Late at night.
The shadowy entities drifting in the air gradually blended into their surroundings, becoming more translucent. Though still occasionally noticeable, they were far less intrusive than during twilight.
After enduring Fujiwara Chika's bizarre Monopoly game, the mentally exhausted Maki and Kaguya had retreated to their rooms to recover. Chika, somewhat disappointed, had clearly hoped to play more of her "interesting" games—though given how seriously Maki and Kaguya took things, perhaps her designs weren't the best fit for them.
Takakai pondered Chika's game creations and concluded they'd probably thrive best in a rowdy boys' dormitory, where their absurdity could be fully appreciated.
"Ugh, ending so early is boring. It's not even bedtime yet."
As Takakai returned from the drink area with a chilled soda, he found Chika sulking in the hallway.
"Next time, try a longer game—like a Call of Cthulhu campaign. Even if they suffer, they'll stick it out to see the ending."
He handed her the half-finished soda.
"Hmph! You make it sound like my games exist just to torture people. Your favorites are the real nightmares!"
Chika took a defiant swig before firing back.
"Nah, the games I like are challenging but fair. There's a progression."
Takakai waved her off.
"Oh really? Let's see—no-spirit Ashen Plains clear? Bloodmoon Champion's Cove no-light? No-BHS Malenia no-hit? How many of those have you done?"
Chika narrowed her eyes.
"That's just self-flagellation. And I have done the last one—unless she opens with Waterfowl point-blank. Still working on that."
Takakai coughed, though not without a hint of pride.
"Then don't criticize my games!"
Pouting, Chika gave him a light kick, her ribbon bouncing indignantly.
"Fine, fine, my bad. As an apology—"
One step. Two steps.
He leaned down; she rose on tiptoes.
Their lips met—first gently, then deeply.
"Mmm…"
A whimper. A tremble.
He could feel her scorching warmth.
His arm encircled her slender waist, effortlessly lifting her until their bodies pressed flush together, the kiss deepening further.
Only when Chika began squirming did Takakai finally release her swollen lips, leaving her gasping against his chest.
"Too rough…"
She looked up, breathless and accusatory.
"You made me wait days."
Takakai sighed, leaning against the wall without setting her down.
A staff member appeared at the hallway's end—only to immediately retreat upon spotting them.
Chika bit her lip, cheeks burning.
"A few days and you're this desperate? Are you an incubus or something?"
Her finger traced his collarbone, nails teasing his skin.
"Desperation comes from denial. You've been teasing me since day one. I think it's time you learned the consequences."
His gaze darkened.
"Eek! At least not in the hallway! My family would—"
Chika squirmed futilely—even with A-rank enhancements, his grip was unshakable.
In truth, Takakai could never return to dating ordinary women post-[Sacrificial Game]. Even holding back, he'd risk serious harm. Only players like Chika—pushed to human limits—could physically withstand him.
"Your room or mine?"
His voice was calm, but his eyes burned.
"...Not mine. They separated our floors specifically to avoid... ugh, don't carry me! It's embarrassing—!"
As Takakai turned toward the stairs, Chika's blush deepened.
I really did find a voracious one, huh?
Part of her reveled in being manhandled like a plaything.
But she'd already made her decision.
Before complaining in the hallway, she'd knocked on Maki's door.
Any second now—
Thud!
"What indecent things are you two planning?!"
A flustered Maki erupted from her room, lunging at them.
"Huh?"
Distracted, Takakai failed to sense her approach.
Seizing the chance, Chika slithered free, her eyes flashing crimson as she caught Maki mid-charge—and flung her at Takakai.
"Maki-chan~ He's all yours tonight. Be careful—"
The door slammed shut behind her.
"Wait, what?"
Takakai stared blankly at the bundle in his arms.
"Eh?!"
Maki's brain short-circuited.
Three seconds of silence passed before Takakai wordlessly resumed climbing—now carrying a different girl.
Clad only in a yukata, Maki's face rapidly transitioned from confusion to realization to steam-engine levels of blush.
"P-Put me down! You can't seriously expect me to—to replace Fujiwara for your—!"
Her flailing limbs proved useless against his grip.
Unfazed, Takakai marched onward, depositing her in his room and locking the door.
Freed but cornered, Maki's heartbeat threatened to crack ribs.
"There. No eavesdropping now. Though you might want to clean up first."
Takakai pointed at her dirt-streaked sleeves and damp hem.
In her haste to spy quietly, Maki had crawled across the wet floor like a cat burglar.
"...Fine."
After a tense pause, she shuffled toward the bathroom—then leaped back to shove away an overeager Takakai before barricading herself inside.
No dice, huh?
Shrugging, he strolled to the shared wall and knocked twice.
"Keep listening, and I'll drag you in too."
A faint scurry confirmed Hayasaka's retreat next door.
As the shower started, Takakai settled onto the sofa—
—and waited.