In Pursuit of Happiness, Starting from Sakurasou

When Hozuki Nozomi woke up the next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Just as he stretched, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, there came a knock on his door.

Ogihara Sayu stepped in, holding her newly gifted phone, her expression a mixture of excitement and hesitation.

"Nozomi-kun, give me your number," she said, extending the phone toward him.

"No problem," Nozomi replied, taking the phone and quickly inputting his number before handing it back.

Sayu saved the contact and then, almost subconsciously, held the phone to her chest. Her cheeks flushed slightly. Logically, she shouldn't have accepted such an expensive gift. After all, she already owed him so much. But deep down, she knew that as long as she was staying here, running away from her painful past, she would have to accept his kindness.

"Thank you, Nozomi-kun," she said softly, her voice tinged with determination. "I'll find a way to repay your kindness someday."

Nozomi waved his hand dismissively. "Don't sweat it. Just focus on taking care of yourself for now."

By the time Nozomi had freshened up and come out of his room, Sayu was already busy in the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune as she worked. The aroma of miso soup and grilled fish filled the small apartment.

Though they technically lived next door to each other, it felt as though they were sharing a home. The rhythm of their mornings, the shared meals—it was a dynamic that brought a sense of comfort to both of them.

====================

Over breakfast, Sayu noticed Nozomi dressed in casual clothes, looking unusually laid-back.

"Nozomi-kun, are you heading out again today?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah," he replied, taking a sip of his tea. "Do you need me to pick up anything while I'm out? Or…" He paused, tilting his head with a playful grin. "Do you want to come with me?"

Her eyes lit up momentarily but then flickered with hesitation.

"I don't know…" she muttered, unsure if she should accept.

Nozomi smirked. "If you keep hesitating, school's going to start soon, and I won't have much time to hang out with you anymore."

Sayu blinked, realization dawning on her. "I understand! Wait here, Nozomi-kun—I'll get ready!"

=====================

A few minutes later, Sayu stepped out of her room.

She was dressed in a simple yet elegant white summer dress that accentuated her delicate features. Her long, silky hair flowed naturally down her back, catching the light in a way that made it seem almost luminous. Her bright, almond-shaped eyes sparkled with life, framed by long, curled lashes.

The dress hugged her figure just enough to suggest grace and charm, while the skirt fluttered lightly with every step she took. Her slender legs peeked out beneath the hem, drawing a quiet, appreciative glance from Nozomi.

She looked like a vision straight out of a shoujo manga.

"You look stunning, Sayu," Nozomi said earnestly, giving her a thumbs up. "If we go out together like this, I bet every guy we pass will be glaring at me out of jealousy."

Sayu giggled, her cheeks pink. "Hehe, if that's the case, then you'll just have to be my bodyguard for the day, Nozomi-kun!" She playfully took his arm, and the two headed out.

=======================

As they reached the entrance to the complex, Nozomi's neighbor, Mitaka Jin, stood nearby with a woman—a married woman, no less. The two were locked in a scandalous kiss.

Nozomi raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that Mitaka-senpai? And… one of his girlfriends?"

Sayu tilted her head, curious. "Mitaka-senpai has a girlfriend who's… married?"

"Yup," Nozomi replied with a deadpan tone. "Rumor has it he's juggling six girls at the same time. Honestly, I don't know how he hasn't gotten caught yet."

Mitaka noticed them and waved, grinning shamelessly.

"Yo, Hozuki! Going out with your girlfriend, huh? I know a great hotel near Angel's Heartbeat Bar. Highly recommend it."

Nozomi rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the tip, senpai. I'll pass."

Mitaka chuckled before disappearing into the building, presumably to visit Kamiguusa Misaki—his so-called "true love."

Sayu watched him go, her expression thoughtful. "Do you think all men are like that? Always looking for something more, no matter how much they already have?"

Nozomi glanced at her, sensing the sadness in her tone. "Not all men are like Mitaka-senpai," he said firmly. "If someone really cares about you, they won't treat you like an option."

"Do you really believe that, Nozomi-kun?" she asked softly.

