After a bout of playful antics, evening arrived.
Makomo gently straightened Kanzaki Kumo's clothes, leaving him frozen awkwardly in place at this first experience.
Seeing the boy's dazed expression, Makomo reached out and tapped his forehead.
"I won't keep you for dinner. With your speed, you should be able to make it back to the Butterfly Mansion in time for dinner, right?"
"Mm... huh?" Kanzaki Kumo took a moment to react, then looked at Makomo in utter confusion.
"You fool, go back and spend some proper time with Kanae. She... she's the silly girl who's truly put herself far, far beneath you. If you let her down, even I won't forgive you."
Makomo's words stunned Kanzaki Kumo, and his eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at her.
In fact, from what Kanzaki Kumo knew of Makomo, she should not have reacted so calmly upon learning that he intended to pursue several girls at once, nor should she have accepted his greed so easily.
It was just that he could hardly ask her about it now, or he would seem to be playing innocent after getting his way.
And judging by Makomo's words, Kanae had spent who knew how much time beforehand talking Makomo around.
That girl, who had always watched over him and cared for him quietly, had even been doing things where he could not see...
"Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking."
Makomo read his thoughts in his eyes and nodded in confirmation. Gazing into those eyes filled with shock and guilt, she said solemnly, "To think a girl would help you talk other girls around. Just what kind of spell did you put on her... so... whatever you do, don't hurt her. Understand?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
Before leaving, Kanzaki Kumo hugged Makomo once more.
"Go on."
Watching