"Splash, splash..."
The heavy rain poured down, and the soft branches of the willows in the distant street swayed under the howling wind, mirroring the golden, flowing hair of Kurashiki Reika inside the car.
Under the imposing presence of the mature urban diva, Ito Yoshito felt compelled to lean forward, tilting his head just to catch a glimpse of the enchanting woman's alluring expression.
Her long, narrowed eyes were half-lidded, exuding a drowsy yet seductive aura, while her elegantly curled hair occasionally trembled slightly. Her crimson lips parted rhythmically, releasing a fragrant sigh.
Upon noticing Ito Yoshito's secretive gaze, Kurashiki Reika flirtatiously cast him a teasing wink, undeniably captivating.
"Focus, now... Hmm~!"
Her delicate hands tenderly caressed Ito Yoshito's smooth strands of hair, but...
Kurashiki Reika was not like other ladies who might sympathize with him. At times, her fingers would unconsciously tug at his hair, forcing him to lower his head even further, eliciting a low groan from him.
Her blushing cheeks, turned aside, pressed softly against the cold car window. The coolness did little to soothe the feverish heat radiating from her face; instead, it added an air of mystique and intoxication. Reika extended her slender finger to lift his chin, compelling him to look her in the eye.
"You really are quite the fiery one, aren't you, little rascal?"
Ito Yoshito opened his mouth, unsure of how to respond. It was the first time someone had described him as "fiery."
"Hehe~"
Majestic and enticing, the queen-like lady toyed with him as if he were a cherished piece of art, her long fingers teasingly tracing his chin, neck, and collarbone...
"Ito, come to my place this weekend~"
"Mrs. Kurashiki…"
"Hmm?"
"I'm sorry, but I really have plans this weekend. I can't make it."
With a frown, Kurashiki Reika's demeanor shifted to one of displeasure. Suddenly, her long, smooth legs wrapped tightly around his waist, causing Ito Yoshito to lean forward awkwardly, his head resting against her soft abdomen.
"Little rascal! ... Mmm~"
The annoyance in her brow softened, gradually melting away into the raindrops outside, merging with the night.
"What... what are you doing—?"
"Mrs. Kurashiki... I'm sorry, but... I can't... go..."
"Let's see how you behave then~"
...
After much procrastination, Ito Yoshito ultimately braved the downpour and returned to his small rental apartment.
The rain was relentless, soaking even the collar of his shirt, leaving his chest drenched—an indication of just how furious the storm had been that night.
Once inside his apartment, Ito Yoshito sighed wearily, recalling how, after some coaxing, Kurashiki Reika had reluctantly agreed to let him postpone his visit until next week.
"Why does this feel more exhausting than spending several hours with Reina... I should just shower and sleep."
The night passed in silence...
The next day, the sky remained overcast, and even at noon, the humidity left over from last night's rain lingered uncomfortably.
"Drip, drop~ drip, drop~"
Raindrops slid off the leaf veins, gently splattering into puddles, creating ripples that blurred the surroundings.
Shaking the water from her hands, Tsushima Rina looked into the mirror at her own lovely face.
"I look great—makeup still perfect~"
After indulging in her own reflection, Tsushima Rina stepped out of the bathroom.
'Hmph~ No need to guess; once we get to class, Reina will be coyly enjoying Yoshito's kisses again~'
Flashbacks of Kurashiki Reina's proud demeanor made Tsushima Rina chuckle.
It was during lunch break, and because she had to make a trip to the restroom, Ito Yoshito had arrived at the deserted classroom before her.
"I'm coming in~"
Before the door even opened, Tsushima Rina's cheerful voice echoed from within.
"Creak..."
Upon opening the door, she was taken aback by the scene in the classroom.
The sky was heavy with clouds, blocking out most of the sunlight, leaving the room rather dim.
At this moment, Ito Yoshito was seated at a desk, while Kurashiki Reina sat in his lap, the rounded peach of her form resting against his strong thigh, her supple legs wrapped around his waist.
Golden locks swayed like a waterfall as her delicate waist moved.
"Mmm~!"
