Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Hozuki Nozomi gently extricated himself from Rita's octopus-like embrace. The girl clung even in sleep, but he managed to slip free without waking her. He paused to press a kiss to her forehead before turning to Mashiro, who had also worked very hard the night before, and bestowed similar affection.
After freshening up, he made his way to the kitchen.
A familiar figure bustled inside—high ponytail swaying, graceful posture bent over the stove. Aoyama Nanami, wearing a neat apron, worked diligently on breakfast. Her back looked somewhat listless, movements automatic rather than engaged.
Hozuki Nozomi smiled and approached quietly.
Nanami was frying eggs, her mind elsewhere. Last night, she'd seen him slip into Mashiro's room. Then the dreams had come again—strange, embarrassing dreams that left her tossing and turning. She'd woken in the night to wash her undergarments. Again.
Her current state was troubled, distracted. Even breakfast preparation suffered from her wandering attention.
Arms wrapped around her waist from behind. A strong masculine scent enveloped her.
"Ah!" She startled, delicate frame trembling.
"It's me." His voice was soft, warm.
Aoyama Nanami's cheeks ignited. Of course it was him—the only male in Sakura Dormitory. But—
This isn't right!
She stared at the arm encircling her waist, steam practically rising from her head. Was she still dreaming? Working in the kitchen while asleep?
"Sorry." Hozuki Nozomi didn't release her. "I thought Mahiru was making breakfast. Hugged you by mistake."
Aoyama Nanami was speechless.
Did he even believe that excuse? Her height might be similar to Mahiru's, but Mahiru had distinctive blonde hair! If he'd mistaken her for Sayu, that would at least be plausible. But Mahiru?
"Nanami." His voice dropped to something more sincere. "Are you adjusting well here?"
"Umm... it's okay."
"If you have any problems, please come to me. Anytime."
"I... I will."
"Good." He squeezed gently, then released her. "I'll let you get back to breakfast."
He left the kitchen.
Aoyama Nanami nearly collapsed. She clutched the frying pan, staring after him with wide eyes. Her mind churned, unable to distinguish dream from reality.
He'd hugged her. Boldly. Deliberately.
He definitely had feelings for her!
At breakfast, she couldn't meet his eyes. She ate quickly, mechanically, then fled the table entirely. Work would distract her. Work would clear her mind.
Hozuki Nozomi watched her go with an amused smile. Nanami couldn't run far—she lived here now. There was no hurry.
Today, he had other plans.
Time to surprise his fiancée.
...
In the Yukinoshita residence, Yukino relaxed in comfortable loungewear, curled on the sofa watching videos. Cats. Raccoons. Her usual weekend fare.
No classes meant no need to go out. Her sister wasn't home today—she could enjoy solitude.
Would that guy come?
Probably not. Mahiru and the others were at Sakura Dormitory. He could visit Sumireko or any of the others.
Yukino's lips unconsciously pouted. She still got jealous sometimes. Even as an engaged woman, she cared when her fiancé spent time elsewhere.
The day passed quietly.
Evening arrived. Yukino was about to shower and sleep when the doorbell rang.
Through the peephole—her mother.
"Mother?" Surprise colored her voice as she opened the door. "What brings you here?"
Madam Yukinoshita raised an elegant eyebrow. "May I not visit my own daughter? I'm staying tonight."
Yukino couldn't refuse. She understood—her father's antics had driven her mother here, seeking comfort. Loneliness was a familiar companion to Madam Yukinoshita.
They settled on the sofa. Madam Yukinoshita sipped tea, then asked casually, "Where's that boy? Didn't he come to keep you company?"
Yukino's cheeks warmed. She knew exactly who "that boy" referred to. "I'm not a child. I don't need company every day."
If he came, she wouldn't sleep tonight anyway. The thought of his "company" made her face burn.
Madam Yukinoshita's expression flickered with something unreadable. Yukino moved closer, concerned.
"Mother? Did something happen?"
A sigh. "Nothing important. I simply wanted to see you. If that boy mistreats you, I won't forgive him." A pause. "Yukino, you're engaged now. If possible... try to make him exercise some restraint."
"I know, Mother."
They talked through the evening, mother and daughter, their relationship warming in ways previously unimaginable. Hozuki Nozomi's presence in their lives had changed everything—he'd helped them understand each other.
Yukino felt deep sympathy for her mother. Her father's actions had wounded deeply. But what could a daughter do? She couldn't abandon her fiancé to comfort her mother.
All she could offer was companionship.
....
Night fell. Mother and daughter, fresh from their showers, lay together in Yukino's bed. They closed their eyes.
In the deepest hour of night, Hozuki Nozomi arrived.
The power of affinity served him well—teleportation to his bonded was effortless. He'd deliberately sent no message, wanting to surprise his fiancée.
He slipped silently into the covers.
Warmth. Softness. A feminine form.
Experienced hands moved with practiced ease. Before any startled cry could emerge, he captured lips with his own.
The kiss deepened.
After a long moment, Hozuki Nozomi pulled back, pride evident in his expression. His efforts had borne fruit—his fiancée had grown considerably. The future promised abundance.
The woman he held stiffened, eyes wide with shock.
"Yukino, be good." His words were gentle. His hands were not.
She squeezed her eyes shut, pretending to sleep.
Hozuki Nozomi's brow furrowed. Something was wrong. Even with his magic's influence, Yukino couldn't have developed this much. He activated his spiritual sight.
And froze.
This wasn't Yukino.
Mortified, he released the woman's waist and shifted to embrace the real Yukino beside her. Before Second Miss could react, he claimed her lips.
Yukino Yukinoshita woke with a start, eyes flying wide. Disbelief warred with something else in her expression.
The night deepened around them.