Kaguya's expression was the very picture of embarrassment.
At this moment, she couldn't even bring herself to meet Takakai's gaze. The mere thought of their earlier position - her sleeping atop him - turned her mind to mush, obliterating all higher cognitive functions.
How could I do something so shameless?
She'd only meant to lean against him slightly! How did she end up sprawled across his chest?!
This... this was practically throwing herself at him! Would he think her some loose woman now? No... surely not... right?
Shinomiya Kaguya was in full panic mode.
Even though Takakai showed no reaction - acting as if nothing unusual had occurred - Kaguya couldn't calm down. Her usual icy composure had completely deserted her.
In her mind, romance was no different from warfare.
Without absolute certainty of victory, one mustn't act.
Once committed to action, total conquest was mandatory.
And most crucially - never let yourself fall before your target does.
This twisted philosophy explained why, despite long intending to deepen her relationship with Takakai, Kaguya had accomplished precisely nothing. Under Hayasaka's guidance (adding two hours to the maid's daily workload), she'd drafted countless plans (Hayasaka's blood pressure +1), only to scrap them all (Hayasaka's blood pressure +2).
Her ideal scenario involved Takakai becoming hopelessly infatuated (Hayasaka's blood pressure +3), though repeated lectures from her maid had somewhat tempered this fantasy. The acceptable compromise would be mutual affection - with her falling slightly later (Hayasaka's blood pressure +4). Under no circumstances could she be the first to succumb!
Setting aside how these childish schemes affected Hayasaka's health, they clearly demonstrated Kaguya's refusal to be emotionally vulnerable. This explained why, despite her intentions, she'd remained a passive observer for so long.
But now - deprived of Hayasaka's support, exhausted and frightened - instinct had overridden reason. In her sleep-addled state, she'd sought comfort from her sole remaining pillar of support.
Leaning against him... knocking him over... then curling up against his chest...
This was clearly an accident! I would never do such things consciously!
"Hey..."
Takakai's voice snapped her from spiraling thoughts.
She turned to see his expressionless face. Her lips parted... then closed.
What was I supposed to say again?
Why did he call my name?
Was he talking earlier while I zoned out?
Wait, how long have I been spacing out?
Has he been watching me make these ridiculous expressions the whole time?!
What am I even thinking about?!
"...Ahem. Awake now, Kaguya? We should discuss next steps. This safe room has about 40 minutes left. When it disappears, we'll return to that surrounded hallway. We need an action plan before then."
Takakai's voice reeled her back to reality once more.
"Ah? R-Right. We'll need something immediately noticeable - completely different from our initial dungeon state. That way even if reset, we'll recognize the discrepancy and realize we're not truly just starting."
Seeing Takakai's serious expression, Kaguya finally composed herself, shaking off her earlier idiocy.
That state just now... it was like her original work's comedic persona. Takakai mused with some regret. I'd love to know what was going through her head, but business first.
He had to admit, watching the usually stoic Kaguya cycle through hilarious expressions had been entertaining. It was like seeing someone install a whole new operating system.
"I'll use pistol rounds as my indicator." Takakai summoned Hirano's cursed gun, ejecting the magazine to display ten pristine bullets. "Since my first shot was pre-dungeon, a full magazine means over 24 hours have passed."
To remind himself to check, he'd written on his hand: [Check ammo & rewrite each time]. The message would prompt him to recognize the reset mechanic and re-inscribe it after each reboot.
Kaguya lacked such convenient blessings though. She needed an alternative method.
"Perhaps I could also write reminders. The content would need careful consideration."
But after brief reflection, she realized a fundamental difference between them - her paranoid nature.
Even seeing her own handwriting, dungeon-altered cognition might make her distrust the message. While she'd eventually piece things together, the delay could prove costly.
She needed something shocking - a message that would bypass skepticism through sheer emotional impact.
Her first thought: [This isn't my first awakening].
Too basic. She'd doubt its authenticity and likely not rewrite it.
Second attempt: [Rewrite this each awakening].
Worse. This would only feed her paranoia.
Finally: [I like Takakai].
Absolutely not! I don't "like" him in some juvenile sense! My interest is purely strategic - strengthening team dynamics! This false message would be useless!
She vetoed the idea instantly.
"I have a suggestion." Takakai spoke up, seeing her struggle. "It might work well for you, though... you probably won't like it."
"Survival takes priority over pride. Speak freely." Kaguya replied with dignified solemnity.
"Alright then. Don't get mad..."
"I won't. Any effective method is acceptable, no matter how embarrassing."
So Takakai shared his idea with the seemingly unflappable Shinomiya Kaguya.
Silence.
One second. Two. Three...
Connection reestablished!
"Y-Y-You—what kind of indecent proposal is this?!"
Kaguya scrambled backward against the wall, arms crossed protectively over her chest, looking at Takakai like a kitten confronting a wolf.
"Your words, not mine." Takakai smiled innocently. "'Any effective method is acceptable, no matter how embarrassing.' So, Miss Shinomiya... would my suggestion work or not?"
In that moment, his calm demeanor took on distinctly villainous overtones in Kaguya's eyes.