The Underworld, Starting with Debt

A soft, seductive cry rang out, and when Ito Koshino looked over, he saw Yamada Yumiko already sprawled on the floor with her eyes rolled back.

Ito Koshito quickly helped her up, pulling her into his arms to prevent her delicate, boneless body from slipping and falling to the ground.

Sweating profusely, Yamada Yumiko nestled limply in Ito Koji's arms, too shy to lift her head. A wave of intense heat washed over her, and her delicate nose involuntarily twitched as a powerful surge of pheromones suddenly erupted into her mind!

At the last moment, the wave stirred up by Yumiko Yamada surged again, knocking away the last shred of rationality that was stuck at the critical point.

(Just normal operation in the other world! ●▽●)

Suddenly, Ito Koshito felt the delicate body in his arms begin to tremble violently. The soft, squishy body twisted and turned, giving him an extraordinary and wonderful tactile sensation.

"Madam, what's wrong?" Although the experience was wonderful, the unexpected trembling of the beauty in his arms made Ito Koshito very worried.

"No, it's okay..."

"..."

After reaching the threshold, the heat gradually dissipated, and Yumiko Yamada regained her senses.

Realizing what she had done, Yumiko Yamada felt not only shame at being unable to face anyone, but also a deep sense of guilt towards her husband, Shun Yamada.

'Ah Jun... I'm sorry...'

"..."

With his hands on Yamada Yumiko's shoulders, Ito Koshitoshi looked at the rosy-cheeked Yamada Yumiko and gave her a hearty smile.

"Madam, let me introduce myself. My name is Ito Koshitomo!"

Looking at the radiant smile, Yamada Yumiko was stunned for a moment. The complex emotions surging within her seemed to gradually subside, and she hesitated for a moment.

"My name is Yumiko Yamada..."

'...Ah Jun, I just wanted to get to know him...'

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

A minute after the two left, a female customer who was strolling into the toiletries section suddenly stumbled and slipped, falling to the ground.

When she stood up again, she discovered that a large puddle of water on the ground had caused her to slip and fall.

"Baka! I'm going to complain about this supermarket. They can't even clean the supermarket floor properly!"

"Baka, baka, you made me fall down."

The angry shouts attracted the sales clerk, who repeatedly bowed and apologized to the female customer.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

As night fell, the bright moonlight illuminated their path. A gentle breeze blew by, and Yumiko Yamada felt the hair tie around her neck fluttering in the wind, as if carrying away her initial awkwardness and blending it into the tranquility of the night.

"Oh my, so the person who greeted me from the balcony that day was Mrs. Yamada?" Ito said with a smile.

“Yes, this is our third time meeting,” Yumiko Yamada replied with a smile.

“It seems we are destined to meet, Mrs. Yamada. Let me help you with your things.” Ito offered his arm.

"No need, I can manage by myself."

Ito-kun straightened his thick arm and raised it, "Then my arm is useless and will rust sooner or later!"

"Haha~ Then I'll have to trouble you, Ito-kun."

Amused by Ito Koshitomo's somewhat childish behavior, Yamada Yumiko giggled and covered her mouth.

"Hehe, then let me help you."

…………

The night breeze is cool and comfortable, carrying a hint of freshness, making one want to close their eyes and enjoy the tranquility.

The two walked side by side, pausing occasionally to exchange a few words or smile at each other. Their conversation was quite pleasant, as if they had already forgotten what had just happened and it had no impact on either of them.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Alright, I've arrived!"

In front of a high-rise apartment building, Yumiko Yamada waved goodbye and said, "Ito-kun, thank you for bringing me back. Please come visit my home sometime."

"Of course, Mrs. Yamada, goodbye."

Goodbye, Ito-kun.

As Ito Kozue left, a lighthearted melody welled up in Yamada Yumiko's heart.

She turned and walked towards her floor, her steps light as she ascended the stairs. Since her husband's business trip, she had rarely felt so cheerful, and her demeanor became even more playful, like a spring breeze rustling through willow branches, light and lively.

"Huh huh huh~"

Yumiko Yamada nimbly slipped into the house, key in hand, and gently inserted it into the lock, opening the door. A wave of warmth washed over her; a familiar, yet quiet, atmosphere filled the entire room.

"Hmm?" Yamada Yumiko paused as she bent down to take off her shoes, a pair of familiar men's leather shoes coming into view. "Ah Jun... he's back!"

Yumiko Yamada's heart sank to the ground; her joyful mood turned complicated. With heavy steps, she entered the living room.

On the living room sofa, Yamada Shun sat quietly, fiddling with his computer. Seeing Yamada Yumiko, he quickly closed the laptop and smiled at her.

