For a moment, neither of them moved, their bodies entwined as they caught their breath.
Haruto collapsed onto the bed beside her, pulling her into his arms as they lay in a tangle of limbs.
He could heard the chime of the system as the quest completed:
[Ding!]
[Congratulations!]
[You have successfully completed the quest: The Best Part Of Reconciliation.]
[Rewards are now available in your storage.]
[Due to maxing out Mari's Libido, the target Deprivation Matrix has been multiplied by 2x!]
[Deprivation Matrix:]
[Obsession: 60/100]
[Corruption: 55/100]
[Lust Affinity: 65/100]
[Emotional Bond: 75/100]
[Host Status Update:]
[Level 33 → Level 35]
He actually wanted more, but he knew she wouldn't be able to walk if they kept doing it like a rabbit.
Mari's head rested against Haruto's chest, her breaths still uneven as she listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
A soft smile graced her lips, her heart swelling with happiness. After so many agonizing days apart, being this close to him felt like a blessing.
"You alright, Mari? Think you can walk this time?"
Haruto teased, his voice laced with humor.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
"Last time, you were out of commission for half the day."
Mari let out a light, melodic laugh, playfully nudging his side.
"Of course, I can! You've learned to control yourself now, so I don't have to suffer."
Haruto smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Well, excuse me. You're just so damn irresistible. It's not my fault I can't hold back."
Their laughter filled the room, light and carefree until the sound of someone clearing their throat snapped them back to reality.
"I'll introduce you when the time is right. Until then, you'll just have to wonder."
He just chuckled at her acting all mysterious.
After hurriedly straightening their uniforms, Haruto bent down to tie his shoes while Mari fixed her skirt. They prepared to slip back into their roles as students.
As Haruto stood up, Mari suddenly brightened. "Haruto, why don't we go on a date after school? There's a great arcade nearby, and I know a cute café too!"
Haruto raised an eyebrow, brushing off some dust from his sleeve. "Aren't third-years supposed to be drowning in tutoring sessions and extra studying?"
Mari pouted, placing her hands on her hips. "You don't have to worry about that! I'm always in the top three in my class, thank you very much!"
"So, you're okay with sneaking off, then?"
Mari puffed out her cheek. "Of course! And besides, it's not sneaking if I'm perfect enough to handle both!"
Haruto smirked, shaking his head. "Wow, what a snob." He leaned closer, resting his chin on her shoulder as his voice dropped playfully.
"Whatever you say, senpai. I'll let you spoil me for once."
Mari's pout melted into laughter. "Snob? I'm just perfect, that's all. And you, my dear, are lucky to have me!" She puffed her chest, her confidence lighting up the room.
Haruto chuckled, stepping back. "Absolutely, Senior Mari. You're the best. I'll even admit it in public."
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Their playful banter subsided as they grabbed their belongings, straightened up, and moved to leave the clinic.
However, as the door slid open, they froze in place. Standing just outside was Ayaka, her hands clasped casually behind her back and an unreadable smile on her face.
"Ayaka? What are you doing here?" Haruto asked, he was nervous.
His mind raced—did she overhear something? Did she suspect his relationship with Mari?
"I have asthma," Ayaka said with a calm smile, her tone sweet and composed. "I came to rest."
"Oh... I see..." Haruto murmured, glancing awkwardly at Mari, who was now glaring daggers at Ayaka.
Mari's mood darkened instantly at Haruto's casual use of Ayaka's first name. Her hand shot out to grab his wrist, pulling him closer possessively.
"Come on, Haruto," she snapped, her glare never leaving Ayaka.
"We're late for class."
Before Haruto could say anything, Mari tugged him firmly down the hallway, her steps brisk and filled with irritation.
Behind them, Ayaka tilted her head, watching the pair retreat with an amused smirk.
"Hmm... so he really does have many women," she murmured to herself, her gaze lingering on their shoulders as they disappeared into the distance.