Unexpected Visitor, Lingering Thoughts

“Splash, splash, splash…”

The warm water from the showerhead cascaded over my smooth, pale body, as I leaned against the wall, one hand braced, lost in a profound contemplation of life.

Considering the game’s mechanics, it was highly probable that the upstairs doors would unlock after each class trial concluded. I resolved to find some time tomorrow morning to investigate.

After quickly rinsing my body and hair, I paused at the mirror above the sink, unable to resist admiring the beautiful, captivating physique once more. Although the initial thrill and excitement had waned, no matter how many times I beheld it, I still found it to be a remarkably attractive body, despite the unknown secrets it harbored.

Just as I was slipping into my undergarments, preparing for bed, a soft knock echoed from the door.

‘Could it be… that Suzuki boy, here to cause trouble again…?!’

“Coming.”

I hastily dressed and moved towards the door, cautiously turning the doorknob to create a minuscule gap. Peeking out, I carefully scrutinized the person standing before me.

“Good evening, Kamimura-san… Um… you seem a bit strange.”

With a glance, I recognized Takagi Masahiko standing at the entrance.

‘A sudden realization struck me: I had invited him to my room this morning, and I had almost completely forgotten about it until he appeared.’

“Oh, it’s you… Come in.” I closed the door casually after he stepped inside.

“Um… Kamimura-san… are you feeling alright now?”

“Hm? I’m fine… Why do you ask?”

“How should I put it… Last night, I vaguely sensed that you weren’t in the best mood… Did something happen?”

“…………No, nothing at all.”

“……I see… If you have any worries, Kamimura-san, you can… um… you can come to me, you know?” His face was turned towards me, yet his eyes darted to the side, a picture of youthful shyness that reminded me of how I used to speak to pretty girls in high school.

“Don’t tell me… you’ve been worrying about me since last night…?”

“Uh… ahaha… I guess I gave myself away…” A wry smile touched his lips.

“…”

“I understand… Just make sure you don’t disappear when that time comes, alright?” I said, my gaze dropping slightly as a faint smile graced my lips.

“Mhm…! I absolutely won’t! I’ll always be available, so you don’t need to worry about me!” He beamed a radiant smile at me, responding with enthusiasm after I readily accepted his request.

“Ah! I won’t keep you from resting any longer, Kamimura-san, good night!” As soon as he finished speaking, he quickly departed my room. His cheerful demeanor exuded a positive, uplifting energy, and the vibrant essence of youth naturally emanated from him.

I could easily see the reflection of my high school self in him. Back then, I couldn’t even meet the gaze of the girl I secretly admired, and whenever she faced any difficulty, I would rush to her aid like an idiot, without a second thought. Well… then I stumbled upon the official announcement in her social circle, only to realize I had been nothing but a clown all along. Thinking back now, my actions were truly embarrassing—full of unrequited affection and naive innocence, believing that simply being kind to her, without any clear indication from her side, would somehow make her feel something for me.

‘Ugh… no more dwelling on it; too many thoughts only bring tears.’

‘But… if Takagi-san were to discover my true identity, would he still maintain his initial feelings for me? Could we even remain friends? There’s a proverb that says “paper cannot wrap fire” – how long can I truly conceal my identity? And how would Takagi view me after learning the truth?’

‘Hmm… for now, I only regard Takagi-san as a friend. At this moment, I have absolutely no thoughts of romance.’

‘Come to think of it, is my current sexual orientation towards men or women? Hahaha… what a strange question. I never thought there’d be a day I’d question my own sexual orientation.’

“Eh… school broadcast… The time is now 10 PM. Nighttime hours begin from this moment.”

“The dining hall doors will soon be locked. Entry is prohibited for all.”

“And so, we wish you all pleasant dreams. Good night…”

Time to turn off the lights and sleep. It had been a busy day, after all, and with that thought, I drifted into slumber.

‘Hey… can… you… hear… me…?’

‘Who is calling… me…?’

‘Can… you hear… me…?’

‘I can hear you.’

‘Who are you…?’

‘I… am…’

‘Am…’

‘Speak quickly!’

‘…’

‘You.’

‘?… Me? How absurd…’

‘I am… you…’

‘Riddles again… I don’t understand.’

‘…………’

“Good morning, everyone! It’s morning, the time is 7 AM! Time to wake up~! Now then, let’s all charge forward with full energy today~!”

I opened my hazy eyes. I was gradually growing accustomed to the way girls used the restroom, and as usual, I headed to the dining hall for the morning gathering.

****

‘A trace of nervousness still lingered in my heart…’

‘Hmm… Kamimura-san shouldn’t be asleep yet, right? What if I disturb her?’

‘No, no, she was the one who suggested meeting at her room, wasn’t she?’

‘Never mind! I’ll just knock and see if there’s a response…’

“Coming.” Her voice came from behind the door.

A moment later, the door slowly opened, revealing only a slight crack. Through that narrow opening, I glimpsed a pair of bright, blood-red eyes and an incredibly adorable expression (ᗜ ‸ |). She seemed remarkably cautious of me.

Once inside, I curiously surveyed the room. Huh?… It was surprisingly plain, utterly devoid of decoration. Yet, Kamimura-san’s room carried a pleasant scent—a fresh lavender aroma, mingled with the fragrance of her shower gel… It enveloped me in a captivating, refreshing sensation that made me want to linger.

This was the first time I had seen her with her hair down. Her flowing, beautiful locks captivated my gaze, and I was suddenly overcome with an urge to reach out and touch them. Her current appearance was infinitely more charming than when she wore her usual single ponytail.

She wasn’t wearing stockings! This was my first time seeing her bare legs! They were long and fair, slender and perfectly straight…

My nose tingled with a slight warmth, as if some scalding liquid was about to escape. I desperately fought to suppress the urge for it to flow.

After a swift moment of self-correction…

I very cautiously inquired if Kamimura-san had something on her mind, hoping I could be of assistance.

“…………No, nothing at all.” She decisively refuted my conjecture.

Nevertheless, I could still discern a subtle shift in her eyes. Judging by her reaction, I believed she was lying…

‘Ah… just let it go, Takagi Masahiko. If she doesn’t want to talk about it, it must be something very serious. Why pressure her?’

With genuine sincerity, I offered myself as her confidant. I had expected her to find me meddlesome, but to my surprise, she didn’t refuse; instead, she openly accepted my concern.

Her gentle smile made my heart race once more. How could anyone be so incredibly adorable when they smiled?!

‘This is bad… I feel like I’m losing my composure…’

‘Perhaps I should make a quick exit! If she sees me with a nosebleed, she’ll definitely think I’m a pervert! Ah, I really don’t want to expose my embarrassing side to her!’

“Ah! I won’t keep you from resting any longer, Kamimura-san, good night!”

I hastily rushed out the door, pulling it shut behind me, and in that same instant, deeply appreciated the fresh air outside.