On his way home from school, Ryuichi glanced at Shizuna walking next to him and wondered how this happened. He was now headed to Shizunas housewhere he had been invited for dinner.

Ill make you Hamburg steaks and anything else you want!

Ryuichi could still remember how the meat and potato stew shed made for him last time was really tasty. Unless he had someone to cook for him or unless he absolutely had to cook for himself, he would spend his days constantly consuming instant food.

That was why Shizunas cooking touched Ryuichis heart.

Hmm hmm hmm~Hmm hmm hmm hmm~

Hmm hmm hmm~

Hmm hmm hmm hmm~

Shizuna had been like this ever since they left the school and regrouped with each other after theyd walked part of the way home. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she was humming in a good mood as she walked. However, she was walking straight towards a telephone pole in front of her.

Shizuna.

Kyah?!

He grabbed hold of the distracted Shizunas shoulder. Shizuna seemed surprised to have her shoulder suddenly grabbed, but Ryuichi let out a big sigh, thinking that he was the one who should be surprised.

U-Umm Ryuichi-kun?

Shizunas cheeks reddened even more than before, and she turned her somewhat expectant eyes on Ryuichi. Ryuichi silently turned his eyes toward the telephone pole, and Shizuna, tilting her head, also looked in that direction and let out a gasp.

O-Oh, sorry

Dont space out. Id hate to see you get injured in front of me.

Shizuna hung her head low at Ryuichis words, but when Ryuichi patted her on the shoulder, she smiled happily and started walking again. Ryuichi, who was following Shizuna a distance behind her, thought about something as he watched her back.

I feel like everythings completely changed.

He had no idea how many times this thought had crossed his mind, but Ryuichi and Shizuna were originally a couple that never shouldve been.

From what Ryuichi could tell at this stage, he would say that he and Shizuna were getting along quite well. Just being invited to her home like this and being treated to dinner was truly a huge difference.

You Youre absolute scum!

Hehe, I know Im scum. Now, get ready, because youre about to be changed at the hands of this absolute scum!

Sohei-kunsniff.

In the manga, this was the scene when Ryuichi first laid his hands on Shizuna. At the time, Shizuna was undoubtedly looking at Ryuichi with disgust in her eyes.

It was also the moment when Ryuichi, on the contrary, was so excited by that look that he resolved to make her submit to him and make her his property.

Ryuichi-kun? What are you thinking about?

Nothing.

He obviously couldnt tell her that he was thinking back to her being raped by him in an alternate universe.

Hey, Shizuna. Is this really okay?

Of course it is!

Shizuna replied with a beautiful smile. Truthfully speaking, Ryuichi had never thought to avoid visiting Shizunas house. He was happy to be able to eat delicious food, and he certainly didnt mind being able to enjoy the company of Sakie and Shizuna, two very beautiful women.

After all, Im still Ryuichi. Sure, I dont want to cuckold others nor do I want to steal what others hold precious to them anymore But, I still cant help but think that I want to make a woman as beautiful as Shizuna mine.

There was something about Shizuna that was different from any woman he had ever had a relationship with, whether it be Chisa or Sakie.

I havent told my mom yet, but Im sure shell be happy even if its sudden.

You do realize its only been a day since our bar visit together, right? Seriously

Fufu, just give it up, Ryuichi-kun.

Huh?

Soheis dismay was palpable even to Ryuichi. Quietly and calmly, Shizuna continued to speak to Sohei as if to admonish him.

It is my right, and my right alone to decide who and what kind of people I associate with. It is not for others to decide.

Others? But were childhood friends, arent we?

Yes, we are. But just because were childhood friends doesnt mean I have to obey every single thing you ask of me, Sohei-kun. Really, I appreciate your concern for me, but my life is none of your business.

Shizuna!

Go home. I have to prepare dinner now.

Ryuichi heard the door close with a loud slam. Of course shed close the door after she said all that. Sohei did not open it again, perhaps because he could not say anything more.

Sorry for the wait Oh? Whatre you doing?

Ah~.

Caught loitering in front of the living room door, Ryuichi scratched his cheek and looked away. Shizuna, perhaps realizing his intentions, giggled and put her hand over her mouth, but her expression quickly clouded.

Its frustrating. I cant believe he said all that without knowing anything about you.

Well, maybe its because hedoesknow who I am.

Well, maybe its because he

does

know who I am.

It was ironic how Soheis words did not reach Shizuna, not in this world or in the other world, regardless of Shizunas state. Shizunas face was downcast; seeing this, Ryuichi put his hand on her chin and forcibly lifted it, causing her to look up at him.

?!

Keep your head up. I dont care about what he said, and neither should you.

Ryuichi-kun.

Geez.

Seeing Shizunas expression still gloomy, Ryuichi put his hand on her back. When he had done this with Chisa and Sakie, the girls had calmed down. He had thought that this would work for Shizuna, too, but then he reconsidered that this was probably not the way to do it.

Just as he was about to pull his hand back, Shizuna leaned forward and hugged Ryuichi.

Shizuna?

Hug me. Dont stop.

Ryuichi was surprised, but put his arm around Shizunas back to meet her request. In his arms, Shizuna let out a sigh and looked up to see Ryuichis face. Her beautiful eyes were so clear that they seemed to absorb everything.

It really puts me at ease when you hug me like this.

Yeah, well, Chisa and Sakie both said the same thing, too. That they felt good to be hugged like this.

Thats a point deduction, Ryuichi-kun.

You heard me right: a point deduction But since Im really happy right now, Ill give you some plus points.

Shizuna then pressed her face against Ryuichis chest. She stayed that way for a while and continued until Sakie returned shortly thereafter.

Youve been acting strange lately, Shizuna! Why Why did you change so much?

I didnt change at all. I just came to know his wonderful side. Ihave been dyed by him. Hey, Sohei-kun.

Hes seriously incredible, you know?

Hed asked the same question, but her reply this time was entirely different.