Daily Life in Solitude

Breakfast ended in a strange atmosphere.

Parting ways with Morishita Ran was simple and direct; right at the entrance of the cafeteria, she stretched out in a grand yawn and squinted at the rising sun.

"Mmm—! Fed and watered! Now it's time to return to the observation post and replenish my spiritual energy!"

She patted her modest chest before announcing this to Akiyama Shin with a look of utter seriousness.

Akiyama Shin was already accustomed to her unique vocabulary, so he merely nodded slightly before teasing her.

"Observation post? You mean the park bench?"

"Exactly!"

Morishita Ran nodded vigorously at his words, clearly excited and happy that Akiyama Shin could understand her thoughts, her purple-blue gradient hair dancing in the morning breeze.

"The morning sun contains the purest energy in the world! It is the perfect time for meditation and recovery!"

"This observer is going to go feel the pulse of the light particles!"

Akiyama Shin looked at the sky; the 7:30 sun was indeed perfect, golden and warm.

It wasn't scorching, and he had no intention of interfering with someone else's peculiar habits, so he just said calmly.

"Suit yourself."

"Contact me via terminal if anything happens."

"Understood! Special Grade Akiyama!"

Morishita Ran performed a salute of her own invention—something between a military salute and a magical girl gesture—before breaking into her signature ninja run and dashing off toward the park plaza.

Akiyama Shin watched her vibrant silhouette disappear at the intersection, shook his head, and turned to walk toward the dormitory building.

Returning to Dormitory 501, he pushed the door open, and a quiet, warm atmosphere washed over him.

The curtains weren't drawn completely shut, allowing a few ribbons of sunlight to slant inside like golden silk, landing precisely on the bed and illuminating that area.

Kushida Kikyo was still fast asleep.

She was lying on her side, facing the side where Akiyama Shin usually slept, her golden-brown shoulder-length hair spread softly across the pillow.

Outlined by the sunlight, every strand of hair seemed to be plated with a soft halo.

She looked exceptionally docile and well-behaved.

Her breathing was steady and long, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath her eyelids.

The face that usually wore a sweet smile looked truly angelic and innocent in her unguarded sleep; Akiyama Shin softened his footsteps and closed the door behind him, blocking out any potential noise from the hallway.

He walked to the bedside, watched her quietly for a few seconds, and then sat down slowly, the mattress sinking slightly.

Perhaps startled by the subtle movement, or perhaps subconsciously sensing the return of a familiar presence.

Kushida Kikyo let out an unconscious whimper in her sleep, her body shifting slightly.

She kept her eyes closed, but slowly reached out her arms, precisely wrapping them around the waist of Akiyama Shin as he sat on the edge of the bed.

She even rubbed her cheek against his side, her nose twitching as she greedily inhaled the crisp, clean scent of him; this fragrance made her feel incredibly safe and satisfied.

After a while, her eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes; her light purple irises were still hazy with sleep, focusing with a bit of confusion until they landed on Akiyama Shin's sharp-featured profile.

He was tilting his head slightly, looking down at her, his dark red pupils not as deep as they usually were in the sunlight, instead reflecting a warm, amber-like hue.

"...Shin?"

Her voice, fresh from sleep, was thick with nasal tones and hoarseness, sounding impossibly soft and cute.

"Yeah."

Akiyama Shin replied in a low voice, his tone softening involuntarily.

"Did I wake you?"

Kushida Kikyo didn't answer immediately, instead tightening her hold on his waist and burying her face against him to take another deep breath.

As if trying to etch his scent into her lungs, she complained in a muffled voice.

"What time is it... why are you up so early..."

"It's 7:30."

Akiyama Shin answered truthfully, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair that had been ruffled against her cheek behind her ear.

"Went for a morning run, had breakfast."

Hearing this, Kushida Kikyo seemed to remember something; she lifted her head slightly, and as her gaze drifted past Akiyama Shin, she saw the conspicuous sticky note on the nightstand.

