Chapter 2: The School Nurse (...Mmm~♡ It's quite alright—you can take it off~♡♡♡♡♡)

"Tatsuya-kun, good work today. Do you want to stay for the staff meal?"

"I’d love to!"

Honoka-san called out to me after my shift. Since it had been a reservation-only French buffet today, we got to feast on the leftovers. The chef always made extra to ensure nothing ran out, so there was plenty to go around. For a growing high school boy, it was an absolute blessing.

"Since we’re here, why don’t we sit together?"

Honoka-san pulled the tie from her ponytail and shook her head, her brown hair falling into place. The movement made her breasts bounce slightly. I forced my eyes away from her ample chest and focused on her lovely, smiling face.

She had large, gentle eyes and a small mouth that always seemed to have an encouraging word. Honoka-san was kind and a bit of an airhead; she probably hadn't even dreamed that I was looking at her chest just now. I felt a pang of guilt for being so easily distracted by her body.

"Of course!"

I joined Honoka-san in piling food onto a white buffet plate before sitting down. White fish fritos, grilled lobster, asparagus and bacon pasta, chicken macaroni gratin, and a healthy serving of roast beef.

My plate was a chaotic mess of everything I wanted to eat, and it didn't look particularly appetizing. Honoka-san’s plate, by contrast, was modest, veggie-heavy, and looked delicious.

"…Somehow, yours looks much better than mine, Honoka-san."

"Fufu. It’s not like this is some formal dinner party. You should eat as much of what you like as you want."

"To a commoner like me, this place is plenty high-end, you know."

Honoka-san giggled at my messy plate. The contrast between this mature woman and my ignorant, teenage self made me even more embarrassed. I found myself looking down to avoid her eyes, but then her cleavage entered my field of vision, so I frantically looked away again.

"Well then. To today—a day that isn't particularly special, but is the only 'today' we’ll ever have. Cheers."

Honoka-san raised her glass with a smile.

"What was that? That sounded incredibly cool. Cheers."

I raised my glass of apple juice. It was leagues better than the stuff you find in a carton. I savored the juice before digging into the food.

"Mmm, so good. Man, I am so glad I picked this place for my part-time job."

"Fufufu, you're exaggerating, Tatsuya-kun."

Honoka-san laughed elegantly while she ate. Then, her smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of concern.

"Lately, you’ve seemed a bit down, Tatsuya-kun. But if you can still enjoy your food like this, I guess you’re doing okay?"

"Eh? Did I look like that?"

"Yes. You had this aura about you, like you’d lost something important."

It was true; I’d been feeling pretty lonely since Suzuka-san left. Since her mother was out of the hospital, she didn't need to work anymore, so I didn't even run into her at the convenience store.

Even though we went to the same school, I was in the General Course and she was in the Labyrinth Exploration Course; our paths almost never crossed.

"If something is bothering you, please don’t hesitate to tell me, okay? I might not be very reliable, but I am older than you. I can at least listen."

I realized then that she’d probably invited me to eat with her specifically because she was worried about me. I truly couldn't thank her enough. But if I bowed my head to thank her, I’d be staring right at her chest again. This was a real dilemma.

"Thank you, Honoka-san. But everything’s sorted out now. Or rather, it’s something I can’t really do anything about. Time will take care of it."

"Is that so? Well, as long as you're okay. I’d be in trouble if my star worker became useless, so don’t push yourself too hard."

She tilted her head playfully, clearly trying to cheer me up.

Feeling a bit bashful, I decided to change the subject.

"By the way, Honoka-san, you graduated from university last year, right? Are you planning to take over your parents' restaurant eventually?"

When I asked, Honoka-san’s smile turned a bit strained.

"Actually, my dream is to be a middle school health teacher. I even went to university to get my certification for it. But there just aren't any openings…"

"You can't get a job even with the certification?"

"Well, every middle school within commuting distance already has a health teacher, and nobody’s leaving. It’s quite the predicament."

Honoka-san’s eyes drooped even further as she spoke dejectedly. Her personality and grades were clearly fine; if there were no vacancies, there was nothing she could do.

I tried to keep the mood light by joking around.

"A health teacher, huh? The one at my middle school was a total grandma. She was always complaining about how old she was, so maybe if you ask nicely, she’ll give up her seat. I bet the boys would much rather have a young, beautiful teacher than a grandma anyway. Just think of it as saving the teenage boys of the world."

Honoka-san’s eyes widened slightly in surprise before she let out a bashful laugh.

"Oh, hush, Tatsuya-kun. You shouldn't say things like that. But thank you. You were trying to encourage me, weren't you?"

It seemed my intentions were transparent.

"Why do you want to be a health teacher anyway, Honoka-san?"

As I asked to keep the conversation going, Honoka-san’s eyes began to dart around.

"Well, um…"

"Ah, if it’s hard to talk about, you don’t have to. Sorry for prying."

"No, it’s not that serious."

After a moment of hesitation, Honoka-san looked down at her hands and began to speak.

"You see, I’ve been… well-developed, ever since middle school."

Developed? Does she mean her height? But Honoka-san wasn't particularly tall. She was actually a bit shorter than Suzuka-san.

Seeing me tilt my head in confusion, she flicked her eyes toward me before looking back down.

"You know… here."

My eyes instinctively followed her gaze. Then, it clicked. Right. We're talking about the boobs.

Sensing that I understood, Honoka-san continued.

"Back then, it gave me a massive complex. I hated the way the boys looked at me, and I almost stopped wanting to go to school… But the health teacher listened to me and was so supportive."

A gentle smile touched her lips as she recalled the memory.

"'Having a large chest is just like having a certain eye shape or nose shape—it’s a part of your individuality and your charm,' she told me. Because of her, I was able to find confidence in myself. After that, I stopped caring about the boys' stares. It was just a part of my charm."

I found myself staring at Honoka-san’s chest and quickly snapped my eyes back up to her face. Honoka-san narrowed her gentle eyes in a slightly mischievous way.

"So, you don’t need to look so apologetic, okay?"

"Ugh. S-Sorry…"

My wandering eyes had been caught red-handed.

"Fufufu, it’s fine, really."

She laughed brightly, seemingly unbothered. She was such a mature woman.

"Puberty is such an unstable time when you’re changing from a child to an adult. I think there are many kids out there struggling with their physical or emotional growth, just like I was. I want to be the one to encourage them next. I want to tell them, 'Whatever you look like, whatever makes you unique—that is your charm.'"

"You’re amazing, Honoka-san. Having a dream and working so hard for it."

"You think so? Thank you. Though, unfortunately, I’m still not a health teacher yet."

Honoka-san let out a long, heavy sigh.

"Don’t worry. With your personality, I’m sure you’ll be hired the moment a spot opens up."

"Hearing you say that makes me really happy. …Wait, I was supposed to be listening to your problems, Tatsuya-kun, and now it’s the other way around!"

"Geez," Honoka-san muttered with a pout and a laugh.

◇　

"Tatsuya-kun, great work today!"

The following week. As I was stretching after my shift, a bright, cheerful voice called out, followed by a playful slap on my shoulder. I turned around to find Honoka-san smiling at me, just as I expected. However, despite the smile, her eyes looked a little bloodshot.

"Good work to you too, Honoka-san. ...Did something happen?"

She looked slightly taken aback by my question. "Huh? Oh. Did I look... off?"

"Not exactly 'off,' just a bit forced. You were making some uncharacteristic mistakes during the shift, and your eyes are pretty red."

"Um... ahaha. I guess I couldn't hide it, huh?" She scratched her head, a strained, painful smile crossing her face. "To be honest, something kind of unpleasant happened today. I’m sorry for being a bother."

"It wasn't a bother at all. But are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine! ...Well, okay, maybe I'm a little not fine." She let the facade drop, her shoulders slumping as she looked down at the floor.

"Honoka-san. I might not be the most reliable guy, but I'm here if you just need someone to talk to."

I was throwing her own words from last week back at her. She’d looked out for me so much during my shifts, always being so considerate, that I wanted to give back even a little bit.

Honoka-san stayed silent for a moment, head bowed, before looking up at me. "Are you busy after this?"

It was eight-thirty, just past the dinner rush. Even if I went home, I’d just be lounging around.

"No, I don't have any plans."

"Great! Go get changed and meet me at the back entrance!"

She must have been in a hurry to get ready herself; she unfastened her ponytail as she dashed toward the changing room.

After waiting by the back door for about ten minutes...

"Sorry, Tatsuya-kun! I didn't mean to keep you waiting."

She sounded a bit breathless, likely having rushed. I turned toward the voice.

"No, I was just killing time on my phone... so it... was..."

The words died in my throat. I nearly dropped my phone when I saw her.

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"No, it's just..."

Since we only ever saw each other during work, I’d only ever seen her in her pantsuit. Off-duty Honoka-san was wearing an off-the-shoulder sweater and a long brown skirt.

Her hair, usually tied back in a strict ponytail, was loose and styled into soft, fluffy curls. Her makeup was different too—soft and inviting, giving her a much more adorable aura.

The gap between her professional, composed self and this soft, feminine look was... well, it hit me hard. She was way too cute.

"Honoka-san, you... you look really pretty."

"Wh-what?! Hey, stop that. You're making me blush..." She instinctively moved her hands to cover her exposed shoulders.

"I mean, to you, I'm just some bossy older girl from work, right?"

"No, you feel more like a lovely older sister. It's a great look."

"St-stop it! God, it's so hot out here..." She started fanning her flushed face with her hand. "Anyway, let's just go."

"Where are we headed?"

"An izakaya!"

Honoka-san. I'm still a minor.

She led me on a twenty-minute walk to a place with a stylish, Japanese-style gate. It was surprisingly close to my house, yet I never knew it existed. She seemed to have a reservation; after she gave her name, we were shown to a room in the back.

It was a private room with tatami mats, small enough that it would probably only fit six people at most. The back wall was made of glass, looking out onto a refined courtyard garden. Peonies were in bloom with pale pink petals, and a small stream trickled below, where a stray frog sat comfortably, its throat croaking in contentment.

