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Sniffing the air, his flaring nostrils send a breathy echo off the tiled walls as he shakes his head and chuckles. “I like that apple smell on you...” he states, sighing and shrugging, “And I thought you were using
washing your hair as an innuendo... of some kind... Like I hadn't done it right, or something?”
“You gave me two in there,
Lothario,” I reply with a hearty laugh, looking up lovingly at his relieved smile as I continue, “I really just wanted to think—washing my hair was a secondary objective after you blew up in my face.”
“Sorry, I don't have much control over the aim,” he remarks with another shrug, then nods and adds, “And, yeah, you mentioned figuring something out.”
“I may have a solution... Go check the hall,” I say, pointing at the door as I wrap the towel around to cover myself.
After a quick peek into the hall, he looks back and nods, then I follow him the short distance across to his room. Once inside, he gives me a black shirt to put on—the blue one is still a soggy mess balled up in the corner of the shower stall—and I keep the towel around my waist like a skirt. Once I've had a chance to straighten myself out, he turns a curious smirk at me, but I hold a hand up to stop his question.
“You remember what I wore last night?” I ask, nodding toward the dress hanging against the door.
“How could I not?” he questions, turning toward it and nodding with a lecherous smile, “I still have some ideas for that thing,” he adds, then leads into a suggestion, “It made a perfect frame if you wanna try something weird later.”
I guess he's not just interested in my ass...
“Focus!” I demand, shaking his arm and trying not to think too deeply about his suggestive commentary. With an exaggerated eye roll, I step over to sit on the bed and slowly shake my head at his continued lascivious stare. “I don't have anything else to wear,” I explain, then point at his closet, “And none of your stuff fits, so I'm stuck here.”
“Is that
so bad?”
Giggling at his eager tone, I shrug and sigh, then continue, “Short term: No. I love it here—it's like camping out in the woods... with the bears... But, long term...?”
For a moment his eyes remain locked in a lewd stare, but he quickly breaks out of it and nods. “Ah, I see; you have to go back eventually...” he says, trailing off and glancing out his window. “Did you think to call Amaya?” he asks, but my scowl answers his question. “Well, I could probably sneak over there and-”
“That's basically the same problem, though... if someone sees you going into my room... with a key.”
I know for sure Emi would probably be suspicious... and inquisitive...
Letting out a long sigh, he turns to stare at the floor with a bewildered expression. While he's pondering, I stay silent, hoping he might be able to come up with something; he's reasonably intelligent when it comes to sneaky problems. As it's now well past eight o'clock, and I'm not even sure if Yoko will be in her room as she may have decided to attend the last day, it's possible I could be stuck here until the afternoon. While I wouldn't really complain about that, and it might remain unnoticed, I'd still rather have the option.
The idea of calling her and basically having to tell her I'm sleeping with Hisao bothers me a little, but I doubt either she or Kenta haven't at least assumed some things; I'd probably just be confirming suspicions. It's still embarrassing, and every person I tell increases the chance of everyone in school learning about our evening liaisons, but unless Hisao can think of another option, I'll be stuck facing that situation anyway. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to have any ideas, so I shrug and take a deep breath.
“I thought I might try giving Yoko a call,” I say, tilting my head to view his affirmative half-nod.
Raising a curious eyebrow, he inquires, “Does she even know about...?”
“Probably suspects—no confirmation,” I reply, standing to pat his shoulder reassuringly, “But, I think I can trust her—Kenta might be another story.”
“Oh, I'll beat him senseless if he blabs,” Hisao assures me in a mirthful tone, “He and Tadao both asked me about it after class on Thursday... Well, Tadao did then, Kenta called from home later... I get the feeling they both kinda know, but... I didn't actually confirm anything.”
“Tadao knows... he kind of tricked it out of me yesterday afternoon,” I mention, shrugging bashfully.
With a careful shrug and a resigned smirk, he remarks, “Well, if we can't trust our friends...”
I think I'll still keep it out of Shizune's purview, though...
