3 — The First Night

Ame led Sera throughout her apartment, getting her acclimatized with the setting. They stopped by the main living room which led straight into the kitchen. Ame paused in front of the kitchen, her silky black hair settling gracefully around her shoulders. The soft breeze from the slightly open window caused both her hair and the white nightgown she wore to sway gently, almost as if they were part of the same elegant rhythm. It was captivating—perfect, Sera thought, as her gaze wandered down Ame's figure the moment she turned away, describing the kitchen's amenities.

“And that’s all for the kitchen. I apologize for taking a moment to arrive to the door earlier, I was making pasta. Would you like some later?” Ame clasped her hands together, her gaze lowering to her new roommate as she asked the question.

“S-Sure! That sounds great and … don’t worry about it, it’s totally fine!” Sera replied almost too quickly, offering a small, hesitant smile, as if trying to downplay the significance of her response.

Ame offered a small smile as she continued her brief tour, concluding at the two bedrooms and the bathroom.

She stood in the hallway at the east end of the apartment, facing the surprisingly spacious and well-appointed washroom. To her right was her own room, while to the left lay the guest bedroom designated for Sera.

Ame turned and gestured toward the guest bedroom with a warmer smile.

“This is your room, Tsukiko.” She lightly cracked open the door to reveal a space that was just as neat and tidy as the rest of the apartment.

Ame then turned to the room across the hall. “And this is my room. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. Though, after dinner, I typically spend some time prepping for classes and working on assignments, so I won’t be available during that hour.”

Sera nodded quickly in response. “Sounds good.” She said rather quickly again.

Ame offered a small smile for a moment before noticing that Sera seemed a bit distant. Her typically unreadable expression softened, revealing a hint of a frown as she absentmindedly played with her fingers. “Good… is something wrong?”

Sera shook her head quickly. “No, not at all. Why do you ask?”

“You seem… a little distant. Is it something I said?” Ame’s expression surprised Sera; there was a touch of sadness in her eyes as she continued to fidget with her fingers.

“No—it’s just that, um, I might be feeling a bit under the weather… you were right earlier.” Sera lied, trying to save face.

Ame’s concern deepened for a moment, and she quickly walked past Sera, her worry evident. “I knew it. Let me get you some medicine right away.”

“N-no, that won’t be necessary—” Sera began, but before she could finish, Ame had already made her way into the bathroom and rummaged through the washroom cabinet, searching for something to help her.

“Oh, my god…” Sera muttered under her breath.

Ame gently pressed a hand to Sera's forehead, instructing her to relax and cool off in case she had a fever. The touch made Sera blush, and she obediently followed Ame's instructions, slipping off her uniform jacket and leaving it on the bathroom counter.

Moments later, Ame guided Sera to sit on the edge of the bathtub. “Say ‘ahh’,” she instructed gently.

Flustered by Ame’s closeness and the childlike experience of being fed medicine, Sera shakily replied, “Ahh…” as she took the teaspoon of medicine from her.

“Good girl.” Ame said, causing Sera’s heart to skip a beat. Soon enough she found herself gripping the edges of her skirt tightly as she sat on the edge of the tub, her pulse quickening.

Ame gracefully took a seat beside Sera once more, exuding an effortless elegance that made her resemble a model. Her long, dark hair framed her face, accentuating her flawless skin as she sat. As she settled in, the slight shift in proximity sent a subtle thrill through Sera.

“Now, before I hop in the shower, can we go over some household responsibilities and house rules? I know I discussed them with your mother before, but I’d like to give you a refresher.”

“Sure, let’s do that,” Sera replied, clearing her throat as she watched Ame gesture to her phone while speaking.

Ame outlined the division of chores—cleaning, taking out the trash, and dishwashing—to keep their space organized, emphasizing that she would handle most of it as she always had. She also covered topics like noise levels, shared spaces, and privacy to prevent conflicts, reassuring Sera that it wasn’t too much of an issue since she wanted her to feel completely at home. “I don’t think I missed anything. Do you have any questions?”

