Here is the next chapter enjoy.

The sixth 'Ice Queen' profile:

Primrose Kōri

- Age: Early 40s

- Height: 174.8 cm

- Measurements: Bust 103 cm, Waist 59 cm, Hips 88 cm

- Appearance: With striking golden-blonde hair that cascades down to her lower back and cool blue eyes, Primrose has an air of mystery and maturity that is both captivating and intimidating. Her long, elegant legs, coupled with her hourglass figure, often draw the attention of onlookers, many mistaking her for a model. She occasionally wears glasses, adding to her professional and aloof aura.

- Background: Born to an American mother and Japanese father, Primrose has balanced two cultures throughout her life, a duality that has shaped her sophisticated yet distant personality. She is a single mother to twin daughters, now in their third year of high school. Her husband passed away when the twins were three, leading her to raise her children alone while building a successful career. Primrose works as an office manager but has decided to return to university now that her daughters are older and more independent.

- Personality: Primrose is a quintessential "Ice Queen," exuding a calm, almost unapproachable demeanor. She's intelligent and independent, often preferring to keep her distance from younger students in her classes. Despite her youthful appearance, she refrains from socializing with her peers, maintaining a sense of detachment from university life. Her interactions are few and calculated, and she approaches each task with quiet efficiency. Primrose's striking beauty and air of confidence sometimes lead others to misinterpret her as arrogant or unfriendly, but in reality, she is deeply protective of her family and has simply learned to guard her emotions.

- Traits: Primrose is known for her remarkable self-discipline and level-headedness. Despite her cold exterior, she holds a deep love for her daughters and a sense of responsibility toward them. Her experiences as a manager and a single mother have endowed her with a strong sense of independence and an unyielding work ethic. The attention her appearance commands doesn't faze her; she's content to be misunderstood, preferring solitude to shallow connections.

- Academic Pursuits: With her return to university, Primrose's drive is fueled more by personal growth and self-challenge than by necessity. She approaches her studies with a quiet determination and a perfectionistic streak, all while keeping her life outside of university largely private. She finds herself gravitating towards the "Ice Castle" club, sharing a sense of affinity with their similarly aloof demeanor.

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the blinds, casting gentle rays across Kōri Primrose's room as she stirred. Her white nightgown—a delicate slip with sheer mesh draping over her chest and falling just to her midthighs—clung softly to her figure as she shifted, her eyes fluttering open. With a calm, practiced movement, she sat up, brushing stray golden-blonde strands over her shoulder before rising gracefully from bed.

The quiet of the early morning greeted her as she padded into the kitchen. There, an unexpected sight awaited: two plates of toast and neatly arranged fruit on the counter, along with a cup of coffee steaming just the way she liked it. Her daughters, so thoughtful and independent, had already prepared breakfast.

A slight smile played on her lips. Though warmth filled her heart, a small pang followed. They're growing up so fast, she thought, a bittersweet realization washing over her. Maybe they don't need me as much as they once did.

After savoring the breakfast they'd prepared, she made her way to the bathroom. The rush of warm water and the light scent of lavender soap filled the air as she took a quick shower, letting the morning's calm settle over her once more.

Freshly dressed in a long charcoal-gray skirt and a soft gray blouse, she slipped her arms through the sleeves of her cardigan, folding it neatly over her shoulders. Grabbing her bag, she moved toward the genkan, pausing only to slip on a pair of low heels. She glanced back at the quiet house, a blend of pride and nostalgia filling her heart, before stepping out to face the day.

Hikigaya Hachiman sighed, double-checking his backpack for his lab materials. He wasn't thrilled about spending three hours in a basic biology lab, but requirements were requirements. "That's life," he muttered under his breath, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he left his apartment. As he stepped outside, he nearly collided with his neighbor—a woman with strawberry-blonde hair tied in a high ponytail with a pink scrunchie. Her piercing emerald-green eyes met his in a pointed glare before she gave him a curt nod and continued. Hikigaya, in his typical fashion, simply waited, watching her walk away. No point in starting a conversation there.

