Chapter 260: The Mark of a Slave
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 260: The Mark of a Slave
“Hah… I’m exhausted.”
There I was, sprawled out on the tatami mat, letting out a sigh.
And there was Miyuki, stretching her arms up, her t-shirt riding up slightly as she poked my stomach with her index finger.
It was a scene reeking of youthful innocence.
If only Tetsuya hadn't been there, my satisfaction would have been immense.
“Good work.”
Miyuki’s voice chimed in as she started patting my stomach, making little thumping sounds.
Grabbing her wrist, I sat up and looked at Tetsuya, who had his eyes fixed on the tabletop.
I couldn't tell if he was deliberately avoiding the sight of our cutesy, lovey-dovey skinship, or if he was genuinely focused on his studies.
Considering Tetsuya’s sinister side, I suspected it was the former, but it wasn't any of my business.
“Tetsuya-kun.”
“...”
“Tetsuya-kun, is there something you don’t understand?”
Startled by Miyuki’s innocent voice, Tetsuya snapped to attention and flashed his signature dopey smile.
“No. I was just concentrating on memorizing a formula.”
“How diligent of you. Did you memorize it all?”
“Yeah, for now. You can test me if you want.”
“No, it’s fine. I trust you, Tetsuya-kun, so I won’t test you. Should we study at your place next time? Could you maybe ask your mother for us?”
“Huh…? My place…?”
“Yeah. We were at my house last time, and we’re at Matsuda-kun’s today, so wouldn’t it be good to go to your house next?”
“I don’t mind, but… okay.”
Tetsuya’s gaze flickered toward me for a moment before he looked away.
Does he think I’ll be uncomfortable in an unfamiliar house?
If so, should I be grateful for his consideration, or not?
Putting all that aside, I was curious about two things: just how beautiful Tetsuya’s mother was, and whether that vibrant, healthy-looking woman I saw when leaving Miyuki’s neighborhood last time was part of his family.
For those two reasons alone, I definitely wanted to go.
“You don’t have to force yourself. If I’m putting pressure on you…”
“Pressure? Not at all. Don’t worry about it.”
“Okay. Then class is over for today. Great work, everyone. Let’s do this again soon.”
Miyuki clapped her hands, signaling the end of our study session.
I had been sitting comfortably with my hands behind my back, and at her words, I immediately stood up.
Miyuki started putting her books into her bag, then lifted her arms, sweeping her hair back and tying it up with a hair tie.
“Should we all go grab some coffee at a cafe?”
Through the sleeve of her oversized t-shirt, I could see Miyuki’s smooth armpit.
They say that subtle sex appeal from everyday situations is far more arousing than lingerie worn with deliberate intent.
Not that I disliked the latter, but it was less stimulating than the former.
Ah… blood was rushing down below.
I wanted to go a round right now, but it was a shame I couldn't with this bastard Tetsuya here.
Coffee? No way. I was already this irritated.
I needed to get rid of him quickly and take a shower with Miyuki to wash away the gloomy toxicity seeping from Tetsuya’s body.
“I just want to get some rest. My brain’s exceeded its operating range.”
“Me too… I’m pretty mentally drained today.”
Surprisingly, Tetsuya chimed in, agreeing with me.
It seemed he, like me, wasn't keen on the three of us having coffee together.
If Miyuki had suggested just the two of them go, he would have jumped at the chance.
“Really…? It’s a rare chance for the three of us to hang out… What a shame. Well, let’s head out then.”
“Alright.”
Even after packing his bag, Tetsuya made no move to leave first.
Is he planning on getting a ride in my car after all this?
Talk about shameless.
He’s a truly multi-faceted guy. In a negative way.
But what could I do?
As long as Miyuki still thought of him as a childhood friend, I’d have to be the generous one.
Making a mental note to clean the car’s interior tonight, I casually threw on my jacket and gestured to the two of them.
“Let’s go. Quickly.”
Miyuki chuckled and asked in an affectionate tone.
“Did you hate studying that much?”
It’s not studying I hate, it’s the human being named Miura.
The day will come when I smash his jaw in right in front of you, and I hope you’ll take my side then.
Swallowing those words, I simply shrugged in response.
* * *
The next day, in front of Renka’s house.
My eyes sparkling with anticipation, I waited for her to emerge from the gate, wondering what she would be wearing today.
Before long, the gate opened weakly and slowly, and I saw Renka peek her head out through the gap.
She looked around, then flinched when she spotted my car before hesitantly stepping outside.
Today, she was wearing a light beige trench coat that covered half her thighs, a white turtleneck, and black long boots.
The overall look was chic, but the coat had a loose fit and the bottom was pleated like a tennis skirt, which I felt added a spoonful of cuteness.
With her coat fully buttoned, Renka approached, her boots clicking on the pavement.