Filled with passion, Kurashiki Reina locked lips with Ito Yoshito, her heart racing as if it might burst from her chest, and all that filled her mind was his scent, taste, and warmth.
The air around them grew increasingly heated, and Kurashiki Reina felt herself in a daze. 'I wish I could play that game with Yoshito from last night again...'
"Pop~"
"Yoshito~~"
Her alluring eyes turned soft with a misty glaze as Kurashiki Reina slightly parted her cherry lips, wanting to say something more.
"Reina, why are you being so forward today?"
Suddenly, Tsushima Rina's voice interrupted from the side, startling Kurashiki Reina.
"Hah! Rina! When did you come in?"
"Just now! I even warned you before entering."
Tsushima Rina's brow furrowed with suspicion as she scanned between Kurashiki Reina and Ito Yoshito.
"Reina, you... did something happen between you and Yoshito? Why are you suddenly so forward?"
"Hah? W-What's wrong with wanting to be a little more proactive!?"
"Well, it's just that I know you well enough to say that unless there's been a significant development, you wouldn't act this way... You didn't invite him somewhere last night while you sent me away, did you?"
Suddenly struck with a thought, Tsushima Rina's eyes widened, her gaze fixed sharply on Kurashiki Reina.
"Hah?"
Feigning anger, Kurashiki Reina lifted her chin defiantly.
"Rina, you can't think of me that way! I'm not the kind of person who would cheat behind my best friend's back. Is that right?!"
'Cheat!'
Tsushima Rina was taken aback, her heart racing as if sounding a deafening alarm.
'Reina, she wouldn't have found out about anything, would she?'
Biting her lip, Tsushima Rina awkwardly averted her gaze, chuckling nervously, "Y-Yeah, neither of us would be that kind of person!"
Seeing that she'd convinced Tsushima Rina, Kurashiki Reina sighed in relief.
"Hehe~"
Ito Yoshito smiled as he watched the subtle battle of wits between the two girls, hoping that when Rina eventually discovered Reina's betrayal, she wouldn't turn her wrath on him as well. After all, dealing with their rivalries was exhausting!
A crack in the clouds above gradually revealed the sun, rays of light pouring into the classroom.
Under the hazy glow, the three of them shared laughter, cheeky and cheerful.
...
...
The sun rises and sets, and time does not stop for anyone or anything; it rushes forward mercilessly, soon bringing Friday around once more.
In the sky, the brilliant sun shone like a captivating girl, delighting in showcasing her warmth—a dazzling gold that made it hard to look directly at her.
The light sparkled as the trees cast shadows, dappling the ground with playful patterns of light.
Such beauty only heightened the joy of the students, who, already excited for the weekend, strolled happily along the campus pathways.
It was now after school hours. Following the bustling crowd, Ito Yoshito walked out of the school toward Asou Miyuri's home.
He had promised Miyuri a few days ago that he would help her and the new tenant move in. He assumed the new tenant would be a girl.
...
A gentle breeze rustled the sycamore trees in the backyard of the Asou residence, their branches swaying gracefully. The sunlight slanted down, casting a warm golden glow on Asou Miyuri standing beneath the tree, as if draping the space in a soft, amber veil—gentle and tranquil.
Her curly ponytail fluttered lightly in the breeze, releasing a pleasant fragrance. Her complexion was as delicate and rosy as the petals of an apricot blossom, and today Miyuri had specifically put on subtle makeup, looking quite lovely.
However...
Her tender face was currently scrunched up in a frown, her brows furrowed in displeasure as she spotted Ito Yoshito entering the yard.
With a heavy huff, Asou Miyuri drew Ito Yoshito's attention.
When he turned his gaze toward her, Miyuri crossed her arms and tilted her delicate chin to the side, her expression clearly saying, "Come over and comfort me!"
A subtle smile curled at the corners of Ito Yoshito's mouth; he found her adorable, and instinctively wanted to tease her. The way her big, watery eyes threatened to overflow with clear tears yet held them back was undoubtedly amusing. It was like an enchanting spring scene where the pears were in bloom, framed within the delicate folds of a misty morning.
"Ahem..."
Clearing his throat to suppress his growing affection, Ito Yoshito squatted down beside Asou Miyuri.