She blinked, the lingering sleepiness dissipating slightly, and the corners of her mouth curled up involuntarily.

But she still couldn't resist a jab.

"Hmph... I suppose you have a conscience after all..."

She said this while loosening her arms from his waist, bracing herself against the mattress as if intending to sit up.

However, as she moved to rise, the thin blanket that had been wrapped tightly around her body lost its support and slid quietly from her shoulders.

The morning sunlight spilled onto her smooth skin without obstruction, outlining the beautiful, youthful curves of the girl's body.

Her fair skin seemed to radiate a lustrous glow within the golden halo of light.

Akiyama Shin's gaze fell upon her, and he was visibly stunned.

Although the two were already intimately familiar with each other and had been completely open, seeing this scene so clearly in the morning light, without any covering, still carried a different kind of impact.

Kushida Kikyo realized what was happening in an instant, a flush of red rising to her cheeks as she instinctively reached to pull up the blanket.

But Akiyama Shin was faster; he reached out almost immediately and scooped up the thin blanket that had slipped away.

He then re-wrapped it around her shoulders and back, thoroughly concealing the sight that had been laid bare.

His movements were natural and devoid of any lewdness, his tone carrying a hint of unquestionable concern.

"Don't catch a cold."

"It's not summer yet, and the morning temperature is low."

His warm fingertips brushed against the delicate skin of her shoulder inadvertently, sending a subtle shiver through her.

Kushida Kikyo looked at his handsome face, now inches from her own, and saw the clear, genuine concern in his eyes—not a hint of pretense. She felt as if something had gently bumped against her heart, followed by a surge of warmth that uncontrollably flooded her entire body, turning the slight shyness she had just felt into a deeper, fluttering sensation.

She pursed her lips, and to hide the emotions that left her feeling somewhat flustered, she deliberately put on a fierce expression, accusing him in a tone filled with resentment.

"It's all your fault, you jerk..."

"Yesterday... we were at it until so late... I don't have any strength left! I feel like I'm falling apart..."

"And look at you, full of energy, still able to go for a morning run and eat breakfast... are you even human?!"

Watching her act tough despite clearly enjoying the care, Akiyama Shin finally couldn't help but let out a low laugh, a sound that made the tips of Kushida Kikyo's ears grow even hotter.

"What are you laughing at!"

She glared at him in embarrassment and annoyance.

"Nothing."

Akiyama Shin reined in his laughter, though the amusement in his eyes hadn't fully faded. He stood up, said nothing more, and turned to walk into the small kitchen attached to the room.

Kushida Kikyo watched his retreating back with some confusion, but she still wrapped the blanket tightly around herself and sat obediently on the bed, waiting.

Before long, Akiyama Shin returned carrying a tray. On it was the breakfast he had prepared: a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg, golden toast with slightly charred edges, and a glass of milk still emitting a warm steam.

"Eat something."

He placed the tray by the bedside, then pulled out a lightweight, portable table designed to be used on a bed from somewhere.

He set it up efficiently and placed the tray firmly on the small table, at a height perfectly convenient for her to reach.

He did all of this with fluid, natural ease.

Kushida Kikyo looked at the steaming breakfast before her and the small table that had clearly been prepared specifically for this purpose, and for a moment, she was speechless.

She looked up at Akiyama Shin, who was currently lowering his gaze to adjust the cup, his profile appearing exceptionally focused in the morning light.

"When... when did you get these little things?"

She pointed to the small table, her voice softening involuntarily.

"Bought it a while ago, I use it occasionally."

Akiyama Shin's tone was flat as he continued.

"Eat while it's hot."

Kushida Kikyo picked up her fork and poked the round, fried egg; the yolk wobbled, cooked to exactly the level of doneness she liked.

She took a small bite of the toast—crispy and delicious—and the temperature of the milk was just right. The warmth slid down her throat, not only comforting her stomach but seemingly soothing some hidden emotion as well.

