"…Mirror travel is indeed incredibly convenient."
Back in his own bathroom, Kitahara Makoto couldn't help but exclaim.
In a sense, Hana was finally serving her purpose as a mount.
Although she couldn't be ridden in a physical sense, her ability to quickly transport people was worth a hundred praises.
Stepping out of the bathroom.
Kitahara Makoto looked around, didn't see Mutsumi, opened the refrigerator, took out a bottle of drink, and then sat on the sofa:
"Most of the coordinates are already recorded now, only Anon and Tomori are left…"
Pausing for a second, Kitahara Makoto silently added another name in his mind:
"Hmm, and Taki."
The energy within Hana had been depleted, so she couldn't open the protection domain for now, but he could go to Anon and Tomori's homes first to record their coordinates, just in case.
If they encountered a ghost invasion or monsters like Mind Demon, he could summon Hana to quickly escape, or allow himself to descend.
"And today's daily quest…"
Kitahara Makoto raised a finger and pressed it to his brow.
The first two fitness quests were already completed, no need to mention them. The third daily quest was [Do One Evil Deed], which was unremarkable, only the fourth quest was a bit tricky.
[Daily Quest Four: Weighted Push-ups]
Push-ups were fine, and weights were fine, but the restriction was quite frustrating—
It actually required Taki to sit on his back as the weight.
Any other girl would be fine, but it had to be the ill-tempered Taki; wasn't this bullying an honest person?
"This is difficult."
Kitahara Makoto sighed.
But difficult or not, it had to be done.
He had to at least try to complete the quest; giving up directly was certainly not Kitahara Makoto's character.
"Let's first try to see if I can complete the daily quest…"
Kitahara Makoto took out his phone and sent a message to Taki.
"Taki, if you're free now, you can go in front of a mirror and silently chant Hana's name in your heart, and you can summon Hana. Hana can now take people through mirrors for fast travel. If you want to come over and play later, you can always come through the mirror."
After a pause, Kitahara Makoto added:
"Don't worry, you won't get stuck in the mirror now."
"…"
For Hana's first descent, someone had to call her name in front of a mirror.
However, only the first time was troublesome.
After fulfilling the first descent ritual, Hana would record the coordinates, and thereafter she would be able to enter and exit at will.
The message was sent, and Kitahara Makoto waited a few minutes, but the message remained unread. It seemed Taki wasn't holding her phone at the moment.
So Kitahara Makoto copied the message and sent it to Tomori.
"Tomori, if you're free now, you can go in front of a mirror…"
That message also remained unread for a while.
Kitahara Makoto waited for a moment, and seeing no response, he prepared to send a message to Anon.
But then a message from Taki suddenly popped up on his phone:
"There's no need for that. I absolutely don't want to go to the scumbag classmate's house to play."
Ever since that kiss in the mirror dimension, this Taki's attitude had not improved; instead, it had become even worse than when they first met.
"Tsk~"
Kitahara Makoto clicked his tongue softly:
"Of course, I'm just making a suggestion. Whether Taki wants to summon Hana or not is entirely up to you, but… Taki wouldn't want her family to have nowhere to escape if they encounter a ghost, would she?"
Taki: "…"
Although her relationship with her sister wasn't close, her family was still Taki's most cherished possession. She absolutely didn't want her family to be in danger.
With her weakness exposed, Taki immediately became well-behaved:
"I'll go to the bathroom to summon Hana."
Kitahara Makoto: "It's too late now."
Taki: "What?"
Kitahara Makoto: "I was full of expectation for Taki's gratitude, but instead of hearing thanks, I only got disdain. I feel so sad… Now, unless Taki acts as the weight for my push-ups, I won't let Hana go."
Taki: "…Huh?!"
What the heck!
You're so shameless, and you get sad from just one sentence?
Liar!
You must be lying!
Taki gritted her teeth:
"…Taking advantage of someone!!!"
Threatening her with her family's safety, how awful!
