Miss Heir wasn't very kind to me.

Chapter 290, Section 7: "Caught in the act, and the classic phone call scene."

If Masumi hadn't covered Rinne's mouth, she probably would have screamed out of control by now.

"Haiyue, what brings you here?"

Masumi tried her best to remain calm, staring intently at the jellyfish-like girl who had appeared in the room.

"I just...suddenly wanted to come and see...Masumi..."

"Isn't this a lie?"

"It's... a lie..."

Haiyue nodded calmly, her long, flaxen hair framing her head swaying slightly up and down.

"Actually... I heard a sound... and wanted to come and see..."

"If I could, I would wish Haiyue wasn't so honest."

Masumi sighed.

As for the heiress, she seemed to be frozen in place, completely speechless.

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"

It wasn't until Rinne let out a desperate whimper like a kitten that Masumi snapped out of her daze. Her mouth, which had been taut for so long, remained closed, her tongue pressed against her palate, sealed tightly by the cat toy.

What could be worse than being caught by another girl who is also in love with a boy while you're being intimate with him?!
Moreover, this girl is also her friend, and her naive and useless personality makes her rely on Rinne for care.

Because of her mother's early death, Rinne was traumatized, and she alleviated her pain by taking care of others and becoming someone else's support.

Therefore, when she met Haiyue, who also lacked maternal love, Rinne felt even more empathy and took such good care of her that others jokingly said, "Rinne is just like Haiyue's mother."

But if you actually put yourself in that scenario, wouldn't that be—

Ugh, this is absolutely terrible!

Rinne banished the jumbled thoughts from her mind and observed the two's reactions with a flushed face.

Masumi tried to remain calm but couldn't hide her embarrassment, while Kaigetsu remained expressionless as always, silent like a doll.

"Um... cough cough."

Rinne wanted to explain, but almost choked because she was too anxious.

"Rinne...why?"

Haiyue stared intently at her.

"No...that..."

Rinne lowered her eyelashes restlessly, and then heard Haizuki's questioning in her ears.

Why... does it seem like you're shy...?

"Uh?"

Not only Rinne, but even Masumi next to her was stunned.

Haiyue tilted her head, unaware of what was going on, her clear, blue eyes sparkling.

Even if you sieve the clear waters of Miyako Island, you probably couldn't get this color. Masumi thought to herself.

"No, generally speaking, you would definitely feel shy."

Masumi scrutinized Rinne's profile, now shrouded in shadow. Her fair, translucent skin first turned deathly pale, then flushed red, and sweat beaded on her nose.

Masumi was probably seeing her face turn completely red, not just her ears, but her entire forehead and neck.

Her body looked as if it were bleeding, and the red stains gradually spread.

It definitely looks like it's harmful to the body.

"Rinne...?"

Masumi tentatively opened her mouth, and saw Rinne's slender white throat bobbing as she spoke in a hoarse voice.

"I am fine."

She was so nervous that her voice sounded completely unlike Rinne's usual tone; it was like a cat being strangled, completely flustered, whimpering through its vocal cords.

A sense of mission welled up in Masumi's heart: she had to turn Rinne back into a human from a cat.

at this time--

Haiyue walked barefoot on the floor, her fair soles absorbing a bit of dust, and headed straight for Rinne.

"Haiyue, I..."

"Rinne...don't be shy...because Rinne...is very cute..."

"what?"

Rinne was stunned.

Seemingly worried that Rinne wouldn't understand her words, Haizuki added unnecessarily.

"Like a cat licking milk...so cute..."

"Ugh."

Rinne let out a faint moan through her clenched teeth, clutching her head and crouching down.

"Rinne?"

Haiyue gently extended her small hand and placed it on Rinne's shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

Rinne tried her best to keep her poker face as usual, but this thing that she was usually best at was now incredibly difficult.

A faint smile curved Haiyue's lips, like ripples on a calm sea, as if she were saying, "See, I've grown to the point where I can gently comfort others."

In this situation, praise and encouragement are warranted.

In the end, her gentle nature prevailed over her shame. Rinne slowly stood up, placed her long, slender white hand on Haiyue's head, and squeezed out a sound from her throat.

"Thank you... Haiyue... You're so good at comforting people... You're amazing..."

Rinne blushed and patted her head.

I really admire her ability to deliver those lines under those circumstances.

"Uh-huh."

The moon responded with a pure joy.

"If Rinne and Masumi are both happy... then I'm... happy too..."

Because the atmosphere was so warm, Masumi deliberately avoided going into the details of the incident.

"Speaking of which, Haiyue...aren't you jealous?"

Rinne asked again in a hoarse voice.

Haiyue nodded, unconsciously licking the corner of her lips.

"The mochi tonight... was delicious..."

(Note: In Japanese, the word for "jealousy" sounds similar to the word for "mochi".)
Rinne closed her eyes helplessly, and the blush seemed to fade a little.

This enigmatic personality, coupled with her exquisite appearance, makes Haiyue seem like an unnatural being.