When he arrived at the science department, he climbed to the second floor, shuffling through the halls until he reached the laboratory. He approached his assigned classroom, he noticed someone bending down to gather scattered belongings. A long, charcoal-gray skirt swept elegantly around her legs as she moved, the fabric hugging her figure just enough to reveal a graceful silhouette.

No bra

Hikigaya's eyes lingered momentarily before he snapped back to reality, an unwanted sense of guilt tugging at him. He approached her and cleared his throat.

"Uh, do you need help?" he offered, trying to sound casual.

The woman straightened, looking up with cool blue eyes that held a calm, unreadable depth. "No, I just picked up the last item," she replied, polite but distant. "Thank you for the kind offer."

For a moment, Hikigaya forgot to breathe. Her striking golden-blonde hair cascaded down to her lower back, framing a mature, beautiful face that left him stunned. Shaking himself from his daze, he gave a nod and moved into the lab, noticing her following shortly behind him.

Inside, he spotted an empty table at the back and made his way over. He sat down, he noticed the woman settling into the seat across from him. Hikigaya glanced at her, silently wondering what twist of fate had brought them together. He quickly averted his gaze, fully aware that he had been in for three long hours, his mind racing at the unexpected encounter.

Clearing his throat, he glanced across the table at the beautiful woman opposite him. "I'm Hikigaya Hachiman."

She met his gaze, her expression unreadable, though a faint hint of politeness softened her otherwise cool demeanor. "Kōri Primrose," she replied simply, her voice calm and collected.

Before Hikigaya could respond, their third tablemate arrived. Slightly out of breath but grinning, a man dropped his backpack onto the table. "Hey, nice to meet you! I'm Shinji Moriyama." He looked between them with a bright expression, pushing his glasses up on his nose. "Can't wait to get started—I love Biology!" His gaze bounced from Kōri to Hikigaya, clearly thrilled to have company for the lab.

Just then, the last student took the remaining seat, her gaze sweeping over the group with a cool, unimpressed look. Takeda Yui placed her books down with a measured, almost indifferent air, her eyes eventually settling on Hikigaya with an expression of barely concealed exasperation. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she gave a curt nod, evidently already resigned to her company.

Hikigaya shifted slightly, taking in the contrasting energies at the table: Shinji's eager enthusiasm, Kōri's poised detachment, and Yui's silent disapproval. Resigned to the three-hour session, he resolved to focus on the work and avoid any unnecessary interactions—particularly if Yui's icy glare was anything to go by.

As the lab session wound down, Hikigaya let out a quiet sigh of relief. The session had been mercifully brief, covering only the basics: equipment locations, names, and basic usage. He appreciated the reprieve from any real work, grateful the introductory lab felt more like a prolonged orientation than a full lab.

As they packed up to leave, Shinji turned to him with a wide grin. "Hey, since we're lab partners, let's exchange numbers! Could come in handy for assignments," he suggested, his enthusiasm as genuine as ever. Hikigaya glanced briefly at Kōri, who gave a small nod, signaling her agreement. They exchanged numbers, though Hikigaya couldn't help but notice that Shinji had excluded Yui from the exchange.

"Why not Takeda?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Shinji gave a small shrug. "Trust me, it's... better this way." Hikigaya was puzzled but let it go, figuring it was one less person to deal with. Little did he know that in just two weeks, their group would discover that Yui had dropped out of university—a mystery for another time.

With two hours free, Hikigaya decided to head home. A nap seemed like the perfect way to spend the unexpected break. He shuffled back to his apartment, already picturing the comforting quiet that awaited him, and slipped inside, ready to escape into a peaceful sleep.

0000

Hikigaya stirred awake, blinking groggily at the ceiling. He felt surprisingly refreshed from his two-hour nap—the perfect time to recharge. But as he got up to grab a snack, he realized his cupboard was distressingly low on essentials, especially ramen cups. With a resigned sigh, he grabbed his wallet and headed to the nearby marketplace, aiming for a quick trip.

The bright lights and bustling noise of the market greeted him as he entered. Before he could even grab a shopping basket, something caught his eye. Up ahead, Kori Primrose was cornered by a group of six men. Though their stances were casual, there was an unmistakable persistence as they tried to strike up a conversation. Kori's posture was poised as ever, but her calm expression held a flicker of discomfort.

