Chapter 16: Unforeseen Consequences

Before this, Mifuyu Yukino had thought that if she could no longer control herself, she would rather end her own life.

Yukino could never betray her late husband.

As she mulled over these thoughts, suddenly, an image of Hikari flashed through her mind.

She shook her head vigorously and muttered to herself, "I absolutely cannot think about Hikari-kun... Even in my fantasies, I must never tarnish or desecrate him."

Ten minutes later…

In the silence of her room, no one could hear the soft, broken moans that filled the space, as if completely lost in a daze.

"Hikari-kun… Hikari-kun… Argh"

———

After the door closed behind him, Hikari had no idea that his small gesture of kindness had made such a deep impression on Yukino, even becoming the focus of her erotic fantasies.

At this moment, Hikari was turning his attention to the newly dressed Shinomiya Natsuha, who had finally emerged from her room.

Perhaps her usual short JK uniform skirt had gotten too soaked, so she had opted for a knee-length uniform skirt this time. However, her legs were still clad in black stockings, and with her curvaceous figure that didn't match her age, she still gave off a provocative allure.

"Took you long enough. You finally changed. Let's get going or we'll be late," Hikari grumbled.

Natsuha gave him a cold smile. "Took me long enough? It looked like you were having a pretty good time chatting with Yukino-san next door, weren't you?"

Hikari blinked. "You heard our conversation?"

Natsuha nodded. "Yeah. I saw what you were doing with your hands… Eww…"

She made a clawing motion with both hands and looked at him with disgust.

"Hey, Yukino-san is a widow. Isn't that a bit inappropriate?" she teased.

Hikari shot her a sideways glance. "And how is that any of your business?"

"I…"

Natsuha was caught off guard, realizing it wasn't really any of her concern. But seeing Hikari, who was usually so aloof and distant, act so warmly and comfortably with Yukino, stirred something unsettling within her. That's why she had lashed out earlier with her sarcastic remarks.

She didn't expect Hikari to deflect her teasing without even the slightest hint of embarrassment, turning the criticism back on her instead.

"Fine… I guess it really isn't my business."

"Not my concern at all, okay?"

Although she still felt annoyed, her chest tight with frustration, Natsuha tried to shrug it off and waved her hand dismissively.

Hikari didn't bother responding, heading down the stairs with Natsuha following closely behind.

As they reached the halfway point down the stairs, Hikari suddenly turned and looked at Natsuha.

"Huh?"

Natsuha gave him a puzzled look, not understanding why he had stopped.

"That purple one... Did you change that thong from earlier?" Hikari asked nonchalantly.

"What purple—" Natsuha started, and then realization hit her like a lightning bolt. "AH? You... you saw it when you were walking behind me upstairs?"

Her pale face turned bright red in an instant.

"Yeah," Hikari nodded calmly, his tone neutral, as though discussing the weather. "It wasn't on purpose. Your skirt was just too short."

'This guy… is too shameless.'

Natsuha couldn't help but cover her face with both hands, embarrassed beyond words.

While she had some knowledge from watching a few films, she hadn't actually experienced anything herself. Most of her reckless behavior had been done secretly, never with anyone around.

Now, hearing Hikari speak so casually about it made her want to disappear.

And then it hit her—'if he saw my underwear… he might have also seen when I got soaked earlier…?'

In that moment, all Natsuha wanted was to run back upstairs and jump out of a window.

Still embarrassed and dizzy from shame, she remembered what Hikari had said earlier about her and Yukino.

With her face still burning, she bit her lip and stammered, "W-what I wear underneath… w-why does it matter to you?"

She had meant to sound fierce, but her voice came out high-pitched and soft, like a kitten trying to look intimidating.

Most teenage boys would have melted on the spot, but after being through Yukino's trial of composure, Hikari remained unfazed.

He responded matter-of-factly, "It doesn't. It's your choice. I'm just suggesting you wear something like leggings under short skirts. It's not very proper otherwise."

"Besides, you wouldn't want to attract more guys like Oga Masaru, would you? If they found out, do you think they'd leave you alone?"

[Ding! The host has advised the female lead to dress modestly, encouraging pure love! Reward: '+30 Pure Love Points'!]

Natsuha, unaware of the notification ringing in Hikari's mind, heard his words and began to understand.

'He is… concerned about me?'

"I-I get it. I already changed into leggings underneath…" she replied, her tone softening. For some reason, the thought of being cared for by Hikari made her feel warm inside.

But her face quickly flushed again as she hurried to explain, "B-but don't misunderstand. That thong… I-I only have one, okay?"

"I just bought it recently. Today was the first time I wore it!"

"I never expected the first time to be… to be seen by you… but… I swear, it was my first time wearing it!"

Hikari gave her a strange look. "Why are you telling me all this?"

Natsuha froze. "I… I don't know!"

She had no idea why she felt the need to explain everything to him. Maybe it was because she had a reputation to uphold—after all, she used to be the school's disciplinary officer and always maintained a pure image.

Yeah, that must be it. It definitely wasn't because she cared what this guy thought of her.

She glared at him, frustrated with herself. 'How dare he make me feel this way, especially when he was flirting with Yukino-san himself next door!'

In her mind, Natsuha silently fumed, imagining herself parading in front of him in provocative outfits just to see his reaction.

She huffed and stomped ahead of him down the stairs.

Meanwhile, Hikari followed, his thoughts drifting not to Natsuha but back to Yukino.

'I remember reading somewhere that Yuki-Onna spirits have an increasing sex drive as long as they aren't pregnant.'

'Yukino's husband died early, and from her behavior today, it seems like she's been living alone for years.'

'Now that I think about it… her invitation to dinner seems a little dangerous, doesn't it?'

'Being alone with her at night… it could turn into something other than just "dinner," couldn't it?'

'Could this be a case of the older woman devouring the younger man?'

'But with her looks, figure, and that irresistible widow aura, I wouldn't really be losing out here, would I?'

'Still, a snow spirit… it's a bit risky.'

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