Misumi Uika's brain went into high gear.
First, although Ai's statement was admittedly shocking at first, Uika was almost certain that "sleeping together" absolutely did not refer to what she had first imagined.
After all, just yesterday Ai had said she wouldn't treat her "first time" so casually. For her to bring it up again just one day later, and even include Uika, was clearly illogical.
Second, there was Chihaya Tetsuya's condition.
After a full day of work, his face and voice were filled with obvious exhaustion. Even if only out of sympathy for him, Ai probably wouldn't push him too hard.
Therefore, the reason Ai had made this suggestion was likely just what it sounded like on the surface... she simply wanted to sleep in the same room as him.
But if that was the case, why did she need to include Uika, an outsider?
"...Because if I didn't include you, you'd definitely worry about whether I'd make a move on Tetsu, wouldn't you?"
As if seeing right through Uika's doubts, Hoshino Ai suddenly spoke up.
"You might even tattle on me to Higuchi-san, and I'd get another lecture. If that's the case, it's better to just invite you along."
At this, she flopped backward onto the bed with a look of indifference.
"Besides, I really don't plan on doing anything."
"Even so..."
Uika looked at the large bed with a complicated expression.
In terms of size alone, the bed was more than big enough for three people.
But the problem was, her sleeping together with Tetsuya... was that really appropriate?
Although the two of them could be said to be close friends who trusted each other, sleeping together felt like it was crossing a line. And if Sakiko found out about this, would she be angry?
For a moment, Uika was lost in deep hesitation.
Seeing this, Ai snorted softly and said:
"It's already a show of good faith that I'm inviting you. If you can't get over it yourself, then you can just go back to your room. In any case, I'm staying here tonight no matter what!"
"..."
Truthfully, given that nothing had happened between the two of them yesterday when they were on the verge of it, leaving Ai here alone probably wouldn't be a problem. And she really couldn't bring herself to brazenly overcome her own sense of shame.
And so, for various reasons, Uika finally took out her room key, preparing to return to her own room.
However, just then, Tetsuya, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up.
"...Eh?"
He first let out an involuntary, wavering sound as he watched Uika about to leave. Then, when Uika turned to look at him, he quickly hid the unease on his face and cleared his throat.
"Ah, n-nothing... Sorry."
"..."
Seeing this, Uika couldn't help but slap her forehead.
If she wasn't mistaken, that sound he just made was clearly him not wanting her to leave.
The reason, of course, wasn't that he actually wanted to sleep in the same room with her. Judging from his slightly nervous expression, the guy was clearly worried about whether he and Ai could really maintain their boundaries without supervision. And his subsequent apology was probably because he realized that, given their current relationship, forcing her to stay in his room was indeed a bit too ambiguous...
Sigh...
"Let Ai sleep in the middle."
In order for everyone to get through the night peacefully, Uika had no choice but to say with a look of resignation.
"That way, there shouldn't be any problem, right, Tetsuya-san?"
"...Mhm."
Realizing his thoughts had been seen through, Tetsuya could only nod with an embarrassed laugh.
"Really... I'm sorry to trouble you, Uika."
"It's not really a bother..."
After all, if she were being honest, she was actually a little bit happy that he trusted her so much.
And even setting Ai aside, the idea of sleeping in the same room with him didn't particularly repulse her.
...
"Anyway, Tetsuya-san, please go ahead and take your shower without worry. I'll keep an eye on Ai for you."
Realizing her train of thought was getting sidetracked, Uika quickly said:
"Also... please, you must keep tonight's events a secret from Sakiko."
"Yes, I understand."
Tetsuya nodded repeatedly.
"I wasn't planning on telling anyone anyway!"
"You too, Ai."
Uika turned to look at Ai, who had already snuggled under the covers.
"I can promise not to report this to Higuchi-san, but you're not allowed to tell anyone about tonight either."
"Eh... I was actually planning on taking a picture just like Anon did..."
Ai's tone and expression were full of reluctance.
"But, well, since you both said so, I'll let it go."
After all, she really didn't plan on doing anything tonight. She just wanted to experience the feeling of sleeping in the same bed with him again after so long.
...
"It'd be even better if we could shower together!"
"That is absolutely not allowed!"
Uika spread her arms, standing resolutely between her and Tetsuya.
"Ai, give him a break. He's already very tired. Don't add to his burden, okay?"
"I was just saying..."
Ai pouted and lay back down again.
After confirming Ai's movements, Tetsuya was finally able to relax. He picked up the bathrobe provided in the hotel closet and tiptoed into the bathroom...
...At Nagasaki Soyo's house...
"I feel like something annoying is happening right now!"
Chihaya Anon, who was staying over, suddenly frowned and looked out the window.
"What's going on? Did something happen to my brother?"
"This is the fifth time you've said that today... I suggest you stop being neurotic."
Nagasaki Soyo said, annoyed.
"Whatever it is, you can talk to him about it when he gets back. Don't keep thinking about bothering him while he's on a business trip."
"Oh..."
Having been scolded by Soyo, Anon could only shrink back dejectedly.
"Speaking of which, the online buzz for this live is super high. Our band might really get discovered by a record label and have our official debut!"
"That's assuming our performance quality is high enough to get noticed."
Soyo said.
"Otherwise, we'll just become a second-rate band that drags [Summer Zodiac] down. Forget a major debut, we'll more likely get flamed online."
"Uwah... I definitely don't want that!"
Anon nervously picked up her guitar again.
"Practice with me for a little while longer, Soyo!"
"No, I'm tired."
"In exchange, I can give you a few photos I took of my brother when he first came to my house!"
"...Fifteen more minutes. Final offer."
"Deal! Ah, but you can't tell my brother! Otherwise, I'll definitely get another lecture."
"I know."
Although a game usually has winners and losers, tonight, there was certainly more than one winner.