Chapter 293 Suzune: Why are you so skilled at kissing?
"Little Kiyoshi! I'm counting on you for the tutoring!"
After the class meeting ended, as Shimizu Akira was packing his textbooks, a familiar shout came from behind him. He looked up to see Hasabe Haruka standing in front of Sakura Airi, smiling at him.
"Sure," Shimizu Akira nodded readily; they had made this arrangement a while ago, after all. "You and Sakura send me your midterm exam papers. I need to see exactly where you went wrong so I can design a targeted tutoring plan. I'll contact you in a couple of days to set a specific time."
"Mhm! Little Kiyoshi is such a good person! Airi, did you hear that~" Hasabe Haruka chuckled, turning to pat the red-haired girl beside her.
Sakura Airi's small face instantly turned beet red. She kept her head down and didn't speak, only nodding repeatedly.
Her mind was already a chaotic mess of stray thoughts:
'I'm about to be tutored by Shimizu-kun... After the tutoring, will I be able to ask him to help me apply sunscreen like we talked about?
The pool definitely won't work, but a single dorm seems more appropriate... In that case, will I have to lie on the bed in a swimsuit and let him touch me gently? Starting from the shoulders, then the back, the feet, the calves, then the thighs...
Speaking of which, the average bust size for Japanese girls is a B-cup, but I'm a G-cup.
My chest and hips seem much fuller than normal girls. If Shimizu-kun sees them up close, will he like them? If I need my back rubbed, I'll have to lie face down on the bed and press my chest down; that'll definitely be a bit uncomfortable, but for him, I can endure it.
Should I wear my glasses? I should definitely take extra showers that day so the texture of my skin feels better when he applies it...'
Sakura Airi's entire heart was focused on Shimizu Akira, her mind filled with small details for his sake. The more she thought, the hotter her cheeks became, until they looked like they might drip blood.
"Airi, what's wrong?" Hasabe Haruka instinctively reached out to touch her forehead.
'Ugh! So hot! You could steam an egg on her!
No way... He only mentioned tutoring, and it hasn't even started yet. Is she already thinking this much?'
But on second thought, Hasabe Haruka's own cheeks couldn't help but redden. Last time she struck a sexy pose, Little Kiyoshi seemed to really like it... Next time, should she intentionally
go to his dorm and strike an even more seductive pose to tease him? She wondered how he would react—it sounded quite fun!
"Haruka~" Sakura Airi suddenly looked up, her voice as thin as a mosquito's buzz.
Hasabe Haruka, well aware of her friend's embarrassment, quickly smoothed things over: "Ahem, I'm suddenly a bit hungry." Saying that, she grabbed Sakura Airi's hand and waved at Shimizu Akira.
"Little Kiyoshi, we're leaving first. We'll definitely send the test papers to you tonight!"
The two hurried out of the classroom as if something were chasing them. Shimizu Akira watched their retreating backs, stunned for a moment, then shook his head with a laugh.
Those two were quite interesting. One with red hair, one with blue—their personalities seemed to be a total contrast to their hair colors. Come to think of it, when they met at the pool, they seemed to have specifically worn swimsuits matching the other's hair color. It was clear they were very close.
However, they left too quickly for him to mention one thing: he really couldn't help with the Japanese subject.
His own Japanese grades were only average; he didn't have the confidence to instruct others.
Shimizu Akira scanned the classroom and saw that Karuizawa Kei had already left. After a moment's thought, he sent her a message.
Shimizu Akira: Send me a copy of your midterm papers too! Give me a few days, and I'll tutor you!
He had to look after his own partner; he had promised her long ago.
"Are you done? Can we go now?" Horikita Suzune said coldly from beside him.
"Yeah, all done!" Shimizu Akira nodded.
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As they walked out of the classroom, Shimizu Akira saw Horikita Suzune leading the way. She wasn't heading toward the cafeteria but was walking straight toward the dormitory area.
Just as he was feeling puzzled, Horikita Suzune seemed to sense his confusion and suddenly looked back.
"We're eating at my dorm. I accidentally bought too many ingredients last night."
Shimizu Akira blinked before it clicked: she intended to cook for him personally. Thinking about it, it had been a long time since he'd eaten Suzune's cooking. He actually missed it quite a bit.
They walked to the dorm building, and Horikita Suzune took out her key card to open the door, stepping aside to let him in. On the floor were the male slippers she had prepared long ago—specifically for him, as they were there the last time he visited.
