Watching Erina Nakiri flee in a panic, Satou found it amusing. Teasing a tsundere really was an unexpectedly delightful experience.
In the bathroom, there were now two doors: one leading to Erina Nakiri's dorm room, and the other leading to Satou's room.
After a refreshing bath, Satou dried himself, changed into clean clothes, and remembered he had something to discuss with Erina. He opened her door cautiously.
To his surprise, opening the door led directly into Erina Nakiri's bedroom.
At this moment, Erina Nakiri had already changed into a yellow nightgown and was sitting on her bed, staring blankly ahead.
Wearing the nightgown, she had lost her usual noble, cold demeanor, giving off instead a sense of fragility that made her seem unusually human, almost pitiable.
Satou chuckled inwardly, then began to survey her bedroom.
The decor was predominantly European, luxurious, and elegant, making him feel as if he had entered a princess's quarters in some historical drama.
The room was spacious, far larger than Satou's tiny apartment. However, there were no plush toys, comic books, or other personal items that ordinary girls might have. The large room felt austere, almost clinical in its perfection.
Seeing Satou, Erina Nakiri froze, then shrieked, "Don't you know you can't just enter a girl's room?!"
Satou rubbed his nose sheepishly. "Sorry… I didn't realize the bathroom led directly here."
Erina covered her eyes, voice trembling. "Could you… at least put on some clothes?"
"Clothes? I am wearing clothes," Satou replied casually, glancing down at his boxer briefs.
"You call that clothes?!" she cried, practically spitting with indignation.
Satou shook his head, muttering under his breath as he backed out of the room. "Girls are such a hassle."
Erina's glare could have pierced steel. "You just walk into a girl's room in your underwear like that?!"
A few minutes later, Satou returned—this time wrapped in a bathrobe. Of course, it was Erina Nakiri's bathrobe, since his own bathroom had vanished along with its contents.
"Sorry, I borrowed your bathrobe. I'll replace it tomorrow," he said casually.
Erina ground her teeth but was too tired to argue. Once Satou was in the robe, she wasn't going to use it again anyway—she considered it an unintentional gift.
"From now on, you are not allowed to enter my room!" she said sharply.
"I understand," Satou nodded.
Silence fell for a moment.
Satou, fresh from the bath, exuded a natural confidence and presence. Being alone in this room with him, Erina couldn't help but feel flustered; her heart raced in a way she hadn't expected. Memories of their earlier encounter flickered in her mind, making her even more embarrassed.
She had been raised with meticulous care, every day filled with practice and tasting. She had never experienced a normal childhood, let alone romance. This situation left her completely unprepared.
Satou cleared his throat.
"You… what are you doing? Don't come any closer!" Erina exclaimed, clutching the quilt to her chest.
Satou blinked. He had only cleared his throat. Was that really so threatening?
Nevertheless, seeing her panicked, flustered expression made him suppress a grin.
"Forget it…" he muttered to himself. "She's already so anxious; no need to push further."
Instead, he took a careful step forward.
Erina's voice quivered. "You… don't come any closer!"
Satou held up his hands. "Relax, I just want to ask… can I borrow your kitchen?"
Erina stared at him blankly. Ten seconds later, an exasperated scream echoed:
"You bastard!"
"Uh… what? That wasn't what you were expecting?" Satou asked innocently.
"Get out!" she shouted.
Ten minutes later, Satou found himself in Erina Nakiri's private kitchen.
The dormitory had two floors: the second floor was for living, with ultra-luxurious bedrooms, a balcony, a bathroom, and a study. The first floor was the work area: a private kitchen, storage, and living space.
Erina's private kitchen was enormous, over a hundred square meters—capable of accommodating thirty chefs at once. Every utensil imaginable was available.
Satou took a deep breath. How can anyone have such a disparity in life circumstances?
His own apartment had barely over forty square meters, not even half the size of her kitchen…