Kirisu Mafuyu’s Winning Route

December 28.

Single apartment, room 201.

Mafuyu stood in front of her home, holding two full plastic bags from the supermarket, pulling out keys and preparing to unlock the door.

"Huh? It's open..."

The key turned, and she was slightly taken aback. She didn't know if she left it unlocked when she left, or if someone was already inside.

Undoubtedly, there was a thief in her house, so she opened the door without precaution, carrying bag and entering.

The house was silent, and light shone in the living room, as if welcoming her back.

Mafuyu glanced down and looked at the entrance. Only a neatly arranged pair of sneakers lay in front of her.

As for her own shoes, they were still scattered in the morning, but now they were neatly placed in the shoe cabinet. Her usual black high heels seemed to have been polished to reflect a shine.

After remaining silent for a while, Mafuyu bowed her head and smiled softly.

"Really..."

Thinking about something, her face suddenly reddened, and she shook her head in embarrassment.

"No, no, no! You're lazy! You clearly agreed to take care of yourself, so how could you intentionally leave things lying around just because you want him to help clean up..."

After introspecting for a while in front of the entrance, Mafuyu took a deep breath. The cold wind blowing from outside the door quickly faded the warmth on her face.

She took out phone and took another photo, making sure that her cheeks were as pale as usual, only tinged with a little dark red. Then she closed the door and walked into the corridor with her sandals.

"I'm back."

Single apartments were originally intended for people living alone.

Since Mafuyu lived here and started her career as a teacher, her homecoming greetings went unanswered for several years, and sadness became the main theme every day.

But today was different.

"Welcome back, Kirisu-sensei."

A man six years younger than her was sitting in front of a round table. He looked up from his book and smiled at her.

Mafuyu nodded as usual, setting aside her plastic bags, then squatting down and opening the refrigerator.

Seeing this, the man put down his book and walked over. They both began to take out various ingredients and drinks from the plastic bags, putting some in the refrigerator and setting aside some for later use.

"Where's Miharu?" Mafuyu asked without raising her head.

Today was her birthday, so her younger sister, Kirisu Miharu and a certain student suggested having a birthday party at her house, but there was no point in refusing in any way.

Mafuyu was not good at refusing other people's kindness.

It seemed the same thing happened last year... Except the man didn't know her and Miharu back then, so he still celebrated her birthday as a surprise.

Now that Mafuyu thought about it, a year had passed...

"Miharu-san just arrived, but she suddenly received a call from the Skating Association. She cried and said, 'The situation is urgent! I wish Onee-sama a happy birthday. Please allow me to redeem it tomorrow!' and left."

Shinichi said casually, pointing to the gift box placed in the corner: "Your birthday present is there. This year, it's just the two of us."

"Business is important. I can handle it myself, but you insist on celebrating my birthday."

Putting aside her thoughts about memories, Mafuyu spoke coldly, even harshly.

"You're wasting your time. If you, a high school student, aren't in a hurry to prepare for exams, don't think that after defeating the First Rank—"

Shinichi suddenly blew into her ear.

"Hoo~"

"Hyaaa~!"

Mafuyu's entire body trembled, then gently fell to the side.

Her white skin was quickly replaced by a dark red color, spreading from her ears to her entire beautiful face.

"G-Gross! What are you doing all of a sudden?"

She covered her ears with one hand in fear, and held the other hand behind her back to maintain her slightly childish sitting position.

Mafuyu felt dizzy, and her heart was beating very fast, but that didn't stop her from staring at him coldly.

"Evil. This is evil. If it happens again..."

"Am I not allowed to enter? I'm sorry, I won't do it again."

Shinichi apologized sincerely.

"..."

Mafuyu fell silent, feeling like she had heard him say the same thing a few days ago...

No, it must be said that since Shinichi changed from being passive to being active and visiting her room every day, this pattern had repeated.

From careful disguises, to now there being no more hiding of ill intentions...

Mafuyu furrowed her brows. Why did she feel like a butterfly trapped in a spider's web?

"What's wrong?"

Seeing her sitting on the floor with a serious expression on her face, Shinichi couldn't help but ask.

Hearing his concern, Mafuyu stopped thinking and shook her head.

"Nothing."

"It's almost time. Let's hurry and make dinner tonight."

Holding the ingredients in one hand, Shinichi reached out with the other hand and smiled at Mafuyu on the floor.

