Kiyone tilted her head slightly, her eyes fixed on the world outside through the tinted window of the car.
She watched the towering buildings stream past, the other vehicles speeding alongside them, the majestic plane trees lining the roadside, and the birds flying freely across the sky.
In reality, nothing she saw was new to her.
Inside the cold, sterile rooms of the White Room, sitting in front of massive screens, she had memorized every object and living being in the world down to the smallest detail.
She knew the photosynthetic cycle of trees, the architectural structures of cities, and the migration routes of birds like a computer.
But knowing something in theory and being close enough to touch it were two entirely different things.
Those cold images, once made of mere pixels, were now vividly alive right in front of her.
This reality gently melted the rigid walls of logic inside Kiyone.
In the exact center of her chest, a warm lightness bloomed—a sensation she had never experienced in the White Room.
Freedom had ceased to be just a word; it had become a feeling brushing against her skin.
The corners of her lips curled up slowly.
A pure, serene smile appeared on her face, entirely removed from all plans and calculations.
Kamiki, leaning his head against the headrest, was silently watching the girl beside him.
He was registering every single detail of that childlike desire for discovery in her golden eyes, saving that moment of genuine happiness into his memory.
“Do you like what you see, Kiyone?” Kamiki asked.
His voice carried a soft yet deep tone.
Kiyone let out a soft sigh without taking her eyes off the window.
“I’ve seen these on computers before, Kamiki-kun,” she said, her voice sounding more alive than usual.
“But they never told me the colors on the screen were this bright.
The outside world…
is truly noisy and beautiful.” Matsuo smoothly turned the steering wheel in the front seat, casting a brief glance at the rearview mirror.
He watched the calm, almost peaceful dialogue between the two teenagers in the back.
Taking a deep breath, he felt the heavy burden on his chest lift.
His shoulders relaxed.
*’Thank God,’* Matsuo thought, feeling a profound sense of relief inside.
*’That horrible laboratory couldn’t completely rip away these children’s souls.
It seems that dark place didn’t cause them as much psychological damage as I feared.’* Matsuo thought they were just highly intelligent, distant children.
Looking through the rearview mirror, the old butler saw only two innocent youths who had become companions to one another.
“Shirogane-sama, Ayanokoji-sama,” Matsuo interjected, making no effort to hide the fatherly tone in his voice.
“We are about to enter the city.
There is a wonderful dessert shop near the villa.
If you’d like, I can stop there so you can experience your first taste of the outside world before we head home.” Hearing this, Kiyone quickly turned to Kamiki, her golden eyes sparkling.
“What do you say, Kamiki-kun?” Kamiki noticed Matsuo’s relieved expression in the mirror and matched the girl’s excitement.
“Why not?” Kamiki said, turning his gaze outside.
“Since we are going to live like normal people, let’s take the first step on a sweet note, Matsuo.” “As you wish, sir,” Matsuo said, stepping on the gas with a warm smile.
The black sedan glided smoothly toward the glittering lights of the city.
A moment later, the car slowed down and pulled over by the roadside.
It was a cozy, small place with yellow lights illuminating its windows.
Matsuo immediately got out and opened the back door.
“We have arrived, sir,” Matsuo said, smiling as he showed the way.
Kamiki and Kiyone stepped out of the car, breathing in the fresh air.
Their pace was relaxed, unhurried.
As they walked through the door, a small bell chimed.
The interior smelled of fresh vanilla—a highly pleasant aroma.
Behind the counter stood a middle-aged woman wearing a clean apron.
She smiled warmly when she saw them.
“Welcome,” the woman said in a cheerful voice.
Then, her eyes drifted to Matsuo, and her smile grew even wider upon recognizing a familiar face.
“Welcome, Matsuo-san!” she said.
“How wonderful to see you around here.” Matsuo bowed his head slightly.
“Good to see you, Ms.
Hana,” he said politely.
“I have very special guests with me today.” Ms.
