Kaito didn't notice his sister's little movement, or rather, even if he did, he didn't pay it any mind. After all, blinking was such a normal act. People blink, and so did he.
Thus, the prey missed the last chance to avoid the trap.
The bright moon hung high, and all was silent.
The light-green-haired girl knocked on the door as usual, and the blue twin-tailed girl shyly followed behind her, keeping her head lowered, not daring to look at him.
"Onii-chan, good evening," Mutsumi said, as naturally as if invited to a dinner party.
Kaito was silent for a while before he nodded, "Good evening."
He looked at Sakiko's figure. The soft little secretary kept her head lowered, her long blue hair falling down like seaweed, covering her delicate cheeks and her nervous heart.
"I'm really worried about Sakiko," Mutsumi spoke gently, "If she stays beside Onii-chan, she'll feel more at ease."
Her words, at first listen, sounded a bit abrupt, but Kaito easily understood the logic behind them.
What Mutsumi meant to say was: she was worried that Sakiko, because of Togawa Sadaharu's phone call, might get flustered and scared when left alone at home. So she wanted to bring Sakiko over to her side, as that would help her feel safe.
Anyway, this wasn't the first time something like this had happened. It wouldn't be a big deal to agree. But this time, Kaito unusually hesitated.
He remembered that morning that should have been calm and uneventful, when the little secretary, while he was asleep, had done certain insubordinate, improper things. And he had to pretend as if nothing had happened, silently enduring it, which gave him a headache.
Actually, he didn't dislike the little secretary. Who would truly dislike a beautiful, sensible, diligent, and capable young girl? Especially when she listens to your every word, treats you as her whole world.
He just didn't know how to respond. Though in others' eyes he might barely qualify as a romantic playboy, left and right in his arms and feet in two boats, all of that was passive experience. When it came to love, he was still a green recruit.
Kaito was indeed slow-witted, but slow didn't mean stupid. In this world, the only girl who would want to kiss you besides your mom was someone who liked you. And clearly, Sakiko wasn't his mom.
So, the answer was obvious.
Sakiko liked him. Maybe she'd already liked him secretly for a long time, without him knowing.
But Kaito couldn't respond. Not because he deliberately avoided it, but because the timing when he realized this was too awkward. He couldn't just go up to Sakiko and say "Actually, I was awake the whole time when you secretly kissed me last time." The little secretary might die of embarrassment and want to execute an eighth round of midair flying-Sakiko.
To the students at Shuka Academy, Kaito was always aloof, always indifferent, always keeping others a thousand miles away, a standard iceberg-type male god. But only those close to him knew he wasn't cold at all, not indifferent, definitely not an iceberg. His true nature was a bit protective, a bit of a homebody, maybe even a little naggy?
In truth, he hadn't even figured out how to face Sakiko's feelings, just like he didn't know how to face that kiss from Kita and Nijika. As long as the girls didn't bring it up, he just acted like nothing had ever happened.
In love, he was always so clumsy. Always pushed forward by others, like a frog on a lotus leaf in Lake, bouncing forward only when poked.
It wasn't like Kaito hadn't thought of changing, trying to learn to take initiative, but it really touched on his blind spot.
"Come in," he finally sighed and stepped aside.
Since he didn't know how to face it, he could only let things take their course.
Speaking of which
Kaito wasn't too sure, but thought, 'Based on Sakiko's personality, last time she already kissed me many times while I wa sleeping. Tonight she probably won't be that bold again, right?'
Sakiko let out a nervous breath.
It was already very late. The bright moon outside filtered through the curtains. The pale glow, like fine snow, faintly lit the figures on the bed.
Mutsumi and the president were both sound asleep.
Her gaze fell on the president's peaceful sleeping face, from his brows and eyes to his Adam's apple, and finally resting on his beautiful lips like pale cherry blossoms, just like before.
Gulp!
In the silence, the girl clearly heard the sound of her own throat swallowing.
[T/N: Here we go again.]
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Chapter 196: A Date for Three
Some things are addictive, like fishing, like tower climbing, and also... kissing one's lover.