He shrugged. "I believe that if someone has multiple relationships, they should make sure everyone involved is genuinely happy. Otherwise, it's not worth it."

Sayu rolled her eyes, her mood lightening. "You're just trying to sound like a saint. Admit it—you're jealous of Mitaka-senpai's harem skills."

Nozomi laughed. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little envious. But honestly? It sounds like a hassle. I'd rather focus on the people who matter most to me."

Sayu smiled at his words, her heart feeling lighter. "You'd better stick to that, Nozomi-kun. Otherwise, I might just join Mitaka-senpai's fan club."

"Noted," he replied with a smirk. "Now, let's stop talking about that guy. We've got an amusement park to conquer!"

====================

The rest of the day was filled with laughter and excitement. From roller coasters to haunted houses, Nozomi and Sayu threw themselves into every activity with boundless energy.

Hozuki Nozomi wasn't about to entertain Mitaka Jin's ridiculous suggestion about the love hotel. Not only did it cost money, but why waste it when they already had a perfectly fine place to sleep? While Nozomi wasn't one to pinch pennies unnecessarily, he wasn't the type to throw them away either.

Dinner was a simple affair at a cozy restaurant nearby, giving Sayu a break from cooking. The warm glow of streetlights illuminated their walk back to Sakurasou, lending an air of calm to their evening.

After showers and a little casual conversation, their gazes locked for just a moment longer than usual. The stillness of the night carried with it a strange tension, their heartbeats quickening in unison. As if drawn by some unspoken connection, they found themselves leaning closer…

Until an unexpected whirlwind of chaos disrupted everything.

"Yooooosh! Let's drink until we drop tonight!"

The loud voice broke the moment like a thunderclap, and before they could react, a figure suddenly tumbled in through the second-floor window. Both Nozomi and Sayu stared in stunned silence as Kamiigusa Misaki stood before them, a mischievous grin plastered across her face and arms flung wide in dramatic flair.

"Misaki-senpai! This is the second floor!" Sayu exclaimed, her voice tinged with equal parts disbelief and exasperation.

Nozomi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He had momentarily forgotten about Misaki-senpai's… unique personality. Despite being a certified genius in animation, she had a flair for the ridiculous and an uncanny ability to do the impossible—like crashing in through a second-floor window unscathed.

"Come on, I brought food from the restaurant! Let's eat, drink, and forget all our troubles!" Misaki declared, plopping down on the floor and pulling out several bento boxes.

"Wait a second," Nozomi interjected. "Why do you call me 'Nozomi-chan'? I'm a man of dignity!"

Misaki only giggled and reached out to pinch his cheek. "Because you're adorable, Nozomi-chan! Embrace it!"

"Adorable?!" Nozomi recoiled as if struck. "I'm not some mascot character!"

Ignoring his protests, Misaki thrust a can of beer into both his and Sayu's hands. Reluctantly, they joined her, knowing resistance was futile when it came to her whims.

As the drinks flowed, Misaki's mood turned melancholic. Her usual boundless energy dimmed, and she suddenly broke into sobs.

"That idiot Mitaka… Why doesn't he like me?!" she wailed, clutching her drink like a lifeline.

Nozomi raised a brow. "Senpai, isn't it because he already has, like, six girlfriends?"

"That's not the point!" Misaki shot back, her voice trembling. "What do they have that I don't?!"

Nozomi exchanged a glance with Sayu, who looked equally at a loss. Clearing his throat, he attempted to console her.

"Honestly, Senpai, Mitaka-senpai must be blind. Anyone who can't see your charm doesn't deserve you!"

Misaki sniffled, her watery eyes widening in surprise. "Really?"

"Of course!" Nozomi assured her with exaggerated confidence. "You're cute, talented, and full of life. If he can't appreciate that, he's just not worth it!"

Moved by his words, Misaki suddenly lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. "Nozomi-chan, you're the best!"

In a surprise turn of events, Misaki's hands found their way to Nozomi's cheeks pulling him closer as her lips devoured his. Her tongue explored every inch of his mouth, her actions fueled by hunger and desperation. Sayu's breath hitched as she saw her man and their senpai kissing passionately.

