Shiina Mahiru walked up the familiar slope leading to Sakurasou, her bag hanging loosely over her shoulder. The evening breeze rustled her hair as she neared the dorm. Just then, her phone vibrated.
Glancing at the screen, she blinked in surprise—Hozuki Nozomi was calling.
"Moshi moshi… Shiina desu," she answered softly, feeling a bit nervous for some reason.
"Oi, Mahiru, where are you? You're taking forever to get back." Nozomi's slightly irritated voice came through the receiver.
Mahiru's lips twitched. He was always like this.
"I'm on my way. Do you need anything?"
"Yeah. Pick up a bottle of soy sauce and two cans of beer. Chihiro-sensei's request."
Mahiru let out a sigh, already expecting something like this.
"Why is my cousin always drinking? She's going to turn into an alcoholic at this rate."
"Probably another failed gokon," Nozomi replied dryly. "I told her it's a vicious cycle—no successful guy likes a woman who drowns herself in booze, but she never listens."
Mahiru giggled. "And then?"
"She said that if she can't get married, she'll just force me to marry her." He sighed dramatically. "She even claimed I'd be getting a great deal."
"Pfft, nanda sore? How exactly are you making a profit?"
"Isn't it obvious? Chihiro-sensei has two equally unlucky friends, and they always attend matchmaking events together. Every time, the three of them end up alone by the end of the night."
Mahiru's expression became complicated. "Don't tell me…"
"Yep. The other two are Shirayama Koharu and Hiratsuka Shizuka. I'm pretty sure you know Hiratsuka-sensei, right?"
Mahiru felt a shiver run down her spine. "Uso… what does this have to do with making a profit?"
"Chihiro-sensei said if they all keep failing, she'll just make me marry Shirayama-sensei too. Buy one, get one free. Isn't that a bargain?"
Mahiru's eyebrow twitched. "I can't believe this…"
"Yeah, well, I just pretended not to hear her." Nozomi sighed again. "She was probably joking… I hope."
Mahiru wasn't so sure.
Her cousin wasn't the type to settle for failure. She aspired to be a successful woman and had high standards for men. In her eyes, most were either pathetic or unattractive. But Nozomi…
He was young, promising, and honestly a catch. Despite still being in high school, he had ranked second in the entrance exams for Sobu High. As long as he kept his grades up, he'd receive scholarships every year. On top of that, he was already involved in anime production, having caught the eye of Misaki Kamiigusa, the genius animator.
Even if he didn't work, he could live comfortably just by collecting rent from Sakurasou.
Most importantly…
He was a good person. Kind, responsible, and always looking out for everyone in the dorm. Even when he scolded Chihiro-sensei about her drinking, it was because he cared.
Mahiru had a feeling her cousin was enjoying the attention too much. Agh, how annoying!
"Oh, by the way, just get two cans of beer. I need to keep her drinking in check," Nozomi added. "As Sakurasou's landlord, I have a duty to ensure my tenants maintain a healthy lifestyle."
Mahiru couldn't help but smirk. "Uh-huh, sure."
—
Carrying the soy sauce and beer, Mahiru finally returned to Sakurasou.
"Tadaima."
"Mahiru! Okaeri! Where's my beer?" Chihiro-sensei immediately sprang to life from her half-asleep state on the couch, looking at her with hopeful eyes.
Expressionless, Mahiru handed over two cans. "This is all you get."
"Eh?! Nande? Just two?!"
"They were the last ones left," Mahiru lied with a perfectly straight face.
Chihiro narrowed her eyes. "Uso da. That damn brat Nozomi put you up to this, didn't he?"
Nozomi shrugged, completely unfazed. "Who told you to drink every night? And drinking beer won't even get you properly drunk. All it does is make you bloated and force you to go to the bathroom every five minutes. You'll end up with a beer belly at this rate."