Kitahara Makoto: "That's right, I am. Taki, think carefully about whether you want to be the weight for my push-ups."
Taki: "…"
He actually admitted it so openly. You don't even bother to hide it!
"Hoo…"
Taki clenched her fists, her small teeth gently grinding:
"Push-up weight… What is that?"
Kitahara Makoto explained:
"As the name suggests, it's exactly what it sounds like. Regular push-ups don't mean much to me anymore; I need weights to achieve a noticeable training effect… It's similar to a hot-blooded manga."
Taki: "Sorry, I never read hot-blooded manga."
Kitahara Makoto: "What kind of manga does Taki like?"
Taki: "I don't read manga."
Kitahara Makoto: "Light novels then?"
Taki: "I don't read those either."
Kitahara Makoto: "No wonder Taki gets angry so easily; it turns out she has too little joy in her life."
Taki: "..."
"..."
For some reason, whenever she chatted with Kitahara Makoto, her emotions always seemed to break through her defenses.
Taking a light breath, Taki opened her browser and searched for weighted push-ups. After understanding the relevant information, she sent a message to Kitahara Makoto:
"I can agree to the weighted push-ups... but no other things!"
Kitahara Makoto: "Is Taki talking about not kissing like last time?"
Taki: "Forget what happened that day!!!"
Seeing that the little potato showed signs of anger and embarrassment, Kitahara Makoto naturally knew when to stop. The daily task was the most important thing now.
Kitahara Makoto: "Don't worry, even though I have a harem, I have principles, and that is I never force girls."
Taki: "..."
Mutual respect and not forcing each other—aren't these the basic principles during a relationship?
What was he so proud of?!
Kitahara Makoto: "Is Taki coming to my place, or should I go to Taki's?"
Taki: "...I'll go over."
Her parents and older sister were all at home. If she accidentally ran into Kitahara Makoto, it would be too awkward no matter how she thought about it.
Kitahara Makoto: "Then Taki, go to the bathroom and silently chant Hana-chan's name a few times in your heart. Hana will naturally bring you over."
"..."
A moment later.
A black-haired girl in a nightgown appeared in the bathroom, with a tear mole at the corner of her eye. It was Taki.
"Taki, long time no see."
Kitahara Makoto greeted her with a smile.
"Go away." Taki crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes wary. "Don't get so close to me."
"Alright, go do push-ups." Kitahara Makoto clicked his tongue lightly, then turned and walked out of the bathroom. "Once you're done with the push-ups, I'll have Hana-chan send you back."
"Hmph~"
Taki crossed her arms over her chest and hummed softly:
"I hope you can keep your promise."
Although she said that, Taki wasn't actually worried about her chastity.
Although this guy was a harem scumbag, he had to have some excellent qualities to make Tomori, Sakiko, and Soyo like him, even willing to compromise and date him together.
Even herself...
Taki quickly shook her head, dispelling the terrible images in her mind.
Calm down!
Don't let your imagination run wild!
Everything that happened in the mirror space that day was just an accident. No matter what, she would not join this guy's harem!
Kitahara Makoto turned his head to look over: "Taki, do you want a drink?"
Taki's small face tightened, and she glared over: "No, I've already brushed my teeth."
Kitahara Makoto: "..."
If you don't want a drink, then don't. Why suddenly glare at me?
"Since that's the case, let's begin."
Kitahara Makoto took a sip of his drink, then took off his shirt.
Taki's breathing hitched slightly, and her gaze involuntarily fell on Kitahara Makoto. She wanted to look away, but it was as if an inexplicable gravitational force controlled her vision, making it difficult for her to move her eyes.
Clearly defined eight-pack abs.
Perfectly sculpted V-line.
And various other muscles that Taki couldn't name. It wasn't as exaggerated as someone who eats protein powder at the gym, but it perfectly demonstrated what it meant to combine strength and beauty.
Coupled with Kitahara Makoto's extremely high charisma attribute, there was absolutely no problem in saying that he was a male succubus walking among humans.
