◆
"That concludes today's lectures. Well done, everyone. You have an exam in one week, so please don't neglect your preparation and review."
As the final class ended, the instructor gathered their materials and left the room.
"I’m feeling rather fatigued."
The four of us left the classroom and began the walk back to the hotel.
"What are your plans for the rest of the day, Tomonari-san?" Tennoji-san asked.
"Let’s see, I—"
I was about to tell her I didn't have anything planned until my meeting with Yuri tonight, but then I felt a light tug on my sleeve from behind.
Hinako was looking up at me with an unreadable expression, positioned so that the others couldn't see her.
Intuiting her intent, I swallowed the words I’d been about to say and pivoted.
"...Actually, I'm pretty wiped. I want to get a head start on tomorrow’s prep, so I’ll probably just stay in and keep to myself."
"I believe I shall do the same," Hinako added immediately.
"Well, one can visit Karuizawa at any time. I suppose I shall have a quiet evening as well," Tennoji-san remarked.
While I couldn't quite wrap my head around the idea of Karuizawa being a place one could just pop into whenever, it seemed Tennoji-san was content to stay in her room too.
"What about you, Narika?"
"...My brain has reached its limit."
Narika looked even more drained than I was.
"Well then, see you all tomorrow."
I headed toward my two-star room, while the other Young Ladies naturally made their way toward the three-star suites.
Back in my room, I waited for a while.
(Right... time to go meet Hinako.)
The tug on my sleeve had almost certainly been a signal. I’d heard her health had been stabilizing lately, but she was likely tired from the lectures and wanted to relax the same way we did back at the manor.
I didn't want Tennoji-san or Narika to spot me visiting Hinako's room if I could help it. After waiting about ten minutes, I decided it was safe and reached for the door handle.
Just then, my phone buzzed.
It was a call from Ms. Shizune.
"Itsuki-san. I assume you were just about to head over here?"
"Yes. I was literally on my way out the door."
"Regarding that... the Young Lady has fallen asleep."
"Oh."
"I’ll stay with her, so you are free to spend your time however you wish, Itsuki-san."
"I see."
Unexpectedly, I’d been granted some free time.
I glanced at the clock on the bedside table.
(It’s a bit early, but maybe I’ll head over to Yuri’s.)
She had said she was free from the evening onward, so it should be fine.
"Actually, I promised to meet Yuri, so I think I’ll head over there now."
"Understood."
"Let me know immediately if anything comes up."
I could practically hear Ms. Shizune smiling through the phone.
"You usually work without any rest, Itsuki-san. Please, take this chance to rest your wings while we’re in Karuizawa."
"...Thank you."
A surge of genuine happiness welled up in me. It felt good to have my hard work acknowledged.
"Though I expect you’ll be far too busy studying for that," she added.
"You’ve got me there..."
With so many specialized lectures, prep and review were practically mandatory.
Still, since she’d gone out of her way to say it, maybe I could afford to be a little more relaxed with my time here—without slacking on the academics, of course.
After hanging up, I sent a message to Yuri.
Itsuki: I’m coming over now.
Yuri: Come to Room 204 in the Main Building. And make sure you’re hungry.
The reply came back instantly.
It seemed Yuri was staying in a one-star room. I remembered her mentioning that resort part-timers usually stayed in employee dorms, though...
"Make sure I'm hungry...?"
Was she inviting me to dinner?
Just in case, I sent a quick message to Ms. Shizune: "I might finish dinner before I head back."
"...Is this it?"
I stood before the door and rang the bell.
I thought I saw the peephole darken for a split second, and then the door swung open.
"You made it."
I stepped into Yuri’s room.
In terms of size, it wasn't much different from my two-star room. The price difference likely came down to the view. Unlike the two-star rooms on the slopes or the three-star villas on the hill, the one-star rooms in the Main Building were lower to the ground and didn't offer a sweeping view of Karuizawa’s wilderness. Instead, it overlooked the hotel’s internal grounds. Since the hotel itself was massive and ornate, it was an interesting view in its own right.
