Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, shopping district.
"And one more thing: don't sit next to Master. Sit next to me."
There were so many things to call out that Sakayanagi Arisu couldn't decide where to start. So she could only freeze, take another deep breath, pull out the chair beside Ayanokoji, and sit down.
"One cappuccino with two packets of white sugar, please. Thank you."
Amasawa Reigetsu called over a café server to place their order. Sakayanagi Arisu felt a warm glow inside. That was her usual order. Just as she was about to use it to show off to Ayanokoji—
Wait, where did this urge to compete even come from? Am I acting like I'm jealous and fighting with Ayanokoji? We're clearly just... each other's one and only companion, confidants, comrades walking the same path...
"Sakayanagi isn't in good health. She shouldn't consume too much sugar or caffeine. Master, you're spoiling Sakayanagi too much. I'm jealous."
Ayanokoji's voice was calm, like a machine analyzing a recipe, but the second half of her sentence made Sakayanagi Arisu see red.
So I'm spoiling Master, am I? You're calling me Master and acting cute, are you? You're just coming right out and saying you're jealous!?? Ayanokoji Kiyoko, you absolute weirdo. Your big sis is going to put you firmly in your place today! (▼皿▼#)
Ayanokoji Kiyoko: "Hah!" (╬◣д◢)
The atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Amasawa Reigetsu felt a dozen dark lines spread across his face.
Jealous and guarding her territory? Bring it on!
But Little Alice and I haven't defined our relationship yet, so I can't just...
Past Amasawa Reigetsu: Do you really have to think so much? You've gotten timid, old man! If it were me, I'd hit them both with a little mental control and start enjoying life with two beautiful women.
Present Amasawa Reigetsu: You wouldn't understand. If I can't use my own charm to handle a love triangle, what will I do in the future? What about an even bigger love triangle, and more heroines? What about all the padding?
This is a deep quagmire, and you're still too young. I don't recommend wading in. Let your teacher put on a show—first, observe. Solve the problem with the Observation Stare Method.
The air seemed to freeze in that moment. The café's soothing background music sounded like the low rumble before a storm.
"Sakayanagi, consuming too much sugar can cause your blood sugar to fluctuate, which can affect your already fragile cardiovascular system. For the sake of your health, I'm confiscating this coffee."
"You're just jealous, aren't you? Judging toxicity without considering the dose... It seems your feelings for Rei-kun have gotten so intense they've fried your brain~ What a shame Rei-kun will choose someone smarter and cuter—me. You cold, gorilla-like woman."
"I'll correct your mistaken understanding."
Kiyoko replied expressionlessly, staring straight at Sakayanagi.
"Your reaction just now is defined as 'jealousy' in psychology. But Sakayanagi, in terms of status, I'm Master's slave, Master's mistress, Master's lover, Master's plaything, and Master's weapon. What are you? Admit it, Sakayanagi. You're jealous—jealous for no reason, all on your own, with no relationship to speak of."
Ayanokoji's shocking declaration left Amasawa Reigetsu stunned. He hurriedly used group mental Induction to make everyone around them unconsciously ignore their table. Sakayanagi Arisu was even more shocked. So Rei-kun and Ayanokoji had already—
"I-I'm not!"
Sakayanagi Arisu was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, nearly springing out of her chair. Her composure, elegance, and meticulous planning—things she prided herself on—were utterly powerless against this woman who only knew how to be blunt.
She felt her cheeks burning and her thoughts growing sluggish. She hated feeling this way, but didn't know what to do—
"Sakayanagi, checkmate."
The scene seemed to return to that colorless place—
"No! I won't lose this time!"
Sakayanagi Arisu instantly braced herself against the table and stood up. She even climbed onto it on her knees, wrapped both arms around Amasawa Reigetsu's neck, and kissed him fiercely.
Huh...? What am I doing? That was supposed to be my first kiss... My body moved before I could think... But unexpectedly, it doesn't feel bad. In fact...
I'm so happy.
Amasawa Reigetsu had been sitting beside them, demonstrating the Observation Stare Method, and never expected things to develop like this!
The girl's soft body came at him, carrying a faint fragrance. Her slender arms clung tightly around his neck, and the warmth of her touch instantly overwhelmed his senses.
Sakayanagi Arisu's kiss was clumsy, full of desperation and the awkwardness of a first kiss, yet intensely passionate. It was as if she wanted to release all the panic and unease Ayanokoji Kiyoko had just exposed through that kiss.
Amasawa Reigetsu was surprised that Little Alice could be so bold. Then he closed his eyes, gently stroked Sakayanagi's smooth hair, and returned her kiss with tenderness.
Across from them, a ripple of "shock" finally appeared in Ayanokoji Kiyoko's machine-like eyes.
Watching the incredibly striking scene before her, her jaw dropped. For a moment, she had no idea how to counter Sakayanagi's unexpected move.
Ayanokoji Kiyoko continued thinking...
Ayanokoji Kiyoko thought deeply...
Ayanokoji gave up thinking!!!
"Waaah, stop kissing my husband! Can I have a kiss too, please? Waaah! o(╥﹏╥)o"
Ayanokoji Kiyoko rushed over and hugged them, startling Sakayanagi Arisu.
What am I doing?!
She abruptly let go of Amasawa Reigetsu and jerked backward as if electrocuted. But she moved too quickly, slipped, and fell back into her chair. Her once-pale, delicate face was now so red it looked ready to bleed, and even her ears and neck were tinged a brilliant crimson.
"I-I..."
Sakayanagi Arisu stammered. She covered her lips with the back of her hand and looked everywhere but at Amasawa Reigetsu and Ayanokoji Kiyoko.
Amasawa Reigetsu took a deep breath. He looked at Little Alice, her face completely red, and before he could savor how cute she looked when embarrassed, Kiyoko stole another kiss from him.
"Mmm..."
After many practice sessions, actual experience, and their terrifying capacity to learn, they knew each other's bodies inside and out—
Their lips parted. Ayanokoji Kiyoko looked at Sakayanagi Arisu with a flushed, challenging expression, as if she wanted Sakayanagi to understand the difference between their kissing skills.
"I-I-I-I-I should get going!"
Sakayanagi Arisu fled the terrifying place as if escaping for her life. Amasawa Reigetsu watched her run off in a panic...
So cute.