Chapter 189

Is this heaven? Amane, still half asleep, wondered for a moment after he opened his eyes. His darling girlfriend was right there in his arms. Soft waves of flaxen hair filled his vision. Mahiru was resting quietly. Her gorgeous, meticulously maintained hair flowed along the curves of her body, and she looked up at him with eyes that could have been precious gemstones. Seeing as he’d just woken up, his mind wasn’t quite functioning yet, and he was confused about why Mahiru was there, but a moment later, he remembered that she had, in fact, stayed over the night before, and everything fell into place. Apparently, she was doing the same thing she had done the last time she slept over: waiting for Amane to get up without leaving his side. Mahiru immediately noticed when Amane woke up, and after squirming around a little, as if she was trying to find a place in his arms where she fit well, she gave him a bashful smile. “Good morning, Amane.” “……Morning. How long have you been awake?” “About ten minutes. I was thinking about getting up to make breakfast, but I wanted to enjoy being snug in bed, looking at your sleeping face a little longer.” “……Do you like watching me sleep?” “Of course I do. It gives me life! Thanks to you, I’m full of energy, first thing in the morning!” True to her words, Mahiru sounded content and looked ready to face the day. Trying to ignore the indescribable embarrassment he felt, he embraced Mahiru. Suddenly being wrapped up in his arms seemed to startle her, but when Amane quietly whispered, “Give me some of that energy,” she settled down and returned the gesture, putting her arms around his back. Mahiru was moving slowly, which told Amane that they still had plenty of time before school. He felt fortunate to have the opportunity to savor her softness and warmth and her sweet, invigorating scent. “You really are spoiled.” Mahiru laughed. He wanted to respond, “And whose fault is that?” but he knew Mahiru must have already known the answer. Without saying a word, Amane let her snuggle up to him to her heart’s content. In his arms was his beloved, the person he wanted to devote himself to, and she accepted every part of him. He was truly satisfied, and as the happiness that filled his chest spread throughout his whole body, he enjoyed her warmth with fondness. It would have been difficult to pull away. In these blissful morning moments, Amane’s eyelids felt heavy and began drooping all on their own. Mahiru patted him several times on the back. She must have noticed the change in his breathing. “Amane, please don’t go back to sleep.” “……Lying here like this really makes me want to skip school.” “That’s not a line I thought I’d ever hear from Amane the honor student.” Amane knew they were both the type of students who worked hard to maintain perfect attendance and punctuality at school, so Mahiru’s teasing made him laugh after he had a second to think about what he’d just said. However, Amane’s reluctance to end this perfect moment threatened to overrule his normal academic rigor. “Do you really want to stay in bed that badly? Could this be the so-called magic of the futon?” “If I had to say, I think it’s the magic of Mahiru.” Mahiru’s presence was the main thing keeping him in bed, so if they didn’t get up soon, she might become a casualty of Amane’s little escapade and also end up skipping school. Mahiru, who was the ultimate source of this great temptation, responded with a sigh that was less scolding and more of an even split between bashfulness and exasperation. Then she wriggled her way out of Amane’s arms. “Well then, if I leave, you ought to be released from the spell, right? Come on, let’s get up and get dressed.” “…I know we have to, but…” “I don’t plan on spoiling you in every way imaginable, you know. Come on, get up and wash your face.” When Mahiru spoiled Amane, she went all in, but she had fully switched modes. She ripped the comforter away, anticipating Amane would try to wrap himself up in the blankets. He was planning on getting up anyway, but Mahiru seemed to enjoy rousing him like that, so he smiled slyly where she couldn’t see. This isn’t a bad way to get woken up in the future. Generally, Amane could get up on time when he wanted to, but if it meant that Mahiru would spend time with him like this, he thought it would be nice to get up early and mess around a bit, as long as it didn’t cause her any problems. Although Amane didn’t want to inconvenience Mahiru, she did seem to enjoy looking after him, so maybe it was all right to let her pamper him. Keeping that thought to himself, he sat up and got out of bed. The cold air on his skin banished any lingering drowsiness, and he went to get a change of clothes. However, the moment he opened his closet, he sensed a somewhat uncomfortable aura hanging around Mahiru. He covered his mouth, trying to resist the smile that suddenly rose to his lips, making him shake with laughter. “What should we do about changing? Want me to go to the bathroom first and come back?” “…Yes, please. No peeking!” “I would never! Only after getting your permission.” Even though they were dating, Amane would never think of watching Mahiru change. There was the issue of privacy, of course, and currently, the embarrassment would be overwhelming. Amane didn’t really care much the other way around, because even if Mahiru did see him changing, she would just blush and curl into a ball, but