After a little while, Hayashi Maki looked down at Kokoro's flushed cheeks and couldn't help a pleased smile. He patted her head, leaned to her ear, and whispered, "Kokoro-chan, you can't tell Kotonoha about what just happened, okay? It's our little secret."
Kokoro rolled her eyes at him, then rested the back of her head against his chest. "I know. I won't tell Sis." If she told her sister, she wouldn't get to be close to Hayashi Maki anymore.
To be honest, she'd panicked a bit just now—but delight quickly followed. Maki-nii liked her too; otherwise, why would he have kissed her?
"Kokoro-chan will work hard to grow. Maki-nii, you have to wait for me, okay?"
"Alright, then let's start tutoring." Hayashi Maki pinched her cheek with a smile and seriously helped Kokoro with her homework.
Before long, Kotonoha opened the door and came in with drinks and fruit. Hayashi Maki didn't stand on ceremony; he ate while feeding Kokoro, too. The little girl really knew how to please—and she was innocent, sweet, and good at taking care of people's feelings.
Naturally, Hayashi Maki liked that. It was just a pity he couldn't go too far. Still, stamping his claim in advance wasn't bad either. From now on, no getting close to other guys—Kokoro could only be close to this "Demon." A Demon's possessiveness is very strong.
After tutoring, he told Kokoro to be good and go to bed. He, meanwhile, took Kotonoha's hand and sat with her on the living-room sofa. Her cheeks were burning and her body trembled slightly; being held so closely still took some getting used to.
Thankfully, Hayashi Maki didn't push further—he just held her quietly, sharing warmth and heartbeats. The tenderness made Kotonoha feel safe and warm.
"Hey, Kotonoha—when are you transferring over?" he murmured by her ear. She shivered instinctively at the warmth of his breath, but answered right away. "Mm… I don't know. Mom's still away on a business trip, and I don't know when she'll be back. I want to transfer to your school as soon as possible."
At Shinya Academy, no one dared target her anymore, but the lecherous looks from the boys still made her uncomfortable.
"Then when your mom's back, tell her right away. If you're too shy to say it, I'll help."
"Mm. Thank you, Maki-kun." Kotonoha glanced back at him gently, feeling even warmer inside. He stroked her head, quietly savoring her softness and scent.
Time slipped by, and before they knew it, it was time to part. Kotonoha, reluctant as she was, knew better than to cling, so she smiled and said goodbye. Hayashi Maki lightning-quickly pecked her cheek and left. Hands to her face, eyes dewy, Kotonoha watched his back with a sweet, lingering gaze.
Back home, Hayashi Maki found Eriri already there, being received by Mashiro. Or rather, the two were discussing manga—mostly Eriri talking, Mashiro asking questions. Eriri might have debuted drawing doujin, but she was still a seasoned pro and better at manga than Mashiro.
He just hoped Eriri wouldn't lead Mashiro astray; if Mashiro ended up drawing that kind of manga too, things would get… interesting.
After a bit, Mahiru announced dinner with a smile. Sakurajima Mai came out of the room and froze—after a quick introduction she, of course, knew who Eriri was. The problem was… yet another super-cute girl. Just how many girls was Hayashi Maki involved with?
Eriri felt a little shy with Mahiru at first, but the angelic Mahiru was so warm and gracious that she was quickly moved and settled right in.
To Mahiru, a home should feel like a home. Battle royales over love were a no-go. She worked hard to keep things harmonious so every girl who came over could feel at home.
A lovely home takes everyone's care; she just served as the core, guiding things along.
After dinner, apron-clad Mahiru headed to the kitchen to wash dishes. Mai naturally went to help—she was living here as a freeloader for now, so she needed to do what she could.
Mahiru didn't refuse; the more Mai-senpai joined in with the housework, the better she'd fit in. Mai was gorgeous and had that actress aura—Mahiru didn't think Hayashi Maki would pass her up. Since they'd be "sisters" sooner or later, it was best to get along now.
Hayashi Maki, meanwhile, took Eriri to his room. He closed the door. Eriri, cheeks blazing, sat on the bed, fidgeting. Seeing him approach with that look, she instinctively crossed her arms over her chest. "W-What are you going to do?"
Without a word, Hayashi Maki scooped her into his arms. Her little gasp, her scent, the yielding softness—he couldn't help the wicked curve at his lips. "What do you think? Eriri, does it still hurt?"
At that, Eriri, face red, lightly thumped his chest with a tiny fist, then lowered her head, shy. "It… stopped hurting a while ago."
"So—is tonight convenient? Can you stay over at my place?" Head lowered, Eriri didn't answer, mortified. Was he inviting her to… do that?
"If you don't answer, I'll take it as a yes."
Grinning, he laid her back on the bed, braced his hands on either side of her face, and lowered his head to kiss her.
"Mm… you jerk…" Eriri's arms rose to circle his neck. Her body trembled; shy as she was, she didn't refuse.
After a long while, their lips parted. Breathing hard, she looked at him and murmured, "I… I told my mom I'm staying over at that busty black-stockings woman's place tonight."
"Oh? You must really like me to lie to your mom."
"Hmph. I don't like you at all!"
Her tsundere act made Hayashi Maki chuckle. He didn't waste time. He toyed gently with her silky twin-tails, pulled her into his arms, and set her on his lap.
Some things are a one-time thing… or an all-the-time thing. He didn't believe she didn't want it. As he drew close, their hearts naturally pressed together. Everything else went without saying.