Watanabe Hayabara gripped Kushida Kikyo's wrist tightly, his strength so immense it felt as if he were about to crush her bones. Kushida Kikyo struggled incessantly, attempting to break free from his restraint, but no matter how hard she exerted herself, she could not escape Watanabe Hayabara's control.
Kushida Kikyo's expression grew increasingly grim. Her eyes, cold as ice, remained locked onto Watanabe Hayabara, filled with such fury and loathing that it was as if she wanted to tear him limb from limb.
Watanabe Hayabara, however, seemed completely unbothered by her reaction; instead, the corners of his mouth curled upward into a mocking smile. He whispered, "That expression of yours is truly terrifying, Little Kikyo."
Upon hearing this, the fire in Kushida Kikyo's heart burned even brighter. She glared at Watanabe Hayabara and demanded bluntly, "What exactly do you want, Watanabe Hayabara?" Her voice carried a palpable edge of rage that sent a chill down the spine.
"Is Little Kikyo angry? But why does it feel like this poses absolutely no threat to me? Look, it's like a kitten trying to play the part of a great tiger—isn't that just asking for trouble, Little Kikyo? I didn't come to find you for anything special; I just wanted to carefully consider your future for you." Watanabe Hayabara's lips quirked into a cunning smile.
"What future? Does this have anything to do with you?" Kushida Kikyo retorted, her face full of displeasure.
"Oh? The future, you ask—well, for a two-faced person like you, Little Kikyo, how are you supposed to get married later on? Don't you dare play dumb with me." Watanabe Hayabara spoke unhurriedly, as if he had anticipated Kushida Kikyo's reaction all along.
"What does that have to do with you, Watanabe Hayabara! I can perfectly well maintain my gentle and cute image forever." Kushida Kikyo's voice rose an octave, carrying a clear tone of interrogation.
"Haha, that would be wonderful, Little Kikyo. I hope you manage to marry the person you like. However, the one who marries you will be a bit pitiful, won't he? After all, having to be deceived by one's own wife for a lifetime is not something an average person can endure." The smile on Watanabe Hayabara's face grew more pronounced, as if he were watching a fine play.
"What do you mean by that, Watanabe Hayabara!!" Kushida Kikyo finally reached her breaking point and roared, her face twisted in fury.
"But I can tolerate everything Little Kikyo does." Watanabe Hayabara looked at her with a half-smile, as if her every move were within his grasp.
"Don't even think about it, Watanabe Hayabara! I wouldn't marry you even if you were the last man on earth!" Kushida Kikyo responded without backing down, her voice laced with determination and rage.
"Did I ever say I wanted to marry you, Little Kikyo? Don't be so conceited." Watanabe Hayabara's smile became even more mocking; he seemed to have expected her reaction.
"Watanabe Hayabara, you piece of trash, I wish I could skin you alive!" Kushida Kikyo's emotions grew more volatile. Her eyes widened, staring daggers at Watanabe Hayabara as if she wanted to see right through him.
Yet, Watanabe Hayabara remained unaffected by her glare. He kept his smile and even performed an elegant gentleman's bow, saying, "Thank you for the compliment."
"Let me go, Watanabe Hayabara! Don't make me say it a second time!" Kushida Kikyo's voice was nearly a scream; her patience had clearly reached its limit.
"Do you still not understand what I mean, or are you just playing dumb, Little Kikyo?" Watanabe Hayabara's tone suddenly turned serious. He took a step forward, closing the distance. "Submit to me sincerely, and I will protect you while ensuring you have a good job after graduation. I need your talents, Kushida Kikyo."
Hearing this, Kushida Kikyo's body shuddered violently. She lowered her head and remained silent for a moment. However, when she looked up again, the hesitation in her eyes had vanished, replaced by deep suspicion.
"This..." Kushida Kikyo's voice trembled as she looked straight into Watanabe Hayabara's eyes. "You're still lying to me, right?"
"There's no point in lying to you this time, Kushida Kikyo. Or do you think you have more value than that?" Watanabe Hayabara released her wrist, using one hand to cup her chin while the other stroked her hair.
Kushida Kikyo ignored his actions, staring intently into his resolute gaze. After a long, quiet moment, she made her move: she tilted her head up, stood on her tiptoes, and planted a kiss on Watanabe Hayabara's cheek.
Watanabe Hayabara's lips curled into a faint smile, as if he had foreseen this very moment. He leaned in slowly and kissed her lips gently.
The moment their lips touched, Watanabe Hayabara caught the faint, intoxicating fragrance emanating from Kushida Kikyo. He savored the scent, feeling the warmth and softness of her lips.
Kushida Kikyo was surprised at first, but she quickly adapted to the sudden kiss. She closed her eyes slightly, immersing herself in the beauty of the moment and feeling Watanabe Hayabara's tenderness.
As time passed, Kushida Kikyo grew bolder. She began to respond to his kiss, her lips moving slightly against his, creating a subtle, tingling sensation.
Watanabe Hayabara keenly sensed the change; his eyes flickered, seemingly surprised by her boldness. However, he did not resist, instead becoming even more deeply engaged in the kiss.
In this brief yet lingering embrace, their saliva mingled, completing an intimate exchange.
When they finally pulled apart, Kushida Kikyo's eyes were hazy, as if she were still lost in the pleasant atmosphere. A thin, glistening thread of saliva stretched between their lips, a silent testament to the intensity of the moment.
"If you dare to lie to me, you're finished, Watanabe Hayabara." Kushida Kikyo's voice carried a hint of feigned annoyance.
Watanabe Hayabara chuckled and whispered, "How could I bear to deceive Little Kikyo? After all, Little Kikyo will be of great help to me." He paused, then continued, "I'd like you to become my exclusive social liaison from now on. A Little Kikyo who loves making friends will surely be excellent at this job."
Kushida Kikyo looked at Watanabe Hayabara, hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded in agreement. "I understand."
"Thank you ever so much, Little Kikyo." Watanabe Hayabara gently stroked her hair, smiling slightly.
Kushida Kikyo simply rolled her eyes at him.