"Are you really staying here, Yuri?"
"Yep. I asked them to give me a room instead of half my pay. I’m only here to polish my cooking skills anyway, so I don’t need the money that much. Besides, since I'm at a resort, I wanted to see what it feels like to be a guest, right?"
"...You’re as serious as ever about your cooking."
"Of course I am. I’m the one taking over the shop."
Yuri pointed toward a chair, and I sat down.
Taking over the shop. Her words reminded me of Hinako and the other Young Ladies.
Their worlds were miles apart, but Yuri’s way of life was surprisingly similar to theirs. She was someone who had already decided to shoulder the weight of a family name—the reputation of a business.
"Anyway, putting that aside... Itsuki, I’m a little bit mad at you."
Yuri looked me straight in the eye, her voice level.
"...Just a little bit?"
"Keep that up and I’ll get even angrier."
"Never mind."
I shouldn't have opened my mouth.
Even though she’d told me to sit, Yuri remained standing.
I wasn't sure if she realized she was doing it, but it was an old habit of hers. Because she had a complex about her height, Yuri refused to sit down during important conversations. She hated looking small.
"So. Why do you think I’m a little mad?" she asked.
The first thing that came to mind was how dismissively I’d handled her first few messages.
"...Because I was slow to get back to you?"
"To be honest, I'm not that upset about that. I know you were busy."
Yuri shook her head.
The next thing I thought of was when I’d gone to the arcade with the disguised Tennoji-san. I hadn't thought much of it at the time, but to Yuri, that scene must have looked—
"...Because I seemed to be having the time of my life at an arcade, despite having vanished into thin air?"
"I’m mad about that too, but that’s a separate issue."
So she is mad about it...
But I couldn't think of anything else.
As I struggled to come up with an answer, Yuri let out a small sigh.
"Itsuki. Your parents skipped town and you had nowhere to go, right?"
"...Yeah."
"Then..."
Yuri bit her lip, holding back a surge of emotion.
"Then... you should have come to me first!"
My eyes widened.
She’d actually felt that way?
Happiness, guilt, and a dozen other emotions tangled together in my chest.
To me, my childhood friend Yuri was the person I could talk to about anything, the person I was closer to than anyone else. That’s how I usually thought of her, anyway.
But sometimes I forgot that "childhood friend" isn't a simple label. Outside of my parents, Yuri was the only person I’d known for nearly ten years.
To me, Yuri was an irreplaceable presence.
And I suppose I was the same to her.
"Sorry....But it all happened so fast. Right after I found out they were gone, I got caught up in Hinako-san’s kidnapping."
Yuri gave a small nod, and I continued.
"If I hadn't met Hinako-san... I definitely would have gone to you for help."
"................I see."
Yuri nodded again, softly.
Silence hung between us for a moment, but it was a necessary one. The rift that had formed between us was being mended by the trust we’d just reaffirmed.
Eventually, Yuri let out a long breath.
"Itsuki. You haven't had dinner yet, have you?"
"No. You told me to stay hungry."
"I'll make you something. There's a kitchenette here."
Yuri skillfully donned an apron she’d left on the counter. It wasn't the classical waiter's apron she’d been wearing this morning, but the public diner apron I knew so well.
As she tied the strings at her waist, Yuri looked more dignified than usual, her baby-faced features taking on a more mature cast.
"What can I get you?"
"The hamburg set, please."
"Got it. 'The usual,' then."
Yuri opened a small refrigerator. She’d probably gotten them from the kitchen where she worked; it was stocked with meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.
She began to cook with practiced ease.
Watching her small back as the sound of the knife hitting the cutting board filled the room... it was a sight so familiar I almost forgot I was in Karuizawa.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve had your cooking, Yuri."
