episode_0011

And when I opened my eyes, it was night.

At first, I thought I was dreaming. However, the vivid sensation of Jin’s chest made it clear that this was reality. It was impossible for my feeble imagination to replicate this softness. Besides, I have never dreamt such a peaceful dream since the fire incident.

Looking at the clock hanging on the deficient bookshelf, it was already eight o’clock.

Summer had long passed, and it was now October. Naturally, the sun had set a while ago, and outside the window was pitch black. Thankfully, there was light here, but if not, imagining what could have happened by now was terrifying. Most likely, from the 5th floor onwards, including the Dream Tree Hall entrance and the path back home, everything would be engulfed in darkness.

As the drowsiness faded, a daunting realistic obstacle loomed closer.

During the day, I could easily jump down to the first floor. But it was night. Dark. No light. Without students, the school was a place where one could easily meet their end. Most probably, all paths from the 5th floor to the dormitory entrance were locked in darkness.

Somehow, enduring and illuminating the entire building or something similar might work, but… If I did that, it could reveal that I had been in the deficient bookshelf room until this hour. It stood out too much. Even though I didn’t know why the security guard assigned to patrol the school hadn’t checked the deficient bookshelf room, if there was no response even after doing so, it would be strange in itself. Naturally, it would greatly disrupt Jin’s ordinary life. I didn’t want that.

“…How do I get home?”

“Should I call the teacher… or Luna noona? No, even thinking about it, it’s such a ridiculous mistake that it’s embarrassing…”

“Eh…?”

“…And that option just vanished.”

“Huah… Hm… Kkoook.”

“Kkkeek.”

The face that was rolling on my chest was buried more than 30% under Jin’s plus alpha hug. Breathing became difficult. Specifically, my neck and shoulders were quite sore. But I couldn’t disturb Jin’s happy time, so quietly groaning was my limit.

“Mmm… Slept well… Hah.”

“Jin.”

“What?”

“Can I get up now?”

“Huh? Mmm… Just a little longer.”

“Kkkeek.”

What is this? Is this déjà vu that I’ve only heard about?

The world covered entirely by Jin’s chest showed no significant changes. Now, pulling out any door would make everything perfect, but as Jin disliked cats and dogs equally, it was a somewhat unattainable wish.

“I’m hungry.”

“Hey, Jin. Actually, we are…”

“Bbap… Ah.”

Staggering, perhaps due to drowsiness, Jin collapsed onto the sofa. More precisely, right above me, touching my sore neck. The aerial one-meter free-fall bombing had a surprisingly remarkable effect. It was extremely painful. But now, I didn’t even scream.

“…Alright. Shall we get up again?”

“Yeah. Yawn… Tea.”

“Yawn~ Tea.”

“Wow.”

“Hooray.”

“Huh?”

“A bit of that.”

“Hee.”

“Just a moment.”

“Wow.”

For reference, Jin and I have exactly a 4cm height difference.

If it were an aunt who was 30cm shorter than me, we would have roughly matched postures, but when Jin wrapped her arms around my neck, I felt like I might fall backward just like before. But I had to endure. I had to persevere. Let’s stay strong. My thighs were cramping badly, and breathing was difficult, but let’s fight on.

“As expected, you’re better than the sofa.”

“Really? That’s… good news.”

The sofa wins! Hooray!

The winner receives an indefinite license for cuddles and kisses with Jin!

If Jin were to lose to the sofa and I were torn to shreds, she would surely come back to reclaim me. It was a joyful occasion.

“So, what’s for dinner tonight?”

“First, let’s check the refrigerator.”

“Something delicious, something delicious.”

Fortunately, there was one thing that Jin found comforting in this situation: she felt no sense of danger at all. Waking up to find me beside her was enough to make Jin completely satisfied. She didn’t care about the fact that this wasn’t her home; she didn’t mind staying here all night.

I’m really far behind compared to Jin.

It was such a natural thing, but I had carelessly forgotten about it.

“…Where’s Luna noona’s egg roll… That’s a pass, of course. Cup ramen? Why is this in the fridge? It’s not even opened.”

“Cup ramen? What flavor?”

“Jin Ramen, mild flavor.”

“…………….”

It was a menu item somewhat distant from Jin’s taste.

Although Jin, being kind, didn’t resort to harsh words or physical punishment, judging by the strength in the arms wrapped around my neck, it was clear that she disliked it. Moreover, seeing her starting to nibble meticulously on my ear, it seemed like her patience was wearing thin.

Well, if there’s nothing to eat, putting me, who can be consumed immediately without spending money, on the dining table isn’t a bad idea. No, if I did that, Auntie would go crazy and start slapping me left and right. Then Jin would argue with Auntie. Rejected, rejected.

“The refrigerator is a bust, but maybe there’s something in the freezer…?”

“I’m hungry… Ugh, ugh….”

“Don’t slurp like that because it’s dirty with hair…”

“Mukurukumashisoja.”