In other words: this place looked expensive. I instinctively reached back to check the wallet in my pocket. Do I have enough?

I sat in the seat she gestured toward before realizing something. I remembered there was a whole concept regarding 'upper' and 'lower' seating etiquette.

"Um, which one was the guest seat again? Sorry, I'm not really sure how this works..."

As I started to stand up, Honoka-san giggled.

"People only care about that stuff at big corporate drinking parties. Are you nervous, Tatsuya-kun?"

"Uh, yeah. I thought an izakaya would be, you know, loud and rowdy. This place has such a nice atmosphere that it's actually making me tense."

And being alone in a private room with a beautiful, cute older woman from work wasn't exactly helping my heart rate.

"It feels more like a high-end restaurant than a pub, doesn't it? But the food is amazing, so you have a lot to look forward to."

"I'm excited. But is it really okay for a high schooler to be in a place like this?"

The moment I said that, Honoka-san dropped the warm towel she was holding.

"Oh, right! Tatsuya-kun, you are a high schooler! You're always so calm and mature that I keep forgetting and thinking you're a college student... Wait, is this a crime?! Is it illegal to bring a high schooler to an izakaya?!"

"I'm not sure. As long as I don't drink, it should be fine, right?"

Honoka-san frantically looked something up on her phone before letting out a sigh of relief and handing me the menu.

"It looks like as long as I don't give you alcohol and get you home by eleven, it's fine. Thank goodness. The soft drinks are on this page, so order whatever you like."

"Thanks."

As I scanned the menu, a server arrived. I ordered an oolong tea for now. Honoka-san ordered a beer. So adult.

We clinked our glasses together in a toast, and she polished off nearly half her beer in one go.

"Phew! First, let's get some food! Is there anything you particularly like or dislike?"

"I'm fine with most things, except for strong herbs like cilantro or Italian parsley."

The thought of Dandan noodles flashed through my mind for a second, but I figured they wouldn't have that here, so I kept quiet.

"Got it. If you see anything that catches your eye, just tell me, okay?"

Honoka-san called the server back and rattled off an order with practiced ease. I caught a glimpse of the prices—most items were four digits. I was starting to get terrified. I might actually have to borrow money from her at this rate.

After about an hour of idle chatter, Honoka-san let out a long breath.

"Ah... talking to you is so much fun, Tatsuya-kun. I feel so much lighter. I bet you're really popular at school, aren't you?"

Her face was slightly flushed, and her speech was getting a bit drawn out. She was on her fourth beer, so the alcohol was definitely kicking in.

"Not at all. I'm a total loner. I spend most of my time trying not to get noticed by the popular kids."

"No way. You don't look like that at all."

"That's because I pull my hair back for work. Normally, I look like this."

I brushed my bangs down to their usual position.

"Whoa, you look totally different! But I don't hate this version of you either."

"Thanks. But that's not the only reason I'm not popular..."

"Hmm, I wonder why. Is it because you have some really messed-up fetish?"

"I mean, even if I did, I wouldn't exactly be talking about it."

"Ahahaha, true, true."

She was being much more frank than usual—loose and airy. The Honoka-san I knew would never bring up fetishes. Alcohol is a scary thing.

"I just don't have any experience. I doubt most women would see me as a romantic interest. Honoka-san, you go into dungeons with your mom to get ingredients, right? Wouldn't you prefer a guy with more EXP?"

"I mean, more is better, sure. But that doesn't mean I can't see someone without it as a man."

She didn't sound shocked or disappointed; she said it like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"In old dramas, people always said it’s all about money, or the 'Three Highs'—high income, high education, high stature. But I think finding someone whose personality matches yours is way more important. I mean, if you choose someone for their money or degree, you aren't dating a person—you're dating their bank account or their diploma."

She popped a piece of Nikujaga into her mouth, cupped her cheeks, and smiled. "So good!" Then she continued.

"Nowadays, everyone’s obsessed with guys who have high EXP, but it’s the same thing. Even if a guy has tons of EXP, if he has a shitty personality, he's not gonna be popular. Besides, for women who don't dive into dungeons, EXP isn't really a requirement."

"I guess that's true. Not every woman is a dungeon diver."

"I mean, it's nice to have, though. When your level goes up, your body gets stronger, so your skin stays clear, your body gets toned, and it even helps with... you know, digestion."

I didn't know there were side effects like that.

"But really, that's just like the result of working out. And since I can just work out myself, I’d much rather have a wonderful guy, even if he has zero EXP."

"I'm glad to hear you say that."

I took a sip of my oolong tea and looked up, meeting her gaze. Her eyes looked a little... feverish.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Honoka-san?"

"Nope. Did you know? Almost everyone who wants to be a school nurse is a woman. My college department was almost entirely girls. I had zero chance to meet anyone."

"I see. Well, what about meeting people at work...?"

The moment I said it, I realized my mistake. It sounded like I was asking if she was interested in me.

"Nfufu~. Hey, what exactly did you mean by that?"

"Oh, no, I didn't..."

"You shouldn't tease an older woman like that, you know?"

"It's not like that! Ah, right, we haven't even talked about why we came here, have we?"

I scrambled to change the subject, and Honoka-san’s expression turned a bit complicated.

"Right. Though honestly, I just wanted to clear my head, so I don't really care anymore. But... well."

Her expression shifted to one of sadness as she began to speak.

"Today, I went to a job interview at a middle school a bit further away. But the vice principal there said something really awful to me..."

"Something awful?"

"Since I'm also a dungeon diver, he told me, 'You're probably just looking for a chance to seduce young men. Dungeon divers are just a bunch of loose women who treat men like prey.'"

"That's... that's horrible."

It had only been about a dozen years since dungeons first appeared. Many men still clung to old values—just like that guy who harassed Suzuka-san at the convenience store. The vice principal who said that to Honoka-san was likely cut from the same cloth.

"I was just a little down because of that. But talking to you really helped, Tatsuya-kun. I feel much better. I'll keep trying with my interviews."

Honoka-san smiled. This time, it wasn't the forced smile she wore at work.

"I'm sorry. I wish I could have done more than just listen..."

She looked at me blankly for a moment, then let out a soft laugh.

"I told you, that was the whole point. I didn't have anyone to talk to, and it was all bottling up. I'm really glad you listened to me. Thank you."

"But if there's anything else I can do to help, just say the word!"

"You're so kind, Tatsuya-kun. You've got to be popular."

"I told you, I'm not."

"What a waste. You're such a good boy. Girls these days really have no taste."

As she said that, she reached her hand across the table—right toward where my hand was resting.

"Oh, your glass is empty. Do you want another drink?"

I quickly pulled my hand away to grab the menu and hand it to her. For a split second, she looked lonely, but she immediately covered it with a smile.

"It's not even nine yet! Since we're here, you have to come to one more place with me!"

"I need to fix my makeup first," she said, excusing herself from the table. I let out a long sigh of relief. I definitely couldn't let myself do anything indecent to her in a place like this.

Then, a realization hit me. This was the perfect time for the 'Check Gambit.' According to a how-to book I bought at a used bookstore called Techniques of the Popular Man, a smooth guy handles the bill while the woman is in the restroom.

I didn't know how much it would be, but I had the 'Golden Pair'—a 10,000 yen and a 5,000 yen note—standing by in my wallet. If that wasn't enough, I’d have to rely on her, pathetic as that would be.

Heart pounding, I rang the bell and asked the server for the bill. When the server brought the slip...

"S-seventeen thousand yen..."

Expensive. But I had enough!

"Um, cash is fine, right? Here's twenty thousand..."

"It is most certainly not fine!"

"Ouch!"

A karate chop landed square on my head.

"Honestly, Tatsuya-kun, what are you doing?"

"Well, I read in a book that a guy should pay while the woman is away from the table..."

I looked down, feeling incredibly embarrassed as I explained. Also, that chop was dangerous. My thick hair saved my scalp, but if I were balding, Honoka-san would have seen something she wasn't supposed to.

"Good grief, you're too cute. Listen, no adult is going to let a high schooler pay for them, okay? Excuse me, I'll pay with card. One lump sum. Please make the receipt out to Un Jour Terrace."

Honoka-san pulled a credit card from her wallet and handed it to the server. She looked so cool.

When we stepped outside, it was pitch black. I felt like I was doing something I shouldn't be.

"Alright, let's hit a bar! A bar!"

Apparently, the night was far from over.

"That vice prinshipal... I would never... never lay a finger on a shtudent..."

"Honoka-san, are you okay? Did you drink a bit too much?"

"Nnn... 'm fine. Not."

Her speech had become dangerously slurred. A female bartender smoothly slid a glass of water toward her. Honoka-san gulped it down and then slumped over the counter. She’d passed out.

After the restaurant, we’d come to a bar run by one of Honoka-san's friends. After drinking for a while, she’d finally hit her limit.

"Honoka usually has a pretty high tolerance. Sorry about this, Mura-kun."

"Oh, no. It's fine."

Kei-san, Honoka's friend behind the counter, gave a wry smile. She had a very short haircut with green inner-coloring, sharp eyes, and a high nose. Her large mouth was painted with bright red lipstick. She had the aura of a lead singer for a popular indie band.

"When Honoka said she was bringing a guy, I wondered what was going on, but I didn't expect a minor... You okay? She didn't do anything weird to you, did she?"

"Not at all! She's always kind and looks out for me. I wanted to be of help to her today, but all I could really do was listen. She even refused to let me pay..."

"She's a hard worker, this one. Always tries to carry everything herself. Sincere, diligent... and a total closet pervert. She's so cute, you'd think she could get a reliable boyfriend in a heartbeat if she wanted to."

"A closet pervert...?"

"Most women are eyeing men for something, so you'd better be careful too, Mura-kun."

"I don't think..."

...that's true, I was about to say, but recent events flashed through my mind. Better be careful.

"Hmm. It's already ten-thirty... Mura-kun, I hate to ask, but can you get Honoka home? It's bad for business if we have a minor in here past eleven."

"Yes, I can. My place is actually pretty close. Oh, but the bill...?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll put it on Honoka's tab."