He immediately changed his shoes and walked in. The dorm was as neat and tidy as ever, with a few exercise books laid out on the desk.
"Akira-kun, sit down first. I'm going to the kitchen." Horikita Suzune took off her school blazer, hung it on a rack, and turned on the air conditioning. Then, she turned into the small kitchenette.
Shimizu Akira sat at the table and scanned the room. In one corner of the desk was the small photo frame containing the picture of her and Horikita Manabu. In the other corner, there was a new frame—the photo of him, Horikita Suzune, Horikita Manabu, and Tachibana Akane from the other day.
He had been the one to suggest going to a studio to take it, since Horikita Manabu was graduating soon. He hadn't expected her to actually frame it and put it in such a prominent spot.
Before he could dwell on it, the crisp sound of chopping came from the kitchen. Shimizu Akira stood up and leaned against the doorframe. Horikita Suzune was wearing a simple apron, her movements very practiced as the knife precisely sliced a carrot into uniform small cubes.
"What made you decide to treat me to a meal?" Shimizu Akira asked.
Horikita Suzune didn't stop her hands.
"I told you, I just happened to have ingredients." She paused, then added: "Besides, regarding my brother, I owe you once again."
Shimizu Akira felt helpless.
"With our relationship, is a 'thank you' even necessary?"
"If you are good to me, I will naturally pay you back twofold. It's the 'transaction' we agreed upon months ago." Horikita Suzune remained somewhat stubborn.
Shimizu Akira's mouth twitched. He did these things because he liked her, but to her, it was a "transaction." Fine, then he might as well state his demands.
He arched an eyebrow. "Just a meal doesn't seem like enough. I want to move to the next step of the requirements."
"Fine." Horikita Suzune's answer came without hesitation. "That was also part of the agreement."
Shimizu Akira felt she had anticipated this.
"Suzune, could it be that you're secretly looking forward to it too?"
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Horikita Suzune's cheeks flushed, and she immediately retorted.
"You're thinking too much! That kind of thing is only something boys enjoy!"
'Who told you only boys enjoy that kind of thing?'
"Then why did you close your eyes last time and take the initiative to hold my hand?" he pressed. During their last kiss, there were several moments where Horikita Suzune reached out to hold him first and obediently closed her eyes.
"?! Tachibana-senpai told me to do that!" Horikita Suzune scrambled to defend herself.
"And later? I remember you closing your eyes several times."
"? You saw wrong! It was clearly you who wanted to kiss me!"
'Her mouth really is stubborn.'
Half an hour later, the sound of clinking dishes came from the kitchen.
"Dinner is ready." Horikita Suzune walked out with the final dish. "Let's eat first. We can talk after."
Shimizu Akira nodded. Wait—a single dorm only has one chair; he couldn't very well eat standing up. Before he could think, he saw Horikita Suzune bring out two small stools from the kitchen and a folding table, setting it up steadily in the center of the dorm. She placed the stir-fried dishes one by one, then served two bowls of fragrant rice, placing one on her side and pushing the other to the empty spot opposite her.
"Sit." Horikita Suzune turned to look at him, gesturing to the stool beside her.
Shimizu Akira sat as instructed. His eyes lit up when they fell upon the dishes. A plate of bright, glossy spicy chicken and a bowl of aromatic beef meatball soup—all of them were dishes he had mentioned he liked before. And she said this wasn't specially prepared? Even the table, stools, and specific dishes were ready in advance.
"Eat up," Horikita Suzune reminded him, picking up her own bowl and chopsticks first.
Shimizu Akira finally started, picking up a piece of the chicken.
"It tastes great! Even better than the restaurants outside."
He praised her sincerely, taking a large bite and eating with great satisfaction.
"Naturally. I was the one who cooked it." Upon hearing this, Horikita Suzune unconsciously tilted her chin up.
It had been a long time since he'd seen "Proud Suzune."
Recently, he mostly saw "Defeated Suzune," "Serious Suzune," "Soft Suzune," or "Cute Suzune." He didn't say more; the food really did suit his palate and he was indeed hungry, so he ate heartily, enjoying the beef meatballs as well.
He noticed that Horikita Suzune didn't eat much herself; instead, she often watched him eat. Whenever his bowl was empty, she would immediately stand up to refill it, even adding extra miso soup and pickles for him. It had to be said, Suzune truly had the potential to be a virtuous wife.
He had heard that in Japan, it was common for wives to care for their husbands this way after marriage. Was this an early experience for him?
