They went back to the dorm to go to bed after a long walk again through campus just to talk and be with each other. But as it started to become colder, they realized they were running out of time.

"You have to leave in the morning, don't you," Shizuru stated.

"I… yeah, I do. It would probably be best."

"I hoped you would stay another night."

"I want to, now, but the ticket is purchased. I didn't want to impose, just in case."

"I'll pay for your ticket, if you stay."

"I couldn't do that."

"Then I'll just go back with Natsuki, and we can spend an evening together in Tokyo."

"Shizuru…"

"I know… But it will be so strange without Natsuki here…"

Natsuki sighed and let Shizuru lead them into the dorm room where they stood awkwardly for a moment trying to figure out the sleeping arrangement.

"Shizuru… do you mind if I sleep with you? I'd, er, like to hold you…" Natsuki finally voiced, stating what Shizuru was hoping for.

"I'd like that a lot," Shizuru agreed.

Natsuki smiled and opened her bag to start changing.

"N-natsuki?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you changing out here?"

"Yeah… we have the same stuff, Shizuru."

"But, if I see Natsuki I may not be able to help myself."

Natsuki paused. "Then help yourself, Shizuru. If you want something, don't hesitate. Just make sure you ask first."

Shizuru gaped; Natsuki was giving her permission to do more than just cuddle and kiss? She was shocked. Natsuki had seemed so much more shy than this.

"I'm not saying I want to jump straight into this, Shizuru. But, if you want to touch, I'm not opposed. I want to touch you too. But, I also don't want you to get too uncomfortable so… I'll change in the bathroom if it's too much."

Shizuru could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, to think that Natsuki trusted her so much already.

Natsuki looked up at Shizuru and, seeing the tears threatening to fall, she dropped the clothes and pulled Shizuru into her arms. "Shizuru… you weren't supposed to cry. Why are you crying?"

"Because Natsuki is too kind to me, buying dinner and saying all the right things to make me happy…"

Natsuki chuckled. "That's what I'm supposed to do, silly. I'm your girlfriend, right?"

Shizuru blushed at the word, still unused to it. "Y-yeah."

"Then get used to it. I'm not the best person when it comes to words, Shizuru. I say what I mean, when I mean them. So if you aren't ready to become even a little physical I'll understand. I'm not sure I'm entirely ready, but I know I want to touch you and be touched by you."

"Natsuki… You don't have to go to the bathroom to change. I know I can help myself now." Shizuru smiled, and Natsuki pulled away a little.

"Good. Because I was hoping to catch a glimpse of your boobs," she said with a wink. Shizuru laughed, wiping away tears and pulling away to find her own clothes.

"Then I guess I'm changing in the bathroom," she teased.

"Shizuru…"