"Is that okay?"

"Of course. If Honoka found out you paid, she'd be devastated."

"Understood. Thank you very much."

"Tell her that once she wakes up~," Kei-san said, waving her hand. She was such a frank, cool person.

"Um... okay. Should I give her a piggyback ride?"

Luckily, we were both wearing long sleeves. I could carry her home without any direct skin contact.

"Heave... ho!"

I hung Honoka-san's bag around my neck and lifted her off the stool onto my back. She was light. Even though she was... so big.

"Ah."

Right. Giving someone a piggyback ride meant having those large mounds pressed directly against my back. I knew that if I thought about it, I’d get worked up, so I tried my best to ignore it.

"Something wrong? Thinking about Honoka's tits?"

"Wh-! No! I mean...!"

That's exactly what I'm thinking. Does this woman have no sense of delicacy?

"Just consider it a perk and enjoy it. She probably won't wake up even if you squeeze 'em a little."

"I-I wouldn't do that!"

Kei-san’s teasing had made me even more hyper-aware of the feeling on my back.

"Thanks for today. I'll come back again."

"A bar's no place for a minor. Come back once you're twenty~"

Kei-san lit a cigarette as she spoke. Man, she really was cool.

In the end, Honoka-san never woke up. I had no choice but to take her back to my apartment, lay her on my bed, and go to sleep myself. I’d managed the incredible feat of not laying a finger on a vulnerable, beautiful, busty woman lying in my bed. I felt like I deserved some kind of award. The Nobel Peace Prize for Chastity or something.

◇　

The next morning, I woke to find Honoka-san sitting up in bed, her face buried in both hands.

"...Mmm. Oh, good morning, Honoka-san. You drank quite a bit last night. Are you okay?"

"I did it. I actually did it. I did it. I did it..."

"Honoka-san?"

She was muttering to herself through her hands. This was worrying.

"I... what have I done... to an innocent high schooler... a boy who’s still a minor... a diligent part-timer... Someone aiming to be a school nurse, and I committed such lewd acts with a minor..."

"Um, Honoka-san?"

"Hyah!!"

When I lightly poked her arm, her entire body jolted like she’d been hit by an electric current.

"T-T-T-Tatsuya-kun... About last night... I, um, I..."

She turned toward me with movements so jerky you could practically hear the sound effects. Her face was bright red.

"Yes, thank you for last night. It was my first time, but it was really fun."

"Y-your first time...? Does that mean... I really..."

She seemed to be laboring under a massive misunderstanding. I decided to tease her a little. I wrapped my arms around myself and looked down slightly.

"Honoka-san... last night... you were so intense... I kept telling you I couldn't do any more, but you just kept going, and going..."

"Wa-wa-wa-wa! I have that much initiative?! And it was my first time too?! I'm so sorry, Tatsuya-kun! Truly, I am! You might not believe me, but I never intended for that to happen! Aaaaahhhhh! Why would I do something like thaaaaat!"

After shouting something strange, she grabbed her head and buried her face in the pillow. That's my pillow, by the way.

"Why don't I remember any of iiiiitt?! What a waaaaassste!"

What exactly is this cute woman saying?

After muffled screaming and thrashing into the pillow, she finally went quiet. Then she suddenly bolted upright. With a pale, serious face, she looked at me.

"Wait, is this a crime? Am I a criminal? How old are you again, Tatsuya-kun?"

"Sixteen."

"IT IS A CRIMEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

"Oh, but I'll be seventeen this year. November 23rd."

"THAT STILL DOESN'T MAAAATTERRRR!"

Watching her scream into the pillow again, I couldn't hold it back anymore.

"Pffft... pff, ahaha! Ahahahaha!"

"T-Tatsuya-kun...?"

"I'm kidding. It's a joke. Nothing happened."

"...Huh?" She looked at me blankly, her hair a total mess.

"You passed out drunk at Kei-san’s bar, so I carried you back here. You wouldn't wake up at all, so I just went to sleep."

"Wait... so... it was a lie?"

"Yes. It was a lie."

"So, no lewd acts with a minor...?"

"None."

"I'm not a criminal?"

"Nope. You're a law-abiding citizen."

"............Th-thank goooooodnesss..."

All the strength seemed to leave her body as she flopped face-down onto the bed in relief.

"Gosh... don't tease me like that!"

"Ahaha, sorry. You were panicking so much I couldn't help it."

"Really. Besides, you shouldn't just let women into your room so easily, okay? It’s lucky it was me, but if it were anyone else, you might have been attacked!"

"I don't think I'm in much danger of being attacked by someone who's passed out cold."

"Hmph~"

Honoka-san puffed out her cheeks in a visible pout.

"More importantly, are you okay for work today? It's almost nine."

"Wait, what?! It's that late?! Wh-what do I do?! I have prep for the lunch rush!"

"It's about a thirty-minute walk to Un Jour Terrace from here. You can use the shower if you need to. It's that door. I don't have a change of clothes for you, but I have a spare toothbrush from a hotel kit."

"Really?! Thank you, Tatsuya-kun!"

Showing no signs of a hangover, she scrambled to her feet and dashed toward the bathroom. After some rustling sounds of clothes shifting, her head popped out from behind the door. She was clearly naked; her collarbone and nape looked strangely alluring, and I could see the deep valley of her large chest.

"Um... hey. Don't peek, okay?"

"I won't."

"...That’s actually a little frustrating, in its own way."

"What do you want from me...? You're gonna be late if you don't hurry."

"Oh, right! Well, I'll see you later, okay?"

I wonder what she meant by 'see you later.'

She took a quick shower, fixed her makeup, and rushed off to work. It looked like she’d make it on time.

◇　

During a PE class later, I found my mind wandering to trivial things.

Honoka-san's breasts were really big...

The sensation of them against my back from when I carried her wouldn't leave my head—or rather, my back. Before I knew it, my thoughts were constantly being hijacked by that memory. Like some girl in love.

"Mura! Look out!"

"Huh?"

I snapped out of it at the sharp voice, only to see a flash of orange filling my vision.

"Bofh!"

Impact exploded across my face.

"Crap! That ball went straight into his face!"

"Face safe!"

"There's no 'face safe' in basketball!"

My classmates were making a huge racket.

"Mura, look up."

As I crouched there in pain, a blunt voice spoke, and a large hand grabbed my chin. Unable to resist, I was forced to look up. A rugged, gorilla-like face filled my view. It was Gorisaki—the gym teacher. His name was actually Gondou-sensei, but since he looked like a gorilla, everyone called him Gorisaki. There are probably at least a dozen PE teachers in Japan with that nickname.

"Who am I?"

"Gori-se... Gondou-sensei."

"Reaction is normal. But your eyes are a bit unfocused. Let's head to the nurse's office just in case."

Before I could say anything, Gorisaki hoisted me up onto his back as if I weighed nothing.

"The rest of you, free time until I get back! Go play dodgeball or something!"

His booming voice was met with cheers from the class.

He carried me toward the nurse's office. Come to think of it, Sagara-sensei had returned to dungeon diving, so I wondered who was running the office now.

"Gondou-sensei. Who's the nurse now...?"

"Just stay quiet. Never let your guard down when you've taken a hit to the head."

Gorisaki might look tough, but he was a good teacher.

Swaying on his broad back, we arrived at the nurse's office. He kicked the door open.

"Doctor, we have an emergency. Second-year, Class 4, Mura Tatsuya. Took a basketball to the head. Responses are fine, but I suspect a mild concussion."

"Understood. Lay him down on the bed."

"I'll leave him to you."

After Gorisaki left, a doctor peered down at me as I lay on the bed.

"You..."

"Oh, it's been a while."

It was the doctor who had been in charge of Suzuka-san's mother.

"Did you become the school nurse here?"

She looked exhausted as she shook her head.

"Not exactly. I'll explain later. I heard you took a basketball to the head. Where did it hit?"

"Um, my forehead."

"Did you lose consciousness at all?"

"No, nothing like that."

"Any nausea, headaches, dizziness, or ringing in your ears?"

"My forehead just stings a bit."

After a quick interview, the doctor touched my face with gloved hands and shone a small light into my eyes. Truly a professional. I was glad she was wearing gloves.

"This will be a bit bright... Pupil size and light reflex are fine. What's today's date?"

"June 2nd."

"I'm going to say some numbers. Repeat them back to me in reverse order. One, seven, three."

"Three, seven, one."

"Six, eight, two, five, nine."

"Um... nine... five... six-eight-two... two. Eight, six."

"Memory is fine. It’s a mild concussion. You should be okay, but since only sixth period and homeroom are left, just rest here until school’s out."

The doctor scribbled something down as she spoke.

"Wow. You're just like a real doctor."

"...I am a doctor. You knew that, didn't you? Perhaps there is an issue with your long-term memory."

"It was just a joke."

She let out a long sigh.

"Are you okay? You look tired."

"I am tired. And to answer your first question—no, I’m not the school nurse. Sagara-sensei resigned the other day, so the school doctor and the hospital staff are filling in."

"That sounds rough."

"It is rough. So next time, catch the ball with your hands, not your forehead."

She let out another massive sigh. I felt bad.

"When you get home, make sure to tell your parents you hit your head. Ideally, you should sleep in the same room as them tonight."

"I live alone."

"Aren't you living with the Naruse family? Oh? Now that I think about it, your last name is Mura."

It seemed she’d assumed I was part of Suzuka-san’s family. Since I was there that night, it was a natural mistake.

As I was debating how to explain, the door to the nurse's office swung open and a girl walked in.

"Excuse me~. I found an artifact during class, so I came to report it!"

A cool-looking gyaru with short blonde hair. It was Suzuka-san.

"Huh, Tatsuya? What are you doing here? Skipping?"

The fact that 'skipping' was the first thing she thought of told me she probably did it herself sometimes.

"No, I just hit my head."

"For real? You good?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. No big deal."

"It is a big deal," the doctor interrupted. "When you take a hard hit to the head, don't let your guard down for at least twenty-four hours. You're Naruse Suzuka-san, right? What's your relationship with Mura-kun? If you're relatives, I’d like you to keep an eye on him tonight."

