146. Go to sleep.

That's right—Yukinoshita Yukino had reported SuoYuki without hesitation.

And then, with the kind of authority only a club president could muster, she instructed Nozomi to pick up the cheeky little fox and place her right outside his room.

Yukinoshita had made her intentions clear. She didn't oppose Yuki and Nozomi being together. She simply wished for Suo Yuki to be a bit more... reserved.

"Love should take its time," Yukino had murmured, eyes calm but voice resolute. "Let nature take its course."

Besides—if Nozomi had truly wanted to cross that line with Yuki, he could've done so long ago. But he hadn't.

He hadn't because he cherished her.

And so, Yukino—soon to be engaged to him—felt she should learn to cherish Yuki too, even if they were romantic rivals of sorts.

If Suo Yuki had known what Yukino was thinking, she definitely would have rolled her eyes so hard they might have gotten stuck.

"Then thank you for your benevolence, O Noble Yukino," she would've replied with biting sarcasm.

But Suo Yuki wasn't disheartened. Not one bit.

Even being put at the door had zero effect on her lively spirit. Because to her—teasing, ambushing, and even seducing Nozomi was a kind of strategy... a game.

Her special way of strengthening bonds. Her personal battle.

After all, what was the point if everything came too easily? Where's the thrill?

No, she had to make her brother fall so head over heels for her that there would be no room for hesitation in his heart.

...

"Onii-chan~ Open up! Yuki's here to bring you tea!"

It was exactly 9 p.m. when her sweet voice echoed like a chime outside Nozomi's door.

He opened it, only to be greeted by complete darkness—and an adorable smile.

"What kind of tea are you delivering this late, little gremlin?"

"Nyaa~ It's a special herbal blend made to help reduce internal heat! Super effective, promise!"

"Internal heat relief, huh? Let me try."

Nozomi accepted the cup, raising an eyebrow. As a dragonkin, his body ran hot—literally. It was one of the drawbacks of his formidable physique. His magical energy surged constantly, and the imbalance often left him feeling irritable.

Mahiru, Sayu, and even Kamiigusa Misaki had no complaints, of course. They rather liked his "problematic" vitality.

Still, it wasn't sustainable. They all needed rest—sometimes.

According to Frieren, the source of his volatility was due to the unstable, ever-growing surge of magic within him. He needed to regulate it again soon, just likeFern.

So for now, he gratefully accepted Yuki's tea.

He took a few careful sips, and to his surprise, it was... cooling. Refreshing.

"Not bad, Yuki. Actually tastes pretty good."

"Ehehe~ Of course! That blend wasn't easy to find. Someone paid good money for it, you know!"

She giggled as she tiptoed forward and threw herself into his arms with practiced ease.

"Say, Onii-chan... who was in your bed earlier today? There's a familiar scent~"

Nozomi chuckled and ran his hand through her hair.

"Besides you? Who else dares?"

"Hmph! Don't lie! I know Mashiro snuck in earlier! She even told me she was there for 'snacks' or something dumb!"

Her pout was weapons-grade.

"If Mashiro can eat... then so can I! All I wanna know is, are you going to let me have some too?"

Nozomi pinched the bridge of his nose. Was this about food or something else entirely?

With a girl like Yuki—full of energy, mischief, and overflowing affection—he was often caught off guard.

But after his memories had returned, what he felt for her wasn't just physical longing. It was something deeper.

Love. Family. Treasure.

"Alright, alright. You'll get your chance. Just not tonight."

He smiled softly. "This is your home too, Yuki. We have all the time in the world."

Yuki's heart skipped a beat. Her cheeks turned the color of sakura blossoms.

"Mmm... okay! I'll be good and listen to Onii-chan~"

"Good. Now get to bed already. No more sneaking around."

...

Around 10 p.m., Nozomi left his room for the bathroom.

But when he returned…

He felt it. A warm presence under the covers.

He lifted the blanket.

"Yuki. You little gremlin... You planned this, didn't you?"

ozomi thought back to the herbal tea, his face twitching with black lines. Of course it had a diuretic effect. He should have expected that.

"Hehe... it helps clear heat and flush toxins! Don't worry, big brother, Yuki would never harm you~" Suou Yuki giggled, her voice like wind chimes in the dark.

She snuggled deeper into the blanket, her warmth seeping into his side. "It's just... I missed you so much. It's been so long. Can't we just sleep together like before?"

Nozomi sighed. He remembered clearly—years ago, it was him who insisted on sharing the bed. Back then, she was a tiny crybaby, always clinging to him. He had held her tightly, whispering to her until she slept.

Now, though, she wasn't a little girl anymore.

He raised his hand and gently stroked her hair. Her softness, her scent, the pressure of her chest pressing lightly against him—it all made his heart stir, but he suppressed the wave.

"Be good. Just sleep. I'm here," he whispered.

Yuki hummed contentedly and nuzzled against his chest, inhaling his scent like a sleepy kitten. "You have to stay energetic forever, okay? I'll even help you with Yukinoshita-san!"

Nozomi chuckled softly. "You're going to assist me now?"

"Mhm! Yukino-chan is interesting. She's like, tsundere max! Says one thing, does another. Super cute! I can accept being a family with someone like her. Buuuut... Yuki must always be the only one in your heart. If not, I refuse!"

"Dummy." He reached over and flicked her forehead gently. "You've always been the only one. My most precious, most adorable sister."

Yuki blinked, her eyes turning glassy. That nickname—"Yuki-chan"—he hadn't used it in over ten years. Hearing it again made her heart twist and swell.

"Okay then! No funny business tonight! Go to sleep, and no groping me in your sleep either!" he warned.

"Ehh~ So mean! I just wanted cuddles!" Yuki pouted but obeyed, burying herself in his arms with a satisfied smile.

But what she didn't tell Nozomi... was her real reason for helping him pursue Yukinoshita.

It wasn't just about fun or curiosity.

After her brother was disowned from the Suou family years ago, she had lost faith in that clan. And she—just a girl—didn't have the power to take control on her own. At best, she'd become a tool for marriage. Even her children would be raised for family interests.

She didn't want that future for herself. And certainly not for Nozomi.

If he was going to return to the Suou family, she wanted him to go back with allies. Power. Leverage. The Yukinoshita family was perfect.

Suddenly, she muttered, "Brother... we shouldn't have kids."

Nozomi blinked. "Hah? Where'd that come from?"

Yuki looked up with serious eyes, her fingers lacing over his chest. "Because we're... close relatives. Isn't that dangerous? What if the kid turns out weird?"

Nozomi instantly understood. This silly girl must've thought his earlier claim of being adopted was just self-deprecating humor. She still believed they were blood-related.

But rather than correct her, he smirked mischievously.

"But Yuki... what if we did have a child someday? I mean, your brother is strong, and you're super cute. I might not be able to resist."

Yuki's eyes sparkled at the praise. Her cheeks puffed as she declared fiercely:

"If we have a child, I'll get rid of it! Problem solved from the root! As long as I have big brother's love, I don't need a kid stealing your attention!"

Nozomi froze. That... was harsh. But also kind of adorable.

Still, he felt a pang in his chest. This girl... she was so serious. So devoted. Her love might have a few screws loose, but it was genuine. Deep.

He leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Sleep now, Yuki. You've got school tomorrow."

"Mm~ Good night, big brother. I love you the most~"

"Yeah, yeah. I know. Go to sleep."

*****************

All promises delivered, have a nice week ahead!!!!