Hakurei squirmed a little under my ministrations and then murmured, “You’re so mean, Sekiei. You’re a bully. You never tell me to my face that I’m cute even though I always...I’m always complimenting you...”
“Er, no. You’ve never complimented... Hakurei? Hello?”
Hakurei hummed but didn’t answer. She had closed her eyes and started to fall asleep while leaning against me. I could feel the soft warmth of her body against mine. Even when I gave her a gentle pat on the back, she only reacted with a pleased smile that made her look far younger than her actual age. Her face, slack in sleep, was exactly as I remembered it from when we were kids.
“No alcohol for you in the near future,” I sighed. I bundled her up in my arms and stood. I should take her back to her room. I didn’t get the chance, though, before she opened bleary eyes. “That’s enough drinking for tonight,” I said.
In response, she made a groaning sound and started to move around.
“H-Hey, stay still!”
I hurried to place her on my bed and she rolled onto the mattress, crawling under my sheets. With only her eyes peeking out she said, “I’m sleeping here tonight.”
“Listen, you...” I reached out to try and physically haul her out of bed, but she looked up at me with the same tearful expression that she’d use on me after a fight back when we were kids.
When she spoke, it was clear she was having trouble moving her tongue enough to form words. “We used to always be together. I always want to be with you, Sekiei.”
I gave up on trying to convince her to get out of my bed. “Jeez...” I could practically hear Meirin stomping her feet in my head. “You’re too soft on her! Why aren’t you ever that nice to me?!” Ignoring my imagination, I turned off the lights and lay down in bed.
Without a word, Hakurei reached out and touched my cheek. “Good night, Sekiei.” She giggled, looking truly happy.
“Good night, Hakurei.”
Hakurei’s body relaxed and not a moment later, I heard her breath even out in sleep. I covered her up with my blanket. We were still nowhere close to being a worthy replacement for father or Raigen; she must be pushing herself to reach such a standard. There shouldn’t be any harm in coddling her a bit, just for tonight. The problem was...
“Am I gonna be able to fall asleep?”
Only the night heard my words. I looked up at the full moon outside the window and, in spite of my worries, felt my eyelids grow heavy.
Warm. Soft. Was my bed always this nice? Faint birdsong coming from outside the window told me it was already morning. I was still half asleep, but as I opened my eyes, Chou Hakurei’s face, slack in sleep, filled my entire field of vision. I was awake in an instant. She was clutching my right hand even as she continued to snooze.
When did this happen? I could’ve sworn that I pressed myself to the very edge of the bed when I went to sleep. Wait, that’s not important right now—I have to hurry up and make my escape! Slowly, carefully, I tried to extract my arm from Hakurei’s hold without waking her up, but her grip didn’t budge. N-No way?! She’s got me by my joint!
I must have woken her during my struggle; her eyes slowly opened, and she looked at me with a soft expression.
“G-Good morning,” I said.
She stared at me, taking a long time to process my words, before she said, “Good morning...”
Yeah, this is hopeless. She’s still basically asleep. What should I do? I didn’t have time to come up with a solution, however; light footsteps from outside my room were my only warning before Asaka walked in. Her brown hair and attendant robes billowed about her with each movement she made.
“Lord Sekiei, good mor— Oh. Oh my. Oh my goodness! ♪ I’m so sorry I intruded. I will bring you two breakfast in your room! ☆” She turned on her heel and hurried out.
Oh no! This is bad! I sat up as best as I could as I tried to stop her. “W-Wait! This is a misunderstanding! Hey, Hakurei, say someth— Whoa!”
Hakurei groaned as she tugged on my arm and pulled me back down onto the mattress. “Shut up. My head hurts.” The alcohol from last night was still working its way through her system. She looked at me with a somewhat annoyed expression and continued, “I’m going to sleep for a while longer. You should too.”
This was a battle I had no way of winning. The only course of action I could take was to instantly surrender. “All right.”
Hakurei looked satisfied as soon as I said it and—after readjusting her grip on my right arm—closed her eyes. With a look of complete relaxation on her face, she fell asleep. I always ended up giving in to her. After stroking her silver hair, I closed my eyes as well.
For now, just for this moment, at least we can enjoy some peace and quiet.