Chapter 141 - 141 – Just Press a Little

After Yukino said, "You've improved a lot," Utaha was already bracing herself for another verbal exchange—but unexpectedly, nothing followed. She stared suspiciously at Yukino for a few seconds, waiting for the next line that never came. The silence only made her more confused. Of course, Yukino caught the shift in her expression perfectly. No rush. Let's play a little. That was probably what Yukino was thinking. Utaha, unaware of the trap, sat for a bit longer in the living room. Seeing Yukino completely absorbed in brushing the orange cat, she quietly took her phone and stepped out onto the balcony. "Megumi, could you help me out one more time?" She wanted to stay over for the night. By the time she resolved the matter and returned to the living room, a light smile had appeared on her face. But the moment she sat down, Yukino unexpectedly asked, "So, have you come up with a reason for your parents?" Utaha was caught completely off guard. Yukino didn't even look up as she continued grooming the cat, calmly saying, "Then you'd better let Haru know, so he can prepare the guest room." Utaha steadied herself and tested the waters. "You don't mind if I stay over?" "Does it matter if I mind?" Yukino shot back. "You're right. You're not the type to meddle in others' business," Utaha replied, backing off without pressing further. Yukino finally looked up. Their eyes met. "Are you saying you know me that well, senpai?" Utaha answered steadily, "We've known each other for a while now. I'd say I understand you at least a little." Yukino didn't pursue that topic any further and instead shifted gears without warning. "Earlier, you were learning massage techniques from Haru?" Utaha hadn't expected that turn—but having been in mental skirmishes with Yukino so many times, she composed herself quickly. "Yeah. I actually learned quite a bit. I was hoping we could discuss some of it when you came out." "Just discuss?" Yukino asked. Utaha gave a faint smile. "More precisely, I hoped he could teach both of us together." She still wanted to challenge the so-called "perfect girl" that Haru always praised. Sure, she'd lost to Yukino before—but that didn't mean she was going to admit defeat. In her mind, as long as they started from the same line, she was confident she'd come out ahead. "I refuse." The voice came from the kitchen. It was Haru. Both girls turned their heads in surprise. Haru was taking off his apron and walking over. "You were eavesdropping on us?" Utaha teased. "I don't make a habit of that," he replied, placing the apron aside. "I'd just finished up and came out when I heard the word 'massage.' Couldn't help chiming in." "Why refuse? Teaching one or two people makes no difference. And I'm sure Yukino's interested too," Utaha said with a laugh. He shook his head. He knew Yukino too well. She had no interest in such silly competitions. "I am interested," Yukino suddenly said. Haru froze. Utaha, not knowing Yukino well enough, thought her own suggestion had worked. She turned to him with a grin. "You heard her. We're both interested." Haru shot Yukino a look: What are you playing at? Yukino didn't even glance at him. If it were anyone else, this would've meant guilt. But with Yukino, it meant she was hiding something. He couldn't figure it out, so he simply asked, "You're both really interested?" Yukino answered calmly, "Mm. As long as you teach seriously, I'll attend the lesson with senpai." Utaha unconsciously puffed out her chest. This is it. My chance. There was no way Yukino could be better than her at massages. Something's wrong. Very wrong. Haru could swear on his life—Yukino was plotting something. But the clues were too few. He couldn't work it out yet. All he could do was agree for now and look for an opening. Soon after, Utaha brought up staying the night. Seeing Yukino's nonchalant reaction, he figured they had already come to an agreement. He stood and said, "Then you two take the master bedroom. I'll sleep in the guest room." Neither of the girls objected. After prepping the room, he brought over a new set of toiletries and a bathrobe. Then Yukino asked, "How much of the theory did you teach senpai?" "All of it, more or less. She picks things up quickly," he replied honestly. Yukino remained composed. "Then she and I are about the same." "You've learned too?" Haru didn't recall ever teaching her. Utaha also looked over, curious. Yukino met their gazes calmly. "After you gave me that massage, I looked up a lot of