"Yumiko, I'm back."

Yumiko Yamada quickly averted her gaze from her husband, a surge of indescribable guilt welling up inside her. She felt she had betrayed him; the scene between her and Koshitomo Ito replayed in her mind, filling her with remorse and shame.

“Ah Jun, I…” Yamada Yumiko opened her mouth.

"What's wrong, Yumiko..."

Yamada Shun quietly watched his wife, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. 'Did Yumiko use makeup?'

"No, it's nothing, welcome back."

She shook her head, bit her lip lightly, and gave her husband a complicated look.

"Ah Jun, this time..."

"Yumiko, I'm sorry, I'm just back to pick up some things. I have to leave soon." Yamada Jun avoided Yamada Yumiko's gaze somewhat guiltily, hurriedly picked up his laptop, and walked straight out of the room.

Originally, Yamada Jun did plan to stay at home for a few more days, but he just received a message from a like-minded friend informing him that there would be a doujinshi convention tomorrow, with many famous cosplayers participating, and inviting him to go together.

Therefore…'Yumiko, I'm sorry…'

"...How much longer can I stay..." Yumiko Yamada murmured to herself.

"..."

"Hey……"

In the quiet and deserted room, only a sigh remained, seemingly both helpless and relieved.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Ito Koshitomo: [Hi Shiina-kun. Handshake.jpg] (Read)

Chizuru Shiina: [Yes, hello.] (Read)

Chizuru Shiina: [Enough with the small talk, Mori Tsukishima has already told me about your situation. I'll just ask directly: when can you get tutoring, or rather, do you need tutoring?] (Read)

Ito Koshitomo: [Shiina-kun, do you have time after school tomorrow? If it's not too much trouble, could you help me catch up on any gaps in my knowledge?] (Read)

Chizuru Shiina: [Hmm.] (Read)

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Shiina-kun, you're quite a neat and efficient person..."

Ito Koshitomo was sitting at a small table, playing on his phone while enjoying his dinner. He had been back in his tiny rented apartment for half an hour, had already showered, and had dinner ready to eat.

Suddenly remembering the tutoring classmate Kyoko Tsukishima had introduced, I quickly contacted Chizuru Shiina. To my surprise, Chizuru replied so quickly, and the two chatted for a while.

……

Night fell, and it grew late.

Ito Koshi stopped the pen from sliding in his hand and glanced casually at the time displayed on his phone screen.

"Is it already this late...?"

He stretched his tired body, pondered for a moment, and suddenly remembered that he had not yet visited Miyuki Aso today.

“Miss Lily… Despite the ring’s assistance, her body should be fine. However, I must go.”

With only his phone in hand, Ito Koshito left the house. Just as he stepped outside, he ran into Takahara Hazuki again, who was arm-in-arm with Mr. Takahara at the stairwell.

"Mr. Ito"

"Brother Ito"

"Mr. Gaoyuan, Sister Gaoyuan"

After a brief greeting, they went upstairs. Ito Koshito paused for a moment, looking around, but didn't see Takahara Kasumi, who usually waited nearby. 'Mrs. Takahara, isn't she home?'

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Moze, we've been looking around for two days and haven't run into Big Brother. Do you think he might not live around here?"

Under the bright streetlights, Matsushita Masao leaned against the wall with his hands behind his head and asked Ueda Mosaku, who was squatting beside him.

"Well, maybe... Let's look again tomorrow. If we still can't find it, let's look elsewhere. If all else fails, we'll just give up. We're sure we can make something of ourselves."

Ueda Mosaku stood up somewhat agitated and kicked away a small stone from the roadside.

The speeding stone tumbled through the air, heading straight for a passerby. Just when the two thought the passerby would surely be hit, the passerby casually stretched out his hand and precisely caught the stone that was about to strike him.

Ito Koshito casually tossed the stone aside, glanced at the two delinquents with dyed yellow hair standing on the side of the street, and decided not to waste time paying attention to them. Going to see Aso Miyuri was the most important thing right now.

Watching Ito Koshino's departing figure, Ueda Mosaku and Matsushita Masao exchanged a glance.

"Masao, that's... my older brother?"

"It seems so...hehehehe."

"Snapped"

Stop grinning and hurry up and catch up.

Ueda Mosaku slapped Matsushita Masao, who was chuckling to himself, and hurriedly pulled him to catch up with Ito Etsuji's receding figure.

At the crossroads under the cover of night, a few cars occasionally dart out. Ito Koshito slowed down and observed the road conditions at the intersection.

"Wait a moment--"