The quiet of the night was broken by the soft click of a door opening. A shadow slipped inside.
Shuo turned, instantly recognizing the visitor—Kuroka.
So that's what all those late-night requests were about. Sneaking into his room, alone, after everyone else was asleep.
He didn't hesitate. With a grin, he swept her into his arms.
Morning crept in, sunlight slicing through the curtains. Harsh rays painted Shuo's face, but he kept his eyes closed, refusing to surrender to the day.
Elsewhere, most of the girls were already up—dressed, washed, and bustling around the kitchen with Asia, prepping breakfast.
Koneko, now in her school uniform, headed to her sister's room to wake Kuroka for breakfast.
She called out. No answer.
Puzzled, Koneko pushed open the door. Inside, Kuroka's bed sat perfectly made. Not a wrinkle, not a trace of warmth.
"Where's Sister Kuroka? She's not here?!"
She'd seen Kuroka come back last night—so why was the room empty? Had she already gotten up?
No. Something was off.
A chill ran through Koneko as she pressed her palm to the sheets. Ice cold. No lingering heat.
If Kuroka had slept here, even after making the bed, there should be some warmth left.
But the bedding was frigid—untouched.
Which meant… Kuroka hadn't slept here at all.
Koneko's mind raced. Her sister had been pestering Shuo for ages, desperate to have his child. Koneko had always intervened, always blocked her. But if Kuroka hadn't slept in her own bed, where else would she go?
Her heart dropped.
She spun and bolted for Shuo's room.
In the living room, Rias and Akeno caught sight of Koneko, just as she was about to speak.
"Koneko, what's—"
But before they could finish, Koneko was already gone, a streak of urgency vanishing down the hall.
Rias blinked, bewildered. "What's gotten into her? Why so frantic?"
Akeno shrugged. "Must be something serious. Koneko isn't usually this worked up."
Rias nodded, still confused.
Koneko arrived outside Shuo's door, hesitating. Her mind whirled with worry and hope. Maybe Kuroka was inside. Maybe not.
She stood frozen, unsure.
Then, a familiar voice shattered her last bit of denial.
"Kuroka, time to get up. Aren't you afraid Koneko-chan will find out?"
"Hehe, we've already crossed that bridge—I'm not scared, nya!"
"…."
Koneko's eyes narrowed. Without another thought, she punched the door open.
"Sister Kuroka, I knew you were here!"
Inside, Kuroka was curled up in Shuo's arms, two black tails flicking lazily.
"Sister Kuroka, how could you do something like this?"
Koneko's face burned red, half embarrassment, half outrage.
"Aiya! Shirone caught me, nya!"
"But Shirone, your sister's in heat. You wouldn't want me to suffer, would you, nya?"
"And besides, you're still little. Your body isn't ready—if you got lucky, it'd be dangerous, nya!"
Kuroka didn't flinch. She wrapped herself around Shuo, her tone both playful and righteous.
Koneko glanced down at her own flat chest, then up at Kuroka's—well, there was no comparison. It felt like a slap in the face.
Her face darkened, eyes losing their spark.
"Shuo-senpai, you pervert! Hentai!"
She hurled the words, cheeks aflame, and shot Kuroka a wounded glare before fleeing down the hall.
Shuo could only sigh, turning to Kuroka with a wry look.
"Was that really necessary? Aren't you worried she'll be mad?"
Kuroka stuck out her tongue, licking her lips with a teasing glint.
"She's still growing—way too young for that sort of thing. So you'd better keep your hands off Shirone, nya!"
She fixed him with a stern gaze, half serious, half worried.
Shuo rolled his eyes. "Relax, I know the rules. I wouldn't lay a finger on her."
But then he smirked, voice dropping to a playful murmur.
"Didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable, black cat. How about we explore the meaning of life again tonight?"
Kuroka shivered, her bravado fading.
"N-no way. You're way too strong—I'm delicate, I can't handle it, nya!"
Shuo couldn't help but feel smug.
He reached for her cat ears and tail, curiosity getting the better of him. Kuroka squirmed and pouted, finally rolling her eyes at his antics.
Soon, Shuo led Kuroka out to breakfast.
As she entered, cheeks flushed, radiating mature allure and limping just a bit, every girl in the room understood instantly.
So that's why Kuroka was missing last night—she'd snuck off to "explore the meaning of life" with Shuo.
Rias and Akeno exchanged glances, barely containing their laughter. For Koneko's sake, they kept quiet, but the amusement was written all over their faces.
The other girls who knew the truth shot Kuroka odd looks, eyes flicking up and down.
For once, the bold, seductive black cat felt a flicker of embarrassment.
Koneko, meanwhile, glared at Shuo and her sister, eyes brimming with wounded resentment.
She looked for all the world like a kitten left out in the rain.
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