The dormitory was especially quiet at night, with only the Terminal screen casting a faint glow.
Uesugi Hara's fingers flew over the keys as he chatted with Kushida Kikyo about Horikita Suzune. After adding, "Talk tomorrow," he put away the Terminal.
Just then, a soft knock came from outside the door, hesitant in rhythm.
Uesugi Hara got up and opened it. Karuizawa Kei was standing outside.
She had not sent a message beforehand. It was already late at night, and her uneasy eyes swept over both ends of the hallway. She was clearly afraid of being seen.
Before she could grow any more nervous, Uesugi Hara stepped aside and let her in. This time, Karuizawa Kei was not dressed only in pajamas like last time. She wore a simple T-shirt and shorts, neat and proper, though the unease on her face was impossible to hide.
She sat down on the stool, her body stiff and straight, her gaze avoiding Uesugi Hara as she never dared meet his eyes.
"Are you sure you've thought this through?" Uesugi Hara sat across from her and asked calmly.
Karuizawa Kei nodded slightly, her voice barely louder than a mosquito's buzz. "Mm."
Uesugi Hara watched her for several seconds. Seeing the tips of her ears turn red, he said nothing more. He rose, walked over, and wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her up.
"Ah!" Karuizawa Kei cried out. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, pressing herself against his chest as her heartbeat immediately sped up.
Uesugi Hara carried her to the bed and sat down, letting her settle naturally onto his lap. One hand held her waist securely while the other rested casually on her thigh.
Karuizawa Kei's shorts were very short, leaving most of her snowy-white, delicate thighs exposed.