Hikigaya exhaled, his nerves prickling, but his feet moved. He walked up to them, his expression unreadable, and smoothly stepped between Kori and the men. Without a word, he grabbed her shopping cart, took her hand in his, and, with a calm confidence that surprised even himself, led her away.

Scary

The group of men stumbled back, momentarily thrown off. One called after them, but Hikigaya didn't slow down until they were well out of sight, stopping in a quiet aisle.

Releasing her hand, he mumbled, "You, uh… looked like you wanted an out." Clearing his throat, he avoided her gaze, focusing intently on the shelf beside him.

Kori looked at him a small, appreciative smile forming. "Thank you, Hikigaya. I did." She gave him a gentle nod of gratitude, her expression softening as she glanced at the hand he had held.

Hikigaya nodded in response, trying to ignore the faint warmth that lingered as he shoved his hands into his pockets. Determined to find his ramen and avoid any further awkwardness, he kept his gaze on the shelves.

As they walked side by side through the aisles, Hikigaya tossed a few ramen cups into his basket, catching a glimpse of Kori's nearly overflowing cart. Fresh vegetables, rice, pasta, and an assortment of spices filled it. "You seem to be buying a lot," he remarked, raising an eyebrow.

Kori smiled slightly, adjusting a bag of rice in her cart. "Yes, I'm restocking ingredients for two teenagers and myself."

"Oh, so… roommates?" he asked, unsure what her answer might be.

Kori's cool blue eyes glinted with amusement. "No, my twin daughters."

Hikigaya nearly dropped his basket. "You… have twins? And they're teenagers?"

Kori's expression softened with a hint of humor. "Well, I might not look it, but I'm nearing forty."

Hikigaya's eyes widened as he glanced at her in disbelief. "No way… I thought you were, like, eighteen. Maybe."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "I'm flattered, but I'm just an ordinary, middle-aged woman."

He frowned, unconvinced. "I don't see how that's possible. You're… well, you know…" He trailed off, suddenly regretting his honesty, his gaze dropping to the floor.

Kori chuckled, a gentle smile on her lips. "Thank you, Hikigaya," she said warmly. "But looks aren't everything. I'm a mother first, no matter how I appear."

Her calm response made him pause. He nodded, feeling a faint admiration for the woman who seemed both out of place and entirely at ease in his world.

As they walked through the marketplace together, Hikigaya slipped into one of his familiar monologues, picking apart the curious pattern of his life. Somehow, it always came back to the same kind of people—the "Ice Queens," the ones with aloof exteriors and guarded souls.

First, there had been Yukino, with her sharp gaze and quick wit, her icy demeanor softening for only a few. And now, somehow, he'd attracted a whole cast of similarly complex personalities. Akiyama Sayuri, with her silent glares; Fujimura Kaito, the aloof perfectionist; Kurosawa Misaki, intense and stoic as a stone; Takahashi Rina, who barely acknowledged anyone unless necessary. Even his professor, Dr. Mio Kurosawa, with her composed, unapproachable attitude, fit the mold.

And now, there was Kori Primrose. He barely knew her, yet everything about her exuded the same aloof charm, from her poise to her reluctance to socialize. Yet, unlike the others, there was something different about her. She was older, and more mature, with a life and responsibilities he couldn't entirely relate to. But there was something else—a quiet strength that intrigued him.

Am I just a magnet for these types of people? Hikigaya wondered, casting a sidelong glance at Kori as she carefully examined eggplants. Or maybe it's just my fate to encounter every "Ice Queen" within a hundred-kilometer radius.

As they neared Kori's place, Hikigaya raised his eyebrows in surprise. She didn't live in an apartment, as he'd expected, but in an actual house. Maybe it's true, then, he thought, that she is a real mother. For the first time, he started to fully grasp the life she'd been hinting at.

Inside, Hikigaya removed his shoes at the entrance and followed her through a cozy living room toward the kitchen. He took in the neatly arranged furniture, the soft colors, and the warmth of the space. On the walls and tables, there were framed photos of Kori and two young women who looked like smaller, younger versions of her—one with medium-length blonde hair and glasses, the other with long blonde hair. Both shared their mother's poise and elegance.

