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Mahiru Shiina felt like she was right back in that night—when she was hurting so badly that he had to carry her home.
And then, because of the way he stirred her up, she took her first steps into adulthood.
To be honest, Andrew was really gentle.
He made her feel… amazing.
"It's just that he was too annoying—so annoying that she felt all kinds of complicated emotions, which is why she kept snapping at him."
Now, held in his arms again, Mahiru's delicate body trembled slightly, and her cheeks were red all the way to her ears.
She didn't know what kind of expression she was making right now, but she was sure it was super embarrassing.
Andrew gently rested his hand on her long, slender leg, which was wrapped in black stockings.
Then, looking a little awkward, he mumbled, "Sorry for tearing these last time. I'll buy you a new pair once I've made some money."
Mahiru's brain nearly exploded.
Did he really just say that!?
She opened her eyes and glared at him, her face flushed with shame and anger. "D-Do we have to do that!?"
"Of course," Andrew replied confidently.
Mahiru sighed, closed her eyes, and asked in a low, wronged voice, "Then why didn't you do anything last night?"
Andrew answered honestly.
"Because I was afraid you'd get in your head about things. I just wanted to stay close and make sure you were okay."
"But then today, I saw you chatting and laughing with your classmates and totally ignoring me. I thought you were avoiding me… I was actually kinda down about it. But then you surprised me by bringing me a lunchbox."
"I mean, a girl like you who makes my heart skip a beat—how could I not take responsibility?"
That made Mahiru even more annoyed. She smacked his hand off her leg and puffed up angrily.
"You didn't even try talking to me! How is that my fault!? And you were totally ogling Miura and Yukinoshita and the others!"
Andrew scratched his cheek, looking a bit sheepish. "Okay yeah, maybe… but hey, don't change the subject. That has nothing to do with what's happening tonight."
"Anyway, time's limited. Let's not waste it."
With that, Andrew leaned in and kissed her again.
Mahiru trembled, her body going soft and powerless.
And she considered herself pretty athletic—confident she could hold her own against guys in most sports.
So why was it that when he held her like this… she couldn't fight back at all?
Mahiru gave him one pitiful look, like she was accepting her fate, and slowly closed her eyes.
Just as she was bracing herself—nervous but also strangely anticipating something…
Andrew suddenly stopped.
"Sorry," he said. "I just realized—I'm being a jerk again. And you'll probably hate me for this later. So… let's just sleep. Good night, Mahiru."
…Huh?
What the hell?
Mahiru's face flipped between red and pale in seconds.
"This bastard! He kissed her, hugged her, riled her up until she was all hot and bothered—and then he stopped!?"
Who even does that!?
She bit down hard on his neck in frustration.
"—Hssshh!" Andrew winced from the pain but didn't push her away. He just gently stroked her hair.
That's when Mahiru realized…
She'd walked right into his trap.
That jerk was messing with her on purpose.
How far did he have to push her before he was satisfied!?
Frustrated and teary-eyed, Mahiru loosened her bite and started sobbing quietly.
Andrew let out a sigh, kissed her on the lips again, and said gently, "Sorry… I figured if I'm gonna be bad, I should go all in. I told you I'd make it up to you, right? I can't go back on that."
And then he kissed her again—deeper this time.
His big hand returned to her stocking-covered leg.
But this time, Mahiru didn't say she hated it. She didn't struggle.
Instead, she reached out with her pale arms and wrapped them around his neck.
"Mmph… idiot… at least let me… put a bandage on your neck first… mmphh…"
"No need. That's a gift from you—I'm keeping it."
"Mmm… d-don't tear it! It's expensive!"
"Alright… whatever you say."
After venting her feelings with that bite and being comforted by Andrew's gentle touch, Mahiru's heart felt so warm.
He was so frustrating—she probably should've called the cops and had him arrested.
But then he'd suddenly be so sweet, and it made her drop her guard completely—she just melted into his affection.
The truth was, Mahiru hated being alone.
She had so many things bottled up inside her, so many frustrations, and no one to talk to.
But in Andrew's arms, once she let herself go, she didn't have to think about anything.
All she had to do… was lean on him.
Even though he didn't do anything last night except hold her while they slept, she still felt so warm inside.
Now, her brain was empty. She didn't want to think anymore.
And Andrew… he began showing her, in his own way, how much he appreciated this sweet, kind girl who brought him homemade lunches.
He let his instincts take over.
Time passed.
Mahiru lay curled up in Andrew's arms, her cheeks still flushed, too tired to move.
He gently stroked her long blonde hair, smiling with satisfaction.
When it comes to cute angelic girls… the earlier you make a move, the better.
Some things really do change the moment you cross that line.
Seeing Mahiru all tired out, Andrew carried her to the bathroom for a quick bath before returning to bed.
He kissed her forehead and whispered:
"Rest up. Sweet dreams, my angel."
"I'm not an angel…" she mumbled under her breath, but still obediently closed her eyes.
She didn't want to think anymore.
Whatever she was stressing about—she'd deal with it tomorrow.
The next morning.
"OW!!"
Andrew cried out as Mahiru kicked him right out of bed.
"Get out, you perv!"
The girl wrapped herself in the covers, glaring at him fiercely, her pale skin peeking from beneath the blanket.
Andrew rubbed his waist with a sigh. "Alright, alright. See you later, Shiina."
Not bothered in the slightest, he pulled on his pants, tossed on a shirt, and strolled out of her room.
After he left, Mahiru clutched her pillow, replaying everything from the night before in her head—her face turned bright red.
She took a shower, got dressed, and tied on her apron to start making breakfast and packing lunches.
Then, looking at the extra portion she'd accidentally made, her expression grew a little conflicted.
With a frown on her face, she stepped out of her room and rang the doorbell to the room next door.
Andrew opened up. "Shiina? Something wrong?"
"Hmph. I made too much food by accident. So, to avoid wasting it, you deal with it."
"Uhh… this looks like two servings?"
"Nope, just one. That other box is your lunch."
Andrew stared at her—at this girl who was obviously pouting on purpose—and felt his heart melt a little.
How could she be this cute?
"Wait, is she doing this 'cause she saw how much energy I exerted last night and thinks I need the extra calories?"
"A-Anyway!" Mahiru suddenly flustered. "I'm not expecting anything in return! Just don't let it go to waste!"
And then she turned and ran straight back to her room.
Leaning against the door with one hand on her racing heart, her cheeks were burning red.
"Ughhh… I hate him… what if that perv totally misunderstands what I just said? It's not like I want his thanks or anything…"
"..."
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