"Oh, Suzuka-san and I are..."

"We're cousins! Tatsuya, I'm crashing at your place tonight."

Before I could get a word of denial out, Suzuka-san spoke with a smirk.

"Man, this brings back memories. I was living here just a little while ago."

Suzuka-san said, looking around my room. She had that same Boston bag over her shoulder. In her other hand was a bag of groceries from the nearby supermarket.

After putting the perishables in the fridge, she dove onto my bed without hesitation and reached for the manga on the shelf.

"Found it! The new volume came out last week, didn't it? I knew I could count on you to have it, Tatsuya~"

She really made herself at home. I didn't know whether to be happy she felt so comfortable or annoyed that she was treating my place like a manga cafe.

"What are we doing for dinner?"

"Hmm. I'll make it after I read this~"

She gave a vague reply, her legs kicking back and forth as she lay on her stomach. Her mind was already in the world of manga.

Then I realized. Suzuka-san, who always wore her school skirt short, was lying on the bed with her legs moving... and it was dangerously close to showing me everything.

Like a cat watching a toy, my eyes followed her beautiful legs until she suddenly stopped moving. I looked up to find her grinning at me.

"Tatsuya~. You're staring a bit too much, don't you think?"

"...I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Nice try. I'm in a good mood, so I'll make you something delicious."

She snapped the manga shut, stood up, and started cooking in the kitchen. She was humming a song I’d grown used to hearing, though I still didn't know the title.

"Here you go. Your favorite Dandan noodles for the 'Dandan Noodle King.'"

"You can actually make Dandan noodles at home...?"

Looking at the ingredients, I’d assumed she was making hamburgers or pasta, but she’d gone out of her way to make my favorite.

"Hilarious. There's basically nothing you can't make at home."

"I guess so. Thanks for the food."

"Dig in~"

I took a bite. The thick, spicy flavor stimulated my tongue. It was exactly the way I liked it. She might have even tuned the flavor to match the frozen ones I usually get from the convenience store. I didn't say anything and just took another bite. The fact that it was delicious seemed to get across, as she gave a cheeky grin.

"By the way, why were you at the nurse's office today? You said something about an artifact. Those are useful tools you find in dungeons, right?"

"Students in the Exploration Course have dungeon practicals, right? If we find an artifact during practice, we have to report it to the teacher. I mean, most of the stuff you find on lower floors is junk, but sometimes there’s stuff that could be bad if people used it for pranks."

"That's part of the school nurse's job too?"

"Well, dungeons and sex are pretty closely linked. So the nurse at a school with an Exploration Course has it rough. You need both a nursing license and dungeon diving experience. Kobayakawa-sensei is always complaining about it. Wishing they could find a permanent nurse."

"Kobayakawa-sensei?"

"The doctor who was in the office today. She's crazy busy."

I realized I hadn't actually asked her name. So it was Kobayakawa-sensei.

"I've never actually seen an artifact. Can I see it?"

"Hold on. I think I shoved it in my bag..."

Suzuka-san rummaged through her school bag. Her short skirt was teasingly close to revealing everything. Maybe she was wearing an artifact that made it impossible to see her underwear.

"Found it. This is it."

What she pulled out looked like a collar. Or, to be more fashionable, a choker. She put it around her neck without hesitation. The patterns carved into the artifact glowed a faint bluish-white for a second.

"Like this."

"Whoa! What a cool voice!"

The voice coming from her throat wasn't her usual cute one; it sounded like a popular, handsome actor.

"It's just an artifact that changes your voice. Pretty useless. Though I guess it’s handy for hanging up on annoying scam calls."

"I want to try it!"

"Sure."

She took it off and tossed it to me. Her treatment of it was so casual. I put it on, still feeling a bit of her warmth, and spoke with some nerves.

"How's this? Whoa!"

I was startled by the deep sound coming from my own throat. It was a low, gravelly voice like a veteran movie star.

"Awesome! It’s so deep! Don't I sound cool?"

I asked excitedly, but Suzuka-san was clutching her stomach, laughing.

"Pffft! Hahahaha! It doesn't fit you at all! That face, that voice, those words! It's too funny!"

Apparently, while the voice was cool, the mismatch with my face was too much. If she wanted a laugh, I’d give her one.

"You know... there's this guy I've been interested in lately... He's the master of a nearby bar..."

I put a hand to my cheek and wiggled my body as I spoke in that deep, gravelly voice.

"Pfffh! Stop, stop it! Hahahaha! I'm gonna die! I'm literally gonna die laughing!"

"He's so mysterious... but he has such a cute side, don't you think? It just really tickles my maternal instincts..."

"Gah! Ahahaha! I told you to stop!"

"Ow!"

Suzuka-san threw a box of tissues at me to make me stop. The corner hit my forehead. It hurt.

"Oh my. Young people these days... so violent..."

"Hic! Hic! I... I can't breathe!"

Suzuka-san was doubled over, struggling for air. Maybe I went too far. I took the artifact off.

"I don't know if it has any real use, but it's fun."

"Phew... phew... Haaa, I finally calmed down... That was too much. I seriously thought I was gonna die."

She finally sat up. She was slightly sweaty from laughing, her cheeks flushed, and her already loose uniform was even more disheveled, making her look incredibly sexy.

"If you like it that much, you can have it."

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah. It's not a rare artifact or anything. Consider it a thank-you for the laugh."

I didn't have a use for it either, but I liked it enough to want to play with it sometimes. I’ll take it.

"Oh, but don't use it for anything bad, okay? Apparently, crimes committed using artifacts carry like twice the normal sentence."

"Got it."

I’ll definitely stay on the right side of the law.

"Did you find any other interesting ones?"

Suzuka-san grinned and pulled out a bracelet. It was rugged and cool-looking. She put it on her wrist and then gave my shoulder a hard shove. I couldn't resist, and before I knew it, she had me pinned.

"A Defense-Up Bracelet. With this, I might actually be able to handle the pleasure you give me, Tatsuya. Get ready."

She looked down at me with a seductive smile on her beautiful face.

"Aaaahhh...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsuyaaa...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ It's so good... mmmph...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Since it's been so long... I'm already... at my limit... it's too much...♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Despite all her big talk, she didn't last long. The moment I pulled her close and pressed my lips to her neck, Suzuka-san surrendered.

◇　

"And that's why, since Honoka-san is a licensed school nurse and a Dungeon Diver to boot, I think there's a good chance you'd get hired at my school. It’s a high school, not a middle school, though."

We were on a break at work, and I brought up the topic of the school nurse position while we tucked into some top-tier staff meals. Honoka-san’s dream was to be a middle school nurse, so I figured I might be overstepping my bounds.

Honoka-san pressed a finger to her lips for a moment, lost in thought, before her face lit up with a smile.

"Thank you, Tatsuya-kun! I guess I was a bit too fixated on middle schools, but high schoolers have plenty of their own troubles, don't they? No, actually, high school is such a sensitive time... they probably have even more to worry about. Okay! I’ll give it a shot and apply for the position at your school, Tatsuya-kun."

"I'm just glad I could help. I’ll be a little lonely if my most reliable senior at work leaves, but if you become our school nurse, I’ll be able to see you whenever I want."

"Hehe, it’s not like I’ve been hired yet."

"You’ll definitely get the job, Honoka-san. You’re kind, positive, and great with people."

"Oh, stop it. You’re flattering me way too much!"

Honoka-san laughed, looking a little bashful. If someone as beautiful as her became the school nurse, the boys in my class were going to be absolutely losing it.

And just as I expected, at the school assembly the following week, Honoka-san was introduced as the new health teacher.

She was welcomed by a thunderous round of applause. As she stood there with a red face and a happy, radiant smile, I had no idea that her expression would be clouded so soon.

◇

It had been a week since Honoka-san was hired. Healthy teenage boys don’t usually have much reason to visit the infirmary. That said, after school one day, I found myself heading that way despite being perfectly injury-free.

On the way, I passed a group of third-year girls who looked like they were from the Labyrinth Exploration Course.

"Level fifty-two? Isn't that, like, pathetic?"

"Yeah, she seems totally unreliable."

"And what’s with those off-the-shoulder tops? She’s a hag in her twenties, she should quit trying to act all sexy."

The conversation I overheard as I passed them made my chest tighten. They were clearly making fun of Honoka-san. She was the new nurse—young, beautiful, and well-endowed. While her popularity among the boys was skyrocketing, that only meant she was bound to rub some of the girls the wrong way.

I picked up my pace and knocked on the infirmary door.

"Ah, y-yes! Come in!"

Honoka-san’s voice sounded flustered. When I opened the door and stepped inside, I caught a glimpse of her tossing a crumpled tissue into the trash.

"Hello, Honoka-san. Nothing’s actually wrong, I just thought I’d stop by."

"Tatsuya-kun! I'm sorry I didn't get to thank you sooner. Look! Thanks to you, I’ve officially become a school nurse!"

Honoka-san spread her arms wide with a forced, bright smile, showing off her white lab coat.

"Hehe, I still feel like the coat is wearing me instead of the other way around, but maybe I’ll grow into the role eventually?"

I recognized that strained smile. It was the same one she’d worn on the day she told me the vice-principal had been making snide comments during her interview. Ten to one, those girls I’d just passed were the reason.

"Honoka-san, I’m sorry."

"...Um, did you do something I should be apologizing for?"

"Honoka-san, you have that same look on your face. I just passed some students from the Exploration Course... did they say something mean to you?"

At my words, Honoka-san’s expression shifted into a troubled smile.

"I really can't hide anything from you, can I, Tatsuya-kun?"

She let out a small, long sigh, as if she were trying to keep me from hearing it.

"It’s not like they’re directly bullying me or anything. It’s just... there’s a bit of a thorn in everything they say. Like, 'How did someone with such a low level get hired as our nurse?' or 'Did you become a teacher because you like younger boys?' If they just didn't like me personally, that would be one thing. But I became a nurse because I wanted to take care of these kids' hearts, and instead, I’m just making them feel bad. It makes me feel so pathetic and... sad."

