Was it possible that after being engaged to Airi for three years, her temper had worn away the deep affection he had in his youth, leaving Senior longing for a gentler girl?
Dreams magnified the desires in one's heart. Kiyoharu reaching his demonic claws toward her in the dream proved that he had her in his heart!
If that was the case, Shimaura Hitomi should work even harder to give Senior the wonderful experience he wanted in the dream.
To be honest, Shimaura Hitomi had always felt that Senior and Airi were not particularly happy together. Their so-called model marriage was more Kiyoharu's tolerance and forbearance toward Airi. But no matter how mature a man was, didn't he still hope to be cared for deep down?
Lowly as she was, she still hoped she could help the man she secretly loved.
With that in mind, Shimaura Hitomi racked her brains, carefully considering how to steal a catalyst for entering dreams with Senior without alerting Airi.
The more private an item was, the higher its rank as a catalyst.
While they had been shopping earlier, Shimaura Hitomi had quietly opened the "Dream Wanderer" app and scanned every item Kiyoharu wore from head to toe.
That carbon pen was a level-one catalyst, Kiyoharu's shirt was level two, and his watch was level three—probably because he wore it every day.
Yet the highest-ranking catalyst on him was that thing underneath... Ahem, there was no way she could steal that!
Even Shimaura Hitomi, a habitual offender, instantly rejected the highest-difficulty option.
The watch was too valuable. Losing it would also make Kiyoharu suspicious, so that would not do.
In the end, Shimaura Hitomi set her sights on Kiyoharu's phone... case.
Senior's phone case looked a little worn-out. He seemed too lazy to replace it. Kiyoharu had always been frugal with everyday necessities, and in that respect, he and Shimaura Hitomi were quite compatible.
However, Shimaura Hitomi still needed to fix her hairstyle after washing her hair, which meant she would have to wait quite a while before making her move.
Yet after enduring that stretch of time, Shimaura Hitomi discovered that the long wait had not been for nothing.
When Tony blow-dried her hair into the intended style, Shimaura Hitomi stared at the unfamiliar beautiful girl in the mirror and froze.
W-Was that really her?!
They said half a girl's attractiveness depended on her hairstyle. That might have been an exaggeration, but it truly had a huge impact on one's appearance.
The internationally renowned master stylist they had hired perfectly solved the issue of Shimaura Hitomi's thick, dense hair making her look dull. In an instant, her adorably round little face became radiant.
At the same time, Kiyoharu checked the system. Shimaura Hitomi's charm had shot directly from 65 to 75 points.
Just as he had thought, the girl had a genuinely solid natural foundation!
"Hitomi looks so much prettier after getting her hair done! And it doesn't feel abrupt at all, like you imagined!" Airi was even happier than Shimaura Hitomi, like a little girl dressing up a doll.
"Really...?"
Shimaura Hitomi cast a slightly hesitant look toward Kiyoharu. He gave her a thumbs-up. "The Young Lady is right!"
What was merely a pure display of emotional intelligence to him carried tremendous weight in Shimaura Hitomi's eyes. Two patches of red bloomed on her cheeks, and she nodded shyly, agreeing to Airi's suggestion that they strike while the iron was hot and pick out some clothes for her.
Kitahara Ayano, who had witnessed Shimaura Hitomi's changing emotions from the side, let out a mocking little laugh.
Oh, Airi, Airi. Did she really think Shimaura Hitomi was some harmless little bunny?
She had raised a tiger into a future threat without even realizing it. Hehe~
Kitahara Ayano did not dislike the fact that Shimaura Hitomi was also coveting Kiyoharu. As a true connoisseur of entertainment, the more factors there were tempting Kiyoharu to betray Airi, the more delighted she would be... and naturally, the more creative material she would have.
In this regard, Ayano felt she was far more tolerant than Airi. Airi clearly did not like her fiancé, yet she still strictly controlled Kiyoharu's interactions with other women. That did fit Airi's lifelong habit of being possessive over what was hers.
The three best friends walked side by side in front. Even in a luxury mall frequented by handsome men and beautiful women, they formed a striking sight that made people repeatedly turn their heads.
Kiyoharu followed behind them, the hot blood surging through his body not yet settled. His brother was even a little sore, filled with restless frustration and melancholy after the "dragon raised its head" without being released.
Damn Kitahara Ayano!
Just wait. Once I master the art of hacking, I'll seize the dirt on you, Canvas Devil, and bully you mercilessly.
Kiyoharu figured Ayano had played enough and probably would not cause trouble again. In truth, however, she had merely switched targets for the time being.
She noticed that Shimaura Hitomi kept glancing toward Kiyoharu, with nervousness occasionally appearing on her face. Ayano could not help boldly guessing that Shimaura Hitomi was plotting something bad.
Shimaura Hitomi still did not dare wear women's clothing with overly strong styles. In the end, the three chose a sportswear brand, something more mature than Shimaura Hitomi's usual "student outfits."
I wonder if this can make up the remaining five points of charm... Kiyoharu stared blankly at the wall in boredom when Airi came over to him while Shimaura Hitomi went into the fitting room.
"Come to think of it, I should thank you on Hitomi's behalf. It was always difficult to persuade her to change when I went out with her alone. It seems she really values the opinion of a senior like you."
"Is it really that serious? I only made a tiny suggestion. Wasn't it more because you two supported her?"
"But according to the controlled-variable method, you were the truly effective variable, Kiyoharu-kun~ It seems that, without me knowing, you've earned an extraordinary place in Hitomi's heart."
Jealousy gleamed in Airi's peach-blossom eyes, but Kiyoharu was absolutely certain this was not jealousy in the usual sense. She was simply displeased that a toy under her control had slipped out of her grasp and acted in an unexpected way!
Kiyoharu had known from the start that the Red-Eyed Devil's desire for control was downright abnormal. That was why they had signed such a thick agreement before getting engaged, to protect his rights.
What a joke. I'm not even your real fiancé. It wouldn't be strange for me to matter to Shimaura Hitomi, would it? We've been seniors and juniors from high school through work. We're just pure bros.
"You're overthinking it. Want to buy a pair of yoga pants?"
"Hmm?"
"This brand's shark pants are pretty good. They suit your temperament, and they also offer compression and support, protecting you while you exercise."
Kiyoharu rose onto his toes and took down a pair in Airi's size from a higher rack behind her.
His arm passed over the woman's head. Since he was standing rather close, Airi could hear his breathing. That familiar fresh, slightly bitter scent drifted into her nose again. Airi was certain it was Kiyoharu's natural body scent, because she had made him switch toiletries several times after their marriage, yet the scent had barely changed.
That scent easily stirred up that strange feeling in Airi's heart. For example, right now, when Kiyoharu held the shark pants out before her, Airi was even a little dazed.
"Young Lady, go try them on. They're definitely a safe bet."
"Tch... You have a point. But since it was Kiyoharu-kun's suggestion, Kiyoharu-kun should accompany me into the fitting room."
She called it a request, but in reality, she unreasonably dragged Kiyoharu over, leaving him utterly speechless.
This was no longer fishing. The hook was straight and the bait was salty. He had no idea what madness had gotten into the Young Lady lately, always using Kiyoharu to test her own charm.
Kiyoharu had only wanted to divert Airi's attention, but unexpectedly found himself in an even more awkward situation.
Ugh, Ayano had just finished playing with me, and now Airi was at it too. Life really was hard!
Before you continue