Hana looked at the teenagers with curiosity.
Kamiki maintained his unshakeable mask, while Kiyone examined her surroundings, her eyes wide with wonder.
They stepped toward the counter.
Behind the glass display case lay rows of colorful desserts.
Kiyone placed her hands on the glass, inspecting them intently.
“They all look so different,” Kiyone murmured, her tone vibrant.
Kamiki came up beside her, scanning the desserts.
One in particular caught his attention; its top was caramelized and browned, releasing a sweet aroma.
“I’ll take this one,” Kamiki said, pointing at it.
“Crema Catalana.” Ms.
Hana moved into action immediately.
“An excellent choice,” she said.
“The caramel is freshly made.” Kiyone was still undecided.
Her eyes shifted to some colorful scoops that looked freezing cold, with a faint mist rising from them.
“What about you, Kiyone?” Kamiki asked, turning to her.
Kiyone brought her finger closer to the glass.
“I want ice cream,” she said.
“Which flavor would you like, young lady?” Ms.
Hana asked.
Kiyone thought for a moment.
“Strawberry and vanilla,” she replied.
As Ms.
Hana began to prepare the ice cream, Matsuo stood to the side, watching the children.
The sense of relief inside him grew even larger.
Meanwhile, Kamiki was looking at Kiyone.
He took a deep breath as memories flashed through his mind, thinking back to the original world—Kiyotaka’s world.
Kiyone had loved ice cream there too.
She had chosen ice cream the very first time she went outside.
*’Some things never change,’* Kamiki thought.
A mysterious smile surfaced on his face.
No matter how much Kiyone changed, the small details at her core remained the same.
He found this quite pleasing.
“Why are you smiling like that, Kamiki-kun?” Kiyone asked suddenly, locking her eyes onto him.
Kamiki kept his mask intact.
“It’s nothing,” he said in a flat voice.
“I just…
thought your choice suits you perfectly.” “Is that so?” Kiyone took the ice cream cup and picked up the spoon.
“Let’s see if this ‘real’ taste lives up to my expectations.” “Also,” Kiyone added, her eyes lingering on Kamiki’s dessert.
“I want a taste of yours, too.” Kamiki paused, a slight look of surprise flashing across his face.
“Sure,” he said.
“You can have some of mine.” Kiyone suddenly let out a soft laugh, her voice bright with amusement.
“No, Kamiki-kun,” she said, shaking her head.
“I didn’t mean yours.” “What do you mean?” Kamiki asked.
“I’m going to get one for myself,” Kiyone said, still laughing.
“A separate portion.” The corners of Kamiki’s lips twitched upward.
He liked her eager and relaxed attitude.
Kiyone turned back to the counter and looked at Ms.
Hana.
“Could I have one of those desserts as well?” she asked, pointing at the Crema Catalana.
Ms.
Hana smiled.
“Of course, young lady,” she said.
Matsuo quickly stepped in, taking a stride forward to manage the situation.
“Alright then,” Matsuo said in a warm, fatherly tone.
“Let’s do this.” Kiyone and Kamiki turned to the old butler as he laid out his plan.
“We will take two ice creams,” Matsuo said.
“And two Crema Catalanas.” “Why two ice creams?” Kiyone asked curiously.
“One is for Kamiki-sama,” Matsuo replied.
“You can eat the ice cream on the way home.
It will be nice to have in the car.” Kamiki looked at the ice cream cup and didn’t object.
“And what about the others?” Kiyone asked.
“We will save the Crema Catalanas,” Matsuo explained.
“You can have them after dinner.
It makes for a wonderful dessert.” Kiyone loved the idea, nodding her head rapidly.
“That makes a lot of sense, Matsuo,” she said.
Matsuo turned back to Ms.
Hana and pulled out his wallet.
“Ms.
Hana,” he said.
“Please pack the Crema Catalanas to go.” “Right away, Matsuo-san,” the woman replied, getting straight to work.
