Cabinet Heat and Doorstep Invitation
Have a drink or something before you go—clank, clank—
"Oh crap, this is bad!"
Snapping out of their immersion in each other, the two froze in panic. Someone coming was a good thing—they'd been locked in, after all. But right after reconciling, when things had escalated like this, having someone barge in now—
"—It's still locked."
"—After hours, so of course it is."
"—Didn't you bring the key?"
"Wh-what do we do…?!"
Bianca's heart raced. If the door opened right now, they'd be in deep trouble. From why the two of them were in the storage room at this hour to what exactly they'd been doing. Unhealthy behavior within the academy was strictly forbidden by school rules.
I can't even come up with an excuse…
And to top it off, they were both disheveled. Bianca bit her lip. In this split-second crisis, Carlyle scanned the interior. Luckily, it was the gym storage, full of stuff—a fairly large vaulting box, a cabinet big enough for two people.
Thud.
Carlyle grabbed Bianca's hand and pulled her inside. It was almost divine intervention. Right after they hid, the storage room door creaked open.
"…!"
Bianca tensed up completely. And Carlyle's near-undressing had left her underwear barely on properly.
If we get caught like this…
I'd just want to die.
Sure enough, people entered.
"—Huh, what's this? Isn't it kinda hot in here for some reason?"
"—Yeah? You think?"
"—Just a feeling."
From the conversation, they seemed to be fellow students—all guys. The sharp remarks made the two flinch slightly. Cramped, dark space. Inside a cabinet, no less—disorienting. Bianca's head spun.
"…Hold on, just a bit longer," Carlyle whispered.
Their bodies were already fully pressed together. Bianca was on the verge of losing it.
"Nngh…"
Hot, stuffy, airless. Terrified of getting caught. But beyond the tension…
Am I insane?
It was exciting. Bound tight by Carlyle, held close—breathing was hard. With her vision darkened, her other senses sharpened, making it even worse. They weren't just hugging. In this cramped, dark space, overlapping like this, their upper bodies pressed together. From Carlyle's view, her sharp, cute face flushed tomato-red was hard to resist. So the distinct presence pressing firmly against her lower belly made Bianca's face burn hotter.
It's practically gonna burst through.
Ridiculous, mortifying—but more than that, it ignited her too. The air inside was scorching.
"Nnh… hah…"
If anything, they were in incomplete combustion. Stuck like this in that state—unbearable. Heads buzzing, dizziness setting in. Their eyes met naturally, and Carlyle, unable to hold back, slowly pressed his lips to hers.
Wh-what are you…!
Bianca panicked, knowing it was insane, but got swept up anyway.
"Mmph—hnng…"
Utterly restrained by Carlyle. Hands clasped, embracing. Fingers interlocked. Her rational mind knew it was absurd.
But just this much…
Should be fine, right?
That thought crept into both their heads. Sometimes human reason glitches. Even if caught, their brains were pickled in heat—impossible to stop. Still mindful of the situation, they kept it secretive, slow. Ears tuned to outside sounds. Lips overlapped; Carlyle's hand found her soft breast again.
Ah, no, can't…
Even as she thought that, Bianca's mind fogged—
"Hey, but—"
Sudden voices from outside the cabinet.
"—This place is kinda spacious, huh? Decent mats too."
"—Yeah, what about it."
"—Plenty of room for two to get it on, right?"
"—Oh, you perv." Giggles.
"—Bet some kids do it in storage like this."
"—Maybe."
Bianca could handle crude talk—she'd been a guy once. But the next words flustered her.
"—Guys like Carlyle."
Bouncing ball sounds as they sorted equipment.
"—Handsome ones like him probably tried it here."
"—Oh, more than that. Seen the girl he's dating lately?"
"—Bianca Shama?"
"—Yeah, the transfer. So hot and cute."
Their talk turned to her. Bianca flinched.
Wha… suddenly?
Somehow, mortifying.
"—No way he did her too?"
Bianca's breath hitched at that. Shocked, flustered—lips already claimed by Carlyle. But she noticed something. A twitch—Carlyle's brow furrowed. He pulled his lips away entirely.
Those bastards…
That was his expression in words. Bianca thought fast: reacting now would give them away. But Carlyle Schultz, this madman, snapping in anger wouldn't be weird.
He's gonna bolt out?!