Her voice trembled as the sadness began to overflow.

"S-sorry."

Honoka-san pressed a handkerchief to her eyes. The sorrow spilling from her pupils was quickly absorbed by the fabric.

"The previous nurse, Sagara-san, was a pretty famous Dungeon Diver. She was on the front lines for a while, and she was a deeply compassionate person who got injured saving her comrades. That’s why the students trusted her so much. Compared to her, I was just a hobbyist Diver. There’s no way I could earn their trust right away."

Honoka-san looked down and wept quietly for a moment. Then, she looked up and forced another smile.

"Ahaha, I’m a total failure as a teacher, ventng to a student like this. It’s okay. My career has only just begun. I’ll work hard and earn their trust from here on out! I’ll level up a bunch and become a reliable nurse! Besides, I’m truly grateful to you, Tatsuya-kun, so there’s no need to apologize!"

"Honoka-san..."

"Oh, that's right. You have to call me Matsumoto-san when we're at school, okay?"

She spoke cheerfully, as if to signal that the heavy conversation was over.

It was my fault Honoka-san was suffering like this. If I hadn't suggested the high school job, she’d still be smiling while helping out at her family’s restaurant and working toward her dream of being a middle school nurse. Eventually, she would have achieved that dream and lived a happy life with her students.

"Honoka-san. What level do you think you’d need to reach to gain some 'clout'?"

"Eh? Um... well, the highest-level third-year is just under level one hundred, I think, so maybe level one hundred is a good goal?"

"Honoka-san. Hypothetically speaking, if there was someone with an incredible amount of experience points, would you want them to give some to you?"

"Are you talking about Okudaira-kun from the third year? I-I would never lay a hand on a student!"

Honoka-san sounded indignant. With her strong moral compass, she’d never dream of taking advantage of a student, even if they had a mountain of EXP. Even if that student was me.

"No, I mean someone else. Someone with an amount of EXP that isn't just in the millions—it’s much, much more. Someone who could make you level up just by holding your hand."

"Honestly, Tatsuya-kun, you're terrible at jokes. There's no way someone like that exists. I'm a licensed nurse, I know how these things work."

"Then please, just listen to it as a joke. This person can make you level up just by holding hands. However, that involves a massive transfer of experience. You understand what that means, right?"

"That it would involve... an overwhelming amount of pleasure?"

"Exactly. A pleasure so intense it’s almost painful, enough to make you lose consciousness. If you want it, Honoka-san, I can try to get in touch with them. What do you want to do?"

It was her choice. Besides, the students bothering her were third-years. They’d be gone by next year. Time would eventually solve the problem.

Honoka-san thought it over for a while, then looked up, her gaze firm.

"If that story is true... please get in touch with them. I want to become a proper nurse as soon as I can, so I can be there for my students."

The traces of sadness had vanished from her face.

◇

As the sun began to set in the west, I reached for the handle of the infirmary door facing the deserted backyard. The door, which should have been locked, turned without resistance and opened with a faint creak. I slipped inside quickly to avoid being seen and locked it behind me.

The infirmary was dim, with the curtains drawn tight against the evening sun. Both beds were enclosed by curtains, hiding whoever was inside. I couldn't see her, but I knew she was there. A pair of white legs and room sandals were visible through the gap at the bottom of the curtain.

I stepped inside the curtain of the adjacent bed and sat down.

"Are you... Honoka Matsumoto-san?"

The voice that came out of my mouth was low and gravelly, impossible to imagine coming from my own face. I was wearing the voice-altering artifact I’d received from Suzuka-san. As long as I kept my face hidden, there was no way she’d realize it was me.

I heard Honoka-san stir behind the curtain.

"Honoka Matsumoto-san?"

"Ah, y-yes. I am Honoka Matsumoto."

She responded to my second prompt, her voice thick with tension.

"You're... Murata-san, right?"

Murata. That was the alias I’d come up with to protect my identity. I’d just taken the first three characters of my name, Mura Tatsuya. A pretty lazy naming choice, all things considered.

"Um... I heard that you have so much experience that... that just touching your hand makes people stronger. Is that... is that really true?"

"Whether you believe it or not is up to you. I'm only here as a favor to a friend. If you don't need me, I'll leave."

I stood up and reached for the curtain. Honoka-san let out a panicked cry.

"Wait! I'm sorry for being so rude!"

I sat back down and heard the sound of her taking several deep, heavy breaths.

"Murata-san... please. Let me touch your hand."

"Very well."

I reached my hand through the gap in the curtains toward Honoka-san’s side.

Now then, let the Ecstatic Peak Leveling begin.

◇

The Venus de Milo. A world-famous ancient Greek sculpture of a woman. Its defining features are a beautiful face, a magnificent physique, and the total absence of arms.

It’s not that she never had arms. They were lost to the passage of time. And yet, it is precisely because they are missing that the Venus de Milo is considered so beautiful.

They say it’s because the human brain imagines the ideal set of arms to fill the void. If that’s true, it makes sense. Nothing in this world is more beautiful than what one can conjure in their own imagination.

In other words, what I’m trying to say is...

"........................................Hngh...♡........................Haaah...♡"

The sight of Honoka-san writhing on the other side of the curtain was incredibly erotic. I couldn't see everything, but her voluptuous body flickered in and out of view through the small gaps.

Her fingers were barely brushing against the middle finger of my right hand. Her breasts heaved in sync with the twists of her body. I could hear her muffled whimpers and the occasional, uncontrollable moan.

I couldn't see it all, which made it even more suggestive. No, it was because I couldn't see it that it was so hot.

This was Honoka-san. That serious, kind, bright, and attentive older-sister type was currently writhing in pleasure because of my finger. In the school infirmary, after hours.

"........................................Ah................................No...♡"

I was regretting this. I was seriously regretting this.

Why did I choose this method? It would have been fine if she found out it was me. But then again, if I told her I was the one with the massive EXP, she never would have agreed to it. There was no way the straight-laced Honoka-san would allow herself to 'lay a hand' on a student.

God, I wanted to see her. I wanted to know exactly what was happening to her right now, what kind of expression she was making as she melted. If I could, I wanted to squeeze and stroke every inch of her.

I should have just played it off coolly. 'Hey, I'll give you some EXP if you let me be a bit of a perv, okay?' Maybe there would have been a chance. Who the hell is 'Murata' anyway? Who cares about that guy?

"....................................................................Gh... h-haaaah...!! ♡"

Her fingers slipped away from mine, and I heard her collapse onto the bed with a thud.

"Haa... haa... haa... haa..."

I could hear her ragged breathing. This was her first time, so that was probably enough. I was already at my limit just imagining what she looked like.

I wanted to get home as fast as possible and have a little 'me-time.' I’d have to look for some school nurse-themed videos tonight.

"We'll stop here for today. Coordinate the next session with Mura-kun."

"A-Ah, wait!"

I leaned forward to leave, but Honoka-san called out to stop me.

"What is it?"

"I can keep going! Please, just a little more! I can still take it!"

"I see..."

I'm the one who can't take it, though... my 'son' is at his breaking point...

"Only a little longer, okay?"

"Yes! Thank you so much!"

When Honoka-san pleaded like that, I couldn't just walk out. I reached my hand back through the gap.

"Annh...♡"

"Whoa... s-sorry. Are you okay?"

"N-No. Yes, I'm fine. I'm... I'm okay."

In my haste, I’d accidentally brushed against some soft flesh. Even through her clothes, I could tell how soft and heavy that part of her body was. I couldn't see, so I didn't know exactly what I’d touched. Where? Where did I just touch? What is this erotic mystery box? What’s inside? A girl with a lewd body?

"H-Here I go."

After another deep breath, Honoka-san touched my finger again. My fingertip tingled as if it had become an erogenous zone itself. I felt a sudden urge to grab her arm and pull her toward me, but I managed to hold back.

"........................Ngh...♡............Amazing................♡"

Unaware of my internal struggle, Honoka-san continued to moan in ecstasy.

"....................................................................H-Haaaah...!! ♡"

After a while, our fingers separated again. That was it. I had to leave. I had to get home and console my poor, neglected son.

"Well then, we'll continue another time—"

"W-Wait, pwease! Haa... haa... Just... just a bit more..."

"..."

Maybe what Kei-san, the bartender, said was true. Honoka-san really was a total muttsuri.

In the end, she begged for five more rounds, and I didn't make it home until nearly ten o'clock. I was so exhausted that I collapsed into bed without even being able to console my poor son.

Honoka-san showed up in my dreams that night, and I absolutely went to town on her.

◇

A few days after our secret little "Health and Physical Education" session, I headed toward the infirmary after school. Even though I’d left things to "Murata," I figured it would look suspicious if I didn't check in on her myself.

I knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Instead, I heard voices coming from inside. They were talking about dungeons and levels, punctuated by the occasional high-pitched, nasty laugh of a teenage girl.

'Why don't you just use those tits to bait some guys? You’d level up to our rank in no time.'

'I know, right? Remember how Sagara-sensei went right back to the front lines? Now she was a teacher you could actually rely on.'

Ten to one, it was those third-year girls from the Labyrinth Exploration Course. I considered stepping in to put a stop to their snide remarks, but then I hesitated. Honoka-san might not want me to see her being bullied like that. As I was weighing my options, a voice called out from behind me.

"Hey, Tatsuya. What are you doing? Did you take another ball to the face or something?"

It was Suzuka-san. She was holding some kind of tool I’d never seen before. She probably found an artifact during class and came to report it.

"I don't get hit that often. And Matsumoto... I mean, Honoka-san... used to be my senior at my part-time job. I just came to see how she’s doing."

"Then just go inside. Why are you standing here eavesdropping? Oh, wait... is someone doing something pervy in there?! Let me hear, let me hear!"

"No, it's nothing like that..."

Ignoring my protests, Suzuka-san pressed her ear to the door like a curious middle schooler.

'There’s gotta be a job you're better suited for than being a nurse, right? With tits that big, maybe a hostess club?'

'Pfft! Ahaha! Let us know if you start working at one. I'll tell my dad!'