As if nothing had happened now, his smile was clean and warm, and he was even a little handsome.

But for Mafuyu, who saw this smile every day, this expression was annoying.

"...Give up. For the sake of my birthday, I'll let you off today."

She snorted coldly, turned her face away, unwilling to look at him, and planned to stand up on her own.

Even so, when the hand reached out in front of her, Mafuyu still took it reluctantly and held it.

The familiar touch and warmth reminded her of the warmest scarf in winter.

△

"This time I'll do it, and you'll watch from the side."

Mafuyu looked at Shinichi with a determined gaze while tying apron strings.

Shinichi hesitated, "Today is your birthday..."

"Let me do one or two first. If I get tired, I'll switch to you." Mafuyu said without asking.

Shinichi lasted less than two seconds, then sighed as if giving up and said with a smile, "Okay, then I'll wait for it."

"Don't worry. I've read almost all the home cooking recipes. I won't make the same mistake as that day again!"

Her chin lifted slightly, and an expression of pride appeared.

Seeing her enthusiastic appearance, Shinichi stopped obstructing her and let her start playing with the kitchen utensils, then turned and walked towards the living room.

Mafuyu was busy at the kitchen table for a while, holding her past failed creation. Suddenly, a strand of hair fell into her eyes, blocking her vision.

She furrowed her brows, unwilling to touch her hair with dirty hands, and unconsciously shouted, "Asada-kun..."

"Here."

Almost immediately after she finished speaking, a familiar voice sounded in her ears.

Mafuyu squinted slightly. At some point, the boy who came to her side took the cat hair tie in his hand and tied her hair with quick movements.

Shortly after, the new hairstyle was reflected in the mirror beside her. Because of the cat hair tie, it looked a bit cute.

She glanced twice, turned without expression, and continued to busy herself with her own affairs.

"Very skilled."

Whether it was unintentional, Mafuyu asked.

Shinichi stood beside her and helped her wash the dirty kitchen utensils.

"For whoever you read the home cooking recipes, I will practice tying hair for them."

"..."

Mafuyu blushed in silence, pursed her lips, and slapped the meat pie a little harder.

With her efforts, within half an hour, fried hamburger steak, eggs with cheese, and shredded pork with green peppers were presented on the table with a delightful aroma.

"Success..." Mafuyu tried the taste, her eyes sparkling, and she couldn't help but clench her fist and wave with joy.

Raising her head, she smiled brightly and happily at the man beside her.

"Success! Very ordinary and delicious!"

"Yes, very good."

Shinichi nodded with a gentle gaze, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, then gently nudging her shoulder.

"Go and rest, I'll do the rest."

"Okay..." Mafuyu was very happy before she remembered what she had just done and how ambiguous her interaction with him was.

Her body tensed slightly, and the red hue appeared in her ears again, but there was no unpleasant feeling.

Instead, there was still a sweet warmth...

"Hugh, rest! Attend to your own affairs and leave me alone!"

She quickly discarded her conflicted expression, turned under the cute gaze of the man, and walked into the living room as if fleeing.

A giant panda doll sat innocently on the bed. Mafuyu glanced back to ensure the other party was concentrating on cooking. She buried her face in the panda's chubby stomach and rubbed it vigorously.

(My face feels very hot, it must be because the heater is turned up too high)

(By the way... It's not good for a teacher and a student to be alone at night...)

(Now that I think about it, Miharu's absence means I'm alone with Shinichi, who is still in high school...)

(It's okay if it's dawn. Anyway, every time he comes to my house, most likely they're the only two at home without realizing it, and there's no shame in hanging out with him)

(But now it's dark, the wind outside is very cold, and the house is quiet and warm. Many couples will seek warmth from each other tonight...)

Mafuyu didn't hope for much. She furrowed her brows and thought for a moment, then nodded in relief.

"Send him back after celebrating my birthday."

After planning like this, she no longer felt nervous and charming.

With a relaxed mood, leaving the panda doll, Mafuyu began to put away the plates and chopsticks.

Shinichi often came here to eat and had his own bowl, chopsticks, and cup.

About half an hour later, in addition to the three original dishes, there were fried chicken nuggets, french fries, pasta, and other common banquet foods on the table.

Although the portions were not large, due to their variety, once placed on the small round table, it looked like a festive feast.