Kiyone dipped her spoon into the ice cream and popped a small piece into her mouth.
Her eyes widened instantly as the cold sweetness completely took over her mind.
“This…” Kiyone said, unable to hide her amazement.
“This is incredibly rich.” “Do you like it?” Kamiki asked, taking a spoonful of his own.
“The flavor descriptions on the computer were entirely inadequate,” Kiyone said, taking a second scoop.
“This is amazing.” Just then, Ms.
Hana handed over the bags.
“Your desserts are ready,” she said cheerfully.
Matsuo paid the bill and took the packages.
“Thank you, Ms.
Hana,” he said.
“Come again!” the woman called out, seeing them off.
Kamiki, Kiyone, and Matsuo stepped out of the shop, the chime of the bell echoing behind them.
As they walked toward the car, Kiyone continued to enjoy her ice cream with great delight.
The taste of the outside world was already starting to erase the cold memories of the White Room.
A short while later, they stood before a massive iron gate.
The gate opened automatically, parting to both sides.
It was a huge villa with modern lines, its wide windows gleaming.
Surrounded by high walls, it looked completely isolated and secure.
Matsuo stopped the engine, quickly got down, and opened the rear door.
“We have arrived, efendim,” he said.
Kamiki and Kiyone stepped out.
Kiyone had finished her ice cream and wiped her lips with a napkin, fixing her gaze on the massive building.
“The architecture is impressive,” Kiyone remarked.
“Security flaws have been kept to a minimum.” Kamiki smiled.
“Professor Miyuki doesn’t leave things to chance,” he said.
Matsuo walked ahead, unlocking the heavy wooden entrance door of the villa with a key and inviting them inside.
“Please, Shirogane-sama, Ayanokoji-sama.” The interior was vast, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.
The furniture was luxurious and comfortable.
After the sterile White Room, this place felt incredibly warm.
Matsuo left the dessert package on the kitchen counter and returned to the teenagers, pointing toward the stairs.
“The bedrooms are upstairs,” Matsuo said, his voice very gentle.
“They have all been prepared for you.” “How many rooms are there, Matsuo?” Kamiki asked.
“There are four large rooms, sir,” Matsuo replied.
“You can choose whichever one you like.
The decision is entirely yours.” Kiyone immediately headed toward the stairs, her steps light.
“Let’s go take a look then,” she said.
Kamiki followed behind her, and together they ascended the wide staircase.
The upstairs hallway was just as elegant as the ground floor, lined with doors side by side.
Kiyone opened the first door and peeked inside.
It had a large bed, a spacious wardrobe, and a balcony.
The balcony looked out directly over the forest.
“This place feels a bit too dark,” Kiyone said.
Next, she moved to the adjacent room, which was larger.
It featured a study desk and extensive bookshelves.
Kiyone’s golden eyes lit up; it was perfect for her.
“I choose this room,” Kiyone announced, immediately setting her book down on the desk.
Kamiki walked to the room at the end of the hallway and opened the door.
This one was darker and more secure.
“This will be my room,” Kamiki said.
Kiyone walked out of her room and came over to Kamiki, peering into his chosen space.
“Why that one?” she asked.
“Mine is much brighter.” Kamiki turned to her, his unshakeable mask in place.
“This room is better for monitoring the entrance and exit,” he said.
“Plus, it’s very close to your room.
If anything happens, I can intervene instantly.” Hearing this, Kiyone smiled faintly, a pleasant and satisfied expression appearing in her eyes.
“It’s very thoughtful of you to think about protecting me, Kamiki-kun,” she said.
“But I can’t imagine anyone being able to harm me.” “The outside world is full of variables, Kiyone,” Kamiki said in a flat voice.
“One can never be too cautious.” Matsuo appeared at the top of the stairs, smiling as he saw the teenagers settling in.
“I am glad you like your rooms,” he said.
“I will start preparing dinner now.
Is there anything you require?” Kamiki shook his head.
