Chapter 23: Chapter 22: Compensation in Overnight Stay
Yumeko's question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.
Ryuu paused, then smirked.
"Depends. Which aspect of 'further development' are you referring to?"
Yumeko started to reply automatically—then froze.
Her mind caught up with his words.
Her expression shifted instantly from curiosity to disbelief.
"Wait. WAIT. What the hell does that mean?!"
She stared at him, eyes wide.
"You—You're saying you and Kasumigaoka-senpai already—?!"
Ryuu didn't deny it.
Normally, this was the kind of question most guys would dodge for survival.
But Ryuu knew Yumeko well.
She had a competitive streak, especially when it came to Kasumigaoka Utaha.
That meant he could afford to be bold.
"Well… let's just say my senior took me up the ladder to adulthood."
"HUH?! HUH?!"
Yumiko's voice kept rising.
Then—
"That shameless woman!"
Her fists clenched.
She wasn't actually mad at Ryuu—not really.
She had already accepted that he wasn't the type to settle for a single partner.
But still—
"How the hell did she get ahead of me?!"
She had been with Ryuu since the beginning of high school!
The realization stung.
The unfairness of it all made her furious.
Meanwhile, Ryuu watched her reaction with mild amusement.
He had expected this.
"To be fair, it was also her first time," he said, shrugging.
"And honestly… the situation was kind of extreme. We nearly died."
"...Ugh, yeah, I know."
Yumiko pouted.
That supernatural incident had been a disaster waiting to happen.
"So technically," Ryuu added, "it wasn't exactly planned."
Yumeko sighed dramatically.
Her frustration didn't completely fade—but she wasn't going to throw a fit over it.
She glanced at him, eyes narrowing.
"Fine. But do you know why I invited you over tonight?"
Ryuu raised an eyebrow.
"Because your parents aren't home?"
Yumiko's cheeks darkened slightly.
"...Yes. That's part of it."
She had made up her mind hours ago.
Since she was already accepting Ryuu's 'revive the family' plan, she should have an advantage.
But—
Kasumigaoka had gotten ahead of her.
Yumeko hated losing.
So she had adjusted her strategy.
She crossed her arms, inhaling deeply.
"Stay with me tonight."
Ryuu's eyes flickered with amusement.
"Oh?"
"But!" Yumiko quickly added, "You're not allowed to touch me."
She folded her arms tighter, as if reinforcing her point.
Ryuu tilted his head.
"…That so?"
Yumiko nodded firmly.
She wasn't about to lose completely.
Her mother had once taught her:
"Anticipation makes things more satisfying."
She would let Ryuu wait.
Until the right moment.
"...Alright," Ryuu finally said, smirking.
"But, Yumiko—"
He leaned in slightly.
"—you never said anything about me talking."
Yumeko's face flushed.
Her competitive spirit had created a loophole.
And she knew it.
"...Tch."
She turned away, muttering.
"Just… don't get cocky."
Ryuu chuckled.
---
The next morning, Ryuu woke up feeling refreshed.
Sleeping next to Yumiko had been… interesting.
Soft.
Warm.
A teasing challenge.
And now, as expected, she was up early.
Even before her phone alarm rang, Yumiko was already at her vanity, adjusting her hair and touching up her makeup.
Ryuu stretched lazily.
Girls really did go through a lot of effort to look good every day.
But then again—
That effort paid off.
Yumiko's beauty was top-tier, even among their classmates.
She turned toward him, her expression unreadable.
Then, in a sudden move, she stepped forward.
She whispered a string of numbers.
"1212."
Ryuu blinked.
"...That's your birthday, Yumiko."
Yumeko smirked slightly.
"It's also the door code."
Ryuu raised an eyebrow.
Yumiko's cheeks reddened.
"...My parents aren't coming back for a few more days."
She glanced away.
"The 'compensation' I was talking about… doesn't have to end today."
For a moment, Ryuu was silent.
Then—
His grin widened.
He wasn't the type to refuse an invitation.
"Noted."
Yumiko nodded in satisfaction.
Then, just before leaving, she leaned in—
And placed a soft kiss on Ryuu's cheek.
"See you later."
She hurried out the door.
Ryuu watched her go, chuckling.
After last night, Yumiko had definitely become bolder.
---
With Yumiko gone, Ryuu finally checked his phone.
A message from Yotsuya Miko.
Another from his homeroom teacher, Hiratsuka Shizuka.
Ryuu stretched again and sighed.
"Alright."
He grabbed his coat and headed out.
"Time to deal with Miko's mess."
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