The second science room was found at the far end of the East Building’s third floor. Since it wasn’t on a floor with a required cla.s.s, it wasn’t very popular. Normally, it would be properly locked so that students wouldn’t be able to enter. Thinking about it, Takatsuki-kun was in the science department, so he probably had the key. On the way to the second science room, I looked out the windows and saw the track and field club out on the grounds setting up hurdles. Being able to see that regular sight was able to calm me down, when I thought about how I was heading to the second science room where Takatsuki-kun was waiting, I felt uneasy and nervous, I could hear the thumping of my heart. Certainly, I was puzzled by Takatsuki-kun’s feelings. I had a preference for girls, naturally I wouldn’t be able to answer Takatsuki-kun’s feelings. But, Takatsuki-kun’s feelings were bothersome, listening to them had me honestly worried. Takatsuki-kun’s brain was certainly strange, usually Prince Takatsuki-kun was a truly wonderful person. His words and actions matched his appearance. His elegance, kindness, and reliability were overflowing, he was truly a great person. Finding out the pink situation in Takatsuki-kun’s brain, you can’t blame me for my behaviour. If I didn’t have this ability, and only knew of the everyday Takatsuki-kun like usual, we could have built a good friends.h.i.+p. Although I’d still be puzzled over Takatsuki-kun’s feelings, it still wouldn’t be as bad. If I didn’t know of Takatsuki-kun’s thoughts, there wouldn’t be anything worth worrying about. That’s why, if Takatsuki-kun were to seriously confess to me, I would think it over properly, and refuse him with a sincere att.i.tude.

In front of the second science room’s door. I knocked on it.

“Come in.”

Takatsuki-kun’s voice replied from the inside, I slowly opened the door. And closed it. I closed it without entering the room. Eh, what’s going on. What was that. In the instance that I was about to enter the opened door, I saw that the light in the cla.s.sroom was being blocked from the windows with a black curtain, it was pitch black, I think a desk was moved aside, and something like a magic circle was drawn on the floor with candles set around it. And behind the magic circle was someone wearing a black robe, who looked a lot like Takatsuki-kun, being illuminated by the candle lights. Eh what was that. I don’t understand. I get the feeling that he’s not going to confess or something along the lines of that. Eheh. While I was having a panic attack, the door opened and Takatsuki-kun wearing a black robe came out.

“Go in.”

Nononono. Impossible Impossible. What exactly are you going to do. It’s strange. The atmosphere in that cla.s.sroom was definitely weird. Not caring about my state of panic, Takatsuki-kun forcibly pulled on my arm and dragged me inside.

“Um, Takatsuki-kun, what’s this about?” Takatsuki-kun stood me in the middle of the magic circle and quickly left.

“He-hey Takatsuki-kun, could you explain. I don’t–“

“Silence, incubus! I know you’ve been pretending to be Manaka-kun!”

…Wha?

“Begone, you seductress! I know that you’re targeting me! Seducing me day after day! Today, you’ll receive your punishment!”

…What?!

What is this person saying. What the heck is this person saying. Does anyone here actually understand what Takatsuki-kun is going on about–! I’d like someone to explain to me what’s happening with Takatsuki-kun–! Unable to comprehend Takatsuki-kun’s words, my mind blanks, I don’t even have a retort.

“Takatsuki-kun, in-incubus? What? I’m Manaka? Not an incubus?”

“Don’t lie to me. You f.u.c.king demon, you’re telling me you’re not? If you’re not an incubus then why do I get excited every time I think of Manaka-kun, having to disappear one or two times to let it out. It’s strange to think about it!”

No, while it’s strange, it’s not because I’m an incubus. It’s Takatsuki-kun’s actions that are strange.

“No matter how cute you are with Manaka-kun’s appearance, I won’t be deceived. You’re a demon possessing Manaka-kun, lying in wait. But today, I’m going to save him!”

As Takatsuki-kun said so, he took out a whip from the bag behind him. Wh-wh-whip!?!? Eh? Ehh? No way, he’s going to physically attack? Wait, then what was the point of the magic circle? If he had a magic circle, then on what occasion would the whip be used? It’s not like it could drive away something magical. I don’t understand anything anymore. This is hopeless. Takatsuki-kun was drawing his whip and striking at the floor. I wonder why it feels like he’s accustomed to using it.

“Wait a minute, Takatsuki-kun! Let’s just calm down for a bit? Don’t do it. Let’s not use the whip. It’s dangerous!”

“I know what your thinking. There’s nowhere for you to escape.”

“Eh, wait! Don’t, stop! Stop!”

My lower body felt weak and I was barely able to successfully escape. I fell on my behind in the nick of time. Approaching with the whip, Takatsuki-kun walked step by step towards me and looked down at me while glaring. Scary… I reflexively swallowed when I saw the pointed look I had never seen before. Takatsuki-kun swung his whip. This is it. I’m going to get whipped. Thinking so, I closed my eyes and resigned myself. But, I didn’t hear the sound of the strike or feel any pain. Slowly opening my eyes in fear, I saw Takatsuki-kun holding the whip loosely by his side.