Can the marine environment of Wakayama really nurture such a girl?

If not, then where did this pure jellyfish come from?
Masumi was completely baffled.

However, it should be considered a happy ending.

Seeing Rinne, who was clearly extremely ashamed but still managed to force a gentle smile and pat Haiyue's head to encourage her, with her shoulder bent at a ninety-degree angle on the side where she wasn't raising her arm, Masumi sighed.

"Next time... I want to... drink water with Rinne too..."

"Eh?"

◇

Later that evening, after getting rid of the cat and jellyfish, Masumi calmed down and began writing lyrics.

An anonymous singer account named "Umitsuki" has released four songs so far, with its most viewed video reaching 23.5 views on YouTube.

The account's followers also recently surpassed 5.

Everything is thriving!
Just as Masumi was filled with excitement and repeatedly considering the theme and specific words of the lyrics, there was an unexpected knock on the door.

"Masumi? May I come in?"

It is Mio.

To his surprise, someone was actually knocking properly. Masumi felt a surge of emotion for no apparent reason and answered the door.

"Ah."

"Then excuse me."

A bright smile appeared on Mio's lips as she approached, carrying a plate of cookies.

Would you like a cookie?

"Thank you. Did Mio make it herself?"

"Yes, I asked Rinne for advice on Valentine's Day."

"I see."

Masumi nodded slightly, then suddenly thought of a possibility.

"In this plate of cookies..."

I don't think they added anything strange, right?
Mio seemed to read Masumi's unspoken meaning from his expression and smiled sweetly.

"Why don't you try it and see, Masumi?"

After hesitating for a moment, Masumi obediently accepted her hospitality.

"Is it tasty?"

"Mmm, it's crunchy."

Are there any cookies that aren't crisp?

Mio pouted slightly, looking somewhat dissatisfied.

"Uh……"

"I'm just kidding~"

Mio's deliberately tense expression broke down, and she smiled slightly.

"Even though I was just saying nice things on purpose, I was really happy to see that Masumi was trying to please me."

She sat down next to Masumi without any hesitation and leaned on his shoulder.

"The lyrics for 'Unfortunately, Fireworks at Night'...this time the theme is fireworks."

Mio looked at the lyrics in the Word document and said.

"Ah."

"The Uji River fireworks that I watched with Masumi last time were really beautiful."

"Yes."

"And Masumi was holding my foot at the time... her big palms were so warm."

"No, it's because Mio keeps sticking her foot out and touching things." "Don't you think it's pretty?"

"A fireworks display? Indeed..."

I was referring to my feet.

As Mio replied, Masumi saw her pull her own socks down, take them off, and throw them on the floor.

Then she cleverly bent her exposed, slender legs, lay down horizontally in front of the kotatsu table, and placed her head on Masumi's thighs.

"Mio?"

Masumi lowered her head and called to her. Mio gave a mischievous smile.

"What? Do you want me to lie down in a different position?"

No, that's not true.

This is a lie.

When Masumi saw Mio take off her socks, she did indeed have a shameful fantasy.

"Then stay with me for a bit, I won't bother Masumi."

As soon as she finished speaking, Mio rolled over on his lap and buried her face in Masumi's stomach.

It really is like a large dog that needs human companionship.

From her flowing, honey-gold hair, one can glimpse her fair and soft ears.

Masumi treated her like a puppy, enjoying the smooth feel of her hair with her fingertips, stroking her soft cheeks with her palms, and gently scratching the hollow of her earlobe with her thumb.

"Mmmmm~"

Hearing the seemingly comfortable purring sounds coming from her throat, Masumi would pinch her earlobe or poke her cheek. It was quite amusing.

Each movement made Mio wriggle restlessly on his lap, unable to resist letting out ticklish laughs.

Then, she rolled over again onto her back, looking up at Masumi's face with a grin.

"...Masumi is satisfied with just touching these places?"

"Huh? What does this mean?"

"I think there must be other parts of my body that feel more comfortable to touch...?"

Mio curled her lips into a teasing smile.

"Eh."

Masumi paused, her gaze shifting downwards. Mio, wearing an off-the-shoulder knit top, revealed her fair, smooth skin from her neck to her chest, which rose and fell slowly with her breath, creating an inexplicably alluring effect.

"Not there."

Mio pouted, looking dissatisfied.

If she hadn't met Mami and Rinne, she would have been quite happy with that.

Masumi saw through her troubles and comforted Mio with a smile.

"Don't say that, I think Mio is very charming too."

"Really?"

"Ah."

Masumi wanted to say something more, but just then, her cell phone vibrated in her pocket.

When I took it out, the caller ID showed a familiar name—Qian Ai.

Masumi pressed the answer button and put the phone to her ear.

"Qian'ai, it's me. What's wrong?"

"Brother Masumi, I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

"what's up?"

Masumi asked casually, but Mio, who was lying on his lap, immediately became anxious.