material online myself." Haru blinked. "So basically, you're both only missing the hands-on part." "Then tonight's the perfect time," Utaha said instantly. She was determined to prove herself. Yukino gave her a sidelong glance and nodded. "Then senpai can go first." "No problem. I'll go get cleaned up." Utaha didn't hesitate. She picked up the bath kit and headed to the bathroom. The moment she left, Haru leaned toward Yukino and asked quietly, "What are you up to?" "I want you to figure that out with your own brain," she replied. He raised his hands in frustration. "You're not even giving me a hint. How am I supposed to deduce anything?" "Then just focus on the hands-on teaching," she said, and added, "And I mean proper teaching. Don't do anything weird." She still remembered all too well how he'd left her limp and breathless last time with his massage. That memory alone warranted a warning. "She wants to compete with you, and I can't read your intentions, so of course I'll keep everything serious and professional," Haru promised. Yukino gave a small nod and said nothing more. When Utaha came out of the bath, she had changed into the robe. Because Haru had no idea what Yukino was planning, he deliberately chose a larger size. The hem reached well below her knees, wrapping her curves securely and leaving no chance for any awkward accidents. That alone was proof that he had no intention of doing anything weird—this would be a proper, professional lesson. "I'm ready. Let's begin." Utaha took off her hood, letting her silky hair cascade down like a waterfall, flowing over her shoulders and neck with graceful ease. Since her hair was already clean and time was short, she didn't bother washing it. "Lie down here," Haru said, rising from his seat and pointing to the wide, comfortable sofa. Utaha obeyed without protest, a faint smile curling at her lips. "By the way, since I'm the first one to experience this hands-on lesson, I'll probably end up learning more than Yukinoshita." "I anticipated that already. You didn't need to point it out," Yukino replied coolly. Seeing the two had stopped bickering, Haru put on a serious face. "Then, the professional session by Tokyo's King of Massage begins now." No one responded. Unfazed, he pulled up a chair and sat down on the left side of the sofa, positioning himself to start with Utaha's legs. Yukino, meanwhile, had set down the orange cat in her lap and was now seated properly, legs together, posture upright—clearly ready to observe seriously. But beneath that composed exterior, her left hand slid discreetly to her thigh. She pulled out her phone and, with a few practiced taps, started recording. She had firsthand experience with Haru's massage skills. Even if he kept everything proper and professional, the effects were still… unpredictable. Despite her strong self-control and calm mind, she had completely melted under his hands. And Utaha? There was no way she'd fare any better. This kind of once-in-a-lifetime footage—how could she not capture it? Yukino kept her expression straight, doing her best not to smirk. So the senior wants to challenge me head-on?Fine. I'll just unleash my secret weapon—Amamiya Haru. A single massage, and she's done for. She thought her movements had been perfectly concealed. Unfortunately for her, Haru had a cheat skill: [Auto Aim]. Not only did it help him find the most pleasurable pressure points with surgical precision during a massage, it also let him observe his surroundings in ridiculous detail. When he caught a glimpse of Yukino's little maneuver, it all clicked instantly. So that's what she's after—trying to catch the senpai at her weakest. No wonder she didn't give a single hint earlier. Naturally, he didn't call her out. "I'm going to start now," he said, his expression solemn, radiating the air of a true massage professional. "Okay," Utaha replied softly, closing her eyes to focus fully on the experience. And in the very next moment— "Ah—!" A surprised gasp escaped her lips the instant Haru gently wrapped his hands around her petite foot. Just from that one touch, her toes curled tightly, straining upward with tension. Her smooth arch tensed as well, and the fine texture of her skin became visible beneath the light overhead. Her soft, pale foot almost seemed to glow, like a delicate pink pearl under the spotlight. "Senpai, please relax." Haru stayed focused, aware that Yukino was observing closely, and Utaha was also ready to compete. He decided to put on the most professional demeanor