The grin vanished from Suzuka-san's face, replaced by a cold, flat expression. Without a moment's hesitation, she threw the door open. It hit the wall with a deafening bang.

"Honoka-san! I brought that artifact we talked about!"

Honoka-san and the three girls jumped, their shoulders nearly hitting their ears as they spun around to face us.

"Oh, did you have guests? My bad. You seniors are from the Exploration Course, right? Are you here to report an artifact too?"

The sudden appearance of Suzuka-san sent the girls into an awkward silence, their gazes shifting toward the floor.

"No, we're not..."

"We were just giving Honoka-san some advice since her level is so much lower than ours."

Suzuka-san’s lips curled into a smirk, revealing a glimpse of her cute snaggletooth.

"And what level are you 'seniors' exactly?"

The girls exchanged looks before one of them—likely the highest-leveled of the bunch—spoke up.

"Level eighty-two... why do you care?"

Suzuka-san's smirk deepened.

"I guess that means I'm double your level, then. I'll take over 'teaching' Honoka-san from here, so you ladies can beat it."

"Double?! There's no way I'd believe—!"

The girl was cut off as an overwhelming pressure radiated from Suzuka-san. I looked over and saw her body glowing with a faint, golden aura. She looked just like a member of Trinity Spark, the idol-diver group.

"You don't have to believe me. Want to test it?"

"Ugh...! You... how many guys did you have to sleep with to reach that level?! You total slut!"

"Hey, I'm just popular. 'Cause I'm cute."

"Why you...!"

The girl opened her mouth to shoot back another insult, but no words came out. After a few moments of gaping like a fish, the seniors snatched up their bags and stood.

"We're leaving!"

"Catch ya later~"

Suzuka-san waved lazily at the three girls as they stomped out of the room. By the time they were gone, the aura around her had vanished as if it were never there.

"Now then. Now that the yapping puppies are gone, can I make my report?"

"...Eh? Oh, yeah. Hi, Naruse-san. It’s been a week, hasn't it? Um... thank you for helping me."

Honoka-san, who had been dazed by Suzuka-san’s grand entrance and swift disposal of the bullies, finally spoke. The sadness seemed to have evaporated for the moment.

"Don't mention it. You really gotta stand up to people like that, Honoka-san. Otherwise, they'll just keep escalating."

It seemed Suzuka-san and Honoka-san were already on a first-name basis. Suzuka-san must have made several artifact reports over the past week, and they’d bonded during the process.

"I know... thank you. If only I were as strong as you, Naruse-san, maybe I could say it with as much conviction..."

"Strong has nothing to do with it, honestly. They don't have the guts to actually do anything to you. Anyway, here. This is the artifact."

Suzuka-san handed a strange-looking tool to Honoka-san. After a brief inspection, Honoka-san handed it right back.

"Yes, there are no issues here. I have to say it because it's the rule, but please don't misuse it."

"Yeah, yeah. Wait, Honoka-san, you can tell just by looking? You did the same thing last time."

"Of course. I memorized every artifact a student might bring in before I was even assigned to this school. I wanted to make sure I could answer any questions you all had."

"You're such a dedicated teacher. I don't get why those seniors are so salty toward you."

"Hehe. Well, I have students like you who support me, so I'll be fine."

The two of them chatted amiably. I’d followed Suzuka-san into the room, but somehow, I felt completely invisible.

"Oh, right. Tatsuya, what were you here for again?"

Suzuka-san finally turned her attention to me.

"Oh, uh, nothing. Just came to see how Matsumoto-san was doing."

"You said she was your senior at work, right? From that one restaurant?"

"Yeah. The place with the legendary Rossini. Matsumoto-san's dad is the chef there."

The memory of the Rossini must have hit Suzuka-san hard, because her stomach let out a tiny, adorable growl.

"Honoka-san! Your dad’s cooking was incredible! How much does that dish usually cost anyway?!"

Honoka-san recoiled slightly at Suzuka-san’s sudden intensity but managed to answer.

"Um, you mean the Black Minotaur fillet with the King Duck foie gras? Well... at our place, it’s about twenty thousand yen for the dish."

"Twenty thousand..."

That was a steep price for any high schooler.

"But I think our place is actually on the cheaper side. Since those are high-quality dungeon ingredients, you should expect to pay fifty thousand yen at most other restaurants."

"Fifty—?!"

Suzuka-san was speechless. I couldn't blame her. That was enough to buy a brand-new game console and a few accessories.

"Maybe I should work there too... I want that staff meal."

"We are actually looking for someone since I left."

"Mmm, but I want to spend my free time in the dungeon..."

Suzuka-san groaned, her face contorted in conflict. The meal must have been that good.

Seeing her like that, Honoka-san gave her a gentle smile.

"So, how’s it going? Any luck finding the Soft Gold Peach?"

"Aside from the one I found five days ago, nothing... I just don't have enough time to search in only a day or two. It’s seriously too rare."

Suzuka-san slumped into a chair and stared at the ceiling.

"Suzuka-san, why are you looking for the Soft Gold Peach? Your mom is already better, isn't she?"

When I asked, Suzuka-san’s expression grew awkward, and she hesitated.

"Well, you know? Just in case the petrification disease comes back? I figured I should have a spare."

Honoka-san just gave her another knowing smile.

"Hehe, you don't have to be shy. It's because you want to help other people suffering from petrification, right?"

"Hey! Honoka-san! Don't just say it out loud!"

"Why not? It’s a wonderful thing. You see, Naruse-san wants to find Soft Gold Peaches and deliver them to people in need, free of charge."

"That’s amazing. You could get a lot of money for those. You’d be able to eat Rossini every day."

As soon as the insensitive comment left my mouth, Suzuka-san’s face clouded over.

"When my mom was sick... I saw how many times she’d look up the price of the peach and just sigh. The price was so high we could never afford it. So, if there’s anyone else out there in the same position as me, I want to help them. I was lucky enough to have someone reach out and help me, but there are plenty of people who aren't that lucky. So I won't take money for it. I just want to help the 'me' from the past. That's all. It’s just self-satisfaction."

"Suzuka-san..."

The words coming from this gyaru were blunt, but they were filled with genuine compassion.

"Oh, that's right. The Soft Gold Peach you donated the other day... Dr. Kobayakawa delivered it to a patient who was in critical condition. It was the mother of a five-year-old girl, and the petrification had spread to her lungs. Thanks to you, she’s going to be okay. I actually have letters from the mother and the daughter right here."

Honoka-san handed two envelopes to Suzuka-san. One was a plain white envelope with "To Suzuka Naruse" written in elegant script. The other was a cute, floral envelope with "To Big Sister Suzuka" written in large, shaky letters. Suzuka-san stared at them for a long moment before stuffing them into her pocket.

"Aren't you going to read them?"

"No way. I'll cry."

Despite her words, a few stray tears were already escaping from her downcast eyes.

After a moment, Suzuka-san changed the subject as if nothing had happened.

"Anyway, you gotta work on leveling up too, Honoka-san! You're cute and you’ve got massive tits, so you should be able to snag a guy in no time, right? Just level up and show those bitches who’s boss!"

The sentiment wasn't all that different from what the bullies had said, strangely enough.

"I... I don't know about that..."

Honoka-san looked down, her confidence wavering. Seeing her like that, Suzuka-san looked at me, and a wicked grin spread across her face. I had a very bad feeling about this.

"Well, why not Tatsuya? If it's Tatsuya, the EXP—"

"Suzuka-san, there’s a mosquito!"

I lunged forward and clamped my hand over her mouth.

"Mmph...! ♡ ...Ngh... ♡♡♡♡♡♡"

I leaned in and whispered directly into her ear.

"Suzuka-san. It’s a secret. Don't say it."

"..................♡! ............Mmmph... ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

But Suzuka-san didn't answer. She just stared at me with feverish, glassy eyes.

"Suzuka-san?"

"..............................♡♡♡! ........................♡♡♡♡♡♡♡!"

"Suzuka-san? Are you okay? ...Ow!"

Suzuka-san bit down hard on the hand I had over her mouth. The pain was sharp enough that I yanked my hand away. She glared at me, her face bright red, and it finally dawned on me what I’d done. If I touched her mouth with my bare hand, the EXP would flow directly into her. And so would the pleasure.

"Is everyone okay? Did you get the mosquito?"

Honoka-san asked, tilting her head in confusion at our strange behavior.

"Oh, uh, it looks like it got away."

"Man, that mosquito was a total creep, touching my lips like that! I'm gonna find it and get my revenge!"

Suzuka-san said sarcastically. I'm sorry, okay?

"Tatsuya-kun, your finger!"

Honoka-san pointed at my right hand in a panic. Blood was oozing from where Suzuka-san had bitten me.

"Oh no! I have to treat that right away!"

Honoka-san grabbed some disinfectant and a bandage and reached for my hand. I instinctively pulled back.

"Tatsuya-kun?"

She looked at me with a hurt, puzzled expression.

"Ah, uh... since Suzuka-san was the one who did it, I should make her treat it as a punishment. Right, Suzuka-san?"

If Honoka-san touched my bare finger, she’d realize I was "Mr. Murata" in an instant. I pleaded with Suzuka-san with my eyes, and she let out a sigh as she took the disinfectant from Honoka-san’s hand.

"Don't move. I mean it. Don't you dare move."

She took a deep breath as if steeling herself and then touched my hand.

"...♡! Seriously... ♡! You're so much trouble, Tatsuya... ♡♡♡!"

Suzuka-san treated the wound, her cheeks flushed as she occasionally writhed in her seat. I am so sorry. I'll definitely make it up to you later.

◇

"Mr. Murata. I'm looking forward to today as well."

"...Yeah."

Back in the infirmary after school, another round of "heaven and hell" was about to begin. I reached my right hand through the gap in the curtains with dead eyes. Usually, Honoka-san would grab my hand immediately, but today, she hesitated. I peeked through the gap. It was too dim to see clearly, but she seemed to be staring intently at my right hand.

"Is something wrong?"