Misaki's fingers entwined in Nozomi's hair,, tugging gently as her body pressed against him. The heat radiating from her skin and the soft moans emanating ffrom her mouth made his heart race. Sayu's lips parted her gaze flicking between the two locked in a heated embrace. She felt an unfamiliar warmth pooling between her thighs as she watched Misaki's lithe body grinding against Nozomi.

Nozomi's hands glded against Misaki's sides, feeling her curves beneath the silky fabric of her pajama top. He could sense Sayu watching them intently, her breath growing shallow and erratic. Misaki broke the kiss abruptly, her chest heaving.

"I'm sorry," She stammered, "that was...I shouldn't have..."

Nozomi shushed her gently, cupping her cheek. He smiled at her reassuringly, brushing a strand of hair behind Misaki's ear.

"It;s okay," he whispered, "there's nothing to apologize for." His thumb traced her lower lip, glstening from their intense kiss.

Misaki bit her mouth nervously, looking away as if caught in a dream. " What do you mean?" She asked tentatively.

Nozomi took Misaki's hand, guiding her to stand beside him. His arm draped casually around her waist, making her blush at his touch. He turned to face Sayu, his expression soft yet determined. Leaning forward, he took Sayu's lips tasting the sour aftertaste of the beers.

Despite being inebriated, Sayu's thoughts and emotions had been conflcted since the moment Misaki kissed Nozomi. She had always known that Nozomi wasn't going to be hers alone, at least not for long.

Was it wrong to desire such a wonderful man for herself despite her shortcomings? Nozomi had rescued her from potential rape, comforted her about her traumatic past and given her a home. What right did she have to monopolize him?

She knew that with his big heart, she could not stop him from helping others like herself. Thus, at that point, she resolved in her heart that she would at least carve out a place within his heart no matter what. If she couldn't have all of him, she would eternally etch her self in a corner of his heart. She had already decided to give her body heart and soul to him the moment he saved her. Still, she couldn't let her spot be overtaken by anyone else.

She would be supportive of his indulgences but still strive to be his number 1. However, all her thoughts crumbled the moment he looked her way and took her lips.Sayu melted into the kiss, her eyes fluttering closed as Nozomi's lips expertly moved against hers.When they pulled apart, both were flushed and breathing heaver.

Misaki stood beside them, wide-eyed and somewhat stunned. The tenson was palpable, and Nozomi knew the night had only just began. As if reading his mind, Sayu reached out, taking Misaki's hand into hers.

Sayu led Misaki back to sit on the bed next to Nozomi, who placed a hand on each of their knees. "We're here for you Misaki-chan," Sayu murmured rubbing her thigh reassuringly.

Misaki looked up, her hazel eyes meeting both of their gazes. " What do you mean, you're not mad?" Sayu licked her lips, turning to look at Nozomi. He gave her a nod, encouraging her to continue.

"Mad, why would we be?" Sayu leaned in, kissing Misaki's cheek softly. "We understand what you're going through."

Misaki blushed, feeling tears prick her eyes at the genuine concern in Sayu's voce.She couldn't beleive how kind these two were, especially after practically forcing herself on Nozomi.

Nozomi's hand squeezed Misaki's knee, drawing her attention back to him. He wore a mischievous green, one that sent shivers down her spine. His dark eyes locked onto hers, dark pools of desire brimming over. "Sayu-chan," he rasped, breaking the silence between them. " What do you say, we give Misaki what she needs?"

Misaki swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched Sayu nod slowly. Nozomi leaned into Misaki, close enough for his breath to tickle her ear then he whispered:" Don't you think she deserves a little pick-me-up?"

Misaki gasped as he leaned back enough to capture her sumptuous lips. This time, there was no hesitation as she responded eagerly.

Nozomi's hands seemed to have a mind of their own as they roamed down Misaki's back, caressing her curves. He briefly felt her stiffen but quickly relaxed as he reched the small of her back. Misaki gasped, as Nozomi's hand slipped beneath her pajama top, palm flat against the smooth skin of her lower back. She trembled slightly, her nipples hardening against the soft cotton of her top.