"Well, logically, you should buy pizza, fast food, and sushi to celebrate, right? This is the first time I've seen you make it yourself."

Shinichi sat in front of Mafuyu and said casually.

"That's not necessary." Mafuyu sipped tea cup, "There's no rule that says you have to eat that on your birthday. It's better to be healthier."

"I think so too." Shinichi nodded, looking at the adult woman in rural sportswear in front of him, he couldn't help but smile.

Directly stared at by him, Mafuyu felt tea suddenly become lighter, and she felt a little strange and awkward in her heart.

"Why are you smiling?"

Shinichi said with a sigh: "I don't know when, but it seems like this has become my second home."

Mafuyu was momentarily stunned, looking at his expression, and after a few moments of silence, she spoke softly.

"...If you think so, it's not impossible."

Shinichi lowered his gaze, and before the woman could retract her words, he took bowl and chopsticks and said warmly.

"Let's eat, Mafuyu-sensei."

"...Um."

Setting aside her tangled thoughts, her expression returned to normal, she closed her eyes slightly and spoke in unison with him.

"Ittadakimasu."

Then, the sound of utensils clashing slightly echoed in the quiet night.

After finishing the meal, they both cleaned up the plates and placed the empty ones in the sink to soak in water. If they weren't finished, they covered them with plastic wrap and put them in the refrigerator.

After Mafuyu cleaned the table, Shinichi suddenly pulled out a cake from under the bed and placed it on the table.

"...Why was it under the bed?"

"Surprise." Shinichi unwrapped it, put in the candles, took out a lighter, and lit them.

"..."

Mafuyu remained silent and looked at him with a complicated gaze.

The man who said he would help her prepare the cake and asked her not to buy more actually hid the cake under the bed as a surprise?

Forget it, she should be used to unexpected places like this...

"Okay, Mafuyu-sensei, come and make a wish."

Shinichi stepped aside and asked her to step forward with a smile.

"Last year there was no candle blowing..." Mafuyu sighed, and sat in front of the cake.

Then she found that the candle on the cake was not a numerical candle representing her age, but it was written "Mafuyu" and a pink heart.

She grimaced, and Shinichi stretched out his hand while smiling and said cheerfully.

"Oh~ Fortunately, Mafuyu-sensei's name isn't complicated. The merchant who made the special candle breathed a sigh of relief~"

"Huft!"

Mafuyu blew out three small flames on the candle, then took a knife and cut the birthday cake on the table in less than five minutes.

Shinichi knew that this was revenge for blowing in her ear just now, and the candle surprise didn't affect her at all, and he couldn't see any hint of warmth on that cold and beautiful face.

But he didn't care, he chuckled, and happily took a piece of cake from Mafuyu's hand.

The birthday party was much quieter than last year, but it was not boring at all.

"Wanna watch TV?"

"If you're afraid of silence, just watch."

"Okay. The atmosphere now is very good."

"Yes, I think so too."

"...I take back what I just said."

Mafuyu turned on the TV, but neither of them paid attention to it. They chatted with each other as the variety show was turned off.

After the cake was eaten and stored, Shinichi handed Miharu's gift to her

Mafuyu looked a bit embarrassed because last year, the birthday gift given by her overly enthusiastic younger sister was a cloth doll that resembled her... She wondered what was scary about this year.

Although feeling a bit shy, out of kindness to her younger sister, she still unwrapped the outer packaging and took out its contents from the box.

"This..."

Her eyes widened in surprise, Mafuyu unfolded the garment in her hands, and fell silent for a moment.

It was a "dress" that looked sleek, with sparkling imitation diamonds on the crystal blue fabric, a combination of sexiness and dignity.

Mafuyu knew very well that this wasn't an outfit for going out or a sexy outfit... But a figure skating costume.

"[Replace the old with the new! Onee-sama who has become the coach of the women's skating club should wear a new uniform to showcase her new life journey!]" Shinichi stared at her puzzled expression and chuckled, "That's what Miharu-san said. Before she left, she took your old set and said she would send it back to your hometown."

"..."

Mafuyu fell silent for a moment, then sighed.

"She worries too much."

Pretending not to care, she put the skating outfit back into the box.

However, a gentle smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, and she murmured softly.

"...Next time we meet, thank that kid again."

