The protagonist of the competitive eating challenge was Rindō. The rules were simple: anyone who could out-eat her would win three days of free accommodation.
While the event initially drew a lot of attention, the intense nature of the contest took a toll on Rindo's health, so they limited the challenge to one match per day. Even so, passing the exam with this alone seemed unlikely.
That evening, Erina proposed an overnight stay at the hotel.
"Wait, you're staying here tonight, Miss Erina?" Megumi asked, surprised. She had expected Erina to return with her. "But Ryo-kun and Hayama-kun are managing tonight."
Erina nodded. "Yes, I think it's only fair. We're part of this team too. We shouldn't get special treatment just because we're girls."
"But… isn't that risky? What if you run into some unpleasant guests? It might not be safe for a girl to stay here alone," Sui remarked with concern.
"Do you think we can't handle ourselves?" Erina retorted, slightly offended. "I'm perfectly capable of staying here and helping out."
"In that case, I'll stay as well," Megumi added. "With so many guests around, it's not like we'd run into any serious trouble."
"No, I'll stay," Sui said firmly. "We have to prepare breakfast early for the guests tomorrow. You should rest, Megumi."
Seeing Sui insist, the group reluctantly agreed. But with him here, they felt reassured that no accidents would happen. Only Alice seemed displeased, as this meant she wouldn't be able to sneak into Sui's room that night.
Since they were in charge of looking after the hotel guests, Sui and Erina stayed up late, chatting casually while sipping tea and munching on snacks at the front desk.
Across the street, Isshiki's 'Cowherd Bathhouse' remained lively and popular, even attracting the attention of actual host clubs who were keen to poach him and his team.
"I know it's not right to criticize my senpai, but honestly, it feels a bit immoral," Erina muttered, setting down her teacup.
"Erina, you should go to bed. I can handle things here," Sui offered.
"It's fine. I'll keep you company a little longer," Erina replied softly, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks as she lowered her head.
By midnight, the streets were quiet. The cold weather had driven most people indoors, and the hotel guests had long gone to sleep.
"I'm going to the hot springs," Erina suddenly announced, standing up.
"Why don't we go together?" Sui suggested with a playful smile, seizing the opportunity he had long awaited.
Erina's face flushed bright red, and she shot him a sharp look, but surprisingly, she didn't refuse. Though embarrassed, she reasoned there was no need to object since their relationship had already grown so close.
Sui entered the men's bath first, shedding his clothes and soaking in the hot spring. The hotel guests were all asleep, so he wasn't worried about anyone interrupting.
Moments later, Erina appeared, draped in a simple bathrobe. Her long golden hair was tied up, revealing her slender yet elegant arms. Her porcelain-like feet, adorned with wooden clogs, made soft clicks against the bluestone path as she approached.
Whether from the steam or shyness, a light blush colored her delicate, angelic face. Slowly, she untied her robe, revealing graceful curves and smooth, snow-white skin partially obscured by the mist.
Carefully testing the water with her foot, Erina gently lowered herself into the hot spring. She exhaled softly in relief but soon noticed Sui's eyes on her. Blushing, she shot him an annoyed glare.
"What are you staring at?" she asked, trying to sound irritated.
"You're still so shy," Sui teased. "Haven't we already seen everything we need to?"
Erina's blush deepened. She bit her lip, glaring at him reproachfully.
"Erina," Sui called out gently.
"What?" Erina responded, still flustered.
"I'd love to hear you sing."
"Sing?" Erina's face turned even redder. "I can't sing," she muttered, embarrassed.
"You're too nervous to sing in front of people, but it's just me here. Don't you think you could sing for me?" Sui asked, smiling encouragingly.
Erina hesitated, biting her lip. After a brief pause, she nodded. She couldn't refuse such a request from him.
Taking a deep breath, Erina began to sing, her cheeks flushed. Her voice was soft and clear, like a lark's song echoing through a peaceful valley. Though there were a few rough spots, the melody was delicate and beautiful.
After finishing her song, Erina looked at Sui, her face still red. "So… how was it? Was my singing okay?"
"It was lovely," Sui said earnestly. "Much better than Kawashima Rei."
"Really?" Erina's nervous expression softened into a shy smile. Hearing praise from someone she cared for filled her with quiet joy.
Encouraged, Erina continued singing, this time with more confidence. As the awkwardness melted away, her voice became smoother and more natural. It was clear she secretly enjoyed singing, even though she seldom did it publicly.
Underneath her cold and reserved exterior, Erina was just like any other girl—someone who loved manga, playing card games, and secretly longed for a close circle of friends. But because of her upbringing and experiences, she had built a tough façade, playing the role of the "Ice Queen."
When you wear a mask for too long, it's hard to take it off.
But in Sui's presence, Erina had begun to reveal her true self.
"Erina, why don't you sing for the guests tomorrow?" Sui suddenly suggested.
"What? No way! That's so embarrassing!" Erina immediately protested, turning bright red and acting like a bashful schoolgirl.
"But I think you're adorable when you're being yourself," Sui replied with a smile. "You're so much more real now—no longer the terrifying Ice Queen of Totsuki, but a girl who's spoiled, sometimes jealous, a little dishonest, and even rude at times, but still loves comics and playing games."