His hands slipped higher, tracing her spine until he found the clasp of her bra. With a deft flick of the wrist, he unhooked it easily, allowing her breasts to spill free. Misaki's breath hitched as she felt his hand cupping one of her full breasts, his thumb rubbing her hardened nipple.

As Misaki's nipple hardened under his ministrations, Nozomi shifted his position, sliding closer to her. He eased her back on to the bed, lowering himself above her. Meanwhile,Sayu sat off to the side, utterly captivated by the scene unfolding before her eyes.

Nozomi's strong arms caged Misaki, holding her captive against the mattress beneath her. His lips left a warm trail of fire across her neck, nipping and sucking at her delicate skin. Feeling impatient, Nozomi tugged at Misaki's pajama top, ripping it off her body.

The unfolding sight had him enraptured, "such beautiful breasts...." It came as a surprise that, Misa had C cup breasts hidden within her petite figure. Sayu could attest that Nozomi was an absolute breast lover. Misaki whimpered as Nozomi's hot breath washed over her exposed nipple, now erect and aching. She felt the firm outline of his arousal insistently pressing against her inner thigh.

Nozomi's mouth enveloped Misaki's rosy bud, suckling it gently while his tongue flicked expertly. A gasp escaped Misaki's lips as she arched her back, pushing herself further into Nozomi's warm, wet embrace. Her fingernails raked across Nozomi's scalp as he lavished attention on her other breast, teasing and tormenting the hardened peak with delicious flicks of his tongue. "Oh god... oh yes!" she moaned.

Misaki's hips bucked instinctively as Nozomi's teeth lightly grazed her nipple. Meanwhile, Sayu's heart pounded as she watched their bodies entwine, struggling to suppress the sudden urge to join in.

Nozomi slipped his hand beneath Misaki's waistband, kneading her bare flesh. He groaned low in his throat as he encountered the trimmed tuft of hair atop her mound. Misaki's breath hitched as Nozomi's fingers dipped lower, brushing along her slick folds. Her eyes fluttered open to meet his lust-filled gaze, silently pleading for release.

Nozomi's fingertip teased Misaki's clit, circling it leisurely before flicking firmly against the swollen bud. Her inner muscles clenched involuntarily as he continued stroking her velvety center. "Yes!"

Misaki cried out, her hips lifting to meet Nozomi's talented digits. She felt Sayu's gaze on them, scorching hot and full of longing. Slowly, Sayu leaned forward, planting a tender kiss on Misaki's forehead. Misaki felt her orgasm building as Nozomi's finger curved upward, finding that perfect spot inside her. His thumb maintained pressure on her clit, circling and teasing.

Nozomi added another finger, stretching Misaki open as he increased his pace. Her walls tightened around him, drenching his hand in her slick juices. Misaki's moans filled the room, reaching a fever pitch as she approached climax. Nozomi looked up, locking eyes with Sayu. Without breaking contact, he reached out, grabbing her arm and tugging her closer.

Sayu's breath hitched as Nozomi captured her lips in a fiery kiss. His tongue probed the depths of her mouth, tasting the sweetness of Misaki's essence lingering there. Nozomi trailed kisses along Sayu's jaw, nipping at her earlobe before whispering huskily, "Watch closely, Sayu-chan. I want you to see how beautiful our senpai looks when she comes undone."

Misaki's body tensed as she teetered on the edge of ecstasy. Every nerve ending seemed to pulse with anticipation. Nozomi's lips returned to Misaki's sensitive breast, sucking and teasing her nipple relentlessly.

"Noooohhhh!" Misaki screamed, her entire body convulsing as waves of pleasure rippled through her core. Nozomi felt the gush of wetness erupting from her depths, soaking his hand and wrist. Misaki's eyes rolled back, her hips bucking wildly as Nozomi prolonged her orgasm. His thumb ground mercilessly against her engorged clit, extending the intense pulsations coursing through her veins.

