admit defeat so easily.
"Aren't you going to take pictures anymore?" She tried to stall for time.
Makoto replied, "Senpai, have you ever heard the saying? The human eye is the best camera."
Utaha's crimson lips were sealed.
She and Eriri had gone out after dinner.
Makoto, however, hadn't eaten.
So yes—he was actually hungry.
___
Time to eat!
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