"Who... who would want to make a deal with you, you womanizer!" Miura Yumiko spat angrily in the bathroom, though a small smile tugged at her lips despite her harsh words. This guy clearly had an eye for her body—a real pervert!
Still, despite her complaints, Yumiko couldn't hide her joy. Rei Ao wasn't just interested in her physically; he also genuinely cared about her. "Honestly, if you'd just love only me, I'd let you do anything," she muttered, her face a mix of frustration and longing.
...
"Monsters and chaotic races from another world..." Back home, Rei Ao pondered over the otherworldly chaos he had learned about. If that world was composed of elements he recognized, could it be tied to something familiar? He couldn't help but wonder if it resembled any of the fictional worlds from anime or manga.
Rei Ao was so absorbed in his thoughts that he failed to notice Sakurajima Mai sitting on the sofa, arms crossed, silently watching him. Her mood was far from pleasant.
Mai had been feeling upset ever since Rei Ao started getting involved with Miura Yumiko, especially after his message in the group chat, suggesting she should be cautious and consider making a deal with him. It showed he cared about Yumiko... and also that he desired her body.
But... he had shown the same concern for Kato Megumi too. Yet, he hadn't said a word to Mai, and now he was acting like she didn't exist. Mai felt a deep sense of loneliness.
She had prepared dinner, thinking that if Rei Ao didn't notice her or acknowledge the effort, she wouldn't call him to eat, nor give him a pleasant look—a small form of payback.
However, things didn't go as planned. Rei Ao walked straight past her, not even sparing a glance at the dinner or her. He went directly to his room!
"!!!"
Mai's heart skipped a beat, and a terrifying thought crept into her mind.
"Has he... forgotten about me too?"
Her face turned pale. For the first time, she felt fear and panic. Thinking back carefully, she realized that Rei Ao hadn't mentioned her in the chat, nor had he acknowledged her existence at home.
It was as if he had completely forgotten her.
With trembling legs, Mai stood up. "No... I can't let him forget me," she whispered through gritted teeth, quickly retreating to her room.
Moments later, Mai reappeared, dressed in the same bunny girl outfit she wore when they first met. She walked into Rei Ao's room, only to find him sitting at his desk, deeply focused on his computer, completely unaware of her presence.
Mai's heart sank even further. She had walked all the way to his side, but Rei Ao still didn't notice her.
She felt an overwhelming sense of loss. "You promised never to forget me... but now, it seems like you've forgotten me too."
For a moment, Mai thought about leaving. After all, this place wasn't truly her home. She decided to take one last, close look at him. Leaning in slowly, she brought her face near Rei Ao's cheek. It was the first time she observed him this closely, and the sight of his calm, blue eyes mesmerized her.
Her heart pounded in her chest, and she finally understood, "I've already fallen for you."
She couldn't believe it—she had fallen in love at first sight with this shameless man who had broadcasted his private moments in the chat without a second thought.
"Hmm?" Rei Ao felt something touch his head and turned around, only to see the bunny girl version of Mai standing right next to him.
Admiring her alluring figure for a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "Mai, why are you suddenly wearing the bunny outfit again?"
Hearing him say her name and finally acknowledging her presence, Mai's eyes widened in surprise.
Overjoyed but nervous, she asked, "Rei Ao, can you really see me?"
"Of course I can see you..." Rei Ao started to say, but stopped short when he saw tears welling up in her eyes. It hit him—Mai thought he had forgotten about her!
In reality, Rei Ao had been preoccupied with something else entirely. He was listing out titles from his memory, trying to figure out which fictional worlds might have a setting similar to the chaotic, otherworldly world he had learned about.
He realized his behavior had caused a misunderstanding, especially given Mai's fear of being forgotten or disappearing.
Understanding what had happened, Rei Ao immediately stood up, pushing his chair aside, and pulled Mai into his arms without hesitation. He whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry. I got too caught up in my thoughts and didn't notice you."
"Thank goodness... you really do remember me... I'm so relieved," Mai cried, her arms tightly wrapped around him.
She had been so scared, scared that the world had forgotten her. When she came to this house, she thought she had found a place to belong—a place where Rei Ao had promised never to forget her. If he had forgotten her too, her existence would truly have lost all meaning, and she would have vanished from the world.
Rei Ao gently patted her back, giving her time to let it all out. When her sobs finally subsided into soft sniffles, he lifted her chin and looked her straight in the eyes.
"I promised I wouldn't forget you, and I always keep my promises. You can trust me."
"Mm... I believe you," Mai said, smiling through her tears.
Their gazes locked, and they felt each other's warmth and heartbeat. The atmosphere between them became sweet and intimate, moving toward something more. Rei Ao leaned in slowly, inching closer to her lips, and Mai didn't pull away.
Instead, she closed her eyes, her trembling lashes revealing her nervousness. As their lips finally met, Rei Ao's kiss started tentative, but Mai gradually responded, letting herself give in to the moment.