Sayu watched, breathless and aroused, as their usually reserved senpai transformed into a wild temptress, writhing and moaning beneath Nozomi. Misaki's eyes fluttered open, her pupils dilated with desire. Nozomi sensed her need, slipping down between her legs. With a wicked smile, he tore off her damp pajama bottoms, leaving her naked and vulnerable.

Nozomi's gaze raked over Misaki's glistening core, her pink folds slick and swollen. Misaki squirmed on the bed, suddenly aware of her complete nakedness. Nozomi's eyes lingered over her flushed form, leaving a trail of heat wherever they landed.

With practiced ease, Nozomi removed his shirt, revealing chiseled abs and broad shoulders. He unfastened his pants, letting them drop to the floor. Beneath his boxers, his erection strained, thick and insistent. Misaki's eyes widened at the sight of his throbbing cock, a bead of pre-cum glistening at the tip. She bit her lip, uncertainty clouding her face.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Misaki hesitated, her hazel eyes flickering between Nozomi and Sayu. She chewed her lower lip anxiously, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. "I've never done anything like this before..."

Misaki's vulnerability was intoxicating, her innocence sparking something primal in Nozomi. His hand reached for hers, squeezing it gently. "It'll be okay," he reassured her, his voice low and steady.

"You don't have to worry," Sayu chimed in, scooting closer to offer support. "Remember what happened when you started drinking earlier today? Well, picture that feeling amplified tenfold."

Misaki blushed at Sayu's words, recalling how bold she'd been thanks to liquid courage. Nozomi positioned himself between her quivering thighs, his hands resting on either side of her head. Misaki's legs trembled as she felt Nozomi's weight settle atop her, his rock-hard erection nestled against her pubic bone. His eyes bored into hers, reflecting raw desire and encouragement.

Misaki squirmed, her thighs tingling from the unfamiliar intimacy. "But... what about protection?" she managed to murmur, even as her yearning for release threatened to consume all coherent thought.

"I'll pull out before I cum," Nozomi promised, thrusting his hips subtly, causing Misaki to gasp at the sensation of his length sliding against her slit. He smiled wickedly. Misaki's body betrayed her, her hips arching involuntarily as if urging him closer. She could feel the slick arousal coating her thighs, readying her for penetration. Misaki whimpered, beads of sweat gathering along her hairline as anticipation grew unbearable. "Do you promise?" she breathed, desperation lacing her words.

With a knowing smirk, Nozomi nodded, "Yes, I promise." His hand drifted between them, wrapping around his thick shaft. He guided it to her entrance, nudging her sensitive folds apart. Misaki gasped, her eyes widening as the mushroomed head of Nozomi's thick cock stretched her virgin entrance. She clawed at his shoulders, bracing herself against the invasion. "Wait! It hurts!" she whimpered.

Nozomi paused, sensing Misaki's discomfort. His hands cupped her face, wiping away the solitary tear streaming down her cheek. "Shh," he cooed, "we won't rush this."

Misaki's breath hitched as she felt Nozomi lean forward, pressing gentle kisses to her cheeks, her nose, and finally, her trembling lips. Misaki sighed softly, melting under the tenderness of Nozomi's touch. The burning sensation at her entrance began to subside as he allowed her body time to adjust.

Misaki's fingers intertwined with Nozomi's as she wrapped her legs around his waist, her heels digging into the small of his back. Their lips remained locked, sharing ragged breaths and desperate moans. "I..."

Misaki trailed off, a pang of guilt striking her.

"I know what I want," Misaki whispered, her voice barely audible. Nozomi's eyebrow arched, intrigue gleaming in his eyes. "And what is that?" Misaki's hazel irises met his challenging stare.

Misaki's heart raced as she confessed, "I want you to fuck me, Nozomi. Make me forget everything." Before the last word left her lips, Nozomi surged forward, burying himself balls-deep inside Misaki.

Misaki's heart raced as she confessed, "I want you to fuck me, Nozomi. Make me forget everything." Before the last word left her lips, Nozomi surged forward, burying himself balls-deep inside Misaki. Nozomi stilled, allowing Misaki's tight sheath to accommodate his size. Sweat dripped from his brow as he fought the urge to drive deeper into her warmth.

