"Yu... Misuzu-san?"
Kouhei hesitated, nearly calling her by her family name again before catching himself at the last moment. His voice wavered slightly, betraying his nervousness.
"Um, you say you want to join me? Why?"
"Why?" Misuzu echoed, tilting her head slightly, her golden strands cascading down her shoulder like silk. Her voice was laced with uncertainty, as though she, too, were questioning her own reasoning. "Well... I heard from Hina that you always have someone by your side when you're sleeping. Apparently, they think it helps strengthen your bond with them. And, well... they want me to be the one tonight. So, I figured I should do it. Since, you know... I want to get closer to you."
