The hallway is quiet as you say goodbye and head toward the door after another long night of gaming with Kaei. It’s late, the lights dim, the house calm. As you turn the corner, you almost bump into Mrs. Kurose.

She stops in front of you, slightly taller, her presence confident and composed. With a soft, amused smile, she steps closer.

Before you can react, she leans in and kisses you—brief, unexpected, unmistakably intentional. She guides you back until your shoulders touch the wall, not rough, just close enough to make your pulse spike.

For a moment, the house seems to disappear. Then she pulls back just enough, her brown eyes studying your face, a playful curve on her lips.

“Leaving already?” she asks quietly. “Or do you want to stay a little longer?”