From the cabinet, no less! She couldn't let that happen. In a huff, she clamped her hand over his mouth. To keep his mind off it.
Smack.
Her first initiative, probably. Eyes squeezed shut for a sneaky kiss. Carlyle's eyes widened, mood soured but knowing her intent—to calm him.
"…Damn, driving me nuts."
He muttered softly. The irritation vanished. In the dark, his eyes fixed only on her. Disheveled Bianca Shama, the girl he loved, pleading with her lips.
'Don't do anything stupid…?'
A chuckle escaped. Fine. If Bianca Shama insists, he'd obey meekly. Other things mattered more now. Lace bra strap slipped below her shoulder, hair stuck to her cheek. Sweet body scent, supple feminine curves—all in his arms. Her acting cute like this? Maddening. Whining not to get mad—he had to hold back. It was the situation anyway. A sly smile tugged his lips. Absurdly satisfying.
"—Hey, let's go. Done here."
Only then did they realize.
'Once those guys leave…'
'How do we get out…?'
Eyes met.
"They'll lock it again on the way out…!" Bianca whispered urgently. Carlyle nodded.
"…Stay here a sec."
He moved fast. Getting spotted himself? No issue. As long as Bianca Shama stayed hidden. Waiting for footsteps to fade toward the door—
Carlyle Schultz emerged.
Creeeak. He caught the closing door, poking his head out.
"Hand over that key?"
"Uh, Carlyle…?"
The students startled, but who was Carlyle Schultz? His shamelessness deterred followers.
"Fell asleep doing teacher duty. Behind the vaulting box there."
"Oh, okay…?"
That settled it. Moments later, back at the cabinet.
"There, done."
Key dangled, signature refreshing smile.
"H-how…?"
"Didn't say much."
Finished the job, said he'd lock up. A glare did the trick—they handed it over. Probably felt guilty themselves. Not full gossip, but close.
"…What the heck."
Absurd, but relieved—Bianca sighed.
"Anyway, sorted."
Carlyle grinned.
"Shall we finish now?"
"F-finish what?!"
Bianca flustered; he chuckled.
"You know."
What an unforgettable moment.
"First time you kissed me. Gotta commemorate it properly."
"No, that was…"
You idiot?
Her face reddened, sudden self-loathing. She'd gone nuts. But it was a desperate move then.
"That was just to stop you…"
That's all. This shameless guy pretending otherwise.
"Ugh, whatever."
Weirdly embarrassed. Bianca resented him anew, but her body stiffened in his arms again.
"Hard to hold back today…"
"…S-so what."
This feeling—not hating it. She pushed weakly. But they couldn't here—who knew if more people came? They'd been locked in originally. Cautiously scanning, Bianca slipped out first.
"No one in the hall."
"Stairs clear too."
Worried about eyes or misunderstandings, they snuck out together—soon leaving the academy.
After leaving, they bickered walking the street. He insisted on escorting despite her protests. Even carrying her bag.
"No, give it."
"Guys carry these."
"So give it already?"
"Context lost on me…?"
Like he'd gained insight in the storage room, Carlyle Schultz grew bolder. Holding her hand interlocked, striding confidently despite refusals. Her dorm was close to the academy, but still—nervous about running into students.
Why am I even…?
Bianca puzzled why she cared, why it nagged her. They weren't anything anyway. Right? But eyes on them? If nothing between them, she could strut freely. No need to mind misconceptions. But now—
Odd feeling. Probably one person's presence: Emily Swan. Her crush, who unfortunately liked Carlyle Schultz.
I like Emily.
She thought so. Yet Bianca bit her lip. Guilty toward Emily for no reason. Flustered, confused, she let Carlyle lead by the hand. If truly hated, she'd yank free—but not doing so confused her. Honestly, rather—
Her heart pounded.
What is this…?
She barely knew herself anymore. Soon at the familiar building. Bold Carlyle hesitated. Evening breeze cooled his earlier heat—reason returned. Parting now wasn't bad. Reconciled, escorted home. But pushing further? Right, even if she'd glimpsed her feelings? First true sincerity—he wasn't sure. Conclusion: caution.
Today ends here. Plenty enough.
Swallowing regret, he stepped back—
"Come in, Bianca."
"Uh, well… I mean…"
Unexpected words.
"You walked me all this way."
"…Have a drink inside first or something."
Hesitant, averted eyes. Carlyle couldn't believe his ears.