Chapter 9

Even if he said he would do better next time, the fact remained that his failure this time was irreversible.  

He wasn’t exactly in a position to refuse her requests, so he found himself visiting her house for several consecutive days.  

“Fufu, to think I get to drag you in again today… Your lack of discipline is a problem, but as far as fulfilling my personal desires goes, this is a pleasant surprise.”  

“I really need to get my act together…”  

“That determination is important. But for now, you still need to *settle* this, don’t you?”  

“Y-Yeah, I know…”  

With that, she sat down on her bed.  

It was a scene he had witnessed many times before. And precisely because of that, something stirred inside him.  

“So, where should it be this time?”  

Even as he asked, Satoru was exasperated with himself for saying such a thing.  

“Hmm… How about somewhere visible even with my uniform on?”  

“You seriously want it somewhere visible? That’s just asking for trouble.”  

“Oh, that doesn’t concern me in the slightest. Even if the disciplinary teacher gets mad at me, I wouldn’t regret it one bit. And as for all the stares and comments from everyone else? Same answer.”  

“Ugh…”  

She was unwavering.  

He knew it was pointless, but part of him still held onto the hope that she might hesitate at times like this. That hope was, of course, crushed every single time.  

“Well then, shall we go with this spot?”  

“…Screw it. Whatever happens, happens.”  

With that, Satoru steeled himself, pushed her down, and pressed his lips to the spot she pointed to.  

Then, he sucked firmly.  

“Mm…!”  

Normally, whenever they did this, he would lose himself in the moment.  

But right now, he was fully conscious. That meant every little reaction from her, including the sound she just made, hit him like a shockwave.  

“Hah… Hah… That should do it, right?”  

“Yes, you did very well. Judging by the sensation, I’d say that’s quite the fine mark.”  

“…The way you put it is just brutal…”  

Judging by the blissful look on Reika’s face, she seemed satisfied—for now.  

Still, Satoru couldn’t shake the feeling that they had just crossed yet another dangerous line.  

“You really can do it when you try. Could it be that you expected this to happen? Or maybe, at some point, you planned on trying it yourself?”  

“No way in hell!”  

“Fufu. Then why are you so good at it?” 

He had no awareness of being particularly skilled at this, but even being praised didn’t make him happy.  

If he had to excel at something, he would much rather put that talent to good use in a more practical area.  

“So, what are you going to say if someone notices and asks about it? You’re not seriously going to try the mosquito bite excuse, are you?”  

“Well, unlike you, I’m not exactly the shy type. If someone asks, I might just tell them the truth.”  

“Wait… You mean, you’d actually say that I did it?”  

“Fufu. If I went that far, I might end up ruining all the love we’ve built up. So, I won’t mention your name.”  

“I-I see… Wait, that still doesn’t change how much of a mess this will cause, does it?!”  

A part of him felt relieved, but at the same time, things were undoubtedly heading in an even more complicated direction.  

Even if she didn’t say his name, the fact that one of the most talked-about girls in school had a visible hickey from someone would undoubtedly make waves.  

And if Seiya, who was still oblivious to their relationship, caught wind of it, he might say something like, “Seems like she already has a guy. Maybe you should seriously consider things with Ruri instead?”  

“…Has the thought of just telling people about us crossed your mind at all?”  

“…If I’m being honest, it did for a split second.”  

Hearing that, Reika gave him another mischievous smile.  

“…Well then. Since I graciously decided not to mention your name, don’t you think you should do a little more for me in return?”  

“W-What exactly do you want me to do…?”  

In front of him was Reika, on her bed.  

At this point, there was really only one thing that came to mind.  

“Hmm… How about cuddling with me for a bit?”  

“…Huh?”  

“Oh my, were you expecting something else?”  

“T-That’s…”  

“I told you yesterday, didn’t I? That I’d invite you again once you’d calmed down. But right now, you’re *still* not over last night’s dream, are you? I can’t very well invite you in that state.”  

“…”  

“Fufu. Sorry for being so mean. But if you ask me, I wouldn’t mind doing it right now, you know?”  

“L-Like hell I’m making a move after that! You just killed the mood completely!”  

“Oh dear, what a shame.”  

Once again, she had completely played him.  

And so, Satoru ended up spending a short while napping beside Reika as the evening passed.