Chapter 6: My Female Friend Doesn’t Want to Grant Requests Today

“Today, I’m not granting your lewd requests.”

“…Hazuki, what’re you saying out of nowhere?”

The all-too-familiar Minato household—

In Minato’s room, the two sat across from each other at the table.

“Come to think of it, that’s obvious, right?”

“What’s obvious? Minato lately you’ve been looking at panties, staring at chests, groping, and sucking… What do you take a girl’s chest and underwear for?”

“I haven’t asked to suck anything yet, have I?”

“You said ‘yet,’ which means it’s just a matter of time.”

Blushing, Hazuki shot Minato a sharp glare.

“That was just a slip of the tongue… Don’t nitpick. I get what you’re saying.”

Minato tapped the textbook on the table.

“During exam prep, I won’t make any weird requests. Actually, I need you to focus.”

“Tch, acting all high and mighty.”

Hazuki looked away from the textbook with a scowl.

Their high school used a three-term system, with a midterm exam in autumn.

That midterm was fast approaching.

The first time Hazuki asked Minato to tutor her was for the July finals.

Though her request back then was sudden, Minato was mentally prepared this time.

Plus, from summer to autumn, he’d closely observed Hazuki.

This girl really didn’t study.

Minato was absolutely certain of that.

“You barely pay attention in class, do you? Your textbook and notebook are too clean.”

“Ugh… That’s how everyone around me is.”

“That’s weird. I thought popular kids, despite playing around, secretly got good grades.”

“It varies by person… Though some do have great grades.”

Hazuki turned away, her eyes distant.

“I can’t think of anyone that impressive. Who’re you talking about?”

“Someone from our junior high who’s at a different school now. Don’t worry about it.”

“I see.”

Though curious about Hazuki’s expression, Minato figured it was best not to pry.

Even close friends could misjudge boundaries sometimes.

“Anyway, you’re the class queen, Hazuki. If you’re too dumb, people might ditch you.”

“…Even if that happens, you’d still stick with me, right, Minato?”

“Of course. I don’t care what’s in your head.”

“Oh~ So what’s in my clothes matters more to you?”

“I’ll admit that’s part of it.”

“Don’t admit it! Geez, if you dared say you weren’t interested, I’d punch you.”

“Even if I said that, it’d be a lie.”

His keen interest was exactly why he’d asked Hazuki to show her panties and let him grope her chest.

“But this time, please help me out! Minato get me above average on this exam!”

Hazuki placed both hands on the table and bowed deeply.

Today, she’d tied her milk-tea-colored hair back casually.

Fashion-conscious Hazuki rarely tied her hair so simply.

She was meticulous about hairstyles, adjusting the tie’s position or choosing braids like fishtail or French.

She seemed genuinely intent on focusing this time.

“Your goal’s kinda low… but fine. Just to be clear, my grades are only slightly above average.”

“Yeah, tons of people have better grades than you.”

“You picking a fight?”

“But you’re the best at teaching me.”

“…That’s not true, is it?”

Her backhanded compliment left Minato unsure how to respond.

“Because we’re friends, I can swallow my pride and ask you for help. Didn’t you just call me a queen?”

“You’ve got some nerve saying that yourself.”

But it was true, so Minato couldn’t deny it.

“But you’re not a friend of the queen, right? Though I don’t know the difference.”

“…Yeah, I don’t worship you as a queen.”

We’re equals as friends; status doesn’t matter—that’s what Hazuki meant.

“Right? Though Ruka’s the same as you… she’s really bad at teaching.”

“I see… But even if Serina-san’s not good at teaching, shouldn’t we invite her to study? She said she doesn’t like being left out.”

“Should be fine. By the way, Ruka’s family is super strict. Even for a study group, they might get mad if she goes out before exams.”

“Got it, makes sense.”

As a top student in their grade, Serina didn’t need anyone’s help.

Studying alone at home was likely her best bet, and her parents would feel at ease.

“Oh~ You’re not thinking about Ruka’s chest again, are you?”

“N-No way!”

Minato shook his head frantically.

“Really? You were staring hard at Ruka’s chest back then, weren’t you?”

“In that situation, who wouldn’t look?!”

