[Yukino Yukinoshita's Apartment, Chiba — Evening, 8:47 PM]
After seeing Asacha home, Hozuki Nozomi didn't return to Sakurasou. Instead, he sent messages to Mahiru and the others, said hello, and headed to Yukino Yukinoshita's place.
Familiar with the route, he took the elevator to the top floor, the faint hum of climate-controlled air and the sterile scent of polished steel surrounding him. He entered the code on the lock, and a movable wall shifted three times—heavy, precise clicks—before finally revealing the entrance to Yukino Yukinoshita's home.
Ding-dong, ding-dong~!
He pressed the doorbell.
A moment later, Yukino Yukinoshita's voice came through the intercom, crisp and unhurried.
"Who is it?"
Hozuki Nozomi showed a mouthful of white teeth to the camera, leaning close enough that his breath fogged the lens.
"It's your man, Yukino-chan!"
"Pfft. Go back. I, Yukino Yukinoshita, have no man today."
"Come on, I'm already here. At least let me come in and sit for a bit?" He tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Or is there something inconvenient for you?"
"I just finished bathing."
"Hehe, even better. I'll take a bath too."
Yukino Yukinoshita scoffed audibly through the speaker. "You come to my place just to take a bath?"
"Let's bathe first and talk later. Yukino-chan, let me in."
Yukino Yukinoshita was only saying for him to go back. Him actually coming did make her chest flutter with warmth she wouldn't admit aloud.
He really came. Without me asking.
After all, she couldn't always be the one going to Sakurasou to offer herself up for free. Her older sister had said it plainly: Men at eighteen—the easier they get something, the less they know how to cherish it. Although this particular man had always behaved well so far, occasionally she wanted to keep him on his toes.
"Wait. Let me dry off first."
She hung up the intercom.
Hozuki Nozomi waited obediently outside, hands shoved into his pockets, rocking slightly on his heels. For some reason, even though it wasn't the first time spending a pleasant evening with Second Miss, he looked forward to it every single time. The anticipation coiled warm and low in his stomach.
Too bad she's already bathed. No chance to bathe together.
The place Yukino Yukinoshita lived in was undeniably high-class—marble floors polished to a mirror sheen, security measures that would make government buildings envious. Ordinary people simply couldn't breach these walls.
Not long after, the door opened with a soft pneumatic hiss.
Yukino Yukinoshita stood in the doorway, her damp hair coiled atop her head in a white towel, pale silk pajamas clinging to her slender frame. A tempting fragrance wafted toward him—jasmine and something softer, like warm milk. Her cheeks still carried a faint flush from the bath, and water droplets glittered along her collarbone.
The young woman's chest pressed gently against the thin fabric, the subtle curve more pronounced than he remembered. She'd been developing steadily, and it would likely soon rival Shiina Mahiru's.
Hozuki Nozomi's gaze lingered there a beat too long, and a sense of quiet accomplishment filled him.
Yukino Yukinoshita caught his stare and cast a disdainful look at him, one delicate brow arching.
"Why are you still standing there? Come in. Do you really consider yourself an outsider?"
"Hehe, it's just that Yukino-chan is too cute. I was momentarily stunned."
Hozuki Nozomi praised her with a warm grin, rubbed his palms together, and stepped gracefully inside.
Yukino Yukinoshita pressed a button beside the doorframe, and the wall slid back into position with a heavy thunk—fingerprint and facial recognition secured it shut. Moreover, with the cyber angel Komachi watching over the network, hackers wouldn't even dream of breaking in.
Just as he crossed the threshold into the living room—
"Mmph—!"
Yukino Yukinoshita let out a small gasp as Hozuki Nozomi embraced her from behind. His strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her back against his chest, and his warm breath fell directly on the shell of her ear.
His cologne... sandalwood and something woodsy. It's unfair.
"Mmm... stop it, don't mess around..." She squirmed halfheartedly, her voice pitched higher than intended. "My hair isn't even dry yet."
"Then I'll help Yukino-chan dry it."
Before she could protest further, Hozuki Nozomi scooped her up—one arm beneath her knees, the other supporting her back—and carried her to the sofa. He settled her onto his lap, her back against his chest, then reached into the drawer beneath the glass coffee table and produced a hairdryer.