“Thank you, Matsuo,” he said.
“We will unpack our things and wait.” “Understood, Shirogane-sama,” Matsuo said, heading back down to the kitchen.
Kiyone and Kamiki retreated to their rooms to unpack and wait for dinner.
Kamiki was sitting on his bed, reading a book.
Suddenly, a scent drifted through the gap beneath his door.
It was an incredible aroma—remarkably fresh, savory, and aromatic.
Kamiki raised his head, his nose twitching slightly.
Realizing that dinner was ready, he stood up quickly and headed for the door.
Opening it slowly, he stepped into the hallway.
At that exact moment, the adjacent door opened, and Kiyone stepped out.
Kiyone paused, her eyes finding Kamiki.
She sniffed the air slightly, a surprised look on her face.
“It smells wonderful,” Kiyone said, her voice filled with awe.
“After those protein bars in the White Room…
this scent is unbelievable.” “Matsuo knows his craft,” Kamiki said.
“Let’s go downstairs.” Together, they headed to the stairs and walked down the wide steps.
The scent was even more intense on the lower floor, wrapping the entire space in an appetizing warmth.
They entered the dining room.
A large, elegant table had been set, with plates and forks arranged in flawless alignment.
In the center of the table stood a large pot, steam rising from it.
Matsuo was waiting at the head of the table.
Upon seeing them, he bowed slightly in greeting, a proud smile on his face.
“Please, Shirogane-sama, Ayanokoji-sama,” Matsuo said politely, pulling out their chairs.
Kiyone immediately approached the table, looking at the greenish, stew-like dish in the pot.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“What is this, Matsuo?” Kiyone asked impatiently.
“It doesn’t look like any food I’ve seen before.” Matsuo smiled, taking a ladle in hand.
“This is a dish from Georgia, young lady,” he said, beginning to fill their plates.
“It is called Chakapuli.” “Chakapuli?” Kamiki repeated, finding the name intriguing as he took his seat.
Kiyone sat down beside him, keeping her eyes fixed on her plate.
“What’s in it?” she asked.
“The smell is so unique.” “It contains lamb,” Matsuo said, listing the ingredients.
“Fresh tarragon, coriander, sour green plums, and garlic.
I also added a bit of green pepper.” Kiyone picked up her spoon, scooping up some of the broth.
“Tarragon and green plums?” she asked.
“Cooked together with meat?” “Yes, Ayanokoji-sama,” Matsuo replied.
“It gives it a sour and refreshing taste.” Kamiki inspected the dish, impressed by Matsuo’s culinary knowledge.
“The original recipe calls for white wine, but I omitted it,” Matsuo added respectfully.
“Why didn’t you use it?” Kiyone asked.
Matsuo bowed his head slightly.
“You are both still young,” he said in a fatherly tone.
“Therefore, I removed the wine from the recipe.
It wouldn’t be healthy for you.” Kiyone brought the spoon to her mouth and took her first bite.
The tenderness of the lamb and the freshness of the tarragon spread across her tongue instantly.
The tartness of the plum created a wonderful burst of flavor on her palate.
“This is…
magnificent,” Kiyone said, closing her eyes.
“The harmony between the sourness and the meat is perfect.” Kamiki took a bite as well.
The meat truly dissolved in his mouth.
“Good work, Matsuo,” he said in a flat but appreciative voice.
“Even without the wine, it’s highly successful.” “Bon appétit, sir,” Matsuo said, stepping back happily.
“Please enjoy your meal.
I will be in the kitchen.” As Matsuo turned to cover the pots and wipe down the counter, Kamiki took a deep breath, fixing his eyes on the old butler.
“Matsuo,” Kamiki said.
His voice was flat but commanding.
“Eat with us.” Matsuo paused in surprise, leaving his cloth on the counter.
He immediately brought his hands together in front of him and bowed slightly, shaking his head.
“Oh, no, Shirogane-sama,” Matsuo said politely.
“That wouldn’t be appropriate.