She opened the passenger side door, sat down without even looking at my face, and fastened her seatbelt.
“Hello.”
“…Hi.”
She’s so cute, only returning my greeting with a reluctant expression after I spoke first.
“Sleep well?”
“Yeah.”
“What about the skirt?”
“Hah… I really don’t understand why you’re so obsessed with skirts.”
“Are you wearing one?”
“I am…! I am, so just shut up…”
“Take off your coat so I can check.”
“No…!”
I thought she’d be shy after our first time together, but she’s as feisty as ever.
I wasn’t sure if I should be relieved that she was so spirited, or disappointed.
“Then I’ll check in the changing room.”
“I’m absolutely not letting you check, so don’t get your hopes up.”
“I’ll be able to see for myself when you change into your uniform anyway, won’t I?”
“…When I was working alone yesterday, I put a spare pair of pants in my locker.”
My, my, Renka. You’re always so prepared.
It’s because you’re worried I’ll make you come again today, right? I understand.
I laughed off Renka’s muttering about how I was being annoying first thing in the morning and started the car.
“Weren’t you lonely working by yourself?”
“Not at all.”
“You should have at least contacted me.”
“What are you talking about… I said not at all. Don’t get the wrong idea, I didn’t feel a single shred of loneliness.”
“You must be happy we get to be together today, then.”
“…Do you feel better just saying whatever you want?”
“Let’s work hard together.”
Was she getting annoyed that we were having two completely different conversations?
Renka let out a sharp huff through her nose and turned her head to look out the window.
She should just accept it and keep her mouth shut.
The fact that she keeps reacting is what makes me want to tease her.
Thinking that I could already feel a sparkling energy between us, I arrived at the cafe and clocked in.
Then, I grabbed Renka’s wrist and pulled her into the changing room with me.
“Hey…! What do you think you’re doing!?”
“‘Hey’?”
“You grabbed me so hard…”
“I barely held on that tight. Anyway, as promised, you get three candies today. But…”
“…But?”
It was funny how she stopped herself from yelling and perked up her ears.
Forcing down the smile that threatened to form, I took out one candy and showed it to Renka.
“I’m only giving you one for now. If you eat them all at once, it’ll spoil you and be bad for your teeth. Have this one for now, and I’ll give you another after lunch. The last one will be after dinner.”
At my words, a vein popped on Renka’s forehead.
“I told you not to treat me like a child…! And what dinner…! Who said I’m having dinner with you?”
“You’re not going to eat?”
“Of course not…! There’s no reason to, and Chinami is coming today…”
“I meant the three of us could eat together.”
“No. I’m going to eat with just Chinami.”
“Then let’s ask our Master what she thinks.”
“Don’t be ridiculous…! You didn’t even make plans with Chinami, what gives you the right to shamelessly butt in?”
“I did make plans.”
“I talked to Chinami on the phone yesterday, and she didn’t mention anything like that.”
“What did she say?”
“Why should I have to tell you… Ngh…!?”
Renka, who had been arguing vehemently, suddenly let out a short gasp.
It was because I had reached out and started unbuttoning her trench coat, one by one.
“…”
Her face flushed red as she watched my slowly moving hands. When the last button was undone and the coat fell open, revealing the skirt she was wearing, she pressed her legs together.
“D-Don’t look…!”
Telling me not to look after standing there and letting me.
I snorted and openly examined the skirt Renka was wearing.
It was a modest, dark beige pintuck skirt with shallow stitching on the sides.
The material looked like it would be difficult to lift.
The design went well with her long boots, so I didn’t think she’d chosen this particular skirt to make it harder for me to touch her.
“It’s a pretty skirt. I like it.”
“I-I didn’t wear it for you to like it…”
“I know. But why aren’t you wearing stockings? I’m pretty sure I told you to wear them.”
“They didn’t go with the outfit…!”
“So you’re saying your outfit coordination takes priority over my command?”
“…So, you got a problem with that…?”
“I have many. You were defiant the day before yesterday, and you disobeyed me again today. I’ll have to administer a punishment.”
“A p-punishment…?”
“Wait here for a moment.”
I stated it as a command, leaving the bewildered, blinking Renka behind as I left the changing room.
I went back to the car, took out a prop I had prepared in advance from the glove box, and returned.
“…What is that…?”
Renka’s voice was laced with anxiety as she looked at the black package in my hand.
I stood before her and, without a word, tore open the packaging to reveal the item inside.
Seeing what was in my hand, Renka’s eyes grew twice as wide.
“Wh-What is that…?”
What I had brought was a black choker.
It was a simple, thin leather belt, clearly meant to be worn around the neck…
A fashion item, but depending on who was looking, it could also be seen as a collar for BDSM play.
I held it out in front of the dumbfounded Renka, who had recognized it immediately, and said with a bright, cheerful smile.
“From today on, you’ll be wearing this.”