That Night

Baicang's eyes widened as he stared at Mizuki in disbelief, rooted to the spot as he felt the lingering warmth on his lips...

"Senpai, what's wrong?" Mizuki leaned closer again.

Her nose almost touched his. Her big eyes fluttered beneath an innocent expression, and he caught the faint scent of her body mingled with alcohol.

Baicang knew he was in trouble.

"I'm fine! Nothing's wrong!" Baicang hurriedly grabbed Mizuki's shoulders and held her at a distance. He was in serious trouble now-he could barely contain his desire!

Mizuki tilted her head in confusion and stared blankly at him.

"Get some rest." With that, Baicang fled the room. If this went on, something was bound to go terribly wrong.

He could no longer tell whether Mizuki was drunk or something else, but this clearly wasn't the time to think about that.

"Good night, Miss Mizuki."

Sachiko, who had been watching with amusement, chuckled behind her hand and followed Baicang downstairs.

"But I wanted to sleep with Senpai! Hmph!" Watching the two leave, Mizuki was particularly upset that Baicang had abandoned her and run away.

"Stupid Senpai! I'm not playing with you next time!"

Pouting in frustration, Mizuki turned around and spotted the sleeping Tanktop Girl. A happy smile instantly spread across her face. "You're still the best~ Let's play together!"

She staggered over to Tanktop Girl, lifted the covers, and crawled underneath with a mischievous smile...

"Mr. Baicang, why don't we squeeze in together?" When Sachiko came downstairs, she found Baicang already holding Runo in his arms, though he kept his back to her.

"No need. Go ahead and show me the way. I'll be right there," Baicang said without turning around.

Sachiko quickly realized why he wouldn't face her. Her ears reddened slightly, and she turned to lead the way. "Then please follow me."

Only after seeing Sachiko turn away out of the corner of his eye did Baicang dare turn around. Just to be safe, he even walked sideways as he slowly followed her.

Before long, they reached Sachiko's room.

The room was clean and tidy. A small table stood to the right of the door, holding flowers, fruit, and a few other things, though something seemed to be missing from the middle.

Keeping his back to Sachiko, Baicang gently laid Runo on the bed and immediately made to leave.

"Wait, Mr. Baicang."

Baicang stopped in the doorway. Afraid Sachiko was about to imitate Mizuki, he didn't dare turn around. "What is it?"

"Don't be nervous. You forgot your blanket~"

Amused by his flustered reaction, Sachiko picked up another blanket from the bed and draped it over his shoulder.

"Good night, Mr. Baicang."

Then she ushered him outside and pulled the door shut.

Baicang was a little stunned, then inwardly berated himself for being so full of himself. Did he really think every woman had designs on him?

He returned to the living room.

Fortunately, Sachiko's sofa was large enough that there was still a little room left after he lay down. He covered himself with his small blanket.

Baicang couldn't help thinking about Mizuki's kiss again, and his head began to ache.

What's with Mizuki? A little alcohol, and she turns into a completely different person. A reward, she said! Honestly...

What a shame. She got my first kiss just like that~

As his thoughts wandered, he felt his desire rising again. He hurriedly patted his head, trying to shake out those dirty thoughts, but they refused to go away.

In the darkness.

Listening to the ticking of the clock, Baicang slowly closed his eyes, lamenting that tonight was destined to be sleepless.

An unknown amount of time passed.

The bright moon hung high overhead. Moonlight spilled through the window into the living room, falling across Baicang's sleeping face and illuminating the figure beside him.

Dressed in thin, pale-purple pajamas, Sachiko crouched beside the sofa and quietly watched him.

She had spent a while lying beside Runo. Once she was sure Runo and everyone else were asleep, she had slipped into the living room.

There were things she feared she would never be able to say to Baicang unless she drew courage from her drunkenness.

Watching him sleep on the sofa, Sachiko studied him at such close range for the first time, nervous and conflicted emotions flickering in her eyes.

She slowly leaned forward to get a better look at him, but her loose pajamas inadvertently revealed a glimpse of snowy skin, prompting movement beneath the blanket.

Noticing Baicang's "little" movement, Sachiko realized he was only pretending to sleep. Panic flashed across her face, but she quickly composed herself.

"Mr. Baicang~"

Sachiko stood, lifted the blanket, and squeezed onto the sofa with him.

She pressed her face against his chest, listening to his heartbeat gradually quicken as she clutched his clothes with both hands.

Seeing that Baicang still had his eyes closed, Sachiko spoke softly. "Please don't mistake me for a shameless woman."

"You've helped me so much. I'm just an ordinary woman. I can't help you the way Miss Mizuki and the others can, and I'm a mother with a child, too. You're so young and capable. You really don't need to waste your time on me."

Ma'am, you really have the wrong idea...

"I still have to look after Harano, so nothing can happen between us. Do you understand~?" A faint sob crept into Sachiko's voice.

I really wasn't thinking anything like that...

"But you keep treating me so well. I really am starting to waver."

Wavering is good! Turn me down firmly! Wait, I haven't even said anything, have I?

"Being with someone like me would reflect badly on you, too. My husband only just passed away, and I'd already be with you. What a shameless woman I'd be."

No, you're a good woman. You've just misunderstood something...

"I hope you don't think I'm saying this with some ulterior motive. I do have feelings for you." Baicang couldn't see Sachiko's expression, but he felt her hand caress his cheek.

"I won't ask for anything. Just being able to stay by your side occasionally would be enough."

What on earth did I do to give you the wrong idea?!

"When you're tired, you can come here and get some proper rest. Whenever you miss me, I'll be here for you."

Honestly, I'm feeling a little emotionally exhausted right now...

"Can we keep our relationship like this?"

It's finally coming to an end.

"Thank you so much for saving me from the brink of hell, Mr. Baicang~"

Baicang was still puzzling over what she meant when a familiar sensation touched his lips.

Unlike Mizuki's light peck, Sachiko's kiss was gentle yet filled with intense emotion.

After the kiss, Sachiko saw that Baicang's eyes were still closed and felt a little embarrassed.

So Mr. Baicang likes being passive? No wonder Miss Mizuki kissed him first, too.

She kissed him again. This time, the kiss felt exceptionally long to Baicang. Gradually, he lost himself in it and slowly tightened his arms around Sachiko's voluptuous body.

After a long while, they slowly parted, though Sachiko's lips looked especially alluring now.

Baicang no longer kept his eyes closed. He gazed at the captivating allure in Sachiko's eyes as she lay in his arms, and at the glimpse of snowy skin exposed at her chest.

No matter how he tried, he couldn't get his explanation out.

Noticing his unwavering stare and feeling something pressing against her waist, Sachiko rapidly flushed with embarrassment.

"Keep your voice down..."

Sachiko's bashful expression completely ignited Baicang's desire. As she gasped in surprise, he pulled the blanket over them both.

The sofa creaked under the strain.