"Oi!" Chihiro clutched her stomach in horror. "Muri muri! I won't let that happen! I'm still a beautiful, eternally 29-year-old woman!"
Mahiru watched in amusement as her cousin stormed off to check her reflection in the mirror.
"See? This is why I need to control her," Nozomi muttered.
Mahiru sighed. "You bring this upon yourself, Nozomi. You're too nice for your own good."
He rolled his eyes. "Tell me something I don't know."
Chihiro returned a moment later, smug as ever. "Hah! My stomach is still perfectly flat. I'm safe."
"Good for you," Nozomi said dryly.
"Hmph. Just you wait, brat. If no one marries me, I'm staying here forever. And I'll make you my husband!"
Mahiru's eye twitched as she watched her cousin dramatically point at Nozomi like she was declaring war.
"Yare yare da ze…" Nozomi muttered under his breath. "Guess I should start preparing my will."
Mahiru couldn't help but laugh.
================
Mahiru Shiina glanced at Hozuki Nozomi, who was casually lounging on the sofa, idly scrolling through his phone. Guilt swelled within her.
She had told Miura and the others that he had a girlfriend and was living with her.
Just as she was about to say something, her phone suddenly rang.
Her breath hitched as she glanced at the caller ID.
Her face paled.
Without a second thought, she retreated to her room, shutting the door before pressing the answer button with trembling fingers.
"...Hello... Mom."
Her voice was hesitant, laced with a fragile hope that she despised herself for still holding onto.
People are always like this. Even when they know better, they can't help but yearn.
Despite knowing her mother's indifference, a small part of her still longed for warmth.
The cold voice on the other end shattered any illusions she had.
"Mahiru, your father and I know everything."
"Eh...? What... what do you mean?"
"Idiot! How long were you planning to keep this from us?!"
The stern reprimand struck her harder than she expected, making her beautiful amber eyes sting with unshed tears.
She should have known.
Her mother never called unless it was to scold her.
"We know you were harassed by that brat from the Takayama family. We know they cornered you."
Mahiru bit her lip, clutching her phone tightly.
So that's what this was about.
Not concern. Not love.
Just another problem to be solved.
"It's time to come home," her mother continued.
Mahiru let out a hollow laugh, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"Home?" she whispered. "Is that place really my home? Father isn't there. You aren't there. How is that different from living alone?"
Her mother fell silent.
Mahiru could still remember the last time they spoke.
Her mother's words had been cruel. Unforgiving.
And yet, Mahiru had still wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe, she had been wrong.
She hadn't been.
"Are you refusing to come back?" her mother finally said, her tone devoid of warmth. "I can arrange for someone to take you to and from school. Your safety will be guaranteed."
Mahiru's grip on her phone tightened.
"No," she said firmly. "I already have someone protecting me. My home is here. I'm not going anywhere."
Silence.
Then, her mother let out a cold snort.
"Do what you want," she said dismissively. "We'll continue sending your tuition and living expenses. Buy whatever you need. Don't be frugal."
Then, without another word, she hung up.
Mahiru stared at the screen, her vision blurred by unshed tears.
She should have known better. She really should have.
She had no place in her parents' lives.
She was nothing more than a burden. An inconvenience. A reminder of the past they wanted to forget.
A broken laugh escaped her lips.
"Money, huh...?" she murmured bitterly. "Throw some cash at me and expect me to obediently live alone in that empty villa?"
Her body trembled with anger and grief.
"I don't need it!"
Her hands moved before she could think.
She grabbed the stuffed bear on her bed and hurled it at the bookshelf.
The loud thud echoed in the silent room.
Then—
Knock, knock.
A gentle rapping on her door.
"Shiina-san," Nozomi's voice came through, laced with concern. "Are you okay? You're making a lot of noise in there."
Her breath hitched.
That voice—
It was like a lifeline.
A soft, broken smile curled on her lips, her eyes brimming with warmth and longing.
Someone still cared about her.
