“Sanzawa-kun, what is the meaning of this?”

Monou-san says while glaring straight at me with a dignified gaze.

The location is—the sales department office.

With the quiet yet severe reprimand, a tense atmosphere ran through the room.

“You haven’t even achieved half of this month’s sales quota yet.”

Saying that, she points to the sales performance chart posted on the wall.

A row of bar graphs lined up.

Only the spot with my name was sharply dented.

“The era where books sell on their own just because it’s a major publisher ended long ago. In this age where entertainment diversity is advancing… if we in sales don’t use our heads to sell, no one will buy books.”

Having received guidance from my direct superior, I-

“I’m sorry…”

had no choice but to lower my head.

“I intended to work hard, but it didn’t go as planned…”

“Getting evaluated for effort is only up to student life.”

Sharply.

The heavy truth felt like it was gouging my abdomen.

Once again—I look at her.

Glossy black hair and sharp eyes. Her gaze isn’t harsh, but it has an overwhelming force and nobility that overpowers others.

A beauty that everyone acknowledges, and her figure is outstanding too. The intense assertion of her chest can’t be hidden even over her suit. Even during the scolding, my eyes are almost drawn to it, but I somehow desperately restrain myself.

“You’re already in your second year, so have proper awareness as a working adult.”

After saying that decisively, Monou-san turned her back to me and started walking.

“…Phew”

Released from the pressure, I let out a small breath.

Strength drained from my entire body.

“Chief Monou~”

As she was leaving the sales department, a female employee called out to her.

My classmate from the same year—Kanomata Miku.

She’s assigned to the same sales department, but in a different section from me.

“Somehow, I got invited to golf by the department head this weekend… He said it’s entertainment with a client so I can’t refuse… And it’s overnight…”

She reports in a voice that sounds like she’s about to cry.

Monou-san frowns, a faint unpleasantness seeping into her expression.

“…I’ll turn it down to the department head for you.”

“Thank you so much!”

“The department head is bad, but you need to be more resolute too. Taking such a weak attitude is why you get looked down on.”

“…Yes”

When Kanomata nods while cowering, Monou-san briskly leaves the sales department.

“…Haa”

As I let out a small breath and return to my seat,

“You got done in, huh, Sanzawa.”

My colleague in the neighboring seat—Kutsuwa Shougo came saying with a grin.

“Can’t be helped. It’s my own doing.”

“As always, she’s scary, our sales department’s ‘Empress’.”

Kutsuwa says while shrugging his shoulders.

Saying it openly just because she’s not here…

Monou Yuiko.

Her position is section chief.

An overwhelming beauty who pulls off branded suits.

To me, she’s my superior and someone who’s taken care of me since I joined the company.

Her age—I hear is thirty-two.

In her early thirties, she’s the only one in our company in the ‘section chief’ position at such a young age. In short, she’s an incredibly capable worker. Apparently, in her younger days, she was called the ace of sales.

In terms of work, she’s outstanding with no complaints.

On the other hand, she’s famous for being strict with both superiors and subordinates.

In the company, she’s called the ‘Empress’ with respect and fear.

And.

As for me… I’m a very ordinary second-year working adult who often gets scolded by such an empress.

My name is Sanzawa Haruhiko.

A very ordinary twenty-three-year-old with no particular distinguishing features.

‘Maruyama Company’

One of the major publishers that exist in Japan.

Novels, manga, picture books, light novels, business books, diet books, and so on… they publish pretty much anything called a book.

I somehow managed to slip into such a large company as a new graduate.

When it comes to working at a publisher,

‘You’re an editor, right? What kind of books do you make?’

I’m often asked that. For most people, publisher = literally a company that makes and publishes books, I suppose.

However, naturally, publishers have many jobs besides editing.

Sales is one of them.

It’s the job of us in sales to do our best so that the books that writers and editors pour their souls into reach as many readers as possible.

We aren’t recognized by readers, but it’s a fulfilling and respectable job.

Everyone in the sales department takes pride in their own work—

“Haaah. Doing sales is unbearable, huh.”

—or maybe not.

It’s lunch break.

To get a meal, I was heading outside with my colleague Kutsuwa. While descending in the elevator, Kutsuwa continues with a sigh.

