Chapter 26: Mai's Compensation
"Adolescence Syndrome?"
"Yes, as the name suggests, it's a condition that only occurs during adolescence, a time when human emotions are at their most complex. It's similar to a disease," Shunsuke explained the concept.
"Isn't that just an urban legend?"
"Many people do think of it that way."
"So, are there a lot of people like me?"
Shunsuke nodded, "Yes, but since the worries during adolescence vary, the symptoms manifest differently. So far, I haven't encountered anyone with the exact same condition."
"Do you have Adolescence Syndrome too?"
"I suppose... you could say I have it."
Shunsuke glanced at the half-naked man standing beside him, feeling uncertain.
After all, in this world's setting, his Stand, which had awakened during adolescence, could loosely be considered a form of Adolescence Syndrome.
"And what are your symptoms?" Mai asked, curious, but then quickly apologized, realizing it might be too personal, "Sorry, Fujii Shunsuke-kun. You don't have to say anything if you'd rather not."
Shunsuke teased, "What a sneaky way of asking. Now, doesn't that just force me to tell you?"
"No, I genuinely mean it. You don't have to say anything, Fujii Shunsuke-kun."
"Well, if it's you, Sakurajima-senpai, I don't mind telling—"
"Don't call me 'senpai,'" Mai suddenly interrupted. "I don't remember ever being your upperclassman."
"Then Sakurajima-san?"
"Too long."
"Oh, I get it. How about Mai-chan—"
Before he could finish, Mai grabbed him by the tie.
"Don't push your luck. Add 'san' to it."
"What a pity. I thought I could shorten the distance between us all at once."
"I don't like rude people."
"Alright, alright, Mai-san. Is that better?"
"Mm. Your full name is too much trouble, and 'Fujii' doesn't match the impression I have of you. So, I'll just call you Shunsuke-kun."
"..."
Such a double standard.
Shunsuke swallowed the words he wanted to say.
"Shunsuke-kun, you sought me out, so I assume you have a way to solve my problem?"
Mai gracefully steered the conversation away from Shunsuke's Adolescence Syndrome.
"Hmm~. Before making any promises, I think it's best if you explain the details yourself," Shunsuke crossed his arms. "Would you be willing to, Mai-san?"
Even though he already knew the backstory and had the solution in hand, one of the best ways to build a connection was simply by listening.
Mai glanced around. People in the library were starting to take notice, curiously watching Shunsuke as if he were performing a one-man show.
"We should leave for now. The library is too quiet; it's not the best place for a conversation."
"Good point. Just give me a few more minutes, Mai-san."
Shunsuke flipped open a book and quickly skimmed through the pages, using quantum speed reading.
With Star Platinum's incredible speed-reading combined with his own photographic memory, the result was something almost ridiculous.
Watching Shunsuke "read" a whole book in just a few seconds, Mai blinked in confusion. "Shunsuke-kun, what... what are you doing?"
"Reading, Mai-san. Can't you tell?"
"No, no, no. You call that reading?"
"Let's just say it's a superpower of mine."
"..."
Mai stayed silent, feeling a pang of jealousy. Why did his abilities have to be so useful?
"Don't look at me like that, Mai-san. Compared to yours, I'd say most adolescent boys would much rather have your ability."
Mai's face flushed. "Pervert!"
"Huh? What are you talking about, Mai-san? Why such a quick reaction?" Shunsuke laughed shamelessly.
Embarrassed and annoyed, Mai stomped on his foot, though much gentler than last time.
"Is Mai-san rewarding me?"
Her foot instantly retracted.
After spending a few minutes speed-reading through all the books, Shunsuke stood up, put them back in their places, and left the library with Mai.
"So, where should we talk now?" Mai asked. "The café I usually go to used to be a good spot—great coffee and desserts, the owner's a cheerful high school girl, and most of the regulars are familiar faces. But last time I went, it was like I didn't even exist."
"Where's that café?"
"Downtown."
"So, Mai-san, are you planning on going dressed like that? Aren't you afraid you'll snap back to normal while on the train? That could make tomorrow's headlines—'Famous actress Sakurajima Mai spotted in bunny girl outfit in public, rumored to be involved in a kinky game with some director or producer...' Ow!"
Mai landed a punch squarely in Shunsuke's side, without hesitation.
"If you keep making such dumb jokes, I'm seriously going to get mad."
"Sorry, sorry. So, how about coming to my place? It's pretty big and close to the school."
Thud thud thud.
Mai's high heels clicked as she stepped back three times, her gaze a mix of confusion and disdain.
"Mai-san, even someone like me would feel hurt being treated like this."
"You're asking a girl you just met to go to your house while she's wearing a bunny girl outfit, and no one else can see her but you. Shunsuke-kun, are you lacking common sense or are you up to something shady?"
"Then, how about going to your place, Mai-san?"
Mai hesitated for a moment but, not wanting to seem intimidated in front of her junior, eventually agreed. "Alright, let's go to my place."
"Yay! Got Mai-san's home address!" Shunsuke exclaimed, cheering immediately. "Are your parents home, Mai-san?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because if they're not, then I'd still be the only one who can see you, right?"
Mai abruptly halted in her tracks.
"Kidding, I wouldn't do anything. Probably."
Mai's lips pressed into a thin line.
"Huh? Are you nervous, Mai-san? How can someone like you, an upperclassman, still get nervous?"
"N-Nervous? Who, who's nervous?"
"You're stuttering."
"I-I wouldn't get flustered over something as trivial as inviting a younger guy into my place!"
"You were on the verge of tears just a minute ago."
...
In the end, Mai decided to go back to her place first.
"Please wait here, I'll change quickly."
With a slight hint of apology, Mai closed the door.
It was rude to leave a guest outside, but bringing a boy she'd just met into her apartment carried too many risks.
Especially considering she was currently in a state where no one else could see her. Even if something bad happened, there wouldn't be any evidence afterward.
Shunsuke understood her hesitation, but that didn't mean he was just going to let it slide. He was already plotting his payback.
"Here, take this."
Mai soon returned, now dressed in different clothes, holding a paper bag. She handed it to Shunsuke.
Shunsuke took the bag with a puzzled expression. Opening it, he found a bunny girl outfit inside, still warm.
With that, Shunsuke magnanimously forgave Mai for her earlier rudeness. Not for any particular reason, of course. She was his senpai after all, and he had to give her some face.
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