"You used to come over almost every day after my shift, didn't you?" she replied without looking back.
"Yeah. I was the official taste-tester."
As I’d said, Yuri took her cooking seriously. That dedication was the reason for this part-time job.
Unlike the old me, Yuri wasn't struggling for money. Ever since high school started, she had applied for resort jobs during every long break, working as kitchen staff at reputable hotels just to sharpen her skills.
"You’re still aiming for it, then."
"Of course."
Yuri was destined to take over her family’s diner.
But beyond that, she had a grand ambition.
"I’m going to turn Hiramaru into a national chain!"
Yuri clenched her fist as she declared her dream—the same ambition she’d been talking about since we were kids.
"I’m rooting for you."
"If you mean that, then don't go disappearing on me again. You’re my taste-tester, after all."
"My apologies..."
Lately, my caretaker duties had become a bit more flexible. Maybe I could get some time off to visit her house soon.
"While you were in your lectures, I did some digging," Yuri continued while chopping vegetables.
"Those three Young Ladies I met this morning... they’re pretty high-ranking, even for Kikou Academy, aren't they?"
"Well... their families are particularly prestigious, yeah."
"I knew it....Like I asked this morning, how did you end up getting so close to people like that?"
I’d wondered the same thing when she asked me earlier.
But when I really thought about it, the answer was simple.
"Probably because I met Hinako-san first."
Everything started with Hinako. Because I met her and started working for her, I ended up crossing paths with Tennoji-san and Narika too.
"Meeting Hinako-san was basically a miracle for me."
Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if I’d used up a lifetime’s worth of luck right there.
As I sat there reminiscing about the past few months... I realized Yuri was staring at me.
"Hmm."
"What’s with that look?"
"Nothing....I just decided I don't like the sound of that."
I tilted my head, confused, just as she set the hamburg set in front of me.
"Here you go. Thanks for waiting."
Yuri sat across from me with her own set.
A salad, white rice, and a hamburg steak. It was the exact menu I’d eaten countless times at her house. She had probably prepped the meat mixture beforehand, but being able to whip up a meal for two this quickly was a testament to how much she cooked.
"Let’s eat."
"Let's eat."
We clapped our hands together and began.
I took a bite of the hamburg immediately.
"Well?"
"Delicious!"
Yuri looked satisfied.
"You’ve always loved this one."
"Yeah....Wait, there was a secret ingredient in this, wasn't there?"
"Shiso leaves. I mince them up and mix them in."
That was it. I nodded and kept eating, stuffing my cheeks.
"This takes me back... I haven't had food like this in a while, so it tastes even better than usual."
"I figured. That’s why I made it. You were probably starving for some commoner food, right?"
After years of knowing me, she could see right through me.
There were no Young Ladies here. No prying eyes. And in front of me wasn't a multi-course luxury meal, but a familiar set dinner.
I didn't have to worry about etiquette.
Wanting to eat like my old self, I cut a large piece of the steak and shoved it into my mouth. I probably got a bit of sauce on my lip.
"I'm glad."
Yuri was leaning her chin on her hands, watching me.
"Itsuki, you haven't changed a bit."
"Neither have you."
Even if we went a while without seeing each other, we were still childhood friends who could be ourselves around one another.
In a peaceful daze, I continued to enjoy Yuri’s cooking.
◆
After leaving Yuri, I walked back toward my room along the dark night path.
I figured I should let Ms. Shizune know I was done, so I pulled out my phone and called her.
"Ah, Ms. Shizune. I’m free to head over now. What should I do?"
"Let me see... would you mind coming over? The Young Lady seemed like she wanted to talk to you."
"Understood."
So Hinako was awake.
"One moment, please. The Young Lady has something she wants to say, so I’ll put her on."
There was some rustling on the other end.
After a few seconds, I heard faint breathing.
"Hinako?"
"...I want potato chips."
I nearly faceplanted on the pavement.
