Suigintou was practically seething with rage, her petite form trembling with indignation. Her crimson eyes emitted a cold, piercing light that seemed capable of boring holes through Hozuki Nozomi's very soul. How could such an infuriating human male exist in this world? Just how many times had he done this now? Upon seeing her appear, instead of showing any fear or respect, he simply kissed her without hesitation...
Could it be that he genuinely liked her?
The thought flickered through her mind unbidden, and despite herself, the cold intensity in her eyes softened almost imperceptibly. A strange flutter of unease stirred in her chest—an unfamiliar sensation she couldn't quite identify.
"Hmph! I told you not to touch me so casually, Hozuki Nozomi. Are you courting death?" Suigintou glared at him fiercely, her surrounding black feathers rising menacingly into the air, attempting to pressure him with their threatening presence.
Humans were creatures easily intimidated by fear. Under sufficient pressure, their true feelings always emerged. Suigintou wanted to know—did he truly harbor no fear of her at all?
Facing the Rozen Maiden who was putting on such an elaborate show of fierceness, Hozuki Nozomi simply smiled calmly. He brushed the scattered feathers from his tattered clothing and stepped forward, undeterred, wrapping his arms around her small form.
"Of course I don't want to die," he said warmly. "But Suigintou, would you really want to part with a medium like me? Without me, you wouldn't be able to move freely in this world."
"Unhand me, you insolent fool! It's not as though I'm completely dependent on you!" Suigintou struggled instinctively, yet an unconscious blush crept across her pale cheeks despite her protests.
He truly wasn't afraid of her? And moreover, he had simply embraced her again, as if it were the most natural thing in the world?
"Suigintou, hearing you say that makes me rather sad."
"Who cares about your feelings? Let go of me immediately—I wish to rest!"
Suigintou finally broke free from his embrace and, in a puff of smoke, vanished into her ornate box, sealing herself inside.
Hozuki Nozomi could only shrug helplessly. There was no point in disturbing her further. In his estimation, Suigintou was simply being tsundere—all sharp edges on the outside, but something softer beneath. If she genuinely hated him, she would surely find some way to dissolve their contract and take her box far away. Why else would she keep returning?
The only way their bond could truly end was if she lost to other Rozen Maidens in the Alice Game, causing her ring to disappear. It seemed Suigintou's competitive spirit ran deeper than she let on.
After dinner, Yukino Yukinoshita found herself fidgeting, a conflicted expression playing across her elegant features. She stole quick glances toward someone across the room before rapidly averting her gaze each time.
After some time passed, Shiina Mahiru approached her with an invitation to bathe together. Yukino considered for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Inside the warm, steam-filled bathroom, the two girls relaxed in the spacious tub.
"Yukino, your skin is truly lovely—so fair and smooth," Mahiru observed appreciatively.
"Mahiru, yours is equally wonderful," Yukino replied politely. Then, hesitating, her gaze drifted downward toward Shiina Mahiru's chest. A flicker of unmistakable envy crossed her features before she could suppress it.
Shiina Mahiru noticed immediately and covered her small mouth with a hand, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "Yukino, are you still concerned about your figure development?"
"Not particularly," Yukino mumbled, pouting slightly as she raised a snow-white arm to shield her own chest self-consciously. Despite her words, she couldn't help stealing another glance at Mahiru, her expression turning mildly frustrated.
"Now, now, don't envy me too much, Yukino. You still have plenty of room to grow," Mahiru said soothingly. Then, a mischievous glint entered her eyes. "Besides, you can simply let that rascal Hozuki Nozomi help you with that." Without warning, she swam up behind Yukino and wrapped her arms around the dark-haired girl's waist. "Or perhaps I could assist you as well?"
"Ah—Mahiru, you've become quite wicked yourself!" Yukino exclaimed, her cheeks flushing deeply.
"Hehe, isn't it Hozuki Nozomi who corrupted me?" Mahiru replied playfully, tightening her embrace. Then, her tone shifted slightly, becoming more earnest. "Speaking of which, Yukino... would you be willing to accompany me tonight?" She gazed at Yukino with a pleading expression.
