Breakfast came to an end in a peculiar atmosphere.
Parting ways with Morishita Ran was simple enough. At the cafeteria entrance, Morishita stretched her arms high and narrowed her eyes at the rising sun.
"Mm! Full and satisfied! Now it's time to return to my observation outpost and replenish my spiritual energy!"
She patted her modest chest, then announced this solemnly to Akiyama Shin.
Akiyama had grown used to her unique vocabulary. He only nodded slightly before teasing her.
"Observation outpost? You mean the park bench?"
"Exactly!"
Morishita nodded enthusiastically, clearly delighted that Akiyama understood her. Her purple-to-blue hair bounced in the morning breeze.
"The morning sun contains the purest energy in the world! It's the perfect time to meditate and recover!"
"This Observer is off to feel the light particles dancing!"
Akiyama glanced at the sky. The sunlight at half past seven was indeed just right, golden and warm.
It wasn't scorching, either. He had no intention of interfering with anyone's peculiar hobbies, so he simply said, "Suit yourself."
"If anything comes up, contact me on your Terminal."
"Understood, Special Agent Akiyama!"
Morishita gave a salute of her own invention, halfway between a military salute and a magical-girl pose. Then she set off with her distinctive ninja run, vanishing in the direction of the park plaza.
Akiyama watched her energetic figure disappear around the corner, shook his head, and turned toward the dormitory.
When he returned to Dormitory 501 and opened the door, a warm, peaceful atmosphere washed over him.
The curtains were not fully drawn. A few strands of sunlight slanted in like golden ribbons, falling just right across the bed and lighting up the area.
Kushida Kikyo was still fast asleep.
She lay on her side, facing the spot where Akiyama usually slept, her golden-brown hair spread softly across the pillow.
In the sunlight, every strand seemed to be edged with a gentle halo.
She looked especially meek and sweet.
Her breathing was steady and even, and her long eyelashes cast faint shadows over her eyelids.
The face that usually wore a sweet smile looked utterly unguarded in sleep, its innocence almost angelic. Akiyama walked quietly over and closed the door behind him, shutting out any noise from the hallway.
He went to the bed and watched her for a few seconds before sitting down slowly. The mattress sank slightly beneath him.
Perhaps the faint movement disturbed her, or perhaps, on some unconscious level, she sensed the return of a familiar presence.
Kushida murmured in her sleep and shifted slightly.
Her eyes remained closed, but she slowly reached out and wrapped her arms around Akiyama's waist as he sat on the edge of the bed.
She rubbed her cheek against his side, her nostrils twitching as she greedily breathed in his clean, crisp scent. It made her feel utterly safe and content.
After a while, her lashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes. Her pale violet gaze was hazy with sleep as she tried to focus. Akiyama's sharply defined profile came into view.
He had turned his head slightly and was looking down at her. In the sunlight, his dark red eyes seemed less deep and somber than usual, taking on an almost amber warmth.
"...Shin?"
Her voice was thick with sleep, husky and soft, far sweeter than usual.
"Mm."
Akiyama answered quietly, his voice softening without him even noticing.
"Did I wake you?"
Kushida didn't answer right away. She just tightened her arms around his waist and buried her face against him, taking a deep breath.
As if she wanted to etch his scent into her lungs, she grumbled into his clothes, "What time is it... Why are you up so early..."
"Half past seven."
Akiyama answered honestly, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
"I went for a run and had breakfast."
At that, Kushida seemed to remember something. She raised her head slightly, then looked past Akiyama and spotted the conspicuous note on the bedside table.
She blinked. Some of the sleepiness faded, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly despite herself.
But she still couldn't resist complaining.
"Hmph... At least you have a little conscience..."
As she spoke, she let go of his waist and braced her arms against the mattress, apparently trying to sit up.
But as she moved, the thin blanket that had been wrapped snugly around her slipped from her shoulder without a sound.
The morning sunlight fell unobstructed across her smooth skin, outlining the beautiful curves of her youthful body.
Her fair skin seemed to glow with a soft sheen in the golden light.
Akiyama's gaze fell, and he visibly froze.
They knew each other well and had long since been comfortable around one another, but seeing her uncovered in the clear morning light still had a different kind of impact.
Kushida realized what had happened at the same moment. Her cheeks flushed bright red, and she instinctively tried to pull the blanket back up.