When Shinichi glanced at her for two or three seconds longer, she returned to a calm expression and silently stared back at him.

"Now it's your turn."

Shinichi understood the meaning behind her appearance, but he didn't immediately take out his gift. Instead, he pointed to the sexy crystal blue costume with anticipation.

"Well, why don't you wear it now?"

Mafuyu shook her head, speaking seriously.

"Formal. Skating attire is only worn for skating. If you want to see other clothes, that's fine, but only skating attire. My professional etiquette doesn't allow me to wear it personally."

Shinichi nodded in understanding and smiled nonchalantly.

This relieved Mafuyu and made her feel comfortable. Fortunately, Shinichi didn't express any dissatisfaction or force her to wear it; otherwise, she really didn't know what to do.

After all, she was afraid this person would show disappointment and indifference towards her...

It's very strange to have such a mentality towards a student, but only Mafuyu herself knows.

To her, the man named Asada Shinichi was no longer just an ordinary student.

Shinichi was a member of her fellow educators, a corrector who monitored her mistakes, and a friend who had been with her for over a year.

Moreover, Mafuyu had become accustomed to the other party appearing in her life. The first thing she did when she woke up was read his morning greetings, and she became more attentive to his mood, actions, words, and deeds.

(So, who is he to me?)

When this question came to mind, Mafuyu couldn't help but freeze in place, her beautiful face gradually reddening with confusion, and the heartbeat in her ears quickened and grew louder.

"Mafuyu-sensei?"

"Yes!"

Due to fear from fantasy, and being caught off guard, Mafuyu let out a small scream.

Then she covered her mouth and quickly stepped back, her face flushed, her ample chest rising and falling rapidly, and her voice pretending to be calm.

"W-What's wrong? Why did you suddenly call me?"

"I'm giving you a birthday present." Shinichi stood up and walked towards her, then knelt down, holding a jewelry box in the palm of his hand.

"This is my intention, please accept it."

"You..."

Mafuyu's eyes widened, and her heart beat faster than expected.

Leaning against the wall, she stared at his serious expression with wonder, her whole body so weak that she couldn't even speak.

In the ambiguous atmosphere, Shinichi slowly opened the box, and inside was...

A necklace.

The pearly white chain passed through the ring. The design was simple, but it shimmered beautifully under the neon lights.

Mafuyu held back for a long time before gradually calming down.

Biting her lower lip, she turned her face away and whispered.

"It's too much. Your thoughts are too precious, I can't accept it."

As she reflexively uttered words to escape, her chest felt tight and painful, making her short breath uncomfortable.

Shinichi gazed at her profile, then suddenly stopped kneeling and sat cross-legged in front of her.

This greatly relieved Mafuyu's pressure, and she couldn't help but worry if the other party would consider this as a rejection.

"Mafuyu, do you know?"

Shinichi spoke softly as he lifted his gaze to meet hers.

"I've liked you for a long time."

The cold wind outside the window blew fiercely, yet these words made the air inside the room rise.

"..."

Mafuyu couldn't say a word, her face as red as a ripe apple, but she didn't immediately show a happy expression; she took a deep breath and spoke calmly.

"I know. But, we are a teacher and student, and there's a six-year age difference..."

"You also know that this isn't an issue."

Shinichi didn't act impulsively, but slowly raised his hand and rested it on her slightly warm cheek.

Mafuyu tensed for a moment, then slowly relaxed her body.

After hesitating, she finally placed her palm on top of his hand, letting her head gently rest on his warm palm.

"I'm 20 and you're 26. When the time comes, no one can say anything."

Shinichi was determined.

Mafuyu lowered her head and half-squinted her eyes.

Her broad palm covered her face, and only a soft voice was uttered quietly.

"...Time. How long have you been preparing for today?"

Shinichi smiled and spoke without hesitation.

"Since the moment Asada Shinichi fell in love with Kirisu Mafuyu, serious yet awkward."

"Kirisu-sensei, Mafuyu-sensei, Mafuyu... Will you wait for me?

"Wait for me to use my time to protect you, wait for me to hold your hand openly on the street, wait for me to loudly proclaim it to others..."

Shinichi took back the necklace from the jewelry box, and spoke word by word to her.

"The person I want to spend my lifetime with is here. Her name is Kirisu Mafuyu. She used to be my teacher and now she's my friend!"

