She Became Distressed After I Stopped Being Restrained and Started Interacting with Others - Chapter 23

The next morning, I slowly opened my eyes.

Looking beside me, Honoka was sleeping peacefully in my arms.

Still naked, she nestled her cheek against my chest, her smooth skin pressing against me comfortably. Her slender arms were wrapped tightly around my waist as if enveloping me.

I gently touched Honoka’s hair.

Each time I ran my fingers through her soft hair, the lingering sensation from last night softly spread through my heart. The sweet scent and the warmth I’d definitely felt remained vividly with me.

“…Mmm… hn…”

Honoka let out a small breath as she pulled my arm tightly against her.

The gesture was so endearing that I couldn’t help but hold her tighter.

—That’s when it happened.

I felt a faint warmth around my shoulder.

When I casually glanced down, I saw numerous red marks scattered across my skin.

On my neck, my collarbone, my shoulders—the marks from where Honoka had touched me with passion last night remained clearly visible.

I quietly regulated my breathing as I gently ran my fingers over my skin.

A lingering warmth pleasantly transmitted itself to my fingertips.

—Proof that Honoka had wanted me.

I tenderly traced the marks engraved on my skin.

My chest felt ticklish with happiness spreading through me.

Suddenly, Honoka faintly fluttered her eyelashes.

As if confirming my presence in her drowsiness, she tightened her arms around me.

Her sleepy face nuzzling against my chest was unbearably adorable.

“…Good morning, Honoka.”

I stroked her hair as I whispered softly.

Honoka looked up at me with dazed eyes.

Still somewhat sleepy, her moist eyes were meltingly sweet.

“…Yuna…”

She called my name in a husky voice.

In that moment, her gaze suddenly fell upon my neck.

“…Ah…”

Honoka’s eyes traced the red marks scattered across my skin.

Her cheeks flushed with heat as she blinked slowly.

Her fingertips extended hesitantly, tracing the area around my collarbone.

Each time Honoka’s fingers touched where last night’s heat remained, a ticklish, lingering warmth spread through me.

“…I left marks, didn’t I…”

Her spilled words were quiet, somewhat apologetic.

That modest reaction was somehow unbearably cute.

“Yes, lots of them.”

I smiled and took her hand.

Then I guided it to my neck and gently pressed it there.

“Honoka put them there, you know?”

When I whispered this, her fingertips trembled slightly.

The fingers that had only been lightly touching now slowly traced my skin.

“…I’m sorry.”

Honoka’s face, looking embarrassed, buried itself in the sheets.

When I gently combed through her hair, she squirmed as if tickled and rubbed her face against my arm.

Keeping her face down, Honoka clung to me as if holding onto my arm.

“It’s okay, Honoka.”

I stroked her hair gently as I whispered tenderly.

Honoka lifted her face just slightly, looking at me with embarrassment.

“…I’m really sorry.”

At her words, I smiled and lightly stroked Honoka’s back.

“You don’t need to apologize. They’re proof that you loved me.”

Honoka nodded slightly and pressed her face against my chest again.

And so, the quiet morning time flowed between the two of us.