He unwound the towel turban and let her damp black hair cascade down, heavy and fragrant. The dryer hummed to life, warm air circulating between them as he worked his fingers through the wet strands.
Yukino Yukinoshita's cheeks flushed deeper, her pulse quickening against his forearm.
He's... actually being gentle.
"Yukino-chan, are Haruno-nee and Madam not here?"
"No. They happen to be out today." She kept her voice level, though the sensation of his fingernails lightly grazing her scalp made concentration difficult. "The Yukinoshita family's influence has grown, and with the Shinomiya family's initiative to show favor, some beneficial collaborations have formed. Mother has had to become busy."
As for her father... better not to mention him, lest anger spoil the mood.
"Is that so? So that means Yukino-chan is the only one idle?"
Upon hearing this, Yukino Yukinoshita reached back and pinched his waist—hard.
"Yes. I am the idle Second Miss. You're very disappointed, aren't you?"
"Ouch—! Are you trying to murder your husband?" Hozuki Nozomi cried out with theatrical anguish, grabbing her small hand and pressing it flat against his side. "Hehe, I wish Yukino-chan was as idle as me. That way... I could enjoy life with you every day."
"Hmph. You actually harbor such a useless thought." Second Miss strongly protested, though her fingers didn't pull away from his grip. "I don't want to become like that."
Hozuki Nozomi set the hairdryer aside and rested his chin on her fragrant shoulder. Her soft black hair, now dry and gleaming, brushed against his cheek with a ticklish whisper.
"I'm just kidding. Of course I'll support Yukino-chan. No matter what you want to do or what challenges you face, I'll always be by your side."
"...That's more like it."
Yukino Yukinoshita nodded slightly, then shyly—annoyedly—bumped the back of her head against his chest.
"Behave yourself. Isn't it better to just chat? Why do you always think of bad things?"
"Uh... sorry, but I'm just so infatuated with Yukino Yukinoshita. I can't control myself."
"I don't care. Hold back. No messing around, or I won't let you hug me."
Yukino Yukinoshita's voice carried that particular lilt—half-command, half-pout—that made his heart clench.
Hozuki Nozomi could only nod glumly.
Seeing his distressed expression, a smile curved at the corner of her lips.
Serves him right.
"Since you're here... watch TV with me."
"Alright."
Yukino Yukinoshita's idea of watching TV turned out to be Mr. Pan's animation—the cartoon panda-cat bouncing across the screen with exaggerated cheerfulness.
Hozuki Nozomi felt a pang of helpless affection. That ice beauty of Sōbu High School, that high-class flower, actually liked panda-cats—and was powerless against all cats in general. The contrast between her composed exterior and this soft obsession made her unbearably adorable.
Seeing Yukino-chan watching with genuine relish, her eyes bright and lips slightly parted, Hozuki Nozomi couldn't bring himself to interrupt. But his hand, unfaithful and restless, slid onto her long, beautiful leg.
Miss Yukinoshita's appearance placed her firmly among the top-tier beauties of this world. And those slender legs—smooth as porcelain beneath the thin silk of her pajamas, the muscle taut yet yielding—Hozuki Nozomi declared silently he would never tire of touching them.
Yukino Yukinoshita noticed the large hand on her thigh and gave him an annoyed sideways glare.
"Don't move around. Can't you just quietly watch TV with me?"
Her tone carried that coquettish edge, and Hozuki Nozomi felt something tighten in his chest. How could he say no?
Before long, Mr. Pan's animation finished, the credits scrolling with cheerful music. Yukino Yukinoshita nodded in satisfaction—then suddenly turned, leaned in, and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
Her lips were soft. Warm. They lingered a fraction longer than necessary.
"Good boy. This is your reward for watching TV with me."
Hozuki Nozomi's heart stuttered.
When did Yukino Yukinoshita become so skilled? You must be Haruno-nee in disguise.
He couldn't tolerate it any longer.
His arm hooked beneath her knees; the other wrapped around her back. In one fluid motion, he lifted Second Miss from the sofa and strode toward the bedroom, her surprised yelp muffled against his shoulder.
"W-Wait—Nozomi—!"
