When Amane woke in her bed, a dull throb still lingered in her head. It felt like that weary exhaustion from sleeping too much, the kind that leaves you more tired than rested.
As she stretched slightly, she noticed something soft nestled in her arms. Looking down, she saw Horikita, fast asleep, holding onto Amane's waist so sweetly. Her even breathing made it clear she was sleeping deeply, peacefully.
Amane checked the time—8 a.m. Already past Horikita's usual 6 o'clock wake-up time. That meant she'd been so tired even her own body clock couldn't pull her out of it.
What happened yesterday to wear her out like this?
Then, bit by bit, scenes from the previous day flickered back into Amane's mind. Yesterday… she'd maybe… just maybe… let herself slip a little. Lost control, even if just a tiny bit.
So… how did it end?
More than the process, Amane cared about the outcome. If she'd been all energetic at the start but ended up totally owned by Horikita, that'd be way too embarrassing.
Still, judging by Horikita's expression—that content, slightly blushing face—it seemed like she was satisfied.
So… that means I won, right?
Just as Amane tried shifting again, Horikita seemed to stir at the movement. Her pretty brows twitched, and a pair of dazed eyes blinked open, staring right at… well, the two mounds in front of her.
"You awake, Suzune?"
Amane's familiar voice brought Horikita back to her senses bit by bit.
Seizing the moment, Amane slid down so they were face to face, and before Horikita was fully awake, planted a firm kiss on her cheek.
Thump.
A dull sound came from Amane's forehead.
She pouted, rubbing her head. "Ow, Suzune, why'd you hit me?"
"I've told you—no kissing before brushing your teeth. Do I really have to remind you every time?"
Horikita gave a resigned eye-roll and sat up in bed. Amane quickly sat up too, wrapping her arms around Horikita.
"Aww, it's fine, isn't it~"
"Hmm?"
"I'll go brush my teeth right now!"
Amane scrambled off the bed in a fluster and dashed toward the bathroom.
Watching her hurry off, Horikita couldn't help but smile.
She stretched languidly, then reached for her phone. Seeing she'd overslept past her alarm didn't surprise her—the bright light flooding the room had already given it away.
Horikita got up and pulled open the curtains. Sunlight instantly filled the room.
She opened the window, too, letting in a breeze carrying the scent of grass and soil, which helped thin out the faint, intimate smell lingering in the air.
Looks like I'll have to wash the bedding again today.
While Amane was in the bathroom, Horikita warmed some milk and bread. Feeling rather pleased with how yesterday went, she even prepared an extra-large, thick-cut beef slice for Amane's sandwich.
After heating the milk, Horikita tested the temperature. A bit too hot—Amane preferred it room temperature. Putting it in the fridge now would affect the fridge's temp, so she simply set the glass on the windowsill. By the time Amane finished washing up, the milk would be just right.
Once everything was ready, Horikita waited outside the bathroom door.
What will her first words be?
In her mind, she pictured Amane's goofy grin.
Her first words will probably be…
"Suzune, I'm all done. Here I come!"
Something like that.
"Suzune, I'm all done. Here I come!"
Just as expected, a beaming face popped out from the bathroom, eager as ever.
And just as expected, Horikita was ready—she cupped that still-grinning face in her hands.
And then…
Softness. The cool, refreshing sensation of toothpaste. A faint minty freshness slowly spreading.
A long moment passed before they finally drew apart.
"Good morning, Amane."
"M-Morning…"
Amane was caught completely off guard by Horikita's initiative and grew a little flustered.
"Go ahead and eat. The milk's on the windowsill. No need to wait for me."
Horikita gave Amane's soft, warm cheek a gentle pinch, then slipped into the bathroom.
Soon, the sound of the water heater humming filled the room.
Taking a shower in the morning?
Amane tilted her head, not quite understanding.
She walked over to the window, where a small bird, drawn by the sweet scent of milk, was hopping eagerly outside, its little eyes fixed on the glass.
Amane opened the window to let it in, found a bottle cap from a water bottle, poured a tiny bit of milk into it, then went to fetch her sandwich, intending to share some crumbs.
That's when she noticed something unusual about today's sandwich.
She opened it up.
A huge piece of beef was tucked neatly between two simple slices of toast.
"Whoa, eating this first thing in the morning feels kinda luxurious, hehehe."
Sitting by the window, Amane broke off bits of bread for the bird while taking big bites of her beef sandwich.
By the time Horikita emerged from the bathroom, drying her damp hair with a towel printed with a brown bear pattern, she was met with a scene that took her breath away.
Golden light spilled over Amane's silver-white hair. The gentle summer breeze swept through, playing with her long strands.
Amane was tenderly holding the bird, letting it peck crumbs from her palm while she nibbled her sandwich, so focused she hadn't even noticed the dab of salad dressing at the corner of her mouth.
"That was fast, Suzune! Perfect timing—"
Before Amane could finish, the bird fluttered its wings and slipped out through the window crack.
"Aww, what a shame."
Amane gazed wistfully after the bird as it flew away.
Horikita couldn't hold back a smirk.
"It was just here for a free meal, you know. Did you plan on keeping it forever?"
She said it meaningfully, her eyes resting on Amane—clearly implying she was the one freeloading around here.
But to her surprise, Amane nodded.
"Of course."
Does Amane like keeping pets?
Horikita felt a flicker of interest. This was something Amane had never mentioned before. Honestly, Horikita still only had a vague idea of Amane's preferences—it felt like Amane's true self was always shrouded in a kind of haze.
"Birds are free and unrestrained, you know. If you kept it, someone might grieve for its lost freedom."
Horikita had only said it casually.
But Amane's expression shifted, becoming strangely reminiscent of how she'd been the night before.
"But I like it. If it satisfies me, I don't really care if it loses its freedom. And… hahaha, just kidding! I'd never lock up a cute little bird. Suzune, hurry and eat—your milk's getting cold."
Horikita's pupils contracted slightly.
She could tell—that earlier part was no joke at all.
Amane…
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.