“I wanna hurry up and go to the editing department and make books.”

“Kutsuwa wanted the editing department, right?”

“Of course. There ain’t anyone who joins a publisher wanting to do sales.”

He declares.

It’s an extreme view… but I guess it can’t be called that.

Most people who join a publishing company hope for the editing department.

After all, the star role in a publishing company is—the job of making books.

However, not all new graduates can go to their desired department, and they end up being assigned to sales or other departments based on personnel decisions.

Many people assigned to sales don’t give up and continue submitting transfer requests to the editing department.

But even so, not everyone can work in the editing department.

Recently, there was someone who went from sales to editing, but that person finally got to their desired department after doing sales for ten years.

“You’re the same, right, Sanzawa?”

“I am…”

After thinking a little, I continue.

“…Right now, I don’t have the luxury to think about transfers. I’m not excellent enough to choose my job, so I’ll just do my best with the work in front of me.”

“Woww. As always, what a well-behaved honor student.”

Kutsuwa says teasingly.

“How can I get those damn personnel to put me in editing? Like producing overwhelming results in sales?”

“I hear the sales department won’t let go of someone like that.”

“Then, I’ll half-ass the sales work and produce crap results.”

“They probably won’t let someone like that go to their desired department.”

“Right? Ah, what is this, I’m screwed? What do I have to do to go to my desired department?”

Kutsuwa scratches his head in anguish.

Unable to work in the desired department.

It’s a worry that many working adults probably have.

What to do about it… there’s no way a second-year working adult like me would know.

And then, at that moment.

“—Um!”

As we were getting off the elevator and walking, someone called out.

“You’re Sanzawa-san from sales, right!?”

Three young female employees are looking at me with sparkling eyes.

Unfamiliar faces.

Probably new employees who joined this year.

“Um… if it’s okay, could we exchange contact info!?”

One says as if resolving herself.

The remaining two also open their mouths.

“M-Me too, please!”

“If you’d like, maybe dinner sometime…”

“Ah, I want to go too!”

The three female employees come pushing in aggressively.

From the side… it might look like an enviable scene.

Being suddenly called out by unfamiliar female employees would make one seem like a popular guy who never lacks for women.

However, the only emotion sprouting in my chest is a weary, empty feeling of “here we go again.”

Haa.

This again.

“…Ah, sorry but”

Being careful not to let my exasperation show on my face, I say.

“I can’t get my big brother’s autograph, and I can’t introduce you to soccer players either.”

“““Ehh”“”

Their smiling faces instantly turn to dissatisfaction all at once.

Even after a few more exchanges, as I gently but firmly continue to refuse, they retreat with dissatisfied faces.

Kutsuwa, who watched the whole thing, directs sympathetic eyes at me.

“You’re used to it, huh.”

“It’s the usual.”

I reply lightly and start walking again.

Leaving the company, heading to the targeted diner.

When passing in front of a convenience store—

“…………”

A large poster stuck on the window catches my eye.

‘Don’t give up on your dreams’

Along with such a beautiful catchphrase, a professional soccer player is pictured.

Sanzawa Shunichirou.

One of Japan’s representative soccer players.

His position is the star of soccer, the goal-scoring forward. Currently active in a J1 team, he also has experience playing in the World Cup as part of the national team.

And.

My, Sanzawa Haruhiko’s, real older brother.

If there’s one thing that’s not ordinary about me, who is nothing but a very plain working adult… it would probably be that my blood-related brother is a super famous athlete.

“So it’s that after all?”

At the familiar diner, Kutsuwa sitting across from me asks.

Both our orders were udon.

“Do you have a complex about your too-great brother?”

“…You sure ask directly.”

Well, it’s actually helpful.

It’s more tiring to have unnecessary consideration.

“…Yeah.”

I say.

“I finished all that troublesome stuff back in student days.”

I say with a light laugh.

Probably, I made a good smile.

Suddenly—I remember.