I am merely a butler.
My duty is to serve you.” Kiyone set her spoon down, turning her golden eyes toward Matsuo, listening silently.
Kamiki kept his mask entirely composed, his gaze sharpening.
“Matsuo,” he said.
“Right now, you are serving me.” “Yes, sir,” the old man replied.
“Then do as I say and sit down,” Kamiki said, his tone leaving absolutely no room for argument.
“Very well, sir,” Matsuo said.
He slowly pulled out one of the chairs, sitting at the edge of the table at a respectful distance.
He served himself a small portion of food.
Kiyone watched this compliance test conclude, a slight, satisfied smile appearing on her face.
She returned to her meal.
“Matsuo,” Kamiki said, taking a piece of lamb from his plate.
“What time do you off work?
I mean, when does your shift in this house end?” After swallowing his food, Matsuo answered immediately.
“I will leave after dinner, Shirogane-sama,” he said.
“I will do the necessary cleaning and head home.” “Is there someone waiting for you at home?” Kiyone chimed in.
A highly warm, fatherly smile instantly appeared on Matsuo’s face, his eyes lighting up.
“Yes, Ayanokoji-sama,” he said.
“I have a son.
I am going back to him.
That is why I need to be home in the evenings.” Hearing this, Kamiki paid close attention internally.
“How old is your son?” he asked.
“My son is right around your age, sir,” Matsuo said proudly.
“He is currently fourteen.” Kamiki thought back to the original story.
Matsuo’s son.
In the original universe, this family had suffered immense tragedy due to the cruelty of Professor Atsuomi (who was Miyuki in this universe).
Matsuo had committed suicide, and his son had been deprived of his right to education, his life ruined.
Kamiki reflected to himself.
*’This family suffered greatly in the original story.
Becoming friends with Matsuo’s son could be seen as a bit of repayment.’* His mind raced further ahead, considering the school Matsuo’s son attended, his social circle, and connections.
*’And perhaps through him, I can cross paths with Nanase Tsubasa ahead of schedule.’* Kamiki placed his spoon on the edge of his plate and leaned slightly toward Matsuo.
“Bring him over,” Kamiki said in a flat voice.
Matsuo was at a loss for words for a moment.
“Sir?” he asked in confusion.
“Your son,” Kamiki repeated.
“Bring him here one day.
Let him meet us.” Kiyone raised her head, intrigued by the strategic genius behind Kamiki’s move.
“That’s a good idea,” Kiyone approved.
“Communicating with people our own age in the outside world will accelerate our adaptation process.
Matsuo, we are inviting your son here.” Matsuo’s eyes well up with emotion.
He had never imagined that these children coming out of the White Room could be so humane, so thoughtful.
“This…
this honors me greatly, Shirogane-sama, Ayanokoji-sama,” Matsuo said, his voice trembling slightly.
“My son, Eiichiro, will be overjoyed to meet such esteemed young people like yourselves.
I will bring him over at the earliest opportunity.” “Good,” Kamiki said, that all-knowing, mysterious smile playing behind his unshakeable mask.
“Now let us return to our meal before the Chakapuli gets cold.” After dinner, Matsuo cleared the table, washed the dishes one by one, and left the kitchen spotless.
Then, he approached the youths and bowed slightly.
“I am leaving, sir,” he said.
“I will return early tomorrow morning.” “Good evening, Matsuo,” Kamiki said.
“Good night, Matsuo,” Kiyone added.
Matsuo left the house, and the door locked behind him.
Only the two of them remained in the massive villa.
Outside, silent security guards patrolled the courtyard.
Kamiki and Kiyone retired to their rooms, leaving the hallway shrouded in silence.
Kamiki lay on his bed, hands tucked behind his head, staring at the ceiling.
His mind worked relentlessly, mapping out his future plans.
He thought of the son Matsuo had mentioned—Eiichiro.
Through him, he would reach Nanase Tsubasa.
