The spectral entities drifting through the air gradually blended into the surroundings, becoming semi-transparent. While still faintly visible, they were far less intrusive than during twilight.
After enduring the psychological trauma of Chika's twisted Monopoly game, Maki and Kaguya retreated to their rooms to recover. Chika seemed somewhat disappointed—she'd clearly been hoping to drag them into more of her "fun" games. Though given how seriously those two took things, perhaps her creations weren't the best fit for them.
Honestly, Takakai mused, these games would thrive in a rowdy boys' dorm. That's the kind of environment where Chika's madness could truly flourish.
"Booooring~ It's too early for bed," Chika whined, pacing the hallway when Takakai returned with a chilled soda from the hotel's drink station.
"Next time, try a longer game. Like a Call of Cthulhu campaign. That way, even if they suffer, they'll stick it out to see the ending," Takakai suggested, offering her his half-finished drink.
Chika took a defiant swig. "As if! Your favorite games are the real torture!"
"Mine are properly balanced challenges, thank you very much."
"Oh really?" Chika narrowed her eyes. "Let's see—have you cleared Frigid Outskirts without summons? No-HUD Bloodborne FRC depth 5? Or how about no-BHS Malenia no-hit?"
Takakai nearly choked. "Those are just masochism! Though... I did manage the last one. Unless she opens with Waterfowl point-blank. That one still gets me."
Chika puffed her cheeks. "Don't act like my games are unfair!" She punctuated this with a light kick, her ribbon bouncing indignantly.
"My mistake, Princess Chika. Allow me to make amends—"
One step. Two steps.
Their lips met—first gently, then with deepening hunger.
A soft whimper escaped Chika as Takakai effortlessly lifted her, pressing her against the wall. His hand traced the curve of her waist, igniting trails of fire across her skin.
Only when she began trembling did he finally relent, letting her gasp for air against his shoulder.
"Too... rough..." she panted.
"You made me wait," he murmured, making no move to release her.
A hotel employee rounded the corner, took one look at them, and promptly retreated.
Chika bit her lip, her blush deepening. "A few days without sex, and you turn into a monster?"
Her fingertip traced his collarbone, nails lightly scraping.
Takakai's gaze darkened. "Teasing has consequences."
"At least take me somewhere private! My family would—eep!"
She squeaked as he effortlessly carried her toward the stairs.
"Your room or mine?"
"M-Mine's too risky! Your floor was specifically assigned to—ah! Put me down!"
Her protests went unheeded.
I really did find myself a boyfriend with insatiable desires... Chika mused as she wriggled in Takakai's arms, her cheeks flushed. But being his plaything isn't so bad—
A sudden creak of floorboards.
"Y-You two! What indecent things are you planning?!"
Maki's explosive entrance caught Takakai off-guard. In that split second, Chika—
—slid free with serpentine grace, her eyes flashing crimson as she activated her blessing. With practiced ease, she redirected Maki's lunge straight into Takakai's chest.
"Maki-chan~ He's all yours tonight," she sang, already retreating. "Do be careful—"
The door clicked shut behind her.
"...Eh?" Takakai blinked at the armful of fuming brunette.
"...Nani?" Maki's brain short-circuited.
Three seconds of silence.
Then—without ceremony—Takakai adjusted his grip and marched upstairs, ignoring Maki's flailing.
"L-Let go! You can't seriously expect me to—to replace her like some—some—"
Her protests died as realization dawned. The way her yukata gaped at the collar, the damp patches on her sleeves from crawling across the floor to eavesdrop—
I even got bathwater everywhere like some feral cat!
Takakai kicked his door shut, depositing her on the couch. "At least we won't be overheard. Though you might want to clean up first."
He gestured at her grimy knees.
"...Fine."
Maki stomped toward the bathroom—
—then whirled to shove back the shameless man attempting to follow.
Slam!
The lock engaged with finality.