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"Kashiwagi Eiri-san~ You wouldn't want the world to know you're a doujinshi artist, would you?"
Takumi's lips curved upward into a teasing smile as he whispered softly beside her ear. His warm breath brushed against her cheek, and his low voice made her face flush a deeper red.
"Y-you… don't get so close~"
Eiri's voice trembled, growing smaller with every word until it faded into a shy whimper. Her face turned away in embarrassment, the tips of her ears glowing crimson.
Seeing that she was on the verge of tears, Takumi released her and took a step back, letting her sit back down on the sheets. He also retreated a pace, standing casually by the bedside.
"Wow, I actually made you cry. Anyway, I just came to clear something up—I didn't dox you, Eiri."
"That's worse than doxxing me!!"
Fuming, Eiri searched for something to throw at him—only to realize there was nothing within reach. Enraged, she lunged forward, her golden twin tails lashing out like whips.
Pa! Pa! Pa!
Each swing of her shimmering hair had enough force to make the air tremble.
But Takumi didn't dodge. He stepped forward, meeting her attack head-on, catching her shoulders, and tilting her chin upward.
"What's worse than doxxing you… is this."
"Mm—!?"
Before she could react, his lips pressed against hers, and his arm wrapped firmly around her slender waist.
Eiri's eyes went wide. Crystal tears welled up at the corners as her tense legs trembled, shifting from resistance to confused, shivering surrender.
It was a sensation she had never felt before—something she had drawn countless times but never lived.
No idea how long the moment lasted, Eiri completely lost track of time.
"Eiri, remember to go out and—"
The bedroom door suddenly creaked open, revealing a woman with flowing purple hair standing in the doorway.
She had been about to speak casually, but the instant her eyes took in the scene before her, she froze in place.
"...Oh my."
Takumi exhaled slowly, a faint silver strand still connecting their lips, and turned his gaze toward the doorway.
There stood Sawamura Sayuri, her lips slightly parted, face full of disbelief.
"My apologies… carry on," she said quickly, shutting the door and retreating without another word.
"M-Mom!!"
Eiri jolted upright in panic, shouting after her—but there was no response.
Humiliated beyond belief, her face burned as she pointed at Takumi. "Y-you, you—!"
"Sensei," he said smoothly, "you seemed to be enjoying it quite a bit just now, so maybe don't put all the blame on me."
That single line was enough to make steam practically rise from Eiri's forehead.
"Anyway, I'll get going. I was just out buying some pastries to greet my new neighbors—and figured I'd stop by to educate you a bit. Try not to spread nonsense next time, Eiri. You're welcome."
Before she could explode again, Takumi vanished into thin air with a shimmer of magic light.
Eiri stared at the spot where he'd been, so angry she tore out a small tuft of her golden hair.
"Why should I thank you!? That was my first kiss, you… you jerk!"
Her voice cracked as she shouted the last words. But beneath the outrage, an unfamiliar feeling lingered—a warmth that overpowered even her embarrassment at being caught by her mother.
Touching her lips lightly, she muttered under her breath, "It was just a kiss… I've drawn that scene hundreds of times. But… why does it feel so different?"
Then she stomped on her bed, pummeling her plushies with tiny fists.
"Stealing my first kiss and running away? That's the cheapest trope ever! Even for a manga plot!"
As she vented, the door quietly creaked open.
Peeking through the gap was none other than Sayuri, her mother—watching for a long moment before realizing Takumi was gone. She pushed the door open and hurried inside.
"The boy you were kissing—where is he!? Did he jump out the window? This is the third floor! Is he alright!?"
Sayuri rushed to the window and peered out, but there was no one in sight.
Eiri's cheeks turned crimson again as she muttered, "He's not normal, Mom. He… flew away."
"What do you mean flew away? Tell me everything, young lady."
Sayuri immediately leaned in inquisitively, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Despite her embarrassment, Eiri recounted everything honestly—from Takumi's sudden appearance to his teasing departure.
…
Meanwhile, Takumi—now walking back through the shopping district—felt lighter than ever. Teasing that golden-haired tsundere had been oddly satisfying.
Nothing beat the joy of riling up a proud girl until she melted.
He bought two boxes of premium pastries and strolled toward home, his presence flickering through the crowd like a phantom.
After circling the block, he realized there weren't any Cursed Spirits nearby.
"Tch. It's not my luck. Miko must have some kind of curse-attracting constitution."
"And what about yokai? Why can't I even sense a whiff of demonic energy around here? Don't tell me they've all retreated into the mountains?"
He glanced toward the distant peaks, already planning to sweep through them when he had the time.
Hunting yokai used to be one of his main ways of earning new traits—but lately, they barely felt worth the effort.
Shaking off the thought, he checked the time. It was almost noon.
Adjusting his collar, Takumi finally arrived at his neighbor's house.
Knock knock knock!
Footsteps approached from inside, and after a brief look through the peephole, the door opened.
Standing before him was a beautiful woman with long chestnut hair, wearing a fitted green blouse and a cream-colored skirt.
Her outfit was simple, yet the soft fabric hugged her generous curves in just the right places, exuding a mature, sensual aura that was impossible to ignore.
That gentle allure—warm, elegant, yet irresistibly feminine—washed over him like perfume.
The moment their eyes met, a faint spark of electricity passed between them.
Realizing her visitor was a handsome young man, the woman smiled sweetly.
"Hello there. Can I help you?"
"Good afternoon, beautiful lady. I'm your new neighbor—Takumi. I just moved in recently with my two sisters. Things have been busy, but I wanted to stop by and introduce myself properly."
His tone was warm, his manners refined.
Understanding the gesture, the woman quickly welcomed him inside.
"Please, come in."
She led him into the cozy living room, setting out tea and snacks with practiced grace.
"I'm Akitsuki Kayoko. I moved here not too long ago myself," she said while pouring tea, bending slightly as she leaned forward. (T/N: From hentai Oni Chichi)
The motion drew the fabric tight against her body, outlining her narrow waist and the soft, rounded curves below. The way the light hit her skin only deepened the impression of mature beauty.
"She's not losing to Mio in looks," Takumi mused inwardly. "But she's got that extra… refined charm that comes with age. Still—judging by her stance and aura, she's probably never been with anyone."
A seasoned man like Takumi could tell at a glance: Kayoko was still pure.
From the décor, though, he could tell she wasn't living alone. Names like Airi and Marina seemed to echo faintly through the apartment.
...
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