With that sentiment in mind, I reach over and grab my sticky phone, then flip it open and start searching through my contacts for Yoko's number. Shooting another glance at the clock, I hit send, quietly hoping she decided to stay in this morning, and preferably in her own room. After three rings, I let out an exasperated sigh and twist my face into a pout. The fourth ring gets cut off by a static click and I hear a gravelly, sleepy voice.
“Hello?” she questions quietly. Her tired tone actually makes me grin; she sounds like she just woke up, so she's not in class.
I might get out of here before noon after all...
“Hey, Yoko, did I wake you?” I ask in a monotone whisper.
After a pause, I hear her groan and take a deep breath, then reply, “N-no... well... kinda. I was about to wake up when it started buzzing-”
“Who's that...?” asks a groggy, distant, male voice from the background.
I'd recognize Kenta's sarcastic tone anywhere...
“Shh!” she scolds, then giggles and waits a long time before trying to explain, “Sorry, I'm... watching- err, listening... to the radio...”
Who does she think she's fooling...?
“Tell Kenta I said hi~!” I lilt happily, to which she groans. Hisao raises an eyebrow at me, and I nod at his silent question.
[That should make things easier,] he signs, then stands up and moves toward the door, [I'll go get us some breakfast... if you get the chance, tell Kenta he's a jackass for me.]
I'd rather do that in person... in punching range...
[I'll leave my door locked in case of an incursion,] he jokes.
As I nod, I start listening to the muffled voices over the phone while watching him get dressed in a gray t-shirt, and the same pants he had on earlier. It probably isn't intentional, but seeing him put clothes on makes me a little jealous; he can leave this little room on a whim—I'll definitely be getting that overnight bag together. With his hand on the doorknob, he looks back and smirks.
[Remember, if they're arguing, it's partly your fault,] he chides, but I don't think he's worried; he's probably happy there's no need to keep it a secret anymore.
I can't help but agree...
While I shake my head and hold back a laugh, he departs with a knowing smile. Meanwhile, everything I hear through the phone is garbled, but I don't think it's an argument, as it sounds more like a laughing fit, so I stand by Mom's meddling. The way they were clinging to each other, and seemed totally comfortable by the end of the night, I think they may have already been more involved than anyone suspected. After a few moments, their discussion ends, and I smile at hearing Yoko's continued giggling.
Uncovering the microphone, she exclaims, “Before you say anything! Nothing happened!”
I'm sad to hear that, assuming she isn't lying...
“It's okay... I went home with Hisao, but we did a whole lot of
something,” I admit, both to blurt out the news, and alleviate some of her apprehension.
Kenta can apparently hear me, because his mirth is almost unbearable as he replies, “Hisao might be a science whiz, but he's a terrible actor! I knew you two were playing hide the dolphin!”
“Kenta!” Yoko blurts, and I think I hear a slap, but I'm not sure.
Hit him harder...!
Deciding to play peacemaker, I request, “Calm down, we're all semi-adults here!”
“
Officially, I think you
are an adult," Kenta concludes, sounding pleased with himself, "by standard social reckoning.”
“Okay, just shut up,
Elf-Lord!” I balk, using Amaya's favorite nickname for him disdainfully. “And turn off speaker-phone, Yoko, we have lady-things to discuss,” I say, waiting for her to press the button again.
I definitely owe Kenta an arm-punch at our next meeting...
“Alright, he can't hear now,” she assures me, “What's going on?”
“First; where are you?”
There's a quick confused pause, then a quiet answer, “My room... he left his key at home.”
“Clever,” I remark, rolling my eyes, “You realize that was-”
“I know—a ploy, but... we
just slept...”
I'm not sure if I believe that, but I have no reason to doubt her...
“Y'know what? I'm gonna believe you; you're my friend, I trust you wouldn't lie about something like that, and I won't push you to admit anything. It's your business anyway. Just know I'll keep your secrets if you choose to tell them,” I assure her, deciding to give her the same level of respect I expect from my friends.