Togawa Sakiko knew very well that such behavior was vile and a betrayal of the president's trust. Her final resort was to pretend nothing had happened, to treat it like a dream, to pull back from the cliff's edge, turn around, find the right path, and start anew.
But her little head wouldn't listen to her.
The last release had not completely dispelled her accumulated desire. On the contrary, it was like opening a forbidden door to a demon.
After personally experiencing that sensation so wonderful it could be called "heavenly," she was like a traveler dying of thirst in the desert who suddenly found half a bottle of water. Though it moistened her parched throat, that small amount simply couldn't satisfy her. Her body instinctively craved more.
The girl's amber eyes flashed with a hint of struggle. Her doll-like delicate face changed expressions rapidly. Sometimes moved, sometimes yearning, sometimes restrained, sometimes enduring, until it finally froze into an expression of unparalleled resolve.
'The suppressed me of the past is already dead.'
She no longer wished to betray the president's trust, and even more so didn't want to extend her devilish claws toward the sleeping president. That would be no different from a perverted woman. It was absolutely not something a proper lady should do.
Resolving herself, Sakiko suddenly shut her eyes, no longer looking at that sleeping face which made her heart flutter and stirred her desire.
'Sleep! As long as I fall asleep, I won't have any more wild thoughts.'
[Ten Minutes Later]
The girl opened her amber eyes in dejection.
She couldn't sleep. Not at all.
She tried counting sheep and had counted all the way to three thousand, but still didn't feel the slightest drowsiness.
Right next to her, within arm's reach, Kaito was still sound asleep, his breathing steady as he slept peacefully together with Mutsumi.
Not making a move on the president, that was her bottom line.
In the dark, the blue-haired girl bit her lip. Her lovely face was flushed red, and her watery eyes seemed to be covered in mist, becoming gradually blurry.
'So... As long as it doesn't disturb the president, just a little harmless gesture...'
'Is also...'
'Permissible, right?'
Kaito silently "watched" the little secretary who was now facing his sleeping face. He couldn't help but hum softly, not knowing how to describe his feelings.
The good news: Sakiko had overcome her desire and had not become a slave to the devil.
The bad news: she only overcame it halfway.
Indeed, she didn't make a move on him, but she was treating him as a side dish and paying homage to a certain legendary Miss 0721 Witch.
'Why does this somehow feel worse than actually making a move on me?'
'But...'
Kaito sighed, 'From disturbing others to self-entertainment, it can be considered a kind of progress... right?'
[Saturday, Morning]
After finishing a simple breakfast, Wakaba Mutsumi held a steaming teacup and quietly sat on the sofa.
A fluffy, sleek-furred fat cat was lazily sprawled across her legs, dozing off contentedly.
The girl rubbed the warmth of the cup's surface with her fingertips, and the sakura petals floating on the tea spun around before sinking. She looked toward the entrance and tilted her head.
"Onii-chan, are you going out?"
Kaito changed into his shoes and nodded, "I have plans with someone."
Previously, Yumiko had invited him to go shopping over the weekend. Since he had to take the little secretary with him on Sunday to handle an exorcism job, they had settled on Saturday, today.
Actually, it wasn't just Yumiko. Soyo had also messaged him early to ask if he was free. Her thirst for knowledge was so undisguised, it could be called extremely eager to learn.
Having too many girlfriends came with its troubles, especially since he was still a student now and only had two days a week to himself. It was hard not to feel stretched thin.
Unless the two girls could put aside their differences and go on a date together, then this kind of issue wouldn't exist.
But... Yumiko was fine with it, taking a whatever attitude, but Soyo wasn't so relaxed.
After all, she came later and wasn't prepared to face the "original one." Although the "original one" in her mind wasn't suffering at all, and instead enjoyed it.
But since Soyo didn't know the truth, she inevitably felt guilty, as if she were a thief stealing someone else's happiness. So upon hearing Yumiko's name, she immediately backed off, chatted with him briefly in a slightly downcast tone, then ended the call.
"Then", Wakaba Mutsumi set the teacup aside, then picked up the fat cat in her lap and propped it under her chin, "Onii-chan, will you be coming back tonight?"
Ever since finding out he was dating Soyo, the young girl would always ask him this whenever he left the house.
Kaito lightly coughed, "Probably not coming back."
