"Hm? Prince Onii-chan, did you need something?" Eriri asked casually as she walked over.
When she reached him, Shichen suddenly pulled her into a hug, his arm around her waist.
"P-Prince Onii-chan?"
Eriri froze, her body going stiff in his arms.
His scent enveloped her, making her blush and feel hot all over.
"Let me just hold you like this for a bit," Shichen said in a deep voice.
"Huh?"
"I won't do anything," he added, resting his chin on her head.
"Not do anything?" Eriri repeated uncertainly.
"Hmm? Were you hoping I would do something?" he teased, eyeing her hair.
She wasn't wearing her usual pigtails—her long blonde hair was down today.
"N-no! That's not it!" Eriri shook her head frantically, her hair fluttering.
"Then?"
"I was just asking."
"Oh? I thought Eriri wanted me to do something."
"Uhh..." she mumbled—but didn't deny it.
Shichen didn't intend to do more. They'd only just reunited; the emotional bond wasn't "ready" yet.
Still, holding her, breathing her scent—this was enough.
"Prince Onii-chan... why all of a sudden?" she whispered.
"Isn't it your doujinshi's fault?" he admitted bluntly.
"Oh… so it's because of that..."
Eriri's heart pounded.
Because of the doujin I drew? Then maybe he wants to... do more?
Should I just say yes? Or act reserved first?
This might be my only chance!
We finally met again, childhood feelings blooming—
And I draw that kind of stuff. How could I not imagine this going further?
Even if it's not a home run... a kiss, at least?
But Shichen quickly let go, looking more composed.
"Alright, let's go eat."
"Huh?" Eriri blinked in surprise.
"What? Not hungry?"
"I-I am a little..."
He took her hand and led her back to the kitchen. Everyone was already there.
Eriri sighed quietly at the familiar sight of the group.
"Shichen-dono! Your meal's ready!"
"Shichen! Sit with me!"
"I wanna sit with Shichen!"
"Tohka, Kanna—today I'm sitting with Takina," Shichen said, smiling.
"Huh?" Takina looked surprised.
"Why?" Tohka asked.
"Takina overcame something important today."
"Oh? Congrats, Takina!"
"T-thanks..."
(Bleam: I don't know how the scene from Eriri's House got back to the Cafe haha)
Everyone celebrated Takina. No one questioned why Shichen sat with her.
Takina straightened nervously.
"Relax. I'm not gonna do anything," Shichen said, patting her shoulder.
"Mmm…"
"Eriri, sit next to Utaha."
"Ah... okay."
"Not excited to sit with me?" Utaha raised an eyebrow.
"It's not that…" Eriri said quietly.
"Then why so glum? Oh... is it 'cause you and Shichen didn't do anything?"
"W-why would you say that!?" Eriri stuttered.
"So you really didn't, huh?" Utaha smirked.
"He was alone with you, and you didn't do anything? Are you even a girl?"
"Maybe Prince Onii-chan just isn't into someone like me..." Eriri mumbled.
"Could be. You're not exactly seductive."
"But don't worry," Utaha said, patting her shoulder.
"Shichen's got lots of kinks. You'll hit one eventually."
"Really?"
"Why would I lie? But it's on you to find it."
"Why are you helping me?"
"I'm not."
"Then why—"
"Eat your food and stop asking."
"Oh, right. Where's Chisato?" Tohru asked.
"She was tired and went to bed," Shichen answered.
"Tired?" Utaha gave him a pointed look.
"She had fitness testing, training, a spar... she's wiped," he said casually.
"Makes sense," Tohru said. "Should we save her some food?"
"Nah, she'll sleep through. I'll make something fresh in the morning."
After dinner, Shichen walked Eriri back, didn't stay long, then returned.
He did kind of want to watch her draw her doujins live, but figured she wasn't ready.
Later, he played games with the others until 10 PM, then told the younger ones to get to bed.
Est went with them.
Utaha and Tohka also left—school tomorrow.
Takina followed too. She seemed nervous around him tonight.
"Haah~ I'm going to bed," Yami yawned and left.
Only Shichen and Tohru remained in the game room.
"Not sleepy?" he asked her.
"I'm waiting for you, Shichen-dono," she replied, wagging her tail.
"I'm not tired."
"Neither am I."
"Well… I do know something we could do together that might make us sleepy."
"What is it?"
"Wanna go play... up in the clouds?"
"Shichen-dono..." Tohru's eyes sparkled.
"Let's go right now!"
Shichen took her up into the sky—not the city, but over the sea.
Tohru was strong. He didn't need to hold back with her out here.
Not long after, a certain area over the sea began to drizzle. The clouds above it were trembling noticeably.
…
The next morning...
Chisato slowly opened her eyes—and found Shichen lying beside her.
She blinked a few Shichens, looking at his face to make sure it wasn't a dream. Once she confirmed it was real, she smiled faintly.
"You're awake?" Shichen turned his head, opened his eyes, and smiled back.
"Good morning... Shichen-nii," Chisato croaked, her voice hoarse.
Shichen reached out and gently touched her throat, using healing power to soothe her voice.
"Morning, Chisato."
"Mhm!"
"You must be starving, huh? Wanna get breakfast?"
He leaned closer and kissed her on the forehead.
"Mmm~ yeah, I'm really hungry," she replied.
Just from him mentioning food, her stomach started to growl.
"What do you feel like eating? I'll cook it for you."
"Really? Ow—"
She had sat up too fast and winced in pain.
Shichen chuckled and slipped his hand back under the blanket to heal her.
"Mmm~" Chisato let out a soft sound, her cheeks flushing.
"Try now."
Chisato threw the blanket off and hopped out of bed, walking around cheerfully.
"Good as new!"
"Put on some clothes first—actually, shower first."
"Aww, why didn't you help me shower too?"
"Didn't wanna wake you up~"
"Geez!"
She made a move to dash out the door.
"Wait—you're going out like that?"
"Why not? Not like I can wear clothes yet," she pouted.
"I'll carry you."
"Oh right! Shichen-nii, hurry!"
She ran back to him and threw her arms around him.
"Ugh, you're all sweaty," he pretended to complain.
"Hey! That's your fault!" she said shamelessly, rubbing her face against his chest.
"You're something else," Shichen muttered, shaking his head, carrying her to the bathroom.
"Wheee~"
Chisato leapt into the bathtub with a splash, sending water flying.
Shichen got soaked from the wave of water.
Chisato popped her head up from the water:
"Shichen-nii! Bathe with me!"
"Sure."
He stripped and got into the tub slowly.
Chisato climbed into his lap, sitting down facing him.
Shichen held her close as they leaned back against the tub edge, soaking in the warm water.
"Shichen-nii…"
A few moments passed before Chisato broke the silence.
"What's up?"
"You're not... thinking about that again, are you?"
She squirmed in his lap.
"Don't move," Shichen said, holding her tighter—and his hand moved upward.
"Mmm..."
Chisato froze in place, cheeks flushing.
"I shouldn't have healed you."
"Hmph~ then how would I go to work today?"
"Just take another day off."
"Then… will you take me to the Tower again?"
"You just want an excuse, don't you?"
"Maaaybe~ Oh, wait! Could I be... pregnant?"
~~~
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