Taming

Watanabe Hayabara gripped Kushida Kikyo's wrist tightly, squeezing so hard it seemed he might crush it. Kushida Kikyo struggled endlessly, trying to break free, but no matter how hard she fought, she couldn't escape Watanabe Hayabara's grasp.

Kushida Kikyo's expression grew darker by the moment. Her eyes were as cold as ice as she glared at Watanabe Hayabara, filled with fury and disgust, as if she wanted to devour him whole.

Watanabe Hayabara seemed utterly unfazed by her reaction. Instead, the corner of his mouth lifted into a teasing smile. "That expression of yours is terrifying, Little Kikyo," he said softly.

At his words, Kushida Kikyo's anger blazed even hotter. She glared at Watanabe Hayabara and demanded without the slightest courtesy, "What exactly do you want, Watanabe Hayabara?" Her voice was thick with anger, sending a chill through anyone who heard it.

"Little Kikyo's angry? Somehow, I don't find that the least bit threatening. Look at you—you're like a kitten pretending to be a tiger. You're only making a fool of yourself, Little Kikyo. I didn't come here for anything special. I just wanted to think through your future prospects for you." Watanabe Hayabara's mouth curled into a sly smile.

"What do you mean, my future prospects? What business is that of yours?" Kushida Kikyo shot back, displeased.

"Oh? Your future prospects—like how someone two-faced like you is going to get married someday. Don't play dumb with me." Watanabe Hayabara spoke unhurriedly, as though he had anticipated Kushida Kikyo's reaction.

"What does that have to do with you, Watanabe Hayabara? I can keep up my sweet, gentle image forever if I want to!" Kushida Kikyo's voice rose by an octave, clearly challenging him.

"Haha, that's wonderful, Little Kikyo. I hope you get to marry the person you like. Still, I do feel sorry for whoever marries you. Being deceived by his own wife for the rest of his life isn't something just anyone could handle." Watanabe Hayabara's smile grew more pronounced, as if he were enjoying a good show.

"What are you trying to say, Watanabe Hayabara?!" Kushida Kikyo finally snapped, her face contorted with anger.

"But I can tolerate anything Little Kikyo does." Watanabe Hayabara's lips curved slightly as he looked at Kushida Kikyo with an ambiguous smile, as though every move she made was under his control.

"Don't even think about it, Watanabe Hayabara. I'd marry anyone but you!" Kushida Kikyo replied defiantly, her voice edged with fury and determination.

"Did I say I wanted to marry you, Little Kikyo? Don't flatter yourself." Watanabe Hayabara's smile turned even more teasing, as if he had expected her to react that way.

"Watanabe Hayabara, you scumbag! I'd love to tear you apart with my bare hands!" Kushida Kikyo grew more agitated. Her eyes widened as she stared at Watanabe Hayabara, as if she wanted to see right through him.

Yet Watanabe Hayabara wasn't affected by her glare. He kept smiling and even gave her an elegant bow. "Thank you for the compliment."

"Let me go, Watanabe Hayabara. Don't make me say it twice!" Kushida Kikyo's voice was nearly a roar. Her patience seemed to have reached its limit.

"Do you still not understand what I mean, or are you pretending to be clueless, Little Kikyo?" Watanabe Hayabara's tone suddenly turned serious. He stepped forward, closing in on Kushida Kikyo. "Sincerely submit to me, and I'll protect you. I'll also make sure you have a good job after graduation. I need your talents, Kushida Kikyo."

At those words, Kushida Kikyo's body trembled. She lowered her head and fell silent for a moment. But when she looked up again, the hesitation in her eyes had vanished, replaced by deep suspicion.

"This..." Kushida Kikyo's voice quivered a little. She stared directly into Watanabe Hayabara's eyes. "You're still lying to me, aren't you?"

"I have no reason to lie to you this time, Kushida Kikyo. Or do you think you're worth more than that?" Watanabe Hayabara released Kushida Kikyo's wrist, then lifted her chin with one hand and stroked her hair with the other.

Kushida Kikyo paid no attention to what Watanabe Hayabara was doing. She simply stared into his steadfast eyes. After a long, quiet moment, she finally moved. She raised her head slightly, rose onto her toes, and kissed Watanabe Hayabara on the cheek.

The corner of Watanabe Hayabara's mouth lifted into a faint smile, as if he had expected this all along. He leaned slowly toward Kushida Kikyo and gently kissed her lips.

The moment their lips touched, Watanabe Hayabara caught the faint, pleasant fragrance coming from Kushida Kikyo. It was intoxicating. He savored the scent, feeling the warmth and softness against his lips.

Kushida Kikyo was startled at first, but soon grew accustomed to the unexpected kiss. She closed her eyes slightly, sinking into the sweetness of the moment and savoring Watanabe Hayabara's tenderness.

As time passed, Kushida Kikyo grew bolder. She began returning Watanabe Hayabara's kisses, her lips moving gently and sending a subtle tingling sensation through him.

Watanabe Hayabara noticed the change at once. His eyes shifted slightly, as if surprised by Kushida Kikyo's boldness. But he didn't pull away. Instead, he kissed her more passionately.

In that brief yet seemingly endless kiss, their saliva mingled, completing an intimate exchange.

When they finally parted, Kushida Kikyo's gaze had grown hazy, as though she were still lost in the sweetness of the moment. A long, sticky strand stretched between their lips, as if bearing witness to their passionate kiss.

"If you dare lie to me, you're done for, Watanabe Hayabara." Kushida Kikyo's voice held a hint of reproach.

Watanabe Hayabara smiled and said softly, "How could I bear to deceive you, Little Kikyo? You'll be a great help to me." He paused, then continued, "Please become my personal social coordinator from now on, Little Kikyo. You love making friends, so I'm sure you'll be good at it."

Kushida Kikyo looked at Watanabe Hayabara and hesitated. In the end, she nodded and agreed. "I understand."

"Thank you so very much, Little Kikyo." Watanabe Hayabara gently stroked her hair, smiling.

Kushida Kikyo simply rolled her eyes at Watanabe Hayabara.