“No, crystal clear.” Sera responded, offering a small smile and a thumbs-up.

Ame finally smiled more broadly before standing up from the edge of the bathtub. “Then, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take a shower.”

Sera rapidly nodded before shifting up quickly from the edge of tub herself. She left washroom and went in her new room, closing her room door behind her.

Meanwhile, Ame scrolled through social media on her phone for a moment, putting it onto the bathroom counter before undoing her nightgown and letting it drop into her free hand, slipping out of completely.

Ame stepped into the shower, the steam rising around her like a soft veil. The hot water cascaded down her body, glistening against her flawless skin, creating a mesmerizing effect.  The sound of the water was soothing, filling the bathroom with a calming rhythm. As she closed her eyes, she let the warmth envelop her, washing away the day’s stresses. She sighed in relief, her long, dark hair cascading down her back like a silky waterfall.

Meanwhile, Sera adjusted to her new room, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the bright, airy space. The soft colors of the decor made her feel instantly at ease. She unpacked her belongings, organizing them into the drawers and hanging her clothes in the closet. After a moment, she changed into her pajamas, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her. It was a really nice space; she could definitely get used to this.

As she glanced out the window, her breath caught in her throat. The view was absolutely breathtaking—the sprawling city skyline glimmered in the evening light, and the horizon painted a stunning tapestry of oranges and purples as the sun set. It was a sight that made her heart race with excitement and wonder.

Sera laid on her bed, pondering what to do next. Almost instantly, thoughts of Ame began to fill her mind unbidden. Her skin looks so soft... Sera mused in her mind, recalling the way she looked earlier. Her hair is so long... The image of Ame’s dark locks cascading down her back in her nightgown, lingered in Sera’s mind, making her cheeks flush with a mix of admiration and shyness.

Trying to shake off thoughts of Ame, Sera sat up and began to prepare for bed, reaching to slip out of her uniform. Just as she was about to change, she realized she had forgotten her jacket in the washroom. She quickly walked to her bedroom door, but as her hand touched the handle, she remembered that Ame was in the shower. She froze.

Curiosity tugged at the girl, and she found herself hesitating before creaking open her bedroom door.

The feeling of temptation made her want to bang her head against a wall.

They had literally just gone over this. What was she thinking?

To her surprise, she discovered that Ame had left the washroom door ajar, the sound of running water echoing softly through the hallway. Sera’s heart raced.

As if an unseen force pulled her along, she couldn’t dare stop herself as she tip toed to the entrance of the washroom. She peered in, captivated by the scene unfolding before her.

Sera's heart raced as she cautiously peeked around the door, her breath hitching in her throat at the sight before her. Ame stood under the cascade of hot water, the steam curling around her like an ethereal mist. The warmth of the bathroom seemed to pulse with an enticing glow, highlighting Ame’s delicate features and the way the water glistened on her skin, which appeared impossibly soft and porcelain-like. Sera gripped the hem, of her skirt with one hand biting her nails with the other as she watched on.

Sera couldn’t help but notice how Ame’s long, dark hair clung to her shoulders and back, soaking wet and shimmering as droplets trickled down like liquid silk. The silhouette of her hourglass figure, accentuated by the gentle curves of her waist and hips, sent a jolt of heat through Sera, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson.

What am I doing?  she thought, panic creeping in. I shouldn’t be watching her like this...

Yet, despite her racing heart and the growing sense of guilt, Sera found herself unable to look away. Each droplet of water that rolled down Ame’s body seemed to hypnotize her, and the way Ame moved, unaware of Sera’s gaze, made her pulse quicken. This is wrong, she chastised herself, but her curiosity was insatiable, and the image of Ame, radiant in the steam, etched itself into her mind.

Sera felt a mixture of awe and confusion swirling within her, the thrill of witnessing such beauty overwhelming her senses. As she stood there, frozen in place, her mind raced with thoughts she couldn’t quite grasp. She was captivated, her heart pounding as she wrestled with her emotions, knowing she should turn away yet feeling an undeniable pull to continue watching.