Yukino Yukinoshita's cheeks burned even hotter, but after a moment's hesitation, she nodded slowly. The truth was, her own physical endurance was still somewhat limited. Without assistance, she couldn't fully satisfy her fiancé's needs. Having Mahiru there to help would likely be for the best.
Meanwhile, Hozuki Nozomi had finished his own shower and was waiting in his room, anticipating the evening ahead.
Suddenly, the door slid open without any announcement.
Shiina Mashiro walked in, her expression as blank and adorable as ever. Her golden hair was still damp from a recent shower, droplets clinging to the ends.
"Hozuki Nozomi," she stated simply, as if her presence required no further explanation.
"Mashiro, come here," he invited warmly.
The girl obediently crossed the room and, with complete naturalness, settled herself onto his lap. She gazed up at him with those large, trusting eyes, looking utterly docile and defenseless. A pure, lovely blonde beauty sitting in his arms without a shred of hesitation or self-consciousness.
Hozuki Nozomi's heart melted slightly. No matter how many times he witnessed it, Mashiro's innocent directness never failed to move him. She was simply too adorable in her obliviousness.
He retrieved a hairdryer and began gently drying her damp hair, running his fingers through the soft golden strands. Shiina Mashiro closed her eyes, an expression of pure contentment spreading across her delicate features. She leaned into his touch like a doll seeking warmth, her sweet fragrance drifting up to surround him.
The scent made Hozuki Nozomi slightly restless, but he restrained himself for the time being. Yukino would be joining him later, and it would be disrespectful to his fiancée if he exhausted himself beforehand. After all, she had agreed to stay overnight at Sakura Dormitory—surely there were expectations attached to that decision.
After several minutes, Mashiro's hair was completely dry. He stroked her soft golden locks one last time before leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her cheek.
"All done, Mashiro. Your hair is dry now."
The girl didn't respond. Her eyes remained closed, her breathing steady and even.
She had fallen asleep.
Hozuki Nozomi held her fragrant, soft form for a moment, a mischievous thought crossing his mind. Such an innocent, trusting girl, completely defenseless in his arms. Should he do something?
No. Patience. Yukino would be arriving soon.
Gently, he shifted Shiina Mashiro onto the bed and pulled the blanket up to cover her. She could sleep peacefully here for now.
Outside in the hallway, Aoyama Nanami had witnessed Shiina Mashiro entering Hozuki Nozomi's room. She hesitated, lips parting as if to call out, but ultimately she sighed and abandoned the impulse. Shiina Mashiro clearly had feelings for him. If Nanami interfered, she might well earn the girl's resentment.
But still... was it truly acceptable for Hozuki Nozomi to be involved with so many girls simultaneously? And with Yukinoshita-san staying over again tonight... would they be doing... lewd things together?
Aoyama Nanami's cheeks flushed crimson as certain images involuntarily surfaced in her imagination. She quickly retreated to her own room, clutching her Torajiro doll tightly and engaging in her usual one-sided conversations with it.
It was wrong for Hozuki Nozomi to be so unfaithful, she told herself. But having been saved by him on multiple occasions, she had no right to lecture him. Besides, all the girls involved were willing participants, weren't they?
Some time later, Shiina Mahiru and Yukino Yukinoshita arrived at his room, their hair still slightly damp from their bath.
Near the treasure chest in the corner, the ornate box cracked open just a sliver. Suigintou peered out from within, biting her lip as she observed the scene unfolding. Her mood, already complicated, darkened considerably.
"Oh? Mashiro came over already?" Shiina Mahiru expressed mild surprise upon noticing her sleeping roommate.
"Yes, Shiina Mashiro seems quite attached to me. She probably feels more at ease sleeping here," Hozuki Nozomi explained with a smile, rising to his feet. He extended both hands, gently taking one of each girl's slender waists and guiding them toward the bedside.
Fortunately, he had already replaced his original bed with a larger one—spacious enough to comfortably accommodate all of them.
Shiina Mahiru offered no objection to the arrangement. She glanced briefly at the sleeping Mashiro, then turned her attention to Yukino. With a playful push at Yukino's shoulders, she guided the dark-haired beauty into Hozuki Nozomi's waiting arms.
"Why don't you help Yukino dry her hair first?" Mahiru suggested, her tone light but her eyes carrying a knowing gleam.