"Oh, no. It's nothing. Please, go ahead... Ah... ♡ ...Ngh... ♡ ...This really is... Haaah... ♡♡♡"

She was touching my hand more carefully than usual, almost as if she were searching for something. After a short while, she let go.

"Say, Mr. Murata. Would you mind if we... talked for a bit?"

She had never asked for anything like that before.

"...I don't mind."

I really shouldn't be making small talk if I wanted to protect my identity. But I was curious about what was on her mind.

After a brief silence, Honoka-san began to speak.

"Being a school nurse was always my dream. When I was in middle school, the school nurse really helped me through a tough time. I wanted to be that kind of teacher for someone else."

"If your dream has come true, then that's a good thing, isn't it?"

"...But I haven't become the nurse I imagined I’d be. Some of the students resent me, and even the boy I thought I was getting along with has started to keep his distance. I realized he must hate it when I touch him... and it just makes me so sad."

I knew exactly who she was talking about. Me. She was still upset that I’d refused her treatment earlier.

"...Is that student a boy?"

"Yes."

"It's probably just because he's at that age. I'm a man too, so I know. Boys in their teens are overly conscious of women and can react... poorly. Honoka-san, you're a wonderful person. I'm sure he doesn't hate you."

I tried to sound as convincing as possible, but her voice remained somber.

"I wonder. I can't even solve my own problems; I have to rely on you like this. Can someone like me ever be a proper nurse...? Lately, I've been thinking that maybe I should just quit and go back to helping at my dad's restaurant. It might be better for the students."

The despair in her voice was palpable. I’d thought that leveling up would solve all her problems, but it seemed the root of the issue was much deeper.

"I don't know you that well. But I believe your desire to help your students is genuine. Of course, working at your family's restaurant wouldn't be a bad life. But... I’d like to see the person you become as you walk alongside your students. So please, don't give up. I'll do whatever I can to help."

"Mr. Murata..."

After another long silence, Honoka-san let out a soft giggle.

"Hehe. You really are a kind person. I feel much better now."

"I haven't done much."

"No, thank you. I don't know if this counts as a proper thank-you, but... Annh... ♡"

—Boing—

My right hand brushed against something incredibly soft.

"What?! This... this is...!"

"Hehe. Quiz time. Where do you think you're touching me, Mr. Murata...? Annh... ♡"

Honoka-san grabbed my arm with both hands and pressed it against her body.

Wait, are these... are these her breasts?! No, there’s no way!

"Um... your... upper arm?"

"..................Mmm... ♡ .........Hehe... ♡ Correct! ♡"

Your upper arm?! This soft, elastic mass is supposed to be an upper arm?!

"Tada! ♡"

—Boing—

"Um... your... upper arm..."

"Yes! ♡ My upper arm! ♡ Now, please hold up your index finger... ♡"

I did as I was told and held my right index finger out straight.

"Like... like this?"

Honoka-san grabbed my wrist and pulled it toward her.

—Shloop—

My finger was suddenly enveloped by something soft, warm, and smooth. My brain couldn't even process what it was before a wave of pure euphoria surged up my spine.

"Annh... Haaah... ♡♡♡ It’s... it’s incredible... ♡♡♡"

The amount of EXP flowing into her must have increased in proportion to my own excitement. The soft object surrounding my finger was becoming damp with sweat.

"Honoka-san! What are you doing?!"

"Mmmph... ♡♡♡ Where do... where do you think it's... being held...? ♡♡♡"

Honoka-san began to move my arm back and forth. With each motion, my finger pushed through the soft flesh, sliding in and out, over and over again.

"Y-Your... upper arm?"

There was no way an upper arm had this much mass. In fact, given human anatomy, it was practically impossible to trap something like this between your arms.

"Yes... ♡♡♡♡♡♡ Your finger is... Ngh... ♡♡♡♡♡♡ ...trapped between my upper arms! ♡♡♡♡♡♡ Here... ♡♡♡ feel free to go... even deeper... ♡♡♡♡♡"

My finger was squeezed tightly by the soft flesh. The sensation was so intense I felt lightheaded.

Our leveling session continued, with Honoka-san becoming more and more aggressive by the minute.

◇

'Mura Tatsuya of Class 2-4. Please report to the infirmary immediately. I repeat, Mura Tatsuya, please report to the infirmary immediately.'

"Huh?"

It was Monday lunch break. I was just starting to feel the usual weekly dread as I ate my lunch when the announcement came over the school speakers. The voice was unmistakably Honoka-san’s.

"Whoa, Tatsuya! What did you do this time? I wish Honoka-san would summon me like that~!"

"I have no idea what she wants..."

I brushed off Sakakibara’s teasing and made my way to the infirmary.

"Excuse me..."

"Tatsuya-kun! I'm sorry for calling you out so suddenly."

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No, nothing like that. But we have something serious to talk about. Could you come over here for a second?"

Honoka-san beckoned me toward one of the beds. Once I sat down, she closed the curtain and sat right next to me.

Sitting on a bed with a young, beautiful, well-endowed nurse in such close proximity... and with the curtains drawn, no less. Even though I knew it wasn't the case, I couldn't help but feel like another "Health and Physical Education" lesson was about to begin. Well, even if it did, she’d just end up unconscious anyway.

Honoka-san leaned in and whispered directly into my ear to ensure no one would overhear. Her breath was warm and ticklish.

"You have to keep this a total secret, but... some of the third-years from the Exploration Course have gone missing in the dungeon."

"Wait, was it during a school training session?"

If that were the case, it would be a huge problem for Honoka-san, who would have been their supervisor. Fortunately, she shook her head.

"It seems they went in on their day off and just... vanished. There was a sighting of them on the 98th floor, so they probably pushed themselves too hard and went even deeper. They were always the type to ignore warnings..."

"Were they the ones who were being mean to you, by any chance?"

She nodded.

"They didn't go missing during class, but I can't just leave my students like that. But at my current level, reaching the 100th floor is impossible. So, Tatsuya-kun... please tell Mr. Murata."

Honoka-san looked me in the eye with a gaze full of resolve.

"I need him to stay with me... until morning."

◇

The voices of the sports club students, which had been ringing out just an hour ago, had faded away, and the sky had turned to a deep twilight. The infirmary was now dim, lit only by a faint nightlight that barely allowed me to see my own hands.

If I were left alone in this room under normal circumstances, it would probably be pretty creepy. Ghosts and all that.

But right now, I wasn't afraid at all. The only thing I could feel was the sound of the moans coming from the bed on the other side of the curtain.

"..................Ngh... ♡♡♡♡ ......Mmph... ♡♡♡♡♡ ...Annh... Haaah... ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

There was a muffled gasp, followed by the sound of her collapsing onto the bed.

"J-Just... one more time... Ah... ah... ♡"

Honoka-san had been undergoing her "Ecstatic Peak Leveling" for over two hours now. The hand I was holding was slick with sweat—I couldn't tell if it was hers or mine anymore—and the sensation was incredibly lewd.

"It’s... it’s going up! ♡♡♡ It’s going up so fast! ♡♡♡♡♡ ...Ah... Haaah... !! ♡♡♡♡♡♡"

I repeat: we are only holding hands.

Watching her endure such intense pleasure for the sake of her students made me realize what a truly dedicated teacher she was. I had nothing but respect for her.

"Haa... haa... please... more... ♡"

...Then again, maybe she just has a really high libido. What Kei-san said about her being a "muttsuri" was starting to feel more and more accurate.

Despite her seemingly bottomless appetite for EXP, her leveling speed had begun to slow down once she hit level 70, just like it had with Suzuka-san.

Night had fully descended upon the infirmary. From the other side of the curtain, Honoka-san spoke, her breathing ragged.

"Haa... haa... It’s completely dark outside now, isn't it?"

"Yeah. You shouldn't push yourself too hard. Let's call it a night."

I knew she wanted to save those students as soon as possible. But haste makes waste. More importantly, I didn't want to put too much strain on her body. I expected her to be exhausted, but her response was completely unexpected.

"No, that's not what I meant... It’s just that... it’s so dark now, you can barely see anything."

With those words, the curtain separating us was pulled back.

"Huh?"

I let out a dumb sound, completely caught off guard.

"My level isn't rising as fast anymore. So... let's have a bit more 'skinship.' Right, Mr. Murata?"

Honoka-san's silhouette was backlit by the faint nightlight. The curve of her waist and the massive size of her chest were clear even in the dark. I couldn't see her face, but I imagined she was wearing a feverish, seductive expression.

"Ah, uh, Honoka-san... um..."

"Don't worry. I wouldn't do something as tactless as trying to see your face. Even the moon is hiding behind the clouds for us."

Without a moment’s hesitation, Honoka-san climbed onto my lap, sitting astride me and facing me directly.

"See? This way, you definitely can't see anything."

"Wha—?"

Honoka-san pulled my head into her chest. My forehead pressed against the bare skin visible through her disheveled lab coat.

"Mmmph... !! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

And with every movement she made, those two soft mountains made their presence known.

"......Amazing... ♡♡♡♡ ......So much... ♡♡♡♡♡ ......It’s all... flowing in... !! ♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Was the kind, white-coated angel of the infirmary actually a succubus in disguise? The situation was becoming dangerously provocative. I tried to pull back to keep my "Excalibur" from going into battle mode, but Honoka-san wouldn't let me go. She pulled me into a tighter embrace, wrapping her legs around my waist. There was no escape.

"I have to... I have to level up... ♡ Mmmph! ♡ For my students... my precious students... !! ♡♡♡♡ Haaah... !! ♡♡♡♡♡♡"

She buckled for a moment, her body jolting, but she quickly regained her composure. Then, she grabbed my wrist.

"So... Mr. Murata... please... touch me too..."

The hand she was holding was guided into the opening of her lab coat. Her skin was damp, fine-grained, and seemed to cling to my touch. As I lost myself in the sensation, my fingertips brushed against something firm. A strip of fabric, like a strap or a band. I swallowed hard. Realizing my reaction, Honoka-san whispered into my ear, her voice a siren's call.

"Ah... ♡ Ah... ♡♡♡♡ ......Say, Mr. Murata... ♡"

"W-What...?"

