Morning light filtered through the curtains as Kaito stirred, the warmth of Sayuri's body still pressed against his. Her silk robe lay discarded on the floor, her bare skin soft and flushed against him in the afterglow of the night before. She breathed evenly in sleep, one arm draped across his chest, her full breasts rising and falling gently.
He allowed himself a moment to savor it—the scent of her skin, the weight of her thigh over his. *This woman has claimed a piece of me,* he thought. *A dangerous conquest.*
Carefully, he slipped from bed, dressing quietly. Sayuri murmured in her sleep but didn't wake. He left a soft kiss on her forehead before heading downstairs.
The kitchen was empty. Akari and Yui had already left for college and school. A note from Sayuri—written before last night?—sat by a prepared breakfast: *Eat well. See you tonight. ♡*
He ate mechanically, mind replaying the night. The way she had trembled under him, the soft cries muffled against his neck. It lingered like a spell.
School awaited.
The halls buzzed as usual. Whispers followed him—his perfect attendance now a topic. Haruka caught him at his locker, uniform crisp, ponytail high.
"Morning, coworker," she teased. "Survived the weekend rushes?"
"Barely," he replied dryly. "Your competitive spirit nearly undid me."
She grinned. "Good. Keeps things interesting."
Classes dragged. Math equations—child's play. Literature—predictable mortal tales.
Break brought the incident.
Kaito noticed a small cluster near the vending machines: three second-year boys surrounding a petite girl with short black hair and glasses. She clutched her bag tightly, head down.
Sora Nakano—Yui's friend, memories supplied. Shy, often alone. Yui had mentioned her being bullied.
One boy snatched her glasses. "Come on, four-eyes. Lend us some cash for snacks."
Sora's voice trembled. "P-please give them back…"
Kaito approached, aura darkening. *Vermin preying on the weak. Unacceptable.*
"Return her property," he said, voice low and commanding.
The leader—a stocky delinquent type—snickered. "Who're you? The hero?"
The others laughed.
Kaito stepped closer, crimson glint flashing. "I said return them."
The boy shoved Sora's shoulder, making her stumble. "Make me."
Rage—cold, ancient—surged.
The fight was swift.
Leader swung first—a wild haymaker. Kaito sidestepped with centuries of precision, grabbing the wrist and twisting. The boy yelped, dropping the glasses. Kaito caught them mid-air.
Second boy charged. Kaito used minor strength to trip him with a subtle leg sweep—boy crashed into lockers harmlessly but loudly.
Third hesitated. Kaito met his eyes—mind trick flicker of intimidation. "Flee."
He did, dragging his friends.
The hall watched in stunned silence. Haruka among them, eyes wide.
Sora stared up at him, tears brimming. "Th-thank you, senpai…"
Kaito handed back her glasses gently. "No harm done?"
She shook her head, blushing fiercely. Petite frame, baggy uniform hiding delicate curves. "I-I'm okay. You were… amazing."
Haruka approached as the crowd dispersed. "Damn, Kurogane-kun. Where'd you learn to fight like that?"
"Experience," he said curtly.
She whistled. "Remind me not to piss you off."
Lunch: rooftop again. Haruka insisted Sora join— "for protection."
Sora sat shyly, unpacking a modest bento. "Yui-chan talks about you a lot, Kurogane-senpai. Says you're working hard for the family."
Kaito nodded. "Duty demands it."
Haruka smirked. "He's all about duty. And dramatic speeches."
Sora giggled softly—the first time Kaito heard it. Sweet, like bells.
Afternoon classes: PE dodgeball. Kaito's performance drew more cheers. Haruka teamed with him, competitive as ever.
After school, Sora caught him at the gate. "Um… thank you again. Can I… buy you a drink sometime? As thanks?"
Haruka overhead, slinging an arm around Kaito's shoulders. "Oho? New admirer already?"
Sora flushed crimson.
Kaito extricated himself. "No need for tribute. But… you may walk with me to the station if you wish."
Sora beamed.
Work shift: Reina greeted dramatically. Haruka arrived shortly after, tying her polo teasingly.
"Heroics at school today?" Haruka asked, flipping patties. "Heard you dismantled some bullies."
Reina's eyes sparkled. "A valiant deed! Tell us the tale, Sir Kurogane!"
Kaito grunted. "Minor pests."
Rush was steady. Haruka and Reina bantered, pulling him in. Sora's grateful face lingered in his mind.
Home late. Sayuri waited in a different robe—soft cotton, shorter, ending mid-thigh. She hugged him tightly at the door.
"Long day?" she whispered.
He held her longer. "Eventful."
Upstairs, quiet. Akari texted: *Heard you beat up bullies? Don't get suspended, idiot.*
Yui: *Sora-chan said you saved her! You're the best onii-chan!!! ♡♡♡*
Kaito showered, exhaustion mixing with satisfaction.
School protected. Work endured. Home… warmed in new ways.
But as he lay in bed—alone tonight—Sora's shy smile and Sayuri's lingering touch mingled.
*The court grows,* he thought. *Willingly or not.*