Elementary school. Middle school. High school. University. Days when I devoted all my youth to the black-and-white ball. The back I could never catch no matter how I chased. The impatience and anguish that burned my heart. Humiliation and inferiority complex that made me want to vomit. One day, the “snap” sound of something breaking through my right leg. Unimaginable intense pain. Surgery. Knee fixed rigidly in a cast. Hellish days of rehab. The fear of recurrence that flashed with every step. Despair, resignation, giving up, loss of heart, recklessness—

Before I knew it, my hand was unconsciously touching my right knee.

“…………”

It’s okay.

There’s no more pain.

In my body, or my heart.

I have no lingering attachment to soccer, and I can honestly rejoice in my great brother’s success.

I have properly—become an adult.

Knowing my place and living accordingly, an ordinary adult.

“Ordinary people have to work hard to live ordinarily in their own way.”

I declare and slurp down the remaining udon in one go.

“Yeah yeah. Salaryman is a fine job too.”

Kutsuwa agrees.

“Anyway, you first need to not get scolded by the chief.”

“…I know that.”

After refueling with lunch, we return to the company building.

Looking around the company again, there were surprisingly many people in casual styles for a major company. Some in sweats or jerseys here and there. People with exhausted faces who look like they haven’t gone home in days.

Those over there… well, probably people from the editing department.

The sales department is suits or office casual, but the editing department has many in casual attire.

The editors I meet in the company… are mostly in a state of utter exhaustion.

It conveys just how harsh the work of making books and releasing them to the world is.

Kutsuwa said he wants to transfer to the editing department… but seeing them working as if shaving off their lives, I don’t really feel like it. Guys from my year who got into editing as they hoped… somehow, they seem to be getting thinner every time I meet them.

“Well, but”

After returning to the floor with the sales department, Kutsuwa says.

“Chief Monou seems unusually strict with you, though.”

“…………”

“You’ve been under her since new employee training, right?”

“Yeah… Chief Monou worked me to death.”

In my newbie days—that is, last year—the one who became my mentor was Chief Monou.

Normally, someone in the position of section chief wouldn’t do it, but at that time, the sales department was in chaos with several resignations and transfers, so Chief Monou personally took charge of me.

“Like a disciple or something. You’re loved, huh~”

“Don’t tease. If the person you trained has bad results, of course you’d have to get angry, right?”

In that regard, I feel sorry.

Chief Monou surely isn’t angry because she wants to be.

“She really feels like a full-on workaholic. Still single, right?”

“Seems so.”

I haven’t heard she’s married.

Boyfriend… probably doesn’t have one, I think.

“Work is her lover, huh. Well, no matter how beautiful, with that harsh personality, guys would lose the will to ask her out.”

Grinning sloppily, he badmouths her as if seizing the chance.

Well, badmouthing superiors is normal for working adults, I suppose.

Maybe low-level employees deepen bonds this way. Especially since I just got scolded. Bowing and apologizing on the surface, but sticking out your tongue behind and complaining with colleagues might be what a savvy working adult does.

But—

“…I quite like Chief Monou, though.”

I said.

Kutsuwa’s eyes go round.

“Eh… Hey, seriously? What, that kind of feeling? You into older women?”

“No, not like that…”

Chief Monou is certainly strict.

I don’t know how many times I was scolded in my newbie days, and the strictness hasn’t changed even now.

But—she’s not tyrannical.

What she says makes sense, and she doesn’t say unreasonable things. I feel she scolds and encourages because she sees me as a full working adult.

She’s an empress, but not a tyrant who oppresses the people and subjects; rather, the kind of ruler who guides the masses to the right path with strong will and strictness.

“I respect her as a working adult.”

Section chief at thirty-two.

She excels at work and is respected by those around her.

I really think she’s admirable and cool.

I want to become such an independent adult soon too.

“Ah. I get it. It’s the boobs, right? Aiming for those magnificent breasts.”

Kutsuwa says happily.

Listen to me, geez.

“You know, choosing women by breasts won’t lead to anything good~?”

“…Indeed, the chief’s boobs are irresistible, but”

I was about to say—when it happened.

“Ara.”

Bump.

Turning the corner, I ran into the familiar branded suit.

Speak of the devil, it’s Chief Monou herself.

“C-Chief Monou…!?”

I hurriedly straighten my back.

Sweat like a waterfall instantly seeps down my back.

Bad.

No way she heard that just now…!?

