Chapter 2199: Ground Rules

Chapter 2199: Ground Rules



As I closed the door behind me, the cool air of the hallway hit my face, contrasting with the warmth that lingered in the Director's Office. My thoughts swirled as I walked away, replaying the last few minutes I had with Hayashi-sensei. Her resting her head on my shoulder, that small, unspoken gesture of trust, meant more than anything she could've said aloud.

No matter how much she denied it, I somehow ended up being her place of comfort. I didn't pry about the cause of her stress anymore since like she said, it wasn't something someone like me could help with.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Nonetheless, Hayashi-sensei was still quite a wonder. Despite all the power and authority she wielded, there was this side of her- vulnerable and uncertain that she rarely allowed anyone to see. Maybe it was because she was so hung up on my father that she truly never opened herself up to anyone else.

Yet, even though she couldn't totally separate me from my father, I could tell that she was gradually gravitating toward me. The cracks in her walls were already too obvious not to notice it.

I wonder if she even realizes how much she's letting her guard down around me. Probably not. In any case, I'll just have to continue what I'm doing, right?

Being the Director meant she had to be firm and authoritative. And yet, in those quiet moments when it was just the two of us, it was like she wanted to shed that weight, even if just for a little while.

I couldn't help but chuckle as I thought about how she kept calling me a shameless brat yet she always succumbed to my chiding. Of course, I was teasing her not just because I wanted to push her buttons or test her boundaries, it was my own way to repay her for taking care of Shizu and me as well as turning a blind eye to my relationships.

Teasing as repayment, huh? But well, it all results in her getting relieved of stress anyway so it's a positive thing.

Anyway, I continued down the stairs and set aside my thoughts about Hayashi-sensei, focusing more on what was ahead of me.

Another meeting with Orimura-sensei.

I wonder if she prepared something today. Although we might've not spent that much time together yesterday, I successfully conveyed my thoughts to her when we visited the clubhouse.

Besides, the bet between us was still on. I would be aiming to make her honest and devoted to me while she's going to continue correcting my way.

Currently, she's failing at that considering our previous interactions. As for whether it would change today, I'd find out soon enough.

-

As I stood before Orimura-sensei's door, I gently knocked, announcing my arrival. I then turned the knob and pushed it open.

To my surprise, Orimura-sensei was already standing behind her table, her expression a mix of anticipation and conflict as she stared at me. She's still wearing her tracksuit today. However, as a bonafide pervert, I couldn't help but stare at her figure that I already held twice before.

"First, no kissing unless I initiate it. Second, you have to listen to everything I say without argument. And third..." Her voice trailed for a moment as her cheeks flushed slightly, "Third, you have to promise not to... not to make me lose control like last time."

This...

Looks like she really put some thought into this, huh?

The first rule was probably because of yesterday when I suddenly kissed her.

The second rule was just her way to not always be stumped with my words.

And lastly, the third rule... Well, she knew just as well as I did that it was one we wouldn't be

able to uphold. If things heated up between us again, there'd be no stopping.

I mean, if things get heated up between us again, I doubt we'd be able to stop at all.

Anyway, let's lighten the atmosphere for now.

With a chuckle, I leaned closer to her, my lips brushing against her flawless skin.

"You mean like this, sensei?"

My voice was barely a whisper as my breath made her body instinctively shiver from the

sensation.

Wait. I said lighten not heat up the atmosphere.

She shuddered at the sensation, her body instinctively leaning closer to mine before she caught herself to a stop, "Y-yes, like that! Shameless brat, don't just do that out of nowhere!" Playing along, I pulled back, still smirking, as I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Alright, sensei. I'll play by your rules. But remember, I'm only doing this because I want to see how you plan on correcting my ways."

"I know. But nothing will change if I let you keep swaying me with your shamelessness." Orimura-sensei, her resolve faltering for a moment before she straightened.

"I see. Understandable. So, what now? Are we done here?"

"For now..." She replied, though her gaze lingered on me, as though she were trying to decide whether to keep her distance or close it.