It was no exaggeration to say that Kitahara Makoto was definitely the person whose body was closest to the golden ratio in the world. With the System, his body was slowly evolving towards perfection.
"W-why are you taking off your clothes?!"
After being stunned for a few seconds, Taki finally came back to her senses, her small face rapidly flushed, and she turned her head away in embarrassment.
She dared not look.
She completely dared not look at Kitahara Makoto again.
After only a few seconds of looking, Taki's heart began to pound uncontrollably, and many terrible thoughts involuntarily arose in her mind.
For example, wanting to touch those abs.
She even wanted to...
Taki quietly pressed her legs together, trying to dispel the terrible images in her mind.
"Of course, you have to take off your clothes when doing push-ups."
Kitahara Makoto replied righteously, then lay down, turned his head, and said:
"Taki, come on up."
"..."
Taki lightly bit her teeth, walked to Kitahara Makoto's side with a flushed face, and, enduring the shame, quietly said:
"How do I sit?"
"Taki, sit however you want to sit." Kitahara Makoto promised, "Don't worry, I'm very steady; I definitely won't let Taki fall off."
After hesitating for a few seconds, Taki still chose the most stable sitting posture, which was the cycling position.
Fortunately, Kitahara Makoto's back was wide enough for her body to stretch out, eventually forming a duck-sit posture on Kitahara Makoto's waist, with her hands propped on Kitahara Makoto's shoulders.
"Are you steady?"
"Annoying."
"Then shall I start?"
"Hurry up."
"..."
Kitahara Makoto took a deep breath and began the [Weighted Push-ups] task.
This Taki was only 1.5 meters tall, so her weight wouldn't be much; it certainly wouldn't exceed fifty kilograms. This amount of weight was easy for Kitahara Makoto, and the push-ups were effortless.
Before long, Kitahara Makoto was immersed in the joy of exercise and fitness.
However, Taki, who was sitting on Kitahara Makoto's back, quickly widened her eyes, a blush rapidly rising on her small face, revealing an expression mixed with shame and panic.
(Oh, no...)
(I forgot I was wearing a nightgown...)
It was almost ten o'clock at night, and Taki had naturally already showered. Her clothes consisted of a nightgown and underwear, but she wasn't wearing stockings.
And Kitahara Makoto had taken off his shirt, so at this very moment, the delicate skin on the girl's legs was intimately pressed against Kitahara Makoto's back.
Taki could clearly feel the scorching heat from Kitahara Makoto's back, making her heart pound and her mouth dry.
If it were just her leg skin touching Kitahara Makoto's back, that would be one thing, but there was clearly something even worse...
"No, I have to hold on!"
Taki silently bit her teeth, propping herself up with her hands on Kitahara Makoto's shoulders, trying not to fully sit down.
Unfortunately, her heart was racing and her mouth was dry, and with Kitahara Makoto's up and down movements, her arms quickly lost strength, and she eventually, uncontrollably, sat all the way down.
"Mm..."
Taki let out a low hum and quickly raised her hand to cover her lips.
(Stay calm!)
(Don't let your imagination run wild!!!)
(It's just his back! There's no reason to care at all!)
"K-Kitahara-kun..."
Taki's voice trembled as she nervously spoke.
"What's wrong?"
Kitahara Makoto was doing push-ups quickly and rhythmically, not even breathing hard.
Taki parted her lips, wanting to tell Kitahara Makoto to stop, but she would definitely have to continue later, and then she might not have the courage to get back on, so the words circled in her mouth and finally she quietly said:
"How much longer until you finish?"
Kitahara Makoto continued his push-ups:
"Five minutes at most, I think."
The required number of weighted push-ups for the task wasn't much, so it would be over soon.
"..."
Taki bit her lower lip with her pearly teeth and began to endure in silence.
Time quietly slipped away, minute by minute.
Five minutes passed in the blink of an eye.
But for Taki, it felt as long as a century.
