Sakurajima Kyouko snorted coldly.
"My opinion is Mai's opinion. Do you have any idea how much liquidated damages I had to pay because of the scandal between you two?"
Hozuki Nozomi shrugged. "Didn't know before, but now I do."
Kyouko narrowed her eyes. "Now the company needs Mai to shoot a swimsuit advertisement to recover the losses, but she insisted on canceling the contract. Do you understand this will get her blacklisted?"
"That's fine. As her boyfriend, I don't want Mai doing any swimsuit shoots anyway." Nozomi's voice was calm, unwavering. "In fact, Mai already promised me she won't even do kissing scenes."
Kyouko scoffed. "What kind of joke is this? How can an actress not do kissing scenes?"
Her tone turned colder. "And what's wrong with a swimsuit ad? It's a great way to showcase her charm and grow her career. Do you really think that just because of you, Mai should throw away everything she's worked for and become some ordinary girl?"
"I never said she should quit acting." Nozomi's gaze was firm as he met Kyouko's sharp eyes. "I actually plan to start my own film and television company in the future. Mai will be able to act in whatever roles she wants."
Kyouko looked at him like he had just told the most ridiculous joke in the world. "Hah? You're kidding, right?"
She crossed her arms, staring him down with pure disbelief. "Listen, kid. I get it. You're good-looking enough to charm girls, and maybe you can even live off some sugar mama if you play your cards right. But setting up a film company? You? Don't you think that's a little too shameless?"
Nozomi wasn't fazed in the slightest by her taunts. Instead, he pulled out a document from his bag and handed it to her.
Kyouko raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"
"Auntie, you'll understand when you read it."
Despite her skepticism, Kyouko took the document. The moment her eyes scanned the contents, they widened in shock.
"This... this is a share certificate for SAO Virtual Reality Game Company? The multinational giant? This can't be real!"
Nozomi smirked slightly. "I have no reason to lie. And one more thing—these shares are part of a project I'm working on with the Yukinoshita Zaibatsu. Their value will only go up from here."
Kyouko's lips parted slightly, her previous arrogance faltering. A rare blush dusted her cheeks as she cleared her throat.
"Ahem... If that's the case, I suppose I can temporarily accept your relationship with Mai. But can you promise me one thing?"
Her expression grew solemn. "Can you swear you'll always treat her well?"
Nozomi didn't hesitate. "Of course. I'll always treat Mai well. I promise."
Kyouko studied him for a long moment before sighing. "Did Mai ever tell you why she entered the entertainment industry?"
Nozomi nodded. "Because she loves it. She's always loved playing different roles and immersing herself in scripts."
Kyouko's gaze softened slightly. "That's right. She became an actress because it was her passion. If she ruins her career because of you, she'll definitely regret it someday."
...
After their conversation, Nozomi realized that while Mai's mother was a bit of a gold digger, she genuinely cared for her daughter. Of course, money was still a big factor. As Mai's manager, Kyouko had to consider their financial stability.
In the end, Nozomi convinced her using the SAO Virtual Reality Game Company shares that Akasaka Ryunosuke had secured and the influence of the Yukinoshita Zaibatsu.
Once the deal was settled, he sent a message to Mai.
Nozomi: "Senpai, I took care of things with your mom. She's convinced."
Mai: "Really? What did you do? You didn't... seduce my mother, did you?"
Nozomi: "Oi, what kind of person do you take me for?!"
Mai: "Hard to say."
Nozomi: "..."
After a brief pause, he sent another message.
Nozomi: "Anyway, you're not doing that swimsuit shoot. Also, when I see you next, I'm going to spank your cute little butt for thinking so poorly of me. I'm mad now!"
Mai blushed upon reading the message, but she still replied.
Mai: "Got it. I'll be back soon. Ah, my mom's calling—probably about canceling the contract and switching companies. Time to get busy."
...
After finishing their chat, Nozomi returned to Sakurasou.
...
Meanwhile, Mai sat across from her mother, her expression complicated.
"Mom."
"Yes." Kyouko nodded, her tone unusually gentle. "I understand now. That boy... Nozomi. He's actually capable of protecting you."
She sighed. "We'll have to pay a large sum in liquidated damages, and the company will blacklist you. We'll need to find a new agency. Are you sure about this?"
Mai met her mother's gaze with unwavering determination. "I'm sure! I refuse to shoot any swimsuit ads."
There was no hesitation in her voice. This was an industry full of unspoken rules, and she refused to fall into that trap.
She had already received enough attention just by being an actress—it had brought both fame and trouble. If swimsuit photos of her were to circulate, the rumors and gossip would only multiply.
She wouldn't let that happen.
Seeing her daughter's firm eyes, Kyouko Sakurajima nodded in satisfaction.
"In that case, be prepared. Besides work, you must also find a way to hold on to an excellent boyfriend. Otherwise... if he cheats on you, just wait and cry!"
As if recalling her own painful past, Kyouko's eyes dimmed slightly.
Mai Sakurajima felt a little awkward.
That guy hadn't just cheated—he had been completely unreliable, always indulging in affairs. And yet... Mai had been the one who came later.
She chose not to bring this up with her mother.
