Nozomi eventually left the toilet without a solution. She could not stay inside forever.
Night came soon.
This time, Hina volunteered to make dinner and insisted that Hikaru rest for the day because he had just “recovered”.
With Hikaru asleep, Nozomi kept the monsters at bay by herself. She had her dinner on time then returned to Hikaru’s room. With BaoBao as the lookout, Nozomi whiled her time away in Hikaru’s room and kept the area clear of monsters, hoping to leave less work for Hikaru.
Finally, Hikaru stirred in his sleep. Nozomi changed back into her normal form and pretended to have knocked out on the study table, with her books open and all that.
“Hina did a good job.” Nozomi heard him mumble.
There was a brief shuffle of steps. He had approached her. Feeling his gaze on her, Nozomi tried hard to calm her heart and breathe as slowly and deeply as possible.
“She just fell asleep…” His voice sounded very close.