Last night could be counted as a relatively peaceful one.
If nothing else, at least he had slept very comfortably.
Alright, all of you whose minds just wandered—please stand in the corner facing the wall for an hour.
This "comfortable" wasn't that kind of comfortable.
What he meant was a mental relaxation rather than physical indulgence.
After all, a fresh jasmine fragrance with a hint of sleep-inducing calm had lingered around his nose all night—it would be hard for anyone to sleep poorly under such circumstances.
With a flip of his wrist, the round fried egg changed sides perfectly under his skillful spatula work.
"Ojou-sama, as much as I'd like to let you sleep a bit longer… It's already nine in the morning. I know it's not a school day, but you've got something important to handle this morning, don't you?"
"Mm?"
The owner of that pleasant scent from last night stirred under Makoto's call, letting out a soft sound as she turned over.
A snow-white arm slowly reached out from under the covers, golden hair cascading like a waterfall over the pristine bed, and the upturned edge of her skirt revealed a pair of flawless legs like polished ivory.
"Come on, get up for breakfast. I'll take you back after we eat."
"Breakfast?"
Her voice was clearer now, and in one quick motion, the blanket over her head was tossed aside.
Her delicate nose twitched, catching a whiff of the rich aroma that had been blocked by the blanket until now.
At that moment, dopamine began to flow through her body.
The drowsiness that had been holding her down vanished instantly.
"Ah…"
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she let out a soft, adorable sound.
Memories of the previous night began playing in her mind like a slideshow—
She'd gone to the park → met an infuriating man → got lectured by him → was attacked by the skill-out armed group.
She was rescued by that man → fell asleep in his arms from exhaustion → was brought to his home → then she… bathed here…
A blush like the glow of sunset crept up her pale neck.
The sunlight streamed in, shining over her honey-colored hair, contrasting beautifully with the pink tint on her skin—a picture-perfect scene.
"Come over, breakfast's ready."
Tapping the prepared bowl with his chopsticks, Makoto was already seated at the table.
"Ah… okay…"
Like a puppet on strings, Misaki responded mechanically, rising and sitting at the table without a shred of independent thought.
A perfectly round fried egg, toast spread with honey, steaming milk, and slices of fried luncheon meat.
Just an ordinary home-style breakfast—yet as she looked at it, her mind went blank.
Breakfast?
How long had it been since she'd had such a thing?
Probably not since she'd come to this city alone at six years old.
Locked away in the lab day after day, her life had been nothing but cooperating with research.
Only evenings and sleep belonged entirely to her.
That was when she developed her habit of sleeping in.
Even after enrolling at Tokiwadai, she often overslept and was late.
Naturally, that left no place in her life for breakfast.
But now—
Breakfast, and someone bustling around in the morning, preparing everything for her to head out…
Why did this scene feel so familiar?
A little like… a little like…
Isn't this exactly like newlyweds…?
Bang—
If this were a 2D anime, complete with effects and sound, she'd be puffing out steam like a cartoon steam princess before fainting.
W-what am I thinking…
I actually thought about m-m-marriage…
Shyness flooded her mind completely.
Last night, she could bathe and sleep in a strange man's home without losing her composure—even teasing him a little.
But now, just that one thought had left her flustered beyond reason.
"What, don't like honey? I've got blueberry jam too."
Seeing her face shift from red to pale and back again without touching her food, Makoto spoke in deliberate, teasing malice.
He couldn't read her mind entirely, but from her expression, he could pretty much guess what she was thinking.
And so, he asked on purpose.
"Ah, thank you, then I'll trouble you."
He took her toast, popped open the jar of jam, and began spreading a new slice for her.
Gentle, meticulous movements.
A handsome, refined face.
A warm morning atmosphere.
Before she knew it, Misaki's eyes had gone hazy again.
"Here you go."
Before long, the new toast was set before her.
This time, she wasn't lost in her own little world.
She immediately snapped back, picked up the jam-covered toast, and took a bite.
"You don't need to take me back later. I'll just have the lab send a car for me."
Makoto paused mid-reach for his cup, though he didn't show much reaction.
In fact, it saved him the trouble of going back and forth—but her next words did catch him off guard.
Misaki smiled sweetly.
"Do you have time tomorrow? Can you come with me somewhere?"
If it were any other girl, this would obviously be an invitation for a date.
If it were Shokuhou Misaki, the esper who specialized in manipulating minds—well, it was still obviously a date.
That shy, flushed face and slightly lowered head…
What else could it possibly be?
"Mm, I guess so. Doesn't seem like I have much going on right now. Where do you want to go?"
It was a mutual step forward.
And honestly, Makoto did have a certain fondness for this girl—otherwise, he wouldn't bother spending a day idly wandering around with her.
Misaki's face bloomed into a radiant smile.
"I'll arrange the details. I just happen to have something I want to give you tomorrow."