"...Togawa-chan is committing domestic violence against me!"
Kitahara Makoto's voice was aggrieved, choosing to strike first.
"I'm sorry, absolutely not." Togawa Sakiko crossed her arms over her chest, let out a light snort, and said with a tense pretty face, "We're not family, we're not even in a relationship, so it's not domestic violence at all."
"I don't care." Kitahara Makoto fully utilized his shameless advantage, "Togawa, if you don't kiss me today, I'll lie on the ground and not get up."
It had to be said, the feeling of repeatedly dancing on the edge of danger was exceptionally stimulating.
Togawa Sakiko raised a hand to her forehead, unable to help but glare at him:
"And you'll lie on the ground... Are you a child?"
Kitahara Makoto lowered his voice and said:
"I have to be mature and steady in front of others, but in front of Sakiko, I will be a youth until death."
Togawa Sakiko:
"...Shameless!"
She definitely wouldn't kiss him. After knowing what Kitahara Makoto did with Soyo this afternoon, Togawa Sakiko was still fuming and completely unwilling to let Kitahara Makoto get his way, so she changed the subject:
"Will Mutsumi go to your house tonight?"
Kitahara Makoto pondered, "Probably... I'll send a message to ask."
Mutsumi didn't come over the night before last, and he was at Anon's house last night. They hadn't seen each other for two days, so Mutsumi was very likely to come over today to treat her insomnia.
The reason was simple.
While they were eating earlier, Mutsumi had already sent a message asking if he was home tonight. With Mutsumi's emotionless personality, if she wasn't coming to treat her insomnia, she definitely wouldn't send a message just to chat.
Sure enough.
Not long after he sent the message, Kitahara Makoto received a reply from Mutsumi:
"At Makoto-kun's house."
Kitahara Makoto held up his phone: "Mutsumi is already at my house."
Togawa Sakiko narrowed her eyes slightly, gazing over:
"Kitahara-kun, you didn't do anything to Mutsumi, did you?"
"Absolutely not." Kitahara Makoto's expression was calm, and he raised his right hand, saying, "If I taken advantage of Mutsumi-san, I'll swallow a thousand needles."
"Hmph."
Togawa Sakiko let out a soft hmph.
Kitahara Makoto changed the subject and continued, "However…"
Togawa Sakiko tilted her head and looked over. "However, what?"
Kitahara Makoto lowered his voice and said, "When Mutsumi-san sleeps, she's not well-behaved and always likes to get handsy with me."
Togawa Sakiko clearly didn't believe him. "Kitahara-kun, don't talk nonsense."
Kitahara Makoto looked innocent. "Togawa, come to my house tonight, and you'll know if you see for yourself."
"Sorry, I refuse."
…
Togawa Sakiko pursed her lips and softly said, "Can I ask the answer book to find out why Kitahara-kun can cure insomnia?"
"Of course, you can."
Kitahara Makoto simply took out the answer book and handed it to Sakiko.
"Sakiko, you ask. I've already used up my question attempts for today."
"Okay."
Togawa Sakiko nodded gently and took the answer book.
A moment later.
A line of text quietly appeared, but the answer was disappointing.
"Imprinting effect?"
Togawa Sakiko slightly furrowed her delicate brows.
"If I remember correctly, it's like newborn ducklings will consider the first moving object they see as their mother?"
Togawa Sakiko pursed her beautiful lips and looked up at Kitahara Makoto. "Could it be that Mutsumi sees Kitahara-kun as her mother?"
Kitahara Makoto: "…Of course not her mother."
Sorry, Mutsumi-san doesn't see me as her mother, but as her father!
Togawa Sakiko's tone was puzzled. "The first-sight effect is understandable, but why would Mutsumi have an imprinting effect on Kitahara-kun?"
Kitahara Makoto mused, "It should be related to Tomori."
"Eh?"
"That day in the performance hall, I noticed a cursed aura on Mutsumi-san, and then I told Tomori, so Tomori called Mutsumi-san over…"
Kitahara Makoto briefly explained the cause and effect.
The key point was that on that night, Tomori discovered that Mutsumi's body temperature was extremely low and was worried that Mutsumi would not wake up, so she called Kitahara Makoto over… After that day, Mutsumi started liking to come over to sleep.
The reason, perhaps, was that on that night, Mutsumi experienced warmth and happiness from Kitahara Makoto that she had never felt before.