Kori noticed his gaze and pointed to a framed photo on the coffee table. "Those are my daughters," she said, with pride and warmth.

He studied the photo, noticing the calm, poised demeanor of the two girls. Both were beautiful, with expressions that mirrored their mother's reserved grace.

"Twins, huh?" Hikigaya murmured, still processing. Seeing the photos made it real that Kori was a mother. It made her feel even more out of reach, as though she belonged to a world of responsibility and care he could barely imagine.

In the kitchen, he helped her unpack the groceries, feeling an unusual sense of domesticity settle over them. For a moment, he felt as if he'd stepped into another life, one far removed from his usual reality.

Dinner was unexpectedly comfortable, though Hikigaya's attention kept wavering between his meal and the woman sitting across from him. Kori had tied her hair back, exposing her neckline, and each time she leaned in, he caught himself looking down her blouse. His eyes betrayed him, flicking up each time she looked his way, as he struggled to focus on his food. The healthy glow of her skin and the darker pink of her nipples.

After dinner, they moved to the coffee table in the living room, where Kori laid out her notes on lab equipment. Sitting close, they reviewed her thorough collection of details for their biology lab. Hikigaya's attention was, once again, a bit divided. Her soft floral scent lingered in the air, and he could feel the warmth from the mug of tea between them.

Curiosity got the better of him. "Your daughters… are they out late?" he asked, glancing at the clock. The house felt particularly quiet.

"Yes," she replied, setting her cup down gently. "They're at cram school. University entrance exams are coming up."

Hikigaya's eyes widened in surprise. "University entrance exams? So they're almost my age."

Kori nodded a hint of pride in her expression. "Yes, nearly a year apart. Hard to believe how fast they've grown."

He nodded, a mix of curiosity and awe setting in. Kori wasn't just a fellow lab partner or the poised, mysterious woman he'd met by chance. She was a mother preparing her daughters for the future—a reality he could barely fathom. He leaned forward, catching her scent again, feeling a rare respect for her.

At the genkan, Kori watched Hikigaya slip on his shoes, taking in the bags of cup ramen he'd bought with a slight frown.

"Hikigaya-san, you might want to watch your diet," she said gently. "Living on ramen alone isn't exactly healthy."

Hikigaya shrugged, trying not to look guilty. "I'll think about it. But… let's discuss it over text. I wouldn't want to stay and give your daughters the wrong idea about us."

Kori's expression softened, a slight smile touching her lips. "Thank you for being considerate."

With a small nod, Hikigaya stepped out into the cool evening air. As he walked home, he felt oddly lighter, the thought of her voice reminding him to take care of himself lingering in his mind, like the faint floral scent she wore.

0o00

Hikigaya stood there, mouth slightly open, as if he'd wandered onto the set of an action movie. His neighbor, Ishikawa, stood amid eight groaning or unconscious men, her fists clenched and her black leather ankle boots glinting under the park lights.

He watched as she sent another guy flying with a sharp uppercut. Her piercing gray-blue eyes then locked onto him, making an icy chill run down his spine. She stepped forward, tilting her head just slightly. "Are you with them?" Her tone was cold and sharp, each word measured.

Hikigaya gulped, struggling to keep his voice steady. "N-no, I just… came to, uh, make sure you're okay," he stammered, gesturing awkwardly. "You know, like… checking if you're hurt or… something."

For a split second, her gaze softened. The corner of her mouth twitched, but the hint of amusement was gone so fast he almost thought he imagined it. "I'm fine," she replied, her tone now slightly softer. "But if you're offering… you can carry these bags." She gestured to her belongings as if taking down a small gang had been a minor inconvenience.

Hikigaya nodded, wisely avoiding questions.

As they reached their apartment building, he stole a sideways glance at her. She was calm, as if taking down eight guys was a routine part of her day. Clearing his throat, he muttered, "So, we're neighbors. I'm Hikigaya Hachiman."

"Ishikawa Yui," she replied briskly, her footsteps quick and sure.

