Watching Kotonoha actually turn and head to the bath, Hayashi Maki was a little surprised.
"Eh—did Kotonoha just say yes?"
Kokoro's lips curled. "Of course. Kokoro understands, you know. So, Maki-nii, you can't leave yet—you have to dry Sis's hair before you go."
Hayashi Maki patted her head, then couldn't resist pinching her cheek.
"What, Kokoro wants me to leave? Can't I sleep here?"
Kokoro rolled her eyes. "Don't be so hasty, Maki-nii. My sister is super shy—and she has a mild fear of men. Just inviting you up took all her courage."
"Kokoro does want you to stay, but… not yet."
The earnest way she said it melted his heart. He'd just blurted something so forward, yet this little girl was the one acting like an adult—accepting him, even consoling him.
He couldn't help kissing her cheek.
"Got it. I'll take it slow. Kokoro, help me with Kotonoha's mental prep, okay?"
"Ugh, you're exploiting me for free labor!"
"Haha. So will you help or not?"
Her cheeks pink, Kokoro opened her arms. "Hug me again, and I'll help!"
How could he refuse such a pretty little thing? He gathered her gently into his arms.
"Kokoro's so cute—you're not allowed to let any other boy hold you, okay? Or I'll get jealous."
"Heehee, okay. I'll only let you hold me, Maki-nii."
She snuggled her cheek into his chest, eyes full of trust and fondness.
"Hey, be gentle with Sis, okay? She keeps so much to herself. You can't see it on the surface, but she's under a lot of pressure."
"And you, Kokoro—do you feel pressured?" he asked with a smile. The concern warmed her.
"I'm fine. Sis is really gentle, after all." She tilted her head, then squinted at him. "But aren't you a little too practiced?"
"Uh… am I?"
"You are—ridiculously so! You've got Kokoro so flustered I want to sleep with you!"
"Ahem—that's a no." Hayashi Maki shook his head quickly. He wasn't a beast.
"Heehee, I'm joking. Just… be extra thoughtful with Sis."
They chatted on, topic after topic—no generation gap at all. Hayashi Maki was a bit taken aback. This little one was very good at talking—on par with Haruno. A bright future, for sure.
Before long, Kotonoha returned from the bath in a white dress, cheeks pink, shoulders trembling a little with nerves.
Kokoro's eyes lit up. She slipped from Hayashi Maki's lap, ran over, and took her sister's hand. "There you go, Maki-nii—I'm entrusting Sis to you. Be gentle."
"K-Kokoro! What are you talking about? Be gentle? It's just… just blowing my hair!"
Kotonoha's face flamed; her eyes flicked to Hayashi Maki, half hoping he'd misunderstand—and half terrified he would.
Hayashi Maki smiled and lifted the comb. "Come over, Kotonoha. I'll dry it for you."
"O-okay… I'm coming."
Kokoro watched her shy sister and smiled. "Then Kokoro's going to bed. Good night, Sis, Maki-nii."
"Mm, good night," Hayashi Maki said, eyes still on Kotonoha. She nodded to her sister, then sat demurely on the low stool in front of him.
He began—combing and blow-drying with easy skill. He really is practiced, Kotonoha thought, a quiet ache blooming in her chest. A boy this exceptional… didn't he already have a girlfriend?
"What is it, Kotonoha? Why the suddenly sad face?" Hayashi Maki asked softly, catching the change.
She shook her head. "It's nothing…"
"You're not being honest. Kokoro said you bottle things up. What are you afraid of? I'm right here. I'll protect you."
"Sometimes, being frank makes the heart feel lighter."
"Kotonoha, too much pressure is bad for your health."
Listening to his gentle guidance, Kotonoha snuck a glance at him, bit her lip, and hesitated. He kept combing her hair and spoke quietly: "If you want to ask something, ask. Do you think I'd lie to you?"
That finally gave her courage.
"T-then… Maki-kun, if I ask… you can't get mad."
"Ask. I won't."
"Um… Maki-kun, do you… already have a girlfriend?"
The moment she blurted it out, she watched his face, heart pounding. His hand stilled for a beat. He took a breath and nodded.
"I do. You've met her, actually. The day we reunited, the cute blonde beside me on the train—that's my girlfriend, Shiina Mahiru."
Kotonoha's body jolted. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes; the light seemed to drain from them.
As her heart sank, strong arms slipped around her waist and pulled her close.
"Yah—Maki-kun, w-what are you doing?"
The dullness fled her eyes; color rushed back into her cheeks; she trembled, looking up in mortified confusion.
"What else—hugging you," he murmured, breathing in her scent, savoring her softness, holding her tighter.
"I hadn't finished. You looked like you were about to cry—that would hurt me, too."
Warmth spread through her—only to be pierced by another pang.
"You already have a girlfriend, and you treat me like this… aren't you afraid Shiina-san will misunderstand?"
"That's the thing—I don't have just her."
"Eh?"
She stared, wide-eyed. He brushed away the tear at her lash with his thumb.
"Since you already know about the 'heaven-fire' incident, you must realize I'm not… ordinary. I'm a man who can have multiple girlfriends—and it's legitimate. Mahiru knows about me. I've already told her about you, and she didn't object."
"Ah? R-really? Maki-kun, you're not lying?"
It was like being struck by a bolt of joy; the light in her eyes flared bright.
"Of course I'm not. I could never lie to someone as gentle as you."
"To be blunt: I like you, Kotonoha. I want you to be my girlfriend. If you hate me—if you can't accept my philandering, or my situation—I'll disappear from your world and—mmph!"
"Don't!"
Kotonoha clapped a hand over his mouth, eyes brimming.
"Please don't leave my world!"
~~~
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