Just like last time at Matsuzaka Ume's house.
Kobayashi Itsuki sat on the sofa, quietly watching everything, feeling the warm atmosphere, and found it exceptionally peaceful.
At this moment, Kobayashi Itsuki just wanted to lean back and relax properly.
Before, when he took the potion, he didn't feel anything; when dealing with those Tamayomi clan guys, there was only excitement and exhilaration.
Now, having calmed down, he felt a deep mental fatigue.
Kobayashi Itsuki didn't know if it was because it was his first time killing someone, or for some other reason.
Anyway, he was completely lethargic now, not wanting to think about anything or do anything.
Even the treasure chest in the system lay quietly, with no intention of being opened.
After an unknown amount of time spent zoning out, Higashimatsuyama Yone's voice rang in his ears.
"Alright, Itsuki, come eat!"
Kobayashi Itsuki came back to his senses and responded, walking to the dining table.
On the table were two steaming bowls of fragrant udon noodles, with clear broth and fresh green onions, looking exceptionally appetizing.
He took a bite.
Indeed, just as Higashimatsuyama Yone said, the taste was excellent, truly her specialty.
"How is it? Is it delicious?"
Higashimatsuyama Yone sat beside him, asking with an expectant look.
"Mm! It's delicious, Yone, your cooking is really good!"
Kobayashi Itsuki didn't hide his praise, giving her a thumbs-up.
"Really? You're not just comforting me, are you?"
"Of course not, this is the best udon noodles I've ever eaten."
Kobayashi Itsuki said very sincerely. In all the time he had been in this world, he hadn't really eaten any udon noodles, so he wasn't lying.
"If you like it, that's great. Eat quickly, there's more in the pot if it's not enough."
Higashimatsuyama Yone smiled very happily.
Breakfast was quickly finished. Higashimatsuyama Yone cleaned up the dishes, then came over with a towel and clothes, her expression a little shy and gentle as she said,
"Take off your clothes, I'll wash them for you."
"Here's a clean new towel, you can take a shower. If you don't mind, you can wear my T-shirt."
Because she was a police officer, Higashimatsuyama Yone didn't own many things like skirts.
Instead, she had many T-shirts, and they were generally looser fitting.
For example, the short-sleeved shirt she used as loungewear was oversized, so it wasn't a problem for Kobayashi Itsuki to wear.
"Then I'll trouble you."
Kobayashi Itsuki didn't refuse; he was indeed very tired and needed a shower and a good rest.
Outside the bathroom, Kobayashi Itsuki took off his outer clothes, put them in the dirty laundry basket, and walked into the shower room.
Outside the door.
Higashimatsuyama Yone picked up Kobayashi Itsuki's clothes, preparing to put them in the washing machine.
But somehow, looking at the clothes in her hand that still held a bit of residual warmth, she inexplicably brought them close to her nose and gently sniffed them.
A faint scent of sweat mixed with a strong masculine aura rushed into her nasal cavity, momentarily leaving Higashimatsuyama Yone's mind blank.
Although she worked alongside many male police officers, Higashimatsuyama Yone had never felt this sensation before.
Instantly, Higashimatsuyama Yone's face flushed slightly.
It started to feel warm.
Fortunately, she reacted quickly.
She immediately snapped out of it, hurriedly grabbing Kobayashi Itsuki's clothes and rushing toward the washing machine.
'What am I doing...'
Thinking about her recent actions, Higashimatsuyama Yone herself found it hard to believe, unable to understand what came over her.
But that scent just now... Higashimatsuyama Yone pressed her lips together, quickly stuffed Kobayashi Itsuki's clothes into the washing machine, and finally let out a sigh of relief.
She never thought she had such a perverse side, capable of doing something so strange. Luckily, no one else had seen her just now.
Soon, Kobayashi Itsuki finished his shower and came out.
"Itsuki, the bed has been made for you."
Inside the room, Higashimatsuyama Yone pointed to the bed beside them.
"Go and rest."
"This is your bed, right?"
Kobayashi Itsuki raised an eyebrow, looking at Higashimatsuyama Yone, and spoke meaningfully.
"I—I'll just sleep on the sofa outside."
"How can I let a guest sleep on the sofa?"
Higashimatsuyama Yone said this self-righteously, avoiding Kobayashi Itsuki's gaze, and fled while clutching her change of clothes.
Kobayashi Itsuki was also a bit tired. Lying down on the fragrant, soft bedding, he immediately felt much more relaxed.
Once he relaxed, he started to feel drowsy.
Before he knew it, Kobayashi Itsuki fell asleep shortly after.
After a while, Higashimatsuyama Yone came out of the bathroom.
She was wearing a loose T-shirt, carrying the steamy aura of a fresh bath, and her long, slender, well-rounded legs looked exceptionally radiant.
Higashimatsuyama Yone dried her hair, changed into her pajamas, and walked over to the sofa.
Looking at the blanket on the sofa, Higashimatsuyama Yone hesitated, then went to her room and secretly peeked inside.
'I'm just looking after the guest...'
She quietly comforted herself mentally, and then saw Kobayashi Itsuki lying on the bed, seemingly asleep.
'Why isn't he covered by a blanket...'
Higashimatsuyama Yone tiptoed into the room and gently covered Kobayashi Itsuki with the blanket.
Then she sat down by the bed.
Although she should have returned to sleep herself, gazing at Kobayashi Itsuki's sleeping face reminded her of the time she was captured at the club, and his figure shielding her in front.
Higashimatsuyama Yone slowly raised her hand, cautiously moved closer to Kobayashi Itsuki, and then gently brushed his face, starting from his eyebrows.
Her movements were very gentle, afraid of waking Kobayashi Itsuki.
From his eyebrows to the bridge of his nose, and down to the corner of his lips.
Meticulous, serious, and tender.
During this process, the distance between the two unknowingly closed.
So much so that Higashimatsuyama Yone could clearly feel Kobayashi Itsuki's breathing.
That warm, moist breath brushed against her face, and the scent she had noticed earlier while sniffing Kobayashi Itsuki's clothes seemed to reappear.
Higashimatsuyama Yone couldn't understand it. Kobayashi Itsuki had clearly used her shower gel and shampoo
—scents she was most familiar with.
But this unfamiliar aura... Higashimatsuyama Yone's heart began to race, just like when Kobayashi Itsuki held her in his arms, protecting her while facing the attacks of others.
The phrase "a pounding heart" was insufficient to describe her current state.
A subtle, ambiguous atmosphere silently spread.
Until Higashimatsuyama Yone's red lips gently descended... her heartbeat peaked at that moment.
Her fair face instantly became flushed and felt hot.
Higashimatsuyama Yone didn't know why she was doing this. She only had one thought now: to relive the feeling she had experienced before.
Thinking this, Higashimatsuyama Yone, blushing, gently pulled back the blanket, slipped inside, lay in Kobayashi Itsuki's arms, and then cautiously pulled his hand over to rest on her waist.