Rice Shower's POV
"Wow... there are so many cute things..."
"They're quite practical for everyday use, too," the shopkeeper added with a smile.
"Ooh... Oh! This floral-patterned towel is lovely. I think I'll start using it today."
"It's made from a very gentle material, so it's incredibly soft to the touch."
"In that case, I'll take this one, please."
"Thank you very much."
Ehehe. I managed to find something really nice. I love the towels I usually use, but just touching this one makes me feel so relaxed...
"Here is your purchase. Also, if you'd like, please try this tail oil. We have it specially formulated for Horse Girls here. It has a reputation for making hair incredibly silky."
"Oh, yes! Um... I'll definitely give it a try."
"Thank you for your patronage."
Now I'm even more excited for the hot springs after dinner! I wonder if anyone's back at the room yet? C.B.-san said she was going outside for a bit, but I wonder if the President is there?
— The Camellia Suite —
"Um... is anyone here?"
The room was empty. I guess C.B.-san isn't back yet. Oh? Is that a note?
To C.B. and Rice,
I am currently visiting our Brother in the room next door. We are playing chess, so if you find yourselves alone, please feel free to join us.
— Symboli Rudolf
"The President is in Onii-sama's room..." I murmured to myself. "Maybe I should go, too. It's a little lonely being in this big room all by myself."
Alright! I think I'll head over to Onii-sama's room!
— The Cypress Suite —
"E-Excuse me... I'm coming i—huh?"
Hachiman: "Hm? Oh, hey, Rice. You're here."
Rice Shower: "Um... President? What is she doing?"
Hachiman: "Sleeping. We started with chess, then we were just enjoying the view when she started nodding off. Next thing I knew, she leaned over and used my shoulder as a pillow. Between the Student Council work and her training, she's probably been running on fumes. The fatigue finally caught up with her."
Rice Shower: "I see..."
Hachiman: "You want to join?"
Rice Shower: "Wh-What?"
Hachiman: "It's a big sofa. The other side is wide open."
Rice Shower: "...Th-Then, if you don't mind, excuse me."
I shuffled over to the other side of Onii-sama and leaned against him while looking out at the scenery...
Rice Shower: "Hwaaa..."
Hachiman: "A yawn the second you sit down? You can sleep until dinner if you want."
Rice Shower: "But... it feels like a waste to sleep through this..."
Hachiman: "Is that so? Then should I wake you up if you look like you're drifting off?"
Rice Shower: "Umyu~..."
Hachiman: "That's not exactly an answer, is it?"
Hachiman (Internal): It's been a month, but I bet she's still carrying the exhaustion from the overseas trip. Add today's long drive on top of that, and it's no wonder the fatigue and drowsiness are hitting her all at once.
Hachiman: "Go ahead and sleep. I'll wake you when it's time... though it looks like you're already out. Man, if C.B. walks in on this, she's going to scream the house down. It'll probably give these two a heart attack."
Wait... Onii-sama's voice sounds so far away...
— Two Hours Later —
Hachiman: "...ice. ...Rice? Hey, Rice? Are you awake, milady?"
Rice Shower: "Mm... Onii... sama?"
Hachiman: "Yep, it's me. Dinner's almost ready."
Rice Shower: "Really? That felt like it was only a second..."
Hachiman: "Not quite. You've been out for two hours. It's seven o'clock. You looked like you were having a very peaceful dream."
Rice Shower: "Fueh?! R-Rice slept for that long?!"
Hachiman: "Yeah. Incidentally, Rudolf is still out for the count."
The President is still sleeping?! Wow... she's usually so disciplined. Wait, was she clinging to Onii-sama's arm before I fell asleep? Or was I just imagining things?
Mr. C.B.: "Hey... are we going to get ready or what?" (Sullen stare)
Rice Shower: "C-C.B.-san?! Since when were you here?!"
Mr. C.B.: "I saw the note and came here about an hour ago. I've been watching you two the whole time. Watching you both lean on Hachiman, looking soooooo comfortable and happy... I was sitting here on the bed, feeling envious and jealous the entire time. By the way, I'm still jealous." (Pouts)
Rice Shower: "Au... Um, I'm so sorry..."
Hachiman: "Rice, you don't need to apologize. This is just C.B. being ugly-jealous."
Mr. C.B.: (Puffs her cheeks out in a massive pout)
Hachiman: "You two go on ahead. I'm going to try and wake Rudolf. She's proving surprisingly stubborn."
Rice Shower: "Oh, okay! Understood! We'll go wait for you!"
Mr. C.B.: "Hachiman! After dinner, it's my turn! Don't you forget it!!"
Hachiman: "Sorry, I'm heading straight to the bath after dinner."
Mr. C.B.: "Geez!!"
Oh dear, C.B.-san stormed off! I have to catch up! She'll be lonely if she's all by herself!
Hachiman's POV
...Now then.
Hachiman: "Rudolf. You really think I haven't noticed?"
Symboli Rudolf: "...Nothing escapes you, does it, Brother? But C.B. always manages to beat me to the punch. Can't you allow me at least this much?"
Hachiman: "Well, I suppose this is the only time we really get to slow down. But you've been awake since Rice got here, haven't you? You're sharper than you let on."
Symboli Rudolf: "Is it so wrong? I've always been a bit envious of how C.B. clings to you. This time, where we can be like this without worrying about prying eyes, is precious to me. Besides, officially, I'm 'asleep,' aren't I? No one would notice if we were just a few minutes late."
Hachiman: "...Fine. But only for a little while."
It's been since the beginning of the year since I've had a moment like this with Rudolf.
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