“Okay, thanks,” she says softly, then cautiously adds, “I won't tell anyone about you and Hisao either.”
I hope she can convince Kenta to offer the same courtesy...
“Good, we have an understanding, then,” I remark, sighing with relief.
Now comes the annoying part...
Sighing as I think of how to explain my embarrassing situation, I realize it will probably take some convincing, but I manage to explain why it's important, and she agrees to help. She wonders why Amaya didn't help, but I explain her reluctance, and the likely reason my skinny friend thought I could get out of it so easily. The only problem is that Yoko doesn't have a key for my room, but when Hisao returns with a couple bowls of cereal and some fruit from the cafeteria, I get him in on the plan: they'll meet to hand off my key, he'll wait for her to retrieve some things from my closet, then deliver them here.
It's so simple it could work...
Intending to give Yoko ample time to get herself dressed, we set the meeting up for ten o'clock. That gives Hisao and I time to have our breakfast, and afterward I insist on powering up one of his gaming consoles for some friendly competition. In the interest of fairness—or gender courtesy—I let him choose the game. Deciding to follow some convoluted, sexist logic, which he's convinced is infallible, I listen to him blather about the reason behind his selection while secretly giggling to myself. Concluding the best title to pick for us is
Mario Kart Double Dash, he sets up the system and hands me a controller.
I don't think he knows what he's in for...
There's something delightfully childish about sitting on the floor with my boyfriend, snacking on orange slices, beating him at his own game, and laughing endlessly at his constant excuses. My extended win streak, which probably started with him playing himself down for my benefit, creates a lot of opportunities to share some heated arguments, followed by sweet little kisses and demure apologies; it's all in good fun. In the interest of keeping to the schedule, we don't let our petting between battles get too hot and heavy, but we're both reasonably satisfied after that shower.
I think this is what a Saturday morning is supposed to be like...
Soon the time rolls around for him to meet with Yoko, so he leaves a kiss on my cheek, vows vengeance for his severely injured pride, and heads out the door with a lighthearted chuckle on his lips. While he's gone, I continue getting practice in the game until my phone starts to buzz; I actually remembered to switch it to vibrate. When I notice the caller is Mom, I pause and take a deep breath, wondering what new horror she might be calling to tell me about. After our conversation prior to her departure, I wouldn't be surprised if she's calling for details, but I know it comes from love, rather than lewd curiosity.
I think—hope—it does, anyway...
Pressing send, I lift the phone up and cheerfully greet, “Hi, Mom!”
“Ah! Good morning, Kitten~!” she lilts, sounding rested and energized, “I didn't catch you in class, did I?”
Casting a glance around Hisao's room, I shake my head and reply, “Nope, not even close.”
“Decided to skip, then?”
“Haven't even put my pants on yet,” I reply, giggling at my double meaning.
She listens to me giggle for a few moments before remarking, “You had a good night, I take it?”
“And a good morning,” I reply lewdly, smirking sideways.
“Well, if you're not
too busy with your boyfriend, I was thinking I'd take you to lunch later—sometime around noon,” she suggests, and I twist my face into a contemplative pout.
I should be all set by then...
Taking my pause as dissent, she adds, “Just you and me, Kitten; I put Midi on a train to visit Uncle Aki half an hour ago. And as much as I'd like to sit down with your gentleman suitor for an afternoon—Hisao is a fetching young man, and quite quick-minded! No doubt it serves him in... all areas~!"
I'm not even going to bother groaning...
The cheerfulness fades as she sighs and remarks, "I want to talk to you about some... things... without him.”
I knew it was too good to be true...
Having expected as much, I'm already nodding before she finishes, and merely waiting to reply, “Thanks, I knew you'd like him~!” I say with a hopeful lilt, then take a deep breath before adding, “And I have some things I wanna ask about, too... so, lunch sounds great!”
“Excellent, Kitten~! We can visit that lovely outdoor cafe Amaya described; I'll pick you up at the gate?”
“That'll work—I'm just lazing around playing video games with Hisao, so-”
“You took him back to your room?”
