When Empty City opened his eyes, he had no idea what time it was. He hadn’t fallen asleep or been knocked out—he’d simply played dead.
After all, that scene had been too sensual. Terrified of losing control, Empty City had forced himself into feigning death.
“Awake?”
Her voice carried a hint of anger.
Only then did Empty City grasp his situation: lying on a soft bed with a warm, clean pillow. Beside it sat a girl—or rather, his girlfriend. She sorted documents, speaking to him in a detached tone.
She wore a pristine white shirt, seemingly fresh from a shower, with an apron over it. Probably from tidying the kitchen. Her sheer leggings hinted at the curves beneath. Black stockings reached her thighs, accentuating the beauty hidden within. Empty City felt a surge of excitement.
“If you’re thinking anything weird in that head of yours, I’ll kill you.”
“That doesn’t sound like a bluff.”
“Of course.”
Night Zero smiled. But Empty City froze in terror—a small knife had somehow appeared in her hand! She didn’t need that for documents!
Gurgle—
The sound shattered his panic. For a moment, they stared at each other.
Hearing his stomach growl, Night Zero happily stood up.
“I knew you’d be hungry! I prepared food specially for you.”
“You made it yourself?”
“Who else would?”
“I’ll grab it. Wait here.”
Watching Night Zero shed her apron and rush to the kitchen, warmth filled Empty City’s heart. Having a kitchen in the dorm seemed wonderful.
But she didn’t return after a while. Had something gone wrong? He wanted to check, but the bed’s softness kept him glued. He picked up a nearby newspaper—not academy-related, dated recently.
What a sensational headline.
“The Strongest Apostle Reigns Over Hero Headquarters.”
Utter nonsense. Empty City lost all interest.
Just then, Night Zero reappeared.
“I put real effort into this. Savor it well.”
“Must I say my honest thoughts too? Like if it causes excruciating pain after eating?”
“Hey! What are you imagining!”
Night Zero huffed, turning to leave with the plate.
“Wait! I’m sorry!”
Empty City jumped up, sat beside her, and shouted like he was chasing vanishing food. She seemed to forgive him.
On the plate lay a sandwich wrapped in thin paper, evenly filled with meat and veggies, sprinkled with pepper. It looked delicious. Empty City, who hadn’t eaten since afternoon, smelled it and devoured it without a word.
“So good!”
He praised it wholeheartedly. Night Zero’s cooking beat street stalls from five years ago—even fancy restaurants. Swallowing the last bite, he took the warm water she offered, gulped it down, and sighed in refreshment.
“Delicious. Really.”
“Really?”
“Mhm.”
Empty City gave a thumbs-up. The soft texture lingered; he wished to eat her cooking forever.
“Then I’ll make it for you every day.”
“Huh?”
“N-no! I mean every noon! So we skip the crowded cafeteria!”
Watching Night Zero lower her head in shyness, waving her hands in denial, Empty City smiled warmly.
“Mhm. I’ll look forward to tomorrow’s lunch.”
She smiled bashfully.
After that, Empty City fell silent. Night Zero cleared the dishes and sat beside him.
Should he explain? It was time.
As he hesitated, a subtle touch landed on his shoulder. Night Zero leaned against him, her crimson hair flowing behind her. Her blushing cheek pressed to his shoulder. A serene calm enveloped them, almost erasing the room.
If he could eat her cooking daily... if every day felt like this...
Almost, he nearly voiced his heart.
But Night Zero spoke first.
“You don’t need to explain. I don’t know why, but Empty City is Empty City—a bit perverted, lecherous, mischievous... but that’s the you I like. The Empty City I’ve loved since five years ago!”
Stunned by the sudden confession, Empty City stood frozen. A burning sensation built in his throat, like suppressed emotion. Finally, it burst out:
“Then... can I stay here tonight?”
What the hell did I just say?!
If regret pills existed, he’d swallow them instantly!
He’d only meant “I like you too!” Why did that slip out instead? Though true... why now?!
Night Zero trembled against his shoulder—he felt it.
Was she angry?
No scolding came. Her face flushed deeper red. Then, as if decided, she stood up. She walked to the bedside lamp, switched it off. Darkness swallowed the room.
Moonlight streamed through the window, bathing Night Zero. Her alluring form glowed with holy light. Empty City’s breath caught, captivated.
She stood calmly before him, head lowered, hiding her expression. Her left hand rested on her chest button, hesitating.
Just as Empty City opened his mouth to ask, Night Zero’s hand began to move.