“N-No, that’s not it, just now this guy— he’s not here!?”

While making excuses, I look to the side and am shocked.

Kutsuwa had suddenly vanished.

He must have slipped away somewhere while I was frozen in surprise.

What a frustratingly savvy guy.

Guys like this probably get promoted.

“U-Um, well…”

“Why are you panicking so much?”

To me stammering, Chief Monou says wonderingly.

Huh?

Maybe… she didn’t hear just now?

“…Ah. It’s nothing.”

Lucky. Close call. That was straight-up sexual harassment. If she heard, how uncomfortable I would have made her.

Relieved, I stroke my chest down, when

“…I’m sorry about earlier.”

Chief Monou lightly bows her head.

“Eh?”

“I shouldn’t have scolded you in front of others. For the quota issue, I should have called you individually and cautioned you…”

“Chief Monou…”

“No matter how bad the results were.”

“Ugh…”

Looking somewhat apologetic, but saying something gouging, Chief Monou.

Well, can’t be helped.

This month’s results are hard to make excuses for.

“…It’s okay. If results are bad, it’s natural to be cautioned.”

Regaining composure, I say.

“I’m the one who’s sorry. From now on, I’ll somehow make a comeback. This time, so that Chief Monou praises me.”

“I see. Do your best.”

“Yes.”

“…Motivation to be praised by me is questionable, though.”

“Th-That’s, well, a short-term goal, or… ahaha.”

“Really…”

Smiling bitterly, Chief Monou also gives a small smile.

She rarely shows smiles, but she’s not someone who never smiles.

The atmosphere becomes amicable, and as I was about to return to the office,

“…Hey, Sanzawa-kun.”

Chief Monou says.

In a somewhat formal tone.

And with a face as if resolving herself.

“Are you free tonight?”

After work hours—

The izakaya she took me to was a bit off from the bustling downtown crowded with people. There were no cluttered menu signs on the outer wall, just the store name in simple font.

Completely different from the cheap chain izakayas I occasionally use.

It was a stylish, high-class place.

“Reservation under Monou.”

“We’ve been waiting.”

Monou-san spoke with familiarity.

Guided by the staff, we are led to the back of the store.

After being shown to a slightly spacious private room,

“What’s wrong? You’re fidgety.”

While hanging her jacket on the hanger, Monou-san said.

“No… I’m somehow nervous. As expected of Chief Monou, you drink at nice places.”

“I don’t come that often. I was just brought here once before by a client.”

After sitting for a while, the appetizer small plates were brought.

We place our drink orders there.

“Highball for me. Sanzawa-kun?”

“Same for me.”

“…You don’t have to force yourself to match. If you’re bad with alcohol, soft drinks are fine too.”

“No, it’s okay. I like highballs.”

Orders finished, the staff leaves.

Somehow, it feels like a break.

“I never thought… I’d be invited to drink by Chief Monou.”

“I’m not the drinking communication type.”

Monou-san lets out a small breath.

“I’ve been boldly turning down superiors’ invitations since long ago.”

“…Ahaha.”

“Inviting a junior… today might be the first time.”

“…Eh.”

My chest throbs at the casually dropped line.

What does it mean? Is there some intent, or just a fact? If it’s a fact, why invite someone like me—

While agonizing over it, the drinks arrive.

Receiving the two highballs in turn.

“Cheers.”

“Ch-Cheers.”

We clink glasses.

About an hour has passed since we started drinking, I think.

“—So, the publishing industry needs to seriously think about ‘selling’ more. The environment surrounding the publishing industry is changing at an unbelievable speed. Yet the higher-ups still have many with that fossil-like thinking of ‘if you make good books, they’ll sell naturally’.”

Monou-san speaks passionately.

At first, there was some tension between us, but thanks to the alcohol, after an hour, we could talk naturally.

Monou-san is still on her second drink, not a fast pace.

Maybe she’s not that strong.

Her face is faintly red, somehow looking sexier than usual.

“Anyone can invest in promotion after a book sells, so from earlier stages, collaborate closely with the editing department—”

After saying that in one breath, Monou-san suddenly covers her mouth.

“…Sorry. Talking about work in a place like this is boring, right?”