Suddenly, the sound of the water stopped, cutting through the steam-filled air like a knife. Sera jolted back to reality, her heart racing as panic surged through her. She instinctively placed her hands over her mouth, her thoughts spiraling wildly.

What am I thinking? Her skin is so soft? Her hair is so long? What is wrong with me? Why am I in here...? The weight and reality of her actions crashed down on her leaving her a confused panicked mess. A heat of shame ripping through her reminded herself of just how inappropriate it was to be spying on Ame.

As she turned to leave, Sera caught a glimpse of Ame in her periphery, barely visible amidst the haze.

Ame was reaching for her towel, now aware of Sera’s presence.

Sera’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, her mind racing as she considered her next move. She desperately wanted to escape, but the fear of being caught made her hesitate.

Trying to tiptoe away slowly, she could swear she felt the weight of Ame's gaze, her heart pounding in her chest and her breaths hitching she moved with as much stealth as possible.

Just as she thought she might make her getaway; she heard Ame call out her name.

“Tsukiko.”

The sound of her name stopped Sera dead in her tracks, her breath caught in her throat. She froze, feeling a mixture of dread and anticipation coursing through her veins, unsure of what would come next.

The fear of what she would say next, made her sweat run cold.

“Y-yes!” she replied quickly, keeping her back turned to Ame.

“...Did you need something...?” Ame asked silkily, stepping onto the mat and wrapping a towel around her damp body as the steam began to dissipate around her.

“N-no! I-It can wait; I was just leaving!” Sera stammered, dashing into her room and slamming the door behind her, the sound echoing in the quiet apartment.

Ame, unaware that Sera was still flustered, frowned slightly as she pressed a finger to her lips in contemplation while drying off.

What was that about? she wondered, a mix of curiosity and concern flickering across her face.

What could she have possibly been doing?

Then it hit her.

Was she spying on me?  Her eyes widened.

As Ame stood there, the towel wrapped around her, a surge of shock and embarrassment washed over her. The realization that Sera had been watching her, even if just for a moment, left her feeling a little vulnerable. As a teacher, she prided herself on professionalism and maintaining boundaries, and this violation of her privacy sent her thoughts spiraling.

But, in truth, it wasn’t so cut and dry.

There was something else. Her heart started to pound a bit as she dried off, and with it came a confusing rush of allure toward Sera, that same allure she felt when she passed her this morning. At first, she thought it was nothing, but now… was this something she needed to think about this time around? How could this happen? Ame wondered, grappling with the unexpected flutter of emotions that stirred within her.

Normally, she would’ve felt the urge to scold Sera for intruding on her privacy like that, but instead, a different feeling bloomed within her—one that left her feeling unusually shy and warmly flustered. The fact that Sera had been spying on her, watching her so intently, didn’t stir up any irritation. Instead, it sent a pleasant flutter through her chest, a quiet but undeniable thrill that made her cheeks tinge with warmth.

The intimacy of the moment lingered in her mind, forcing her to confront feelings she hadn’t anticipated. The presence of Sera had a way of igniting something in her that she had long kept buried.

Yet, the disciplined part of her quickly reasserted itself. She reminded herself of her role as Sera's teacher, the responsibility she bore to maintain authority and professionalism. It was nothing, she thought, striving to suppress the burgeoning feelings that threatened to overwhelm her. The weight of expectation bore down on her, demanding she keep her composure despite the unsettling thrill of attraction.

Ame’s mind also turned to Sera’s reaction. Did she feel the same way? Was this moment an innocent mistake, or did it hint at something deeper? As she finished drying off and prepared to dress, she found herself more attuned to Sera, wanting to observe her closely without being too obvious. Ame couldn’t shake the feeling that this unexpected encounter had shifted something between them, and the prospect both excited and frightened her.

On the other hand, Sera leaned heavily against the door, panting as if she'd just run a marathon. Her face was flushed a deep crimson, her pulse still racing from the overwhelming rush of emotions. She stumbled over to her bed and collapsed onto it, burying her face in the pillow, her fingers gripping the fabric as if trying to anchor herself. She wanted to scream in her pillow.

