Karen's Compromise
Netoru headed to the women's dormitory. The men's and women's dorms were in separate buildings, but they were practically attached, functioning as one big structure. Coming and going between them was free. Still, he couldn't completely ignore prying eyes, so he felt a few gazes lingering as he stepped into the women's section.
Sure enough, the atmosphere in a space full of women felt different. Unlike the men's dorms, the air carried a soft, sweet scent. It almost made him feel like he'd trespassed into forbidden territory shunned by men. He'd snuck in last night because of those two girls, but there hadn't been time to look around. This time, Netoru took it slow, leisurely strolling toward Karen's room while taking in the sights.
As he walked down the hallway lined with nameplates bearing the pilots' names, he soon arrived at the door marked [Karen]. The handwriting was surprisingly cute—probably her own. Netoru chuckled softly and knocked lightly on the door.
──Come in.
The response came quick, as if she'd been waiting. He opened the door and stepped inside, spotting Karen sitting primly on her bed.
"...You're a bit late."
Was she thinking back to yesterday? She lifted her head slightly, shooting him a prickly glare. It was obvious she wasn't in a great mood. There was extra tension in her dark eyes. She'd tried to play it cool at the mess hall, but yesterday's events must have stuck with her. It'd be weirder if she could just brush it off.
Netoru glanced at her, then started scanning the room.
"Hmm."
The place looked just like yesterday—neat and tidy. Pure Karen. But in the corner of the bed sat a cute little bear plush. Did she hug that thing to sleep? The thought crossed his mind right as Karen narrowed her eyes at him.
"...Aren't you staring at a girl's room a little too openly?"
"You checked out my room yesterday too."
"..."
It was just a jab, but it hit home. She couldn't deny it, so Karen clamped her mouth shut, shooting him a dissatisfied, protesting look.
Netoru had no interest in picking a fight with her. He asked her the same way he always did.
"Ready to start the treatment?"
"..."
But Karen just stared at him blankly, no answer. Her eyes scrutinized every detail of his expression. When Netoru tilted his head, she grumbled.
"...Netoru. You're way too shameless. How can you act so casual after what happened yesterday?"
"So what do you want me to do?"
"...That's."
Karen's lips twitched. She seemed to want something but swallowed it back down. Finally, she muttered softly.
"...You could at least act a little sorry."
It was a tiny voice, barely audible, like even she wasn't confident about it.
Just as Netoru opened his mouth to reply—
"...Whatever. Forget it."
With a low sigh, as if she'd decided dragging this out was pointless, Karen stood from the bed. Then, unusually, she closed the distance first, stepping right up to him. Netoru's eyes widened a bit in surprise, and she narrowed hers.
"...What's with that look?"
She rose slightly on her toes, pressing both hands to his chest as she leaned in close.
"Nah. Just surprised."
"At what?"
"This is the first time you've come at me like this when you're in one piece."
"...?"
Karen paused, thinking, then her cheeks flushed faintly.
"...Shut up with the nonsense and let's get started. If you hang around my room too long, the others will get the wrong idea."
Hiding her embarrassment, she yanked at his collar and kissed him. Netoru didn't resist her lead.
──Smack.
As their lips parted slightly, Karen's tongue slipped in first. Their saliva mingled naturally, and before long, she wrapped her arms around his neck, standing on her toes as if urging him closer.
What was this? This Karen felt unfamiliar. Her vibe was nothing like the shy, girlish awkwardness he'd known before. Now she was stiff, almost mechanical. Like she was really just here for treatment.
Was it because of yesterday? Puzzled, Netoru focused on the kiss. He formed the mana path as usual, cooling her overheated mana nerve system from the overheat.
There was no sweetness between man and woman in the process. In dry silence, their lips stayed locked for minutes purely for treatment, tongues tangling as saliva swapped back and forth countless times.
"...Hoo."
Deciding it was enough, Karen unwrapped her arms from his neck without savoring the aftertaste and gently pushed at his chest. She straightened her disheveled clothes, then spoke calmly.
"...Netoru. I won't tell you not to swap with Seres. But I have one request."
"Request?"
