Watching Aoyama Nanami's retreating figure, Nozomi leaned back against the sofa, his gaze thoughtful.
He hadn't actually flirted with Nanami much. With so many girls surrounding him these days, he figured Nanami—sharp, honest, and far from gullible—already saw right through his playboy tendencies. She was stubborn, the kind of girl who wouldn't fall so easily for a guy like him.
So he had planned to take his time, get to know her slowly, without pushing too hard.
And yet…
Her reaction just now.
It felt like she cared more than she let on.
Back in the kitchen, Nanami's face was still flushed crimson, steam rising from her cheeks as if the warmth of the stove had taken up residence in her blood.
She stirred the pot absentmindedly, her thoughts spinning in dizzying circles.
"Why am I even bothered by him being a playboy?! Ugh! So embarrassing!"
Her heart thudded. What if he misunderstood her concern?
Then came a quiet whisper beside her.
"Nanami, do you like my brother too?"
Yuki Suoh had snuck up like a phantom, sleeves rolled up and hands still wet from washing vegetables. She peered up with innocent curiosity.
"Wha—?! No! Of course not! That's impossible!"
Nanami stammered, nearly knocking over a bowl of mushrooms.
"Suoh-san, I'm just… just grateful to Nozomi. That's all."
Yuki covered her mouth with a small giggle, her eyes shining with mischief.
"Grateful? That's the best excuse I've heard today. But… why do you still call him ' Nozomi-san'?"
Nanami faltered, eyes wandering toward the living room.
There, Nozomi was nestled on the couch, Frieren cuddled close as he enjoyed Ayano's shoulder massage like a spoiled noble in a shoujo manga.
Nanami's face went up in flames.
"W-Well, I mean... he does feel kind of mature. And reliable. I guess. That's probably why Yukinoshita-san, Mahiru-san, and the others are okay with dating him."
Yuki leaned closer, grinning.
"So~ you do like him!"
"No! I told you, I'm just grateful! He's saved me twice! Picked me up off the road, literally!"
Yuki nodded knowingly, her expression becoming oddly serene.
"Hmm~ So he saved you twice. Fate works in mysterious ways. I see... I see."
Nanami had no idea what Yuki was seeing, but she had a bad feeling about it.
Unbeknownst to her, Yuki had already devised a plan in her mind. Since her older brother was the one who invited Aoyama Nanami to stay at Sakurasou, it must've meant he had some feelings—right? And Nanami clearly had a soft spot for him. As a good younger sister, Yuki took it upon herself to play cupid.
After all, she'd already helped Yukinoshita Yukino find her place here.
And if she could help Nozomi win over Nanami too?
Well, she was on a roll.
－－－－－－
Finally, dinner time arrived like the last boss in a dating sim event.
Nozomi's eyes were drawn to Yukinoshita Yukino, dressed in a frilly apron that matched Yuki, Sayu, and Mahiru's outfits. The cinched waists, delicate ribbons, and gentle sways of fabric threatened to overload his self-control stat.
If they were alone...
He might not have been able to resist pulling her into a hug.
Yukino sat with Mahiru and Sayu, ladling steaming hotpot into bowls, cheeks faintly pink from the rising heat. She caught Nozomi's gaze and shot him a glare.
Despite the affection they shared, she still got a little jealous—especially when he was this openly shameless.
But… she also knew what might happen tonight.
Just the thought made her heart skip a beat. She quickly averted her gaze, focusing on the food, hoping no one noticed her blush.
Chihiro Sengoku had cracked open a beer, clearly in high spirits. Not having to cook tonight was a dream come true for her.
The only blemish on her evening? Her failed attempt at a social mixer.
"Hmph. Serves me right for acting all classy," she muttered into her cup.
She glanced toward Nozomi, who was gently feeding Shiina Mashiro. Her face tingled.
Compared to that unreliable Mitaka Ren, Nozomi gave off a refreshing sense of calm. He really was getting more handsome by the day.
Across from them, Mashiro silently opened her mouth, waiting to be fed like a baby bird. Nanami frowned at the sight and, with a sigh, took over the feeding duties.
Mashiro pouted but accepted the spoon.
Nearby, Kimishima Ayano knelt beside Nozomi, making feeding gestures with quiet devotion. She'd originally done this for Yuki, but Yuki had grown too embarrassed.
