"Mm—you... do you want to die?!" Yukino Yukinoshita's whisper was fierce, her small hand pushing against the brain-addled man who'd invaded her personal space. Her heart threatened to burst from her chest.
The familiar scent confirmed what she already knew—this scoundrel who'd attacked her so boldly was indeed her shameless fiancé. Normally, she'd welcome his passion. But tonight was different!
She grabbed his hand, her clear blue eyes darting sideways to where Mrs. Yukinoshita lay sleeping.
Undeterred, Hozuki Nozomi simply lowered his head again and captured her lips.
Yukino could only manage faint whimpers, her body trembling with nerves. A mist of embarrassment welled in her beautiful eyes.
Finally sensing her distress, he released her lips and leaned close to her ear. "Sorry, Yukino. I missed you too much."
Still flustered, she reached down and pinched his waist hard. "Idiot! At least pay attention to the occasion! We were together just the day before yesterday!"
She appreciated his devotion, truly. But now was absolutely not the time for such things. If they were discovered, she'd never be able to face anyone again.
Hozuki Nozomi held her pinching hand gently while his other arm tightened around her slender waist. He pressed another kiss to her cheek. "Yukino-chan, it's fine. Keep your voice down and no one will notice."
Yukino stared at him in disbelief. How could he be so shameless?
"Wait—mmph!"
Before she could finish protesting, she found herself using her remaining free hand to cover her own mouth. Her other hand was held captive by this scoundrel.
He really, really loved her.
Despite everything, Yukino's heart softened. The shame and nervousness gradually transformed into something sweeter. She shot him an indignant glare, but in the end, she could only acquiesce.
The aggrieved Miss Yukinoshita did her best to muffle herself.
Hozuki Nozomi gazed at his adorable fiancée's expression, utterly captivated. He had no resistance to her whatsoever.
...
Behind them, Mrs. Yukinoshita's ears had turned crimson.
Her elegant hands gripped the bedsheet tightly as she endured the pounding of her heart. Shame and indignation warred within her.
That brat. He must be doing this on purpose.
She raised a hand to cover her racing heart, unable to stop herself from recalling that day when Yukino and Haruno had formally introduced him. His words echoed: "I want her."
So this was what he meant by becoming family?
Mrs. Yukinoshita did her utmost to maintain steady breathing, but her quickening pulse betrayed her inner turmoil.
Yukino, caught up in her own rapid breathing and heightened emotions, noticed nothing unusual about her mother.
Seeing no signs of her mother waking, she assumed Hozuki Nozomi had used some special method to keep her asleep. What else could explain it?
How could he be so wicked? Just how far would he go to tease her?
But even as she complained internally, she'd already removed the hand covering her mouth, gazing at him with softened eyes.
How could Hozuki Nozomi resist such an expression from his stunning fiancée? He eagerly drew closer.
To show Yukino the depth of his affection, he decided to redouble his efforts.
In the calm night sky, restless movements stirred.
Yukino Yukinoshita naturally couldn't sleep. Entangled by her beloved, she could only surrender to emotion and respond to his expectations.
....
Around 5 AM, Hozuki Nozomi gazed at the thoroughly exhausted Yukino in his arms. He shifted, tightening his embrace around her slender waist, letting her find the most comfortable position.
With his other hand, he reached for Mrs. Yukinoshita's waist and pulled her close.
He wasn't stupid. He'd noticed she was awake long ago.
Initially, he'd mistaken her for a more developed Yukino. When that proved wrong, he'd assumed it was Haruno. Only later did he realize his error.
He'd woken Yukino before... redirecting his attention.
Honestly? Even he was startled. This was truly an accident.
But since it had happened, he would take responsibility.
And given how Mrs. Yukinoshita pretended to sleep, she didn't seem to dislike him.
He remembered what Haruno had told him about Haruhiko Yukinoshita's affair and illegitimate child. Mrs. Yukinoshita must be deeply hurt, seeking comfort from Yukino tonight.
Since she was Yukino's family, she was naturally his family too. He would comfort Mrs. Yukinoshita!
Hozuki Nozomi's thoughts were utterly shameless.
He lowered his head and kissed Mrs. Yukinoshita's cherry lips.
Her eyes flew open, face burning with shame as she stared at this scoundrel who'd already closed his own eyes.
She was furious! For Yukino's sake, she certainly couldn't "wake up."
This brat had no shame!
Yet... despite his scoundrel nature, he genuinely doted on Yukino. As a fiancé, he was honest with both Yukino and Haruno—far better than Haruhiko Yukinoshita with his secret affairs.
Comparing people only highlighted the difference.
Hozuki Nozomi might be a womanizer, but his ability to win so many girls' hearts spoke to his charm. In truth, Mrs. Yukinoshita felt a flicker of envy toward her daughters.
Through the faint moonlight, she gazed at this bold, handsome young man and sighed softly.
She was tired. For years she'd single-handedly supported the Yukinoshita name, maintaining elegant composure in public while nursing her wounded heart in private.
Perhaps she could try relying on Yukino, Haruno... and him.
With that thought, her tension eased. Leaning against someone warm, she gradually fell asleep.
....
The next morning, Yukino Yukinoshita opened her eyes to find the scoundrel gone.
Sensing her mother's gaze, guilt flickered through her.
"Yukino? Is something wrong?" Mrs. Yukinoshita asked, feigning confusion.
"No, nothing. Good morning."
Mrs. Yukinoshita smiled gently and embraced her daughter. "Yukino, if that boy ever bullies you, tell me. I'll teach him a lesson."
"I will."
But he probably wouldn't bully her. At worst, he'd cling to her all day and refuse to let her leave bed.
The thought made Yukino's pretty face flush crimson.