Yuki Suo felt a subtle bitterness blooming in her chest. A tiny pout formed on her lips as she watched the slumbering duo before her. Her heart, sour and sweet all at once, refused to be left out.
So, without hesitation, she lifted a corner of the quilt and slipped herself inside, nestling quietly on the other side of Nozomi. Feeling his warm breath so close, Yuki's smile blossomed again. After all—this was her room, her bed. Sleeping in her own space shouldn't be a crime, right?
But just as she settled in, the subtle movement stirred Yukinoshita Yukino from her light slumber.
Her long lashes fluttered open, her violet eyes still hazy with dreams. Confused at first, she gradually became aware of the strong arm wrapped securely around her waist, the steady heartbeat thudding behind her, and that unmistakably familiar scent of a boy.
Yukino's delicate face instantly flushed scarlet.
"Last night... I really... with him... Uuugh!"
The memories struck her like a wave—his gentle touches, the warmth they shared, and the vulnerability she showed him. Her slender fingers shot up, covering her cheeks in embarrassment. Her eyes darted over to Nozomi's peacefully sleeping face, and her cheeks puffed up in mock irritation.
"You pervert... beast...!"
She whispered those words under her breath, but her body betrayed her—she didn't try to escape from his embrace. Because, deep down, she had accepted it. She had chosen him.
And to be honest, despite his shameless ways, he had been gentle. So ridiculously considerate it made her heart ache. The only thing that irked her was just how skilled he was in the art of affection, like he'd done this a hundred times before.
Still, she couldn't help it. She nestled closer, cheek resting against his firm chest.
He was hers now.
And she, his.
There was no turning back.
Suddenly, her half-lidded eyes caught something under the quilt—another pair of bright, mischievous eyes staring right at her.
"A-Ah?!"
Before she could scream, Yuki Suo gently clamped her hand over Yukino's lips and whispered,
"Shh! Don't scream! You'll wake up my brother!"
Yukino quickly nodded, wide-eyed and confused.
"Suo-san, why are you... here?"
Yuki giggled, puffing her chest slightly with pride.
"Hehe~ This is my room, Yukinoshita-san. So it's only natural I be here."
Yukino's brows twitched, clearly unimpressed.
"You know what I meant, Suo-san."
"Relax~ I just climbed in. Didn't see anything... inappropriate. Though I heard something last night."
Yukino's entire face turned crimson. She lowered her head, refusing to meet Yuki's gaze.
"Pfft! You're too cute when you're shy. I haven't even had my turn yet, but you've already won the jackpot. Shouldn't you be proud?"
"I... I didn't..."
Yuki gently squeezed her hand.
"Don't worry. I'm cheering for you, Yukinoshita. Let's get along, alright?"
Yukino, touched by her sincerity, managed a small nod.
"Thank you... Suo-san."
"Next time I make a plan, be sure to cooperate, okay?"
"Plan? What plan are you talking about?"
Nozomi's deep voice suddenly rumbled, causing both girls to stiffen.
Yuki whipped around.
"Onii-chan! You faker! You were awake?!"
"I wasn't pretending. You two were just too loud. Sensitive ears, remember?"
Yukino instinctively buried her face into his chest, too embarrassed to speak.
"So... Yuki, what plan exactly were you talking about?"
"Nnn~ It's a secret!"
Nozomi sighed, clearly used to his sister's antics. He gently reached out, wrapped an arm around Yuki's waist, and tugged her closer under the covers.
"Still early. Let's just sleep a bit more."
The two girls puffed their cheeks in unison.
This guy... so shameless. Wanting to cuddle with both of them without even asking?
Yukino, however, couldn't bring herself to leave. Not now. Her heart thumped in rhythm with his, and the warmth of his embrace made her feel oddly safe.
She'd only just become his.
And if she left now, wouldn't that mean handing him over to Yuki on a silver platter?
No, not today. Today, she wanted to stay.
Right here—in his arms.
.........
(Not repeated, just a different POV)
Yukinoshita Yukino couldn't sleep a wink. Nestled in his arms, she listened quietly to the rhythmic thump of his heartbeat, each pulse echoing against her cheek. His scent—clean yet masculine—filled her senses, heating her face with every breath. How could any girl fall asleep like this?
But despite her flustered state, she knew she had to get up. She couldn't bear to. Not now. Not when she'd finally become his.
And besides... if she left, wouldn't Yuki Suo just snuggle closer to Nozomi and take full advantage of the opportunity? Yukino didn't dislike Yuki—not at all—but right now, every inch next to Nozomi mattered.
Meanwhile, Yuki Suo was beyond satisfied. Having Nozomi by her side felt like winning the jackpot.
Nozomi must've sensed their restlessness. He slowly opened his eyes, his warm gaze landing on Yukino.
"Yukino, are you feeling okay?"
"I-Idiot! Don't say things like that! Especially in front of Yuki!"
Yuki Suo giggled quietly behind her hand, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and mischief as she stared at Yukino like a gossip-loving kitsune.
Nozomi simply smiled and lowered his head, pressing a soft kiss on Yukino's forehead.
"I just want to know exactly how Yukino feels... so I can get even better at it next time."
"W-Why are you saying it like that?!" Yukino's face turned scarlet. She sighed, then glanced at Yuki Suo—who was winking at her—and finally muttered with a tiny pout:
"...It was okay."
She said it in such a casual, dismissive tone it almost sounded like she was rating a school cafeteria lunch.
Yuki Suo's jaw nearly dropped. She stared at Yukino with a look that screamed, You sly fox!
Nozomi's brow twitched.
"Just okay...? So I wasn't trying hard enough? I must've lacked effort."
His voice lowered like a villain preparing a boss battle. Yukino flinched, pressing her palms to his chest.
"W-Wait! Don't do anything weird! I was wrong! I take it back!"
Nozomi chuckled, the menace disappearing as quickly as it came.
"Relax, I was only teasing. It's still early. Let's just stay like this a little longer. You did great, Yukino."
Her eyes widened. Her heart fluttered. Yukino's blush deepened, and though she wanted to smack his chest for teasing her, she settled for a gentle punch. Then she clung to his arm and nodded quietly.
She wanted to say it too.
You did great.
But it was just too embarrassing.
The truth? Nozomi wasn't "just okay". He was incredibly good—so gentle, so attentive. There wasn't a moment where she felt pain or discomfort. If anything, the only time she felt down was when it was over.
Nozomi gave her head a gentle pat, his fingers brushing softly through her hair. With a content sigh, he closed his eyes again.
Yuki Suo's gaze sparkled with mischief. She was definitely going to get the juicy details out of Yukino later. Absolutely.
...
Meanwhile, across the hall, Aoyama Nanami had already started her day. She was up early—her alarm had gone off like clockwork.
Yesterday afternoon, she'd spoken to the local convenience store manager about part-time work for Yusa Emi. To her surprise, the manager had been looking for extra help and asked her to bring Yusa in for an interview the next day.
Nanami had been overjoyed. After sending the info to Yusa and receiving a grateful reply, she went about her usual morning routine.
As she brushed her teeth, she thought to herself, I'm Mashiro's caretaker now, so I need to make sure she's up too.
But when she knocked and opened the door to Mashiro Shiina's room—
The bed was empty.
Mashiro was nowhere to be found.