"Well……"

The voice on the other end of the phone seemed hesitant, as if something was bothering them.

"There shouldn't be anyone else on Masumi-nii's side, right?"

Just as Masumi was about to say, "Mio is here too," the hem of his clothes was suddenly tugged, and Mio looked up at him from below, putting her index finger to her lips and shushing him.

"Uh, yes—"

The hem of the clothes was pulled even harder.

"……No."

Masumi finally gave in. I'm sorry, Chiai.

"That's it."

On the other end of the phone, Qingmei seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"So... tomorrow is the coffee shop's regular day off, right?"

"Ah."

"I happen to have no classes tomorrow, so Masumi-nii, would you like to...?"

Qian Ai stopped there, but any guy with normal emotional intelligence could understand the implications of her words.

"Does Qian'ai want to ask me out?"

Masumi asked.

"Um, is that okay, Masumi-nii?"

Qian Ai asked expectantly.

During the conversation, Mio suddenly leaned against Masumi from the side.

"...?"

"Masumi-san?"

"Ah, no...it's nothing."

Mio rested her head on Masumi's shoulder like someone dozing off on a train, gazing at him with a pleading look in her eyes.

Huh?
Does she perhaps want me to accompany her?
But he was on the phone with Qian Ai.

"Of course I have no problem with that. Where does Qian'ai want to go?"

Masumi listened to Chiai's anxious invitation with one ear, moved her lips but didn't make a sound, and said to Mio, "Don't lean on me yet."

However, Mio also mouthed "No~" and began to affectionately stroke Masumi's hand.

Was it because I was talking to Qian'ai on the phone?
Mio's possessiveness was suppressed within a narrow scope because she encountered a "scumbag" like herself.

Thinking about this, Masumi couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

He propped himself up, stretched his arms from under Mio's armpits to her stomach, and pulled her body close to him, changing to a so-called back hug position.

Mio seemed a little surprised, but then a gentle smile appeared on her face.

"How's the zoo? Masumi-nii has been working really hard lately, juggling manga scripts and lyrics. You must be tired too, right?"

"Yeah, not bad."

Masumi was on the phone with Ome while dealing with Mio.

"Well, while rest and sleep are important, it's also crucial to maintain a healthy mental state. How about spending time with adorable animals to heal your mind and body?"

"That sounds like a good idea."

Kobe Zoo Kingdom is a popular zoo among citizens, featuring not only land animals but also some marine creatures that can only be seen in aquariums.

In addition, there is an outdoor area where you can interact closely with animals.

"Right, right? Being able to pet capybaras up close is so cute."

Suddenly, Mio reached out to the table, picked up a cookie from the plate, and brought it close to Masumi's mouth.

Ah~
As Mio mouthed this to him, she also playfully curled the corners of her lips.

Masumi figured that even if she ignored her, the girl wouldn't give up.

Reluctantly, Masumi slightly opened her mouth, and the cookie was immediately stuffed in, which she chewed with a crunching sound.

"...Masumi-nii, are you eating?"

"Sorry, I ate the cookies I had on hand."

"Seriously, I'm talking to you seriously! Let's chat first before we eat."

"Sorry, calm down. I was listening carefully to what Qian'ai was saying."

Thinking about it, it's a little embarrassing. If Qian'ai saw this scene on the other end of the phone, which could only be described as flirting, she would definitely be even angrier.

"Okay, then. Tomorrow at 9:30, I'll wait for Masumi-nii at Sannomiya Station on the subway."

After saying that, Qian Ai ended the call.

Masumi then took the phone away from her ear and looked helplessly at the girl in her arms.

"Mio."

"Didn't Qian'ai find out?"

Mio chuckled softly, as if to say, "It doesn't matter if I get caught."

"What if Chiai finds out what Mio is planning?"

"Let me think, I'll do something even more extreme to annoy Qian'ai."

"what?"

"For example—"

Mio rolled over on his lap, then, as if asking for a hug, stretched out her arms to Masumi, wrapped them around his back, and increased the pressure, as if she wanted Masumi to remember the feel of her body with his whole body.

"I like Masumi's flavor."

She buried her face in Masumi's neck, the soft undulations of her skin, the contours of her ribs, even the rhythm of her breathing, all seemed to be imprinted on Masumi's skin.

Masumi's heart pounded uncontrollably, but instead of honestly showing her feelings, she gently picked up a strand of Mio's hair with her fingers and whispered:
"Mio likes me too much."

"I just really like her. I like Masumi, I want to possess Masumi, and I also want to be possessed by Masumi."

"I like Mio too."

"Hmm, let me inhale a little longer, Masumi's scent."

She was like a real big dog, sniffing Masumi's scent.

After embracing him for a while, Mio reluctantly left his embrace and gazed at Masumi's face.

"Hey, Masumi."

"Ok?"

Mio gave a gentle smile, but her expression was somewhat serious.

"Zoo Kingdom, can I come along?"

(End of this chapter)