“No, he's a gamer too... or a reformed one; I'm weaseling him back into one. And he's only seen the inside of my room from the hallway... for all of four seconds,” I clarify, giggling a little and adding, “I'm in his room—it has more convenient access to... certain facilities.”
“You always were a planner!” she remarks, making me shrug slightly.
Except for stranding myself here... but I have a contingency plan for that now...
“So, I'll meet you at the gate?” I ask, guessing her intent.
“Noon sharp! Bring Hisao along, I want to see him in regular clothes—the suit made him look nicer than he probably usually does,” she rambles, then laughs and adds, “You talked him into that vest for my benefit, I take it?”
“Actually, no... he wears them all the time,” I explain, glancing at his closet, “he's got like a dozen of them—all different kinds, and all kept nice and neat.”
“Well, I'm liking him more and more, then~!” she remarks airily, then sucks in a breath and adds, “Noon sharp! Don't make me chase you down in the boys' dorm—I can read an occupancy chart!”
“Yes, Mom, I'll be there with the Swooner for your inspection,” I state flatly, saluting nothing and rolling my eyes.
“Bye, Kitten! Love you!”
“Love you, too, Mom. Bye~!”
When the phone clicks, I find myself staring at the track select screen in the game, listening to the dial tone. Me having heavy things to talk about with her is something that has weighed on me for weeks, but I didn't expect her to have anything similarly difficult to discuss. Wondering what it could be makes me feel a little apprehensive, though I get the feeling it's probably more relationship advice. If that's the case, I think I'll keep an open mind—thus far her suggestions have been nothing but helpful.
I'd be a fool to refuse her worldly advice...
While I'm still staring at the television blankly, there are three more knocks on the door, accompanied by another stealthy whisper, “The crab cloaks itself in armor.”
“Just me in here, Hisao!” I reply in a loud whisper, then listen as he pushes against the locked door and sighs. A moment later, I hear his key slipping into the lock, followed by a hearty chuckle as he steps in and tosses a plastic shopping bag over into my lap.
Seeing the stealthy, shifty-eyed smirk on his face, I think he rather enjoyed having to engage in a secret meeting with my lovely red-headed friend. To anyone who might have witnessed their interaction, it could look like something sordid is happening between them, which, if I didn't know it's innocent, could make me jealous. Still, Lydia mentioned harnessing jealousy, and that gives me an idea: I could use those feelings to propel our foreplay. While I wonder what Yoko would think about becoming an object of contention in our lovemaking, she doesn't have to know; it's just a pretend affair.
I have a strong enough imagination to make my reaction real...
Hopefully Hisao will see it the same way, but for now I'll just let the plan stew while I'm investigating the results of his completely innocent meeting. Rifling through the bag, and finding the outfit Yoko picked out is mostly what I asked for—flip-flops, blue jeans, a teal-colored t-shirt, and one of my nice supportive bras—I smile warmly, but then I find a fifth item I wasn't expecting. Drawing out the
Hello Kitty briefs, which she must have put some effort into finding after I hid them in the bottom of my laundry basket, I raise an eyebrow at Hisao and watch his smile go from quiet to electric.
“This isn't what
I asked her for!” I complain, holding them up accusingly.
“I wanted to see you in them again!” he explains excitedly, stepping over to sit in his desk chair, “You looked so cute in them, I told her to swap them out with whatever you asked for instead.”
“I suppose she giggled shyly and nodded...”
I probably won't really hold it against her...
Glancing at his desk, he shrugs and replies, “Something like that. Hey
You, you planning to drink this coffee?”
While I'm still looking over the silly briefs, I shrug and remark, “It's cold by now, so no...”
“Mind if I...?”
As he trails off, I turn to see him reaching for the cup and sigh, “Okay, so... not only are you a coffee addict; you're desperate enough to drink a cold cup that's been sitting there for like... two hours?”
“I'm a creature of habit... besides, I might need the caffeine to keep up with you,” he explains, and I shrug.
