Madoka saw through his expression, her sharp nails pinched into Jin's arm, snapping him out to sanity. The sting was enough to remind him just how dangerous this situation was.
Jin swallowed hard, trying to ignore the warmth pressed against him, and forced a steady tone. "I'm fine, Hitoka! I just had a nightmare and woke up, that's all. You should rest."
On the other side of the door, Hitoka's voice came softly, "You already fell asleep that fast? You even had a nightmare?" She sounded suspicious. "Then… rest well."
The sound of her bedroom door closing finally eased the tension in their chests.
Madoka tried to pull Jin's hand away from her mouth, but he held firm, whispering, "Just let me explain, okay? Once I explain, I'll let go."
Her body stiffened. They were both far too aware of how close they were, both of them in nothing but underwear. (Jin only has his uniform so… 😏)
Madoka had no patience for his excuses, she only wanted to wriggle free. Jin, however, wasn't about to pin her down seriously but with his strength, she couldn't break free.
Seeing Madoka's reaction getting bigger and bigger, Jin couldn't just completely suppress her.
But no matter how sensible he is, Jin's mind has gradually simulated more under her movements as they got into awkward positions that left them tangled together, their breaths uneven. But his mind wavered between nerves and sanity.
"Don't shout okay," he whispered. "Your daughter's in the next room. If you really shout…" Whispering that, he pulled his hand away, giving her back her voice.
Madoka moved up slightly, glaring at him, her cheeks flushed. "You little brat let go of me."
Jin chuckled sheepishly, leaning close enough for his breath to tickle her ear. "What if I don't?"
For once, the confident career woman had no way to retort. A high school boy had cornered her, and she was too stunned to form words.
Suddenly, the lights in the room suddenly flickered. They knew that this was a sign that power was being supplied, and would be back in a minute or two.
Madoka's composure returned instantly. "If Hitoka learned about this, I'll be the one cutting you down first," she warned.
Realizing he couldn't push it further, Jin slowly rolled aside. Still, he wasn't about to walk away empty-handed. As he shifted, his hand brushed deliberately across her side, making her jolt.
"You!" she hissed, but she had no time to scold. In the flickering light, she scrambled for her clothes, dressing at lightning speed. A strong woman knew when to waste no seconds.
By the time the lights clicked fully on, Madoka was buttoning her blouse, hair quickly smoothed, face calm as if nothing had happened. She unlocked the door, stepped out into the hall, and closed it again behind her just as Hitoka peeked out, clutching a candle.
"Mom? You're back?" Hitoka asked, blinking nervously.
Madoka forced a smile, brushing back her hair. "Work was finished earlier than expected. The power's back too."
Hitoka fidgeted, clearly uneasy. "Then… go rest, okay?"
Just then, Jin opened the guest room door, perfectly dressed, a disarming smile on his face. "Ah, Madoka-san, welcome back."
Both mother and daughter froze. Jin, of course, looked the most pleased.
"Don't blame Hitoka," he added smoothly. "I was here studying, but it rained too heavily. She was kind enough to let me stay."
Hitoka nodded frantically, backing him up. "Y-yes, Mom, that's all it was!"
Madoka's jaw tightened. He'd gotten away with it, and worse, he looked smug about it. But with her daughter right there, she could only laugh it off.
"It's fine," she said stiffly. "Classmates helping each other… nothing wrong with that." She turned to Hitoka. "I forgot my bedroom key. I'll sleep with you tonight."
Hitoka hesitated, but nodded, leading her mother back.
Before disappearing into the room, Madoka shot Jin one last look, a silent promise that this wasn't over.
Jin only grinned. 'Subarashii.'