In another room of the same hot spring inn—
After Kurotsuchi had fallen into a deep sleep, Aoba quietly slipped out of the covers and came to this room.
But the moment he appeared inside, a slender, jade-like hand from behind seized his arm, spun him around a full one hundred and eighty degrees, and pressed him down onto the bed.
'This plot… really feel familiar.'
'Why am I getting pinned to a bed again?'
Of course, with Aoba's strength, there was no way an outsider could restrain him so easily.
And the one behind him was naturally Terumi Mei, who had just been neglected.
Just consider it a bit of fun between lovers.
But right now, Terumi Mei wore a radiant, sun-warm smile that left Aoba feeling somewhat helpless.
"Looks like you didn't just take good care of that girl, you even had your fill before coming over."
Terumi Mei leaned in and sniffed him carefully, immediately catching that familiar scent.
"You really made your Onee-san wait."
"This…"
Aoba opened his mouth, trying to send a pleading look toward Shizune and the others for help.
In response, all of them rolled their eyes at him.
After all, being interrupted at a moment like that, anyone would feel a bit resentful, right?
If Kurotsuchi had fainted because something was actually wrong with her body, that would be one thing.
None of them would have said anything.
But given how she was at the time, and after checking, it was obvious she fainted because of… that. Naturally, they couldn't help feeling a little unhappy.
And they only asked him to go take care of her because she had passed out, not to leave them all behind and then go off with Kurotsuchi.
"Hmph! Looks like no one's willing to help you."
Terumi Mei stuck out her tongue and licked her alluring red lips, her smile brimming with temptation.
"As compensation for neglecting us, you're not allowed to resist next…"
"…"
Aoba didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
But since Terumi Mei said so, he just let her have her way.
In the end, it would all turn out the same anyway.
———
As time slowly passed, the bright sun hanging overhead tilted westward without anyone noticing.
The sunlight lost its harshness, spilling down in a golden glow.
And the price of overexertion was, naturally, falling completely asleep.
Kurotsuchi slept the entire afternoon. Even after Aoba finished up next door and sent everyone home before returning, she was still fast asleep.
Looking at her peaceful, delicate sleeping face, Aoba felt a bit helpless.
Sitting by the bed, he poked her cheek with slight annoyance. She had been acting tough earlier, and now she wouldn't wake up no matter what.
"Mmm~"
As if a switch had been pressed, Kurotsuchi let out a soft nasal sound and slowly opened her still-drowsy eyes.
There was a moist sheen in them, and it took a while before her gaze focused. Once she saw Aoba's face, she yawned and said, "Haah~ good morning, Aoba."
Probably because she had just woken up, the exhaustion in her voice had lessened, but it still carried a clear trace of laziness.
One hand rubbed her eyes groggily while the other supported her as she sat up.
"It should be 'good evening' now. It'll probably be dark soon."
Seeing how cute she looked, Aoba spoke while pinching her cheek again.
Once Kurotsuchi fully woke up, it probably wouldn't be so easy to pinch anymore.
"Huh?"
Kurotsuchi looked out the window in a daze. The sun really did seem like it was about to set, glowing golden.
"Still sleepy? If you are, you can sleep a bit more. Dinner will take a while," Aoba asked.
"I'm not that sleepy anymore."
Kurotsuchi shook her head. After sitting there blankly for a moment, she suddenly wrapped her arms around Aoba's waist and buried her face in his chest.
"?"
'Is this the clingy phase unique to a tsundere after opening up?'
Aoba hugged her and rubbed her hair.
Kurotsuchi pressed her forehead against him.
He kept rubbing.
She pressed again.
Just as Aoba was about to continue, Kurotsuchi bit him and said with a hint of irritation, "You idiot, I need to use the bathroom!"
"Then go. Holding it in isn't good for your body."
Aoba looked confused.
"Then turn your head already, I need to get dressed!"
Kurotsuchi said, a little embarrassed and annoyed.
"Why? After what just happened, I've already seen everything I should and everything I shouldn't. Why are you still bothered by this kind of detail?", Aoba didn't quite understand.
"I care a lot!"
Kurotsuchi bit him again.
"…"
Aoba felt helpless, but since she insisted, he could only turn his face toward the door.
Still, listening to the rustling sounds of her getting dressed somehow felt even stranger.
Fortunately, Kurotsuchi dressed quickly. After just over ten seconds, Aoba felt a soft body press onto his back.
"Didn't you say you needed the bathroom?"
Aoba asked in confusion.
"I don't have the strength. Carry me there."
Kurotsuchi pressed her face against his back as she spoke.
"Heh!"
Aoba couldn't help but laugh.
Naturally, what he got in return was Kurotsuchi's weak retaliation.
Worried she might tire herself out "massaging" his shoulder, Aoba picked her up and carried her to the bathroom.
Of course, after setting her down, he was pushed back out again.
Aoba just shrugged at the door and went to tidy up the room.
When Kurotsuchi came out of the bathroom, he took her home.
As for the Five Kage Summit, it would have to be postponed until the next day.
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