However, even knowing the reason, how to treat it was still a problem.
He who tied the bell must untie it.
Psychological factors clearly still had to rely on Mutsumi herself.
"Let's go, we'll go to Kitahara-kun's house tonight." Togawa Sakiko let out a light breath, her eyes quickly firming. "I'm still not at ease leaving Mutsumi alone."
"Wait a minute."
"Eh?"
Kitahara Makoto lowered his voice. "Sakiko hasn't kissed me yet."
Togawa Sakiko's pretty face instantly tensed. "No kisses."
Kitahara Makoto: "Then at least a hug?"
Togawa Sakiko: "No hugs."
Kitahara Makoto accused, "Domestic violence, Togawa, this is domestic violence!"
Togawa Sakiko lightly bit her teeth, resisting the urge to bite him. "Stop being glib, hurry back!"
…
No words were exchanged on the way.
"I'm home."
Kitahara Makoto took out his key and opened the door.
Thump, thump, thump.
Footsteps quickly sounded.
The first to run over was Hana, Hana.
"Papa~"
Behind Hana, a Mutsumi in pajamas followed, slightly tilting her pretty face, her eyes bright as she looked over.
"Cough, cough…"
Kitahara Makoto quickly coughed twice, giving a warning look.
Unfortunately, Mutsumi clearly didn't have the ability to read expressions and mimicked, "Papa, welcome home."
…
Kitahara Makoto helplessly closed his eyes.
It's over.
On the way, I was so busy chatting with Sakiko that I forgot to send a message in advance to remind Mutsumi not to talk nonsense!
"Eh?!"
Togawa Sakiko flashed out from behind Kitahara Makoto, saying in disbelief, "Mutsumi, what were you just calling out?"
The two grew up together, so Togawa Sakiko was naturally especially familiar with Mutsumi's voice.
Mutsumi just called out "Papa," right?
She definitely didn't hear wrong!
Seeing Togawa Sakiko, Mutsumi's gaze wavered for a moment, then she said expressionlessly, "Sakiko, good evening…"
"Don't change the subject, what did you just call out?"
"Called Makoto-kun Papa."
…
Togawa Sakiko took a deep breath, her pretty face taut, and turned to look at Kitahara Makoto, her eyes sharp. "Kitahara-kun, I need an explanation."
She said she hadn't taken advantage of Mutsumi, right?
She's already trained Mutsumi to actively call him Papa!
Mutsumi's father is a famous comedian who performs all over the country and is usually too busy to be seen, so she indeed lacks paternal love… But calling a peer "Papa," no matter how you think about it, is too terrible!
"No matter how I explain, Sakiko will definitely be suspicious." Kitahara Makoto's expression was normal. "So you should just ask Mutsumi-san directly."
He was upright and feared no shadow, completely unconcerned.
However, as he changed into his slippers and prepared to enter the living room, Kitahara Makoto suddenly saw a short blue-haired girl walk out of the kitchen.
"Ryo-senpai?"
Kitahara Makoto stopped, and a sense of guilt immediately surged into his heart.
"K-Kitahara-kun, good evening…" 'Ryo-senpai' stammered softly, "Th-that… Hitori said she wanted to come over and play games."
Hearing this, Kitahara Makoto turned to look at the sofa and only then saw a 'Hitori' leisurely watching TV.
"Well, Kitahara-kun, good evening."
'Hitori' tilted her head to greet him, then continued watching TV.
"…Good evening."
Sensing the sharp gaze behind him, Kitahara Makoto took a deep breath and responded calmly.
Since he chose the path of a harem, some things were certainly unavoidable. Thankfully, he had simply exposed himself from the beginning, otherwise, just imagining Ryo-senpai and Sakiko and the others meeting now made his scalp tingle!
"Sakiko, come in quickly."
Kitahara Makoto greeted as if nothing had happened.
"Excuse me."
Togawa Sakiko pursed her lips, stepped inside, turned to look at the pink-haired girl on the sofa, and greeted her gracefully, "Hitori-chan, good evening. We haven't seen each other since the summer vacation started, have we?"
Sakiko naturally knew Hitori. At the beginning of the semester, Hitori and Kita often went to Tsukinomori Academy, acting as tools for Ghost-senpai to possess for free.
In Togawa Sakiko's view, although Hitori was introverted and socially anxious, she was exceptionally kind-hearted, so she had a particularly good impression of Hitori.
