She Became Distressed After I Stopped Being Restrained and Started Interacting with Others - Chapter 57

After that, we stayed like that for a while.

A time spent holding hands without exchanging words, as if confirming each other’s warmth.

That time continued, but suddenly, Honoka’s stomach let out a “grrrowwl.”

At that sound, I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

“…Are you hungry?”

“…Yeah, just a little.”

As she said this, Honoka blushed with embarrassment, but she didn’t try to pull away.

When I tried to stand up, she gently grabbed the hem of my clothes and shook her head slightly.

“…Shall we make something together?”

Those words made my chest ache. The feeling of not wanting to be apart even for a little while was seeping through.

I smiled gently and took her hand.

“Yeah, let’s make something together. Today, we’ll make what you like, Honoka.”

Taking ingredients from the refrigerator, I efficiently prepared everything.

Then, standing side by side in the kitchen, we made a simple meal and sat down at the table together.

By the time we finished clearing the dishes and turned off the kitchen light, Honoka spoke up softly.

“…Let’s take a bath. You’ll come in with me, right?”

“Of course.”

Replying as if it were natural, Honoka took my hand and started walking toward the bathroom.

Even as we undressed in the steamy changing room, Honoka kept gently touching my skin. Each time her fingertips touched me, I could feel loneliness and strong emotions seeping through.

When we were submerged up to our shoulders in the bathtub, Honoka rested her head on my shoulder and nestled into my arms.

“…Yuna’s scent is calming…”

Saying this in a small voice, she placed her hand on my chest.

I silently enveloped her hand with mine.

A quiet time passed for a while.

“…I want to stay like this forever. When I can feel Yuna’s warmth, it makes me feel secure.”

Her voice was trembling, filled with longing.

I washed her hair, rinsed her back, and she washed me too.

Like that, with our own hands, we carefully tended to each other, touching as if in prayer.

By the time we got out of the bath, our fingertips were all pruny, and yet we were still reluctant to part. Even after wrapping ourselves in bath towels, Honoka didn’t leave my side.

When we returned to the bedroom, she gently pulled my hand, and I sat down beside her.

“…Hey, Yuna. Can you hold me tight?”

Her voice sounded somewhat pained, and without saying anything, I wrapped her in my arms.

Each time our warmth overlapped, the soft place deep in my chest grew gently warmer.

Honoka buried her face in my chest and let out a small sigh.

“…What I said earlier, about wanting to stay like this forever. I meant it. I… can’t be without you by my side, Yuna.”

Her voice was trembling. I kissed her hair gently as I replied.

“Me too. My heart isn’t fulfilled unless it’s with you, Honoka.”

Honoka lifted her face and looked at me with slightly moist eyes.

That gaze was more straightforward than anything, more precious than anything. I gently pressed my lips to hers.

It was a deep, gentle kiss, as if we were confirming each other.

With each touch, emotions were conveyed, stronger than words, as if our hearts were overlapping.

Tonight, was definitely not just any night.

It was a night for just the two of us. One where we confirmed each other’s love and warmth.