Everything Begins With a Debt in the Hentai World

They gazed at each other in silence for several minutes, managing to suppress the fluttering emotions within them as their passionate feelings gradually cooled.

"Ito-kun, would you mind accompanying me to the supermarket? I want to buy something," said Shinomiya Natsuha, gently patting her flushed cheeks, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Sure, but what do you want to buy?" 

Ito Yoshito asked, having regained his composure, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"It's a gift for a boy!" 

"A gift for someone? Is it for Yamano Yuta?" 

There was a subtle bitterness in Ito's calm tone, a faint jealousy that pierced Natsuha's heart. 

Although was a childhood friend of someone else, Yoshito still felt a pang of jealousy thinking about the girl he had shared intimate moments with having feelings for someone else.

Feeling the weight of Yoshito's emotions, Natsuha knew it was wrong and felt like she was betraying Yuta, her childhood friend who had mutual feelings for her. 

Yet, a flicker of joy welled up within her, and not knowing how to respond, she finally stated the truth.

"…It's because Yuta is coming to visit me on Saturday. As his childhood friend, I need to treat him well! Can you give me some suggestions for the gift?"

"…"

"Please, Ito-kun," she pleaded, linking her arm with his, her figure leaning closer, swaying slightly like a small puppy. 

With her enchanting crimson eyes glistening with a pleading glimmer, her demeanor was utterly charming.

"…I never said I'd refuse," he replied.

"Thank you for helping me, Ito-kun." Natsuha said with delight. 

For some reason, as she spoke more about her childhood friend Yamano Yuta, she found herself mentioning him less and less. 

Even feeling a lack of the sweet emotions she once associated with his visits.

"Just call me 'Yoshito'!" 

"…Of course, you can call me 'Natsuha' too, Yoshito-kun!" 

After a long silence, Natsuha shyly repeated Yoshito's name. 

This address felt almost magical, as if the shadow of Yuta was gradually getting overshadowed in her heart, like a ghost fading in the morning mist as light grew brighter.

——

In the bustling store, Natsuha turned to Yoshito. 

"Yoshito-kun, what do you think about getting a hat? Summer is just around the corner."

Yoshito pondered for a moment. 

For boys, gift preferences might vary from person to person, but generally, most would lean towards practical items.

"Um, that's a pretty good choice for a gift."

"Great, then I'll buy this!" 

Natsuha exclaimed, picking up three hats from the display—one blue, one pink, and one green. She brought them to the checkout.

After paying, she set aside the blue hat, placed it into a gift bag, and handed it to Yoshito with a playful smirk. 

"Hmph~ This is a reward for helping you. You better cherish it!"

Yoshito accepted the gift bag, looking at Natsuha with a somewhat puzzled expression.

"By the way, Natsuha, is the pink one for you?"

"Well, of course! How would a big boy like Yuta want to wear pink? What's wrong? Are you saying there's a problem?" Perhaps the perplexity in Yoshito's gaze was too pronounced, prompting Natsuha's curiosity.

"…No, nothing's wrong." 

In Japan, green hats don't carry the same connotation as in China. 

Yet, to Yoshito, who hailed from a different culture, the thought of Natsuha gifting Yuta a green hat seemed odd. 

Wasn't that akin to a female protagonist sinking into depravity while leaving her suitor for someone else? 

Ah, but that 'someone else' was him, so it was fine.

——

As the sun began to set, the clouds turned vibrant shades of orange and red. 

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden rays across the city as it draped the bustling urban landscape in a warm hue. 

In this light, the city's outline softened, and neon lights started to flicker to life.

After parting ways with Natsuha, Yoshito stopped by the supermarket for a bit of shopping before heading back to his small rental unit. 

He intended to drop off a few items before preparing dinner at his landlady Asou Miyuri's place.

Miyuri didn't live in the same building as Yoshito and the other tenants.

Rather, she resided in a charming little house near the nearest intersection from their rental.

Locking his door, Yoshito picked up the grocery bag filled with ingredients and set off toward Miyuri's residence. 

As the sun set and night fell, a lit streetlight cast a soft, dim light. 

Beneath it, a woman with a mature and somewhat melancholic aura leaned against the light pole. 

Her curvy silhouette was accentuated by her deep blue coat, almost blending into the surrounding dimness.

She was Takahara Kasumi, a familiar face to Yoshito.

"Takahara-san, why are you standing here instead of going home?" 

Upon recognizing her, Yoshito approached to greet her.

Kasumi turned at the sound.

Upon seeing him, she quickly lowered her hands, which had been resting on her shoulders, and managed a polite smile.

"Hello, Ito-san. Where are you headed?"

Yoshito observed her face.