Misaki's slick walls pulsed around Nozomi's girth, spasming as they struggled to accommodate his thickness.

"Fuck," Nozomi grunted, his breath hitching. Misaki's taut muscles milked him greedily, threatening to push him over the edge too soon.

Misaki's lips parted, moans escaping as her inner walls adapted to the size of Nozomi's manhood. As she acclimated, a familiar ache built between her legs. "Please," she begged, desperation coloring her plea.

"Please, what?" Nozomi taunted playfully, his smile devilish. He began to slowly withdraw from her trembling body, pausing when only the tip remained embedded inside her.

Misaki gasped as she felt herself abandoned, the emptiness within her a stark contrast to the overwhelming fullness mere seconds ago. "No, please don't stop..."

Misaki writhed impatiently beneath him, "I want more..." she whimpered. Nozomi smirked, reveling in her discomfort. Giving in to her need, he slammed into her, his length spearing her deep.

Nozomi felt Misaki's walls clamp around his shaft as he buried himself to the hilt. His groin pressed tightly against her ass, pelvis grinding rhythmically as he began to move in slow, deliberate strokes. Misaki's body shuddered with every powerful thrust, her nipples hardening painfully as they raked against Nozomi's hard chest.

Misaki's hips rose to meet Nozomi's steady rhythm, her initial hesitancy giving way to fierce hunger. She moaned louder, uncaring of the neighbors' possible objections. Nozomi, driven by primal desire, growled as he quickened his pace, pistoning into Misaki with renewed fervor. The room filled with the symphony of their bodies joining forcefully.

Misaki's hips bucked wildly as Nozomi fucked her mercilessly, his cock piston-fucking her sopping wet cunt. Misaki's cries filled the room as Nozomi drove into her, his pace fast and furious. He could feel her walls tightening around his throbbing member, begging for release.

Misaki's hazel eyes rolled back, her body shaking violently as she finally tumbled over the edge. She screamed Nozomi's name, her cries filling the air as an earth-shattering orgasm coursed through her veins.

Nozomi groaned loudly as Misaki's climax triggered his own release. Closing his eyes, he withdrew from her grasp just in time, shooting streams of creamy cum onto her pale stomach and drenched pubis.

Misaki lay limp beneath Nozomi, spent and panting. Her eyes fluttered open, locking onto Sayu whose gaze was fixed on the lewd spectacle before her. Sayu's lips parted, her eyes glazed with lust as she beheld the sight of Nozomi's ejaculate splattered across Misaki's sweaty body.

Sayu tore at her own pajama bottoms, desperate to feel Nozomi inside her. She kicked them away, splayed open on the bed, as Nozomi turned towards her, a wicked grin painted across his face.

Nozomi moved between Sayu's thighs, positioning himself over her. She felt the head of his cock prodding at her entrance, pressing insistently. "Fuck me," she pleaded, her voice hoarse with desire.

Nozomi didn't hesitate. In one swift motion, he impaled Sayu on his rock-hard shaft, burying himself deep inside her welcoming heat. She cried out at the sudden intrusion, her nails digging into his back.

With Sayu pinned beneath him, Nozomi wasted no time establishing a brutal rhythm. His thick cock drove deep inside her, his hips snapping forward in animalistic thrusts.

Sayu's silken walls welcomed Nozomi, clutching at him as if unwilling to let go. Despite his recent release, he felt his desire swelling once more as Sayu's hips lifted to meet his powerful thrusts.

Grunting with exertion, Nozomi gripped Sayu's thighs, his thumbs massaging her velvety skin. Thrust after relentless thrust, he drove deeper into her, their bodies colliding in a dance of raw passion.

Sayu's moans grew louder, her breathing labored as Nozomi pistoned into her, their bodies slapping together in a rhythmic dance. She couldn't contain herself any longer, gasping his name aloud, "Ah... Ah..."

As the final words slipped past her lips, Sayu felt a surge of liquid heat as her orgasm claimed her. The rush of sensations was almost too much to bear as Nozomi's cock filled her completely.

