Investigation: Impossible.
Nngh… I just want to sleep. I want to stay right here. When Himiko holds me like this, I can sleep soundly until morning…
Wait! I have to get up!
But the warmth of her skin, the soft suppleness of her body… it's a perfect balm for a frame heavy with fatigue. Being used as Himiko's personal embrace-pillow is a one-way ticket to a deep slumber.
Ah… why must the female form be so gifted at luring one into sleep? This is bad… very bad, Himiko. Are you… are you perhaps too good at putting me to bed? It's quite troublesome to be led so effortlessly into a peaceful rest. Hehe… So warm…
Zzz…
Snore.
…NO! Wake up, Madoka! Wake up!!
Dragging my mind—which felt as though it were sinking into syrup—back to consciousness was an Olympian feat. Resistance to sleep has become increasingly difficult lately. Perhaps it's a side effect of constantly keeping my Reverse Cursed Technique running, just in case Himiko decides to stab me in my sleep? Though, she hasn't come at me with a kitchen knife or a box cutter lately, so maybe I could afford to stop…
No. Carelessness is a fatal flaw. I must not let my guard down. The moment I relax, she's the type to go for the throat. It's only a matter of time before she brings the blades out again.
That aside, my life has been quite the trial lately. Himiko, you fool, you're getting entirely too much enjoyment out of humiliating me. Learn some restraint!
A collar? Dog ears? A tail?! I won't specify exactly where she put those "foreign objects," but she could at least spare a thought for the person on the receiving end! The audacity!
…Though, I cannot entirely deny that it wasn't… altogether unpleasant. Just you wait, you brat. I'll get my revenge. I'll pay you back tenfold until you're crying for mercy—and even then, I won't stop. It's high time you learned how it feels to be at someone's mercy.
Now then. Having sworn my vengeance upon Himiko, it was time to move. What time was it? …Four? Four AM?!
Good grief. I intended to head out for a look-see in the dead of night, and now it's practically morning.
She really is an impossible woman.
If I dawdled while getting ready, I'd likely wake her. I needed to dress quickly and slip out. Underwear… where was my underwear? I couldn't find them anywhere.
…Forget it. I'll go without.
Right. I threw on the kimono that had been discarded across the tatami mats. I was ready. Now, to steal away into the night…
…Or so I thought.
"Nnn… where are you going…?"
Himiko had woken up. Well, she was still more than half-asleep. She didn't sit up, and the face she turned toward me was still heavy with dreams. Don't reach out from under the covers. I know you're looking for me, but I'm not there. Just stay asleep. She had her uniform fitting tomorrow—well, today. If she stayed up any later, she'd never make it on time.
"…To the privy. I shall return shortly, so wait there like a good girl."
Quietly. As silently as possible. I slipped out of the room and headed for the entrance. Brrr… the hallway was freezing. It would be even worse outside. I should have grabbed another layer. No matter. I'd just zip over to the school and be back in a flash.
I'd memorized the route on the way back. I wouldn't get lost. I wouldn't… right? I don't have a poor sense of—no, I am not directionally challenged. I've put those days behind me. I'll be back by breakfast! It's a school day, after all!