“True… That pure young lady’s chest was pretty erotic. Even I couldn’t look away.”

“Your interest in Serina’s body is way too high. But yeah, it was intense…”

A few days ago, for some reason, Serina unbuttoned her shirt and showed her bra.

Minato couldn’t be the gentleman who’d look away in that moment.

Her perfectly sized curves, wrapped in a pure white bra.

They looked springy, soft, and inviting. The surprisingly clear cleavage was utterly captivating.

“But for someone like you, holding back from touching was pretty impressive.”

“Stop patting my head! What’s that supposed to mean, ‘someone like me’…?”

Hazuki reached out to praise him, making Minato lean back in his chair.

Yes, Minato resisted Serina’s overwhelming temptation.

Instead of making an unreasonable request, he asked her to put her clothes back on.

“But that might not have been the right call.”

“Huh, really?”

“Since that day, hasn’t Ruka been running away from you in class?”

“W-Well, that’s unavoidable.”

Though polite, Serina still greeted Minato but would blush and scurry off right after.

Given what happened, Minato feeling helpless, had planned to let it go—

“Maybe you should’ve groped her chest~ If nothing happens after a situation like that, it can feel more embarrassing for the other person.”

“Ugh…”

“Minato don’t make girls feel humiliated~”

“Ughhh…”

Minato felt like she’d hit a sore spot.

Showing her bra in front of him must’ve been embarrassing for Serina too.

So when he told her “you don’t have to do that” and asked her to cover up, it might’ve made her feel even worse.

But at the time, he hadn’t thought it through.

“Got it… Next time, I’ll definitely grope Serina-san’s chest properly!”

“You just want to grope her!”

“Well, Serina-san’s chest is pretty big. You said so too, Hazuki.”

“She looks so slender, but her figure’s surprisingly curvy… Oh, I see… Minato does want to grope that refined young lady’s chest.”

“W-What’s with that squinting look…?”

Hazuki’s sharp gaze made Minato flinch.

“Wait, hold on. Enough of that, let’s study!”

“That’s a lame dodge. But yeah… Alright~ Teacher Minato little Aoi’s gonna work hard~”

“Get serious. Good thing you live upstairs; even if we study late, it’s safe to get home. Let’s start.”

They’d chatted plenty before diving in.

Minato and Hazuki began studying face-to-face.

Minato’s above-average grades were perfect for teaching Hazuki.

Since their academic levels weren’t drastically different, Minato could easily grasp what Hazuki didn’t understand and find ways to explain.

In that sense, he was better suited than Serina to tutor her.

Though Hazuki hated studying and got distracted easily, Minato coaxed and encouraged her. Including dinner time, they studied for five hours—

“Ugh, Minato isn’t it about time to wrap up?”

“Hm? Oh, it’s past ten already…”

So focused, Minato hadn’t noticed the time.

Their parents usually got home after eleven.

They knew Minato and Hazuki often hung out in each other’s rooms at the apartment.

But their parents weren’t the type to meddle much.

Since they weren’t out loitering, Minato’s dad never nagged him. Same for Hazuki.

They hadn’t even met each other’s parents.

Though both felt they should at least say hi, it kept getting put off.

Still, they decided to return to their rooms before their parents got home.

“Let’s call it a day. Good work.”

“Phew~ I’m done for…”

Hazuki faceplanted onto the low table.

“This might be the longest I’ve ever studied in my life. Impressive, right?”

“It’ll be impressive if your exam scores get above average.”

“Tch, you’re so strict, Minato. But I worked so hard, I’m expecting a reward.”

Lifting her head, Hazuki grinned.

“Huh? Wait, did I say you’d get a reward for hitting average?”

“Hehehe, that’s the only way I can handle ‘staying home to study.’ After, we’ll hit Suba-D, go karaoke… and shop. Oh, let’s go to ‘Fairytale’!”

“You’re already itching to play…”

“Fairytale” was short for “Fairytale World,” a massive theme park.

Minato had been a couple of times; it was fun but felt very much like a hotspot for popular kids.

“Skipping school to stay at Fairytale’s hotel and play all day sounds nice.”

“S-Stay at a hotel?”