“No, I think it’s very like the chief.”

I meant it as a compliment.

Like, I respect you for being passionate about work.

However,

“Muh…”

Monou-san pouts, making a sulky face.

“…What? Does that mean I’m a boring woman who can only do work?”

“Eh…? No no, that’s not what I meant…”

Bad.

It was interpreted in the complete opposite way.

“I can do fun, drinking-party-like talks if I want to, you know.”

Declaring that, Monou-san gulps down her highball.

Placing the glass down with a clunk,

“Sanzawa-kun… do you have a, a girlfriend or something?”

Monou-san said.

A bit hesitantly.

Suddenly became vulgar talk!

“U-Uh…”

“…How about it?”

Stared at intently.

“…N-No, I don’t.”

I thought various things in an instant, but without organizing my thoughts, I end up saying the truth.

“I mean… I’ve never had one either. Ahaha.”

“…I see.”

Monou-san looks a bit surprised.

Shoot. No need to mention past experience… Should have coolly said “Not ‘now’.”

“Unexpected… Sanzawa-kun, you seem like you’d be popular.”

“No, not at all, someone like me. Somehow, I’ve always had no luck.”

“Then, maybe—”

Monou-san says.

Leaning forward just a little.

“—You’re a virgin?”

“!?”

I almost spit out.

Virgin.

Never thought such a word would come from this strict superior.

Is this the power of alcohol too?

“…Y-Yes, embarrassingly.”

“F, Fuun…”

Monou-san stares intently.

Gwaa, bad. Somehow extremely embarrassing.

“S-So, you never went to those kinds of places?”

“I was invited sometimes but… s-somehow they are scary…”

“Hee… y-you’re pure. I-I think it’s good, feels like you cherish it.”

“…No, just a coward… ahaha.”

“…………”

“…………”

An extraordinary awkwardness fills the room.

As I’m about to be crushed by shame,

“…S-Sorry!”

Suddenly, Monou-san bows her head vigorously.

“Eh!?”

“What am I saying…? No matter it’s a drinking seat, asking a subordinate such questions… Complete sexual harassment… These days, there’s no distinction between men and women.”

“I-It’s okay. Don’t mind it.”

“But…”

Monou-san looks confused and truly apologetic.

Seeing such a face makes me feel more sorry.

“I said it’s okay. How to put it… s-sexual harassment is harassment because it makes the other person uncomfortable.”

I say desperately.

“I’m not bothered if Chief Monou teases me about being a virgin!”

“…………”

“If anything, I’m rather happy… eh? Wait? No, not in that meaning…”

Hm? Wait?

No, that’s wrong. That sounds so wrong…!

“…Pff”

Monou-san, who had a dumbfounded face, bursts out after a short pause.

“Ahaha. What is that? Sounds like a pervert.”

She laughs openly, enjoyably.

Like the iron mask during work is a lie.

Ah, that’s right.

I know.

Monou-san is very strict and called the empress, but she’s not someone who doesn’t laugh.

And sometimes, when she laughs from the heart—she laughs like a child.

“Sanzawa-kun looks serious but is unexpectedly perverted.”

She stares intently.

“…You said my breasts are irresistible.”

“Ugh!? Y-You did hear that…”

“I heard it. Really… Anyway, Sanzawa-kun always—”

Monou-san enters lecture mode.

Another hour later—

Leaving the izakaya, we walk the night streets together.

The night wind feels good on our alcohol-heated bodies.

“Thank you for the meal. Sorry for letting you treat me.”

“Don’t mind. It’s natural as a superior.”

Monou-san says. Her face is red but not completely drunk; she seems to have plenty of leeway. I haven’t drunk that much either.

How to say it.

We both drank enjoyably within common sense.

“Sorry for making you accompany an old lady like this.”

To the light self-deprecation, I shake my head vigorously.

“What are you saying! The chief isn’t an old lady at all. Still very beautiful… ah, uh… ahaha.”

“Fufu. Thanks. You’re kind, Sanzawa-kun.”

To me blushing and laughing, Monou-san smiles back. Her flushed face looks unusually sexy, making my heart pound.

Thanks to the alcohol, I feel very fluffy and happy.

Ah, it was a fun drink.