But Akiyama was faster. He immediately reached out and caught the slipping blanket.
Then he wrapped it back around her shoulders and back, covering her exposed skin completely.
His movements were natural, without a trace of suggestiveness, and his tone carried unmistakable concern.
"Don't catch a chill."
"It's not summer yet. Mornings are cold."
His warm fingertips brushed the delicate skin of her shoulder by accident, sending a subtle shiver through her.
Kushida looked at his handsome face, so close to hers, and the clear, genuine concern in his eyes. It felt as if something had gently bumped against her heart. A rush of warmth spread through her, and the embarrassment she had just felt gave way to a deeper stirring.
She pursed her lips. To hide the flustered feelings she didn't quite know what to do with, she deliberately put on a fierce expression and accused him in a reproachful tone, "This is all your fault, you jerk..."
"Yesterday... You kept me up so late... I'm still completely worn out! I feel like my whole body's fallen apart..."
"And yet you're full of energy, going for a run and eating breakfast... Are you even human?!"
Watching her act tough when she was clearly enjoying his attention, Akiyama finally let out a low laugh. The sound only made Kushida's ears burn hotter.
"What are you laughing at?!"
She glared at him, embarrassed and annoyed.
"Nothing."
Akiyama stifled his laughter, though the amusement still lingered in his eyes. He stood up without saying anything more and walked into the kitchenette attached to the room.
Kushida watched him go, puzzled, then pulled the blanket tighter around herself and obediently sat on the bed to wait.
Before long, Akiyama returned with a tray. On it was the breakfast he had prepared earlier: a fried egg cooked just right, golden toast with crisp edges, and a glass of warm milk.
"Have something to eat."
He set the tray beside the bed, then pulled out a lightweight table that could be placed over the bed.
He set it up quickly, then placed the tray securely on top. It was just the right height for her to reach everything.
He did it all smoothly and naturally.
Kushida looked at the steaming breakfast and the little table that he had clearly brought out just for her. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
She looked up at Akiyama. He was adjusting the glass with his gaze lowered, his profile especially focused in the morning light.
"When... did you get all this stuff?"
She pointed to the little table, her voice softening despite herself.
"I bought it a while ago. I use it now and then."
Akiyama's tone was calm as he continued, "Eat it while it's hot."
Kushida picked up her fork and poked the round fried egg. The yolk wobbled; it was cooked exactly how she liked it.
She took a small bite of the toast. It was crisp and delicious, and the milk was just the right temperature. Its warmth slid down her throat, soothing not only her stomach but something else inside her, too.
As she ate, she occasionally glanced up at Akiyama, who was sitting in the chair beside the bed, casually leafing through a fashion magazine she had left in the room earlier.
The sunlight surrounded him in a halo. His focused profile held her gaze.
"You're not going out today...?"
She swallowed her food and asked softly.
Akiyama looked up from the magazine and met her eyes.
"Mm. I don't have anything to do."
"What about you?"
"Me?"
Kushida tilted her head, a sly, slightly clingy smile appearing on her face.
"I'm like this... Where would I even go? Besides... isn't the weekend for resting and... spending time with your boyfriend?"
Her voice dipped when she said "boyfriend," carrying a tentative note and a happiness she could hardly hide.
Akiyama's hand paused as he turned a page. He met her hopeful gaze and didn't deny it.
He simply gave a quiet "Mm."
That single syllable instantly brightened Kushida's mood.
She lowered her head and continued nibbling at her breakfast, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her lips.
And so, that Saturday, Dormitory 501 became a warm cocoon, shut off from the rest of the world.
Akiyama spent most of his time reading or handling things on his Terminal. Every now and then, he and Kushida chatted about trivial, everyday things.
After breakfast, Kushida lazed back down. Sometimes she fell asleep; other times she hugged a pillow and stared blankly at Akiyama's back.
Or she browsed the news on her Terminal and replied to a few messages from friends.
But most of the time, her attention stayed on the other person in the room.
There was no noise and no pretending.
Only the sunlight moving quietly, and the unspoken understanding between them, settling into a calm and comfortable rhythm.
For Akiyama, it was simply a rare chance to unwind before the Special Exam.
For Kushida, it was the precious time she had longed for: time when she could truly relax and be herself.
Before you continue