The warm evening breeze flowed down the street, weaving through the flashing neon lights and bustling traffic.
Eventually, it found its way through the cracks of the window and brushed against Shirakawa Miwa, now a full-fledged woman, causing her to shiver slightly.
Like a true wife, Miwa tenderly assisted Ito Yoshito in putting on his clothes before checking to ensure her own attire was neat and tidy.
Once satisfied, she shyly turned to glance back at Ito, a soft smile blooming on her face.
Ito, watching her every movement with a smile, took a step closer and gently held her hand, their fingers interlocking.
"Let's go to the police station. Don't worry, I'll always be by your side."
A spark filled Miwa's eyes as she felt a wave of security wash over her. With a shy nod, she leaned in and bestowed a light kiss on Ito's cheek.
"Mm."
...
"Thank you, officer."
"We will capture that criminal swiftly. But please leave your contact information; we may need you to come in to give a statement."
"Understood."
As they exited the police station, a cool breeze swept past them, and Ito turned to Miwa with a smile.
"Now that Tachibana is dealt with, he won't be bothering you anymore."
"Mm."
Miwa's sweet smile widened as she held onto Ito's hand tighter, biting her lip slightly before tilting her head and looking at him with a soft, sugary voice.
"Shito-kun~ could you take me home~?"
Ito's smirk hinted that he could read her thoughts. It was clear—having tasted the forbidden fruit, Miwa found herself craving more of that delightful experience.
Having to come to the police station had interrupted their brief but wonderful time together, leaving Miwa wanting.
Under Ito's intense gaze, a different shade of blush crept onto Miwa's cheeks.
Her radiant face, flushed with bashfulness, made her even more alluring, leaving Ito unable to resist her charm.
Despite her shyness, Miwa didn't let go of his hand; instead, she gripped it even tighter.
"Shito-kun~"
She called out playfully, her voice dripping with sweetness, making Ito lean in closer to whisper in her ear.
"Miwa, you're such a tease~"
In an instant, Miwa's cheeks turned as red as apples, her breathing growing shallow.
"Gulp~"
Under Ito's playful teasing, Miwa gazed at him with soft, inviting eyes that shimmered with a mist of desire.
"Don't you like it, Shito-kun?"
"I love it. I really enjoy seeing that expression on your face, Miwa~"
"Hmm~ but you still haven't answered my question~"
Feeling the warmth of Ito's affection, Miwa let out a gleeful hum.
"Of course!"
The next day, Sunday, Ito stayed at Miwa's house, basking in their newfound intimacy.
...
Monday arrived, and Ito moved with a sprightly step alongside Murasaki Natsuha as they made their way to class.
In the first period, Miwa glided into the classroom, wearing a white uniform that accentuated her beauty and elegance, her long legs clad in black stockings. She scanned the room before her gaze settled on Ito, her lips curling into a gentle smile filled with tender affection.
Ito, sitting silently, replied with a knowing smile, their emotions communicating silently across the room.
"Class, a new week begins—let's start our lessons."
...
"Ring, ring, ring~~"
"Class dismissed."
With her long, elegant legs, Miwa joyfully left the classroom, her spirits evidently high.
Almost immediately after she walked out, the once-quiet room erupted into chatter.
"Shirakawa-sensei seems even more gentle than usual."
"Really? I think so too! Although she was already kind, there's something different about her now—"
"There's definitely a sense of warmth about her."
"Exactly! You're so insightful!"
"Could it be that Shirakawa-sensei has a boyfriend? Just look at her skin, it's glowing, and her face looks even more radiant—she must be getting pampered!"
"How do you know so much? Are you...?"
"Yes, I'm a little flirt—want me to enlighten you?"
"Whoa— I'm not interested in girls, stay away!"
...
"Miwa."
The moment Miwa entered the office, Tsukishima Kyoko immediately confirmed her suspicion: Miwa must have a boyfriend!
She radiated the same captivating aura Kyoko had seen when Miwa had tasted sweetness with Ito.
What caught her attention even more was Miwa's delicate makeup that day—she usually wore none.
But who was this mysterious individual that had claimed such a beautiful flower?
Curiosity piqued, Kyoko leaned closer to Miwa, wanting to uncover the truth.
"What's up, Kyoko?"
Miwa smiled warmly, turning to face Kyoko.
With a slight pout, Kyoko wore a nervous smile that was worlds apart from her usual icy demeanor around their peers.
"Miwa, are you dating someone?"
"Not at all~"
Her laugh lines deepened as Miwa's eyes narrowed playfully, undeterred by the question.
"Oh? Is that so? Let me rephrase that."
A sly smile crept onto Kyoko's lips.
"Were you really only 'running' the other night?"
"!"
Miwa's eyebrows shot up, a flush creeping across her cheeks as she turned her head away, a little flustered, her black stockings shifting slightly as she fidgeted.
"Of course I was..."
"Ha-ha~"
Her face turned an even deeper shade of crimson, resembling a ripe cherry.
"I'll take that at face value, but..."
Miwa had just sighed in relief when Kyoko's next words made her heart race again.
"But lately, I've felt like having a drink, but I don't have anyone to join me~"
"Funny, I want to drink too! How about we find some time to hang out at my place?"
Miwa quickly agreed, eager to steer the conversation in a less embarrassing direction.
"Ha-ha~ then let's aim for next week. Is that alright?"
"No problem."
"Then it's a deal!"
"Mm!"
With a wave of relief washing over her, Miwa held her materials and attempted to return to her desk.
"Seriously, though, were you actually just running that night?"
"Kyoko!"
Suddenly, Kyoko's voice called from behind, causing Miwa to spin around, her cheeks aflame as she protested loudly.
"Ehehe..."