When they reached her door, she unlocked it and motioned him inside. Hesitantly, he removed his shoes and carried her bags into the apartment, blinking at the starkness of the space. No photos, no decorations—just a bed and a small table in the center of the room.

"You… live here?" he asked, unable to mask his surprise.

She shot him a deadpan look, one eyebrow raised. "No, just my empty shell. What are you, an idiot? Of course, I live here." Her tone dripped with sarcasm, though the faintest hint of a smirk tugged at her lips.

Hikigaya rubbed the back of his neck. "Right, right… Just, you know, surprised. It's so… minimalist."

He sat on the floor, feeling out of place in the sparse quiet. After a while, the bathroom door creaked open, and Ishikawa emerged, wrapped in a towel, her damp hair falling over her shoulders. She perched on the edge of the bed, her intense gaze pinning him in place.

I almost can see it!

"So, tell me about yourself," she said, calm but expectant.

Hikigaya felt his cheeks warm. "Not much to tell," he stammered. "I attend Tokyo University. First year. I'm from Chiba. Eighteen." He looked down, hoping to avoid her scrutiny.

"I see," she replied, her face unreadable. "We're the same age and attend the same university." She studied him for a moment. "So, are you always this awkward, or is it just me?"

Hikigaya's heart raced. "I—I'm not awkward! It's just… I didn't expect to be in a situation like this." He gestured vaguely. "You just took down a bunch of guys, and I'm… sitting here, like this."

Ishikawa let out a small, humorless chuckle. "If you're planning to be a hero, you should work on your confidence." She tilted her head, a glimmer of amusement flickering in her stoic gaze. "Or at least learn how to avoid being a bystander."

00o0

As they walked to his apartment, Hikigaya felt nervousness and anticipation. Inviting Ishikawa for a simple cup of ramen seemed casual enough, but the gesture felt significant—like an unspoken offering of forgiveness, a way to bridge the gap between their strange encounter and the quiet understanding that had started to form.

Once inside, he glanced over his shoulder, his breath catching at the sight of her. Ishikawa had changed into low-rise micro shorts paired with white leggings and a fitted halter crop top. The contrast of her outfit against the backdrop of his apartment was striking. At least she wasn't in a towel, he thought, shaking his head to clear his mind.

He moved to the kitchenette and set the shopping bag of ramen on the counter. "I noticed you didn't have a pot or kettle," he remarked, filling his electric kettle with water.

"Yeah, I don't usually cook," Ishikawa replied, leaning against the counter with her arms crossed. Her expression was unreadable, though a hint of curiosity flickered in her gray-blue eyes as she watched him. Why does she have to lean in like that? If she notices where I'm looking, I'm dead.

The kettle boiled, and he poured the hot water over the ramen in the cup. They waited in silence, the only sound the gentle bubbling of the noodles. Despite the lack of conversation, the atmosphere felt oddly comfortable, though he couldn't shake the thought that Ishikawa might be an assassin. Too early to tell, he thought.

When the ramen was ready, they sat at his small dining table, each with a steaming bowl in front of them. They ate quietly, occasionally glancing at each other but avoiding eye contact. The air was thick with unspoken words, yet there was a strange sense of mutual understanding. I want to live, he thought wryly.

After they finished eating, Hikigaya realized it was getting late—and she hadn't left. She is not leaving. Breaking the silence, he offered, "You can take the bed. I'll sleep on the floor."

Her gaze hardened briefly before she replied coolly, "I don't trust you. If you're on the floor, I won't be able to react if you try anything. So it's better if we sleep together—for my safety."

For your safety, huh? You could probably kill me with one punch. His heart sank a little, but he nodded. "Fair enough," he said, understanding her reasoning.

I'm taking the floor once you are out cold.

They settled in for the night, with him lying on one edge of the bed and her on the other. The warmth of her presence was palpable, and it felt surreal—he never thought he'd be sharing a bed with anyone besides Yukino. As the hours stretched, he stared at the ceiling, thoughts racing, unable to sleep until well past three. The faint scent of her floral shampoo mixed with the remnants of ramen, creating an oddly calming atmosphere.

In the stillness, he couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring for this unexpected connection.