"You and your girlfriend seem to have a really good relationship!" Shizuka couldn't help but comment after Ryuji hung up the phone.
"..."
Was it just me, or did that sound a bit sarcastic?
"Miko is indeed very well-behaved!" Ryuji replied with a casual shrug, completely unfazed by her remark. He didn't mind if she knew about his relationship with Miko.
"Tsk!"
Shizuka clicked her tongue in frustration. His open and nonchalant admission left her at a loss for words. For some reason, she felt annoyed. After all, hadn't he flirted with her despite having a girlfriend? What a scumbag!
"Alright, let's take care of business first," she said, trying to shift the conversation.
Yukino, who had initially wanted to join them, was quickly rejected by Shizuka.
"Don't think I don't know what you're up to!" She glared at Yukino, clearly displeased. She could easily guess that Yukino just wanted to sneak a photo of her transformed state.
With that, Shizuka grabbed Ryuji and walked out, leaving Yukino standing there, fuming.
"If I had known this earlier, I would've taken the picture first and then found you someone to help!" Yukino muttered to herself in frustration.
---
"I didn't realize you were so wealthy!" Ryuji said with a smirk as he stepped out of Shizuka's sports car and looked up at the large villa before him. He raised an eyebrow.
"Tsk!"
To her, the villa wasn't a big deal. "With your abilities, Ryuji, it wouldn't be hard for you to buy a place like this," she remarked, knowing that as a sorcerer, he could easily earn a lot of money if he wanted to. Many wealthy families would likely flock to him once they discovered his talents.
"I don't want to deal with all that hassle," Ryuji replied nonchalantly. He knew what she meant, but he had no interest in getting entangled with the rich and powerful. If he had the time, he'd rather spend it with someone he liked.
"I never realized you were so indifferent to fame and fortune," Shizuka said, genuinely surprised.
"..." Indifferent to fame and fortune? You've got quite the imagination, Ryuji thought to himself but didn't bother correcting her. If that's what she wanted to believe, then fine.
Following her inside, Ryuji entered the villa. The place was spacious and luxurious, but clearly not maintained well. Items were scattered everywhere, giving the villa a cluttered look.
Ryuji raised an eyebrow. Given her personality, it wasn't too surprising that her place was a bit messy.
"Ahem!" She cleared her throat, feeling a little embarrassed. "I forgot to call the cleaning staff today. They'll come by tomorrow."
For some reason, she didn't want Ryuji to think she couldn't keep up with basic housework.
"Let's just deal with my problem first!" she quickly added, trying to change the subject.
But Ryuji wasn't in a hurry. "Don't worry, it's still early. Since this is my first time at your place, I want to take a look around," he said with a grin, strolling deeper into the villa.
He wandered through the kitchen and study on the first floor, commenting on the stylish layout.
Shizuka followed behind him, unsure of what he was looking for but deciding not to stop him. However, her expression changed when she realized where Ryuji was headed next her bedroom on the second floor.
"Wait! Not there!" She called out, her face paling slightly.
"Is this the bedroom?" Ryuji asked innocently, but it was too late. He had already opened the door.
Upon seeing the interior, Ryuji raised his eyebrows slightly and then calmly closed the door.
"..." She didn't say anything, but her face was flushed red, her head lowered in embarrassment.
"Who would've thought? You're actually quite wild at heart," Ryuji teased with a chuckle.
Inside the room were some unlaundered clothes, including Shizuka's more personal items. The colors and styles of those garments were… bold, to say the least.
"I-I just like those kinds of things, okay? Is that so wrong?" Shizuka stammered, her face burning with embarrassment.
"Of course not! I like that too," Ryuji said with a mischievous grin.
"You!" She wanted to retort, but before she could, Ryuji stepped closer to her, lowering his head slightly.
"W-Wait, what are you trying to do?" Shizuka stammered.
"Relax," Ryuji said, leaning in closer.
"Successfully contacted a target: Shizuka Hiratsuka!
A golden entry has been triggered. Do you want to load it?"
Ryuji blinked in surprise. Another golden entry? He hadn't expected that.
Pushing her against the wall.
"Wait… wait a minute!" Shizuka's voice trembled slightly as she backed away, but her resistance was minimal.