"That's all for today." Kitahara Makoto's voice sounded. "Taki, you can get up now."
"Phew..."
Taki breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, like a prisoner kneeling on the execution block who had finally received a pardon. She quickly tried to get up, but her legs went soft and she almost fell.
"What's wrong?"
Kitahara Makoto reached out to help her.
"...None of your business!"
Taki's small face flushed, and she got up, ready to flee to the bathroom.
However, just as she reached the bathroom door, the corner of her eye caught Kitahara Makoto reaching his hand to his back, seemingly wiping something.
"Strange, why is it a bit damp?"
Kitahara Makoto's tone was puzzled.
Although there was a Taki sitting on his back, this amount of exercise was negligible for Kitahara Makoto; it wasn't enough to make him sweat.
But at this moment, Kitahara Makoto was puzzled to find that his back was actually a bit damp.
"Is it Taki's sweat?"
Kitahara Makoto withdrew his right hand and held his fingers in front of him. He felt that the sensation on his fingertips was slightly different from sweat.
"Ahhhhh!"
When Kitahara Makoto raised his finger to his face, making to sniff it, Taki's shame exploded instantly, white steam billowed from the top of her head, and she transformed into a potato bomb, rushing towards Kitahara Makoto.
Bang!
Taki crashed into Kitahara Makoto's embrace.
"Horrible!"
"Worst!"
"Pervert!!!"
Kitahara Makoto grabbed Taki's small hands and said speechlessly:
"The weighted push-ups are done, what is Taki doing now?"
Taki gritted her teeth, her small face almost dripping blood:
"It's telling you to go take a bath quickly, don't sniff around!"
"Reason?"
"…"
Seeing Taki bite her lower lip and remain silent, Kitahara Makoto's expression subtly changed, and he already had a guess in his heart:
"Could it be Taki's…"
Ahhhh! This guy is actually going to say it!
Taki instantly bristled, wanting to cover Kitahara Makoto's mouth, but her hands were firmly held by Kitahara Makoto, completely unable to break free. In her shame and anger, her head buzzed, and she actually chose a method of mutual destruction—
She suddenly lowered her head and bit Kitahara Makoto's lips.
"Shut up, ahhhhh!"
Taki wasn't sure if it was sweat or something else, but she absolutely would not allow Kitahara Makoto to say it, even having thoughts of murder to silence him.
Eyes met.
Looking at the small girl with teary eyes and trembling beauty marks, Kitahara Makoto was about to make a move when a clear and pleasant voice suddenly rang out:
"Makoto-kun, Taki… what are you doing?"
"Eh, is that Tomori's voice?"
Taki's eyes widened suddenly, and she nervously turned to look in the direction of the bathroom.
She saw the bathroom door had quietly opened at some point, and a short-haired girl in pajamas stood at the doorway, staring with wide, unblinking eyes.
Kitahara Makoto turned to look, his gaze falling on Hana by Tomori's feet, and quickly understood:
"It must be Hana who brought Tomori over."
"It, it really is Tomori…"
At this moment, Taki desperately wished she was hallucinating, but unfortunately, she clearly wasn't. She stood up in a flurry of shame:
"Tomori, let me explain!"
Tomori walked over and said softly:
"Taki doesn't need to explain, I'm very happy."
"…What?"
Taki's expression was bewildered, feeling a bit dizzy.
Tomori was happy to see herself and Kitahara together?
Did Tomori have some special fetish…
Tomori said softly:
"If Taki chooses to join the harem, everyone can be together forever."
Taki's small face flushed, and she hastily retorted:
"I never thought of joining this guy's harem!"
Tomori tilted her head and looked over: "But Taki already kissed Makoto-kun."
Taki quickly explained:
"That wasn't a kiss just now!"
Tomori wondered:
"Not a kiss, then what was it?"
"…"
Taki was speechless.
Although she wanted to explain that she was biting him, there was no logical reason to bite a boy's lips.
"Tomori, I'm sorry…"
Taki lowered her head in shame, truly unable to face anyone.
