"…You should go now."
"Not in a hurry, let me hold you a little longer."
"…I'm such an idiot, how could I have believed your nonsense?"
"What now?"
"Do you remember what you said the last time you got close to me?"
"Let me think… I just said I'd hold you without moving? What's the problem, I really didn't move."
"Then how do you explain this?"
"Hmm…"
Minamoto Senya paused, following Tohka's pointed gaze toward the side of the bed.
For some reason, her nightgown was quietly draped there.
Besides that, his own pajamas were scattered near the foot of the bed.
In other words, the two of them under the blanket were now… completely exposed to each other.
Senya felt a twinge of guilt, but his face was thick enough that he looked back at her earnestly.
"I don't think this is really my fault. Tohka, you covered yourself so tightly with the blanket that I got a bit warm. Taking off clothes is just normal cooling behavior."
"But I'm not warm."
"Then why is your body burning hot? All night… like a heating pad… hmm."
One moment Senya was casually teasing, the next he made a subtle gasp, unsure if it was relief or frustration.
"If you keep talking, I'll kick you out of the bed."
"You brought it up first… hmm, alright, I won't say anything more. There's not much time left, let me hold you a little longer…"
It was just after five in the morning.
Last night, Senya's half-pleading, half-coaxing had left Tohka dizzy and willing to agree to a series of requests:
Including, but not limited to, letting him rest in her room, sharing the same bed and pillow, letting him hold her under the pretext of being unable to sleep, and somehow finding the excuse of "listening to each other's heartbeat" to pull him closer…
All of which escalated to their current situation.
She was completely at his mercy.
And "at his mercy" wasn't just psychological—physically, too. Last night, Tohka's upper body had been completely vulnerable.
Senya was like a child with a new toy, yet also like a meticulous scholar.
He hadn't slept at all that night, earnestly exploring every opportunity.
As a result, Tohka hadn't slept either, occasionally making strange noises that embarrassed even herself.
She suspected this was premeditated. From the first time she nodded, he likely already planned everything leading up to now.
Looking back, his excuses about the bed sheets possibly being contaminated from the pool and wanting to switch rooms made no sense.
Why bother with all that? A simple call to the hotel front desk to change the sheets would have solved everything.
But knowing that now didn't matter—he had completely gotten his way.
This guy, all just to get a chance to hold her like this, had schemed so deliberately…
To her annoyance, yes, but the resulting feeling was overwhelmingly positive.
"…You really should go. If Rokka or the others come looking for me or for you, we won't be able to keep this between us."
Tohka obediently rested her head against Senya's chest.
She said it, but her right hand still lingered around his waist.
Even though Senya had broken several promises to her before, he stopped at her most important boundary.
She could feel his restless restraint.
Even so, he limited himself to just holding her, maybe a kiss at most.
That restraint made Tohka feel genuinely cherished.
"Yeah… I really should go."
Senya, reluctant, felt time had flown by.
But he had no choice; as Tohka said, staying any longer would risk someone discovering them.
Tohka let go reluctantly, watching Senya leave the bed. She caught a glimpse of the abs she had secretly admired for hours earlier.
Her cheeks were flushed, slightly shy—but there was no reason to look away now.
After all… they were already in that kind of relationship.
"I'll head back to my room now."
"Be careful when you go out. Don't let them see you."
"Okay. You can rest a little longer."
"Mm…"
Wrapped snugly in the blanket, only her head peeking out, Tohka nodded softly.
Senya couldn't resist, leaning down to plant a light kiss at her mouth's corner before finally turning to leave.
Kasumigaoka Shiho had slept poorly the night before.
She was particular about her sleeping arrangements and had tossed and turned for an hour before finally falling asleep.
The hotel pillow was also slightly uncomfortable for her, leaving her neck sore and her back stiff upon waking.
It felt like being ambushed from behind—a heavy blow to the back—utterly uncomfortable.
Was today her unlucky day?
Fortune might be intangible, but Shiho couldn't shake the uneasy feeling.
A woman's intuition was often accurate.
Though there was no concrete evidence, Shiho decided to trust herself, glancing at the table where Sawamura Eriri and Tohma Kasa were eating breakfast.
It was 7:10 a.m., and the group was enjoying the complimentary breakfast buffet at the hotel.
If her unease meant anything, the two most suspicious were likely them.
Saeko was her lifelong friend—no chance there.
Ms. Kudo was much older—also unlikely.
And Tohka and Rokka were, more directly, Senya's family.
