I change in about five seconds, and then it's Ryoshi's turn.

We quickly switch places. He slides behind the door and I slide in front of it in one discreet move. I shut the door behind him with a soft click!

I try to look casual in case someone walks by. I lean against the door and awkwardly examine the short nails on my left hand. I wonder what Ryoshi and I'll do once he changes. Is there some place in this house where we can be alone? Besides his room or mine, I can't really think of anywhere, but I trust Ryoshi. He'll find us a place… and he'll watch out for me.

I'll tell him today. I swear. We'll get each other alone, and then I'll finally tell him. He deserves to hear it, and I deserve to get some peace. And well… I mean, obviously I want him. I want to be with him. I love Ryoshi. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes, just like he's always been willing to do anything for me. Even go behind his mother's back. And run away from home.

I sigh to myself. It feels like it's been ten minutes but it's probably only been about two.

I wonder how long Ryoshi takes to change. The thought makes me remember our first Otogi Bank mission with Ryoshi… when his towel fell off. That was awkward for everyone involved…

Suddenly embarrassed, I glance at the door. It should be pretty soon. I don't really like this feeling that he's taking too long, that I shouldn't be here.

Why am I so anxious? Why do I have this weird, jumpy feeling that—

"Tanaka-san, hold on just a second; I'll be right back with it."

The demanding voice could only belong to one woman in his house. The light footsteps coming up the stairs confirm my terror.

Crap. Crapcrapcrap! What the hell?! Ryoshi said she was busy!

Panic electrocutes my nerves, and I knock frantically on Ryoshi's door, eyes wide.

"She's co—!"

"Excuse me?" Morino-sama's voice announces, her cold eyes scrutinizing my body from the opening of the hallway, both manicured hands on her wide hips.

"Forgive me, Capulet-san, but you are prohibited from being upstairs! I know we've been over this," she says, striding over to me. My legs shake nervously.

"Well—I… I was cleaning."

"Oh really? And your evidence of that would be...?"

I swallow.

"Um—"

"That's what I…" Morino-same trails off, as her gray eyes drift over my shoulder. I watch her realize that I'm not just creeping around in front of any room. This is Ryoshi's room.

I'm so screwed.

"Step aside, Capulet-san." Morino-sama's stare burns into my skin. I feel like an ant under a magnifying glass. Still, I clench my fists at my sides. No. I've come too far! But what the hell am I supposed to do—say no? No, that's going to make it worse—but what other choice do I have?! She's waiting!

I take a sharp breath and smile tightly.

"I'm afraid that would not b-be… an acceptable course of action, Morino-sama."

"Don't tell me what is acceptable, young lady!" Morino-sama spits.

"Now I'm ordering you to move."