Makoto complies with this new 'task'

(Chapter originally by Phantom Pen on writing.com)

"I can't believe I'm really going to do this..." Makoto said to herself as she took a moment to figure out which way was east. A check of some street signs gave her all the orientation she needed.

Four city blocks wasn't a terribly far distance, but it was plenty long enough for Makoto to think about the situation she'd gotten herself into. Being blackmailed into doing these embarrassing and humiliating tasks because she already got blackmailed with staged photos that would have ruined her life. And what had caused that? Her own recklessness. She'd thought she could confront Kaneshiro directly and handle him, only to find herself outmaneuvered and made a fool of.

If it hadn't been for the others, there's no telling where Makoto would be right now. But even then, she couldn't bring herself to try involving any of them. This was her mess, and she needed to be the one to fix it. Besides that, Makoto had a feeling that Mr. Words would know if she tried using her phone to call anybody other than him. There was no telling what kind of punishment Makoto would face for trying to deviate from the track she'd been put on. She wasn't sure she wanted to find out.

Four blocks passed by quickly enough, and with plenty of time to spare from the 25 minute time limit. Makoto looked around the street, seeing passersby going about their lives, just like she'd seen last time. Except, instead of being able to duck into an alleyway to do her unpleasant business, Makoto was going to have to do it in a much more open setting.

Makoto slowly reached under the hem of her dress with an audible gulp. Shaking fingers grasped the waistband of her panties and froze in place. She couldn't believe what she was about to do.

"Just like pulling off a band-aid. Just one quick motion..." Makoto told herself. It didn't help her nerves.

Shutting her eyes in shame, Makoto slipped her hands down her shapely legs, her simple white panties following along. Quickly and awkwardly stepping out of the delicate garment, Makoto held her panties out clearly, just to make sure whoever was watching to make sure she complied could see she was really going through with it. Then, with a heavy feeling in her stomach, Makoto held her panties over the opening of the storm drain and let go. The delicate fabric dropped quietly into the darkness, unlikely to be seen again.

Almost immediately Makoto regretted what she'd done, even if it had been the only real option she had. A soft breeze sent Makoto's eyes wide as she was intimately reminded of what she'd just given up. Right on cue, the phone buzzed with another call.

"It's done." Makoto said as she answered the call.

"I know, Miss Makoto, you don't have to tell me." Mr. Words said calmly. "Plain white, can't say I'm surprised, but it is a bit boring."

Makoto's cheeks burned. "I... I don't care what you think of my undergarments, Mr. Words." she said. "I just want this nightmare over with."

"Yes, well, don't hold your breath. We're just getting started. Now, after your complaint on our last call, I actually went ahead and changed your next task. You can thank me any time." Mr. Words said, followed by a long pause that made it clear what he was waiting for.

"Th-thank you, Mr. Words." Makoto said. She couldn't believe this sleazeball was making her thank him for anything he was doing to her!

"That's what I like to hear. Now, instead of taking anything else off, you've got a different job ahead of you. In fact, this is going to sound so simple that you'd almost be right to think it's too easy." Mr. Words explained.