How Hozuki managed to act normal after that incident, (Y/N) didn't know. All she knew was that the next time they ran into each other, he asked her if she'd heard of Europe's, kitten bowl—normal stuff.

Another thing she didn't know was how she felt about it. On the one hand, a very awkward conversation had been avoided. On the other hand, it appeared what she said meant nothing to him.

By the time a week had passed, no more attempts at seduction had been made. (Y/N) had forced the unfortunate incident out of her mind, and so far, that was working out.

Still, it's been long enough. I need to find a new plan.

"Ms. (Y/N), you seem deep in thought. Is something wrong?"

She jolted awake. Currently, she was helping Hozuki put away scrolls in the Records Department—a peaceful task she rather enjoyed.

"I'm fine," she insisted. "Just thinking."

He nodded, and she handed him a scroll, which he put on a top shelf. She was jealous of his height.

"It's been very busy lately," she commented

"Yes," he agreed as she passed him another scroll. "I haven't slept in three days."

"Three days?" she exclaimed.

She snatched the scroll back.

He stared at her. (Y/N) glared at him, crossing her arms.

"You can't just do that to yourself like it's no big deal!" she snapped. "Bed. Now."

"I can't sleep now," he muttered, "I have work."

"And I don't care. It's my job to make sure you don't keel over."

"I'm not going to 'keel over.' And it's not your job to—"

"I meant my job as your friend, you idiot!"

By then, the entire Records Department had gone silent. That was when (Y/N) realized she'd casually called the scariest person in Hell and idiot.

"I—I'll ask King Enma to give you time off again!" she threatened, face bright red.

She turned to flee, but Hozuki grabbed her arm in an iron grip.

"You'll do nothing of the sort," he growled.

Just as (Y/N) was wondering what to do, someone bumped into her captor. She didn't think much of it—just tore away from Hozuki, and scrambled back.

"Caught you!" her mysterious savior shouted.

I recognize that voice!

"Uzu?" (Y/N) exclaimed, turning around.

Sure enough, clinging to Hozuki's back was the friend that had gotten her into most of her childhood trouble. Yomogi wasn't far behind.

"Wait up!" the curly-haired oni shouted. When he saw the scene, he paled.

"Oh, no..."

"Don't complain!" Uzu snapped. "He was manhandling (Y/N)!"

Hozuki threw him off. "Don't make it sound so barbaric!"

Before Hozuki could escape, (Y/N) grabbed his sleeve.

"Uzu, Yomogi!" she called. "Help me! He hasn't slept in three days!"

Uzu immediately grabbed the back of Hozuki's kimono.

Yomogi took a step back.

"No, thanks. I choose life."

Uzu rolled his eyes, but before he could make fun of his friend, (Y/N) began to pull Hozuki out the door.

Hozuki continued to struggle as they dragged him out the door, through the halls to his room. As they neared his door, he elbowed Uzu into the wall.

(Y/N) managed to hold Hozuki still for a split second, but that was all Uzu needed to open the door, and push (Y/N) and Hozuki inside.

The blonde chuckled, and winked before closing the door.

"He's your problem now."

(Y/N) rushed to the door and tried the knob. It turned, but the door refused to open.

"It's stuck," she muttered, rattling the doorknob. She contemplated this for a moment before kicking it.

"Uzu probably did something to the hinges," Hozuki reasoned. "It is Uzu, after all."

(Y/N) sighed.

Right. The only reason I ever hung out with that dork was because he fixed my toys and made me jewelry.

And now he's trapped me in here with Hozuki!

She turned around, expecting to see his signature black aura, but instead found he'd already removed his kimono, and was laying it over the bed.

(Y/N) ducked her head. He was completely modest, yet the situation made her blush.

"I—I," she stammered.

Hozuki glanced at her, and she bit her lip. She hadn't thought of anything to say.

"I guess we're stuck here," she mumbled.

He grunted, drew the covers back, and got into bed.

"D—don't just lie down!" she hissed. "What do we do?"

He glared at her, and rolled over.

"You should sleep, too," he muttered. "You've been acting strange."

He scooted over so she could lie next to him. She put her hands up, face red as goldfish plant extract.

"Thanks," she stammered, "but I'm not tired. I—it's something else."

He nodded, but said nothing.

(Y/N) remained with her back against the door. She knew she shouldn't, but she was shivering, and his back looked so warm...

Hesitantly, she crossed the room, pulled back the covers, and laid down with her back pressed against his. As she expected, he was warm.

So was her face.

What possessed him to think I could sleep like this?

"Hozuki?" she whispered.

"Yes?"

"Why haven't you slept lately? It isn't like you to be quite so careless."

"I've been preparing for the goldfish plant contest."

"Mmm..."

"Now go to sleep."

How can he be so oblivious?

It was a long few hours before Uzu opened the door and poked his head in. Noting Hozuki was fast asleep, and (Y/N) lying beside him wide-awake, he smirked.

"You can thank me later."

The girl marched across the room, and punched him in the face.

"Thanks."

She walked past him into the hallway.

Behind her, Uzu glared at Hozuki's sleeping form.

"You've turned her into a monster," he growled.

As she walked, (Y/N) thought back to her short conversation with Hozuki.

"I've been preparing for the goldfish plant competition."

Her eyes lit up.

She knew what her next plan was.