Ms. Shizune was probably feeling the exact same way on the other side.
"Did Ms. Shizune say it was okay?"
"Mmm... she said... it was fine."
"Got it. I’ll buy some and bring them over. Wait for me."
In a way, it was a relief that she was being her usual self.
The hotel was high-end, but ordinary guests stayed here too. There was a small shop tucked away in the back of the Main Building’s lobby that sold plenty of common items.
I found the chips Hinako wanted and bought a bag.
When I checked my phone after leaving the shop, Ms. Shizune had messaged me the room number. Chips in hand, I headed for Hinako’s room.
The place where Hinako and the others were staying was less of a room and more of a house.
(I need to keep an eye out for anyone watching...)
Someone might have noticed this was Hinako’s villa. Me visiting her room at night was the kind of thing that could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, so I had to be careful.
After confirming the coast was clear, I knocked.
A moment later, Ms. Shizune opened the door.
"Pardon the intrusion."
"Were you seen?"
"No, I’m fine."
I was fairly certain I hadn't been spotted, but I ducked inside quickly just to be safe.
"The Young Lady is on the second floor."
The three-star room was on a completely different level of luxury compared to my two-star room.
I’d expected as much from the outside, but it really was a house. The first floor was a sprawling living room centered around a massive sofa, and the furniture and decor looked significantly higher-end. There was even a bathroom with a stunning view.
"So this is a three-star room... it’s huge."
"It’s a villa-style suite," she explained.
"Villa...?"
"It means the guest rooms are individual buildings. And a 'suite' means the living area and the bedroom are separate."
I see. I’d always just thought of suites as "fancy rooms," but they actually had a specific definition.
"I heard this part of the hotel was members-only..."
"It is, but the price isn't actually that high. In luxury hotels in the city, there are suites that cost over a million yen a night."
"A mil—!?"
A strange sound escaped my throat, not unlike the one Tennoji-san made in class.
The price tag was literally in a different league.
"However, I suspect you would find city hotels a bit dull."
"Wait, why?"
"Because the environment we live in daily is already more luxurious. In that regard, a Karuizawa hotel can use its location to its advantage, making it feel more novel to us."
Ms. Shizune seemed to have seen right through the fact that I hadn't been purely impressed by the luxury itself. I wondered if she’d felt the same way once...
On the second floor, I found a bedroom that was, once again, incredibly spacious.
"Welcome back..."
Hinako was sprawled on the bed near the door, waving a hand lazily.
"Here, I got them."
"Yay...!"
When I showed her the bag of chips, her eyes lit up.
I expected her to jump out of bed to come get them, but...
"Feed me..."
"...Fine, fine."
Still lying down, Hinako opened her mouth wide.
Since Ms. Shizune gave a nod that seemed to say "I suppose just for today," I picked up a chip and placed it in Hinako’s mouth.
"Hehehe... chips are the best..."
She crunched away happily.
It was the most perfect display of laziness I could imagine.
It was hard to believe she was the same girl the other students had been calling "beautiful" and "the perfect young lady" just a few hours ago.
"You have some too, Itsuki..."
"Sure."
I ate a chip myself.
Ever since I became her caretaker, I hadn't had much of the home-cooked, commoner-style food from diners, but strangely enough, I seemed to be eating more potato chips than ever.
I fed Hinako a chip, then ate one myself.
As we went back and forth, I felt something odd.
(Wait. Was that... a little damp?)
I figured it wasn't a big deal and finished it anyway.
But then I realized Hinako was staring at me, her face bright red.
"............"
"Wait... was that... the one you were already eating?"
"............Mmph."
"S-sorry! I didn't realize!"
I’d already swallowed it.
Hinako turned her head away, her face flushing all the way to her ears in embarrassment.
An awkward silence followed.
"Ahem."
Ms. Shizune’s small throat-clearing from across the room brought us back to reality.