“Go ahead, I won't be drinking it...”
With a cheerful sigh, I shake my head, toss the pile of clothes up onto his bed, and stand. Instead of grabbing for the cup right away, he smirks sideways and nods, watching me drop the towel and start stepping into the briefs. As I'm lifting his black shirt away so I can put on my own teal one, he continues his commentary.
“My
sexy nerd; you should be proud of those briefs, and... those,” he mentions, pointing at my chest and making me smile at the praise.
“You just like staring at my boobs.”
“No- well, yes... especially naked... but I'm talking more about the ridiculous briefs,” he says confidently, finally taking the cup in hand as he stands. “That you still look far and beyond the sexiest thing in the world with them on... is an accomplishment worthy of song.”
“You're not gonna sing, are you?” I say with the shirt over my head.
Laughing, he declines, “No, I just want you to know; you could be wearing anything, and I'd still think you're sexy.”
It's almost embarrassing hearing him offer such blatant compliments, but there isn't a hint of sarcasm in his tone. That's always the case when he offers praise, though, and for some reason it just sounds genuine, even though I know he must be exaggerating. As I'm pulling the shirt down, I get an overwhelming feeling like I should just pull it right off again, so I do just that; I don't see why we should stop with one morning interlude.
“Y'know what? I can get dressed later,” I say, stepping forward and wrapping my hands around his waist. Watching him finish off the cold coffee, I run my hand along his chest, over the scar, then all the way down to his pants.
Turning slightly to set down the emptied cup, he smiles lewdly and remarks, “I'll have you know, I was just rambling; I wasn't trying to make you horny.”
“You don't really have to try,” I assure him, popping his pants open and slipping my hand inside.
With a delighted gasp, he nods and replies, “Just wanted you to know my intentions were pure.”
“Mine aren't,” I coo throatily, pushing him down on the bed.
Not seeing any reason to delay, I decide to play the jealous girlfriend; if he doesn't respond well, I can abandon the idea. Standing over him with his knee trapped between mine, I cross my arms over my chest and sneer. “So, I understand you had a meeting with that red-headed trollop?” I ask with an accusatory glare, keeping the smile off my face, “How
dare you!”
Paling for a moment, he stutters, “I-I... but- you...! Wait, w-what...?”
“Don't deny it, Casanova, I've seen you staring at her well-rounded figure!” I continue adding layers to the play, though I'm starting to lose my composure, feeling the corners of my mouth attempt to curl into a smile. Steeling my gaze, I wave a hand toward the door and accuse, “You were
gone for at least half an hour! And you had a key to my room... how do I know you didn't go there
with her to fulfill your
carnal needs!”
I may have struck a jealous cord of my own with that line...
Picking up on the play, he squints at me for a few moments. Behind his narrowed eyes, I can sense the wheels turning, and I get the feeling he's starting to enjoy this verbal dance. With the look of confusion gone, he extends a plaintiff hand, and drops the stutter as he replies, “I will begin with this confession: whatever I have done in the course of my life, whether it be good or evil, has been done freely... I am a free agent!”
I think I recognize that from somewhere...
Pausing to watch me smirk, and temporarily lose my look of anger, he leans forward and presses his hands gently around my waist. Looking into my eyes through the valley between my breasts, he continues his confession, “Though I confess my eyes have strayed, occasionally... temporarily...”
During the bridge in his diatribe, he places a kiss on my navel that nearly makes me dive on top of him, the warmth spreading over me forcing a stifled moan; I barely manage not to swoon. After retracting his lips, his face assumes a humbled, thoughtful expression, and he whispers the conclusion, “They are mere fleeting glances...! My heart beats erratically, and sometimes leads me into temptation, but it thrums only for you!”
I really am dating a Master of Romance... my Swooner...
Unfurling my arms, I command, “
Prove, then, that you desire only
me!”