But then again, they hadn't reached that stage yet! And he couldn't let the girl do everything. So, when Horikita Suzune finished her bowl, Shimizu Akira stood up.
"You've served me several bowls already. Let me refill yours this time. After we're done, I'll wash the dishes too. You just sit and rest."
Horikita Suzune froze.
"No need, I can do it myself..."
"It's fine. You've looked after me for so long; let me take a turn." Shimizu Akira took her empty bowl without taking no for an answer and turned toward the kitchen. The rice cooker was by the kitchen door, still warming the fragrant rice. He served her a third of a bowl—a girl's portion—and handed it back.
"If it's not enough, I'll get more. You made so many dishes but barely touched them."
Horikita Suzune took the bowl, looked at the rice, then at Shimizu Akira who had returned to his meal.
A smile drifted onto her lips, and she finally began eating in small bites.
This time, she didn't just watch him; she occasionally took a piece of the chicken, though she would frown slightly while eating it. She actually couldn't handle spicy food very well—this entire spread was made solely for Shimizu Akira.
Of course, she would never admit to that.
Shimizu Akira saw this and silently placed a beef meatball in her bowl.
"If you can't handle the spice, eat more meatballs and drink the soup; it helps."
Horikita Suzune looked up at him, said "I know," and took a spoonful of soup. The warm liquid slid down her throat, and the spiciness indeed faded significantly.
After they finished eating in silence, Shimizu Akira kept his promise, gathered the dishes, and headed to the kitchen. Horikita Suzune tried to follow to help, but he blocked her at the door. "I said I'd wash them. Sit and rest, and think about what you want to talk about."
Horikita Suzune stopped and watched his back as he busied himself in the kitchen.
She felt an indescribable feeling in her heart. Before, she always cooked and washed alone; she had never been proactively cared for like this. Shimizu Akira's movements weren't particularly practiced, but he washed carefully, cleaning even the oil from the rims.
Not long after, Shimizu Akira walked out, his hands damp. "Done." He shook the water off and looked at her.
"Now, can we talk about Kikyo?"
Horikita Suzune took a deep breath, suppressing her thoughts, and her expression turned serious.
"Mhm. I do have something to tell you... You likely know that Kushida Kikyo and I were junior high classmates."
"Mhm." Shimizu Akira sat back down opposite her, waiting for her to continue.
"My junior high had over a thousand people; it was very large," Horikita Suzune began slowly, her voice laced with memory.
"Kushida Kikyo was a celebrity in our year, almost like a school idol, but I barely spoke a few words to her. In the third semester of our third year, something terrible happened in her class—the classroom was turned into a total mess, the blackboard and desks covered in slanderous graffiti. Personally, I suspect it might have been related to Kushida Kikyo."
In truth, Horikita Suzune had agonized for a long time over whether to tell Shimizu Akira this. After all, they were in a relationship; telling him this would undoubtedly cause trouble for Kushida. But on second thought, whether as a friend or out of simple respect, Shimizu Akira had the right to know. She knew his personality well; he wouldn't be like a character in a third-rate soap opera, blindly questioning her.
Sure enough, after listening, Shimizu Akira nodded directly.
"Mhm. Actually, Kikyo did it. She already told me all about it herself."
"She told you?!" Horikita Suzune was incredulous. Given Kushida Kikyo's selfish nature, she had actually confessed?
"She told me on the first day we started dating. Kikyo wouldn't hide things from me." Shimizu Akira nodded.
"The situation is roughly what you guessed. She was the one behind that chaos. As for the reason..." He didn't hide it anymore and told Horikita Suzune the full story behind why Kushida did it.
After listening, Horikita Suzune rubbed her temples, feeling her worldview being refreshed again.
'Using a blog to keep track of dark secrets? Being discovered by a classmate? Then proactively blowing everything up?'
"Could that woman not set her account to private?" she couldn't help but ask with a frown.
"If it was a side account, she could have set it so strangers couldn't see it!"
"Haha, true enough," Shimizu Akira laughed. "But she was only in junior high then; she probably didn't think that far ahead, which is why she accidentally slipped up."
"I still don't understand what Kushida Kikyo was thinking," Horikita Suzune continued. "What was the point of going to all that trouble?"
"Well, Kikyo is actually a very simple person," Shimizu Akira explained slowly.
"She just wanted everyone to like her and to gain some attention. In elementary school, she was an idol because of her academics and sports. In junior high, the material got harder, and she isn't the particularly brilliant type, so she could only put effort into this aspect. But the cost of maintaining that perfect image was too high, the pressure kept growing, and it accidentally led to that conclusion."
