Chapter 72: Jealousy Is A Double Edge Sword
'Huh? Quest? What kind of quest?'
Haruto's eyes widened as the system's notification popped up unexpectedly.
[Quest: Jealousy Is A Double-Edged Sword]
[Description: Your two lovers have met each other for the first time. Tread carefully, as your words may either make them draw closer to you—or push them away. Use this chance to strengthen their affection.]
[Objective: Introduce both of your women and allow them to spend time together for an hour or more.]
[Rewards: 500 EXP, 25,000 sex points.]
[Time Limit: 1 hour.]
Haruto's lips curled into a smirk, a spark of mischief in his eyes.
The system always seemed to anticipate his intentions, and now, it had given him the perfect tool for his plan: to stir Asuka's jealousy just enough to remind her he wasn't hers for the taking.
A bit of rivalry, might make her value him more.
He cleared his throat, casting a subtle glance at Asuka. "Well, let's see how good your new makeup brand is, Asuka."
Asuka raised an eyebrow, her smile tight. "Of course. I'll help you find something that'll look perfect on your… friend." She emphasized the last word, her gaze flicking briefly to Chiyo.
Chiyo's grip on his arm tightened. She'd sensed something beyond mere friendship between them, especially in the way he casually used her first name.
It unsettled her, but she held her composure, determined not to let her presence faze her.
"I think flashy colors suit you best, Miss Chiyo," Asuka said with a practiced smile, holding up a flashy pink lipstick that looked eccentric.
"It's fresh and youthful—perfect for someone who wants to look younger for her age and… Childish," she continued, openly mocking her.
But Chiyo didn't care and took the lipstick and turned to Haruto, ignoring Asuka's dig with a serene smile.
"What do you think, Haruto? Should I try it?"
He nodded, casting a reassuring glance her way. "Of course. I think every color suits you, but Asuka here does have an eye for these things. You can trust her judgment."
'Damn, Asuka, That thing is ugly, she did this on purpose! How the hell did Chiyo not realize it?'
he thought as he looked at the flashy pink, it was more like a fuschia shade.
Asuka's polite smile didn't waver, but there was a faint chill in her tone as she continued, "Yes… Miss Chiyo seems like the type who'd act like a child in front of her partner, becoming dependent on them."
"And quite annoying," she murmured under her breath.
"This color would suit that." Her words were subtle, but the passive aggression was unmistakable.
However, Chiyo met Asuka's gaze head-on, undeterred.
"Well, Haruto and I have been living together for years now. I suppose that's only natural," she said with a soft laugh, pulling herself closer to his side.
Asuka's eyes briefly widened before she regained her composure, her polite mask slipping just slightly.
"I wasn't aware my 'special friend' here had someone else quite so… special," she laughed lightly, though a flash of irritation glinted in her eyes.
This wasn't a feeling she often experienced—attachment to a man.
Usually, men were as disposable as yesterday's trends to her, but with Haruto, it felt like something was being taken from her, and she despised it.
Chiyo covered her mouth, feigning surprise. "Oh my, I didn't realize you had 'another' special someone, Haruto."
She turned to him, her voice soft but pointed. "But surely, we're more than just… special friends, right?"
Haruto, who had been watching their exchange with the amusement of a spectator, found himself caught between their intense stares.
This was his chance to show Asuka she didn't have an exclusive claim on him, but he also knew he needed to tread carefully.
'
Well
,' he mused, '
no risk, no reward.'
He let a playful smile across his face.
"Yes, Chiyo. I love how you depend on me," he said, giving her a warm smile.
"But Asuka here has a special place too, doesn't she?"
Chiyo's eyes brightened, seeming to focus solely on the fact that he'd said her name in front of another woman.
Because it means that he didn't see her as a mother but a women instead.
She chuckled, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad I can depend on you, Haruto."
Turning back to Asuka, her smile held a touch of pride. "I think I'll take the pink one, after all."
"Of course," Asuka replied, her smile polite yet tense.
"A wonderful choice," she managed, though it was clear Chiyo's confidence had struck a nerve.
The subtle power play hung in the air between them, as Haruto savored the delicate dance of rivalry, knowing it only added to his allure in their eyes.
As they continued shopping, Asuka guided them through her store, displaying various items with practiced elegance.
Yet, Haruto couldn't help but notice Chiyo clinging to him, her hand on his arm and shoulder, nudging him closer.
Her subtle provocations made him feel a rush of control, especially as he occasionally caught Asuka's mask slipping—the faintest flashes of irritation or envy.
The thrill of holding this power over both women made him want to laugh.
At last, Chiyo gave his arm a little tug. "Well, I think we're done here, right? We still have our dinner reservation."
Haruto nodded, though he hadn't quite finished browsing. "Just a moment—I want to pick something out for Haruka," he replied, handing Chiyo another small bag.
"Here, I got this jewelry for you. Wear it tonight; it'll look perfect on you."
Chiyo's eyes sparkled as she took the bag, and she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
"Thank you, Haruto. I'll definitely wear it."
Leaning close, Haruto whispered in her ear, his tone low and teasing, "Good, because I'd like to be the one to take it off later."
The color in Chiyo's cheeks deepened as she let out a soft laugh, nudging him playfully.
"You're a real smooth talker," she replied, still blushing.
Taking the car keys he handed her, she left with a triumphant expression, as though she'd won their unspoken rivalry. Her jealousy seemed to have faded.
But as soon as Chiyo left, Haruto felt a chill behind him. Turning, he found Asuka standing there, her usual composure masking something sharper in her eyes.
"Haruto," she said smoothly, her gaze zeroing in on the faint lipstick smudge Chiyo's kiss had left, "How about we go somewhere private so I can clean that off for you?"
For a moment, he felt a flicker of hesitation—something about the intensity in her gaze was unsettling.
But he maintained his cool, turning back with a casual smile. "Sure, but don't take too long. I wouldn't want to keep a lady waiting."
That response earned him a fleeting sour look from Asuka, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.
A notification from his system flickered in his mind, and he checked it with satisfaction knowing that both Asuka and Chiyo's emotional bond and obsession had increased.