The Demon of Pleasure: Starting with Angel, Shiina Mahiru! Chapter 358 358: Shameless Threats

As a girl with a striking figure and looks, Sanshokuin Sumireko had already been the center of attention back in middle school.

She was even called the school beauty.

Because of that, countless boys chased after her—top students and sunny boys, as well as pretentious "cool" delinquents. They openly and secretly competed, trying to date her.

But Sumireko wasn't interested in any of it. She imrsed herself in her own world and only wanted to read in peace.

She was, through and through, a literary beauty.

And with her gentle nature and outstanding looks, she triggered in others a strong urge both to protect and to conquer. Harassed to no end, Sumireko finally learned to disguise herself after eting a best friend who resembled her by about 90%. She hid her true figure and face, then, without telling anyone in class, applied to St. Hakuro Academy, where she beca an inconspicuous library assistant.

She even went to a Dinsional Magic Shop and bought a face-hiding pair of glasses from a witch.

She thought she could spend her high school days quietly—but Hayashi Maki's appearance ruined all her plans.

Feeling the man's heartbeat behind her and his hot breath, Sumireko—seated on his lap—blushed. It was her first ti being this close to a boy. Scheming as she could be, at heart she was a delicate girl. Being held so assertively, she didn't know what to do. Thankfully he wasn't that impatient—he was just holding her. Otherwise she really might have cried.

"By the way, Sumireko—do you have any friends at school?" his voice asked by her ear.

Her body trembled slightly; she instinctively shook her head.

"None."

"Once I put on these glasses, everyone decided I was a gloomy, ugly girl. No one cos near , let alone talks to . So I don't have male or female friends here."

She did feel lonely sotis. But compared to the trouble that followed her real face being exposed, the quiet suited her better.

Listening, Hayashi Maki's lips curved. "Well, now you have a boyfriend."

Sumireko rolled her eyes.

"I don't rember agreeing to date a womanizing scumbag like you."

"Heh, it's only a matter of ti," he said, brimming with confidence.

"Thick-skinned!" she shot back, cheeks red, and wriggled a bit. "Could you… put your bad thing away?"

She'd never dated, but as a girl who read a lot, she knew what was what. She was perfectly aware of the "change" caused by the rogue holding her.

Hayashi Maki chuckled awkwardly and hugged the beauty in his arms tighter.

"Sorry—force majeure."

Feeling him tighten his hold, Sumireko's heart skipped; her breathing quickened.

"So… are you planning to bully ?"

"May I?" His eyes lit up, as if asking her opinion.

"Like hell!" She pinched the arm around her waist in irritation.

He didn't get angry; instead, he leaned in and brushed a kiss against her white neck. Feeling her shiver made his mood lift.

"In the end, you hide your face because you don't want to be bothered, right? If you had a strong boyfriend to protect you, everything would be easier."

"And I'm the perfect man for the job."

He shalessly volunteered himself. Sumireko despised the line—but also felt a little shy. Hayashi Maki wasn't ordinary. He could see through the witch's glasses and teleport them from the library to here; clearly he was powerful. Being protected by soone like that… it moved her a bit. But he was a flirt—she couldn't accept that so easily.

She bit her lip and stayed silent.

Seeing she didn't answer, Hayashi Maki teased: "You're actually timid, aren't you?"

"Why else hide your face? Afraid of being discovered by soone?"

Her body flinched; he'd hit a nerve. With a soft sigh, she looked up at this shaless man with wounded eyes.

"Yes. I've been hiding from a man. He's my ex-boyfriend. Does that answer satisfy you?"

"Ex-boyfriend?" Hayashi Maki muttered. He lifted his hand from her tummy and gently tilted her chin up. eting her bright eyes, he asked, "What kind of guy gets to be Sumireko's ex? And why are you hiding from him? Will you tell ?"

Seeing the heat in his gaze, her face flad. He clearly wanted to understand her—know her story. It felt like a couple sharing their hearts, and it made her shy.

She brushed his hand off her chin and looked away. "Why should I tell you? A girl's secrets aren't for you to pry into."

Hayashi Maki grinned and "threatened" her:

"If you don't tell , I'm not letting you go today. I'll keep feeding you drinks; when you need the bathroom, I still won't let go."

"Huh?"

Sumireko stared, dumbfounded. "You can say sothing that awful with a straight face?"

He shrugged. "Why not? I an what I say. Besides, I'm a demon; even if you curse in your heart for not being human, I'll still do it."

"So—choose. Tell honestly about that 'ex-boyfriend,' or I'll carry out my 'threat.'"

"…"

After a few seconds of silence, Sumireko sighed in defeat.

"Fine—you win."

How could she not? Just listen to him—holding her, plying her with water, refusing to let go even when she was desperate. If she slipped up for even a second, she'd die of embarrassnt on the spot.

Hayashi Maki smiled in triumph. "Well then—this ex of yours."

Sumireko pinched him again, eyes full of reproach.

"He's not really my ex. He's just soone who took the liberty of calling himself that."