Even during lunch, Hiratsuka Shizuka was still agonizing over the question: Was it really cream?
Her rational mind told her that whatever was in Mayu's mouth definitely wasn't cream.
But she didn't dare think further.
Because once she did, she'd have to admit that Mayu had made a mistake too—and that would make her own past mistake a bit more understandable.
Besides, being around Makoto today, she felt his charm was stronger than ever.
She didn't feel the feverish heat from that night, but she still couldn't stop her mind from wandering, even secretly hoping he would pay her a bit more attention.
With her thoughts in chaos, Hiratsuka maintained a calm appearance on the surface, casually chatting with Makoto as if nothing was wrong.
The three of them were seated apart from each other, with the tablecloth conveniently blocking their lower bodies from view.
It was Mayu who had started the small talk, mainly discussing the online feedback about the short film.
"These past few days, I've seen so many unreasonable comments. It's really frustrating!
Stuff like 'the lead actress is trying too hard'—Ichika clearly acted so well. And even if she was pushing herself, isn't that what an actor should do for a role?"
Mayu, with her delicate oval face, looked adorably puffed up with anger.
Hiratsuka Shizuka smiled and responded,
"That's just how the internet is. If some people like something, others will naturally dislike it. You don't need to let it bother you so much, Mayu."
"She's right," Makoto agreed. "There's actually more praise online than complaints. That's enough for us."
"I just think those people are deliberately stirring things up…"
Mayu muttered, her voice soft and sweet, even when upset.
Makoto was about to comfort her when he suddenly felt something strange under the table.
Keeping a straight face, he stood to grab some food, and as he sat back down, he casually glanced under the table.
Sure enough—he saw a black-stockinged leg.
He was wearing gym shorts today, which didn't even reach his knees. And right now, that black-stocking-clad foot was rubbing against his leg, her toes brushing and teasing him gently.
What kind of man could stay calm under this kind of assault?
Makoto glanced at the two beautiful teachers across the table.
Mayu was eating quietly, looking completely innocent.
Hiratsuka Shizuka was trying to comfort her, totally unaware of what was happening under the table.
Such an act!
Even someone as gentle and honest as Mayu could become a little mischievous as their relationship deepened.
Makoto couldn't help but recall an internet saying: slow burn, fast burn, self-heating.
Mayu used to be the "slow burn" type—she'd never dated before, still had her first kiss, and was always slow to warm up in love.
But after she gave everything to Makoto, she entered a "fast burn" state—igniting with just a spark.
Today, though, was different.
After her kitchen "verbal training," and under the influence of the charm badge buff, she was now in "self-heating" mode.
No need for seduction—she took initiative on her own.
Perhaps because Hiratsuka hadn't noticed anything, Mayu was feeling bold.
Her little foot under the table grew bolder, sliding up Makoto's leg.
Though she wasn't tall, she had an excellent waist-to-leg ratio.
With the stockings on, the sensation of her touch was completely different—much more tempting.
Makoto adjusted his posture slightly to make it easier for her to "attack."
Mayu paused her chopsticks for a second—she clearly noticed.
But she acted perfectly calm, lowering her head to elegantly taste the braised tofu in her bowl, letting her hair hide the blush spreading across her cheeks as she focused her energy on mischief under the table.
The more she teased, the harder it became for Makoto to keep his composure.
It was undeniably enticing. Fun, too.
But he was a healthy, energetic young man.
Even without a [Strong Red Bull] energy boost, he was always ready to go.
To avoid triggering [Nino's Gift] from any misfiring, he had to forcibly shift his attention.
After about five minutes, Mayu finally withdrew her foot.
Her cheeks were already flushed.
Thankfully, Hiratsuka Shizuka was preoccupied with her own guilty thoughts and hadn't noticed anything unusual.
After lunch, Makoto volunteered to wash the dishes.
Mayu, who had a habit of napping after lunch, went to the guest room to rest.
She'd originally wanted to nap in Makoto's bedroom, but with Hiratsuka still present, she didn't want to arouse her best friend's suspicions.
Not long after, Makoto came out of the kitchen, and Hiratsuka, seated on the couch, immediately tensed up, unable to focus on the TV anymore.
Makoto didn't push things immediately.
He sat across from her and said, "Hiratsuka-sensei."
"Ah? What is it?"
Just hearing his voice made her even more nervous.
