Chapter 152: A Terrifying Thing
What?
She actually asked me to feed her cake?
That's not even remotely scientific!
You must be a fake Vigne—there's no way the real one would say something so shameless!
Kouya stared at her in disbelief. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the faint blush spreading across her cheeks, that healthy glow tinged with something warm and intoxicating. Her usually composed, serious gaze had softened into something dazed and almost childishly innocent, like a girl lost in a dream.
Could it be... she's drunk?
Some people got tipsy after a few beers, sure—but one piece of liquor chocolate? Really?!
Was this what they called "drunk at first sip"? Ridiculous. Impossible. And yet... the proof was right there in front of him.
"Hurry up, I'm hungry," Vigne said, puffing out her cheeks like an impatient child. Her voice carried that faint, lazy slur of someone tipsy. "Feed me... like you feed Gabi-chan."
Kouya's expression twisted. "Why are you comparing yourself to that useless angel?! You're acting so dumb right now!"
But Vigne didn't respond—she only stared at him, wide-eyed, with a glimmer of moist light flickering in her pupils. The gentle, sparkling look was almost hypnotic.
Stare—
Hey, when did you learn that Blue-Eyes Baby Dragon's skill too?! Stop it!
Kouya's shoulders stiffened. Finally, with a long, suffering sigh, he picked up a piece of cheesecake and held it out to her.
"Ah..."
Her lips parted slowly, soft and slightly rosy. The way she opened her mouth—hesitant but expectant—made Kouya's pulse skip a beat. Her teeth, white and even, gleamed faintly under the room light as she leaned in and took a tiny bite.
The soft cream melted instantly on her tongue, and her lips curved upward into the gentlest smile. Her eyes softened, shimmering with a strange, pure joy—like a pampered pet being hand-fed by its owner.
Kouya froze for a moment. Something about the scene—her expression, the glow of the dim light, the faint sweetness in the air—stirred a strange warmth inside him. For a split second, he almost felt proud.
Who would've thought the serious, perfectionist Vigne could look this... adorable?
Maybe it was the dryness of the cake, but after finishing one small bite, she frowned faintly and said, "Need milk..." Her tone was soft, half sleepy, half spoiled.
Kouya grabbed a carton of milk from the minibar, pierced it with a straw, and held it near her mouth.
Vigne took a small sip, her lips closing around the straw. The cool milk slid down her throat, and she let out a soft, satisfied hum. Her long eyelashes trembled faintly as her eyes curved into happy little crescents.
Kouya couldn't help but chuckle. If I took a photo of this moment... it'd probably be worth framing and passing down as a family heirloom.
After draining half the milk, Vigne tilted her head lazily and murmured, "Mmm... full now. Dry my hair for me..."
He blinked. "What?!"
Seriously?! How far was she planning to push this?!
Was she planning to make him her full-time caretaker now?
"Unbelievable," he muttered under his breath. But as he looked at her—drowsy, half-dazed, hair clinging softly to her cheeks—his irritation softened. After all, it was his fault she ate that liquor chocolate in the first place.
So he grunted, grabbed the hair dryer, and sat down behind her. "Fine. But don't fall asleep yet."
He switched it on. The gentle hum filled the quiet room, warm air rippling through her hair. The soft strands danced between his fingers, smooth and warm, carrying the faint scent of her shampoo—something floral, clean, and slightly sweet. Each stroke of his fingers made him uncomfortably aware of how close they were.
From this angle, he could see the pale curve of her neck, the delicate dip of her collarbone. The loose bathrobe had shifted slightly, the fabric slipping just enough to reveal a faint shadow of cleavage.
Damn it.
Why was his pulse quickening? Why did his brain suddenly decide this was the time to betray him?
He looked away sharply, muttering to himself, "Just basic biological reaction. Nothing more."
Touching a drunk, defenseless girl? That would be the lowest thing imaginable. The kind of thing that would haunt a man forever—or get him killed by divine punishment. No thanks.
When he finished drying her hair, he noticed her head had started bobbing forward. Her breathing grew slow, soft, rhythmic.
"She fell asleep that fast?" he whispered. "Must be the chocolate... and exhaustion."
Her hair glowed faintly in the lamp light, and her peaceful expression made her look far younger. For a moment, he just watched her in silence, a strange calm settling over him.
He carefully lowered her onto the bed, his hand brushing her shoulder as he did. The warmth of her skin sent a jolt through his arm. His heart thudded in his chest.
"Stop it," he muttered under his breath. "Don't be ruled by instincts."
He took off her slippers, pulled the blanket over her, and stepped back.
Then, with a resigned sigh, he climbed into the other side of the bed.
What? Why not the sofa or the floor?
There was a tiny sofa by the window, but it was barely big enough to sit on, much less sleep. And the cold floor? No chance.
Sacrificing his comfort for someone else wasn't in his DNA. Not tonight.
He turned off the light, the room plunging into darkness, the soft hum of the rain still audible outside.
"Mmm... Gabi-chan..."
Vigne murmured in her sleep, turning toward him. Her warm breath brushed against his neck, faintly sweet, making his body tense involuntarily. Her sleeping face was tranquil, her expression soft and defenseless. Without the usual sternness, she looked almost fragile—like a porcelain doll.
He stared for a long moment, torn between annoyance and something gentler. "Why the hell are you calling that useless angel in your sleep?" he whispered. "What the hell did you two even do behind my back?"
...
6:50 a.m.
The first light of morning slipped through the curtains, painting the pink wallpaper gold. Vigne stirred, eyelids fluttering open. For a moment, her mind was blank.
She blinked up at the unfamiliar ceiling, confusion flashing in her sleepy eyes. Not her white dorm ceiling—no, this one had a chandelier, intricate patterns, and pastel walls.
"Eh...? Where... am I?" she whispered.
And then memories returned in fragments—the rain... the runaway cat... Kouya helping her search... the love hotel... the last room left...
The liquor chocolate... the dizziness... the warmth of the bed.
And then—she froze.
Heat flooded her face so fast she thought steam might start pouring out of her ears.
'Aaaaaahhhh!'
'I-I let Kouya feed me cake!'
'Why would I do something so embarrassing?! What was I even thinking?!'
She clutched her head, rolling under the blanket, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole.
Then her hand brushed against something soft.
She turned quickly and saw—"Phew... it's just Big Meow." She sighed in relief, pressing a hand to her chest.
But a second later, her body froze completely.
Because right beside the cat... another shape was lying still.
Two calm, dark eyes stared directly into hers.
"K-K-Kouya-kun?!" she squeaked.
"You're awake? Then get up," Kouya said flatly, rubbing his eyes.
She blinked at him, dumbfounded. "W-wait... why are you—why are you here?!"
"Sleeping," he said simply.
Her mind went blank for three full seconds before horror set in.
Wait. No. No way.
Why are you sleeping next to me like it's completely normal?!
C-could it be... last night...?
Her face turned scarlet. "Y-you... get out! Don't ever show your face to me again!" she screamed, voice trembling.
Kouya frowned. "Huh? What are you even talking about?"
Don't tell me she really thinks—
"Seriously? You think I'd do something like that?! If I had, you'd definitely know it!"
He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "You passed out, that's all. Not my fault you can't handle chocolate."
"You're overthinking it," he said flatly. "I didn't do anything."
Vigne blinked rapidly, then slowly glanced down at herself. After a moment's inspection, she let out a long, shaky sigh. "R-really?"
"Of course," Kouya said with an annoyed snort. "If anything, you were the one hogging the blanket and kicking me all night."
Her face turned crimson again. "D-don't say that!" she cried, burying her face in her hands. "Just... forget everything that happened last night!"