After breakfast, the dorm felt quieter than usual.
Yuuki found a nice spot under a tree inside the dorm's central garden. It was the only green place in all of Mato, surrounded by neatly trimmed paths and wooden walkways.
The dorm itself was shaped like a traditional Japanese mansion—square, with the garden in the center. A peaceful space, sealed away from the miasma-filled world outside.
In Mato, there was no sun. No sky. Just a grey void and constant silence. Nothing natural could grow there, except inside places like this—guarded by strong exorcist-made barriers.
Yuuki leaned back on his arms, legs crossed, wearing a plain white T-shirt and loose trousers.
(Thinking)
Finally… some peace. It's been days since I got dragged into this unit.
He closed his eyes for a bit.
Then—soft footsteps.
He opened one eye.
It was a small girl with long pink hair walking toward him, dressed neatly in the Anti-Demon Corps uniform.
That was Nei Ōkawamura—young, proper, and technically his superior.
Yuuki (sitting upright quickly, a polite smile):
"Oh! Nei-chan, do you need something from me?"
Nei (shaking her head gently, smiling sweetly):"Nn… I came to inform you. Nei, the Chief, and Himari-san will be leaving for an important meeting."
Nei (tilting her head slightly):"Until we return, please take care of the dorm—with Shushu-chan."
Yuuki (face freezing slightly):"Geh…!"
(Thinking)
I thought I finally got a break…
[From behind a tree, a certain yellow-haired figure peeked out—barely holding back her giggle.]
Yep. That was Shushu. Already listening in and clearly enjoying this.
Nei (pointing at him like an older sister):
"Shushu-san is actually a very nice person. So use this time to get along, okay?"
That only made her cuter. Tiny, serious, and saying things like a grown-up. Of course, she was technically a high-ranking member… even if she looked like an elementary schooler.
Yuuki (nodding quickly):
"Y-Yes, I understand!"
As Nei turned and walked off, Shushu followed casually behind her—only to stop halfway and turn around.
Shushu (winking playfully):"Fufufu~ I'll be in your care today, Yuuki~"
(Thinking)
Yeah... I knew she'd make me do her chores.
•••
And as expected, Shushu called Yuuki to her room.
Shushu's room was surprisingly plain.
No frilly curtains, no stuffed toys. Just a few posters of pirate-themed anime, a collection of daggers and plastic swords on the wall, and a big screen set up with a console at the corner.
The bed was still a little messy, and there was a faint smell of shampoo and something fruity in the air.
Shushu (lying face-down on her bed, chin resting on her arms):"My shoulders are super stiff today... Yuuki, you better be useful!"
Yuuki (nodding, kneeling behind her):
"I'll do my best, ma'am."
(Thinking)
She says that, but she did drag me in here. She didn't even ask properly...
He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently pressed down.
Her jacket was already off, leaving her in just a black sleeveless inner shirt.
Yuuki (massaging slowly):
"You've got more muscle here than I expected…"
Shushu (voice muffled against the futon):
"Of course I do. I fight for a living."
She gave a lazy stretch beneath his hands, back arching just a little.
(Thinking)
That's not helping. She's soft and toned...
He leaned forward a bit to get a better angle—eyes accidentally catching the slight ample cleavage of her chest through her top.
(Thinking)
Focus, focus. Just the massage. Professional. Calm. Totally not staring down her shirt.
She sighed under his touch, making a small content sound.
Shushu (grinning faintly):
"Heehee… your hands aren't bad. You did this for your mom or something?"
Yuuki (smiling awkwardly):
"Uh… yes I used to do it for my sister."
He worked down slowly—palms tracing over her back and then down to her thighs as she shifted onto her side lazily.
Shushu (propping her head on her elbow):
"My legs too. They're sore from patrol."
He hesitated only for a second, then gently lifted one of her legs onto his lap.
Yuuki (gently rubbing her calf and thigh):
"You're really flexible, huh."
Shushu (winking):
"Flattering me won't make me go easy on you."
Her shorts had ridden up slightly. His fingers brushed close to bare skin. Her thigh was warm, smooth, and slightly twitchy under the pressure.
He gulped.
(Thinking)
Crap. Crap. Why is it getting hot? It's just a massage… Why is my guy standing up to salute!?
He quickly shifted his position, leaning away a bit. But it was too late.