The next day, Monday morning, little Loli Haibara slowly opened her eyes, her body trembling slightly.
Her blue eyes were filled with confusion.
Everything that happened at the hotel yesterday—was far beyond what a young girl like her could comprehend.
So real.
So strange.
Yet so disconnected from reality.
She instinctively pressed her small hands against her body. Her waist wasn't sore, her hips weren't aching.
No discomfort at all.
And yet... she felt a strange fullness, like her entire being had been overwhelmed.
It was as if she had been hit by that thing a hundred—no, a thousand times!
So bizarre!
There was a profound impact on her soul, yet none on her body.
The dissonance left her shaken and confused.
Without delay, Haibara threw off the quilt and placed her bare feet onto the cold floor.
The early morning chill seeping up from the wood made her feel... grounded.
Only then did she truly feel like she had returned to the human world.
Before, it felt as though she'd been floating—light as air—suspended in some surreal dream.
Without hesitation, she stepped out and made her way to Akashi's room.
But as expected, it was empty.
Akashi rarely slept in his own room since moving in.
Squinting slightly, Haibara turned toward another familiar door and opened it—Eri's room.
Sure enough, inside the master bedroom, Akashi was sound asleep.
And on either side of him were two stunning, mature women—Eri and Yukiko.
Only Ran was missing.
Seeing this scene, Haibara didn't even blink. She was already used to it.
She climbed onto the bed and unceremoniously pushed Yukiko aside, who had been clinging to Akashi like an octopus.
Then, she planted herself right on top of him and lightly patted his cheek.
"Get up. Get up!"
At her touch, Akashi slowly stirred from his sleep.
As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Haibara sitting on him.
He blinked, feeling a strange sense of déjà vu.
Unfortunately, the one on top of him was still a small loli—at best, a pony. Not quite enough to trigger his power-doubling condition.
As Haibara met his gaze, she leaned closer and whispered with a frown:
"What exactly did you do to me yesterday?"
Naturally, Akashi had no intention of answering.
With a smooth movement, he flipped her over and wrapped his arms around her small frame.
"Ai, don't make a fuss. I'm still sleepy," he murmured groggily.
Then, without warning, he kissed her gently on the forehead.
Haibara's porcelain-white face instantly flushed red.
The feeling of being embraced, the familiar scent, the warmth of that kiss—
It was exactly the same as in her strange dream.
Confirmed.
This guy definitely did something!
Struggling internally, Haibara wanted to resist.
But Akashi's embrace felt like a spell. Her body softened, losing all strength.
In fact, she even felt... strangely comforted.
"Tell me! What did you do yesterday?!"
Her small voice trembled, but her curiosity was relentless.
However, the two women beside them—Eri and Yukiko—subtly perked up their ears.
Feigning sleep, they quietly eavesdropped on the "children's" early morning whispering.
But Akashi, whose senses were sharp even when half-asleep, immediately picked up on it.
He reached out his right hand and covered Haibara's mouth—his index finger hovering ominously.
Haibara's eyes widened as she stared at that finger.
Something told her... if it entered her mouth, something strange would definitely happen.
Terrified, she immediately quieted down.
Her tiny hands clutched Akashi's chest, her flushed cheeks betraying her inner turmoil.
She listened to his calm heartbeat, took in his scent...
Strangely enough, it made her feel at peace.
But such a moment didn't last long.
Just then, the door burst open—and in walked Ran, donning an apron like a dutiful housewife.
"Huh? Why is little Ai-chan here too?!"
She blinked.
What the heck?! The seat's already taken?!
Ran pouted and shouted in exasperation:
"Get up! Get up! No more lazing around!"
"Breakfast is ready. After that, it's work and school for everyone! Chop-chop!"
With that, she yanked off the covers—leaving no one with an excuse to stay in bed.
Eri and Yukiko groaned as they stretched, pretending to just wake up.
Both women yawned, showing off large swathes of smooth, snow-white skin.
Then, Yukiko scooped up the small loli and cooed:
"Ai-chan, you're here too? I didn't even notice!"
"You must've gotten cold during the night and snuck in to stay warm, didn't you?"
Eri nodded in agreement, playing along.
"Yes, yes! It's warmer when we all sleep together!"
Haibara wanted to complain—but she couldn't even find the words.
In such a fancy apartment, they obviously had proper heating!
No need to huddle like penguins just to stay warm!
Still, she turned to look out the window.
At some point, snow had begun to fall.
The world outside was slowly being blanketed in white.
Eri looked worried.
"The forecast says temperatures will keep dropping tomorrow…"
"Looks like it's time to bring out that new kotatsu I bought."
The kotatsu—equipped with a heater underneath, a tabletop above, and thick quilts all around—was a staple of life during winter.
The quilt was large enough to fit several people, providing exceptional insulation.
Because the country was prone to frequent earthquakes, floor heating systems weren't allowed in most residential buildings.
If an earthquake hit, such systems could rupture and leak hot water—making evacuation more dangerous.
So, even in high-end apartments, floor heating wasn't installed.
That's why kotatsus were so popular.
Akashi, of course, was looking forward to it.
After all, the more people huddled together…
The easier it was to absorb yin energy.
"Yukiko, I won't have time later."
"You'll be in charge of setting up the kotatsu."
Yukiko pouted dramatically.
"Eh? I'm super busy too! I'm a big star, you know—so many people are dying to book me!"
Eri chuckled and teased:
"Oh, still playing the celebrity card? If that's the case, wouldn't it be a bit shameless to keep freeloading at my place?"
"Alright, alright. Considering our years of friendship, I suppose I can let you help with the housework."
As soon as she heard the veiled threat of being kicked out, Yukiko's attitude did a complete 180.
Ran, watching from the side, was stunned.
This Aunt Yukiko is way too thick-skinned!
Why is she so clingy with Mom?
How bizarre...
But she didn't dwell on it. Instead, she scooped up Akashi and waved to the others.
"Come on, let's go eat!"
The girls quickly followed.