As she ate, she occasionally glanced up to secretly observe Akiyama Shin, who was sitting on the chair by the bed, casually flipping through a fashion magazine she had left there earlier.

The sunlight enveloped him, forming a halo around his body, and the sight of his focused profile while reading left her somewhat dazed.

"Are you... not going out today?"

She swallowed the food in her mouth and asked in a low voice.

Akiyama Shin lifted his eyes from the magazine and looked at her.

"Yeah, nothing much to do."

"What about you?"

"Me?"

Kushida Kikyo tilted her head, a sly yet dependent smile appearing on her face.

"I'm in this state... where else could I go? Besides... isn't the weekend meant for resting and... spending time with my boyfriend?"

When she said the word "boyfriend," her voice dropped, carrying a hint of tentative, imperceptible happiness and sweetness.

Akiyama Shin's hand, which had been turning the page, paused. He looked up to meet her expectant gaze and did not deny it.

He simply gave a faint, "Mm."

This simple syllable was enough to make the mood in Kushida Kikyo's heart brighten instantly.

She lowered her head and continued to eat her breakfast in small bites, yet the curve of her lips refused to be suppressed.

Thus, this Saturday, Dormitory 501 felt like a warm, isolated cocoon cut off from the rest of the world.

Akiyama Shin spent most of his time reading or processing information on his terminal, occasionally chatting with Kushida Kikyo about trivial, daily matters.

As for Kushida Kikyo, after finishing breakfast, she lazily lay back down, sometimes sleeping, sometimes hugging her pillow while staring blankly at Akiyama Shin's back.

Or she would use her terminal to scroll through news and reply to a few messages from friends.

But most of the time, her attention remained fixed on the other person in the room.

No noise, no pretense.

Only the sunlight shifting quietly, and a tranquility and tacit understanding that grew between them without the need for words.

For Akiyama Shin.

This was just a rare, small relaxation before the Special Exam arrived.

But for Kushida Kikyo, it was a beautiful time she had long yearned for, where she could completely relax and be herself.

Breakfast ended in a strange, wonderful atmosphere.

Parting ways with Morishita Ran was simple and direct; right at the entrance of the cafeteria, Morishita Ran stretched her arms wide and squinted at the rising sun.

"Mmm—! Fed and satisfied! Next is returning to the observation post to replenish my spiritual energy!"

She patted her modest chest, then announced to Akiyama Shin with a serious expression.

Akiyama Shin was already used to her unique vocabulary, so he merely nodded slightly before teasing her.

"Observation post? You mean the park bench?"

"Exactly!"

Hearing this, Morishita Ran nodded vigorously, clearly excited and happy that Akiyama Shin could understand her thoughts, her purple-blue gradient hair dancing in the morning breeze.

"The morning sun contains the purest energy in the world! It is the perfect time for meditation and recovery!"

"This observer is going to go feel the vibration of the light particles!"

Akiyama Shin checked the sky; the 7:30 AM sunlight was indeed perfect, golden and warm.

It wasn't scorching, and he had no intention of interfering with someone else's peculiar habits, so he just said indifferently.

"Suit yourself."

"Contact me on the terminal if anything happens."

"Understood! Special-class Akiyama!"

Morishita Ran performed a salute she had invented herself—a mix of a military salute and something a magical girl might do—before breaking into her unique ninja run and vanishing toward the park plaza in a flash.

Akiyama Shin watched her energetic back disappear at the intersection, shook his head, and turned to walk toward the dormitory building.

Returning to Dormitory 501, he pushed open the door, and a quiet, warm atmosphere washed over him.

The curtains weren't drawn completely shut, and several rays of sunlight like golden ribbons slanted into the room, landing just right to illuminate the bed area.

Kushida Kikyo was still fast asleep.

She was lying on her side, facing the side where Akiyama Shin usually slept, her golden-brown shoulder-length hair spread softly across the pillow.

Outlined by the sunlight, every strand of hair seemed to be plated with a soft halo.