When he launches himself upward, my stern expression breaks, and I crush myself against him in earnest, our lips joining in heated lust. Wrapping his hands around my thighs, he lifts me up as I wrap my legs around his waist, then, pressing kisses along my collar-bone, he carries my giggling form over to the bed. As soon as I'm horizontal, staring up at him with a lascivious smile, he extracts his shirt, then leans over me, as he did earlier, piercing my eyes with his loving brown irises.
“Every piece of me is only for you, my Mermaid... my love,” he whispers, and I melt into his sensual kiss.
I regret putting the panties on before we started...
This time there are condoms available, and he's well past needing a rest after the earlier exertion. Now after learning more about each other, letting go of some inhibitions, and adding a layer of jealous tension, our lovemaking is much more intense than the awkward Tuesday afternoon we shared. Unlike our first experience, and because I find the angle more pleasing, I make use of his obsession with my rear; facing away as I ride him into mutual ecstasy. Again his spurting climax happens in tune with my delightful apex, releasing into the latex sheath as I fall back to ride out the shuddering in his warm embrace.
The careful use of teasing and slapping has become part of our process, and we're starting to understand each other's quirks and kinks; it makes for a much more satisfying experience. Not only that, but Hisao is able to find his second wind a lot sooner, so I'm still addled by euphoria and sweating against his side when he whispers that he's ready for more, and I'm not about to complain—we have plenty of condoms. Perhaps only to convince me of his faithful intent, he practices the same control he had last night in bends me over the foot of the bed, and I have to stifle my blissful cries against a pillow through two additional orgasms.
I'll have to remember how much effort he put into convincing me...
Immediately following that fifth delightful release of the morning, I make use of my still-moaning lips to urge him into his third release today, drinking his orgasm down lovingly; I want to avoid needing another long shower. Lying on the bed afterward, sweating and panting in his loving embrace, I glance at the clock and notice it's already after eleven o'clock; we evidently spent nearly an hour thrashing about in shared lust. While I'm completely satisfied with that kind of prolonged, wholly fulfilling result, it does place a narrow window on my time until Mom's impending arrival.
I can expect her at Hisao's door by five after, if I'm not out there at noon...
After telling him about Mom's phone call, we decide to take another shower together, though this time we do a lot more washing than fondling; he's basically spent, and I'm practically still twitching. Once we're all cleaned up, it's nearly eleven-thirty, and there are some things I might need from my room; namely the prescription bottle. So, after a long bout of kissing and pecking at his door, I leave behind my dress and shoes for him to hide away, and finally leave the boys' dorm through the back entrance. As far as I can tell, I got away without being seen, and managed to maintain my dignity and reputation—at least until Amaya stops by for a visit.
I hoped she'd spend the whole day in Tadao's room...
Banging loudly on my door she loudly accuses, “Cheater!” Giggling despite the anger in her voice, she adds, “I know what you did! Don't you try to hide from me!”
Could she maybe yell louder? I don't think they can hear her on the first floor...
Opening my door quickly, I yank her inside by the arm and hold a hand over her mouth. “Would you calm down and stop shouting!” I whisper loudly, having to avoid her swinging elbows as I explain, “I had to get creative, just like you said!”
She licks my palm to repel my hand, then balks, “You called Jessica Rabbit to bail you out! How is that getting creative?”
She's lucky Hisao put me in a really good mood, or I'd give her a solid kick for being such a brat, but I don't think she quite understands the situation. Settling a knowing look on her, I remark, “You walked out in some of Tadao's clothes, right? Maybe with some feminine flair you brought along?”
Furrowing her brow, she nods and places her hands on her hips. “Yeah...!” she exclaims, then recounts, “His shorts were like capris, so I- Uh...” As she trails off and goes silent, realization crosses her expression. After a few moments of contemplation, she asks, “Was that not an option...?”
Deciding to use vulgarity to express my point, I groan, “Have you seen my ass...? Compared to Hisao's skinny butt?”
Apparently she finds my use of such terms amusing, but manages to stop her laughter for long enough to reply, “I see your point... and... I'm sorry I left you hangin',” she actually blushes as she adds, “Tadao was feeling... amorous.”