“Why’re you so shocked… Wait! You’re not thinking something weird, are you?”

“N-No way… It’s just for fun, right? Plus, the usual popular crowd would be there.”

“Stop saying ‘popular crowd.’ But… hm, just the two of us could work too, right?”

“Huh…”

Minato was taken aback, while Hazuki fidgeted shyly.

“You know how they say couples who go to Fairytale break up?”

“Y-Yeah, I’ve heard that.”

Some say the long ride queues lead to awkward silences.

Or the crowds make people irritable.

Or differing enthusiasm for the park causes friction.

“But we’re just friends, not a couple, so even if it’s just us, it’ll be fine.”

“Got it… Yeah, if it’s just friends at Fairytale, there’s no need to overthink.”

“Right, right! So staying over and playing all day is totally okay!”

“…Isn’t that hotel super pricey? How much for two rooms?”

“Sharing a room… should be fine. We’d have separate beds. And by now, seeing each other’s sleeping faces doesn’t matter, right?”

“…”

Two friends sharing a room… not weird.

If they’re the same gender.

“…You don’t even care if someone sees your panties while you sleep.”

“H-How could I not care?! Don’t make me sound like some slut!”

“S-Sorry.”

Minato didn’t think Hazuki was loose; just that she was too trusting.

And selfishly, he hoped she’d only let her guard down around him.

“But~ If a friend sees, I don’t mind. I wanna see my friend’s panties too.”

“You’re bold saying that…”

When Serina showed her bloomers, Hazuki had stared eagerly.

Maybe even girls were surprisingly curious about what’s under skirts.

“So… w-what do you think, Minato?”

“Huh? About what?”

“Though I won’t grant lewd requests today… non-lewd ones are fine. You taught me so much, all strict and thorough. I gotta thank you.”

“I’m sensing some resentment there? Tutoring a friend is free. I’m not that petty.”

“Really?”

Hazuki leaned over the table.

The chest Minato had savored multiple times rested heavily on the surface.

That hefty chest was just too formidable.

“…Feels like you’re the one wanting me to make a request, Hazuki.”

“I-Idiot! No way!”

“But even so, besides lewd stuff, I can’t think of anything…”

“That’s guys for you. If you get a girlfriend and only ask for lewd things, you’ll get dumped.”

“I get it now. You think my chances of getting a girlfriend are super low.”

Rude, but true.

“Well, I don’t have any requests today. You’re tired, right, Hazuki? Go home, take a bath, and sleep. It’s cold at night, so stay warm. Don’t scroll your phone till midnight, okay?”

“You my mom? Hmph~ Don’t regret passing up this rare chance to ask.”

Hazuki gathered her notes and practice tests, standing up.

“…Sigh, Minato.”

“Hm?”

“When a girl’s heading home this late, shouldn’t you walk her back?”

“Walk you back? It’s just two floors up by elevator.”

So far, no matter how late Hazuki stayed, Minato never escorted her.

And she’d never asked—

“…Fine. Even in the apartment, you can’t be too careless.”

Minato stood, stepping out first.

Though clearly unnecessary, his gut told him not to argue with Hazuki right now.

They left the apartment, walked down the hall, and took the elevator up two floors.

Exiting, they headed down the corridor to Hazuki’s door.

“Mom’s probably not back yet. She’s been coming home later than usual.”

“Same at my place. But studying takes so much time, I can’t look after Dad too. Him being late helps.”

“You gotta look after me too.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m working hard at that. But seriously, you’re tired. Don’t dawdle till midnight—get to bed.”

“…Aren’t you tired, Minato?”

“Hm?”

Hazuki leaned in, pressing close.

Her prominent chest brushed against him.

“N-No, I’m fine…”

“Your face is kinda red. You got a fever?”

His flush was probably from those formidable curves against his chest.

“Uh… maybe a little?”

“…”

Hazuki leaned closer, their noses almost touching.

Her stunningly perfect face was too close—

She closed her eyes, as if checking his forehead’s temperature.

Minato didn’t look at her eyes—his gaze fixed on the delicate lips beneath her sharp nose.

Glossy, soft-looking lips.

