49 - A Promise Kept: A Midnight Visit
Catching up this one so please read the previous chapters (here)
I finally got my hands on the spare key to Kirishima’s house. Just staring at its silver sheen makes me grin unconsciously—I can’t help it.
Still, I never actually thought I’d get it.
A house key is the very proof of permission to step into someone’s sanctuary. Giving it to someone else requires a great deal of trust.
That’s why… I’m so happy.
I don’t know how serious Kirishima was when he gave it to me, but the fact that he trusts me and is willing to rely on me in times of need is a great honor.
“Now then… the momentous first visit. Just a little longer until our promised 2 a.m.…”
I fix my appearance, put on my uniform, grab the negligee I had prepared just in case I ever got permission to stay over at Kirishima’s place, and leave my room.
Oh, I already told my mom I’d be heading out early and going straight to school. This totally counts as waking up early. Well… even though I haven’t actually slept yet.
I quietly step out of my house, and since I’m in the mood for it, I take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Kirishima made it very clear that I should use the key responsibly. And right now, as I head to his place and let myself in while he’s sleeping… that’s well within reason. No problem at all.
The only sound in the hallway is the rhythmic clicking of my loafers. But as soon as that sound stops, my nerves hit their peak.
I’ve been to Kirishima’s place countless times before. Yet, standing in front of his door now, I can’t calm down. I feel restless, almost fidgety.
Out of habit, I almost reach for the intercom. But there’s no need for that anymore. Up until now, I had to ring the bell, wait for Kirishima to answer, and only then could I step inside. This spare key lets me skip that whole process. It’s a magical shortcut—an entirely legal cheat item.
“H-huh…?”
Finally, it’s time for the key to prove its worth. But my fingers are trembling from the tension, making it hard to fit the key into the lock properly. I fumble, producing an awkward clattering noise.
It’s not like Kirishima’s lock is much different from mine—we live in the same building. And yet, here I am, struggling. Unbelievable. The sheer nervousness is overwhelming. Just inserting the key is taking way longer than it should.
It must have been only a few seconds, but the pressure makes it feel like I’ve been wrestling with the keyhole for minutes, maybe even hours.
But in the end, I win.
The key slides all the way in. All that’s left is to turn it.
Slowly, carefully, gently.
Click.
That tiny sound finally makes my hands stop trembling.
“Excuse me for intruding.”
My whispered words vanish into the darkness.
Normally, Kirishima would be the one opening the door, holding it for me to step inside. Doing it myself this time makes me realize just how thoughtful he’s always been, and that warms my heart.
By the way, I was secretly terrified that the chain lock might be on. If that had happened, I would have cried for three whole days, and I wouldn’t have hesitated to make a scene that got me reported to the authorities.
But no worries—successful entry secured. Ahem, I mean, I’ve safely let myself in. Now, onto the next step.
I make sure to lock the door behind me, neatly arrange my removed loafers, and quietly make my way to Kirishima’s bedroom.
Navigating through the dark, I finally reach my destination.
I slowly open the door and step inside, and once again, a wave of nerves rushes through me.
The faint glow of the nightlight mode on the lamp provides just enough illumination for me to make out the room.
Kirishima is sound asleep. I did tell him I’d be coming at 2 a.m., but seeing him this deep in slumber makes it clear he wasn’t really expecting it. Honestly, I feel a little disappointed. Couldn’t he at least have had trouble sleeping, thinking about my visit?
“…Idiot.”
Oops, my thoughts slipped out.
Oh well. If he won’t be aware of me, then I just have to make him aware.
That’s all part of the plan.
Alright, time to change before I slip into bed. I could stay in my uniform, but I’d rather not get it wrinkled.
Kirishima is right here, but he’s asleep. The room is dark. So… changing right here should be fine.
(I’m undressing in Kirishima’s room… If he wakes up now, he’ll see everything…)
That thought alone makes my heart race. I remove one piece of clothing after another until I’m down to just my underwear. I made sure to wear something cute tonight. Maybe that’s why I feel even more flustered, my body heating up.
Just then—
The bed creaks loudly, and a shadow shifts.
“…Mikami?”
I was trying to change quietly, but I must have woken him up.
Hearing his unexpected voice, my mind blanks out for a moment. Somehow, I manage to respond.
“U-um… please don’t look this way.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Because, well… if you round it up, I’m basically naked right now. That’d be embarrassing.”
I mean, I wouldn’t mind if he saw… but I need a little time to prepare myself.
Still… I wonder how he’ll react. Maybe he’ll actually get flustered—
“Mikami… blushing…? Is this a fake…?”
“…How rude. I can feel embarrassed, you know.”
His reaction is beyond disappointing. More than that, it’s just plain insulting.
What does he even think of me? I have a sense of modesty too, you know. I’m going to demand proper compensation for that remark—eight hours of pampering, minimum.
With my negligee on, I’m all set. It’s semi-transparent, really cute, and perfect for being seen.
“Well then… I’m coming in.”
“…Do whatever you want.”
I slip under his blanket and cling to his broad, warm back.
Even though he couldn’t see much in the dark, a girl was literally changing right next to him, yet when I asked him not to look, he actually listened. What a true gentleman.
But still, it’s surprising that he isn’t resisting at all. Usually, he’d grumble and throw out some snarky remarks. There’s none of that tonight. I feel happy that he’s accepting me without hesitation, but… I also miss our usual banter.
Guess I’ll have to start it myself.
“You’re being unusually compliant. Not gonna kick me out?”
“…Then go home.”
“No.”
“…Was there even a point to this conversation?”
Of course there was.
I’m happy. And I’m having fun.
“…You really came. In the middle of the night.”
“I keep my promises.”
“You went and used it in the most unreasonable way possible… Seriously, you never fail to meet expectations.”
“Oh, stop praising me so much. You’re making me blush.”
“I wasn’t praising you.”
If he says I never fail to meet expectations… does that mean he had at least considered this possibility?
If so… that makes me really happy.
“But… calling me a fake earlier hurt my feelings. You have to hug me to make up for it.”
I demand compensation.
Of course, I fully expect him to refuse.
As someone with a Kirishima Certification Level 1, I can say with confidence that he’ll turn me down. And if he does, I’ll just reject his rejection.
Or so I thought—
Before I know it, he pulls me into his arms, wrapping me up completely.
“W-wha…?”
“This good? Alright. Night.”
“…Huh? H-huh?!”
Wait.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
My prediction was completely off, and now my heart won’t stop pounding.
But… it’s warm. And it feels so good, so comforting, that I feel like I might melt.
Still… how can he sleep so peacefully after being ambushed in the middle of the night?
Here I am, all flustered, my thin clothing making my body feel feverish, unable to calm down at all.
Making me feel this way while remaining completely unfazed—
Kirishima is such an unfair person.