"It’s okay... you can take it off. ♡ Mmmph... ♡♡♡ Why don't you check for yourself... and see if that place you touched before... was really my upper arm? ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"Ugh...!"

I didn't know which gave way first—Honoka-san’s undergarments or my own self-restraint.

In the darkness of the infirmary, I touched her skin as if I were possessed.

"Mr. Mura-h...! ♡ Mura... ♡♡♡ ...Ngh... ♡♡♡ Tatsu... ♡♡♡ Ya... ♡♡ Kyu... ♡♡♡ Haaah... !! ♡♡♡♡♡"

Surrounded by the scent of disinfectant and Honoka-san’s sweet, gentle aroma, I began to melt. My cheeks and hands pressed against her damp skin as we merged together. With the sound of her erotic moans as my background music, my thoughts began to blur. I just wanted to sink into the pleasure and never come back.

—Clack—

"♡♡♡♡♡♡!?!?"

"Gh...!"

The sudden sound of footsteps in the hallway snapped me back to reality.

Honoka-san froze, holding me tightly to her chest to ensure we didn't make a sound.

—Click—

The door to the infirmary opened.

"...Is someone there?"

It was the voice of Mr. Gorizaki. He was probably doing his nightly rounds.

One step, two steps. He was coming further into the room.

Honoka-san let out a tiny shiver.

"............Haaah... ♡ .........Haaah... ♡"

Her hot breath hit my ear. The guilt of doing this in the school infirmary at night, the terror of being caught by Gorizaki, and the wave of pleasure flowing from me... it all combined to amplify the sensation to an unbearable level.

"Must have been my imagination. Even at my age, the infirmary at night still gives me the creeps."

Gorizaki muttered to himself.

—Ring! Ring!—

"Whoa! Scared the crap out of me. Yeah, hello? No, nothing’s wrong. I was just finishing my rounds..."

It seemed he’d gotten a phone call. Gorizaki left the infirmary, talking as he went.

"That... that was close..."

"Now then, Mr. Murata... hehe. Shall we... get even closer?"

Driven by her mounting desire, Honoka-san spoke seductively as she shrugged off her lab coat. The bra I’d unhooked earlier fell to the floor along with it.

"Wha—?!"

The full moon finally emerged from the clouds, casting its light through the window and illuminating the silhouette of Honoka-san’s body. The faint light reflected in her glassy, moist eyes.

"This is... the last time. So... I'm going to take everything... everything that you have to give, Tatsu... I mean, Mr. Murata."

She pulled me back into her embrace. My face was buried in a paradise so perfect I thought I might die.

"............Hehe... ♡♡♡♡ You're... so cute... ♡♡♡♡♡ Mmmph... Ngh... !! ♡♡♡♡♡♡"

She began to nibble on my ear with her soft lips.

"......Am... ♡♡♡♡ ......I'm... taking... it... ♡♡♡♡♡ ......So cute... ♡♡ ...Mmmph... ♡♡♡♡ ...Love... I love this... ♡♡♡♡♡♡ ......Let's... do more... okay? ♡ ......I want to stay like this... forever and ever... !! ♡♡♡♡♡ Haaaah... !! ♡♡♡♡♡♡ ......Ah... ♡ Ah... ♡ Ah... ♡ Ah... ♡ ...Nooooooo... !! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

By the time the eastern sky began to brighten, Honoka-san’s level had surpassed one hundred and thirty.

◇

"Crap! I fell asleep!"

I must have passed out on the infirmary bed after Honoka-san’s leveling session. When I woke up, the world outside was already bright. Judging by the sun, it was already well past noon.

"I hope Honoka-san is okay..."

I was worried, but there was nothing more I could do. I could only pray that she’d be able to save those students in time. I couldn't forgive them for bullying her, but I didn't want them to die for it either.

Since I’d already skipped the whole morning, I was thinking about just heading home when I heard voices from the hallway.

"Dr. Kobayakawa! Why is Honoka-san off today?"

"...I can't give you the details. I'll be filling in for her today, so come to me if you need anything. Honestly, first Sagara-san, and now Matsumoto-san..."

The lock clicked, and Dr. Kobayakawa and Suzuka-san stepped into the room. I tried to scramble out the back door, but I wasn't fast enough. I was caught with my hand on the doorknob, crouched like a criminal. A teenage boy locked inside a dark infirmary... yeah, this looked great.

"...Eh?"

"...Tatsuya?"

"E-Eh, ah... G-Good morning. I’m feeling much better now, so I’ll be heading back to class. Thanks for everything!"

I tried to play it off like I’d just been resting because I felt sick, but they weren't buying it. Suzuka-san grabbed my collar and forced me into a chair.

"Tatsuya... you're gonna tell us exactly what happened, right?"

Her smile was terrifying. I didn't have a choice.

I glanced at Dr. Kobayakawa before leaning in and whispering into Suzuka-san’s ear.

"The third-years from the Exploration Course went missing in the dungeon, and..."

Suzuka-san, being as sharp as she was, understood immediately.

"And Honoka-san went in alone?"

"Y-Yeah. Probably."

"Her role is a Healer, so exploring alone is gonna be rough... What floor?"

"They were last seen on the 98th, I think."

"Then she’s probably stuck on the 99th floor."

After a moment of thought, Suzuka-san turned to Dr. Kobayakawa.

"Teacher! My stomach hurts, I'm going home!"

"Wait, you just said you had a headache—"

"Bye!"

Suzuka-san bolted out of the infirmary before the doctor could finish. Dr. Kobayakawa let out a heavy sigh and turned her gaze toward me.

"So... why were you here exactly?"

"I, uh... I was resting in here yesterday and I guess I just didn't wake up until today."

"...Sigh. Just go."

Dr. Kobayakawa let out another exhausted sigh. The school really needed to give that woman a bonus.

◇

Apparently, that night, Suzuka-san met up with Honoka-san on the ninety-ninth floor. Together, they scoured the area and successfully located the missing students. Though the kids were understandably exhausted, their lives weren't in danger. After being rescued, they were back to their normal school lives within a week.

During my lunch break, I headed to the infirmary to check on Honoka-san, but I could hear a commotion coming from inside.

"Honoka-chan, you were seriously so strong!"

"When you and Naruse took down that Flare Dragon together? Total badass!"

"Honoka-chan is a straight-up Dragon Slayer!"

Apparently, if you take down a dragon-type monster, you get the title 'Dragon Slayer.' It reeked of chuunibyo energy. It was magnificent.

"Yo, Tatsuya. Eavesdropping again? You hoping to hear something kinky going on in there?"

A voice called out from behind me, just like last time.

"Suzuka-san. Are you here to turn in another artifact?"

"Nah. I’ve got Classical Lit first thing this afternoon, so I figured I’d ditch. Better to sleep in a comfy infirmary bed than at my desk, right?"

It seemed her plan to nap through class was set in stone. I couldn't blame her, though; Classical Lit was a snooze-fest.

Without a hint of hesitation, Suzuka-san pressed her face against the infirmary door to listen in on the voices leaking through. A deep smirk spread across her face. Then, she threw the door open with gusto.

"Honoka-chan-sensei! I'm here to slack off!"

Honoka-san and the third-year girls turned toward the sudden noise. Their faces immediately lit up with smiles.

"Oh, it's Naruse. What, here to skip class?"

"You know it. Got Classical Lit next. If I'm gonna crash anyway, I’d rather do it in a nice bed, y'know?"

"Ahaha, skipping just to sleep? That’s hilarious."

"Classical is such a drag. I’ve got History next... maybe I’ll ditch, too."

"Honestly, girls... at least pretend you're feeling sick. I’m the one who’s gonna get scolded..."

Honoka-san spoke with an exasperated sigh, but she looked genuinely happy.

Since that incident, the girls, Honoka-san, and Suzuka-san seemed to have become fast friends. Watching them chat and laugh together, I realized I was probably the odd man out here. Honoka-san seemed perfectly fine, so I decided to make my exit.

I’d only walked a short distance from the infirmary when a voice stopped me.

"Tatsuya-kun! I haven't properly thanked you yet."

"Honoka-san. I didn't really do anything. If you have a message for Murata-san, I can pass it along."

"Even so, thank you. If it wasn't for you, I never would have met Murata-san. Oh, that’s right! When we were exploring the ninety-ninth floor, we took down a dragon. It dropped a pretty rare item, so I want you to have it! Here, give me your hand!"

Honoka-san pulled a transparent, teardrop-shaped gem from the breast pocket of her white coat. It looked incredibly valuable, just as she’d said. Fearing I might drop it if I wasn't careful, I reflexively pulled my hand out of my pocket. Honoka-san placed it in my palm. For a fleeting second, I felt her fingertips brush against my skin.

"Ah—"

"...Ngh...♡ This, um, it’s called a 'Dragon Tear.' I’m not entirely sure what it does, but it’s supposed to boost the holder’s latent potential. You should keep it as a good luck charm."

"...Thank you."

"Fufu, I’m the one who should be saying thanks."

I was certain our hands had touched, but Honoka-san didn't seem to have any particular reaction beyond her usual smile.

"I see. Well then, you're welcome. I’ll be heading back now."

As I turned to return to class, Honoka-san stepped closer. She leaned in, her voice becoming sultry and enchanting as she whispered into my ear. Her hot, feverish breath tickled my skin.

"Hey, Tatsuya-kun. You don't need an injury to visit the infirmary, you know? You can come whenever you like. Even after school, if you need to. I’ll make sure to leave the door unlocked for you. Okay?"

Having said her piece, she pulled away instantly and spoke in her usual bright tone.

"See you later, Tatsuya-kun!"

Leaving behind the scent of disinfectant mixed with a faint, sweet aroma, Honoka-san vanished back into the infirmary.

Did she figure out that I’m Murata-san...?

I wouldn't know for sure unless I asked her. But there was no way I could bring myself to do that.

I looked down at the Dragon Tear sitting in my palm. She said it boosted potential, but it clearly didn't grant any resistance to the charms of a white-coated succubus.