Horikita did not believe Ryuen's nonsense for a second.
She could not bring herself to take even a sip of the cappuccino. Horikita lifted the still-warm cup, then set it back down.
She could not understand what Ryuen had spent so long plotting for—what he hoped to gain by setting such an elaborate trap for her.
Was he trying to crush Class D? In its current state, Class D posed no threat to Class C whatsoever. Ryuen's true competitor should have been Class B.
Unable to figure it out, Horikita decided to wait and react. Since Ryuen had approached her of his own accord, there had to be something he wanted from her—or something he needed her to do.
"Stop smiling at me. It's disgusting." Sitting across from Ryuen, Horikita stared down at her coffee.
"Were you sneaking looks at me?"
"Your words are even more disgusting than your face. Shut your mouth."
"Are you sure you want me to? If I stop talking, you won't be getting the points you need to save those worthless idiots in Class D."
"Then say less that disgusts me and tell me what you want."
"That's no way to ask someone for help. But I was born generous, so I'll forgive you."
"Narcissist."
Horikita stirred her coffee with a spoon, ruining the latte art.
Ryuen did not mind. The more unruly the kitten, the stronger the urge to tame it.
"Horikita, become mine." Ryuen no longer bothered to conceal his intentions.
"What does that mean?"
Suzune Horikita felt there were several possible meanings behind those words. She did not know which one Ryuen intended, but she did not rush to reject him. She wanted to hear what came next.
"Exactly what it sounds like."
"I don't believe you like me, and even if you did, this is a pathetic way to pursue someone. It's contemptible."
Horikita took a sip of coffee. The temperature was perfect, but it was not to her taste.
"I admire you. I want you to work for me from now on."
"Impossible." Horikita rejected him without hesitation.
"No room for negotiation?"
"None. If I have to sacrifice myself in exchange for points, then the price is too high. I won't do it."
"Even if it means Class D will never rise to Class A?"
Horikita wavered slightly, but still shook her head. "If I accept your terms, then Class D truly has no hope."
"And you call me narcissistic. You're pretty full of yourself too, Horikita, if you think you're that important."
Ryuen had known from the start that Horikita would not sacrifice herself for the class.
Honami Ichinose would have done it. Horikita would not.
"Do you remember that earlier contract? If I refuse to lend you points and those idiots get expelled, your class will receive zero points next month. Under the terms of the contract, if you fail to repay me on time, you'll have to handle my household chores."
Ryuen wore the expression of someone who had already won.
"Hmph. It's only cleaning. You may not know this, but I always got perfect marks in home economics during middle school."
Though she did not like it, the thirsty Horikita still drank half her coffee.
Ryuen smiled and gave her a helpful reminder. "It's not just cleaning. Household chores cover plenty of things: cooking, laundry, mending clothes, caring for pets, maintaining the home, purchasing and managing furniture, entertaining guests, arranging holiday plans, and resolving disputes between family members. That's the dictionary definition. Word for word. Look it up if you don't believe me."
Seeing the shock on Horikita's face, Ryuen added, "I'm not making any of it up."
Horikita's expression darkened. She had no intention of being bound to Ryuen by a sheet of paper. "I'll borrow the points and repay you on time."
"Borrow them from whom? Your brother? You don't know this yet, do you? Your brother was the one who proposed this revision to the exam."
Horikita found it hard to believe. Even her brother was standing on Ryuen's side.
Pressing too hard could backfire. There was a reason people said not to chase a cornered enemy. Ryuen had no intention of driving Horikita into desperation and making her choose mutual destruction.
"My demands aren't that excessive. I'll lend you one million points. In exchange, you'll prepare my three meals and clean my dorm room until you've repaid the debt." Ryuen spoke slowly.
"That's all?"
Horikita could hardly believe it was that simple. After being burned once already, trusting anyone did not come easily.
"Of course not. I have an additional condition. Whenever you're in my dorm room, you'll dress according to my preferences. If I want to see a maid today, you wear a maid outfit."
Ryuen spoke as though he had already decided Horikita would accept.
"I don't have the money to buy clothes like that."
"I'll prepare them for you."
Horikita fell silent, overwhelmed by the helpless feeling of being controlled at every turn.
Ryuen produced a new contract. Horikita checked its contents three times before she dared sign it, afraid that Ryuen would play another word game with her.
The one million points were transferred directly into Horikita's account. She immediately sent them to Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, then followed Ryuen back to the dormitory to prepare his dinner.
On the way there, Horikita began to feel that something was wrong. What if Ryuen liked some outrageous outfit? Under the contract, she would have to satisfy that preference. Realizing the implications far too late, Horikita felt a flicker of fear.
Fortunately, what Ryuen had prepared was not an ordinary maid outfit, but compared with the possibilities Horikita had imagined, she could accept the cat-ear maid costume.
Horikita wore a black maid dress. Its design was simple yet elegant, tailored close to her body with a contrasting white collar, cuffs, and belt that emphasized her slender figure. The skirt had a soft, wavelike hem that gave her movements an almost lively grace.
Atop her head sat a pair of black cat ears that suited the outfit perfectly. White fur lined their inner sides, making them look soft and cute, while a black ribbon tied behind them added a playful touch.
She wore white gloves with open fingertips so she could work easily. Lace decorated their edges, lending them a touch of refinement.
On her feet were black high-heeled shoes, making her look taller and more poised. Small sparkling decorations added a final touch of splendor to the ensemble.
"Well, well."
Ryuen applauded approvingly. "Beautiful."
Horikita had no desire to acknowledge him. She only wanted to finish dinner and leave as quickly as possible. Wearing the outfit was unbearably embarrassing.
As for how Ryuen knew her measurements, height, and weight, Horikita was not surprised in the slightest. Anyone willing to spend points could buy that information from the teachers.
In the kitchen, Horikita took off her gloves and put on an apron. The white apron had originally been bought by Kikyo Kushida, yet now it had become Horikita's equipment. Fate had a cruel sense of humor sometimes.
Horikita had not exaggerated about her perfect home economics grades. Her cooking genuinely satisfied Ryuen. She had even added delicate garnishes to the dishes, making them look especially appetizing.
"What do you think it would take to make you serve as my maid forever?" Ryuen teased as he ate the salad Horikita had made.
"Keep dreaming!"
Horikita stayed to eat as well. It was not something Ryuen had demanded; it was her own choice. Since she had made dinner, preparing one extra serving was no trouble. She was also low on points, and eating with Ryuen would save her some. Still, it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Ryuen naturally understood her reasoning. Eating together was not bad. He had a beautiful girl accompanying him, while Horikita would put more care into the meal because she had to eat it too. Even so, Ryuen could not help admiring her. Even in these circumstances, she had adapted quickly and found a way to benefit herself without allowing her emotions to cloud her judgment. That was rare.
Comments (0)
Please log in to leave a comment. Login or Register