POV: Ayanokoji
The sun managed to slip through even though I'd gone out of my way to buy a thick curtain for the window behind my bed. I opened my eyes, blinking a couple of times until I adjusted to the daylight. I noticed how the rays split across the bed; one of them lit up the face of the girl who was already awake, staring at me while her finger traced shapes across my chest.
"How long have you been watching me?" I asked.
Maybe because she meant no harm, I hadn't felt her wake up at all. Perhaps the time away from that place had dulled some of my habits.
"You look so calm when you sleep, so serene. Ever since the first night we shared a bed, I've been doing this—didn't you ever notice?" Suzune closed the distance and planted a kiss on my lips.
Somehow, it felt like she was trying to send me tenderness straight from her heart. What happened to the stern attorney from yesterday afternoon?
"No, I never noticed. It's been quite a while though…" I turned my gaze to the ceiling.
When I first moved in, the apartment ceiling was white. That detail used to bring back memories that grew heavier with time. I painted it a light brown—neither uncomfortable nor strange, unlike painting it blue or black. I liked it. During our nightly activities, Suzune mentioned she liked it too: she said the shade was close to the color of my hair.
"Are you going to make breakfast for me?" she asked.
"I think you're perfectly capable of doing it yourself," I sighed, watching where her finger was headed.
The pressure increased: she went from running her finger across my chest, to my stomach, and then to my crotch.
I've lost count of how many times I've done it with her since my first encounter with Ichinose. Maybe something changed in me; I discovered an unexpected side of myself.
That morning was going to be hectic.
…
While Suzune enjoyed the breakfast I ended up making her, I went to the window and picked up the telescope. These devices get better with time—and pricier.
I didn't pay for it.A great mystery how it ended up in my hands.
Masumi Kamuro taught me a few lessons in the past. Unlike her, I don't actually feel anything. I only do things out of convenience.
The telescope was a traditional model: a thick white cylinder, with interchangeable lenses depending on the degree. It sat on a black tripod. Nothing special—or at least just like many illustrations I'd seen.
I adjusted the lens. It was early, and I found something curious. I saw him jumping, moving his mouth as if singing… or maybe speaking on speakerphone. Had he won the lottery? It didn't look like it. Perhaps the reason was a certain blonde I know.
Yesterday, after meeting with me, Guinevere Beck went to the bookstore where I work. She brought a gift. Probably Joe had made his first real move—nothing unusual—and even invited her out.
I had created a fake account, linked to plenty of mutual followers with Benji to stay unnoticed, and messaged her as if I were an old friend. No reply. So, if what I'm thinking happened…
Joe kept hopping around in his apartment. I didn't look away. My mind spun: should I pay the prisoner a visit? That would put me at a disadvantage. I could be exposed, turned into a prime target.
"I always knew you were a pervert." Hands rested on my shoulders.
I straightened, leaving the telescope, and turned to my special guest.
"You've got no right to say that. I was just… enjoying the view."
"What view? This window looks directly into that man's apartment—the one who looks like your boss. While you were asleep, I took the liberty of digging a little into your life. I saw you in a post from Mooney's Bookstore. It's been around for ages, you know? Though you could've smiled; Stephen King doesn't drop by for photos every day."
Horikita Suzune had always been an observant woman. I dare say she's one of the most capable people in this city right now.
Not even with Takuya Yagami did I burn so many neurons back in high school.
Now I knew I had to invite her to tonight's outing. I had things to prepare: check my computer and look through Beck's phone. Years ago, I took some computer courses; I never thought I'd be using that knowledge this soon.
I'm not interested in her romantically. But I have a feeling I'll witness an interesting evolution.
I'll trade roles with Joe.Let's see how well he does on that date tonight.