After experiencing the profound comfort of Utaha-senpai's lap pillow, the sky began its gradual transition into twilight. Deep oranges and soft purples bled across the horizon, and the park's decorative lights flickered to life one by one, casting a gentle, romantic glow. Hozuki Nozomi observed that this was, in fact, the perfect time to ride a Ferris wheel—the dying light of day mingling with the emerging sparkle of evening created an atmosphere thick with potential.
As if reading his thoughts, Kasumigaoka Utaha turned to him, her expression one of deliberate contemplation. "For the sake of thorough research… and to capture the full spectrum of ambiance," she stated, her voice carrying a note of false formality that didn't quite mask her own desire, "I believe a second ascent is warranted. The night view offers a distinctly different inspirational quality."
Hozuki Nozomi's agreement was immediate. "Of course, Senpai. A researcher must be meticulous." He could hardly refuse. Today's version of Utaha-senpai was nothing short of breathtaking. Her figure, poised and elegant in the simple white dress, and her striking beauty were captivating enough on their own. But those legs, sheathed in their sheer black stockings, held a particular allure—a silent promise that seemed to speak directly to a man's deepest appreciations. The memory of their softness against his cheek was fresh, and the prospect of future contact was a powerful motivator.
Thus, they found themselves once more enclosed in the slow-moving gondola, the world shrinking below them as they climbed. A comfortable silence settled between them, charged with the unspoken intimacy of their previous moments.
When they reached the apex, the vista was stunning. The last fiery sliver of the sun dipped below the distant cityscape, setting the sky ablaze. Kasumigaoka Utaha gazed out, her profile serene, but a subtle ripple of emotion crossed her features. Seemingly prompted by the romantic vista, she voiced a question that was both professional and deeply personal.
"Tell me, Hozuki-kun," she began, her eyes still on the horizon. "If you were the protagonist of Love Metronome, faced with that critical choice… would you choose Sayuri? Or would you follow the trope and return to the tsundere childhood friend?"
Hozuki Nozomi didn't need to ponder. A practiced, charming smile touched his lips. "Utaha-senpai, if I were that protagonist, my choice would be absolute. I would choose Sayuri without a second thought, dedicating myself wholly to her. The childhood friend would have to find solace in her defeat, perhaps with a suitably dramatic, lonely cry."
Kasumigaoka Utaha's brow furrowed slightly. Is this mere flattery? An attempt to please the author by praising her heroine? A faint sense of disappointment prickled at her. Just as she prepared a retort, Hozuki Nozomi moved. He took her hand, his grip firm yet gentle, and in one smooth motion, drew her into his embrace.
She gasped softly, her body instinctively melting against the solid warmth of his chest. The steady, strong rhythm of his heartbeat echoed through her, and a burning heat spread from where they touched, coloring her cheeks a deep rose.
"However," his voice was a low murmur near her ear, "I am not that protagonist."
He paused, letting the words hang in the hushed cabin air. "Therefore, I am not bound by the narrative constraint of choosing only one. I am far more avaricious. Whether it is the gentle Sayuri or the spirited childhood friend… I desire them both. I would never make such a cruel choice."
Upon hearing this, Kasumiga Utaha couldn't help but puff out her cheeks in a subtle pout. He might as well have just stuck with the flattery, she thought with a twinge of irrational annoyance. This contradictory confession left her feeling strangely unsettled. It highlighted the complex, frustrating knot of her own feelings.
A part of her—the part that had momentarily become Sayuri—wished he would say he'd choose only one, projecting that fantasy onto her own potential future with him. Yet, the logical part of her knew that was impossible. He already had commitments. If he were to abandon them for her, what guarantee was there he wouldn't later abandon her for another? His greed, while frustratingly honest, was also a perverse form of consistency.
"Utaha-senpai, what are you thinking so deeply about?" Hozuki Nozomi's voice broke into her reverie, his tone playful. "Your lips are all puckered."
"Idiot," she muttered, the word lacking its usual edge. "As someone who claims to have read Love Metronome thoroughly, you can't possibly be ignorant of what it means when the female protagonist makes that expression."
A spark of recognition lit in his eyes, followed by decisive action. He didn't hesitate. Lowering his head, he captured her slightly-pouted, cherry-red lips with his own.
The development was undeniably swift, bypassing several conventional stages of courtship. But Kasumigaoka Utaha did not pull away. There was no refusal in her stiffened posture, only shock that quickly melted into tentative acceptance. Seizing the unspoken permission, Hozuki Nozomi deepened the kiss.
A violent tremor ran through Utaha's delicate frame. Were it not for his secure arm around her waist, she might have lost her footing entirely. A whirlwind of thoughts spun through her mind. My first kiss… is it really happening like this? He's far too bold! There's not a trace of the awkward, hesitant youth in him. On the contrary… he's terribly skilled. A flash of irrational jealousy at that skill prompted her to pinch his side in mild rebuke.