‘Nanase-chan,’ he thought to himself, his lips curving upward.
‘I must meet her as soon as possible.
This one year is critical.’ ‘I must make her fall in love with me,’ Kamiki mused.
‘I wonder what a smitten Nanase-chan would look like.
She’ll be even cuter than her puppy-like self.’ In the midst of these thoughts, a sound broke the silence.
It was very faint.
Tap.
Tap.
His bedroom door was knocked gently.
Kamiki immediately sat up.
“Come in,” he said clearly.
The door pushed open slowly, and Kiyone walked in.
She was wearing her white nightgown, her hair falling over her shoulders.
There was a strange restlessness in her golden eyes.
Kamiki was surprised, but he didn’t let it show on his face.
“What’s wrong, Kiyone?” he asked in a soft tone.
Kiyone stood at the threshold, fidgeting with her fingers—a rare sight for her.
“I can’t sleep,” Kiyone said, her voice barely a whisper.
“I don’t know if it’s because it’s the first day.
My mind just won’t quiet down.” Kiyone took a few steps forward, approaching the bed, and looked into Kamiki’s eyes.
“Can I sleep with you, Kamiki-kun?” she asked suddenly.
Her words were entirely natural, devoid of any calculation.
She simply wanted to feel safe.
The sense of satisfaction inside Kamiki expanded.
He couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.
He pleased him that Kiyone was turning to him for shelter.
“I would be glad to,” Kamiki said, a warm smile spreading across his face.
“Come here quickly.
Slide in.” Kiyone found Kamiki’s eager and swift response a bit strange for a split second.
Her golden eyes narrowed slightly as she scrutinized him.
Nonetheless, she didn’t dwell on it.
She directed her steps toward the bed and slowly slipped beneath the duvet.
After all, they had slept together for more than ten years.
She had grown accustomed to this setup in the freezing rooms of the White Room.
Kamiki pulled the duvet up over them.
Kiyone lay on her back, staring at the ceiling.
Kamiki turned onto his side immediately, facing Kiyone.
He spoke without a shred of hesitation, his tone perfectly casual.
“Kiyone,” Kamiki said.
“Can I hold you?” Kiyone turned her head and looked into Kamiki’s eyes, finding this sudden request peculiar.
“Hold me?” she questioned.
“Why?” “I thought I’d be more comfortable that way.” Kiyone found this illogical internally.
Still, she trusted Kamiki; he was her sole anchor in the outside world.
Therefore, she accepted his request.
“Fine,” she said flatly.
“It’s not a problem.” ‘We are no longer in the White Room, there are no cameras watching us.
No one is recording us,’ Kamiki thought.
A dark thought manifested behind Kamiki’s mask.
Kiyone-chan was a very beautiful girl.
However, she possessed a massive vulnerability regarding the outside world.
She needed to learn how grave of a mistake it was to enter a guy’s bed so easily.
The outside world was riddled with dangers.
He would deliver this lesson himself.
Kamiki swiftly wrapped both arms around Kiyone’s waist, locking her in a firm embrace from behind.
Kiyone froze for an instant, her golden eyes narrowing sharply.
In the White Room, human anatomy, psychology, and social relations had been taught to them in absolute theoretical detail.
She deduced Kamiki’s intentions instantly.
Kiyone’s brows furrowed abruptly, her face hardening with anger.
“Pervert!” she snapped.
Sitting up abruptly in bed, Kiyone looked down at Kamiki, her voice sharp and ringing clear.
“What do you think you’re doing, Kamiki-kun?” “Just an experience…” Kamiki began to say.
“Shut up,” Kiyone cut him off.
“Do you truly think I know nothing at all?” Kamiki went quiet.
He hadn’t entirely accounted for this reaction from Kiyone.
“The White Room didn’t just teach us mathematics,” Kiyone said.
“I understand the dynamics between men and women.
I have memorized societal norms.
I can comprehend exactly what a man’s desire to embrace someone from behind signifies.” Kamiki remained silent.
