For a while, there was nothing but the faint ticking of the clock on her wall.

"Mochizuki-san? …Mochizuki-san?" I tried calling her through the quilt.

The lump on the bed didn't move.

Just when I thought she'd fallen asleep again, I heard a muffled, trembling voice from under the covers.

"…I'm sorry, Ginjo-san."

The words were soft, but heavy.

"Because… I've never dated a boy before. I have no experience in… that kind of thing."

Her voice wavered as she continued, almost as if she were confessing a crime.

"Today, I drank too much, said all kinds of nonsense… I even asked you to carry me home like that… And then I went and said something so rude…"

She let out a small, bitter laugh from under the quilt.

"I really don't have the face to see you again…"

…This wasn't just about tonight. I could hear it — the shadow of whatever happened to her back in college still clinging to her.

"Mochizuki-san, come out first. Talking to a blanket is… a little weird." I tugged gently at the edge of the quilt.

"…No… don't…"

"It's fine. Come out."

For a while, she resisted, clutching the covers like a fortress. Then, after what sounded like a fierce internal struggle, a small head cautiously poked out.

Her eyes met mine — and she froze.

Because I was smiling at her… the kind of smile I hoped would reach her.

"You finally came out, Mochizuki-san."

"…Eh? Ginjo-san, you're not… mad at me?"

"Angry? Why should I be angry?"

"Because I… I don't know anything. If Rieko hadn't told me today, I wouldn't have even realized…"

"I don't care about that kind of thing. Don't worry."

Her eyes softened a little, but there was still doubt in them.

"Really?"

"Really. Not everyone is like Rieko-san says."

She let out a small sigh — not completely convinced, but at least not hiding anymore.

"Didn't you just say you wanted to make me tea?" I said, trying to break the tension.

Her face brightened. "Ah, yes! Wait here a second."

When she returned, she was carrying a tray with two steaming cups.

"Try it, Ginjo-san. This is my favorite black tea."

The faint scent of bergamot drifted up as she passed me the cup.

I took a sip. Warmth spread through my chest, the citrus and floral notes blending into something that eased the knots in my mind.

"…Tastes great. I feel completely relaxed."

She smiled faintly. "I drink it after work to unwind."

For a while, we just sipped in silence — until she spoke again, her voice quieter.

"…Ginjo-san… have you really never thought about sex?"

Her eyes were on her cup, her thumbs nervously tracing the rim.

That?

If I said no, it'd be a lie. But if I said yes, it might crush her right now.

Before I could decide, she answered for me.

"Of course you have. That's… only natural." Her face turned red, but she didn't stop.

"I heard from Rieko that boys your age… have desires ten times stronger than girls. Like… animals."

"…Animals?" I choked back a laugh. Rieko really had a talent for outrageous metaphors.

"She must have been exaggerating," Haruka added quickly. "But if it's true… then Ginjo-san must feel… uncomfortable, right?"

Her blush deepened until it reached her neck.

"It's not… uncomfortable," I said vaguely. At least, not in the way she meant.

"As someone older than you… I should be the one guiding you. But I'm so… slow in this area."

And then, like a dam breaking, everything spilled out.

"I'm already a working adult, but even college students probably have more experience than me. Isn't that weird? Embarrassing? Am I disappointing you? Please… don't hate me!"

Her voice cracked at the end, and she immediately looked like she regretted saying it.

Her eyes brimmed with tears, shoulders trembling. One blink, and the tears spilled over, rolling down her cheeks like glass beads.

"Don't take it so seriously, Mochizuki-san. Rieko was joking."

I set my cup down and leaned forward slightly.

"Not everyone has to be in a hurry. As long as you feel it… it'll happen naturally."

She sniffled. "…Thank you, Ginjo-san. For tolerating such a childish me."

"Stop crying, or your makeup will ruin," I said lightly, handing her a tissue. "You'll end up with a clown face."

She let out a watery laugh. "I think I've used up my embarrassment quota for the year."

Seeing her smile again, the tension in my chest finally eased.

"It's late. Get some rest. And be careful with drinking next time."

"I will. …Good night, Ginjo-kun."

We exchanged goodnights, but even after I walked away, I could feel her gaze on my back.

Somewhere behind him, Haruka watched him disappear and murmured, "I wish… I could feel Ginjo-kun… just once."