I saw many new sides of Monou-san, and the food was delicious.

I feel motivated to work from tomorrow.

“By the way, Chief Monou, where’s your home? If using a taxi, I’ll catch one.”

“—Hey, Sanzawa-kun.”

As I start walking, Monou-san says.

Stopping, looking straight at me.

Somehow—the atmosphere is a bit different from before.

Her face is still flushed, but her eyes are extremely serious.

Yet, they also look somewhat frightened.

As if stepping into a big decision that could change her life—

“…Can you keep me company a bit more today?”

“Eh…”

A bit deflated.

Thought she was going to say something formal.

For me, it’s an invitation I could wish for.

I wanted to drink more with Monou-san anyway.

“Sure. Today, I’ll keep you company as much as you want.”

Shaa—

The sound of running water echoes from the bathroom. Through the frosted glass, the sound is quite small—and my heartbeat is far louder.

I’ve already finished my shower, sitting on the bed with just a bath towel around my waist. It’s my first time in ‘a place like this,’ but inside is unexpectedly clean and elegant, giving the impression of a normal lodging.

However… the lighting control device above the bed.

The square like a seasoning packet placed by the pillow.

Such things strongly assert that this is ‘that kind of place.’

About an hour after leaving the izakaya.

We—are inside a love hotel.

“…Eh?”

No, wait.

What is this?

What is this situation?

What is this sudden development!?

After leaving the first place, I followed her invitation, wondering where the second place to drink would be…and arrived at a love hotel. My head panicked, and when she said “Shower first?” I just followed—and now Monou-san is showering.

…No no no no.

Doesn’t make sense.

What should I do?

So I… from now, w-we’re going to do it, right.

It’s okay to think I was invited?

From Monou-san, a physical relationship—

“—”

Bad. Seriously bad. I’m nervous enough to puke. My stomach hurts too.

I Sobered up completely long ago.

Who thought it would be this—casual?

Is this how adults are?

I said I’m a virgin… no, rather the opposite. Maybe Monou-san, despite appearances, has a hobby of guiding virgins?

But… is it okay to do this so easily? The proper order is… wait? No, confessing each time is up to students, right? I’ve heard that adults get into such relationships and then casually start dating, or something like that—

Click.

The sound of the door opening.

I, who was thinking so hard my head might explode, reflexively look up.

Swallow my breath.

“…Sorry to keep you waiting.”

The appearing Monou-san—was in a bathrobe.

Sensual curves are emphasized whether she likes it or not. The violent style known even over her suit jumps into my eyes with even more destructive power.

Her hair’s not wet. Seems she only washed her body. Ah, right, in times like this, you don’t wash your head. I feel embarrassed for thoroughly shampooing.

Monou-san’s face and skin are slightly red.

From alcohol, or the shower.

Or—because she’s feeling the same tension and excitement as me.

I understand intuitively.

This person now wants me to hold her—

“…Sanzawa-kun.”

One step, two steps, three steps.

Monou-san approaches slowly.

My heart pounds wildly, head about to go blank.

Unable to look directly at her, I look down.

“U-Uh… a-after all, this kind of thing…”

Even at this point, I say something pathetic. Lame. Too lame. If saying it’s considerate of her, maybe… but actually, I’m just chickening out at the last moment.

“Th-That… it should be after properly dating—”

Rustle.

In the middle of my words, something falls.

What came into my view, looking only down, was—the bathrobe.

What that means, I understand immediately if I look up reflexively.

“”

Lost for words.

The room is dim, but at this close distance, everything is clear.

Inside the bathrobe—was almost naked.

Wearing only black underwear covering the lower abdomen.

Nothing on top, just hiding with hands.

Plump thighs. Large hips and moderately toned waist. And breasts boasting overwhelming presence and weight. Trying to hide with both hands, but about to spill any moment.

A female body glamorous to a violent degree—

“…I-I’m already over thirty…”

Saying in a voice trembling with tension and anxiety, Monou-san approaches me again.

The bountiful female body looms before my eyes.

“If… Sanzawa-kun’s first is okay with someone this old.”

She says.

Reaching out, embracing me, pushing me down onto the bed.

“Please… hold me.”

