Is the Next Step… Kissing?

Keita.

This form of address made Imaizumi Keita pause slightly.

He turned his head in surprise, meeting a pair of eyes burning with unwillingness and provocation.

Standing before him, Yanaimi Anna clearly resembled an angered cat whose “spine-dragon mode” had been forcibly activated—her body still trembling slightly, yet her gaze unusually firm.

That sharp and fiery “jealousy” surged again to a new peak with her possessive declaration.

Seeing her like this, the curve of Imaizumi Keita’s lips broadened on its own.

His plan was a complete success—not only did he harvest high-quality energy, but also a “cooperative partner” who had begun to learn how to initiate “output” on her own.

Imaizumi Keita felt himself growing increasingly fond of this defeated-dog girl pretending to act tough, and of the process of teaching and adjusting her hand-in-hand.

So instead of backing away, he leaned in even closer, their noses almost touching.

At such an intimate distance, as if whispering into her ear, Imaizumi Keita replied softly in a low, ambiguous tone:

“Anna, of course I know you’re my girlfriend.”

His voice carried a pleased smile. “Otherwise, what do you think the reason is that I’ve been holding your hand so tightly this whole time?”

As he spoke, Imaizumi Keita slightly shook their still-interlocked fingers, openly displaying their closeness.

This straightforward response caused the courage that Yanaimi Anna had barely managed to muster to deflate by more than half.

She had originally thought her possessive “counterattack” would make him back off a little—but instead, what came back was something even more direct and teasingly affectionate.

Her cheeks began heating uncontrollably again.

But this time, Yanaimi Anna didn’t retreat.

After these few hours of rapid “training,” she seemed to have slowly begun adapting to this dangerous mode of interaction.

More importantly, the balance in her heart had shifted ever so slightly.

She was the defeated girl who had been heartlessly abandoned by her childhood friend and humiliated in front of him.

And Imaizumi Keita was the “fringe person” of the class—someone who approached her only because she was pretty.

In a certain sense, they were equals. She might even hold a slight advantage as the one providing “resources.”

Then why is it always me blushing and panicking while he gets to look so relaxed, like he’s watching a comedy?

This thought sparked a desire in her to take back the initiative in their relationship.

So Yanaimi Anna unconsciously made a move that even she was surprised by—
the hand held by Imaizumi Keita lightly squeezed back, carrying a teasing, provocative force.

“Is holding hands… enough for you?”

Her voice was soft, with a mischievous hint of flirtation.

This unexpected counterattack sent a new kind of energy coursing into Imaizumi’s body—of exceptionally high quality.

He shook their joined hands, looking at her trying so hard to stay calm, amusement deepening in his eyes.

Interesting… far too interesting.

Yanaimi Anna was beginning to learn how to “feed” him in the exact way he preferred.

“Since you’re saying it like that, Anna…”

Imaizumi Keita drew out his words, leaning in once more until there was practically no space left between them.

Of course, even now, he didn’t forget to avoid going overboard—he silently adjusted her desire levels by manipulating his succubus aura.

As expected, Anna’s cheeks turned redder.

She could clearly feel the heat of his body, the firmness of his arm, and the clean, soapy scent mixed with masculine warmth enveloping her completely—making her throat dry and her skin feverish.

This level of intimacy was far beyond what she had mentally prepared for.

Her body stiffened, toes curling, breath nearly stopping.

She instinctively lifted her head, wanting to read his expression—and met the playful smile in his eyes.

At that moment, she suddenly remembered what he had said earlier—
“Akemiya-san… so sweet a man can’t resist.”

A flare of irritation shot up within her.

She glared at him like a food-guarding cat, jealousy lacing her voice as she questioned him:

“What now? Didn’t you say earlier that Karen’s feminine charm was almost irresistible to you? So why are you leaning toward me now?”

Imaizumi Keita blinked, not expecting her to connect these two things.

And the one asking such a jealous question was—truly—Yanaimi Anna.

Looking at her adorably sulking expression, Imaizumi couldn’t help but laugh lightly.

“I only said Akemiya-san’s charm was overwhelming.”

He patiently clarified, lightly shaking their joined hands.
“I never said I could resist your charm, Anna.”

“If I really could resist, why would I be the one who approached you first and proposed cooperating? Hm?”

This was practically sophistry—but unmistakably logical.

Anna was left speechless, her earlier indignation gradually melting into embarrassment and shy delight.

She wanted to hit him twice, but feared he would enjoy it like before—and then she’d lose even more.

Besides…

She could feel, deep down, that she didn’t truly dislike this almost-embrace level of intimacy.

In fact, a strange kind of pleasure spread slowly from every point where their bodies touched.

It was unfamiliar and dangerous—but enjoyable.

Clearly, until recently, her heart had only ever held Kousuke…

So why was she reacting like this to another man’s touch?

She recalled the familiarity she had felt from Imaizumi Keita the very first time they met.

Mm… it’s just because Imaizumi is different from other people…

As she drifted deeper into her thoughts, Imaizumi’s amused voice teased her ear again.

“If I had to use a comparison—”

He continued provoking her emotions, wondering if he could pull out yet another surprise.

“Akemiya Karen’s charm is like 8K ultra-high resolution—every detail crystal clear, extremely impactful.”

“And you, Anna—are probably 4K.”

“Eh?”

Anna froze, unable to immediately grasp his analogy.

“Even if the specs differ,” he continued with his twisted logic, “for most people, 4K and 8K aren’t noticeably different. Because both are already clear enough—beautiful enough.”

What is this supposed to be?

A compliment?

An insult?

First he praises her beauty, then immediately points out she’s “inferior” to Akemiya Karen.

This slap-then-candy tactic successfully snapped her remaining patience.

“If you think she’s 8K and looks clearer, then go to her!”

Unable to tolerate his teasing any longer, Anna swung her free hand and smacked him without restraint.

“Hiss—Anna! You’re actually hitting me for real…”

Imaizumi caught her arm, about to say something—when the music in the karaoke box ended.

On the screen, Kousuke Hakamada and Akemiya Karen had finished their duet.

They lowered their microphones and turned to look at the sofa—only to freeze at the sight before them.

Anna, face completely flushed, was “attacking” Imaizumi while he held her arm helplessly—
the two of them tangled together in an unmistakably intimate pose, looking exactly like a couple flirting.

“Waaah!”

Akemiya Karen’s eyes lit up instantly. Like she had just witnessed a classic shoujo-manga scene, she clapped excitedly:

“I know this kind of playful fighting! Kousuke and I used to do the same thing!
The next step, the next step—
Isn’t it kissing time?”