He paused, then added, "If you're not used to sleeping alone, you can call Sakiko from next door, or ask Kirara and Kumiko to stay with you."
The light green-haired girl lowered her lashes.
After a moment, she raised her face again and showed a faint smile.
"I understand."
"Onii-chan, have fun."
[Shibuya]
This was one of the most famous districts in Tokyo. Skyscrapers lined the streets, the crowds were bustling, and the streets were full of various department stores, fashion outlets, eateries, cafes, and adult entertainment establishments. Alongside Shinjuku, it was called "the city that never sleeps 24/7," and also bore the nickname "the city of youth."
Standing before the famous Hachiko Statue at Shibuya Station, thinking about Mutsumi's sincere "have fun" before he left, Kaito sighed.
On one side was a girlfriend's invitation, on the other was a well-behaved little sister. Neglecting either would feel wrong, so the only thing he could do was try his best to maintain a balance between the two.
But maintaining that balance wasn't so easy. A slight misstep could cause a shift. Maybe there wouldn't be problems right away, but over time, it could explode.
Actually, there was another way. If he simply gave up on the need to balance the two parties, then there would be no need to maintain balance. For example, if the girlfriend became a sister, or if the sister became a girlfr
'No,' Kaito stopped that thought. His feelings for Mutsumi had never been impure. It was purely a brother's love for his sister. Mutsumi clearly felt the same. Better not to cross that line.
"President!", A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts. Kaito looked up. At the station's exit not far away, with long blonde hair, pleated mini skirt, jacket tied at the waist, in full gal style, Miura Yumiko was waving excitedly at him. Worried he might not see her, she even stood on tiptoe slightly, attracting attention.
And next to her... Still wearing that old-fashioned tracksuit, timidly hiding behind the blonde girl, was none other than the pink-haired Yamato Nadeshiko who didn't even dare lift her head, Gotou Hitori, Bocchi-chan.
[T/N: NEW NOVEL ALERT "Fate: Emiya the Host". A friendly neighbourhood man reincarnates as Emiya, gets a funny system and builds a harem of Illya, Miyu, Ritsuka, Mash, Rin, Saber and all. But, there are many twists and turns, take a look, add to collection and give some PS.
Also, if you all help it reach TOP 5 in Collection and Powerstone Ranking, I will give 2 Bonus Chapter of every single novel Tommorow.]
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Chapter 197: Kaito, You Bastard
Kaito was not surprised at Bocchi's appearance. When Yumiko made plans with him to go out and play, she had used the excuse of "club team-building."
He was just a little puzzled. Usually the little socially anxious girl who didn't even dare make eye contact with store clerks when buying things actually had the courage to go out and play, and in Shibuya no less, a bustling area teeming with people and traffic.
But since they had already come, he didn't say much and nodded at the two girls.
"Good morning."
"Hehe~", Yumiko smiled brightly and confidently stepped forward, taking the club president's arm, "Let's go, toward our destination, let's depart."
"Do we even have a destination?"
He casually retorted, frowning slightly. Originally, Bocchi had been hiding behind Yumiko. After the golden-haired girl took his arm, the little social anxiety girl was left all alone, looking just like a homeless pink-haired hamster.
This kind of situation clearly couldn't be ignored, especially in such a crowded environment, so after hesitating a bit, he still extended his free hand.
"If you don't mind, you can hold onto my sleeve."
Of course Gotou Hitori didn't mind. Rather, she was flattered, like a lowly attendant fortunate enough to be granted an audience with the king. Although His Majesty the Emperor wasn't cold at all, and his attitude toward her could even be called gentle, she still trembled with fear.
There was absolutely no courage to refuse, and she didn't want to refuse either. But before little Bocchi could nervously reach out to grab the club president's sleeve, she saw Miura classmate winking at her and mouthing:
"Don't grab the sleeve, just hold his hand."
'Th-Th-Th-Th-Th That's impossible!', Bocchi's face instantly turned red as she hurriedly lowered her head to hide her panicked emotions. The reason social anxiety is called social anxiety is because of fear of interacting with others. That's already hard enough with ordinary people, let alone when facing the "sun" in her heart.