Nozomi slowed his pace, savoring the feel of Sayu's tight pussy clamping around him. "Ah... fuck," he growled, his balls tightening. Sayu's fingers clawed at Nozomi's back as she felt his cock throb within her, the promise of his impending orgasm thrilling her. Her pulse raced as she stared into his lust-filled gaze.

His cock swelled, pulsing within her as his release neared. "Sayu-chan," he panted, a hint of warning in his tone. "Mmm," she replied, wrapping her legs tighter around him, taking him even deeper. Nozomi's control snapped as he felt Sayu's warmth milking him. With a roar, he bucked his hips, burying himself to the hilt within her soaked core.

His hot seed jettisoned forth, painting her womb with its milky warmth. Sayu screamed his name, toes curling as another wave of pleasure crashed upon her.

Misaki stirred, her body aching as she woke from the stupor of sleep. She glanced around blearily, taking in the sight of Sayu and Nozomi collapsed beside her on the rumpled sheets. Shifting to a more comfortable position, she slipped back into the land of morpheus.

Meanwhile, Sayu glanced at Nozomi mischievously: " You aren't done, are you?"

Nozomi wasn't one to take a challenge lying down. Besides, he had the infinite ammo skill, though it depended on his diet.

Turning Sayu over onto her stomach, Nozomi was quick to mount her, her complete submisson ias the goal.

Three rounds later and they were utterly spent, collapsing hapharzadly onto the bed. Nozomi however, had a smirk on his face.

The battle had been won!!

===========================

As the sunlight filtered through the curtains, Hozuki Nozomi stirred awake. His head throbbed slightly from last night's drinking, but that wasn't the most pressing issue.

Beneath the covers, a soft warmth pressed against him. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he turned his head—only to be met with a shocking sight.

A bare, porcelain-skinned figure lay beside him.

Nozomi froze.

Misaki-senpai?

His mind reeled. He distinctly remembered holding Sayu last night—speaking of which…

He turned to the other side.

Oh. Sayu was still there, peacefully curled up in the blanket.

…Okay. That's good, at least.

But that still left one question—what the hell happened last night?!

He ran a hand through his messy hair, sighing. If Misaki-senpai woke up and made a fuss, things could get troublesome.

After a moment of thought, he carefully scooped Sayu into his arms and carried her back to her room. Then, returning to Misaki, he took a damp towel and gently wiped away the lingering traces of last night's chaos, cleaning her up as best as he could.

Once he was done, he lightly pinched her flushed cheek.

"What a reckless senpai…" Nozomi muttered, shaking his head. "Bet you won't drink that much next time. But still… you really are cute, huh?"

With that, he turned and quietly left.

The moment the door clicked shut, Misaki's eyes snapped open.

She buried her burning face into the pillow, her thoughts in complete disarray.

Wait.

Did I… really…?

Her first time.

Just like that.

With no warning.

Nozomi was handsome. He was kind. She didn't feel like she had lost out, but—what the hell?!

She clutched her pillow tightly, rolling onto her back as embarrassment crashed over her in waves.

She couldn't blame Nozomi—after all, he had been holding Sayu first.

But then she had heard him call her cute. And she had been so mad at Mitaka Ren, so frustrated that he never saw her that way… and then, on impulse—

She groaned, pressing her hands to her flushed cheeks.

Are all guys this… ridiculously powerful?

Despite her inner turmoil, when she finally got up, she greeted Nozomi with her usual high energy, acting as if nothing had happened.

Oh, and she casually paid the rent for the month.

As she handed him the money, she couldn't help but glance at him with a soft, unreadable expression.

Nozomi, on the other hand, just stared at the cash in his hands with an odd expression.

…Why did this kind of feel like he was being… compensated?

No, no—this was just rent, right? Not anything else.

Well.

Considering what had happened last night, there was no way a guy could be the one who suffered here.

And since Misaki-senpai wanted to pretend nothing had happened… Nozomi sure as hell wasn't going to be the idiot who pointed it out.