He hadn’t fully factored in this retaliation.
The girl’s golden eyes were blazing with fury.
Yet, Kamiki had no intention of backing down.
The surprise on his face vanished instantly, his mask locking back into place.
Kamiki sat up quickly on the bed.
Before Kiyone could realize what was happening, he pinned both of her wrists, gripping her arms tightly with his strong hands.
He locked his eyes onto hers.
“Let go of me,” Kiyone said, her voice stern as she tried to break free.
But Kamiki refused to relent.
“Since you know everything,” Kamiki said, his voice entirely calm.
“Then you must also know what we feel toward each other.” Kiyone paused, her frown deepening.
She looked closely at Kamiki’s face, unable to process this sudden outburst and the sentence he had just uttered through her logical filters.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kiyone said angrily, trying to pull her wrists away.
“Release my arms, Kamiki-kun.” “Do you really not understand?” Kamiki asked, his lips curving slightly into a mocking glint.
“Or do you just choose not to?” “You’re talking nonsense,” Kiyone countered.
“We are the most successful specimens of the White Room; we do not operate on emotions.” Kamiki slowly released his grip and drew back, leaning against the headboard in a relaxed posture.
“If you say so,” Kamiki said, letting out a sigh as he assumed a manufactured expression of disappointment.
“It seems the outside world has already exhausted you.” Kiyone glared at him suspiciously, adjusting her posture on the bed.
“What is that supposed to mean?” she demanded.
“Nothing,” Kamiki said, shifting his gaze to the ceiling, deliberately making his tone indifferent.
“I just realized something.” “What?” “We aren’t alone in the outside world,” Kamiki said, his smile widening.
“Tomorrow, I will invite Yuki over here.
I must convince her to stay with us.” Kiyone’s gaze froze.
“Yuki?” she repeated.
“Yes,” Kamiki said, turning his head back toward Kiyone.
“She will definitely accept.
She would never object to me holding her.
In fact, she would be overjoyed by it.” Kiyone was left speechless for a moment, feeling a strange tightening in her chest.
She knew Kamiki was playing this card intentionally; she was being openly threatened.
She thought of Yuki’s closeness to Kamiki.
If she came here, the balance within the villa would shift entirely.
Kiyone gritted her teeth, a look of defeat flashing across her golden eyes.
She felt thoroughly cornered.
“Fine,” Kiyone said suddenly, her voice softer than usual.
Kamiki raised an eyebrow.
“Fine?
What’s fine?” “Just fine,” Kiyone muttered, lowering her head.
She could feel her face flushing and tried to hide it.
“You can hold me from behind.” Internally, Kamiki knew he had won a massive victory.
This was exactly what he wanted.
“But I have one condition,” Kiyone added swiftly, snapping her head up to glare at Kamiki.
“No touching anywhere else.
Understood?” Kamiki didn’t waste a second.
A boyish, pure smile graced his features, and he nodded quickly.
“Deal,” Kamiki said.
“I promise.” Kiyone slowly lay back down on the bed, this time turning her back to Kamiki.
Her heart was still racing.
She pulled the duvet up to her chest to shield herself.
Kamiki lay down as well, positioning himself behind the girl.
True to his word, he gently wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against him.
He didn’t squeeze tightly; he simply made his presence felt.
“You’re warm,” Kamiki murmured.
Kiyone didn’t offer a reply, staring out into the darkness.
The warmth of Kamiki’s arms enveloped her body.
While this should have made her uncomfortable, it was strangely soothing.
“You won’t call Yuki, right?” Kiyone asked quietly.
“Go to sleep, Kiyone,” Kamiki whispered near her hair.
“We’ll think about the answer to that tomorrow.” Kiyone took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
Outside, the wind rattled against the villa’s windows, and the distant footsteps of the guards echoed through the yard.
But inside this bed, on their first night in the outside world, it had become a small, complicated sanctuary for them both.