Caught off guard, Mai Sakurajima's eyes widened.
Nervously she pushed at Hayashi Maki, but—as expected—he didn't budge. His strong arm cinched around her slender waist, leaving her no chance to refuse.
Their lips met. He moved with practiced ease.
Mai's cheeks flushed; she clearly hadn't expected to be kissed like that. He'd said he was here to collect "payment," and she had no way to refuse.
Swallowing her shyness, she slowly closed her eyes.
Watching her trembling lashes, Hayashi Maki didn't hold back. He scooped her up around the waist and carried her into the room. Sitting on her bed, he naturally set her on his lap and kissed her rosy lips, "guiding" her carefully and letting her grow accustomed to his breath.
Hayashi Maki had no intention of pretending to be a gentleman. She knew he was a lech anyway—being direct was better.
Mai's breathing quickened. The clean, masculine scent on him reached her; her cheeks burned and her heartbeat sped up.
Truth be told, she was grateful: if he hadn't taken her in, she might have starved, unable even to touch food.
Thinking of his kindness, her nerves eased. Drawing on an actress's instinct, she pressed him down with her delicate hands. Their lips parted. Hayashi Maki lay on the bed, a little surprised. Seeing Mai-senpai boldly straddle his hips and kiss him of her own accord, his heart lurched; he lifted a hand to gently stroke her head.
Her clumsy kisses grew deft—passive turned to active.
Panting, Mai broke away, flicked a lock of hair from her ear, and showed a sultry smile.
"Kouhai, is this payment enough for you?"
Hayashi Maki sat up, hugged her slim waist tight, and claimed her lips again.
"Not nearly enough, Mai-senpai. I'm very greedy."
"Ugh… you jerk… still not satisfied?"
She gave a soft cry, but her pink arms were locked around his neck. Her jacket fell aside.
Hayashi Maki clasped her hand and kissed the delicate line of her collarbone. Gazing at her fair skin and adorable posture, he felt both pleased and a little excited.
"Far from enough, Senpai. Do you have any idea how cute you look right now?"
Mai pressed his head down, lifting her white chin, her body trembling slightly. Shy as she felt, she was also terribly tense.
"Idiot, don't ask such embarrassing questions!"
Fortunately, Hayashi Maki knew where to draw the line. He wasn't planning to go too far right now. After holding her and kissing a while longer, he let her go, pecked her lips, and smiled.
"That's enough for today, Senpai. We'll continue when you're truly ready."
Blushing, Mai rolled her eyes.
"Great, now I'll never get married. After what you've done to me…"
"Then marry me."
"Hmph. With how philandering you are, what good would that do me?"
"You'll have to experience it yourself. We've got time—let's get along and see. Mai-senpai, I'll be in your care from now on."
He spoke gently and hugged her tight again.
Looking at his handsome face, Mai suddenly leaned in and kissed him. Hayashi Maki's eyes widened.
"Senpai, if you do that… I'm going to get worse…"
"Mmph! You're already bad… And you think you can tease me and run? You'll take responsibility…"
With that, she nestled decisively into his arms.
Though she'd never dated, Mai had imagined what kind of man her other half should be: first, good-looking; second, manly enough to protect her; third, gentle and doting. Hayashi Maki failed in plenty of ways—his womanizing being the worst—but his uncanny abilities gave her a great sense of safety. And that sense of safety, more than anything, made her heart flutter.
After a long while, Mai curled against him, arms looped around his neck, and cooed,
"You have to take responsibility, Scumbag-san."
Hayashi Maki wiped her lips and gently stroked her silky hair.
"Don't worry. I'm a very possessive man. From now on, I won't let you go—won't hand you to anyone."
His declaration eased her heart. Seeing there was still time, she blushed and leaned in again. Hayashi Maki cupped her head, taking in her radiant expression—as if to etch this adorable look deep into memory. Everything else went without saying.
…
Half an hour later, Hayashi Maki finally returned to Mahiru's room. Catching a whiff of his scent, Shiina Mahiru rolled her eyes.
"Out snacking again? Naughty Maki-kun!"
Hayashi Maki chuckled, took her small hand, and said solemnly,
"I went to collect payment. A demon doesn't do losing trades. Since Mai-senpai needs my protection, there's no such thing as getting it for free."
Mahiru leaned into his chest, cheeks pink, and gazed up at him.
"Then what price do I owe, Hayashi Maki—hubby?"
"Ahem—since when did you start copying Ako? Calling me 'hubby' is a bit much, isn't it?"
"Hmph, is it? I think you like it. But I'm not as thick-skinned as Ako; I won't say it in front of others. For now… enjoy it in secret, silly hubby—mmph!"
Hayashi Maki kissed her, and—speaking straight into her heart—said,
"Mahiru, my wife, please stay by my side."
Mahiru melted.
"Silly Maki-kun, hold me tight. I'll stay by your side—forever."
After days of being interrupted by Mai-senpai, the long-missed closeness made both Hayashi Maki and Mahiru especially passionate.
Upstairs, freshly showered and back in her room, Mai's cheeks were still burning. She realized she'd been awfully bold today—doing that with him. But she didn't regret it. She needed a home, a place that would accept her. She didn't want to just fade away from this world. Starving to death would be far too pathetic.
"You awful Kouhai—you'd better take full responsibility. Otherwise… I won't let you off for the rest of my life!"
~~~
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