he could muster. "I—I know," Utaha replied, exhaling softly, her cheeks flushing with heat. She didn't look at Yukino, knowing full well the other girl was likely laughing at her right now. It was just so embarrassing—she hadn't expected that when Haru's warm palms made contact with her feet, she'd involuntarily let out a pleased sound. And, as expected, her guess was right. Yukino's face was indeed twisted with amusement. She didn't bother to hide it. The camera from her phone, positioned just above her thigh, zoomed in on Utaha's flushed face. How embarrassing, Senpai. Yukino thought, her grin widening. Haru's professional massage continued. His fingers pressed gently on Utaha's delicate foot, and immediately, her breathing grew heavier. Before the practical session began, Yukino had intentionally lowered the volume on the TV, making Utaha's every breath sound unusually clear. "Generally speaking, using the fingers or palms to apply steady, slow pressure in a straight line is the most common technique in massage. This method helps alleviate discomfort from fatigue and also promotes circulation..." He was indeed serious about teaching. As he massaged, he explained the techniques he'd learned to both girls. Yukino, ever multitasking, filmed while also listening intently. Utaha bit her lip, trying to steady her breathing, desperately attempting to calm her racing heart. But when his fingers lightly brushed over her foot's arch and then moved to the soft sole, an overwhelming, ticklish sensation made her unconsciously squirm. Her snow-white feet instinctively curled upwards. "Hold still," Haru said, firmly grasping her slender ankle. "It—it tickles." Her face was burning, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions, tears welling up. "Tickling is normal. Most people can't stand it," he explained calmly. "I know, but... Yukino, why are you laughing?!" Utaha tried to save face, but when her peripheral vision caught Yukino's lips curving into an uncontrollable grin, she could tell the other girl was having a hard time holding back. "I'm laughing at you," Yukino answered honestly, her voice dripping with amusement. Utaha's face turned even redder, but she quickly retorted, "It's fine for you to laugh now, but remember—next, it's your turn." Yukino lazily asked, "Who told you it's going to be me next?" Utaha froze. "What do you mean?" Yukino's left hand subtly lowered as she tucked her phone away, chuckling. "I only told you to go first. I never said I'd be second." She glanced at Haru, who had paused his movements. "Right?" He had nothing to say—Yukino was technically correct. Utaha stared at them, disbelief evident in her eyes. She quickly replayed the conversation in her head and realized Yukino had never explicitly said she'd be the second. Oh no! She wasn't laughing anymore. Yukino's voice broke the silence. "What's wrong? Giving up already, Senpai?" Utaha clenched her fists in irritation. "Reverse psychology? That's so old-fashioned." "But it works," Yukino said with a smile. Utaha fell silent. Yukino was right—the tactic may be old, but it was undeniably effective. After all, Utaha couldn't back down now. She had initiated this practical session. She had also been the one to suggest competing with Yukino, aiming for a fair starting line. But the problem was... His massage technique is too good! Utaha took several deep breaths, her resolve wavering, but she decided to push through. Haru noticed Yukino raising her phone again and sighed inwardly. What was supposed to be a simple massage lesson had become a battlefield between the two girls. Yukino had likely planned this from the moment she walked into the room. As the massage continued, Utaha let out the occasional hum, her breaths quickening as she couldn't focus on Haru's explanations anymore. The speed of his fingers mirrored the intensity of her growing reactions—like Beethoven's symphonies—each note higher than the last. Finally, unable to hold back, she grabbed a nearby cushion, pressing her long, pale fingers into it with force. The feeling was indescribable. The initial ache from the massage melted away, replaced by a wave of blissful ease that spread through her body, as though she were soaking in a warm spring. It was comfortable and relaxing, making her want to sigh in contentment. She didn't even realize that her face was flushed, her hair slightly disheveled, and her eyes half-lidded, practically glowing with an intoxicated allure. And all of it had been captured on Yukino's phone.