Kanade wanted to leave. He really, truly wanted to just walk away. But alas, fate—or rather, his ever-persistent Senpai—had other plans. His long-awaited solo time had been mercilessly snatched away, and he could already foresee where this was heading.
Even so, resisting was futile. He could only accept his fate like a corporate salaryman drowning in overtime, utterly powerless against the forces conspiring against him.
"Senpai, don't you have somewhere you want to go?" Kanade sighed in surrender.
Since leaving the bookstore, they had been aimlessly wandering the streets, with Kasumigaoka Utaha clinging to him like a stubborn cat that refused to be shooed away.
"Kohai-kun can decide for himself. After all..." She casually tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes. "I'm just here to accompany Kohai-kun, oh~"
Kanade's expression darkened. "If I wasn't carrying all the books you just bought, that statement would be a little more convincing."
According to his original plan, he should have been spending the next hour or so enjoying the sanctuary of the bookstore, perhaps finding some interesting new light novels. But now, not only had he been forced out, but he had also been demoted to the role of baggage handler for his senpai. Talk about unfair labor practices.
"I really appreciate Senpai's kindness, but I'm not some lonely rabbit who'll die if I don't have company. More importantly..." He exhaled deeply. "With Senpai around, I can't move freely. Do you understand my plight?"
"Oh? So, Kohai-kun is planning to do something... inconvenient to share with others? No wonder you were skulking around the bookstore alone earlier. Were you planning to buy something for... self-stimulation?" Utaha smirked, her tone teasing as she leaned in ever so slightly.
"That's definitely NOT the case! I was just looking for new light novels!" Kanade swiftly defended himself. What kind of degenerate did she take him for? And even if he were to buy something questionable, would he really do it in such a high-traffic bookstore? If he ever needed such materials, he'd find a more discreet location!
"It's okay, Kohai-kun, no need to panic. I completely understand," she continued with an infuriatingly smug smile. "After all, a healthy young man like you must have... certain needs."
She paused for dramatic effect, then suddenly leaned closer, lowering her voice to a seductive whisper.
"But you know... instead of wasting your time with worthless impurities, there's always a better option. If Kohai-kun begs properly, it's not impossible for me to provide something much more... nutritious and delicious~"
Then, without warning—she blew softly into his ear.
"!!"
Kanade nearly dropped the bag of books right then and there. The unexpected sensation sent a shiver down his spine, and he jumped back as if he'd been electrocuted.
"Are you INSANE?! What the hell was that for?!"
"Hmmm? What's wrong?" Utaha blinked innocently, feigning ignorance. "I just said too much in one breath and needed to exhale a little. That's all."
"..."
Kanade clenched his jaw. He knew better than to fall into her trap. Engaging in a verbal sparring match with Kasumigaoka Utaha was like stepping into a battlefield where she dictated all the rules. He would get dragged into her rhythm, toyed with, and ultimately, defeated in spectacular fashion.
Taking a deep breath, he changed tactics, looking at her with an unreadable expression.
"Alright, Senpai, you win. But since you've said all that, I don't really care what happens next."
"Hah?" Utaha blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
Her confidence wavered slightly. Wait a minute—was he actually taking her words seriously? No way, right? This had to be a joke. There was no way her teasing actually hit the mark, right?
Right?!
"Then Senpai, come with me. I'll lead the way."
Utaha: "..."
Wait. Wait. Wait. Lead the way? Lead the way where?! Weren't they just joking?! She had only meant to tease him a little, test the waters, and get a rise out of him. How did it suddenly escalate into this?!
Was he actually about to take her somewhere? Someplace secluded? Somewhere away from prying eyes? Her mind raced with possibilities, each one more dangerous than the last.
She swallowed, trying to maintain her composure. This was a joke. It had to be a joke. But if it wasn't...
What if... what if Kohai-kun actually made some lewd requests? Should she... accept? Should she play coy? Maybe act reserved at first, and then—
Guhhh...!
Kasumigaoka Utaha, prolific light novel author and master of verbal teasing, suddenly found herself on the receiving end of a completely unexpected counterattack. And the worst part?
She had no idea how to handle it.
Just as a certain someone was spiraling down a rabbit hole of questionable thoughts, Natsukawa Kanade suddenly came to a stop.
"We're here, Senpai."
"—?!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha nearly jumped out of her skin, eyes darting around in a panic.
"N-No way, Kohai-kun… I… I know you're desperate, but isn't this a bit too sudden? I-I mean, I'm happy that you feel that way about me, b-but right now… isn't the timing all wrong? And I haven't even had the chance to change my underwear yet—"
"Huh? What kind of preparation do you need for something like this? Can't you just roll up your sleeves and get to it?"
"E-E-EHHHH?!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha's brain short-circuited. Wait, roll up her sleeves? Why? Was it to make things… more efficient?!
Before she could even react, Kanade grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward.
"Alright, stop hesitating and come in already. I promise you'll find it really interesting."
"…!"
She was completely at his mercy, her steps following along in a daze as she was dragged inside.
Her heart pounded so hard it might just explode. This was her first time, after all… Was it going to hurt? It was definitely going to hurt!
She wanted to say something—anything—to stop him. But faced with his firm grip and unwavering confidence, she found herself completely powerless. A helpless rabbit in the grasp of a merciless predator.
This had to be fate.
She had spent so much time worrying that her Kohai-kun was losing interest in her. But now, after spending so long apart, their relationship was about to advance to this stage in one go?!
Wait, wasn't this happening too fast?! She hadn't even mentally prepared herself!
No, no, no! What was she even thinking?!
She had just finished reading The Loyal Dog Training Manual, hadn't she?! If she wanted to keep her dignity as a woman, she had to resist! If she gave in too easily, wouldn't she be handing herself over without a fight?!
But… but if she refused now and missed this golden opportunity, who knew when Kohai-kun would ever take the initiative again…?
"Senpai, how long do you think we can play for?" Kanade suddenly asked.
"D-Don't ask me that now…! I-I don't know…"
Kasumigaoka Utaha kept her head lowered, refusing to meet his gaze.
"Well, I guess that makes sense," Kanade nodded to himself as he scrolled through the product list. "For a first time… two hours should be plenty, right? Any longer, and I feel like my body won't be able to handle it."
"—?!!!"
She told him not to ask her! She has absolutely no experience with these things!
More importantly, two hours?! On the first time?!
It'll break! Absolutely!