So now Ayano offered herself to Nozomi like a loyal maid in an otome route.
On the other side, Frieren chomped away at a mountain of meat with sparkling eyes. Despite her voracious appetite, she remained lithe and petite—an unfair trait that left even elves feeling self-conscious.
She glanced at Fern, whose proportions were the stuff of fantasy art covers, then down at herself.
Her cheeks puffed. Fueled by righteous indignation, she doubled down on the feast.
Nozomi laughed softly.
Even a stoic elf mage like Frieren had her own insecurities.
But honestly, her small frame made her cuteness shine. To him, she was perfect.
"Ayano, you don't have to feed me. Eat too. This is an order. Hotpot's only fun when you enjoy it yourself."
Ayano paused, surprised, then bowed her head respectfully.
"As you wish."
She finally picked up her own chopsticks and began to eat with quiet contentment.
After the meal, Frieren was so full she let out a soft hiccup before Fern scooped her up and carried her princess-style to their room.
Yuki took Ayano away to help decorate her space, excitedly chatting about curtain colors and shelf placement.
Nanami and Yusa Emi took charge of cleaning up, sleeves rolled and spirits high.
Nozomi's gaze drifted lazily over to Yukino, Mahiru, and senior Mai, their beauty illuminated by the gentle glow of the overhead lights. The night was still young.
But first—he had a mission.
Chihiro Sengoku was slumped over the table, flushed red from the beer she rarely drank. Nozomi sighed, walked over, and effortlessly scooped her into his arms.
"Let's get you to bed before you start singing enka again…"
Her scent—sweet beer, soft shampoo, and a faint trace of jasmine—filled his senses. Still, he didn't linger. This wasn't the time.
After placing her gently on the bed and tucking her under the air-conditioning quilt, he turned to leave.
But then—
A hand grabbed his sleeve.
"Eh?"
Before he could react, Nozomi was tugged down. A surprising weight hit his waist, and a warm breath swept over his face.
"Chihiro-sensei?"
He barely had time to think before her lips touched his.
His eyes widened.
That was definitely not in the plan!
The taste of beer lingered, and her breathy mumble made him freeze. "Geez, why are you so handsome… It's unfair…"
His mouth twitched.
This mischievous older woman. She'd always had a bold streak, but using alcohol as a sneak attack was new.
Fine, two could play that game.
He reached behind her head and pressed her closer, returning the kiss with a smirk. The soft sensation sent sparks through his nerves.
Chihiro squeaked in surprise but didn't pull away. Instead, she clung to his neck, cheeks flushed even deeper.
Nozomi didn't let it go on too long. He pulled back, breathing a little heavily, and gave her a sly look.
"You're dangerous when you're drunk, sensei."
She pouted, "You liked it."
"Too much," he admitted with a grin, ruffling her hair.
Then, without hesitation, he turned her over gently, covered her again with the quilt, and left the room. He had bigger plans tonight.
"Second young miss of the Yukinoshita family… It's your turn."
Back in the hallway, Nozomi took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the meal settle in his belly. He needed a shower.
As he passed the living room, Yusa Emi walked by with a towel in her hands. Their eyes met briefly.
"H-Hey," she muttered awkwardly.
"Hey," he said, raising a brow.
Then, just like a startled cat, she scurried away.
Nozomi scratched his head. "Did I scare her or something…?"
Inside her room, Yusa Emi—Emilia Justina from another world—clutched her pillow to her chest.
"What the heck is with that guy…"
She'd seen the way every girl in Sakurasou looked at him. With affection. With longing. Even that cold Yukinoshita was clearly smitten.
"Nanami's right… He's a total harem protagonist…" she mumbled.
Back in her world, it was normal for noblemen to have multiple wives. She had no issue with that, in theory. And Nozomi—he had a presence, an aura that made even elite women like Frieren and Fern stick to him like glue.
But that was the problem.
"I… I can't let myself fall for him. I have a mission. Find the Demon King. Defeat him. Go home!"
Still, a small part of her heart was already wobbling.
"Don't be swayed… Emilia…" she whispered to herself, face buried in the pillow.
She was the Hero.
But here, in this bizarre house full of beautiful girls and tempting peace… she felt more like the damsel in danger.
Danger of losing her heart to a certain someone named Nozomi.