What am I doing?!  The thought screamed in her mind as waves of guilt and confusion washed over her. Her chest tightened, the shame clawing at her as she fought the urge to cry. She felt disgusted with herself, torn between the intense attraction she'd felt and the deep regret for having spied on Ame. What is wrong with me?! she wondered, the question echoing through the silence of her room.

She lay there motionless, her mind swirling in a chaotic storm of emotions—shame, guilt, confusion, and something she couldn’t quite name. The quiet around her only amplified her thoughts, leaving her to wrestle with the undeniable fact that she had crossed a line she couldn’t undo.

After a little while, Ame found herself standing outside Sera’s door, gently knocking. She felt the need to check on her, to see if everything was alright and clear up the awkwardness from earlier. Ame was certain that Sera would still be thinking about what had happened, just as she had been. To ease both their minds, she wanted to talk.

“Tsukiko…” she called softly, her voice uncharacteristically tender. “Do… you have a minute?” This time, her tone was different—lacking its usual firmness, with no mask of professionalism. Instead, it sounded genuine, curious…vulnerable.

Inside, Sera had been lying still in bed, her face half-buried in her pillow, trying to hide the fact she had been crying. At the sound of Ame’s voice, she quickly tried to cover the tear-streaked pillow with her blanket, wiping her face as best as she could.

“Y-yep!” she called out, her voice shaky, hesitating for a moment before cracking open the door.

"Hey..." Ame said softly, slowly making her way beside Sera.

Sera, still shaken, sat back on the bed, her heart pounding. "Hey..." she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

They both sat in silence for what felt like an eternity, the weight of the unspoken words hanging between them. Sera’s mind raced, desperately searching for something to say. Her mouth quivered as she fought to speak, and with all the courage she could muster, she tried to break the tension.

“H-hey... I hope you didn’t get t-the wrong idea earlier… I-I..." Her voice trembled, and just as she began to falter, Ame turned toward her, noticing the tear-streaked pillow tucked behind Sera.

Ame’s eyes widened, a rare flash of raw emotion crossing her usually composed face. Without thinking, she wanted to reach out and hold Sera, to comfort her, but she kept her hands firmly on her knees, gripping them tightly.

"No, I’m sorry," Ame cut her off gently. "It was my fault... I’m not used to people being around. I was careless, and it created this... embarrassing moment for both of us." She paused, her voice softening, her gaze averting from Sera’s. "...I’m just not used to having someone here with me... and that’s part of why I wanted a roommate. To… not be alone, to have someone by my side… here… with me."

Sera’s breath hitched, feeling the vulnerability in Ame's words, her eyes meeting with hers.

Ame took a deep breath, gathering herself before offering a small smile.

“So, I forgive you. After all... you probably just needed something, right?”

Though Ame said it lightly, almost as if she was playing dumb, it was her way of neatly wrapping up the situation, offering Sera an easy way out. It was clear, however, that beneath her composed exterior, this moment had affected her just as much as it had Sera.

Sera, captivated by Ame’s vulnerable expression, gave a slight nod, her thoughts racing.

Oh... she looks so sincere...

"Y-yeah," she stammered, trying to gather herself. "I forgot my jacket in the washroom... I totally forgot you were in there for a moment, and I was just about to leave when you... caught me." She tried to stifle a nervous laugh, though her cheeks were still flushed with embarrassment.

Ame’s expression softened even more, and she offered a small, reassuring smile. "Don’t worry. I fully understand the awkwardness of our situation. But I promise, I’ll be here to support you. Let’s just take things one step at a time, okay? We both have busy days ahead of us tomorrow."

Unable to resist, Ame gently placed a hand on Sera’s shoulder, her touch warm and comforting. "It's okay, alright?" she said softly, her smile genuine and kind.

"Right." Sera nodded, her heart finally calming as she returned a wide, relieved smile.