"Ah~ Good evening."
'Hitori' blinked and responded vaguely.
There was nothing she could do; body swapping didn't inherit memories, and Ryo-senpai didn't have much of an impression of Sakiko. It was not an exaggeration to say they were strangers.
After greeting, Togawa Sakiko's gaze shifted, and she looked at Hitori, who was using Ryo's body.
"T-Togawa, good evening."
Hitori quickly greeted softly.
Togawa Sakiko was slightly stunned. "You know me?"
"Th-that…" Hitori stammered, making an excuse, "I heard Kitahara-kun talk about Togawa."
"Hello, nice to meet you. Please guide me." Togawa Sakiko crossed her arms over her chest and said softly, "When Kitahara-kun talked about me, what did he say?"
"Eh?"
Hitori blinked and couldn't help but cast a pleading look at Kitahara Makoto.
Kitahara Makoto: "…"
Why are you looking at me?
I never even mentioned Sakiko in front of you!
"Yamada-san, don't be nervous," Togawa Sakiko said gently. "Just say whatever you want."
"Th-that..."
Hitori had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "Kitahara-kun said that Togawa-chan is very strong, very elegant, and also very cute..."
This was a lie.
Kitahara Makoto wasn't an idiot; of course, he wouldn't praise another girl in front of a girl. That was pure self-destructive behavior.
The above was entirely Hitori's impression of Sakiko.
But it had to be said, the effect was excellent.
Suddenly praised by a girl who was a 'love rival,' Togawa Sakiko's pretty face couldn't help but flush rapidly, and she whispered her thanks:
"Thank you..."
"Thank me for what?" Kitahara Makoto interjected from the side. "I was just stating the truth then; Togawa-chan is inherently very cute."
Togawa Sakiko's pretty face was crimson, and she glared over:
"You, stop talking!"
...
A crisis quietly dissipated into thin air.
There's no need to say more about what happened next.
Togawa Sakiko led Mutsumi to the balcony and carefully asked why she called him 'dad.' After learning that Mutsumi was completely willing and that Kitahara Makoto had even tried to dissuade her, she naturally had nothing more to say.
Then, Kitahara Makoto and the girls watched a TV drama together in the living room. The atmosphere was subtle the whole time, but fortunately, no one had an overbearing or boisterous personality, so everything remained peaceful.
Before they knew it, it was half past ten at night.
"It's getting late. Everyone, go wash your faces and brush your teeth, and get ready for bed."
Kitahara Makoto waved his hand.
The girls all stood up and walked towards the bathroom.
Inside the bathroom.
Mutsumi suddenly tilted her head and said, "Hitori-chan, I want to borrow the bracelet."
"Eh?"
The soul inside Hitori's body was 'Ryo-senpai.' Upon hearing this, she paused slightly, quickly understood what had happened, and her rosy lips curled into a slight smile:
"You can."
As a fun-seeker, Ryo-senpai was naturally happier the more interesting things became.
"Why does Mutsumi want to borrow the bracelet?"
Togawa Sakiko looked over curiously.
Mutsumi said seriously, "The bracelet can make people happy."
Togawa Sakiko: "Meow?"
...
During the last sleepover, Mutsumi happened to be in the same room as Hitori and unexpectedly experienced the 'five senses sharing' effect of the bracelet.
Hitori was already shy, and coupled with the embarrassment from the five senses sharing incident, she didn't dare to see anyone, so she didn't ask Mutsumi to keep it a secret.
In Mutsumi's perception, Hitori hadn't asked her to keep it a secret, so of course, she could tell.
"You can go upstairs and rest after brushing your teeth." Kitahara Makoto stretched, "Ryo-senpai, you'll be in the same room as Hitori tonight. Wakaba-san will be in the same room as Sakiko."
Mutsumi looked up, speaking with extreme bluntness: "I want to sleep with Makoto-kun."
...
The air suddenly fell silent.
The three girls all looked at Kitahara Makoto.
Togawa Sakiko clasped her hands over her chest, a half-smile on her face.
'Ryo-senpai' widened her eyes, her expression shocked.
'Hitori,' on the other hand, tilted her small head, looking bored.
Facing the gazes of the girls, Kitahara Makoto said without changing his expression, "Mutsumi-san, why do you want to sleep with me?"
Mutsumi said expressionlessly, "Makoto-kun can help treat insomnia."