She looked exceptionally docile and well-behaved.

Her breathing was steady and long, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath her eyelids.

Her face, which usually wore a sweet smile, revealed a truly angelic, innocent purity in her unguarded sleep. Akiyama Shin softened his footsteps and closed the door behind him, blocking out any noise that might drift in from the hallway.

He walked to the bedside, watched her quietly for a few seconds, and then sat down slowly, the mattress sinking slightly.

Perhaps startled by the subtle movement, or perhaps subconsciously sensing the return of a familiar presence.

Kushida Kikyo let out an unconscious whimper in her sleep, her body shifting slightly.

Still keeping her eyes closed, she slowly reached out her arms and precisely wrapped them around the waist of Akiyama Shin, who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

She even rubbed her cheek against his side, her nose twitching as she greedily breathed in the crisp, clean scent on him; this smell made her feel incredibly safe and satisfied.

After a while, her eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes. Her light purple eyes were still clouded with the mist of sleep, focusing with some confusion until Akiyama Shin's sharp-featured profile came into view.

He was tilting his head slightly, looking down at her, his dark red pupils not as deep as they usually were in the sunlight, but instead reflecting a warm, amber-like hue.

"...Shin?"

Her voice, just waking up, carried a thick nasal tone and a raspiness, sounding impossibly soft and cute.

"Yeah."

Akiyama Shin responded in a low voice, his tone softening involuntarily.

"Did I wake you?"

Kushida Kikyo did not answer immediately; she only tightened her arms around his waist, burying her face against him and taking a deep breath.

It was as if she were trying to carve his scent into her lungs, and only then did she mumble a complaint.

"What time is it... why are you up so early..."

"It's seven-thirty."

Akiyama Shin answered truthfully, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair that had been ruffled against her cheek behind her ear.

"I went for a morning run and had breakfast."

Upon hearing this, Kushida Kikyo seemed to remember something. She lifted her head slightly, and as her gaze drifted past Akiyama Shin, she spotted the conspicuous sticky note on the nightstand.

She blinked, the lingering traces of sleepiness fading away, and the corners of her mouth curled upward involuntarily.

Yet, her words remained sharp.

"Hmph... I suppose you have a shred of conscience after all..."

As she spoke, she loosened her grip on his waist and braced her arms against the mattress, seemingly intending to sit up.

However, as she moved, the thin blanket that had been wrapped tightly around her lost its support and slid quietly from her shoulders.

The morning sunlight spilled onto her smooth skin without obstruction, outlining the beautiful, youthful curves of her body.

Her fair skin seemed to radiate a soft, lustrous glow within the golden halo of light.

Akiyama Shin's gaze fell upon her, and he was visibly stunned.

Although they were already intimately familiar with each other and had been completely open, seeing this scene in the clear morning light without any covering still carried a different kind of impact.

Kushida Kikyo realized it instantly, a flush of red rushing to her cheeks, and she instinctively reached to pull the blanket back up.

But Akiyama Shin was faster; he reached out almost immediately and scooped up the fallen blanket.

He then wrapped it back around her shoulders and back, thoroughly concealing the sight that had been revealed.

His movements were natural and devoid of any lewdness, his tone carrying a hint of unquestionable concern.

"Don't catch a cold."

"It isn't summer yet, and the mornings are still chilly."

His warm fingertips brushed against the delicate skin of her shoulder, sending a subtle shiver through her.

Kushida Kikyo looked at his handsome face, now inches from her own, and saw the clear, genuine concern in his eyes. She felt as if something had gently bumped against her heart, followed by a wave of warmth that surged uncontrollably through her entire body, turning the shyness she had just felt into a deeper, more profound flutter.

She bit her lip, and to mask the emotions that left her feeling somewhat flustered, she deliberately put on a fierce expression, accusing him in a complaining tone.

"It's all your fault, you jerk..."

"Yesterday... you wore me out so late yesterday... I don't have any strength left! I feel like I'm falling apart..."