Horikita Suzune was silent for a moment before saying, "...But even under pressure, she shouldn't have used such a way that hurts others to vent."
"She regretted it later," Shimizu Akira defended his girlfriend.
"Otherwise, she wouldn't have confessed to me on the first day. She knows very well that what she did was wrong, but she couldn't find another way out at the time. She was too afraid of losing everyone's affection, so she fell into it step by step."
Horikita Suzune looked up at him.
"You knew all this, and you were still willing to date her?"
"Her past has flaws, but she hasn't done anything to hurt others since—er, except for Yamauchi Haruki?" Shimizu Akira paused. "And she's working very hard now. Gathering the exam intel and organizing the study sessions... although I sent her the info, she completed it all by herself from start to finish."
Horikita Suzune stared at him, her tone defiant.
"She clearly just wants to be as popular as she was in junior high. You're just finding excuses for her."
"Mhm... I won't deny her motives aren't pure." Shimizu Akira didn't argue. "But we should just look at the results. There aren't many completely pure people in this world, are there?"
These words silenced Horikita Suzune. Even her own leadership to reach Class A was fundamentally fueled by the desire for her brother's recognition. Everyone had their own selfish motives.
"When you first found out, was your first reaction anger?"
"I wasn't angry. I even felt she did the right thing. Rather than letting Kikyo be isolated and bullied by those people, it was better to strike first and let that suffocating class explode. It was quite satisfying."
Horikita Suzune's expression was complex; she was speechless.
'Just as I thought. Shimizu Akira is overprotective of his girlfriend!'
But for a girl, sometimes having a boyfriend who stands firmly by your side regardless of right or wrong is the most important thing.
A brief silence fell over the dorm, save for the hum of the AC fan.
"No wonder she likes you so much. You truly are good to her."
What kind of guy could hear about a girlfriend's dark past without flinching, and even think she did the right thing? Being supported like this, Kushida Kikyo must be incredibly happy every day.
Shimizu Akira saw Suzune's "I give up" expression and laughed.
"Actually, it's not that extreme. I just feel that since I chose to be with her, I should accept everything about her, including her past impulses and imperfections. That's the most important part of dating.
And besides! It's actually quite interesting when her expression changes! It's like having a double personality!"
'So it's that quality of yours that makes it easiest for girls to fall for you!'
Treating someone's most disgraceful past as understandable, even finding her honesty and dual personality "cute." This kind of tolerance was a huge plus—who wouldn't be swayed by it?
Shimizu Akira suddenly remembered something.
"Right! Kikyo has always been afraid that you would tell others about her past, especially me. That's why she frequently approached us at the start of school. At first, she even wanted to get on good terms with you through me."
This was another bombshell for Horikita Suzune!
So, all this time, because of her, these two had progressed so quickly and gotten together?
'Is this woman Kushida my nemesis?'
From meeting on the same bus on the first day to being in the same class, to even liking the same boy. A twisted fate, truly a twisted fate!
"Is that woman serious?" Horikita Suzune was both angry and amused.
"She thinks I'd just tell anyone her private business? As long as she doesn't betray Class C, given her ability and influence, why would I do something so redundant? Even when she targeted Yamauchi last time, I essentially let her off the hook, didn't I!"
Shimizu Akira was special to her; he was both someone she liked and Kushida Kikyo's boyfriend.
She and Kushida didn't have a good relationship, so some things did need to be relayed through him, but that didn't mean she would tell a stranger's secrets!
"Well, that's just Kikyo's nature; she finds it hard to trust people," Shimizu Akira explained. "Without those dark secrets, she wouldn't easily consider anyone trustworthy. She also likes to tell small lies."
"Oh? I thought you only said good things about your girlfriend." Horikita Suzune huffed. "But is it really okay for you to just tell me her secret like this?"
"They are facts, after all," Shimizu Akira said calmly.
"And I trust you. You said yourself that as long as Kikyo doesn't damage the class, you won't reveal her past, so telling you is fine. Kikyo shouldn't be angry with me; she's good to me and listens to what I have to say."
Horikita Suzune felt a tightness in her chest.
She worked hard to cook for him, and in return, he fed her "dog food"! Watching these two being so lovey-dovey was truly an eyesore!
"I promised to let you take the next step. Come here, let's get it over with. I need to prepare my textbooks for tutoring."
