Night had settled over Sakura Dormitory, the building quiet save for the occasional creak of settling wood and the soft whisper of wind through the eaves. Aoyama Nanami padded silently down the hallway, her throat dry, seeking water from the kitchen.
She retrieved her drink, sipped slowly, and turned to head back to her room—
Strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
Before she could react, she found herself pressed against the wall, held firmly in place.
"Ah!" The startled cry escaped before she could stop it.
"Nanami. It's me."
The familiar voice sent her heart into overdrive.
"H-Hozuki Nozomi?"
"Why do you keep calling me that? Just Hozuki Nozomi is fine." The man's voice held a note of playful complaint.
His arm encircled her slender waist while his other hand gently gripped her chin, tilting her face toward his. The strong masculine scent—warm, intimate, undeniably him—made her head spin. Her cheeks burned. She couldn't meet his eyes.
"Nanami." His voice dropped lower, softer. "You're really cute."
He leaned closer.
Warm breath ghosted across her cheek, her neck, her lips. Aoyama Nanami's breathing quickened, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
"No... don't!" She pressed small hands against his chest, pushing weakly. "Hozuki Nozomi, stop teasing!"
Her eyes grew moist, her delicate frame trembling. But she couldn't break free from his hold.
"Nanami." His gaze held hers, intense and sincere. "I like you."
Her heart stopped.
"Be good, okay?"
He leaned in and captured her lips.
"Mmph!"
Aoyama Nanami's eyes flew wide. She struggled—instinctively, briefly—then her body softened, melting into the kiss.
Her legs pressed together unconsciously.
And then—
"Ah!"
She sat bolt upright in bed, gasping.
Her room. Her bed. The Torajiro doll clutched to her chest.
A dream.
It was all a dream.
Aoyama Nanami's face burned like fire. She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling her heart pound against her ribs. Her skin was flushed, her breathing ragged.
She slipped out of bed and crept to the bathroom, moving on silent feet. A quick shower. A change of clothes. She washed her intimate garments by hand and hung them to dry before tiptoeing back to her room.
Back in bed, she hugged Torajiro tightly, her pretty face still beet red. The girl in her pajamas bit her rosy lips, squirming with embarrassment, rolling back and forth on the mattress.
Sleep refused to come.
"Ugh... Aoyama Nanami, how could you have such a shameless dream?!"
But even as she berated herself, the memory remained crystal clear. His words. His confession. The way he'd said "be good" in that warm, commanding voice.
Just thinking about it made her heart tingle, her body feel weak.
If he really treated her like that... could she resist?
And hours earlier, when she'd nearly fallen down the stairs, he'd come running the moment he heard her cry out. He'd saved her. Held her. Made those little moves that she definitely noticed, because she wasn't stupid.
She stared at Torajiro. "Torajiro... I'm getting stranger and stranger. Could it be that I actually like Hozuki Nozomi?"
She shook her head violently. "No way! He's such a playboy!"
But the doubts lingered.
...
Morning arrived. Around 7 AM, Aoyama Nanami dragged herself out of bed, dark circles shadowing her eyes.
After a quick breakfast, she fled Sakura Dormitory.
Today she had voice acting school. And a part-time job. Work and study—that would keep her mind off shameful thoughts and embarrassing dreams.
...
Hozuki Nozomi, having no classes today, slept luxuriously until 8 AM.
He opened his eyes to find Frieren still sleeping peacefully in his arms. Despite the previous night's activities, the elf maiden showed no signs of exhaustion—her physique, after all, was far beyond ordinary. Her peaceful sleeping face suggested she was thoroughly satisfied.
He admired her cute features for a while, then couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her forehead.
After that, he slipped out of bed and prepared for the day.
Today, he was picking up Rita with Mashiro.
....
At the airport, Rita emerged from the arrivals gate, suitcase in tow.
Shiina Mashiro spotted her immediately and rushed forward, throwing her arms around her best friend. Rita laughed softly, patting Mashiro's back as she returned the embrace.
"Mashiro. Long time no see."
"Mm." Mashiro's voice was soft with emotion. "Rita. Mashiro missed you."
"I missed you too, Mashiro."
Their tender reunion was interrupted by a certain shameless man who walked over and opened his arms wide, pulling both girls into a group hug. Passersby glanced at the scene with a mixture of amusement and envy.
"Rita." Hozuki Nozomi's voice was warm. "I missed you too."
Rita rolled her eyes dramatically. "A scumbag like you, surrounded by beautiful girls every day—you missed me? I'm supposed to believe that?"
"Of course. My actions right now prove it."
"Hmph. I'd have to be crazy to believe you." She pinched his waist hard.
"Hiss! Gentle, Rita! If you use more force, Mashiro's future happiness might be in danger!"
Rita released him, satisfied with his pained expression. "Alright, let's head back. I'm not planning to return to England this time. Is there room for me at Sakura Dormitory?"
"Always."
With the shrine merged, Sakura Dormitory had infinite space. Rooms manifested as needed.
"But aren't you planning to stay with Mashiro?"
Rita glanced at her best friend. "Mashiro, do you want to share a room with me?"
"Yes."
"Then it's settled." Rita shot Hozuki Nozomi a meaningful look. "I'll keep a close eye on you and make sure you don't bully Mashiro!"
....
Back at Sakura Dormitory, Rita's arrival was celebrated with genuine warmth. To mark the occasion, Hozuki Nozomi headed to the kitchen to prepare some of his signature dishes, with Ogiwara Sayu and Shiina Mahiru assisting. Aoyama Nanami, unable to sit idle, joined them to wash vegetables.
The atmosphere was warm, harmonious, wonderful.
Rita observed the scene—the friendly faces, the easy camaraderie, the obvious affection everyone shared—and felt her initial reservations soften. She smiled.
At dinner, Hozuki Nozomi raised his glass first. "Rita, welcome to Sakura Dormitory. We look forward to having you with us."
"Thank you." She smiled sweetly. "Please take care of me, Mr. Scumbag."
His expression fell. "The 'scumbag' part is unnecessary."
Rita's smile widened. "But you are a scumbag."
The assembled girls nodded in unanimous agreement.
Hozuki Nozomi stared at them, betrayed. No one was giving him face today. And Rita, a new resident, thought she could provoke the landlord like this?
That night, he visited Rita's room.
He taught her a thorough lesson.
At some point, Mashiro came to plead for her best friend.
The "furious" Hozuki Nozomi naturally taught them both.
The night passed in warmth.
The spring breeze did not cease.