Aozaki Reiji's studies were still ongoing.
And because he spent most of the day with Senjumaru, Aozaki Reiji further pushed his limits, intending to dedicate his entire evening to studying.
Beside him, Hikifune Kirio continued to fulfill her duties as a teacher, keeping him company.
During his study, Aozaki Reiji reserved most of his energy to quietly observe Hikifune Kirio.
He had initially thought that Hikifune Kirio would definitely be concerned about today's events.
Things like catering to Senjumaru's preferences, what happened when they were alone together, and her strange changes…
Given Hikifune Kirio's inability to endure and her actually pure nature, Aozaki Reiji had anticipated that tonight would be difficult.
But in reality, after Hikifune Kirio entered the kitchen, she didn't say a single word from beginning to end.
Of course, it was impossible for Hikifune Kirio to be completely unconcerned, but she managed to endure it well.
This made Aozaki Reiji look at her with new eyes; she was far stronger than a certain senior who only knew how to self-destruct!
Time passed imperceptibly, and soon it was late at night.
Aozaki Reiji, as usual, prepared to end his study time for the day.
However, unlike previous days, Hikifune Kirio raised an objection this time.
She softly said:
"It's okay if I sleep later; sleeping is just a habit I formed in the past."
Aozaki Reiji paused, then reacted, smiling as he replied:
"Ah… so that's how it is."
Zero Division members possess nearly eternal life, and for them, sleep is more of a habit than a necessity.
Hikifune Kirio and Senjumaru had both mentioned this to him.
Aozaki Reiji, who was indifferent to "eternal life," suddenly understood.
No wonder he felt that today's Hikifune Kirio was too silent; it turned out she had been waiting for this moment all along.
Aozaki Reiji's lips curved slightly upward, teasing:
"I almost forgot, then how about we have a kiss that belongs only to you, just like yesterday?"
"…"
For just a fleeting moment, Hikifune Kirio's beautiful, charming large eyes narrowed slightly, and a very conflicted expression appeared on her face.
None of this escaped Aozaki Reiji's keen gaze.
However, this temptation was clearly far from enough for today's Hikifune Kirio.
She shook her head firmly, her tone resolute:
"I want to stay with you; I don't want to leave you."
"…Why are you so insistent? We have plenty of time; Kirio, you can relax."
Aozaki Reiji gently stroked her hair, a doting smile on his lips.
Despite this, today's Hikifune Kirio remained stubborn.
Her bright, large eyes looked up directly at Aozaki Reiji, her gaze revealing immense seriousness.
"I also need to make up for the time we spend alone," Hikifune Kirio said softly, with a hint of stubbornness in her voice.
"Ah… so that's how it is."
Aozaki Reiji's smile grew even gentler.
As a girlfriend, today's Hikifune Kirio had grown up and become more Apprentice at acting spoiled.
Because she had spent intimate time with Senjumaru during the day, she wanted to make up for the time that should have been hers at night.
This was Hikifune Kirio's true intention.
For this purpose, Hikifune Kirio even grit her teeth and gave up the lover's kiss she had always looked forward to.
This persistence greatly impressed Aozaki Reiji.
Since she had gone this far, he, as a man, had even less reason to refuse.
"Then, just like yesterday, I'm still afraid of the dark tonight, so I'll be borrowing your bed again, okay?"
"Mm."
Hikifune Kirio's lips curved slightly upward, her faint smile exuding an irresistible charm that made one involuntarily fall for her.
After this adorable and straightforward older sister proposed to accompany him, they spent several hours of sweet time together.
However, as night gradually faded and a new day dawned, everything returned to peace.
It was almost time to prepare breakfast.
Aozaki Reiji tightly embraced Hikifune Kirio, enjoying the warm sunlight streaming through the window.
"It's another beautiful morning, and Kirio is awake; it's time to get up!" he said softly.
Hikifune Kirio slowly blinked her eyes, somewhat dazed, as she lay on him and glanced around, quickly understanding the current situation.
Realizing that she had once again fallen asleep uncontrollably and missed out on precious time with Aozaki Reiji, a clear look of frustration appeared on her face.
Her groggy appearance was also very cute.
Aozaki Reiji chuckled softly, deciding to get up and head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
However, when he tried to leave, he found that the beautiful woman above him was still lying quietly, without any movement.
Hikifune Kirio looked up, gazing at him with her large purple eyes, which sparkled with a childlike sense of grievance and willfulness.
Then, as if to make up for what she had lost last night, Hikifune Kirio pouted and said:
"The kiss you promised me last night hasn't been delivered yet… So, is there compensation?"
Hikifune Kirio was completely serious, as if she absolutely wouldn't get up if Aozaki Reiji didn't agree.
Facing such a Hikifune Kirio, Aozaki Reiji smiled helplessly.
"When you shook your head, wasn't that a refusal?"
Aozaki Reiji did not ask such a question in an unromantic way.
Instead, he extended both hands and gently lifted Hikifune Kirio's body, pulling her upward so that their faces could be closer.
Aozaki Reiji looked at Hikifune Kirio tenderly and said softly:
"…Yes, yes, yes, if Lady Kirio commands it, of course, there should be compensation."
After speaking, he gently stroked Hikifune Kirio's smooth cheek with one hand.
And Hikifune Kirio obediently closed her eyes, a happy smile spreading across her face.
"Mm…"
As their lips met, Hikifune Kirio let out a satisfied sigh, clumsily returning Aozaki Reiji's kiss.
Subsequently, when their lips parted, Hikifune Kirio's face turned crimson, and she repeatedly pursed her lips, appearing somewhat nervous and shy.
At the same time, her body unconsciously distorted, as if trying to hide the agitation in her heart.
"Little… Reiji… I'm going to take a bath first."
Hikifune Kirio's voice trembled slightly, as if she was trying her best to control her inner excitement.
She quickly walked towards the bathroom, the wooden floor beneath her feet making a pattering sound, like a light drumbeat.
Her delicate bare feet stepped on the floor, producing a pleasant sound.
As the sound of rushing water came from the bathroom, the entire world seemed to quiet down.
After Aozaki Reiji finished making breakfast.
Hikifune Kirio had already washed and tidied herself up.
Senjumaru, who came down on time, also showed no abnormalities.
They were all as usual.
It was just that the atmosphere among the three was much calmer than at first, and they finished breakfast together.
After clearing the dishes, Aozaki Reiji looked at the two sisters chatting and laughing on the sofa, and scratched his head.
"I'll go to the Hōōden in a few days to see if there's anything I need to prepare. I'll be back before lunchtime."
After saying that, he left the living room under the gaze of the two beautiful women and returned to his room, which he had never entered at night.
However, he did not enter the room, but leaned against the hallway, waiting.
After about ten minutes, the crisp sound of wooden clogs clashing came from the stairs.
Aozaki Reiji turned his head to look, only to see the embarrassing senior slowly walking down the stairs.
Her hair was neatly secured with golden ornaments, exuding the aura of a noblewoman as always.
The embarrassing senior looked at Aozaki Reiji with a serious expression, her eyes revealing a hint of solemnity and earnestness.
She spoke:
"Reiji-kun, I have something to tell you."
With an expression as if she were about to commit a love suicide, Senjumaru stared straight at him.