After a long while, Hayashi Maki let go of Kotonoha.
"Well then, it's getting late—I should head out."
"Mm… Maki-kun…"
Kotonoha sounded reluctant.
"Alright, I'll come again—after all, Kotonoha is my girlfriend now."
"Of course, if you really can't bear to part with me, I could stay the night," Hayashi Maki added with a grin, letting his gaze roam over her striking figure.
The girl flushed and lowered her head without answering. She still couldn't bring herself to go that far. They'd only just made it official—how could she hand over her body so soon? Besides, her androphobia was still in play; that kiss just now was already the most she could handle.
Hayashi Maki patted her head and kissed her forehead.
"Good night, Kotonoha. See you soon."
With that, he flickered out of sight. Kotonoha stared blankly at the spot where he'd vanished, feeling a pang of loss. So he really wasn't an ordinary person—the ability to disappear in an instant proved he hadn't been lying.
Thinking of what had just happened, her cheeks reddened again.
"Uu… so embarrassing! I actually kissed Maki-kun."
"Will he think I'm an easy girl?"
Her maidenly pride was acting up again. As she was flustered, Kokoro opened the door, cheeks pink as well.
"Kotonoha-nee, what did it feel like?"
"Eh—Kokoro! You're not asleep?"
Kotonoha stared at her, startled.
"Heehee, I just woke up and accidentally saw you and Maki-nii were—"
"Ah—don't say it! Kokoro, how could you peek?"
Kotonoha's embarrassment exploded. Kokoro rolled her eyes.
"I was doing it for you! If I'd slept, who would've given you advice and backup?"
"Nee-chan, with a face this cute and a figure that perfect, you have to use it—make Maki-nii fall head over heels for you!"
"Otherwise, if some other girl steals him, we'll see how you cry!"
Kokoro eyed her sister's figure enviously, then glanced down at her own petite, flat chest and sighed. She was still young—no comparison to her sister yet.
Kotonoha thought her sister had a point, but still felt uncomfortable.
"Kokoro… Maki-kun said he has a girlfriend—more than one… But just now I agreed to date him… I…"
"That's great news!" Kokoro said, eyes shining.
"Eh?" Kotonoha blinked. She'd been worried Kokoro would think her shameless—but her sister approved?
"What are you surprised about? With a guy as handsome and gentle as Maki-nii, how could he not have a girlfriend?" Kokoro huffed, as if it were obvious.
And another thing—if Hayashi Maki wasn't a flirt, how would she seduce him when she grew up? For Kokoro, this was excellent news.
"Okay, nee-chan—come sleep with me tonight. Let's talk more about Maki-nii!"
Her sister was too shy, and kind of dense—such perfect looks, and no idea how to use them. So Kokoro would just have to coach her. If she weren't still too young, she'd go for him herself.
…
Meanwhile, Hayashi Maki stepped out to the street. Remembering they were out of fruit at home, he swung by a convenience store for apples and grapes—where the clerk, to his surprise, was Nanami Aoyama.
After paying, he waited by the door for her shift to end. Nanami didn't work nights—ten o'clock at the latest.
"Eh? Hayashi Maki, why are you still here?" Nanami asked as she picked up her pay. She wasn't at Miss Saionji Youko's shop today—closed for the night—so she'd picked up a shift here.
"At your service," he smiled. "It's not safe for a girl to walk home alone. We're headed the same way—let's go together."
"Th-thank you," she said, warmth blooming in her chest. Things hadn't felt very safe lately; even with the serial killer arrested, there were still petty thieves about. Walking alone at night wasn't ideal for a girl.
They walked side by side in a companionable silence. Nanami didn't think Hayashi Maki was into her—his girlfriend was someone as cute as Shiina Mahiru. She didn't think she could compare. Mostly she didn't know what to say; working multiple jobs was exhausting—no energy for chit-chat.
"I heard you want to be a well-known voice actress, so you're working to pay for agency training?" he asked.
"Mm. Yes." She smiled and nodded. Nothing to hide there.
"In that case, it's perfect—we've set up a club with Mahiru and the others. We plan to make a game based on my light novel, and a game needs voice actors. If you're interested, we could try working together."
He took the chance to float the idea. Tie the bond—whether in life or in work, contact creates chances for deeper connection.
"Wow—you make games too? Please keep me in mind; I'll do my best to voice every character!"
Nanami's eyes lit up—she wouldn't miss a chance like this. As a trainee VA, any practice mattered. And if Hayashi Maki's game got big, she'd share in the spotlight—great for her career.
Seeing her interest, he launched into a discussion about the LN and shared his ideas. Nanami's eyes grew brighter by the minute, especially after learning he was a published author—admiration and envy flickered in her gaze.
At her door, Hayashi Maki even produced a copy of his novel to give her. She didn't know where he'd pulled it from and hesitated—books weren't cheap in Japan. But Hayashi Maki said if she didn't accept it, he'd feel awkward asking her to collaborate later. She had no choice but to take it—and after reading it, she became his fan.
After that brief contact, Hayashi Maki headed home. Opening the door, he called out on reflex, "I'm home."
Rita, in shorts and slippers, appeared at the entry with a dazzling smile. "Welcome back, darling. Dinner is ready—would you like to—mmph!"
Eyes wide, she stared at the man who'd pulled her in for a kiss the moment he walked in.
Playing by no rules at all. She'd planned to tease him and provoke Mashiro's emotions—but she was the one who got played instead. Rita felt wronged beyond words.
~~~
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