Hozuki Nozomi merely chuckled against her lips, undeterred. Guiding her gently, he sat back on the gondola's bench, pulling her comfortably onto his lap without breaking contact. Trapped in the warmth of his embrace and the dizzying sensation of the kiss, Kasumigaoka Utaha had little choice but to shyly, gradually, begin to respond.
She told herself this was still research—a firsthand investigation into romantic physicality. She was not some easily-swayed maiden. Yet, why did her body feel so languid and pliant? Why did her thoughts drift to Eriri Spencer Sawamura's boastful claim that he had "pushed her down," and feel a competitive, possessive thrill?
Summoning a sudden mischievous courage, she managed to slip a hand into her bag beside them. Blindly finding her phone, she fumbled for the camera, raised it awkwardly, and with a soft click, captured a close-up of their entangled faces.
The sound made Hozuki Nozomi pause. He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. Her eyes sparkled with impish triumph as she waved the phone slightly. The message was clear: Evidence acquired. Aren't you afraid your girlfriend will see this? Your peaceful harem life is in jeopardy.
Would Hozuki Nozomi be afraid? The thought was almost amusing. The remarkable women in his life had, each in their own way, come to accept the unique contours of his heart. A slow, unruffled smile spread across his face. He met her challenging look calmly, tightened his hold on her slender waist, and simply resumed where they had left off, as if the photographic threat was of no consequence whatsoever.
Some time later, a flush of warmth spreading through her, Kasumigaoka Utaha finally broke the kiss to catch her breath. She shrugged off her light coat, revealing her smooth, fragrant shoulders and the elegant lines of the white camisole dress. The pure fabric contrasted strikingly with the alluring fullness of her figure beneath it. Hozuki Nozomi wordlessly adjusted his hold, wrapping an arm around her bare shoulders, drawing her close so they could both gaze out at the now-darkened sky, dotted with early stars and the city's luminous grid.
After a few minutes of quiet companionship, Utaha sneaked a glance at his profile. "Why have you stopped being naughty?" she whispered, her voice laced with a shy curiosity.
Hozuki Nozomi looked down at her, an expression of mock exasperation on his face. "Please don't mistake me for a mere beast, Senpai. No matter how much I am drawn to you, I would never dream of taking your innocence here, in this place. It would be the height of disrespect toward you. Not to mention…" he added, his tone shifting to pragmatic, "the security cameras exist. Being arrested for public indecency would put a definite damper on our research."
His words held a possessive undercurrent—he genuinely didn't want anyone else to see her in such a vulnerable state.
A slow, satisfied smile curved Kasumigaoka Utaha's lips. She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "In that case… shall we continue this research at a hotel? For a more… controlled environment."
Hozuki Nozomi's eyebrow shot up. "Utaha-senpai, I'm starting to think the 'naughty' title belongs more to you than to me."
She merely smiled, a captivating, knowing look in her eyes as she glanced down at where his hand now rested gently on her black-stockinged thigh. "Well? Are you scared?"
"Scared? Of course not," he replied, his voice dropping. To emphasize the point, he dipped his head for another brief, searing kiss. But when he pulled back, his expression was uncharacteristically soft and serious. "I simply think it's too soon. If Utaha-senpai were to wake up tomorrow filled with regret and tears, it would genuinely pain my heart. I want you to understand me—all of me—more clearly before we take such a step."
The tension that had been coiling in Utaha's stomach eased. A small, genuine laugh escaped her. "Hozuki Nozomi… you really can be gentle when you want to be." She tilted her head, a final, teasing challenge in her eyes. "But are you sure you won't regret passing up this opportunity? Chances to have me all to yourself won't come along every day, you know."
Her provocative words sent a jolt through him, testing his self-control to its limits. But for the sake of the delicate harmony he nurtured, he held firm. He nodded, his gaze earnest. "I have no regrets. Precisely because I cherish you, Utaha. You are aware I have a girlfriend. More than one, in fact. I don't want you to be with me on a fleeting impulse. Let's take our time. Get to know each other better. You should come visit Sakura Dormitory more often from now on, alright?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha rolled her eyes dramatically, the intimate mood shifting into playful banter. "Oh? And play what? 'Deliver Myself to the Playboy's Lair'? So you want me to actively come to you to be 'played with,' is that it?"
Hozuki Nozomi chuckled. "Utaha-senpai, your imagination is too vivid. I was thinking more about creation. Speaking of which…" He shifted gears smoothly, seeing an opening. "Have you given any more thought to joining Meow Star Company? I have immense respect for your literary style. With you on board, our creative strength would reach new heights. And your works could receive the animated treatment they deserve from Misaki-senpai."
The professional offer landed perfectly. Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes, still slightly hazy from emotion, now sharpened with keen interest. The idea had crossed her mind before. She recalled the invitation from that girl, Akane Kousaka, to form a circle with her and Eriri. She'd declined then. But now… Eriri had already enlisted under Hozuki Nozomi's banner. Kasumi Utako, the renowned author, could not afford to fall behind.