By elimination, the answer seemed obvious.
But looking at them now, there was no change from yesterday—no bright expressions, no hidden joy—everything appeared normal.
Unaware of Shiho's scrutiny, Eriri, Kasa, and Rokka were laughing quietly over breakfast, discussing plans for the yacht later.
Kasa was naturally reserved, maintaining a high-cool exterior, showing disinterest in things or people, though she tried to integrate when uncertain how.
Senya had noticed this early on and instructed Rokka to keep an eye on her.
Rokka, enthusiastically leading the conversation, with Eriri always agreeing, showed she'd taken Senya's instructions seriously and involved her friend well.
After confirming nothing suspicious, Shiho relaxed.
She glanced at Senya, left hand holding his phone browsing news, right hand picking up dumplings—looking handsome as ever.
Her energy revived slightly.
Though her shoulders remained stiff, her mood lightened.
"Tohka, you look exhausted. Didn't sleep well last night?"
Saeko's concern prompted Shiho to glance over.
Indeed, Tohka's eyes were red, slightly swollen, and her demeanor tired, resembling someone who had cried.
But there was no reason for her to have cried.
It must have been lack of sleep, like Shiho herself.
Tohka's spoon shook, spilling some soup back into the bowl. She drank it calmly, then rested her forehead in her left hand, admitting fatigue.
"Sorry to worry you. Didn't sleep well… not my bed, not my room, it feels strange."
Shiho nodded knowingly.
"Same here. Being outside your familiar environment makes it hard to feel at ease."
Having someone close can ease that feeling—but Shiho held back, aware it would be too obvious in front of so many.
"Tohka, Shiho, looks like last night was tough for you too."
Shiho's timely comment helped Tohka relax a bit.
Saeko added warmly,
"If you have trouble sleeping at night, a warm glass of milk before bed helps a lot."
Shiho nodded.
"I'll try that next time."
Tohka smiled softly in thanks.
But considering last night, no cup of milk could solve her problem.
Senya suddenly laughed.
"What's so funny all of a sudden?"
Kudo asked curiously.
"Nothing… just a funny news article."
"Let me see—oh wow, a photo of the former president being slapped by his wife…?! That's crazy! But where's the joke?"
"Hard to explain… probably just a difference between men and women."
"Alright, take your time then."
No one else at the table found his laughter odd—only Tohka knew he was slyly enjoying their private little joke.
The timing and tone were just right, a flirtatious signal only they understood.
Breakfast ended.
Senya led the group to the pre-booked yacht rental shop.
The shop, The Blue Sky, was immaculate—brand new, gleaming white floors, spotless. The business had clearly opened recently along with the new beach.
"Welcome!"
The owner, a round-faced man with a short beard, slightly overweight, wearing a short-sleeve shirt and shorts, greeted them warmly. His white high socks with sandals looked odd but didn't matter.
After understanding Senya's needs, he recommended a medium yacht, equipped with entertainment like a TV and karaoke, and a kitchen to cook onboard. A big bed allowed rest at sea—a floating mini-villa.
It comfortably accommodated ten people.
The charter cost 750,000 yen per hour, including staff, fuel, and insurance.
Expensive, but considering everyone was together for fun, Senya didn't mind.
The plan included fishing and snorkeling.
The owner confirmed all gear was available, one-stop shopping.
Fishing was simple, just a decent rod needed.
Snorkeling was trickier—professional equipment and instructors required.
Senya requested female instructors for snorkeling—not out of ill intent, but to avoid anyone he liked having close contact with another man.
Thanks to his financial resources, all requests were easily met.
By around 9 a.m., Senya signed the charter contract and paid via phone.
Two female instructors, doubling as yacht drivers, were ready.
All fees combined, Senya would spend at least seven to eight million yen—a day at sea costing nearly half of Runko's mom's car.
After verifying ID and safety training, Rokka immediately grabbed Kasa and Eriri, running ahead, leaving others far behind.
Senya, last in line, caught up to Tohka, gently linking hands.
Tohka nearly jumped out of her skin.
Her expression: not flustered with love, but wide-eyed in horror—"Are you insane?"
She quickly freed her hand and rushed forward, rejoining the group.
Senya laughed, following with long strides.
As the yacht departed the shore, heading into the open sea under the clear sky, sunlight reflecting off the waves, the breathtaking view and ocean breeze made him feel the money spent was well worth it.
One more item added to his life plan: buy a villa by the sea, and a yacht too.