Until school let out in the evening, Egawa Mitsuki never returned to the classroom. The teacher also turned a blind eye to her absence.
Sasaki Fuyumi grew increasingly wary. Egawa Mitsuki's background was clearly no simple matter. Although he held leverage over her, it was far from secure. He felt like a mantis trying to stop a chariot – no matter how hard its forelimbs were, it wouldn't make a difference.
Right now, Sasaki Fuyumi could only hope she was too shocked and scared to react quickly, giving him enough time to figure out a countermeasure. Based on her timid behavior this morning, she probably wouldn't muster the courage to cause him trouble anytime soon.
However, Sasaki Fuyumi wasn't the type to just wait for doom. His gaze fell upon the items in the exchange interface. If he got lucky and a top-tier item appeared, he wouldn't have to worry about Egawa Mitsuki's revenge. But no matter how good the item, he needed to afford it first, which meant Scumbag Points were fundamental.
Sasaki Fuyumi's eyes flickered, then he turned his attention to Sato Ruri, who was currently hurrying out of the classroom.
Sato Ruri seemed to sense his gaze and quickened her pace, disappearing from Sasaki Fuyumi's sight. Unhurried, Sasaki Fuyumi got up and followed.
Sato Ruri rushed all the way from upstairs to the ground floor. She nervously glanced back and, seeing he hadn't followed, breathed a sigh of relief. But feeling it wasn't safe yet, she merged into the stream of students heading home. With so many people around, even that pervert wouldn't dare try anything, right?
Sato Ruri's home was about a ten-minute walk from school. She remembered some girls in her class lived in the same direction and found them to walk home with.
But it seemed she worried for nothing. Even after arriving outside her residential complex, there was no sign of Sasaki Fuyumi. Relieved, Sato Ruri waved gratefully to her classmates.
"I'm home, everyone. See you tomorrow!"
After saying goodbye, Sato Ruri walked briskly into the complex. Her home was in Building 3, Apartment 504, just off the elevator.
Seeing her own door number, Sato Ruri broke into a relieved smile. She could even smell the aroma of home-cooked food wafting from inside and hear her mother's nagging voice.
She used to find her mom annoying, but at this moment, it felt incredibly reassuring.
Home was her sanctuary.
She took out her keys, ready to open the door, when a hand reached from behind and landed on her shoulder. Simultaneously, a voice that had haunted her dreams last night sounded behind her, laced with amusement.
"Sato Ruri, what a coincidence. Fancy meeting you again."
Sato Ruri froze. She turned back, terror in her eyes. "You followed me?"
"How can you call it following? After all, I got here before you did, Sato Ruri."
Sasaki Fuyumi said with mock indignation. Where Sato Ruri lived wasn't exactly a secret. Lots of guys in school who had a crush on her knew – apparently, someone had gotten it from one of the girls. Sasaki Fuyumi had happened to find out too.
Looking at Sato Ruri glaring at him with hatred, Sasaki Fuyumi felt this place wasn't safe. He said directly, "Come on, let's go on our date."
Sato Ruri's pretty face paled. She fumed, "Who would go on a date with a disgusting pervert like you!"
Remembering what he'd done to her last night, the girl couldn't control her emotions. Pressing his face against her... against her... it was utterly shameless!
Sasaki Fuyumi chuckled. "If you won't date me, I'll just have to go home with you instead. I wonder what your auntie's expression would be if she saw the video of you going through your classmate's bag."
His tone carried an implied threat.
Sato Ruri's expression changed. This guy was going to show the video to her mom? How could he!
Imagining her mother's disappointed face after seeing it, Sato Ruri grew inwardly anxious. She absolutely didn't want that to happen. But she also didn't want to go on a date with Sasaki Fuyumi, because he'd definitely try to take advantage of her any way he could.
What should she do?
The girl bit her lip, her mind in turmoil.
But Sasaki Fuyumi didn't have time to drag this out. They were right outside Sato Ruri's home, and it was rush hour. If a neighbor, or worse, her parents, came out and saw them, he'd be in deep trouble.
Suddenly, a smile curled on Sasaki Fuyumi's lips.
"Route One: Only a door away from home, the girl desperately wants to open it and return to her mother's side. But you, the wicked one, forcefully coerce her to come with you."
"Route Two: Snatch the keys from the girl, open her door, burst in, and shout at her parents: 'I love your daughter so much!'"
Without hesitation, Sasaki Fuyumi chose Route One. Route Two was far too dangerous. The only outcome would be Sato Ruri's parents breaking his legs.
Having made his choice, Sasaki Fuyumi didn't delay. He suddenly placed both hands on Sato Ruri's shoulders and pushed her back until she was against the door. Before she could react, he placed one hand on the door beside her head, effectively caging her.
He had her pinned against the door of her own home.
Because they were so close, Sasaki Fuyumi felt two soft, springy masses pressing against his chest. Even through their clothes, the soft sensation was unmistakable.
The girl was caught completely off guard. Now, with his face so close to hers, and her chest compressed against his, she felt a numb, warm sensation that made her heart race. She cried out in shame and anger, "What are you doing?"
She nervously glanced around, not daring to speak too loudly, afraid her mom or a neighbor might hear.
Sasaki Fuyumi looked at the blushing girl before him. Her eyes fluttered with nervousness, her long eyelashes curving beautifully, inexplicably giving off a bewitching charm.
Sasaki Fuyumi swallowed. He smiled teasingly. "If you don't agree to date me, I'll just have to ring the doorbell and call your family out. I wonder what expression they'd have when they see us like this."
Sato Ruri looked at him tensely. "You can't do that!" she said angrily.
"But I am going to do it!" With that, Sasaki Fuyumi didn't hesitate. He pressed the doorbell. Hearing the chime echo from inside the apartment, Sato Ruri's face went ashen.
"Who is it? Is that you, Ruri? Forget your keys again today?"
Her mother's voice came from inside, accompanied by approaching footsteps. Sato Ruri jolted awake. Forgetting how close Sasaki Fuyumi was, she grabbed the front of his shirt in a panic. "I agree! Take me away, quick!"
Seeing this, Sasaki Fuyumi didn't linger. He took her hand and quickly led her away from her door. They had just turned the corner when they heard the door open.
Sato Ruri's mother opened the door, saw no one outside, and muttered in confusion, "No one there? Was it just the neighbor kids playing a prank? Honestly."
Muttering, she closed the door.
Hiding around the corner, Sato Ruri instinctively raised her hand, her mouth opening slightly. But when she heard the door click shut, her eyes dimmed.