"Once my body's back in shape, couple with me too."
"..."
What did she mean by that? Before he could ponder, Karen sidled closer, fixing his rumpled collar from the kiss.
"...Be honest. You can grant a little request like this, right? After treating me so rough all the time."
Her low, husky voice carried a strange allure. It grumbled like a complaint, but with an undertone that promised no mercy if refused. Netoru instinctively knew he couldn't turn this down. It was Karen's line in the sand.
"So, what's your answer?"
She looked up from under his chin, eyes sharp as she glared. It was haughty yet somehow cheerful. Less a request, more a threat. Her clear black eyes gleamed like a feline predator's.
Feigning defeat under that gaze, Netoru shrugged.
"Karen, if you're okay with that, sure."
Honestly, it was good news for him. He'd planned to keep coupling with both anyway. The issue was Seres. As if reading his mind, Karen spoke first.
"...Don't worry. I'll convince Seres."
2. Before leaving the room, Netoru double-checked his appearance. Emerging from a girl's room could draw weird looks from the others. Karen, aware of it too, helped him out.
──Do I really need to check this too?
──...Better safe.
It felt nice, having a girl fuss over his clothes. Karen wouldn't let even the tiniest wrinkle slide. Overkill, almost.
Once they were done and he stepped out like nothing had happened—
Netoru froze.
"...You."
Right outside the door, bad timing or not, stood Seres. She slowly raised her head as the door opened, fixing him with a clouded expression. No shock at him coming out of Karen's room—just anxious eyes.
That's when it hit him. This wasn't bad timing. Seres had been waiting for him to emerge.
Had she watched him go in too? An awkward silence hung between their stares. Neither spoke. How could they, after yesterday? It'd be odd if words came easy. Honestly, Karen's unchanged prickliness was the weird part. Seres stayed quiet for a long stretch. Her purple eyes flickered with swirling emotions, pale pink lips twitching nonstop. The subtle gestures screamed she wanted to say something but didn't know how. It was heartbreaking to watch.
If the others saw this, they'd be stunned. This wasn't the Seres they knew. She'd acted normal-ish at the mess hall... but right now, she was the fragile woman from last night. A broken lily, vulnerable.
Still, facing him like this took guts. She'd been deliberately avoiding him since morning. At last, Seres forced a soft smile.
"Um, I was quite rude yesterday."
So that's where it started. Netoru glanced down the hall, confirming no one else was around, then asked quietly.
"Which parts, exactly?"
"Eek... That is..."
Caught off guard by his teasing? Seres fidgeted, trailing off from her feigned composure. Finally, she lowered her eyes and murmured.
"...I woke up in my room this morning. Did you... carry me there?"
"Who else?"
"...I figured."
She nodded, looking confused, unconsciously touching her lips. Her pale face flushed gradually. It wasn't hard for Netoru to read what that meant.
Yesterday, he'd forced a kiss on her in the room. And that was it. But with no memory after, Seres was lost. Unaware Karen had seen, she'd probably assumed it led to more between man and woman.
"Don't worry. I didn't do anything weird."
"...R-right? Just the kiss...? Nothing really happened, then. But why...?"
"Why what?"
He could guess what she meant. He could've gone further if he wanted. But that would've wrecked things with Seres. Netoru didn't want a woman who'd given up in despair.
"Did you want me to do more?"
"N-no... I was just surprised... I thought you'd... not stop at the kiss... so..."
"..."
Her words tumbled out incoherently. Unable to string them together, Seres bowed her head again. This wasn't getting anywhere. Push too hard, and she'd break like last night. Netoru decided not to drag out the yesterday talk. What he really wanted to know was why she was waiting here.
"Seres. So why were you lurking outside Karen's door?"
"...Huh?"
She jolted, head snapping up—clearly not expecting him to see through her.
"W-wait... I was just looking for Karen..."
"Don't bother lying to my face."
"...I'm sorry. I was... curious."
"Curious about what?"
"...What did you two talk about in there?"
Whatever she imagined, her purple eyes trembled with unease. Netoru answered flatly.
"Why don't you ask Karen yourself?"