"You heard that, right?" Kitahara Makoto's expression was innocent. "Mutsumi-san wants to sleep with me and is only treating me as a tool to treat insomnia, nothing more."
"We didn't say anything, Kitahara-kun, so there's no need to explain so eagerly."
'Hitori' said nonchalantly.
"It's always best to clear up misunderstandings as early as possible." Kitahara Makoto said seriously, "Mutsumi-san has severe insomnia. For some unknown reason, sleeping next to me can treat her insomnia. That's the situation... Mutsumi-san wants my help to treat her insomnia. What do you all say?"
"Eh?"
Hitori paused, then stammered in a small voice, "Th-that... I'm fine with anything."
It had been two days since they swapped bodies. In these two days, Hitori had encountered many troubles. Most importantly, her parents, as well as Futari and Jimihen, all didn't recognize her.
Hitori, who had never left home since childhood, was suddenly 'forgotten' by all her family members. Naturally, she was especially panicked, which was why she came over at Ryo-senpai's persuasion, prepared to bite the bullet and switch her body back.
But with outsiders present today, her already limited courage had completely vanished like snow under the sun.
Ryo-senpai said, crossing her arms over her chest, "Well, I've had insomnia before. The feeling of tossing and turning and not being able to sleep is super painful. It's perfectly fine for Kitahara-kun to help treat insomnia."
Upon hearing this, Togawa Sakiko couldn't help but glance at 'Hitori,' feeling slightly surprised.
The former Hitori-chan was shy and introverted, spoke very little, and her voice was also very soft. Today's Hitori was completely different; she felt as if she had become a different person.
"Insomnia is indeed very painful." Togawa Sakiko pursed her rosy lips and said nonchalantly, "It's naturally best if Kitahara-kun can help."
Kitahara Makoto raised an eyebrow and said, "Then I'll take Mutsumi-san back to the room?"
...
Seeing that no one spoke, Kitahara Makoto simply turned and went upstairs:
"Good night, everyone."
Mutsumi was expressionless, her hands clasped over her lower abdomen, as she stepped and followed behind Kitahara Makoto:
"Good night, everyone."
...
The remaining three girls exchanged glances, then returned to their respective rooms.
"Can't sleep."
"Completely can't sleep."
Togawa Sakiko lay on the tatami, looking up at the ceiling, tossing and turning without the slightest hint of sleepiness.
"What are Mutsumi and Kitahara-kun doing?"
Thinking of the things she had overheard that afternoon, Togawa Sakiko's pearly teeth quickly bit her lower lip, recalling something she had accidentally seen online.
"Boys are actually beasts; once they've tasted meat, they'll completely turn into carnivores..."
"Although Mutsumi lacks emotions, she's super cute. Most boys probably wouldn't be able to resist, right?"
"Plus, Mutsumi has a very high level of affection for Kitahara-kun. If Kitahara-kun really did something to her, Mutsumi might not even refuse..."
The thought of this possibility made Togawa Sakiko extremely uncomfortable.
Soyo was one thing, after all, they had been through so much together.
But how long had she known Mutsumi?
If she were to come from behind... it was just too much to think about!
I was first!
Time quietly passed.
Togawa Sakiko kept tossing and turning, but still couldn't fall asleep.
Picking up her phone, she saw that it was already eleven o'clock at night. Togawa Sakiko finally couldn't bear it anymore. She quietly sat up, then bit her lip and got out of bed.
(No!)
(I have to watch them!)
(The reason I came over tonight wasn't to toss and turn in the next room!)
Taking a deep breath, Togawa Sakiko quietly pushed the door open and came to Kitahara Makoto's room door.
Bang bang.
Togawa Sakiko gently knocked on the door.
"It doesn't sound as bad as this afternoon..."
Amidst her wild thoughts, the door was quickly opened.
Kitahara Makoto's figure appeared at the doorway, and he said in surprise, "Sakiko, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just wanted to see Mutsumi..."
Togawa Sakiko pursed her rosy lips, responding while looking into the room.
Mutsumi was lying on the bed, clearly not yet asleep, playing on her phone. Her expression looked very normal, her skin was fair, and there was no blush, so it seemed nothing strange had happened.
Togawa Sakiko originally wanted to stay, but the words caught in her throat, and she couldn't bring herself to say them. She withdrew her gaze and whispered, "Since Mutsumi is fine, I'll go back..."
