Once again, memories of last night resurfaced.
Every action she had taken despite her master's warnings, every touch he had returned—each sensation replayed vividly in her mind, sending her breath into disarray.
Hayasaka lowered her head in embarrassment.
The clash between instinct and reason raged within her, stirring the same reckless impulses as before. But unlike last night, she was now in public. No matter what, she had to restrain herself.
Calm down. Calm down.
Her feet shuffled lightly against the ground as she fought the urge to pounce.
"You've been nearby this whole time—did Kaguya assign you as backup?"
Takakai's voice snapped her back to reality.
"...Mm."
She nodded faintly, her reply barely audible.
"Being a maid must be tough. But you should rest now. You didn't sleep well last night, right? With me around, Kaguya will be fine. I know her well enough—this date won't go off the rails."
His hand returned to her head, and Hayasaka's eyes fluttered shut, her expression melting into contentment like a pampered puppy.
Pat pat~ Pat pat~
His fingers threaded through her smooth hair, the sight of her blissful face only reinforcing the image of an affectionate dog.
If only I could—no, no! Now's not the time for that. Remember why you came here.
"Alright, Kaguya's waiting, so I'll head back. Don't push yourself too hard, Ai-chan."
Suppressing his less-than-pure thoughts, Takakai withdrew his hand.
Before leaving, he deliberately switched to her given name, lingering just long enough to see her wide-eyed stare before turning away.
He knew Hayasaka hadn't slept after their "game" last night—hence his excuse to check on her.
"..."
Silence.
Only after Takakai had long vanished did Hayasaka raise a hand to her head, fingertips brushing where his touch had lingered.
Eyes closed, she could still feel the phantom warmth.
...I'm really beyond saving.
A sigh escaped her, her cheeks stubbornly flushed.
But if her Master said she could rest... maybe slacking off just this once was fine?
For the first time, exhaustion crept in—the toll of her sleepless night.
*With Master guarding her, Shinomiya-sama will be safe. *
...Actually, given Master's predatory instincts, she might get toyed with a little. Serves her right~
Decision made, she plucked out her earpiece.
"You're doing well, Shinomiya-sama. I'll leave the rest to you."
She ignored Kaguya's frantic protests, cutting the comms with a satisfying click.
A small revenge—for all those years of orders and headaches.
Not like she'll be lonely with Master around... Hmph.
A pang of jealousy flickered as Hayasaka walked away.
(Of course, she knewTakakai would escort Kaguya home safely. For once, she could truly shed her babysitter role.)
Ferris Wheel - 4:15 PM
Left without her lifeline, Kaguya barely had time to panic before Takakai reappeared.
Disaster. Absolute disaster.
Though she hadn't consciously relied on Hayasaka's support, its absence left her adrift.
"How about the Ferris wheel next? Rumor says it's a must for couples."
Takakai pretended not to notice her fluster.
"Ah, y-yes! Sure!"
She nodded rapidly, her smile strained.
"Let's go then. We should enjoy our time alone."
His hand found hers again—a motion now instinctual after hours of practice.
Despite her racing heart, Kaguya had unwittingly grown accustomed to their linked fingers.
(Not that she'd ever admit it.)
The Ferris wheel loomed ahead.
To Kaguya, none of today's attractions were fun. Her goal had always been simple: deepen her bond with Takakai.
Yet somehow, he had steered the entire date.
A small sigh escaped her.
Maybe Hayasaka had abandoned her after seeing this.
...I'm hopeless at romance.
Melancholy settled over her as Takakai guided her into the gondola.
The door sealed shut.
As the cabin ascended, the world outside faded—leaving only the two of them, unseen and alone.