Snapping out of it, I noticed the study materials from today spread out on the table. The open notebook was filled with dense notes.
"Hinako, were you studying?"
"Mhm. A little."
"That’s amazing... you’ve gotten almost all of these right."
"...You can praise me more, you know."
Hinako turned her head toward me.
I guessed she wanted a head pat.
"You did a great job."
"Mmm..."
She narrowed her eyes like a pampered cat.
"Hinako, do you mind if I study here too? I want to prep for tomorrow."
"Mhm. Then I’ll watch you from here."
"It’s not exactly a spectator sport."
Hinako shook her head.
"It’s the usual view... it makes me feel at ease."
She wore the soft, genuine smile she only showed when we were alone.
Me at the desk, her lounging on the bed. It really was the same scene we played out in my room back home.
Under Hinako’s gaze, I started my prep for the next day.
I heard a soft yawn from the sofa nearby.
"You look sleepy, Ms. Shizune."
"...Yes. Work has been a bit demanding lately."
Her reply was slightly delayed; she was already half-asleep.
It was 10:00 PM. A bit early for bed, but Ms. Shizune always seemed busy back at the manor too. The exhaustion of her daily life was likely catching up to her.
"I’ll look after Hinako, so feel free to head to bed, Ms. Shizune."
"No, I couldn't possibly..."
"Ms. Shizune, you told me yourself—I should take the chance to rest my wings while we're here. I think that applies to you too."
She clearly hadn't expected her own words to come back at her. As her eyes widened, I continued.
"Please, get some rest for once."
"...Very well. I’ll take you up on that, then."
Ms. Shizune gave a small, appreciative smile and nodded.
She headed downstairs to change into her pajamas. Since she’d likely be using this bedroom, I caught Hinako’s eye and we moved down to the first-floor living room.
"Itsuki... thanks."
As I spread out the textbook and notebook I’d borrowed from Hinako, she suddenly spoke up.
"For what?"
"Shizune looked happy."
Hinako was lying on the sofa.
"I rarely see... that look on Shizune’s face."
"...I see. Then I'm glad."
I’d worried I was being overbearing, but I was glad I said something.
"Mmm... yawn."
Hinako let out a yawn of her own.
"You look sleepy too, Hinako."
"Mhm... but so do you."
She’d caught me.
I’d intended to focus on my studies, but sleepiness was slowly creeping in. She must have seen me nearly nodding off.
(I want to finish just a bit more. I don't want people to see me leaving this room, but... well, if I go back while it's still dark, it should be fine.)
As long as I made it back by midnight or so, it wouldn't be an issue.
That bit of carelessness was my downfall——.
I felt a chill and opened my eyes.
Soft sunlight was peeking through the gaps in the curtains.
"Wait... morning...?"
I had no memory of falling asleep.
I realized the gravity of the situation immediately. I wasn't in pajamas. I was still sitting on the sofa. And Hinako was sleeping soundly right next to me.
The clock said 7:00 AM.
"...Oh, no."
I had completely passed out.
◆
"Please return my feelings of being moved from yesterday."
"I am truly, truly sorry."
In front of a wide-awake Ms. Shizune, I was currently performing a full-on kowtow on the sofa.
It was 7:30 AM. Thirty minutes had passed since I woke up, and I still hadn't managed to leave the room.
It was early, but if I could just get out without being seen, I might make it. I’d checked the window several times, but at the worst possible moment, two guests were outside having a long conversation. This area was full of benches and gardens designed for relaxing, and while there were fewer people than near the Main Building, the ones who were here stayed for a long time.
"Itsuki-san, have you bathed?"
"No... I haven't."
"We have less than three hours until the Summer Seminar begins. Between breakfast and bathing, we don't have much time to spare."
Hinako probably hadn't bathed either.
"Mmph... Itsuki? Morning..."
Hinako finally woke up from her deep sleep on the other sofa.