I guess everyone had a sleepover last night...
My ponderous look makes her furrow her brow at me and ask, “What's that look? Like you expected otherwise?”
Unless she says I can tell, I'll keep Yoko's interlude a secret—regardless of how innocent it may have been—even from Amaya. With a slight shrug, I say, “Nothing, just... thought of something else...”
I think she'd do me the same courtesy...
“Anyway, I have to meet Mom for lunch,” I mention, ushering her toward the door. “She wants to talk, and I have some things to ask—you know what I mean,” I say as I'm walking her into the hall. “Give Tadao a hug for me... I'm not mad.”
I'm actually happy she forced me into calling Yoko...
She isn't quite satisfied with my explanation, but agrees anyway, heading back into her room without any more comments or questions. Strangely, I think I see Tadao's bare foot sticking out in the middle of her floor as she backs through the door, which I really wasn't expecting—they usually use his dorm. Somehow that thought makes me feel even better about spending the evening at Hisao's; I wouldn't want to spend the night stuffing a pillow over my ear, trying to block out the noises from across the hall.
I wonder whether Hisao has had to explain anything to Kenji...
Shrugging, I head back into my room and rummage through my desk to find the prescription bottle, then place it into a little, brown leather satchel I usually keep for winter, but now I have a reason to carry a bag. Adding the box of condoms, and my cellphone—after giving it a thorough wipe-down—I hang the satchel across my shoulder so it rests on my hip. Giving myself a quick look in the mirror, I decide to quickly brush out my hair; the comb Hisao let me use wasn't exactly sturdy enough—another thing to remember for my overnight bag. One last lucid thought makes me remove my jeans to put on a fresh pair of underwear—I left the Hello Kitty ones for Hisao to ogle in my absence.
I imagine he'll keep them with the sheer black ones he hid...
As I head out through the dorm, the idea of meeting with Mom starts to feel almost like a formality, and I even hum a happy tune quietly as I skip down the stairs; I'm still riding the euphoric high. Hisao gently urging me from sleep with a lover's kiss, spending a whole morning together, getting breakfast, showering together, handing him his pride playing video games, and especially the lovemaking, feels like something I'd like to do every day. There are so many things we haven't shared yet, both physically and emotionally, but I'm eager to put in the effort, and so is Hisao, if his targeted attempts are any indication.
Usually I try to contain the happiness in my steps, but I feel confident enough to skip along the path and breathe in the flower-scented air along the way, practically putting my joy on display. For a long time, my state of mind has been riding between fleetingly favorable, awkwardly annoyed, and deeply depressed, but I have good reason to feel like I'm finding my way out of that dark tunnel. Were anyone to notice the lightness in my steps, I might feel a little uncomfortable briefly, but I'm getting used to the idea of feeling genuinely happy; it may not last, but few things can, and I'm tired of holding myself back.
I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it...
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Previous|
Part 1|Next Chapter
So, that just happened...
Not a whole lot happens, I admit, but this is more of a character-building chapter. Specifically, seeing Hisao and Aiko as a couple, unrestrained by observers, obligations, or, through most of it, clothing (Aiko is basically naked until almost the very end). Giving them a simple problem to solve--how to get Aiko back across campus without raising suspicion--and then seeing how they deal with the problem, to see their interaction. As it turns out, Aiko can rely on her friends--except that palm-licking bitch, Amaya, am I right?--to help with more than just advice.
And what the heck happened with Yoko and Kenta...?
This gave me a chance to delve into some of my head-canon back-story for Hisao, where he actually has family and friends, and a cousin named Kaori who's a skier (astute gamers should recognize the parallel to a certain Snowboard Supercross character). Apparently he's always been mystified by women, and, even before reaching pubescence, he was trying to impress the ladies--and failing hard. This is where I wanted to drive home that he's been steadily improving physically since the story began, as well--describing that he's virile is one thing--what 18-year-old man isn't?--but Aiko spends some time marveling at the change in his appearance.
)