“…Impossible. I can’t do it… Even if that b.a.s.t.a.r.d is possessing Manaka-kun, it’s still Manaka-kun. I can’t hurt him…”

Takatsuki-kun bit his lips in frustration and let go of the whip. Then he dropped his knees to the floor and hung his head.

“Takatsuki-kun…”

Yup, Takatsuki-kun is a nice person. I’m a little touched. Though his thought process is pretty dangerous, he was still able to remain reasonable. And he didn’t want to hurt me. Thanks, Takatsuki-kun. I went up to Takatsuki-kun and crouched down. And to Takatsuki-kun who had his head down, I said, “Thank you for stopping,” and put my hand on his shoulder.

(I want to commit a crime, commit a crime, commit a crime, commit a crime…)

Fuah!?!? Takatsuki-kun grabbed the hand that I instinctively pulled back from his arm.

(Thinking about it carefully, it’s convenient if that incubus is possessing him. I can do whatever I want to Manaka. Don’t miss this chance.)

Eh! What, Takatsuki-kun didn’t stop because he was thinking about me, he wanted to keep the demon and use it for his ulterior motives? Actually, what’s with this demon thing. They don’t even exist. What do you mean demon!

“Manaka-kun. It’s okay.”

It’s not okay at all! Takatsuki-kun pushed me down on my back and held my arms to the floor.

In the dim light of the candles, I could make out Takatsuki-kun’s face. I was caught by his dazzling eyes, I felt oppressed and bitter, but his eyebrows were lowered in pleasure.

“Manaka-kun… (I like Manaka I like I like I like cute cute cute…)”

Takatsuki-kun’s inner feelings were transmitted to me. My face grew hot and my heart was racing. While still pinning me to the floor, he used one of his hands to gently stroke my cheek, and repeatedly over my eyelids.

“…Manaka-kun, Manaka-kun. (I like you I like you I like you I like you I like you…)”

He said my name many times. Repeating it as if to make sure of something. Strangely, Takatsuki-kun was no longer transmitting those shady feelings from before. He was being awfully serious and straightforward. My chest started gradually hurting when I heard Takatsuki-kun’s confessions in his heart. I felt something indescribable kind of like frustration.

“Takatsuki…-kun… I’m not a demon?”

“… (I know.)”

“Can you get off me?”

“… (I really understand.)”

“Could you move?”

“… (I’m not going to separate.)”

“Takatsuki-kun. I, I won’t run away?”

“Manaka-kun… (I like you I like you I like you I like you I like you…)”

“Ah–! Enough–! I’m done with this! You don’t have to keep saying that you like me!”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

…Uhh? I, what did I just say? I was surprised by my own words and my hands jumped to cover my mouth. Because, Takatsuki-kun was transmitting his feelings of like, in his mind he kept saying it at such a high degree, but in reality that wouldn’t be understandable, I could have pa.s.sed the incident off as a wild delusion, but I wasn’t able to bring myself face him properly to do so.

…Ah…I see… so it’s like this…

I finally understood the reason for the fuzzy feeling in my chest as it felt like it was being dropped down to my stomach. It’s like this. I was definitely happy. Receiving Takatsuki-kun’s favour made me pleased. Even the first time when I touched Takatsuki-kun, to see into Takatsuki-kun’s brain, I was confused at the sudden confession, but I was happy. I should have been thinking over the situation with Takatsuki-kun properly. To understand his perverted feelings more, I should have touched him properly. Ah so it’s like this… I get it…

“Sorry, Takatsuki-kun…”

It’s my bad. Using my strange ability, I peeked into Takatsuki-kun’s brain without permission, because of that, I tried to distance myself from him. While not wanting to reject Takatsuki-kun, I half-heartedly pushed the matter aside. I was proud to think that the popular Takatsuki-kun that was loved by everyone liked me. I’m the worst.

“Manaka-kun’s apologizing?”

“Yes.”

“Manaka-kun isn’t at wrong. It’s me that’s doing something bad. Doing this–“

“No. It’s not that…”

Takatsuki-kun removed his hands from me and held one out. I took his hand and Takatsuki-kun pulled me to stand up.

“It’s not?”

“Yeah. I’m the worst.”

“Why?”

“I have this secret I haven’t told anyone.”

“Secret…?”

“Yeah.”

I never thought that I would talk about my abilities with Takatsuki-kun. I didn’t think I’d have to explain it to him. It might be surprising. Or make him uncomfortable. He might even get angry for keeping silent about listening into his thoughts. But I have to talk about it now, if I keep up my bad att.i.tude towards Takatsuki-kun, I can’t move forward.

“You see, Takatsuki-kun. I can hear the thoughts of the people I touch.”