"After graduation, can you date me?"

"..."

Mafuyu stared blankly at the silver necklace, and gradually raised her gaze to see his gentle but pretended smile, but Shinichi was so nervous that the corners of his eyes kept moving and his legs trembled.

A long time passed.

She didn't reach out her hand, but turned around and remained silent.

Shinichi seemed to forget to breathe and froze in place, his fingers trembling so much that the jewelry box almost fell.

But the next moment, he heard her say this.

"Help me put it on..."

"...Huh?"

Shinichi remained unresponsive, only staring at her white neck.

"Slow."

Mafuyu shifted her gaze to the side, giving him a furious glare.

She pursed her lips and whispered in a complaining tone.

"Doesn't it make sense for the man himself to wear clothes like this? Unless you want to regret it..."

"How could I... Oh, I, I, I know! Of course! I'll put it on for you!"

Finally coming back to his senses, Shinichi twirled the necklace with fingers trembling with excitement.

His hand encircled her neck, and the necklace was placed on the taut white skin, causing goosebumps to appear.

Mafuyu slowly turned around, lifting the ring hanging from her chest, bowing her head, her eyes shining with a strange gaze.

"Will our relationship officially change from here?"

She pressed the ring to her chest and held it tightly with her hand. Her expression was hidden by her long hair, and her body began to tremble.

Shinichi reached out anxiously: "Mafuyu, are you okay..."

*BAM*

Mafuyu grabbed his wrist and pulled him into her embrace, causing Shinichi to lose balance and fall towards her, leaning against the wall.

At the same time, she stood up straight to meet him, releasing his hand, and suddenly hugged his back.

"I'm so happy..."

Her choked voice reached his ears.

Shinichi smiled softly, adjusting his posture, placing his hands on her back, and patting her gently.

"After you confessed, I knew what that feeling was..."

Mafuyu held back the emotions that were about to burst out, but her voice became increasingly choked up.

"From now on, there's no need to deceive ourselves and others... Just say it directly..."

Speaking through sobs, Shinichi listened and spoke softly.

"Um, tell me."

Her fingers tightened their grip on the clothing behind Shinichi.

"I like you too! Turns out I've always... Always liked you from then until now!"

(Who is he to me?)

At this moment, Mafuyu looked into her heart and answered with certainty.

(Someone I like)

(Someone who wants to hold hands with her openly and walk together)

The uncertain heart finally formed.

"Thank you for the birthday gift."

There was a moist feeling on his shoulder.

Shinichi hugged her tightly and didn't let himself look back.

"Remember. I'll never forget this moment."

Shinichi couldn't see her expression.

Mafuyu put on that cold, always tense and serious face, making her look like the perfect teacher known as the "Ice Queen".

Perhaps, she had a smile more beautiful and radiant than anything Shinichi had ever seen.

△

After all that chaos, Mafuyu finally calmed down.

Her face was slightly red, and she looked around aimlessly, gazing at the furnishings in the room.

Shinichi bowed his head, their hands intertwined tightly, and Mafuyu seemed coy.

To quell the fire burning in her body, and to prevent her from thinking that she was a wild beast acting hooligan after a date, Shinichi swallowed his saliva and tried to stand.

"I need to use the bathroom..."

With a little force on their intertwined hands, Mafuyu pulled him back, her face lifted with shyness, her eyes showing the nostalgia of a little girl.

Then she realized what she had done. Her eyes began to tremble.

After trying this a few times, their hands felt glued together and there was no way to separate them. She naturally gave up her struggle and continued to hug him tightly while observing the furnishings in the room.

Shinichi finally gave in and sat beside her.

(...This is so funny.)

With a silent sigh in his heart, he prepared to enjoy the time between the two of them.

But this time, Mafuyu's eyes glanced at the gift box beside them. The skating outfit inside still shimmered with crystal blue light.

Blinking, she let go of his hand and stepped forward to take her skating outfit.

"Hope. Shinichi... don't you want to see me wearing this dress?"

Mafuyu tilted her head and turned.

Shinichi was surprised and said confusedly, "I thought you were talking about professional ethics?"

Mafuyu tensed up, then puffed her cheeks awkwardly.

"Now is now... Stop talking nonsense, just stay there while I change!"

Talking about dominance, Mafuyu went into the bathroom, leaving Shinichi with questions on his face and hopes.