===========================
That night, Hozuki Nozomi quietly slipped into Shiina Mahiru's room.
He wasn't someone who got bored easily.
Besides, Angel-sama was just too cute.
More importantly, she actually let him hold her.
If he tried this with Yukinoshita, he'd get shut down instantly. The only reason they had gotten anywhere was thanks to a series of beautiful misunderstandings. There was still a long way to go.
==========================
Shiina Mahiru leaned against Nozomi's chest, her golden hair slightly damp with sweat. Her delicate face carried an alluring blush, her breathing soft.
She gently held the mischievous hand resting on her waist, gave him a sharp yet adorable glare, and muttered,
"Behave yourself, you have school tomorrow."
"Fine, fine. Let's just chat then, since neither of us can sleep anyway."
Nozomi ran his fingers through her silky hair, then planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Mahiru, how are you getting along with Yumiko and the others lately?"
"It's been... okay. Our relationship has improved."
She pouted slightly, then hesitated before continuing,
"Yumiko has been acting a little too friendly with you recently. Have you noticed?"
"Of course, I noticed. But so what? She's not the type to easily accept my... fickleness."
"Now that she's finally gotten over Hayama, does that mean you've completed my request?"
"Pretty much. Mission accomplished, right?"
Shiina Mahiru giggled, then playfully poked his chin.
"Yes, you're the best. So... what really happened when Yumiko ran away crying that day?"
"I just hugged her and said a few comforting words. I swear I didn't do anything else."
"Pfft, I believe you."
She smirked but didn't push any further.
"Come to think of it... isn't Hina also acting weird around you?" Mahiru narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.
"You don't have feelings for Hina, do you?"
Nozomi rolled his eyes. "Ebina-san just wants to experience 'a good marriage' or whatever. Since all her friends have had their moments, she doesn't want to be left out. It's not because she likes me."
Before Mahiru could press further, he smoothly changed the subject.
"Mahiru, did your mother call you after that?"
The atmosphere in the room shifted. The girl hesitated before burying her face against his chest.
"No."
"Not even once. No calls, no messages. Nothing."
"Hey... have I been abandoned?"
"Maybe they think I already have someone to rely on, so they don't need to care anymore. Maybe they're too busy with their own lives now... Maybe they just don't need me anymore."
As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.
Nozomi's heart ached at the sight. He lifted her chin gently and pressed a tender kiss against her trembling lips.
"Sorry... I shouldn't have brought them up."
"But listen to me, Mahiru. No matter what happens, I will always be your family. I will always care about you and love you."
She sniffled softly and looked up at him with a watery smile.
"Nozomi... it's really great to have you."
Her hands found his and squeezed them gently.
"Even if you're trying to sweet-talk me, I won't give in. Spare me this time."
"Heh, how do you know it won't work if you don't try?"
Nozomi smirked, then suddenly flipped them over, pinning her beneath him.
"W-Wait—!"
Her protest was cut short as he leaned in closer, his mischievous smirk never fading.
"Let's see if you can still resist now, Mahiru~
"W-Wait—" she began, but his lips closed over hers before she could finish. The kiss was gentle yet insistent, Nozomi's tongue teasing hers, inviting her to surrender.
Her body trembled, the warmth from their kiss spreading through her. She returned his kiss, her hesitation dissipating.
Nozomi's hand slipped under the hem of her pajama top, his fingers brushing against her skin, sending shivers through her. Her breath hitched, her cheeks flushing with heat as he exposed her soft, pale chest.
Nozomi's lips trailed down her neck, his tongue tracing a path that left her trembling. His hand found her through the fabric of her pajamas, his fingers teasing and stroking.
Mahiru's back arched, her hips bucking against his hand, her moans growing louder as her desire heightened. Nozomi's lips found the swell of her breast, his tongue flicking over her nipple, drawing a sharp intake of breath from her.
The room was filled with the sound of their heavy breathing and wet, wanton moans. Mahiru's body tensed, her climax approaching, the pressure building within her.
Nozomi's thumb found her clit, his fingers working in tandem, driving her closer and closer to the edge. Her orgasm crashed over her, her body convulsing as she cried out his name.
Nozomi's lips found hers once more, his kiss both tender and demanding. Mahiru's fingers fumbled with his pajamas, her touch eager as she sought to feel him against her skin.
He broke the kiss, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "I want to be inside you." Mahiru's heart raced, her body still tingling from her release. She nodded, giving her consent.
Nozomi removed their pajamas, positioning himself at her entrance. The sensation was a mixture of pleasure and discomfort as he pushed inside her. Mahiru's breath hitched, her body adjusting to his presence.
Nozomi began to move, his thrusts slow at first, then growing in speed and intensity. Their moans mingled, their bodies moving in harmony. Nozomi's hands roamed her body, his fingers tracing her curves, his thumbs teasing her nipples.
The air crackled with electricity, the passion between them a living force. Their eyes met, the intensity between them unwavering. Nozomi's body tensed, his moans growing louder.
With a powerful thrust, he found his release, his seed filling Mahiru. Their bodies shuddered and quaked, their hearts beating in unison as they clung to one another.