At this point, Kirisu Mafuyu no longer cared about Shirase exposing her thoughts earlier.
One hand braced on her waist, she tried to look strict, but her eyes gleamed with barely hidden anticipation. "Were you serious just now? Has your massage technique really been praised even by Kojima?"
Shirase hesitated. "If I told you I was just bluffing, would you believe me?"
Mafuyu's face instantly turned cold. "Of course. But as punishment for deceiving your teacher, you'll be cleaning the restroom."
"Teachers have that kind of authority too?"
"Scared?"
"Terrified. Absolutely terrified."
Though she knew he was just playing along, Mafuyu nodded, satisfied. "Good. I'll give you a chance to prove your massage skills."
Shirase thought for a moment, then asked, "Kirisu-sensei, if your waist really hurts, why not just go to a professional massage parlor?"
It was a casual question—but Mafuyu's expression froze. "I—I did consider that. But since I've never been to one, I'm still hesitating."
"It's just a massage parlor, what's there to hesitate abou—Wait."
As Shirase frowned, realization hit him.
He stared at her evasive eyes, stunned. "Kirisu-sensei, don't tell me you think all massage parlors are… shady?"
"I never said that! A child like you shouldn't jump to such wild conclusions!" Mafuyu's face flushed bright red as she looked away even harder.
Shirase fell silent.
Wait… did I actually guess right?
Probably influenced by certain "massage-themed" movies… Given how developed the industry was here, it'd be a lie if she'd never seen any. Practically every adult had.
"Why did you stop talking?" Mafuyu's voice wavered slightly when she saw his thoughtful look.
If that brat really figured out what I was thinking, he'd definitely say it out loud just to mock me!
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting!
Completely oblivious, Shirase had no idea his beautiful teacher was silently cursing him.
Before he could respond, Mafuyu spoke again. "When are you free? Either we go to Kojima's place, or you come to mine. It's not like you've never been to my apartment before."
"You're serious?" Shirase asked, straightening up.
"Why wouldn't I be serio—Hmm?" Mafuyu suddenly froze, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Don't tell me you were lying earlier?"
Shirase deepened his voice. "To tell you the truth, I'm actually a ninth-degree black belt in massage therapy."
Mafuyu didn't even bother questioning why massage therapists would have black belts. She just nodded. "Perfect. Since you're so skilled, I'll leave it to you. And make sure to tell Kojima—ask her to come too."
Clearly, she'd thought this through. With Kojima Kana there, it wouldn't feel awkward.
"…Got it. I'll have Kana-nee contact you once I'm free."
Shirase left the office with heavy steps.
He hadn't expected a throwaway comment to actually tempt Kirisu Mafuyu.
Of course, her willingness was thanks to Kana-nee's presence.
Those two really are close.
Now the real problem is—where the hell am I supposed to learn massage techniques in time?
He looked down at his own hands.
Large palms, long fingers—slender and dexterous.
Yeah… very dexterous.
Enhanced by that damn system, they might actually feel good for a massage.
But still—he knew nothing about actual technique.
Staring off into the distance, Shirase decided he'd have to study after school today.
He even told the Captain in advance that he couldn't make training that night.
But right after class ended, before he could leave, Nakano Ichika appeared with a smile, blocking his path.
Glancing at Itsuki, who obediently stood beside her, Shirase immediately knew what this was about. "Don't tell me you're starting your plan already?"
Ichika smiled sweetly. "Not my plan—yours."
Look how fast she threw me under the bus.
Nakano Itsuki blinked curiously. "Shirase, Ichika said you wanted to film an experimental short during high school. Is that true?"
As expected, I'm the scapegoat again.
He glanced at Ichika. With her back conveniently turned to Itsuki, she was pleading with her eyes, putting on a pitiful look.
Your acting's really top-tier.
Shirase shot her a look.
Ichika pursed her lips as if to say, Stop complimenting me—just help me out already.
"It's true," Shirase told Itsuki.
"Eh?" Itsuki blinked, clearly surprised.
Ichika relaxed, flashing Shirase a subtle look of gratitude before turning back to Itsuki. "See? I told you. It was a sudden whim of Shirase's, and as his friend, of course I'm helping out."
You really made that sound good.
Shirase stayed calm and quiet.
Itsuki muttered, "No wonder Nino and Miku looked so shocked earlier. I didn't think Shirase would want to make short films. I bet Yotsuba would be interested too."
"She definitely would, but we're still in prep mode," Ichika replied smoothly. "Forget Yotsuba—even I don't have any concrete ideas yet."
Itsuki tilted her head. "Then what about Shirase?"
"Coincidentally, neither do I," he said flatly, hands in his pockets, looking completely unbothered.
Ichika smiled, unfazed. "That's fine—we can ask the Service Club for help. Yukinoshita-san's a genius, right? She's good at all sorts of things. Can't go wrong asking her."
Shirase stared at her in disbelief.
Now she's trying to freeload off Yukinoshita Yukino too?
Even ladybugs weren't this good at mooching!
Ichika caught his expression and sent him a radiant smile that clearly said: You guessed right.
Meanwhile, the clueless Itsuki hesitated. "We're meeting Yukinoshita-san again? Honestly, I'm not really looking forward to that."
"Why not? She's nice," Ichika asked, turning to her sister.
"Maybe because… she's too perfect? Every time I stand in front of her, I feel kind of… small," Itsuki admitted.
Inferiority complex? Stage fright?
Shirase thought, Come on. You two have her beat in at least one department—you should be walking tall with your heads held high.