A few minutes passed.

Mafuyu came out and stood in front of Shinichi, looking down at the effect of this dress on her body.

"Personally... no, it's doubt. When did Miharu get my physical data? Forget it, it's not important."

Mafuyu moved her body slightly, and her tight curves swayed left and right with the movement, causing Shinichi's eyes to widen, and he became unresponsive like a stone statue.

As if she forgot that someone was watching in front of her, Mafuyu turned to face the full-length mirror. Suddenly, she lifted her back leg and crossed it over her head, her fingers gently gripping her toes.

"Oh..." She blinked and sighed, "Can I still do this if I didn't warm up enough..."

Lowering her leg and stretching her body, she was ready to test her limits.

But she felt a hot gaze staring at her, and instinctively turned, only to see her new boyfriend who had just come out less than an hour ago, staring straight at her, as if a lion was watching its prey.

Mafuyu slowly shrank, blushing nervously, and took a step back in embarrassment.

"F-frightened. Don't look at me like that... It shouldn't be appropriate."

"...No, it suits you very well. It suits you very well."

Shinichi smiled thinly and suddenly stood up.

"By the way Mafuyu, I'm very interested in the material of the dress. Can I touch it?"

Mafuyu nodded hesitantly.

"What about the material... Well, but..."

"Don't worry, I'll just touch it, I won't rub it."

"Eh? What..."

Before Mafuyu finished speaking, Shinichi pounced like a wolf, and he rushed towards her.

"Difficult! You... Um... Ha... W-wait! Don't... ah-! In that case, it can't be done there..."

Amidst the sound of rustling clothes, a faintly satisfied evil laughter was heard.

"Ah... the material is indeed nice!"

△

Graduation season.

In the Sakura Pavilion, Mafuyu took off the necklace and handed it to him.

Shinichi took out the ring, slowly knelt in front of her, lifted his head, and said.

"Wear this ring, and from now on, you'll only belong to me, Mafuyu-chan."

Mafuyu sighed, crossed her arms in front of her chest, and whether it was resignation or a lesson, she spoke without any emotion at all.

"You've touched my whole body, and now you're still talking about this?"

Shinichi laughed shamelessly.

"I respect you. Even if you regret it, I'll spend my whole life getting you back."

"Sweet words, or just good-sounding words..."

Mafuyu stared at him, her eyes slowly becoming serious.

"Are you sure you want to date me, a woman six years older than you, with the condition of marriage?"

Shinichi immediately took his left hand and placed it on her ring finger.

"That's my answer."

He stood up and said easily.

"In two years, you'll be my wife. Asada Mafuyu."

"..."

Mafuyu stared at the silver ring on her finger.

Covering her mouth with the back of her hand, her shoulders trembled slightly, and she burst into laughter.

"Ha~ This is really..."

She nodded slightly and smiled at her lover in front of her.

"I'll wait. No matter how many years, I'll wait for you."

△

So, two years later.

Unlike the bachelor apartment in the past, in the decorated living room, a pink-haired woman wearing a house dress walked out of the kitchen while holding two hot cups of coffee in her hands and placed them on the table.

Shinichi, who was typing a report on his laptop, smiled at her to express his gratitude and continued to return his gaze to the screen.

As he was still thinking seriously about this education report, he suddenly found his girlfriend kneeling beside him and poking his leg.

"What's wrong?" Shinichi turned around with confusion, and simply archived the file, closed the laptop, and pushed it aside.

When he was busy, his girlfriend, who was six years older than him, wouldn't bother him unless it was necessary.

And because the girl was bothering him, it meant she wanted to say something important.

Shinichi looked at Mafuyu, who was sitting on the carpet, with an expression hiding something, which gradually disrupted his previously calm heart.

Something was wrong.

This atmosphere... this serious and faintly hopeful look...

(I remember Mafuyu-chan seemed to really like children.)

(Could it be!)

(Miss, we're not married, are you happy now?)

(It took two years to use a condom, but it was recently announced that the fish that escaped from the net managed to escape?)

Shinichi was shocked.

Mafuyu was confused by his expression. She hadn't spoken yet, so what was he doing there?

But when she thought about what she would say next, she couldn't help but feel nervous. Her face, more mature than before, was tinged with a deep red, and her chest rose and fell as she took a deep breath.