"What's going on?" he asked in his warm, pleasant voice.
Asou Miyuri twirled her bright, dark eyes in his direction, puffing up her cheeks in frustration. Her cherry-red lips jutted out, and with a pitiful pout, she said, "Yoshito~~"
It seemed that since getting closer to Ito Yoshito, Miyuri's personality had grown more affectionate, often behaving in a spoiled manner toward him.
Gently taking her delicate hand in his, Ito Yoshito spoke softly, "What's bothering you? Tell me, and we'll solve it together."
"I was stood up! It's driving me crazy…"
Through her occasional complaints, Ito Yoshito finally grasped the situation: it seemed Asou Miyuri had been pranked.
Originally, when she thought the new tenant was going to be a frail girl living alone, she empathized and felt concerned for her, recalling her own experiences of living alone in the past.
For this reason, she had gone above and beyond to make arrangements, even helping clean the house with Ito Yoshito, ensuring the contract was ready. She had given the girl multiple discounts on fees, just waiting for her to arrive and sign, and had even asked Yoshito to help her with the luggage.
However, just as everything was set, the new tenant texted her as they neared their scheduled meeting.
The message read, "Sorry, Asou-san, I found a better place."
"Even if you're making excuses, at least choose a reasonable one!" Asou Miyuri stomped her foot angrily. "You're clearly just toying with me. There's no way there are better rental conditions than mine; it must be a scam. Why not call me earlier? Why send that message right when we were supposed to meet!"
"I'm so mad!"
She stomped her foot a few more times, her curly ponytail bouncing like two fluffy tails, shaking off her frustrations.
"Okay, okay."
Unable to resist the urge to comfort her, Ito Yoshito reached out and gently ruffled Asou Miyuri's hair, like soothing a beloved puppy.
"Yoshito!"
At first, Asou Miyuri leaned into the familiar gesture, comfortably nuzzling around. But then she suddenly realized, pulling away and swatting his hand, her face scrunched up like a fierce little wolf, baring her tiny teeth in a cute yet fierce manner.
"I'll bite you!"
With a playful shove, the small, soft-bodied girl crashed into Ito Yoshito's embrace, who chuckled as he pretended to fall back.
"Thud--"
The gentle breeze mixed with the dust floated away as dazzling sunlight pierced through the leaves, momentarily blinding Ito Yoshito, causing him to squint his eyes.
"You're bullying me too!"
With her arms crossed, Asou Miyuri perched herself on Yoshito's chest, glaring down at him with a fierce expression while he lay on the ground.
"Apologize to me!"
"I'm sorry! Hehe~"
"You dare laugh?"
"I'm very serious! Hehe~"
"Uwah~ I could just beat you up!"
In truth, Ito Yoshito didn't want to be unserious, but the way Asou Miyuri's soft little body affected him, particularly with her gentle movements, made it hard for him to maintain a straight face.
"Sorry, sorry~"
"Beat you up! Beat you up!"
Her little hands fell like a rainstorm against Ito Yoshito's chest, and every time he tried to block her playful punches, Asou Miyuri countered with that same pitiful gaze, pouting adorably.
"That's wrong, that's wrong."
Despite Yoshito begging for mercy, Asou Miyuri kept going until she finally tired, crossing her arms and lifting her head in triumph. "Hmph~ Who told you to make me angry!"
"Was it really my fault?"
Laughing, he encircled Asou Miyuri's slender waist and sat up from the ground.
"Hmph~ I don't accept just verbal apologies. You have to stay with me tonight, cook dinner, do laundry, and take a bath..."
"Alright, I'll do as you say. Can we go buy groceries now?"
"Hmph~"
...
The remnants of twilight lingered in the sky, shy like a young girl, gradually letting go of her vibrant attire to make way for the impending night.
Asou Miyuri wore a soft smile, her small hand tucked in Ito Yoshito's warm palm as they strolled happily under the evening glow.
"Woof, woof, woof..."
As they passed a secluded alley, the continuous barking of strays filled the air, followed closely by a soft voice that sounded distinctly different from a typical Japanese accent.
"Is there anyone who can help me? Help!"