What Kusami Runa said left Sakurahara Momo momentarily speechless. Then, with a soft chuckle, she smiled and replied, "Okay, but what reason would Tsukimi have to ask Nozomi out?"
Kusami Runa's lips curled into a confident smirk. "Don't underestimate me, Cherry. I've got a perfectly valid reason. You'll find out soon enough."
...
Nozomi, completely unaware of Tsukimi's new intentions, had just returned to Sakurasou. As he entered, a familiar voice called out with urgency.
"Nozomi! Come to my room, now! It's urgent!"
It was Frieren's voice, and it didn't sound like she was in the mood for delays.
"Got it, I'm on my way!"
He quickly ascended to the third floor and stood outside her door. A quick knock.
"Frieren, I'm here."
The door creaked open and the beautiful elven mage reached out and tugged him inside without a word.
"Quickly—help Fern."
Inside the room, a breathtaking scene greeted him. Fern lay sprawled on the bed, her skin flushed, beads of sweat trailing down her cheeks, and her body radiating magical heat. Her ample figure was completely bare, her breath quick and shallow.
"Frieren, what do I do?" Nozomi asked, stunned but trying to remain composed.
Frieren looked slightly flustered but held firm. "The dragon blood baptism goes through multiple surges. Each stage causes a rebirth-like resonance in the body. Tonight is Fern's second boiling."
Nozomi gave a curt nod. "I understand."
Without further words, he stepped forward and gently lifted Fern into his arms. Her soft body trembled against him. Sitting her down on his lap, he leaned in and kissed her deeply.
"Mmm... ah..."
Fern's muffled moans escaped between their lips as her arms instinctively looped around his neck. Her body responded to his touch with a mixture of heat and surrender. Nozomi released his calm chakra-like magic, guiding her internal power back into harmony just like before.
Frieren, standing nearby with staff in hand, maintained a shimmering barrier around the room. Without it, the magical energy outburst could potentially level Sakurasou.
She glanced at the two with a mixture of awe and mild embarrassment. Her lips formed a small pout.
"He's already gotten so far so quickly..."
Though she said it under her breath, even Frieren's heart fluttered. Watching Nozomi's composed concentration and the care he showed Fern made even her ancient elven heart stir.
Unlike Fern, Frieren had far more control over her magic. Yet, even so, a tingling warmth coiled within her—one she hadn't felt in decades.
Meanwhile, Nozomi continued his task. Fern's magic was dancing wildly, but his steady hand and gentle presence kept her grounded. Her body, usually reserved and formal, now melted in his arms.
She gasped, her voice soft. "Nozomi... I think I'm okay now."
He nodded. "Let's stabilize your magic completely. We can't risk another surge."
They linked their magic again, reinforcing the flow until Fern's power steadied. Then, with a smile, she gently pushed his chest.
"Go help Lady Frieren now. She's been holding the barrier for me this whole time. It's my turn."
Nozomi didn't need to be told twice. He walked over to Frieren, who raised a hand as if to stop him.
"I'm fine. I can—"
He cut her off by wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her slightly off the ground.
"W-Wait, I said—"
He kissed her before she could protest. Her golden eyes widened, but she didn't resist.
Unlike Fern, Frieren's body was saturated with immense magical power. It was like navigating a storm, and it took Nozomi significantly more effort. But in that struggle, he felt the elegance and ancient beauty of the elves—refined and potent.
Their synchronization didn't come easy, but once it did, it resonated like a divine melody.
The night wore on. Magic surged and quieted. The room, once filled with tension, now radiated warmth and peace.
...
When Nozomi opened his eyes the next morning, the warm scent of the previous night had already faded. Frieren and Fern were nowhere in sight. Instead, a neatly folded note sat on the desk, scrawled in elegant elven handwriting.
"Nozomi, I've taken Fern to a wide open area to test her magic. Don't worry—we're safe. —Frieren"
He smiled faintly, stretched lazily, and then moved through his morning routine with practiced ease. After washing up and throwing on some casual clothes, Nozomi descended the stairs of Sakurasou, not expecting the ambush that was waiting for him.
Rita stood at the bottom step, cheeks bright red, arms crossed, and eyes blazing with a strange mix of contempt and something far more embarrassed.
"Mr. Nozomi, you were ridiculously noisy last night," she huffed, averting her eyes.
Nozomi rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Ah… Sorry about that. Didn't mean to disturb you."
Rita puffed her cheeks and looked at him like he had committed a grave sin.
"All night long! Is that even humanly possible?! I—I had to wash my quilt this morning!"
Before Nozomi could respond, Mashiro stepped in quietly from behind Rita, her deadpan tone dropping a bomb.
"Rita, don't worry. Mashiro won't tell anyone you wet the bed."
Rita choked, her face turning crimson as she spun around. "I did not wet the bed!"
Mashiro blinked innocently. "Then Rita won't try to take Mashiro back to England anymore?"
Caught red-handed with such an embarrassing trump card, Rita could only gape. Her indignation turned quickly into a deep pout. She stared daggers at Nozomi.
This is all your fault! she thought bitterly. If he hadn't been so... so powerful last night, she wouldn't have been pushed into this humiliating situation.
She crossed her arms and muttered, "You disturbed Mashiro, so I don't care... but still."
Nozomi gave her a placating wave. "Yesterday was just a special case. Won't happen again... probably."
With that, he casually passed her and made his way into the kitchen.
To his pleasant surprise, both Shiina Mahiru and Ogiwara Sayu were already there, preparing breakfast side by side. It was rare to see the two of them cook together, and it gave the kitchen a homely warmth that softened the morning's tension.
As he entered, both girls greeted him with soft smiles and gave him a quick morning hug.
Nozomi accepted their affection with quiet gratitude. Though he was at the center of this emotional storm, he never took their feelings for granted. Whenever he had the chance, he did his best to comfort and reassure them.
It was the weekend, meaning no school and no obligations. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, Nozomi finally found time to sprawl out in his room. For the first time in what felt like ages, he relaxed, scrolling through his phone in blissful laziness.
Then, his phone buzzed. A call.
He answered it lazily, not bothering to check the caller ID.
"Hello, Sawamura-san. What's up?"
The voice on the other end was sharp and proud.
"I'm bringing a friend over today," Sawamura Spencer Eriri declared with authority. "She read your script and insisted on meeting the kind of guy who could write something so emotionally depressing. Don't let your eyes pop out when you see her."
Nozomi raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Come on, Eriri. You underestimate me. I've seen all kinds of beauties. No one's going to blow my mind."
"Hmph. We'll see about that! We're almost there, so brace yourself!"
The line clicked off.
Nozomi stared at his phone and sighed.
Here we go again.