"I've been patient all evening, Yukino-chan." His voice dropped low, roughened at the edges. "Don't blame me."
The bedroom door swung open. Cool air and lavender-scented sheets greeted them as he lowered her onto the king-sized mattress, her black hair fanning across the pale pillows like spilled ink.
Yukino Yukinoshita's chest rose and fell rapidly, her cheeks burning crimson.
He looks like he's going to devour me.
Hozuki Nozomi climbed over her, caging her between his arms, and dipped his head to her neck. His lips traced the line of her throat—featherlight, then firmer, teeth grazing the sensitive skin beneath her ear.
"Nnh... ah..."
Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, tugging uselessly.
"You said... n-no messing around..."
"You also kissed me." His breath was hot against her collarbone, and his tongue flicked out to taste the faint salt of her skin. "That's your fault, Yukino-chan."
His hands found the hem of her pajama top, sliding beneath the silk to palm the warm curve of her waist. Yukino Yukinoshita shivered, her back arching involuntarily as his thumbs traced circles against her ribcage.
"Haa... Nozomi..."
He kissed lower—the hollow of her throat, the delicate ridge of her clavicle—while his fingers worked the buttons of her top free, one by one. The fabric parted to reveal the pale swell of her breasts, nipples already stiffening in the cool air.
She's beautiful. Every single time.
"Don't stare so much," Yukino whispered, her voice cracking with embarrassment and arousal intertwined.
"I can't help it." He cupped one breast reverently, feeling its weight settle into his palm, and brushed his thumb across the peaked nipple. "You're perfect."
"Ahhn—!"
Her hips bucked beneath him as he lowered his mouth to the other breast, tongue swirling around the sensitive bud before drawing it between his lips. The suction made her gasp sharply, her nails digging into his shoulders through his shirt.
More. I want more of her sounds.
His free hand traveled downward, skating over the trembling plane of her stomach, slipping beneath the waistband of her pajama bottoms. His fingers found slick heat waiting for him—she was already wet, arousal coating her folds.
"Yukino-chan..." He groaned against her breast, two fingers sliding between her lower lips, spreading the wetness. "You're soaked."
"D-Don't say it out loud—nnh!"
He pressed a finger inside her, curling it gently, and felt her inner walls clench around him. A second finger joined the first, stretching her slowly, his thumb circling her clit with deliberate pressure.
Yukino's thighs trembled violently, her moans spilling freely now—soft, breathless sounds that made his cock strain painfully against his pants.
"Ahh... hahh... N-Nozomi, I'm going to—!"
"Come for me, Yukino-chan."
His fingers pumped faster, deeper, thumb pressing firmly against that swollen bundle of nerves. She shattered with a choked cry, her back arching off the mattress, inner muscles clamping tight around his fingers as waves of pleasure crashed through her.
He worked her through it, gentling his movements as she came down, her chest heaving.
When her eyes fluttered open—hazy and dark with want—she reached for his belt.
"Your turn."
"Yukino-chan—"
"Shut up."
She freed his cock with trembling fingers, wrapping her hand around the thick shaft. The heat of her palm made him hiss through clenched teeth. He was hard—painfully so—the head already slick with precum.
I want him inside me.
Yukino Yukinoshita pulled him down, guiding him between her spread thighs. The blunt head of his cock pressed against her entrance, slick and yielding.
"Slowly," she breathed.
Hozuki Nozomi pushed forward, inch by agonizing inch, her wet heat enveloping him. Yukino's lips parted in a silent moan, her fingers clutching the sheets.
When he bottomed out, both of them stilled—breathing ragged, bodies trembling.
"Yukino..." His forehead rested against hers, sweat dampening his brow. "You feel incredible."
"Mmn... move."
He drew back and thrust forward, setting a rhythm that made the bedframe creak. Yukino's legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him deeper, her moans rising in pitch with every snap of his hips.
"Ahh—! There—right there—!"
He angled his hips, hitting that spot inside her that made her vision white out. The wet slap of skin against skin filled the room, mingling with their desperate gasps and the lavender-soaked air.
The night stretched long ahead of them—and Hozuki Nozomi intended to savor every moment, burying himself in her warmth until dawn crept through the curtains.