My Boss, A Clear And Perfect Beauty Who's An Elite Police Bureaucrat, Turns Out To Be My Sweet And Doting Childhood Friend Who Loves Me Dearly At Home. - Chapter 37

The struggle for dominance between the two

“Me choosing a swimsuit… That’s… ”

“Is it a no?”

“It’s not a no, but can I really take on such a big role?”

Shinichi says it with a hint of a joke.

Maho laughs softly.

“It’s meaningful because it’s you, Shinichi. After all, I want to wear a swimsuit that suits your taste.”

“Really?”

“I want you to say that I’m cute.”

Maho says it with an upward glance, seemingly embarrassed.

There’s no way he can refuse after being told that much.

(A swimsuit that suits Maho, huh…)

Shinichi imagines Maho in a bikini. He gets flustered as he envisions her slender, white legs and boldly exposed cleavage.

Maho looks at Shinichi with a stern expression.

“You just thought about me in a swimsuit and something naughty, right?”

“Eh!? No way, I didn’t do that.”

“You didn’t? That makes it sound like I’m not attractive, and I don’t like that.”

“Uh, well, I did think about it…”

“See, I knew it!”

Maho pretends to be angry. Shinichi smiles bitterly, even though she was the one who made him say it.

Of course, Maho is not really angry, and she starts giggling.

It’s frustrating that Maho always teases him and holds the upper hand.

Shinichi decides to fight back.

“But even without a swimsuit, Maho is still cute.”

“Eh!?”

“You’re cute enough as you are now…”

“Are you thinking about something naughty?”

“It’s possible.”

Maho’s face turns red, and she hugs her chest with both arms, looking down.

Shinichi feels embarrassed after saying it.

“Don’t say embarrassing things.”

“But Maho, you wanted me to say that you’re cute.”

“That’s true, but… Right, we need to get away from here quickly, or that girl might come back.”

Shinichi thought she was trying to change the subject. But it’s true that it would be troublesome if they ran into Kana again.

They should go to another place to buy a swimsuit quickly.

As Shinichi tries to start walking, Maho calls out, “Hey.”

When he turns around, Maho looks restless.

What’s wrong?

“Um… I want you to do something for me, like you did for that girl.”

“What did I do for Azusa-san?”

“Hold hands.”

“Is that okay?”

“Don’t get the wrong idea! It’s not like I’m competing with her or anything! It’s just so we don’t get separated!”

Maho puffs up her cheeks and says that. Shinichi can imagine that she’s probably jealous of Kana.

Shinichi looks at Maho’s small, white hand.

Is it okay to take this hand?

(Will I be forgiven for that much…?)

Shinichi gently reaches out his hand to Maho and gently holds it.

Maho blushes to her ears and looks down.

“Our hands are connected.”

“Because Maho wanted it.”

“Didn’t Shinichi want to?”

“I wanted to hold hands with Maho too.”

“I see. Shinichi’s hand is warm…”

Maho’s hand is cool, small, and soft. It makes Shinichi aware once again that Maho is a woman.

His heart is pounding. He wonders if Maho can tell.

Maho smiles happily.

“It’s exciting, isn’t it?”

“Are you excited too, Maho?”

“Yeah. And Shinichi…?”

“…Let’s go.”

“Are you trying to deceive me?”

Maho says it with amusement. Shinichi pulls her hand a little forcefully.

“Ah…”

Maho lets out a small, sweet voice.

“Shinichi will lead me?”

“I’m a man, after all.”

“That might be a problematic statement in today’s world, you know?”

“You might be right. Sorry.”

“But it might make me happy. I don’t mind if Shinichi sees me as a woman… Hey, Shinichi… don’t let me go, okay?”

Maho whispers it with a pained expression.

In the midst of the crowd, the two hold hands and start walking.