Even if it was fleeting.
Even if it was a lie.
Even if he only wanted her body.
At least, in this moment, she wasn't alone.
She reached for the door handle, hesitating only for a second before pulling it open.
Nozomi barely had time to react before a petite figure crashed into him.
She buried her face in his chest, her small hands clutching at the fabric of his shirt as if he would disappear if she let go.
Nozomi stiffened for a moment, blinking down at the girl pressed against him.
Her body was trembling.
Slowly, his expression softened.
"Shiina?"
He was tempted to tease her.
But now wasn't the time.
"Hold me," she whispered. "Just for a little while... okay?"
A sigh escaped his lips.
Even though he had no idea what was wrong, how could he refuse her?
His hand moved instinctively, gently resting on her head.
His fingers threaded through her silky golden locks, stroking her hair in slow, soothing motions.
"It's okay," he murmured. "I'm here."
A quiet hiccup.
Then, a muffled voice.
"I hate you."
Nozomi blinked in confusion.
"Hate me?"
"Yes," she mumbled. "I hate you."
And yet, her grip on his waist only tightened.
"Why do you always see me like this? So vulnerable... so pathetic?"
She lifted her tear-streaked face, looking up at him with frustration, sorrow, and something else he couldn't quite place.
"Why do you always hold me like this? Why do you make me feel safe...?"
Her voice cracked.
"I hate you... playboy... I hate you the most..."
Nozomi chuckled, unfazed by her words.
"Ah, sorry for making you hate me so much."
He ruffled her hair, earning a quiet huff from the girl in his arms.
She was contradicting herself.
Saying she hated him while clinging onto him like he was her lifeline.
He would have to be an idiot to take her words at face value.
Mahiru sniffled, feeling the warmth of his hand gently stroking her head.
How annoying.
Why did he make her heart ache like this?
Why did it feel so warm?
Neither of them spoke after that.
She simply remained in his embrace, her silent tears soaking into his shirt.
Nozomi made no move to push her away.
He just held her, letting her seek comfort in his presence.
He could have taken advantage of the moment.
But some things were more important.
More lasting.
Letting her grow attached, bit by bit.
Making her heart belong to him, piece by piece.
There was no need to rush.
And besides—
He rather liked this slow, sweet descent into something deeper.
Something inevitable.
After a while, Shiina Mahiru finally regained her composure, though her cheeks remained flushed. Her arms, which had instinctively wrapped around his waist, slowly loosened as her senses returned.
"A-Anou... it's okay now. I-I'm fine, Hozuki-kun," she stammered, her voice soft and uncertain.
But before she could slip away, Nozomi's expression turned serious. Without hesitation, he lifted her gently by the waist and sat her down on the bed, closing the door behind him with a quiet but deliberate click.
Shiina Mahiru's blush deepened as she watched him. The sight of the door shutting sent her heart into a frenzied rhythm. She felt an unexplainable nervousness creep in. However, when her gaze met his—those dark, burning eyes filled with intent—her body lost its strength. She averted her gaze shyly, unable to face him directly.
She was seated on his lap, her back resting against his chest. His warmth surrounded her entirely. His steady breath, the strong arms around her, the faint scent of his cologne—it was all too overwhelming.
"U-Um... Hozuki-kun, w-what are you... planning to do?" she asked, sneaking a glance at him before quickly lowering her head again.
Nozomi chuckled softly and gently ran his fingers through her silky hair. "Nothing much. Just holding you. Didn't you ask for it? Besides, standing and hugging you was a bit awkward, so I figured this would be more comfortable."
"O-Oh..." she mumbled, covering her cheeks with both hands in embarrassment, wishing she could disappear into thin air.
Nozomi smirked at her reaction. She was too cute. His heart stirred. It was moments like these that tested his resolve. The skill he had honed—self-control—was being pushed to its limits.