"S-Shinichi."

Then, under the serious gaze of her young boyfriend, Mafuyu turned her face slightly and took out a jewelry box from her pocket.

With a strong effort, she slowly opened the lid of the box, revealing a ring inside that looked similar to the one on her right middle finger, but slightly different.

"You've guided me forward every step of the way. This time, it's my turn, as the older one, to take the initiative..."

Shinichi was stunned in place, even forgetting to breathe. He stared at the shy woman in front of him, looking like she was summoning all her courage.

Mafuyu's eyes darted around in panic, she swallowed her saliva, tightened the collar of her shirt with her other hand, and her lips moved, her voice very soft, but she spoke to him seriously.

"Will you marry me...?"

"..."

There was a moment of silence.

Shinichi didn't pretend to be mysterious, but took a deep breath and extended his left hand.

"Mafuyu-chan, you said you would wait for me, but you finally waited for the opportunity to propose to me..."

"Ah, what should I do? I'm so happy that I can't even speak now."

"...Then don't talk and ruin the atmosphere." Mafuyu's face turned cold, she put the ring on his left middle finger with a little dissatisfaction, and then stood up to leave.

However, her long hair was scattered, but it was lifted and arrogantly pressed down on the sofa, falling as softly as a gauze curtain.

Mafuyu blinked, and before she could react, she saw a familiar figure appear above her, with a familiar smile.

"Mrs. Asada, it's not good to run away after proposing."

Mafuyu's beautiful face turned red, and unconsciously she covered her chest with her hand, biting her lip to prevent herself from looking at him like a pervert.

"What do you want to do?"

"I thought so." Shinichi nodded with pure eyes.

"..."

Mafuyu frowned. It was because she was defeated by this careless attitude every time she became more unlike herself in the past, and her dignity in front of her students diminished!

After making a decision in her heart, she looked at the ground next to her and relaxed her body, like a pink cherry blossom ready to be picked at any time.

And when her young boyfriend bowed and was about to take action, when his defense was at its lowest point, she suddenly grabbed his collar and squeezed his crotch.

Her waist showed extraordinary flexibility and twisted like a snake, and the two people on the sofa changed positions.

That's right, reversed.

Now she was on top, and Shinichi was underneath, like a student about to be attacked by his teacher, he opened his eyes in astonishment.

"Exchange. Since I took the initiative to propose today, then..."

Mafuyu pressed her chest with one hand and started unbuttoning her shirt with the other, revealing the smooth and beautiful collarbone of a mature woman.

Looking down at the young man below, a grin appeared on her expressionless face, her eyes cold and sharp.

"Be the same person as that night two years ago, darling."

At this moment.

Shinichi seemed to see the reborn "Ice Queen".

△

How many years later.

"Mom, is the teacher-student love so popular?"

While holding a copy of [Twelve Part Hanayome], Asada Chiaki asked hesitantly to the woman in the kitchen who was skillfully frying rice.

With her pink ponytail neatly tied on the side of her head, Asada Mafuyu turned off the heat, squatted down, and touched her daughter's head with a small smile.

"It's not a popular relationship. Some people, when they are sure they like someone, they forget the identities of both parties and really want to be with them."

Chiaki nodded in understanding, tilted her head, and asked, "Is it the same between you and Dad? Aunt Miharu said that you were having an affair when Dad was still in high school. You were passionate and very happy together."

"...Miharu." With blood vessels appearing on her forehead, Mafuyu stood up again.

"Chiaki, when you grow up and read more books, I will tell you the story of me and your father. It will be more detailed and true than what Aunt Miharu knows."

"Then why can't you tell me now?" Chiaki was serious and wouldn't give up until her mother finished.

"Um..."

Mafuyu also pursed her lips, and her initially gentle expression turned cold.

The mother and daughter were in the kitchen, looking at each other seriously, as if they were arguing, but neither of them felt like it.

After a while, Mafuyu found the right answer. A faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, and she spoke to her daughter.

"Because, falling in love surely comes after learning... right?"

Chiaki was stunned.

Then she put on an indifferent expression as if to say "please don't treat me like a child so you can fool me", turned around, and ran away.

"I'll ask Dad!"

"..."

Mafuyu received a thousand critical strikes in an instant and held onto the kitchen table with difficulty.

"Ah! Oops, the food is about to burn..."