The sa as yesterday, the mont Marika was seen walking alongside , onlookers showed up from all directions, wondering what exactly was the deal between us.
Unfortunately for them, there are quite a few differences from what we’d shown yesterday. The girl wasn't clinging to . Instead, she maintained a slight but deliberate distance of at least a few centiters; just enough to keep our shoulders from touching.
That’s how it normally is when you walk with soone, right?
Marika’s deanor remained that of a graceful lady from an esteed background. With every step she took, her form was filled with elegance, making both boys and girls in awe at the sight of her. They were srized by her unique presence.
As we walked past them, Marika fixed her gaze ahead, seemingly oblivious to the attention we garnered from everyone. And with a smile that could captivate even the coldhearted, she eventually left behind a trail of admirers who could only dream of being able to walk alongside her.
I’d bet that many of them had forgotten that I was walking beside her. She took most of the spotlight, becoming their sole focus. Perhaps, if she wasn’t always barricaded by her followers, she might have made a few friends already before eting . She also wouldn’t be as miserable as the girl who kept on chasing after her inattentive, skirt-chasing fiancé.
Anyway, as we headed towards the Administration Building, I ntioned Watanabe and Komoe to her. Those two already interacted with her last week when she showed up in that padlocked room to defend from Ichihara Jun. That’s why when I ntioned them, Marika started looking forward to eting them again.
Regarding the girls she had already t and got acquainted with, Marika expressed her admiration for their boundless affection towards . There was no need to confirm anything anymore; she knew that they were the ones I was about to ntion back then.
She’s still trying to digest it all, but with today’s lunch, she felt she had gotten closer to Shizu, Nami, and the others who were with us.
In any case, Marika still felt when it ca to hearing about my past. Perhaps she was preparing herself knowing that it was likely a different story compared to eting the girl who was currently part of my life.
Upon reaching the stairs leading to the higher floors of the Administration Building, Marika closed the gap between us and hugged my arm without any hesitation. There was no one around to witness us now anymore, after all.
With a proud grin, she implored, "So... Did I do well, Ruki-kun?"
Her eyes were brimming with anticipation, seeking for my praise. Marika transitioned from being the elegant young lady to the innocent and candid girl who successfully captivated after her clumsy attempts at using to get back at her foolish fiancé. In any case, I also loved that side of her, the one that made her seem untouchable or in my words ‘indescribably hard to read’ when we first interacted in that convenience store.
"It's flawless,” I answered softly as we reached the final step, arriving on the second floor.
Marika humd in delight, extrely satisfied.
As we turned for another set of stairs leading to the third floor, I wrapped my arm around her waist and tilted her chin to plant another kiss on her lips.
Uh… I couldn’t help it. It was irresistible when I saw her beaming in joy.
However, my evaluation wasn’t over yet. After savoring that kiss, I continued, “But Marika-senpai, that's not an act at all, am I right? That's how you carried yourself before eting ."
"Un. That didn’t need to be acted on.” She nodded. “I had imdiately noticed the attention thrown in my direction when I transferred here for Jun-kun. Having believed that I’m only for him, I placed myself in a state where I cannot be bothered by anyone else aside from him… I have devoted myself to perfecting my role to be his wife one day… Regrettably…”
Marika shook her head as she stopped herself from finishing her words. She then forced a smile to prevent from seeing the miserableness that flashed past her face.
Well, I’d be dumb if I didn’t pick that up but the sa could be said if I pointed that out. So… I just did what I always do. Comfort her through actions rather than words.
Besides, I feel responsible for bringing that up.
Before continuing to the Director’s Office, I pulled us to the side and I put her in my embrace, letting her use my shoulder or chest for comfort.
Understanding my intention. Marika wrapped her arms tightly as though she was trying to bury herself further in my arms.
Following that, she lifted her head to et my gaze. This ti, her forced smile disappeared and was replaced by an affectionate one, “You said it yourself, Ruki-kun. I’m stronger than you think. Must I still be bothered with the past I’m going to leave behind?”
“Mhm. You’re right. Just like how I’ve stolen you from him, let steal the efforts you dedicated to him as well.
“Pfft. Won’t that make you a thief?”
“Yes. But senpai, can’t I be the Thief of Affection?”
Upon hearing that, Marika leered at for a few seconds before her giggles turned into laughter, “No wonder Elizabeth-chan loves you a lot, Ruki-kun. Shall I tell her about your new title?”
“… That. Please no. I already have a lot.”
“Won’t it fit though? The Dark Prince of Unstoppable Greed, the skirt-chasing Demonic Tyrant, Possessor of the Irresistible Tongue, Breaker of Relationships and the Thief of Affection.”
As she recited those titles, I couldn’t help but feel the heat rising on my cheeks and by the ti she finished, Marika once again broke into a series of sweet laughter.
But thanks to this, the miserable look on her face disappeared completely.
I guess, it’s fine to sacrifice my sha to see her beam with joy again.
Marika pulled my head down and whispered affectionately, “Un. I really love seeing this side of you. Ruki-kun.”
Sealing my lips soon after that, it beca her turn to take the lead. And in between it, our conversation continued.
“Make no mistake, senpai. I can turn this all around if I want to.”
“Is that so? Why don’t you try it?”
“Because I’m generous.”
“Okay, Mr. Thief of Affection the Generous.”
And once again, Marika’s laughter escaped her mouth. I quickly sealed her lips but I already lost the battle.
I don’t know how long we spent in that corner with our affection for each other heating the place. However, once we both got satisfied, we found ourselves having a spectator at the side.
“Great. No wonder I keep hearing voices from across the hall. Can’t you two pick a better place?”
With her arms crossed and body tilted to the side a little, Hayashi-sensei’s unamused grin greeted us.
“S-sensei.” Marika stuttered as she quickly hid behind like a squirrel. But with my hand holding her hand tight, she eventually stood by my side, a hint of embarrassnt on her face.
On the other hand, I scratched my head and faced the woman wearing my shaless mask, “Uh. Sensei, here’s Marika-senpai like you asked to.”
Hayashi-sensei facepald and declared, “Shaless brat. One of these days, I’m going to discipline you.”
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