"Since you're already here, why go back?" Kitahara Makoto extended his right hand and pulled Togawa Sakiko in. "I just happen to have something to ask Sakiko."
Togawa Sakiko asked doubtfully, "What is it?"
"Mutsumi-san isn't sleeping very well now," Kitahara Makoto complained. "She keeps touching me without warning. I'm asking Sakiko to watch over her so I don't lose control."
Togawa Sakiko let out a soft hmph, unable to resist glaring over:
"Mutsumi wouldn't do something like that!"
Kitahara Makoto turned his head and said, "Mutsumi-san, did you touch me just now?"
Mutsumi was exceptionally honest and never lied:
"I did."
Togawa Sakiko: "..."
Mutsumi continued:
"Makoto-kun's abs are very comfortable; Togawa can feel them."
Togawa Sakiko: "...I wouldn't touch something like that!"
"Did you hear that?" Kitahara Makoto pulled Togawa directly to the bed. "Mutsumi always likes to touch me. If no one is watching, I'm worried about my willpower... Togawa doesn't want me to lose my chastity, does she?"
"Bah~"
Togawa Sakiko lightly bit her teeth, unable to resist a soft scoff.
Chastity?
You've already lost that a long time ago!
However... it is indeed necessary to stay and protect Mutsumi's safety.
Once a boy turns into a carnivore, his self-control will plummet.
The night is long, and Mutsumi alone is indeed too dangerous.
"I understand." Togawa Sakiko said, crossing her arms over her chest, "I will stay tonight for now. If Kitahara-kun can't control himself and tries to take advantage of Mutsumi, he'll just have to repent at the police station."
"Don't worry." Kitahara Makoto raised his right hand and promised, "I definitely won't take advantage of Mutsumi tonight."
Mutsumi said from the side:
"It's okay if it's Makoto-kun..."
"Don't say another word." Togawa Sakiko gave her a speechless glare. "It's past eleven, hurry up and go to sleep."
"..."
The three quickly lay down.
Kitahara Makoto slept on the outside.
Mutsumi slept in the middle, and Togawa slept on the innermost side.
"Shall I turn off the light?"
Kitahara Makoto asked softly.
Click.
The light went out.
The entire room instantly plunged into darkness, fortunately, there was still the faint light from the air conditioner, allowing them to barely see.
Mutsumi turned her body and directly hugged Kitahara Makoto's arm, then rubbed against him like a kitten.
(...Mutsumi is far too skilled!)
Togawa Sakiko watched, her cheeks unconsciously puffing out.
Except for a very few girls, such as Tomori who reached the level of a saint, all other girls would be jealous, just to varying degrees, and Togawa Sakiko was certainly no exception.
(Soyo is one thing, but Mutsumi has only known Kitahara-kun for a short time, and now she's actually surpassed her...)
(I was first, it was clearly me first...!)
Togawa Sakiko had thought that once she came over, she would be able to sleep peacefully.
Now, seeing Mutsumi's 'sleep aid' method, she felt depressed and even more unable to sleep.
The night quietly settled.
A moment later.
Mutsumi's breathing gradually deepened, clearly having fallen into a dream.
(The sleep aid effect is quite good, though...)
Togawa Sakiko complained in her heart.
Having grown up with Mutsumi, she naturally knew that Mutsumi suffered from insomnia. She never expected that without taking a single pill, Kitahara Makoto would effortlessly cure her.
Closing her eyes, Togawa Sakiko was about to drift off to sleep when she suddenly heard a faint rustling sound in the room, followed by a familiar presence coming closer.
"Eh?"
Togawa Sakiko subconsciously opened her eyes, immediately becoming nervous:
"Kitahara-kun, what are you doing?"
Kitahara Makoto had already quietly climbed over Mutsumi and came to Togawa's side, his gaze burning as he said:
"Although Togawa committed domestic violence against me, I still decided to repay her kindness tonight."
"...!!!"
Togawa Sakiko immediately panicked, her pretty face quickly flushed, and she hastily shook her head:
"N-no, Mutsumi is right next to us!"
Kitahara Makoto held up a finger:
"So Togawa must endure it well and not wake up Mutsumi."
"...Idiot! How can I endure something like that?!"
Togawa Sakiko's pretty face was burning hot. She suddenly remembered when Kitahara Makoto had guaranteed just upon entering that he wouldn't take advantage of Mutsumi.
"O-originally, the real target was myself..."
☰