Kenji slipped inside and closed the door behind him. “How’d you sleep?” he asked, perching on the edge of my bed.
“Terrible,” I muttered, collapsing back onto the mattress. “Someone tried to get into my room last night.”
Kenji’s eyes widened. “What? Who?”
“I don’t know,” I said, peeking at him from under the blanket. “But your chair trick stopped them from getting in.”
“Wow. Good thing we did it.”
I rolled over to face him fully. “You know what would be an even better thing? If someone didn’t try to break into my room while I slept.”
Kenji winced. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Your idea worked,” I said, my voice softening.
Kenji frowned, his concern evident. “We should tell Kanshisha-san. This isn’t some casual sleepover. It’s the most prestigious apprenticeship program in Japan. Stuff like this shouldn’t be happening.”
“I know, but I think everything that happens here is a test, a way to see how far we’ll go, what we’re willing to endure. For now, let’s just see how things play out.”
Kenji nodded, though I could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced. Only then did I notice he was already dressed in his uniform. “When did you have time to change?”
“I got up before Kanshisha-san came through,” he said with a shrug.
“Let me guess. You slept like a baby.”
“I did, but I woke early…too excited. Today’s the first real day, Akiko. You should be excited too. Now, come on. Time to get up.”
“Why? I can’t shower right now anyway. The others will be in there.”
“That’s true,” he admitted. “Fine. You’ve got thirty more minutes. But after that, I’m coming back. Okay?”
“Thank you,” I said, my voice muffled by the blanket.
Kenji leaned down and kissed my forehead before heading for the door. “See you in thirty.”
That was the second time he’d kissed my forehead since we arrived. Was it just a friendly gesture? Or was it something more? Either way, it warmed me, leaving a faint smile on my lips.
Oh, Kenji. What are we going to do? This is neither the time nor the place to catch feelings, no matter how tempting.
When Kenji returned, I was still in bed, my blanket wrapped tightly around me. “It’s time to unravel yourself,” he said, shaking me gently. “I’ve already showered, so it’s your turn.”
I groaned in protest. “It feels like you just left.”
“Are you naked under there?”
“Just about.”
“You have five minutes to get dressed, or I’ll do it for you.”
“Promise?”
The word slipped out before I could stop myself, and my eyes widened.Oh crap. Did I just flirt with him? Maybe he didn’t notice.
Kenji arched an eyebrow. “Someone’s naughty in the mornings. Are you always like this?”
Damn it. He noticed.
“Fine, fine,” I grumbled, rolling out of bed. “I’ll be ready in five.”