It was like a plea, and at the same time like a prayer.

The sweet, charming voice reaching my ears.

Her scent tickling my nostrils.

The soft skin sensation felt with my whole body.

In this moment— my reason flew away.

I strongly embraced her, devouring the voluptuous female body.

…I said ‘reason flew away,’ but once it started, there were surprisingly many moments where I had to use reason.

After all, I have no experience.

No leeway to fight on instinct alone.

Desperately working my brain. Net articles, AV, friends’ heroic tales… pulling out such memories, somehow groping my way through.

However—

The sweet moans echoing with every touch try to kill my reason. She seemed unconfident, but her body tasted on skin is too attractive, too stimulating for inexperienced me.

“…I-Is it okay?”

On the bed—

In a position covered by her, I ask.

I think I read an article that ‘men who ask during the act are lame,’ but from anxiety, I couldn’t help asking.

“…………”

Nod.

Monou-san nods small.

That appearance is so cute, lust and instinct surge at once.

However.

The remaining part of reason moves my hand to the pillow.

“U-Um… then, I’ll put this on…”

Condoms always prepared by the pillow in love hotels.

Even if uniting casually, this can’t be neglected. No matter how heated, the part of reason that must never be lost.

Desperately recalling the ‘how to put on’ I researched long ago—at that time.

Her hand stops my reaching hand.

“—No need to put it on.”

Monou-san said.

Didn’t understand the meaning.

“…Eh?”

“No need, so insert it as is.”

“W-What are you saying… I can’t do that.”

I Can’t.

If unmarried man and woman unite, without proper family planning, you absolutely should use it.

Men who drown in momentary pleasure and can’t keep minimum manners—are the worst. Irresponsible to the extreme. Enemy of all women. Such guys have no qualification to hold women.

Inexperienced me thought that way, in my inexperienced way.

However—now.

“It’s fine. Please…!”

The woman, she, is demanding it from me.

Begging. Pleading. Requesting.

Union without even a thin membrane, bare—

“…N-No, if something happens…”

“It’s okay!”

She says again, pleading repeatedly.

Somehow—unnaturally desperate.

Why.

Why, to that extent—

“…Uh”

At the height of confusion, unable to move—she moves.

Reaching to my lower abdomen, touching my member.

Slender fingers grip firmly.

And forcibly—tries to insert.

“W-Wait… like that, forcibly…”

Even trying to pull my hips back, with the vital spot gripped, I can’t move as I want.

Her fiercely seeking union, and me desperately rejecting.

From the mismatch, union doesn’t proceed smoothly, bumping and rubbing at the entrance many times, and eventually—

“…Ah”

“Eh…?”

The end came absurdly easily.

An extraordinary awkwardness filled the room.

“…S-Sorry.”

“…I’m sorry too.”

Sitting side by side on the bed, we apologize to each other.

But words soon cut off.

Embarrassed enough to die.

…Lame.

No matter a virgin, that was bad.

Excited to the limit, but exploding in that way. Couldn’t control at all myself, so, how to say… flew everywhere, cleanup was tough.

“…………”

But.

Apart from my immaturity—there’s also a sense of discomfort.

Why.

Why was Monou-san so forcibly—

“Sanzawa-kun.”

Monou-san sitting next to me opens her mouth.

In a serious tone, like the sexy face earlier was a lie.

“…Hiding more would be rude, so I’ll say it clearly.”

Hiding?

Hiding what.

“I have no intention of dating anyone.”

Monou-san said.

In a cold, pushing away tone.

“I’m fully satisfied with my current lifestyle. I can’t imagine marrying and living with someone.”

Calmly.

Like handing over work, she continues.

“No intention to marry anyone, or get a man.”

But.

Monou-san says.

“As a woman—I want to give birth to a child.”

“…………”

For a moment, thinking stops.

But it’s just a moment, soon a feeling of it clicking.

The doubts felt today melting in chain.

Why invite me to drink. Why ask if I have a girlfriend. Why forcibly invite to hotel. Why—strongly refuse contraception.

All doubts conclude in a very simple answer.

I understood what she wants from me.

“So, Sanzawa-kun.”

Monou-san says.

“From now on—will you just make a child with me?”