"Itsuki, you didn't take a bath...?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
Apparently, she’d been listening in.
"Yeah."
"Then... let’s take one together..."
"This isn't the time for that..."
I turned her down gently, and she puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. I felt bad, but I really didn't have the luxury of time.
I looked around for an escape route and spotted the balcony. I walked over to the window and looked down.
There was a significant drop, but there was a soft, sandy area right below the railing.
"...I think I can get out this way."
"It might be possible, but isn't it dangerous?"
"This was my mistake. I should be the one to deal with the consequences!"
I grabbed my shoes from the entrance and put them on at the balcony.
Fortunately, there was no one on this side of the building. I couldn't afford to hesitate; I climbed over the railing and dropped, landing carefully.
"...Alright!"
The self-defense, dance lessons, and tennis had all paid off. My body was in much better shape than it used to be.
I gave Ms. Shizune a thumbs-up on the balcony to show I was fine.
Crisis averted. I let out a long breath and began a casual walk back toward my own room.
But then—
"It-Itsuki...?"
Someone called my name from behind.
I turned around to see a short girl standing there.
"Yu-Yuri. Morning. What are you doing here?"
"...My shift doesn't start until the afternoon, so I was taking a walk. More importantly..."
Yuri’s face was twitching.
"I just... I just saw someone jump off Hinako-san’s balcony. That was you, wasn't it, Itsuki?"
"I-I-I have no idea what you're talking about..."
I’d been seen.
I looked away, trying to play it cool, but her gaze was boring into the side of my head.
"A-anyway, how do you even know which room is Hinako-san’s, Yuri?"
"I’ve been helping out at the front desk, so I saw the guest register....Don't you dare try to change the subject."
Ugh... she’s too sharp.
"I-it was a butler. Yeah. The Konohana family has tons of butlers. You must have mistaken me for one of them."
"Oh... oh, I see. So that’s it..."
I thought I’d pulled off a masterclass in excuses.
Yuri seemed to accept it for a second—until her expression went flat.
"——There is no way on earth I would mistake someone else for you."
Crap. I’d been caught by the one person I absolutely couldn't afford to be caught by.
Cold sweat ran down my back. I couldn't think of any more lies.
There was only one thing left to do.
"I-I’m in a hurry! Bye!"
"Wait—!? Itsuki! Hey!"
I bolted.
◆
I sprinted back to my room, showered, changed, and grabbed a quick breakfast in the dining hall before heading to the classroom.
Since Yuri’s shift started in the afternoon, I didn't see her at breakfast, but I knew she’d grill me later. I had to think of a better explanation by then.
Lunch break.
I packed my books and grabbed one of the luxury bento boxes from the catering wagon before returning to my seat.
"I need a better excuse..."
"Itsuki, is something wrong?"
I’d meant to say it to myself, but Narika, who was sitting across from me, heard it.
"It’s nothing," I told her.
Since our seats were close together, the four of us usually ate as a group. It felt a bit like our tea parties from a few months ago, but I was too stressed to enjoy the nostalgia.
"Tomonari-san, you seemed much better prepared today."
"Well, yesterday was pretty rough in a few subjects."
Tennoji-san, sitting next to me, had noticed the difference in my focus. Prep in Hinako’s room had actually helped a lot.
"Now that I think about it, Hirano-san wasn't around this morning," Narika mused as she ate some Chikuzen-ni.
"I think her shift starts this afternoon today."
Narika nodded as I shared what I’d learned from Yuri.
"Since we are here, I should like more opportunities to speak with her," Tennoji-san said.
"I’m sure Yuri would be happy to hear that. It’s just hard to find time when we’re both free, except maybe at night."
I gave a wry smile. We were all swamped with the seminar.
"Oh... in-in that case, there’s something I want to do!"
Narika spoke up, looking like she’d summoned all her courage.
◆
Narika’s suggestion was a pajama party.
