Nibutani Shinka felt herself getting flustered.
This man was too good at making girls happy. Even she felt embarrassed about her past chūnibyō antics—yet he not only accepted her past, he called her cute.
Head ducked, she didn't know how to answer. Hayashi Maki didn't press; he walked back to class at her side.
As for Dekomori Sanae—she wasn't simple. Chūnibyō aside, in real life she was a pampered rich girl and a top-ranked genius—first in her year. With twin tails and a bare forehead she looked silly and childish, but let her hair down and she was blindingly pretty.
Getting along with Dekomori was easy: just pretend to be the Dark Flame Master. He wasn't chūnibyō, but a little role-play was fine. And in his case, "Dark Flame Master" was practically typecasting—what else do you call a demon who wields Hellfire?
…
Back in the junior high wing, Dekomori Sanae's cheeks were flushed with excitement. She felt like she'd had a fated encounter. She still had complaints about fake Mori Summer, but meeting the Dark Flame Master? Too lucky. She couldn't wait to tell the Tyrant's Eye all about it.
…
Before he knew it, it was lunchtime. Hayashi Maki had lost at Old Maid in club and got sent to buy drinks. At the vending machines, just as he was fishing out coins, a sweet scent swept past and a hand tapped his shoulder.
"Hey, Maki-kun—good afternoon. You out for drinks too?"
He turned. Curvy figure, a blouse left unbuttoned at the top—just enough white to draw the eye—an air of mischief. Pink hair tied into a bun, a bright, lively smile. Yuigahama Yui, best friend to Yumiko and Mahiru.
Hayashi Maki smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Lost game with Mahiru and the others—punishment run. You too, Yuigahama?"
Yui laughed and nodded. "Uh-huh. Lost to Yumiko and Hina in a game, so I got drink duty."
"I see. Then let me treat you all. Yumiko's a friend of mine, and I don't know Ebina well, but a friend of a friend is a friend. Lucky timing—what do you want?"
"Eh—can you? I mean, letting you treat us…"
"Of course. Give me a chance to be generous. I'm not going to miss a chance to earn favor with beautiful girls."
"Pfft! 'Earn favor'? This isn't a game. But since you said it… I'll give you the chance to perform. I won't hold back!"
She winked playfully—adorable. "Please, don't hold back," Hayashi Maki said. He bought the drinks and handed them over. "Thanks! Next time I'll treat you," Yui said politely. Friends should give and take; one-sided giving isn't friendship.
Watching Yui go, Hayashi Maki's lips curved. He really was terrible. In Mahiru's little circle, he'd already "gotten" Yumiko; Mahiru had been his from the start. If he added Yui and Ebina to the set, he'd bag all the class's it-girls in one net.
On the way back he detoured to Class J and handed a bottle to Yukino. Sometimes she ate lunch in the classroom; without a club, she often ate like a regular student.
Girls aren't moved by boys who constantly bring milk tea—constant flowers and bottles just make you look like a simp. But in Hayashi Maki's eyes, Yukino wasn't a goddess—she was his wife. So bringing her a drink was warming his wife's hands.
"Thank you," Yukino said, taking it under her classmates' astonished stares. A blush crept into her heart. So he's declaring his ownership even at school now?
Hayashi Maki smiled and gave her a gentle look. "Don't forget our weekend plan. I'm looking forward to it."
Yukino colored. "I won't." She was looking forward to it too—visiting the cat café together was basically a date.
Leaving Class J, Hayashi Maki returned to the club and handed the other drinks to Mahiru, Megumi, and Nibutani. Club went on—light novels, games, and discussion. A leisurely life.
Elsewhere, Satania was miserably eating her bento through tears. Hayashi Maki sometimes hauled her along for "SSS Great Demon" training, but more often than not she ate alone. Her "demon declarations" had scared off her human classmates; she had no friends. Vignette had noticed.
She whispered to Gabriel, "Satania's been eating alone a lot lately. We at least have Maki-kun and Mahiru… but aside from us, she doesn't have any friends. And Maki-kun has club; he can't be with her daily."
Gabriel's angelic gentleness flickered back on. "True. That's kind of sad. Has she been completely ostracized? Even with Hayashi Maki, he can't look after her every day. In that case, Vigne, let's invite her to eat with us."
Mainly, Satania's bento looked really good—tagging her in meant Gabriel could snag some bites.
"Mm-hmm. Let's invite her," Vignette said. Satania, sniffly and trying to pep-talk herself, saw them coming and immediately put on a smug face.
"Gabriel: Satania, if you don't mind, how about eating together from now on?"
Satania's eyes lit up. "Oh-ho-ho-ho! Gabriel, are you an angel, bowing to the great demon Satania? Since you beg so sweetly, I'll reluctantly—"
"Forget it, Vigne—let's just eat the two of us," Gabriel said, turning on her heel without hesitation.
"Uuu—don't go! P-please… eat with me!"
Satania dropped the act instantly and grabbed her arm, eyes brimming. She really didn't want to be alone anymore. It was so lonely—so empty.
Even with Maki-senpai around, he couldn't be with her every day. Since Gabriel and Vignette knew the real her and were inviting her, she didn't want to miss it.
Gabriel rolled her eyes. "See? Isn't it easier to just say so than strutting around?"
"I'm sorry—please eat with me!"
"Can't be helped. Let's eat together—but you're sharing half your bento," Gabriel bargained.
Satania nodded frantically. Vignette felt relieved; at least that was solved. Although—Gabriel, could you act like an angel for once? Not only do you mooch my lunch, now you're eyeing Satania's too? An angel living this broke—honestly.
…Then again, I'm in no position to judge. Demons and angels have different evaluation criteria; doing good deeds has slashed my stipend this month. At this rate I might end up as strapped as Gabriel.