The Field Team Leader's Room
I couldn't move with my gaze fixed forward because the Field Team Leader was leaning comfortably against my shoulder, fast asleep. "Uhuu.. uu.." Even just helping her into the taxi had left me dizzy from all the contact, but now that she was leaning on me like this, the slightest shift of my eyes gave me a clear view down the open buttons of her shirt, revealing the full curve of her ample cleavage.
It was too much to bear, so I thought about buttoning her shirt back up a little, but the fabric was stretched so tightly over her chest that it was impossible to close it. When I tugged at the shirt hem, the sensation of that elasticity and weight made my lower body ache for no reason. I gave up, afraid that if I tried any harder my fingers might actually touch something they shouldn't.
"We've arrived." The taxi driver, who had clearly assumed we were heading to a motel or some other lodging, looked puzzled when we stopped at the entrance of the art museum. I couldn't blame him; I felt the same confusion. The address the Team Leader had sent was the museum I commuted to every day, though the exact spot was a little ways from the main building. If it was behind the main hall, there was probably a walking path, but I'd never actually been there—I only knew it existed.
Since it was well past closing time, the main gate was locked. We couldn't drive in, but there was a small side door we could use. It was the same one I'd used the last time I came late at night to apologize to Harpy.
".. Field Team Leader, Field Team Leader." She had still been conscious enough to be helped into the taxi, but this was clearly beyond that now. "... This isn't my fault, okay?" With no other choice, I hoisted her onto my back. The moment her body pressed fully against mine, another jolt ran through me. That wasn't the only problem—I had to hook my arms under both of her thighs to carry her properly.
I wasn't doing anything wrong, yet the feeling of her against my back and arms was so pleasant that I kept glancing around nervously even though no one was there. Her head was buried in my shoulder, and every time she let out a soft, rhythmic breath carrying the strong scent of alcohol, her breath and hair tickled the back of my neck, forcing me to stop walking for a moment.
"Is it around here..?" The night path, lined with short lampposts on both sides, had a certain charm. Even though I'd already washed away most of my feelings with that one drink, a greedy part of me kept resurfacing, regretting what I'd let slip away. Well, there was no going back now. I slowed my steps, deciding to enjoy this small happiness while I could, treating it like a nighttime stroll.
"I never knew a place like this existed.." As we followed the path, I spotted a narrow trail just as the Team Leader had mentioned. Following it led to a single traditional Korean-style house with a classic appearance. Despite the exterior, it was modern—the front door had an electronic lock.
"I don't know the password.." Beep. A notification for a text message. Was I the only one getting chills? I hadn't checked it yet, but it was probably from the Team Leader. "..." Even though I knew it was pointless, I couldn't help whipping my head around, searching for hidden cameras. "Knowing the door password too is a little terrifying."
When I entered the six-digit code from the message, the lock clicked open with a mechanical sound. The Team Leader was starting to genuinely scare me. "Find the bed.. lay her down right away, then leave. Perfect." The plan was flawless. I knew from experience that things never went according to plan, but having one still made me feel better.
The stylish interior wasn't large, so I quickly found her room. I'd assumed someone like her would live at the facility, but she had her own house—and so close by, too. It must be convenient for commuting. Or maybe it was because she got called out to the field so often?
"Is this it..?" I slid open the door and stepped inside. As expected, it was a simple room with a bed, desk, bookshelf, and wardrobe. She kept it incredibly neat. "... Gah." Was this déjà vu..? While trying to keep my gaze as respectful as possible, I spotted something on the bed that radiated far more presence than anything else in the room. The first emotion that hit me was fear.
Round, sparkling eyes. A shy-looking mouth. A cute nose and round ears. It was obvious why this thing was terrifying me. "Is this.. a trend these days?" The large teddy bear made me wonder if I was falling behind the times. It was smaller than Arachne's, but still clearly meant to be hugged while sleeping. If the Field Team Leader ever found out I'd not only entered her house but seen this.. this ridiculously cute bear that didn't match her image at all.. Ugh. .. My head hurt.
