After dinner, Horikita Suzune proposed that they continue their math tutoring session—at his dorm room.
Seriously… this girl has zero sense of self-preservation.
Considering it was already late at night, having a boy and a girl alone in one room was obviously not appropriate.
Hachiman politely declined, saying they'd start the math sessions tomorrow instead.
He really had no choice.
Horikita might be able to maintain a pure, unshaken heart in such situations.
But Hachiman? Absolutely not.
After all, this is the same guy who once dreamed up a version of her called "Hikigaya Suzune."
If that's not proof of inappropriate subconscious thoughts, nothing is.
***
"…Hachiman."
…Not again.
After a week of peaceful sleep, Hikigaya once again dreamed of Sakurasawa Airi.
She wore a long, crimson dress that accentuated her curves perfectly.
Her refined features, touched with only the faintest makeup, radiated the charm of a national idol.
Even though he'd seen her countless times before in dreams, she still managed to take his breath away.
"Hachiman-kun…"
"I'm a little thirsty. Could you get me a glass of water?"
Wait, what?
Why's she being so polite all of a sudden?
Hachiman didn't think much of it. He turned toward the kitchen and poured her a cup of hot tea.
"By the way," he muttered, looking around, "why does this room look different from the last one?"
Still, since it was just a dream, there was no point worrying about such details.
"Thanks~"
When Airi took the cup, their fingers brushed lightly.
She let out a cute little gasp, her cheeks instantly flushing pink.
Huh?
What's going on?
It was just a touch!
We're married, aren't we? Why's she acting all shy about it?
Seeing Airi suddenly acting like a bashful schoolgirl made Hachiman's heart pound furiously.
Oh crap.
He'd fallen into the trap.
Could this be… roleplay?
In Endless Love, the reason the married couple stayed passionate for years was that they'd constantly roleplay different scenarios—like teacher and student, older sister and younger brother, even pretending to be each other's spouses from parallel worlds.
So clearly, Airi must be acting out the "innocent girl in love" role this time.
As expected of a professional idol—she's too good at this!
"Actually, I came here today because… there's something important I need to tell you and Haruka."
Airi's expression turned serious.
…Wait.
That didn't sound like acting.
"What is it?" Hachiman asked, his face composed.
"Yesterday, I got an invitation from Dyfairy. They're a famous idol group in North America…"
Airi looked up at him, her lips trembling as if she wanted to speak but couldn't.
"…"
And Hachiman understood instantly.
This was the classic TV drama moment: one partner gets a huge career opportunity abroad, and the other—wanting to be "selfless"—pretends to let them go "for their own good."
He hated that kind of fake self-sacrifice.
It completely ignored what the other person truly wanted.
Without hesitation, Hachiman took her hands in his.
"Airi… I want you to stay."
"R-Really?"
Her wide, glistening eyes bloomed into a breathtaking smile.
"H-Hachiman-kun…"
"I… I…"
Overcome with emotion, Airi leaned closer, her gaze locked on his.
He got the message.
He'd been through this before—the good morning kiss incident.
He knew exactly what she wanted now.
Seriously, making the girl take the lead every time? How disgraceful as a man.
Determined, Hachiman gently cupped Airi's flushed cheeks in both hands.
His eyes drifted to her lips—soft, pink, and impossibly tempting.
Honestly, if he could really marry someone this adorable, he wouldn't mind giving up his dream of being a househusband.
He'd get a real job, earn money, and happily spend his life supporting her.
"Ah—!"
As if realizing what was about to happen, Airi's face filled with excitement, guilt, and something unspoken.
But she didn't back away.
Even if it was just once… she didn't want to regret it.
Her eyelashes trembled as she closed her eyes.
"…?"
Something felt off. Hachiman noticed the expression on her face—there was a strange, guilty tension there.
What was that thrill in the air, that sense of something forbidden?
Well… whatever. It'd be weird not to kiss her now, right?
Just as he leaned in—
Click.
The sound of a key turning in the door.
"I'm home, Hachi~"
"Since Airi's coming over for dinner, we should—huh?!"
Standing in the entryway was a stunning blue-haired woman, calm and elegant, holding a grocery basket.
Hachiman froze.
His eyes went blank, then widened in shock.
Brain—overclocked.
Okay.
Let's piece this together.
Different room.
Airi acting distant.
Haruka coming home with groceries.
Hachiman's pupils shrank.
Wait… could it be—
Was the "wife" he dreamed of this time…
another girl from Class D?!
"I—I'm sorry!"
Airi buried her face in her hands and crouched on the floor like an ostrich.
She kept muttering over and over, "I'm such a bad woman…"
"Oh my my~"
"What an interesting sight."
"Tell me, my dear husband—what game are you and my best friend playing right now?"
Hasebe Haruka narrowed her eyes, her lips curling into a deceptively sweet smile.
"(Hehehe… hey, now~)"
***
The next morning.
Hachiman dragged himself to school with dark circles under his eyes.
He'd skipped morning practice entirely due to his mental exhaustion.
"What's wrong with you? Stayed up too late doing math problems?" Horikita asked, eyeing him curiously.
"Horikita," Hachiman said with grave seriousness,
"not letting you come up to my dorm for math tutoring last night…"
"…was the biggest mistake of my life."
"…Excuse me?"
Horikita gave him a wary look. "You weren't planning anything weird, were you?"
Hachiman sighed weakly. "Your suspicion… is justified."
"Hmph! If you try anything, I'll put you in a cross armlock and knock you out cold."
She raised a fist threateningly.
"Really? That's perfect!" Hachiman's eyes lit up.
If he could just sleep, maybe he wouldn't have to endure those terrifying dreams anymore.
"…Huh?"
Horikita rubbed her temples, exasperated. "You really are talking nonsense first thing in the morning."
***
Last chapter for today 🫢