Her faint breaths alone sent his heart racing.

“…Hm, I’m not sure. Probably fine… ugh.”

Hazuki seemed to finally notice how close she was.

Her face turned bright red.

She stepped back, leaning against her door.

Fidgeting, hesitating to speak, stealing glances at Minato—nothing like her usual self.

Minato—recalled what Hazuki had said earlier.

She wanted to thank him for tutoring, and—

“…No asking for lewd stuff, right?”

“N-No…”

Hazuki shook her head slightly, looking down.

This drew Minato’s eyes even more to those lips.

“Is kissing… lewd?”

Those captivating lips—Minato’s mouth blurted it out unconsciously.

“…K-Kissing, huh… It’s, like, a greeting…”

Hazuki glanced around.

The nighttime corridor was silent, not a soul in sight.

Though someone could step out of the elevator or a door any second—

Right now, it was just Minato and Hazuki.

“If it’s a greeting between friends… i-it’s okay.”

Hazuki nodded firmly.

Though surprised, Minato was certain she’d agree.

“But! Just once! No more after this!”

“G-Got it.”

Normally, you wouldn’t kiss someone who’s not your girlfriend, even if they’re an opposite-sex friend.

But if it’s just once, Hazuki seemed fine with it.

“If it’s really just once… you can… kiss me…”

“Then…”

Minato wrapped his arms around Hazuki’s slender shoulders.

He leaned in again.

“Mm…”

With a chu, he gave a light, fleeting kiss.

Even that—Hazuki’s lips felt so slick and soft, like they could melt him.

And that softness—shattered Minato’s restraint.

“Mm… Mmm! Mm, mmmph…!”

Minato pressed his lips harder, greedily claiming hers.

He made wet chu, chu sounds, devouring and sucking her soft lips.

Lost in the moment, he slipped his tongue into her mouth, stirring inside.

He found her tongue, entwined with it, sucked it, and savored her lips again—Hazuki extended her tongue too.

Minato’s tongue tip grazed hers, tangling again.

“Mmm~ Mm, mmph… Mm, mmph…!”

Minato pulled her slender frame close, craving her lips, tangling tongues, fiercely sucking the tongue she offered.

“Mmph, mm, mmm~ Mm, mmph… Mm, mm~ Mmmm…♡”

The corridor echoed with the wet churu, chu of lips and tongues, mixed with Hazuki’s faint breaths.

After Minato had—thoroughly—savored her lips…

“Haa! I thought I’d suffocate…! I-Idiot! Too long!”

“S-Sorry… B-But it’s just once, right?”

When Minato released her, Hazuki, red to her ears, glared at him.

“Tch, counts as one? Y-Yeah, but it was way too long! Was that five minutes?!”

“Dunno… I wasn’t timing it.”

Still, to honor the “just once” rule, Minato had sneakily stretched it, fully indulging in that single kiss.

“M-My first kiss… It felt better than groping…”

“…Y-Your first?”

The order was obviously backwards.

Normally, kissing comes before touching a chest.

And to think he’d taken Hazuki’s first kiss.

“S-Shut up. First time’s nice, right? F-Feels like my legs are jelly…”

“Hey, you okay?”

“I can’t move… Whatever you do, I probably can’t fight back.”

“What? Hazuki, what’re you saying?”

“…I’m lifting the one-time limit. Just… go easy, please.”

“…”

In other words, she was dropping the kiss count restriction.

“Gently… be gentle, okay?♡”

With a chu, Hazuki leaned up and kissed Minato lightly.

Though her legs were weak, she could still move.

And Minato feeling his excitement reignite—

“Eek, mm… chu, mmm…♡”

He hugged her tightly again. This time, a series of soft, fleeting kisses.

While a single long, passionate kiss was great, these quick ones weren’t bad either.

Each time their lips parted, he saw Hazuki’s cute face flush red.

Minato held her limp body, savoring its softness.

They kissed with chu, chu sounds, tongues reaching out to tangle, four lips greedily seeking each other.

“Mmm, so intense again… Mm, kiss me more, okay?♡”

Looks like Hazuki also dropped the “be gentle” condition.

Kissing this impossibly cute female friend could never stay calm—