Morning.
The black-haired beauty's cheeks were faintly flushed as she slowly opened her eyes.
Realizing she was still nestled in someone's arms, Yukinoshita Yukino felt a bit shy. Scenes from last night echoed through her mind; she bit her lip and silently cursed Hayashi Maki.
"He really isn't human."
She glanced at the floor—clothes scattered everywhere in a chaotic heap. The pair of white thigh-highs stood out starkly. Yukino's cheeks burned. Faced with the devil's persistence, she hadn't resisted at all.
Looking at his peaceful, handsome face, Yukino sighed helplessly. She quietly slipped out of his embrace and went to the bathroom to wash up.
When Hayashi Maki woke and stepped out, Yukino had tied her hair into twin tails and was busy in the kitchen, wearing a cat-print apron. The air was filled with the aroma of frying eggs. From behind, her slender figure traced a perfect curve. The usually cool, aloof beauty exuded a gentle aura that made one's heart race.
Unable to resist that view, Hayashi Maki did what he always did with angel Mahiru—he slipped up behind her and gently hugged her. Resting his chin on her fragrant shoulder and breathing in her alluring scent, a warm satisfaction rose in his chest.
Held from behind, Yukino's cheeks reddened; her breathing hitched.
"Maki-kun, don't fool around. I'm making breakfast."
She lifted her eyes to give him a playful glare, then continued her work. Hayashi Maki mischievously kissed her pale neck; the warm touch sent a little jolt through her—her body quivered.
"Yukino-chan, you make your breakfast and I'll make mine; we won't interfere—how about that?"
"Hmph, spare me. If you've got nothing to do, go shower—and clean up my room while you're at it. Don't let my sister see those two stockings."
At that, a blush of embarrassment crossed her face. Though she had come to accept being his girlfriend alongside her sister, she still didn't want private things seen by her.
Seeing her shy, Hayashi Maki stopped teasing, obediently took a shower, disposed of the crumpled stockings, and changed the sheets. Then they ate breakfast together.
After they ate, Hayashi Maki took Yukino's hand and led her to his place. It was the weekend, and he'd invited her to hang out with Mahiru—so today he'd naturally bring her over.
Mahiru Shiina, in an apron, was mopping the floor. Seeing Yukino arrive, she beamed.
"Welcome, Yukino." Her gaze, teasing, flitted up and down, already imagining how Hayashi Maki must have "bullied" her.
"Um, Mahiru—sorry to intrude," Yukino said politely, face pink. "Shall I help with the cleaning?"
"No, no—absolutely not. Go play in Maki-kun's room; don't you dare steal my chores!" Mahiru laughed, shooed her toward Hayashi Maki's room, and went back to mopping.
Hayashi Maki leaned in and kissed his little angel's cheek. "Thanks for the hard work, my angel."
Mahiru shot him a mock glare. "What 'hard work'? I'm used to housework. Now stop hovering—go keep Yukino company. It's rare for her to visit; don't neglect her."
Hayashi Maki grinned wickedly. "I'd rather have you join Yukino and me."
Mahiru rolled her eyes, but didn't refuse. "We'll talk tonight," she said calmly. Broad daylight wasn't the time—she still had her pride.
Hayashi Maki patted her golden hair reassuringly and headed into the room.
Yukino was sprawled on his bed, absorbed in a light novel—Isekai Rhapsody by Elf Yamada.
She wasn't much for novels, but knowing he was a light-novel author had piqued her interest; she wanted to understand his work and hobbies.
Usually she sat upright when reading; now, perhaps corrupted by him, the languid second Miss Yukinoshita lay on her stomach to read… Her perfect curves made his blood heat.
Wrapped in black over-the-knee socks, her exquisite legs—slender and well-proportioned—displayed their charm beneath her skirt.
He couldn't help sitting beside her, hand sliding to her calf, playing with it greedily. Distracted, Yukino could no longer focus on the page. She swatted away his "thieving" hand and glared.
"Don't bother me. I'm reading."
"Heh, sorry—but Yukino-chan is just so pretty. I could play with these legs a lifetime and never get bored."
"Pah—you're a total pervert!" she shot back, sitting up instead of lying prone. She continued reading. Hayashi Maki slid closer, arm snaking around her slim waist. With his growing number of retainers, he had to seize every chance to build affection and rapport. Besides, with the girl in his room, doing nothing wasn't his style.
Yukino didn't refuse; she snuggled into his arms, found a comfortable position, and kept reading. Feeling her softness and sweet scent, Hayashi Maki's heart settled into a calm warmth. For all his demonic impulses, these tender embraces were something he deeply enjoyed.
"So, Yukino-chan—Yamada-sensei's work is pretty good, right?" he asked with a smile.
Yukino nodded slightly. "It's very good. An isekai light novel that escapes reality—it's refreshing." Then she added, "But the heroine seems a bit perverted."
"Eh? The heroine—perverted? How so?" Hayashi Maki asked, curious at once.
Yukino gave him a strange look and stated her case.
"Look—this heroine strips and streaks at the drop of a hat to 'fan-service' the hero. Isn't that perverted? It happens so many times. In some scenes it's downright nonsensical; in others, completely meaningless—stripping doesn't even push the main plot forward."