Horikita Suzune's expression turned sour, but she still sat on the edge of the bed and patted the spot beside her. Even though she was in a bad mood, she still remembered to fulfill her promise. This "partner" was more responsible than a girlfriend!
Kamuro Masumi next door was still angry and hadn't replied to his messages. He didn't think much of it and sat decisively on the edge of the bed. This time, he reached out and pulled her closer, pulling Suzune into a face-to-face embrace.
Horikita Suzune thought he would take the opportunity to be handsy, but this time he just held her quietly, with no extra movements. After a few minutes, incredibly, the inexplicable fire in her heart actually cooled down significantly.
Shimizu Akira looked down and saw Horikita Suzune had voluntarily closed her eyes.
"Hm? Didn't someone say they don't like intimate things?" he couldn't help but say with a smile.
Horikita Suzune's body stiffened. She pursed her lips and reached out to pinch his thigh—one of her few ways of fighting back. But unsurprisingly, her hand was caught firmly by Shimizu Akira.
The next second, he lowered his head without hesitation and kissed her lips. There was no need for words this time. The girl's territory was as defenseless as ever; he easily explored inside, her sweet breath causing him to lose himself in it.
The kiss initially started with Shimizu Akira's gentle lead, and Horikita Suzune's body was still a bit tense. But as the sweetness deepened and she felt the warmth from his palms and his unhurried, non-coercive tolerance, the last line of her awkward defense collapsed.
Her passive stance relaxed, her chin tilted up slightly to meet his kiss, and the hand that had been caught stopped struggling, instead gently wrapping around his neck.
Shimizu Akira was startled, then his smile deepened as his tongue traced the shape of her lips. Horikita Suzune's breathing became rapid, but she didn't stop. She clumsily imitated him, leaning in closer, her nose brushing his cheek, carrying the faint scent of food and his own refreshing aura.
After ten or so seconds, the two slowly parted. Horikita Suzune blinked her moist eyes, suddenly looked up at him, and questioned him again: "So! Have you and Kikyo already kissed a long time ago? Otherwise, why are you so skilled?!"
"Well, we've been kissing since the day the boxing exhibition match ended."
"Who initiated it?"
"Uh... that time it was Kikyo."
Horikita Suzune's voice suddenly rose, her face turning pale and red in turns.
"So fast!"
'What a shameless woman!'
She thought she was being proactive and bold enough, yet Kushida Kikyo had already made her move long ago!
Recalling Kushida's seemingly casual questioning on the night of the VIP exam, she realized it in hindsight.
That woman was clearly taunting her! She had already kissed Shimizu Akira countless times, yet she acted so innocent!
Shimizu Akira watched her changing expressions and was about to joke about whether she was oxygen-deprived, when unexpectedly, Horikita Suzune suddenly leaned in and kissed him on the lips without another word.
This kiss was full of force, without the previous green hesitation. It was as if she were proactively invading his territory, reclaiming the initiative that belonged to her. This was Suzune's first proactive kiss.
'Could this be Kikyo exerting her influence from afar again!'
Announcement
Hello everyone!
As always Thank you for your support!
I'm happy to announce a new Fanfiction! There are already 40 chapters!
You can find it in my secondary account: VarieTL02
COTE: I've become a substitute
Mikage Touji transmigrated in the world of Classroom of the Elite with no explanation and entered the class 1-A, well at least he as a cool power even if a bit weak for now.
Until Ayanokouji Atsuomi asked him: "Is this you?" referring to a photo of Kyotaka.
"How could I possibly be that gloomy guy in there?!"
"Drop these useless excuses, Kiyotaka. Did you think that by changing your name and getting plastic surgery, you could escape my control?
Your enrollment materials are completely fabricated; not a single person can prove you ever existed. Furthermore, the timing of your appearance completely coincides with the time and place of Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's disappearance. And you're still saying you aren't Ayanokouji Kiyotaka?"
"Pfft..." It turns out that when people are truly speechless, they really do laugh.
"If you're looking to cause trouble, take a left out the door and find a police station. And another thing..." Mikage Toji helplessly spread his hands. "The one you are looking for is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. What does that have to do with me, Mikage Toji?"
[Harem - No Ayanokouji - Sakayanagi Arisu in class D.
I really recommend it even if it doesn't have Hikigaya XD it's very funny and the first girls are not the usual ones (Spoiler: Morishita Ai, Yamamura Miki and Shiraishi Asuka)
Read ahead (160 chapters) by supporting me on buymeacoffee com/varietl or ko-fi edwriting