Gulp.. I regretted not just dumping her at the entrance and running like a gentleman. Curiosity about what the Team Leader's room looked like had killed me. With her keen sense of smell, excuses wouldn't work. "Nngh.. damn." At least things hadn't reached the worst-case scenario yet. I pushed down my anxiety and decided to carry out the plan. I'd found the bed, so now I'd lay her down and leave. Then I'd go home and get thoroughly scolded by Nero. Simple enough.
"..?" But then—squeeze. "Excuse me..?" I turned around to lower her onto the bed, thinking I'd just adjust her head onto the pillow, when—flop. What was happening? "Mmm..." The arms she'd wrapped around my neck for the piggyback ride suddenly tightened, yanking me down onto the bed with her.
Her arms locked around me, the softness pressing against my back, the scent of a woman rising from the bed, and the dangerous thrill of realizing this was none other than the Field Team Leader's bed. I froze, unsure whether what I felt was joy or something else, just breathing, until the suspiciously perfect situation made me suspect it might be a trap disguised as coincidence.
"Excuse me, Field Team Leader? You're awake right now, aren't you? You're awake, right?" Twitch. "You just twitched..!" Squeeze..! When I pressed her, she answered by hugging me even tighter instead of speaking. "I-It's breaking..! My back's breaking!" Of course she was awake. The moment my voice sounded urgent, the strength in her arms loosened. ".. Th-The doll.. just talked."
"..." "...." An awkward silence fell over the bed. The already quiet surroundings, filled only with the sound of insects, made the room feel even quieter. Now that I'd grown used to the sounds, my other senses sharpened. The soft, fluffy texture of the bed, and.. the feeling of her body—stronger than anyone I knew, yet somehow softer than hard muscle, probably because she was a nine-tailed fox. Then there was the scent of her room, which I'd missed earlier because of the teddy bear: her familiar sweet body odor mixed gently with fabric softener, tickling my nose.
".. You came all the way here just to leave?" "If I was planning to just leave..?" Her voice seemed to awaken my already heightened senses again. To hide how hard my heart was pounding, I answered as calmly as I could. My mind had grown so composed that I surprised even myself—it was like how extreme situations sometimes made people coldly rational instead.
".. I thought any woman would be fine with you?" "You never once said you disliked it, Field Team Leader. But I'm not shameless enough to touch someone without their permission." "... I can hear your heartbeat, you know. Saying that so smoothly." .. So she could hear it. Then pretending to be calm was pointless. And I didn't know exactly when she'd woken up, but if I'd been even a little more drunk or let my desires take over and made a mistake.. just imagining it sent a chill down my spine.
".. Weren't you disappointed? I thought I'd already been eliminated as a candidate." "Yeah, I was disappointed in you.. But if I'd really given up, I wouldn't be this annoyed either." 'Besides.. a woman wouldn't show such a defenseless side to someone she had no feelings for.' Because of our position, it sounded like she was whispering right into my ear. I never knew my ears were this sensitive. Every time her voice reached me, I twitched. It wasn't as coquettish as Nero's, and I'd always thought hers had a cheeky, sharp edge.. but right now she sounded strangely meek, which made it pleasant to listen to.
"So if I didn't borrow some liquid courage like this.. I wouldn't have been able to swallow my pride and hold onto you first." "..." I couldn't say anything. Was I happy? Glad? Or was I afraid of what Nero would do if I didn't go home? No, that wasn't it.. The real reason I physically couldn't speak right now was..? Field Team Leader..? Was she seriously sucking on me right now? "Ah.. uuu..." This feeling. This sensation of my energy being forcibly squeezed out—I'd experienced it before.
... Snore.. snore.. Did she fall asleep..? Now of all times? Wait.. "Uuu.." As her emotions peaked, fatigue rushed in even faster. My strength.. was being drained away. She fell asleep just like that..? Maybe after saying everything she wanted to say, the tension left her and the remaining alcohol knocked her out. Either way, this "meal" seemed to be happening unconsciously. "This is.. dangerous..." My vision was blurring, but I knew it wasn't from the alcohol. And since this wasn't an injury, Mini Undine's healing wouldn't help either. If someone didn't come save me right now.. I was really in trouble. Ah.. Through the open window, why did it feel like.. a single sparkling thread of moonlight.. was visible..?