Let’s find something to eat quickly.

Staying like this, Jin’s stomach seemed to be filling up with undigested protein. Fortunately, unlike the dismal state of the refrigerator in many ways, the freezer had three packs of instant frozen dumplings. When did I put these here? The expiration date was within the safe range, at least.

“Jin, how about dumplings?”

“Mafu? Muhe… Churip, good.”

“Then let’s eat this. Now, what should we do before eating?”

“Wash hands.”

“Correct. Shall we go downstairs now?”

“Yes. Still hungry.”

As expected, Jin listens well and is kind.

There was a bit of hair stuck near her mouth, but that could be easily removed. While the dumplings were heating in the microwave, I carefully wiped everything from her mouth to her hands with wet wipes, and she returned looking clean and neat. This was also thanks to the excellent original.

“…Actually, this isn’t the right time for this.”

“Dumplings, dumplings.”

“Let’s first take care of Jin’s meal and then think…”

Since there was no sign of police sirens, it didn’t seem like a body had been discovered. There was no indication of that happening. Checking around dawn wouldn’t be too late. If we could avoid the worst-case scenario of Jin insisting on going home, we could somehow manage. Probably.

Just as I finished organizing my thoughts, the microwave timer went off right on cue.

The distinct instant juiciness of the frozen dumplings filled the air. Jin sniffed the smell and widened her eyes, wiggling her legs excitedly. It was incredibly cute. How did I get such an adorable girlfriend?

“Just wait a moment to cool down before eating since it’s hot, I’ll split it in half and give it to you.”

“What’s the blowing for?”

“Well, obviously, I have to. Hoo~ Hoo~.”

It was a slightly embarrassing gesture to make out loud, but with Jin watching me with her bright red eyes, I had no other choice. Contrary to common beliefs, Jin, like a typical girl, enjoyed these slightly adorable things. It was a self-consolation that might soften Auntie’s heart a bit if she heard it. Wait, who am I making excuses to right now? I breathed too heavily, feeling a bit dizzy.

“…When will you give it to me?”

“Huh? Oh, it’s ready now. Ah~.”

“Ugh. Um… Yumyum….”

“How is it?”

“Lots of meat.”

“Oh, that sounds delicious.”

I couldn’t even open my mouth.

A slight gurgle emanated from my stomach. Should I have some instant noodles? Even if the ingredients are a mystery, there doesn’t seem to be any meat visible on the surface, so there’s no harm in eating it somehow…

“Why aren’t you eating?”

“…Me?”

“Let’s eat together.”

“Well… I’m not hungry.”

“Your cheeks look sunken.”

“As you can see, I’m perfectly plump.”

“And your eyes look tired.”

“It was the same yesterday.”

“Anyway, you’re hungry.”

“Unbelievable.”

How can Detective Jin’s deductions be so accurate?

With logic that is impossible to refute, I raised both hands and feet in surrender. So now, let’s focus on losing weight. It would be a real disaster if I ate meat while stuck in this cramped reading room.

If I say I don’t like dumplings… I’d better pass, as throwing what I was eating out the window or stomping on it would likely follow. Jin firmly believes that if I like something, she must like it too—a firm believer in unity of mind and body, indivisible love. There will be absolutely no exceptions allowed.

Phrases like “Just watching Jin eat makes me full” should also be avoided, as they would lead to a similar fate as before. Despite her romantic inner self, Jin’s practicality when it comes to survival is another aspect of her charm. So, this is out of the question too. There seems to be no way to avoid the dumplings.

“If you don’t eat, then I won’t either.”

“Oh, uh-huh… That’s a bit awkward.”

Between the split dumpling skin, a chunk of what clearly looks like animal protein is prominently nestled. Just looking at it brought forth traumas that could never be overcome with the power of love and friendship. The faint smell of blood, screams, and the still wriggling flesh that refuses to die writhed incessantly.

“How about we play rock-paper-scissors to decide who feeds whom?”

“Rock-paper-scissors?”

“Yes. The winner gets to feed the loser with an ‘Ah~.’ It goes like this. Ah~.”

“Ah~. Ugh. Um. Okay. Let’s do it.”

“Alright then—rock-paper-scissors!”

“Scissors… Oh.”

“I lost? Well then, here you go, Ah~.”

“Ah…”

Jin seemed slightly displeased, but perhaps she thought that if she lost next time, it would be over, so she quietly accepted the dumpling and ate it. Thankfully, the last move my almost failing brain concocted seemed to work.

Or maybe Jin, understanding everything but still considering my feelings, showed restraint. Perhaps a smart Jin would have done just that? Thinking this way made me proud of our Jin. Memories of the past involuntarily filled me up to the brim, almost making me smile.

One thing is resolved for now. Let’s think about the rest later.

How to spend the day, when to deal with the body, and so on. These things can wait until after sitting down with Jin, laughing, and having a good time.