As the silence in the cla.s.sroom continued, I heard the voices of the students doing club activities outside on the grounds.

“Since way back, the romantic feelings of others would flow into my head after touching them.”

Takatsuki-kun silently listened to my confession.

“So, I, I…”

I have to say it… That I know the thoughts of Takatsuki-kun… I have to say it properly. Even if I thought so, staring into Takatsuki-kun’s eyes that had been looking straight-ahead for a while, thinking that those beautiful eyes would change after listening to my confession, the image scared me, and the words would not come out.

“I…”

“I know everything in your brain. Right?”

Takatsuki-kun had put together everything I wanted to say.

“Yes… sorry…”

Not looking at Takatsuki-kun properly, I apologized with my head down.

“I knew.”

“…eh.”

“I knew, or I was aware of it, something like intuition.”

When I raised my head, Takatsuki-kun wasn’t angry at all, his eyebrows were lowered as if troubled.

“Because, Manaka-kun is easy to understand. Whenever I was in contact with Manaka-kun, the colour of your face would change, it was as though you were listening to the voice in my heart. I a.s.sumed you had a telepathic ability, it’s just like how I thought, I just don’t understand why you’re limited to romantic feelings.”

Takatsuki-kun began laughing.

“Eh, then Takatsuki-kun was already aware, and you didn’t say anything!?”

“Hahaha.”

“Are you making fun of me?! Do you actually like me?”

“Hahah, I wonder.”

“Ehh–“

“It’s a secret.”

Takatsuki-kun kept laughing like a mischievous child, “Manaka-kun was trying to keep his ability a secret?” I insist that it was like that. Wait a minute, things aren’t adding up. Because Takatsuki-kun said he knew I was reading his mind, but he was still thinking about perverted things? Saying things like ‘My Angel’ or ‘I love you’, I don’t know if that was serious…

“Hey… Takatsuki-kun, can I ask one more question?”

“What?”

“Which one is the real Takatsuki-kun? Is it the prince-like Takatsuki-kun or… the Takatsuki-kun who’s brain always thinks about extreme things like a.s.sault…”

I really don’t get it.

“Well, which one do you think it is Manaka-kun?”

Takatsuki-kun grabbed my chin and lifted it close to his face.

“Should we try it out?”

“Takatsuki-ku…n…”

“Which one I really am.”

Hm? I can’t hear Takatsuki-kun’s thoughts even though I’m directly touching Takatsuki-kun. Why? Or, what even is this situation!?

“You can’t hear it? The voice in my head.”

I wanted to nod but because my chin was being held it was difficult and came out as tiny. Takatsuki-kun who saw my reaction laughed and breathed out “Cute,” into my ear, then he put his tongue in.

“…Hey…stop…”

“It’s natural that you can’t hear it.”

My chin was firmly gripped in his left hand while the other held the back of my head to prevent me from escaping. Takatsuki-kun’s tongue moved along my earlobe as it deftly licked and sucked at the edges.

“…Ah, don’t…Takatsuki-kun…”

“I’m currently showing to Manaka-kun, in my brain, I’m doing the same thing as what I’m thinking.”

“Ah…enough…”

My waist went weak from the sweet stimulation from him persistently attacking my ear. Takatsuki-kun antic.i.p.ated that, and released my chin, keeping a strong hold on my hips this time.

“Manaka-kun cute cute cute cute cute….”

“Stop, licking…n.”

“Angel angel angel angel angel…”

“Don’t… enough… let go…n.”

“You’re feeling it. I want you to feel more.”

“…ngh.”

“I want to commit a crime commit a crime commit a crime commit a crime commit a crime…”

I heard the voice of Takatsuki-kun near my ear rather than in his head like usual. Hot. Both my ears and body were hot. It’s pointless. I’m going to get eaten. When I felt that this was about to happen

“Hey, Manaka, you here–?”

The door sounded with a knock and Maeda-kun’s voice was heard from the other side. I came back to myself and used all my strength to throw off Takatsuki-kun.

“Ah, Maeda-kun! I, I’m okay, we can go now!” I hurried away from Takatsuki-kun and went to the door.

“Ah, later, Takatsuki-kun! Let’s slowly discuss this another time. See you tomorrow!”

I vigorously opened the door and jumped out of the dark cla.s.sroom while s.h.i.+elding my eyes from the bright light and headed towards Maeda-kun.

“Hey, Manaka.”

“Sorry, sorry. Let’s go.”

“What took you so long?”

“Hm? Well.”

“Ah, I get it. You were doing a job for Hana-chan-sensei.”

“Ah– Yeah, that’s what it was.”

While I still felt heat at the place where I was licked, I was able to skillfully use Maeda-kun’s misunderstanding as my answer, and in the second science room that was left behind.

“Maeda kill kill kill kill kill kill kill…”

I naturally didn’t know of Takatsuki-kun saying these terrible things.