"It's okay." Tomori extended her right hand and gently stroked Taki's small head, "I already said it just now, Taki is also a very important person. If we can be together forever and not separate, I will be very happy."
"…"
Upon hearing these words, Taki's heart suddenly skipped a beat, a misty haze quietly welled up in her eyes, and even her consciousness wavered.
(If I can be with Tomori forever, joining the scumbag Kitahara's harem might not be impossible…)
(Wait!)
(What am I thinking about? I can clearly be good friends for life, I don't want to join the harem!)
"Tomori, good evening."
Kitahara Makoto greeted her with a normal expression.
Upon asking, it was indeed as he had imagined. Tomori had been taking a bath just now and hadn't had her phone. After finishing her bath, she saw the message Kitahara Makoto sent, then stood in front of the mirror calling Hana's name, and then, with Hana's help, traveled quickly through the mirror.
Kitahara Makoto said softly:
"I said when you have time later, Tomori doesn't need to be so rushed, your hair isn't even dry yet."
Tomori slightly tilted her small face upwards, her eyes bright and unblinking, saying:
"I want to see Makoto-kun right now."
"…"
Eyes met.
Kitahara Makoto felt that no words were needed now. He gently lowered his head and softly kissed Tomori's soft, moist cherry lips.
"…You guy, don't go too far!"
Taki, standing nearby, widened her eyes, clenching her fists in anger, desperately wanting to bite someone.
How dare he kiss Tomori right in front of me! Who knows what he'll do when I'm not around!
Unfortunately, the words of protest reached her lips, but she couldn't utter them no matter what. She could only let out a soft hum and turn her head away.
"Strange…"
Taki quietly pressed her right hand to her chest, only feeling a dull, uncomfortable sensation in her chest. All in all, it just wasn't comfortable.
(What is this feeling?)
(It's dull, like it's stuffed with cotton, even though I don't have a cold or fever…)
A flash of inspiration suddenly crossed Taki's mind, and she remembered an anime she had watched where a similar scene appeared.
(This uncomfortable feeling… could it be that I'm jealous?)
(Jealous of whom?)
Her gaze fell on Tomori, and Taki's eyes instantly widened in disbelief.
(Impossible!)
(Absolutely impossible!)
(How could I possibly be jealous of Tomori? I must be overthinking it!)
After kissing Tomori, Kitahara Makoto turned to look at Taki and casually said:
"Taki, the weighted push-ups are done. If you have nothing else, you can have Hana send you home."
Taki crossed her arms over her chest, her small face taut, and said:
"Does Tomori want to go back?"
Tomori's small face was flushed. At this moment, her lips were slightly parted, and she exhaled. Hearing this, her gaze drifted, and she said:
"I, I'll go back a little later…"
She had just arrived, of course she wanted to stay with Kitahara Makoto a little longer and continue to be intimate.
Taki gently bit her teeth. Although she knew staying would make her a third wheel, she still silently turned and sat on the sofa:
"Then I'll leave with Tomori later."
(If I leave Tomori alone, who knows how much she'll be taken advantage of!)
(That's all, I have no other intentions!)
What happened next goes without saying.
Because Taki, the 'third wheel,' was present, although Kitahara Makoto really wanted to tease Tomori, he could only limit himself to kissing and hugging.
Even so, he would occasionally be met with Taki's 'cold glares.'
Unbeknownst to them, it was already 10:30 PM.
Tomori's routine was quite regular. She raised her hand to cover her mouth and gently let out a yawn.
"If Tomori is tired, go back first." Kitahara Makoto said softly, "It will be convenient to come over in the future, you just need to call Hana in your heart, and you can come over anytime."
Tomori gently nodded: "Makoto-kun, good night."
"Tomori, good night." Kitahara Makoto responded warmly, then turned to look at the long-haired loli, "Taki, good night."
Taki's lips twitched slightly, she averted her small face, and hummed softly:
"…Good night."