"And you, you're full of energy, even going for a run and eating breakfast... are you even human?!"

Watching her act tough despite clearly enjoying the attention, Akiyama Shin finally couldn't help but let out a low laugh, a sound that made the tips of Kushida Kikyo's ears grow even hotter.

"What are you laughing at!"

She glared at him in embarrassment.

"Nothing."

Akiyama Shin reined in his laughter, though the amusement in his eyes had not yet faded. He stood up and, without another word, turned and walked into the room's small kitchenette.

Kushida Kikyo watched his retreating back with some confusion, but she ultimately wrapped the blanket tighter around herself and sat obediently on the bed, waiting.

Before long, Akiyama Shin returned carrying a tray. On it was the breakfast he had prepared: a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg, golden toast with slightly charred edges, and a glass of milk still steaming with warmth.

"Eat something."

He placed the tray by the bedside and then pulled out a small, portable table designed to be set over a bed from somewhere.

He set it up efficiently and placed the tray firmly on top, the height perfectly adjusted for her to reach.

He did all of this with a fluid, natural grace.

Kushida Kikyo looked at the steaming breakfast before her and the small table that had clearly been prepared specifically for this purpose, and for a moment, she was speechless.

She looked up at Akiyama Shin, who was currently lowering his gaze to adjust the cup, his profile appearing exceptionally focused in the morning light.

"When... when did you get these little things?"

She gestured toward the small table, her voice softening involuntarily.

"I bought it a while ago; I use it occasionally."

Akiyama Shin replied in a flat tone, then added.

"Eat while it's hot."

Kushida Kikyo picked up her fork and poked the round, fried egg; the yolk wobbled, cooked to the exact degree she liked.

She took a small bite of the toast, which was crispy and delicious, and the temperature of the milk was just right. The warmth sliding down her throat not only comforted her stomach but seemed to soothe her emotions as well.

As she ate her breakfast, she occasionally glanced up to steal a look at Akiyama Shin, who was sitting on the chair by the bed, casually flipping through a fashion magazine she had left there earlier.

The sunlight enveloped him, forming a halo around his body, and the profile of his face as he focused on his reading left her somewhat mesmerized.

"Are you... not going out today?"

She swallowed the food in her mouth and asked in a low voice.

Akiyama Shin lifted his eyes from the magazine and looked at her.

"Yeah, nothing much to do."

"How about you?"

"Me?"

Kushida Kikyo tilted her head, a sly yet slightly dependent smile appearing on her face.

"In this state... where else could I go? Besides... isn't the weekend meant for resting and... spending time with one's boyfriend?"

When she said the word "boyfriend," her voice dropped, carrying a hint of probing and an imperceptible sweetness of happiness.

Akiyama Shin's hand, which was turning the page, paused. He looked up to meet her gaze, which was filled with hidden anticipation, and did not deny it.

He simply gave a faint hum of acknowledgment.

This single, simple syllable made Kushida Kikyo's mood brighten instantly.

She lowered her head and continued to eat her breakfast in small bites, though she couldn't suppress the curve of her lips.

And so, this Saturday, Dormitory 501 felt like a warm cocoon isolated from the rest of the world.

Akiyama Shin spent most of his time reading or processing information on his terminal, occasionally chatting with Kushida Kikyo about trivial, everyday matters.

As for Kushida Kikyo, after finishing her breakfast, she lazily lay back down, sometimes falling asleep, and other times hugging a pillow while staring blankly at Akiyama Shin's back.

Or she would scroll through news on her own terminal and reply to a few messages from friends.

But for the most part, her attention remained fixed on the other person in the room.

There was no noise, no pretense.

There was only the sunlight moving quietly, and a sense of tranquility and unspoken rapport gradually settling between the two.

For Akiyama Shin.

It was merely a rare moment of relaxation before the Special Exam arrived.

But for Kushida Kikyo, it was a beautiful time she had long craved, where she could completely relax and be herself.