Makoto calmly said, "I was paying attention earlier—seems like you also think the short film turned out pretty well?"
So he's talking about something serious?
Hiratsuka instantly relaxed and smiled.
"Of course. I watched it three times, actually. Oh, and Sawamura-san watched it a few times too—she even got scared. If I hadn't probed a little, she wouldn't have admitted it."
Makoto said, "Actually, besides that script, I've got a few more that I think are pretty decent."
"You do?" Hiratsuka was surprised.
"Yes."
"You're still in high school! At your age, I was still obsessed with manga…"
Her beautiful eyes locked onto him, unable to look away.
Makoto continued, "It's no big deal. I'm telling you this mainly because I was wondering—do you know anyone in the film industry?"
"Oh, are you thinking of selling a script?"
"Something like that."
"I don't know anyone directly, but I could ask around. I've got a friend with good connections."
"Then I'll be counting on you."
As their conversation continued, Hiratsuka relaxed more and more, even teasing him:
"Sometimes you really don't feel like a high school student. You seem more like a friend."
"A friend? Like a guy bestie?" Makoto played along.
Hiratsuka paused, then burst out laughing.
"Haha, 'guy bestie'—that's a funny way to put it. But you're too young. You'd have to wait a few years if you want to be my bestie."
"Funny—'cause I never planned to be your bestie."
"Oh? So you want to be friends, then?"
"Friendship is great, just like we are now—chatting happily and talking about anything."
Hearing that, Hiratsuka suddenly fell silent.
She only just realized—she'd been enjoying the conversation too much, her focus entirely on him…
No!
It wasn't just attention—her heart was involved too.
She even thought, If only I could keep talking to him all weekend, I wouldn't feel so lonely.
Makoto saw the moment and knew it was time to make a move.
He got up and slowly walked toward her, speaking casually: "Why'd you stop talking all of a sudden?"
"Eh? Sorry, I spaced out for a second… Wait, what are you doing?" Hiratsuka's heartbeat quickened as he approached.
She wanted to know.
Makoto sat beside her and met her nervous gaze. "Whether it's friends or guy besties… neither are allowed to kiss, right?"
Hiratsuka was dumbfounded.
That sudden attack hit right through her fragile defenses, striking straight at her panicked yet yearning heart.
"W-What are you talking about? Didn't we agree not to bring that up again?"
She stammered, not daring to look into his eyes.
Then Makoto calmly dropped a bomb: "Did I ever say that?"
Hiratsuka froze for two seconds—then went quiet.
She remembered now—there had been no such agreement between them.
In fact, what Makoto had said that night was: "I'll remember it."
And that clearly meant: he remembered the kiss, remembered her disheveled appearance, remembered that she was the one who hugged him first.
Hiratsuka was flustered, her cheeks blazing red, the flush even spreading down her neck.
She didn't know how to respond.
Worst of all, with him this close, she found herself thinking: I like this… I wish he'd come even closer…
"Do you remember now?" Makoto pressed on.
Face burning, Hiratsuka said, "Um… Mayu's still resting in the other room. Can we talk about this another time…"
Her weak tone was adorable.
So Makoto reached out and wrapped his arm around her slender waist.
Hiratsuka nearly cried out but held her voice just in time.
That brief daze was all it took—she fell into his arms, and the warmth and strength of his embrace made her feel weak all over.
After holding herself back for so many years, she was even easier to stir up than Mayu.
More importantly, the charm badge buff was getting to her. Her long, shapely legs under her pants squeezed together unconsciously.
"Fushimi, don't…"
Before she could finish, Makoto cut her off. "I'm here to collect a debt."
"A debt?" she turned her flushed face to him.
"You scared me last time. Don't you think I deserve some kind of compensation? Or maybe… you should take the initiative to repay it?"
Hiratsuka's breathing turned chaotic.
The two of them were pressed tightly together, her form-fitting top hugging her mature curves.
Because she was sideways in his arms, the usually-hidden curves of her hips and waist—usually concealed beneath her pants—were now unmistakably visible.
Feeling Makoto's warm breath, her heart pounded wildly.
Her eyes, slightly dazed, lifted to meet his—and her answer, breathy and sweet, was:
"Not in the living room… okay?"
The charm badge had magnified the emotions in her heart. She decided to stop resisting and follow her true feelings.
After all, it wasn't just her who had made a mistake.
Mayu made a mistake too!
That was what she thought when Makoto picked her up by the waist.
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