Sett Chapter 22: Sleep Walking (Patreon)

Another early morning.

As usual, Tadashi arrived at Yukino's apartment, bringing along the essential oils he had prepared.

After guiding her through some training, Yukino walked toward her room, saying, "Wait for a moment. Let me get ready, and then you can come in."

"...Okay." Tadashi was a bit puzzled.

He hadn’t even explained that using essential oils for a massage would require undressing, yet Yukino seemed to already know—and had no objections!

'Does Yukino think... this is all part of the training?' Tadashi thought to himself, confused.

After waiting for a short while, Yukino's cool, slightly hoarse voice called out through the door.

"I'm ready. Please come in, Tadashi-kun."

"Alright," Tadashi replied as he pushed open the door.

As soon as he entered, he couldn't take his eyes off the scene before him.

A figure, with skin as white and smooth as snow, lay on the bed. Her skin was moist and translucent, resembling polished jade. Yukino was completely nude, with only a towel covering her lower back.

‘She really...’

Tadashi couldn't help but swallow.

At this moment, Yukino had completely let her guard down. If the masseur had any ill intentions, he could easily take advantage of her!

'Fortunately, I am a gentleman,' Tadashi thought with a resolute expression as he walked up to the bed. 'Unlike those in certain stories, I disdain such despicable acts!'

Reality isn't like fiction.

Tadashi wouldn’t act on impulse. He not only wanted her physically but also emotionally.

"I'll begin," Tadashi said, taking out the essential oils. After warming the oil between his hands, he began massaging Yukino's body in a calm, composed manner.

His movements were methodical and proper.

'This guy...'

Yukino was surprised. She had fully prepared herself mentally, expecting Tadashi to take advantage of the situation. Yet, here he was, acting like a perfect gentleman.

'Does this make it seem like I'm the one offering myself?' Yukino thought, annoyed.

Gradually, her tense body relaxed. As she enjoyed the massage, she scoffed internally.

'Hmph, don't want a taste? Then keep watching.'

The girl silently cursed to herself.

...

After a thorough massage, Yukino's entire body felt refreshed, but this time, she didn't let out the same involuntary sounds as before.

Her body was gradually getting used to it.

It’s a well-known fact: it's not the field that tires but the ox. Even someone as physically weak as Yukino developed a resistance by the third massage session.

"Oh, Tadashi-kun," she called out just as he was about to leave the room to wash his hands.

"What is it?" he asked, turning back.

Without moving, still lying face down on the pillow, Yukino said in a muffled voice, "Starting tonight, my sister will be staying here for a while. It’ll be inconvenient to train in the morning."

"Could we do the massage at your place instead?"

Tadashi fell silent.

Under normal circumstances, this would be an enticing request. A beautiful girl asking to come to your place for a massage—it would easily stir one’s imagination.

But the problem was...

"I live with Shizuka," Tadashi said matter-of-factly.

What?

Yukino's eyes widened in shock.

In an instant, a connection formed in her mind, linking all the clues together.

—Hiratsuka-sensei's boyfriend is Tadashi!

The realization hit her like a thunderbolt.

*Tadashi... Tadashi!*

Her face darkened immediately. Out of Tadashi's sight, she gritted her teeth, her eyes cold as ice, and her expression murderous.

‘You’re with Hiratsuka-sensei, and you’re still flirting with me!’

She had let herself be taken advantage of for nothing!

"Alright then, we’ll pause the massages and training. I’ll be spending time with my sister," Yukino said coldly.

"Pause?" Tadashi blinked, surprised.

"Yes." Yukino took a deep breath, trying to keep her tone calm. "Could you close the door on your way out? Thank you."

"Uh, okay." Tadashi left the room, closing the door behind him.

As he washed his hands, he sighed before leaving Yukino's apartment.

'So, Yukino figured it out, huh?' Tadashi thought with a wry smile as he stepped into the elevator. 'What a smart girl.'

For now, Yukino’s "progress" was on hold.

But Tadashi wasn’t discouraged.

In the modern world, creating complex relationships isn’t easy.

...

...

Later that evening.

When Yukino returned from school, she looked up and saw a familiar silhouette lounging on the couch.

It was none other than Yukinoshita Haruno.

"Have you eaten, sister?" Yukino asked, unsurprised. Her sister had a key to the apartment.

"Not yet," Haruno replied cheerfully, still focused on her phone. "I’m waiting to taste my darling little sister's cooking!"

"I see." Yukino nodded, placing her bag down before heading to the kitchen.

This was their usual routine.

Dinner.

Chitchat.

Washing up.

Sleep.

"Goodnight, sister..." Yukino, mentally and physically exhausted, said to Haruno.

Her sister always had a way of stirring up her emotions with just a few words, leaving her completely drained.

Sometimes Yukino wished she could exchange her sister for someone else.

But Haruno always had impeccable timing, knowing just when to stop before she pushed too far, and would suddenly become gentle and apologetic.

Unable to vent her frustrations, Yukino would just have to bottle it up again.

"Goodnight, Yukino," Haruno said lazily, sipping red wine on the couch.

She had a habit of drinking wine before bed to help her sleep.

*Bang—*

Yukino shut her bedroom door and lay down on her bed, letting out a long sigh.

So much had happened today. She was utterly exhausted.

Thankfully, this frustrating day was finally coming to an end.

Closing her eyes, Yukino drifted into sleep.

*Tap tap tap...*

In the middle of the night, Yukino was suddenly awakened by the sound of footsteps.

Thanks to her recent training, her senses had become sharper, and she quickly woke up.

"Is there a burglar?" Yukino tensed, grabbing the aluminum baseball bat she kept in her wardrobe for self-defense.

She carefully opened her door, peeking out into the living room.

In the dim light, she saw a figure staggering around, fumbling with a set of keys at the door, trying to insert them into the lock but constantly missing.

"Big sister?!" Yukino’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Why..."

She abruptly fell silent, realizing something was off.

Haruno’s movements were unsteady, as if she were either drunk or sleepwalking.

Whatever it was, she definitely wasn’t in a normal state!