Her delicate features gave her a frail look.

Even though she forced a smile, the bitter curve of her lips couldn't conceal her underlying sorrow, as indicated by her slightly furrowed brows.

"I'm just heading to make dinner," Yoshito replied, gesturing to the grocery bag, opting not to elaborate. 

"Kasumi-san, it's better to head home a bit earlier; the area isn't very safe at night."

He didn't delve deeper into her troubles, as they were just neighbors who had exchanged pleasantries a couple of times.

"Alright, I understand. Thank you for your concern, Ito-san."

"Then, goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Watching Kasumi's somewhat dazed figure gradually walk away under the hazy glow of the streetlight, Yoshito noted her loneliness. 

Seemed that, as she turned away from him, she instinctively crossed her arms and started to rub them gently as if seeking comfort.

——

After dinner with Miyuri, Yoshito decided to take a walk to digest his meal before returning to his studies.

As night fell and stars twinkled against the backdrop of a clear sky, silvery moonlight filtered through scattered clouds into a nearby grove.

This small park near the rental was often deserted at night, as the area had poor security, causing troublemakers to roam the streets.

Strolling along the moonlit path lined with lush, green grass, Yoshito didn't feel cold despite the crisp night breeze. 

He sauntered down the tranquil path, soaking in the serene ambiance.

However, as he walked, an inexplicable sense of oppression began to swell within him, as if something within was struggling to break free, eager for release. 

Unable to shake it off, he found himself heading towards the public restroom adjacent to the park.

Once inside a stall, he unfastened his belt, and after a moment of relief, just as he was about to step out, a voice resonated through the otherwise quiet restroom, piquing his curiosity.

"Is anyone there? Is someone in the restroom?" 

Yoshito refrained from responding; he was interested to see what this person was planning, someone who called out in a restroom.

Wasn't that akin to announcing their intention?

The man called out several times before tentatively checking each door. 

Thankfully, he merely pushed a door lightly to see if it was occupied, affording Yoshito a chance to stay hidden behind the door. 

Otherwise, he might have missed out on something interesting.

After a few checks, the man seemingly confirmed that the restroom was empty. He tiptoed to the door and whispered softly, "…Hazuki, there's no one in here."

His voice was so low that Yoshito could barely catch what he said.

At the man's call, soft footsteps sounded in the restroom. 

Then a sweet yet slightly childish voice responded gently, "Papa, hug!"

"…Hazuki, there's nobody in here. Let's hurry up and go home."

"Papa, don't rush. Let's go into the stall first."

"Click—" 

The sound of the door opening was followed by rustling as if clothes were being adjusted.

"…Hazuki…" 

As he had been eavesdropping on this unsavory exchange, Yoshito thought poorly of the man who was crossing lines by subjecting his daughter to such indecency. 

His heart raced, startled by the name the man had mentioned. 

'Hazuki? That's what Miyuri said...'

"Papa!" 

The girl's soft murmur interrupted Yoshito's thoughts. 

His head began to throb, feeling as if a gong was being struck in his mind, plunging him into a bewildering sea of confusion. 

He couldn't help but think, 'The Takahara family, they certainly know how to make life exciting...'

"Plop—"

"Quack—"

"Thump—"

After a brief silence, the muffled sounds of clothes rustling returned from the next stall.

"Hazuki, let's head back. Be careful not to let your mother see you."

"Okay, Papa." 

Takahara Hazuki didn't seem worried, her eyes shimmering with a greenish hue that suggested some hidden schemes brewing beneath the surface.

After the Takahara family departed, Yoshito sat quietly on the toilet seat, pondering the shocking revelation. 

The contrast between the knowledge he gleaned from books and the reality he had just witnessed was jarring!

He finally grasped why Kasumi had been so distracted lately.

Perhaps she had discovered something troubling, leaving her soul restless. 

But did Kasumi find it too hard to accept? 

Or was she simply suspicious without any evidence against them?

A moment later, Yoshito exited the restroom quietly, following the two figures until they returned to their rental unit. 

Only then did his lingering doubts dissipate; it seemed that the Takaharas indeed had secrets! 

Yet, this was right in line with his intentions because...

'The Takahara family's vulnerabilities will one day push their most enticing prey straight into the jaws of a cunning hunter. As for which hunter will emerge victorious to savor the spoils, that would depend on their skill!'

The silvery moonlight bathed Yoshito, casting an unusual shadow on the ground, resembling a ghost lurking in the darkness, patiently waiting for prey.

Yoshito grinned, the crescent curve of his smile devoid of any sanctity—it was filled with mischief instead.

He was starting to look forward to what moves Mr. Takahara or Hazuki might make that would fulfill his own desires!