Shiina Mahiru felt the shift in the air. Her body tensed slightly. It wasn't fear—no, she trusted him. But the intensity of his gaze made her heart race.
His fingers brushed her hair aside, and before she could react, his warm lips pressed against her forehead, lingering just long enough to send shivers down her spine.
"Tch... I really am a bad guy, huh?" Nozomi sighed, pulling away reluctantly. "I can't keep holding you like this. I need to take a cold shower."
Shiina Mahiru's eyes widened. She didn't want him to leave. Acting purely on impulse, she reached out, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Don't go. Just a little longer... please."
Nozomi inhaled sharply. His breathing became uneven. "Shiina, if you keep being so defenseless, I might turn into a beast. Are you sure you're not scared?"
Her response was muffled as she buried her face in his chest. "If you try anything... I'll... destroy your tools."
Nozomi winced dramatically. "How cruel! You make me suffer and then threaten me?"
Shiina Mahiru's face burned. "I feel the same way, okay? But I... I'm not that kind of girl..."
Nozomi exhaled, the corners of his lips curling into a grin. He pressed a quick, teasing kiss to her cheek. "I know. That's why I'll behave. For now."
Hearing his words, something warm blossomed in Shiina Mahiru's chest. She looked up at him, eyes shining with emotion. Then, hesitantly, she tilted her face upward, brushing her lips against his chin in the clumsiest of kisses.
Her hands, small and trembling, reached out to him.
"I-I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Is it uncomfortable?"
Nozomi met her gaze, his heart swelling with gratitude for her concern. "It's not uncomfortable, Mahiru-chan. In fact, you're making me feel... really good."
A look of both curiosity and apprehension flickered in Shiina's eyes. "What can I do, then?"
Nozomi hesitated for a moment before gently suggesting, "Perhaps, you could... help me with your hand?"
Shiina bit her lip, a mix of nerves and eagerness playing across her features. She nodded slowly, her movements clumsy as she reached for the hem of his pants. Nozomi, patient and reassuring, guided her hands, helping her navigate the unfamiliar territory.
As Shiina's small, delicate hand encircled him, Nozomi could feel the warmth and sincerity in her touch. He closed his eyes, the sensation of her tentative, yet earnest, strokes sending shivers down his spine.
In due time, Nozomi's breathing grew ragged, his body tensing. Shiina, sensing the change, looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, her own heart pounding. A moment later, Nozomi released a shuddering breath, his body spasming as he came.
Shiina, still holding him, looked down at her hand, her brow furrowing in concern. "I'm sorry if I did something wrong," she said softly.
Nozomi shook his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You did great, Mahiru-chan. You made me feel really good."
After a while, Shiina Mahiru was panting lightly, resting against Nozomi's chest. She peeked up at him, her eyes shimmering with a hint of complaint.
"Mou... My hands are sore..."
Nozomi smirked, rubbing her head playfully. "Then I really should go take that cold shower."
"No," she pouted, clinging onto him. "You're not allowed to leave."
Nozomi chuckled, finding amusement in her rare show of stubbornness. "Alright, alright. I'll hold you for a bit longer. But after that, you're going to sleep, and tomorrow, you'll forget all your troubles. Deal?"
She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "...Deal."
Satisfied, Nozomi gently lifted her chin and kissed her lips without hesitation. The kiss was slow and lingering, carrying a silent promise between them.
A while later, after making sure Shiina Mahiru had fallen asleep, Nozomi quietly left her room, heading back to his own.
Just as he stepped inside, a familiar figure slipped in behind him. Ogiwara Sayu.
Her arms crossed, she pouted slightly. "Hmph. You're so cautious when it comes to Shiina..."
Then, her lips curled into a playful smirk. "But that's fine. Let her keep playing hard to get. I, on the other hand, won't be holding back."
Nozomi raised an eyebrow, exhaling in mild exasperation.
Tonight was going to be another long night.
*********************
I found this pic of Shirayama Koharu on the fandom.