Since the Young Ladies had to follow family rules and maintain decorum, we were all expected to return to our own rooms at bedtime, so a proper sleepover was out. But gathering at night in our pajamas was the kind of thing that could turn a normal evening into something special.
Once everyone agreed, I called Yuri to check with her.
"Sure, sounds fun."
Her answer was immediate.
Yuri had always been good with people, and I knew she wouldn't be intimidated by the Kikou Academy crowd. I’d expected her to say yes, but—
"I have some things I want to ask you, anyway."
That ominous parting shot made me a little nervous.
The party was to be held in Yuri’s room. Hinako, Tennoji-san, and Narika were in the three-star villa, but they had staff staying with them. We all agreed that it would be better to have a space where it was just the five of us.
Ms. Shizune was the only one in Hinako’s room, and I wouldn't have minded her being there, but I remembered the potato chips. I didn't want to risk Hinako’s secret habits coming out, so I pushed for Yuri’s room.
"Man, you’ve really come out of your shell, Narika."
I muttered this to her as we walked toward Yuri’s room.
"W-what’s that supposed to mean...?"
"I just never thought you’d be the one to organize something that involved everyone."
"Hmph. I’m perfectly capable of such things. And if everyone had said no, I could have recovered after a full day of sleep."
"That’s a lot of emotional damage."
I was glad we said yes...
"But where did you even hear about pajama parties?"
"Ah... well, when I was at the candy store a while ago, some elementary school children were talking about how much fun their pajama party was. It sounded... enviable."
I see. It hadn't seemed like a very Young Lady-esque idea, but it made sense if it came from the commoners.
We reached the room, and I rang the bell.
"Come on in."
Yuri opened the door, already in her pajamas.
"Hirano-san, thank you for having us."
"Yeah, of course! I’ve been looking forward to this ever since Itsuki told me about it!"
Yuri looked genuinely excited.
"I’ve pushed the sofa and the bed together, so just grab a spot."
"I can take a chair," I offered.
"No way. A pajama party means sitting on the floor or the bed."
Is that a rule?
I wasn't exactly an expert on pajama parties. In my head, they were strictly a girl thing.
I felt a bit awkward about sitting on the bed, so I took a spot on the sofa.
"I’ve never done anything like this before," Hinako said.
"Y-yeah... I’m the one who suggested it, but I’m starting to get nervous," Narika admitted.
"This promises to be a delightful evening."
The three Young Ladies were already sitting on the bed, chatting away.
Looking at them... I felt a bit out of place.
"Tomonari-san, is something wrong?"
"No, it’s just..."
Tennoji-san noticed my hesitation and tilted her head.
I looked away, but Yuri gave me a teasing, wicked grin.
"Must be quite a view for a boy, huh?"
"...I guess. Though I'm used to seeing you like this, Yuri."
"Like hell you are!"
Yuri gave me a playful chop to the head.
Seeing them all in pajamas was definitely a new experience. They looked cute and relaxed, and as a guy, it was a little hard to stay composed.
That said, since they’d had to walk through the hotel to get here, their pajamas weren't overly revealing. They’d brought their own rather than using the hotel ones. I was in the plain pajamas I usually wore.
Hinako’s pajamas were pale pink with a collar, giving off a slightly formal, Young Lady-esque vibe. When she was being herself, she usually wore more casual stuff, but I’d seen these back at the manor; they were clearly a favorite.
Tennoji-san wore a light blue one-piece with ribbons, which leaned toward the elegant side. Perhaps because her rival Hinako was there, she’d kept her hair in her signature vertical rolls. The combination of her hair and her naturally graceful air made her look more like a noblewoman at a ball than someone ready for bed.
Narika was in pure white pajamas with cute frills, and like her usual clothes, the bottoms were on the shorter side. I usually associated her with her athletic, dignified persona, so I’d expected something more sporty, but these pajamas made her look like a normal girl. It felt like I was seeing a whole new side of her.