"Onii-chan, did I do this right?"
"Yeah, that's correct. Kokoro-chan is really smart, you get it as soon as I teach you."
Watching Hayashi Maki patiently tutor her little sister, Kotonoha's heart felt warm.
She didn't interrupt them—she quietly brought over drinks and dessert for after the meal instead.
Half an hour later, Hayashi Maki gently pulled the blanket up over Kokoro and, after placing a soft kiss on her smooth forehead, finally left her room.
He sat down on the sofa.
Kotonoha was sitting next to him, head lowered, looking shy. The corners of his lips lifted slightly.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Kotonoha."
As he spoke, he naturally reached out and took her pale, slender hand in his.
Her body trembled lightly, and her cheeks flushed red on their own.
She stole a quick glance at him, then shook her head softly.
"It wasn't that long… actually, Kokoro-chan's the clingy one. She didn't cause you any trouble, did she?"
"Haha, it's fine. Kokoro-chan is really cute—I like her a lot."
Hayashi Maki let go of her hand this time so he could slide his arm around her slim waist instead.
He pulled the girl straight into his arms.
"Eep—…"
"Maki-kun…"
Caught off guard by his bold move, Kotonoha let out a little yelp before her whole face turned bright red.
Hayashi Maki chuckled, lifting a hand to gently stroke her soft, straight black hair.
She had probably just taken a bath.
There was a faint, sweet fragrance rising from her, and her fair skin held a rosy glow that made her even more alluring.
Her soft body felt wonderful in his arms.
"Kotonoha, I've been missing you. What am I supposed to do about that?"
As he spoke, he slowly leaned in, eyes fixed on the girl's pink lips.
Her heart jumped at his words—she felt embarrassed, but also quietly happy.
"…You can do whatever you want."
She murmured in a small voice, then gently wrapped her pale arms around his neck.
Her big, clear eyes slowly closed.
Seeing her so obedient and adorable, Hayashi Maki's desire flared.
He leaned in and pressed his lips gently to hers.
Their shared warmth rose quickly.
He poured his affection into the kiss, and their hearts naturally drew closer, feeling each other's racing heartbeats.
Kotonoha's lips were unbelievably soft.
It was like tasting a fluffy, delicate marshmallow—cool and sweet.
Hayashi Maki simply swept her up in his arms and carried her to her bedroom.
If Kotonoha's mom suddenly came home and saw them all over each other on the sofa, that would be bad.
To be safe, the bedroom was better.
Once he shut the door, the whole world belonged only to him and Kotonoha.
Laid down on her own bed, Kotonoha's face was burning hot, making her look even shyer.
She instinctively covered her chest with her hands and looked up at him timidly.
"Maki-kun… you can't go too far…"
"Ahem, don't worry… I won't go too far. When you want to stop, I'll stop, okay?"
Hayashi Maki soothed her gently as he leaned in closer again.
Kotonoha nodded slightly.
"Then… it's a promise. If I say no, you're not allowed to bully me."
Hayashi Maki smiled and nodded.
In his heart, though, he was laughing wickedly.
Heh. If I don't let you talk… you won't be able to say "stop", right?
He lowered himself over her, cupping her delicate face to kiss her again.
Then his lips moved to her pale neck.
Kotonoha instinctively tipped her head back, one hand lightly pressing against his head.
"Maki-kun… I'm starting to realize… you're getting worse and worse…"
"Does Kotonoha hate this bad version of me?"
He asked with a grin, his hand sliding down to her shin.
The girl in front of him was shy and enchanting, her looks and figure both flawless.
Her full chest was in no way inferior even to Misaki-senpai's.
Hearing his teasing, Kotonoha put a hand over her eyes, too embarrassed to meet his gaze.
But her mouth was very honest.
"I… I don't hate this kind of Maki-kun."
"Heh, if you don't hate it, that means you like it. Kotonoha, you're so cute."
Hayashi Maki loved complimenting girls.
It made them happy, and it made things easier for him.
He was a guy, after all—being sweet-tongued with his girlfriends had its perks.
Kotonoha didn't argue this time, only covering her eyes again.
As if by not looking at him, she could make him stop.
Or maybe, she was quietly accepting everything he was about to do.
Hayashi Maki took in her snowy skin…
The way her nightgown was pulled tight…
The deep line of her cleavage, the dazzling whiteness…
He swallowed unconsciously.
Even though he was no innocent boy anymore and had plenty of experience, Kotonoha's beauty still left him stunned.
He gently pried her hand away from her eyes.
"…Alright now, why are you covering your face?"
"I want you to look at me. I want you to remember everything I'm about to do to you, for the rest of your life."
Her cheeks flushed an even deeper red. She peeked at him once, then quickly closed her eyes again.
"But… it's embarrassing…"
Hayashi Maki felt utterly charmed by her.
He didn't hesitate any longer—he leaned in and captured her lips again.
…
Much later, Kotonoha lay boneless in his arms, her small hands still loosely wrapped around his neck.
Her cheeks were bright red, but there was a soft, blissful smile on her lips. She looked incredibly gentle.
Hayashi Maki stroked her hair and asked softly, "Kotonoha, has your mom still not come back from her business trip?"
"Not yet… she said she took on a big contract and has been busy all this time."
Her voice was soft and gentle as she explained, and as she listened to the steady thump of his heartbeat, she rubbed her cheek against his chest with quiet affection.
"Aw, what a shame. I was hoping you could hurry up and transfer to Seihaku Academy."
Hayashi Maki sighed regretfully.
Hearing how much he wanted her there, Kotonoha felt another wave of warmth wash through her heart.
"I want to go as soon as possible too… but I can't do anything about it. Mom's too busy."
Hayashi Maki thought for a moment, then said seriously, "How about I think of a way to make her less busy, so she can come home sooner?"
"Mm, I'll do whatever you say."
Kotonoha nodded, leaning into him even more.
She always felt so safe at his side.
"Alright then, I'll make some moves in the next few days. With luck, we can get you into Hakuo as early as next week."
As he spoke, Hayashi Maki glanced down at her lovely face, then dipped his head again.
He kissed her.
Kotonoha's eyes went hazy. She didn't resist at all.
After Hayashi Maki walked into her life, her once gray world had been completely lit up.
As long as he didn't abandon her, she felt like she'd be willing to do anything.