Mahiru clearly thought differently. That much was obvious from the way she couldn’t even look him in the eyes at the moment, and he got the sense that their mutual shame would kill them both. “D-do you want to peek?” “…I’d be lying if I said no, but I can’t help but feel like it would spoil the mood and put you in an awkward position if I come on so strong first thing in the morning.” “I—I guess you’re right…” “Which is all to say, don’t worry about that for now. We don’t have to show each other every last thing about ourselves.” Of course he wanted to see what was under Mahiru’s pajamas—he was a guy, after all—but he felt like that wasn’t something he ought to be actively seeking out right at that moment. Amane was of the opinion they should only see each other undressed when they were both ready and willing, and regardless, that wasn’t the sort of thing to do first thing in the morning on a school day. With that in mind, Amane shrugged and headed for the door. Mahiru’s slightly exasperated voice followed him out. “You know, I appreciate that about you, Amane, but it also makes things difficult sometimes…” After they got dressed, they ate the hearty breakfast they had planned the day before—rolled omelets, grilled miso-marinated salmon, several small side dishes they’d prepped ahead of time, miso soup, and white rice. Then Amane cleaned up a bit and got ready to go to school. He had already gotten his textbooks and other school supplies ready the previous day. All that was left was to put on his necktie and blazer, but an idea came to him, and he paused, tie in hand. Mahiru must have noticed him frozen there, and her curiosity got the better of her. “Is something the matter?” Though he was a little hesitant, Amane gently held out the necktie and the tiepin he had concealed in his fist. The pin was a birthday present she had given him the day before. For his first time wearing it, he wanted her to put it on for him. “Would you tie it for me?” he asked hesitantly. Mahiru blinked several times in surprise but eventually realized what he was asking and, like a blooming flower, immediately smiled and nodded. “Yes.” With somewhat reverent movements, Mahiru took the pin, stooped in front of where Amane had sat down on the sofa, and wrapped the tie around his neck. Even though it must have been peculiar tying a necktie around someone else’s neck, Mahiru’s movements were sure, and she made the knot quickly and carefully. Then with attentive, dignified gestures, she gently attached the beautiful tiepin with its floral fretwork to his necktie. He rarely wore tiepins outside of formal ceremonies, but this one was an excellent fit, likely because Mahiru had chosen it especially for him. “…How’s it look?” “I picked it out for you, Amane. Of course it looks good.” Mahiru smiled with unwavering confidence, which made Amane grin, too. “You’ve got a good eye, Mahiru. I’m glad it looks smart.” “It’s perfect. Accessorizing is an important part of fashion, you know.” “I’m not worried about fashion. I just wanted to know if the present I got from you looked good on me, is all.” “Don’t worry. It looks great.” Mahiru had a bit of a tendency to overestimate Amane, but she was objective when it came to evaluating his appearance, so he could be confident that the pin looked all right. It would peek out just a little where the front of his blazer fastened, barely visible, but small stylish touches like that were an important part of an overall look. Whenever he wore something Mahiru had picked out for him, he felt happy no matter what and automatically stood a little taller. That was likely because he still felt he needed to prove he was worthy of being by her side. Wearing Mahiru’s gift on his chest filled him with confidence, and along with a sort of ticklish feeling, pure joy welled up within him. “…Ever since you’ve gained some confidence, you’ve become a real sight for sore eyes, Amane,” Mahiru muttered quietly as he put on his blazer and smoothed out his shirt. “And when I wasn’t confident?” “Then you were cuter. Though there was something attractive about you back then, too.” “Well, there’s lots of things I’d like to say to that, but I guess I’ll save it for later. I look good now, right?” “Yes, very.” “…Good enough to stand next to you?” Amane never doubted that he wanted to be with Mahiru. He simply wondered now and then if others thought he wasn’t deserving. Not that the opinions of others would have made him give up, but it would have been a lie to say he wasn’t worried about how people saw him. Amane was still working hard to improve himself, but he wasn’t sure if he had made much visible progress. He knew what Mahiru’s answer would be but had blurted out the question anyway. “Honestly…” Mahiru gave a resigned smile and lovingly stroked Amane’s cheek. “It’s all right. You’re attractive inside and out, Amane. I won’t let anyone put you down, and even setting my personal feelings aside, you’re a great person.” “Okay, that’s what I needed to hear… Ready to head to school?” “Sure.” When Amane rose and offered his hand, Mahiru took it without hesitation. It was precisely because Mahiru was always honest that he could stand tall and walk beside her holding her hand. It was all thanks to Mahiru that he had changed as much as he had. I’m never going to let her go. Vowing once again that he would absolutely make her happy and would never let her go, Amane smiled gently at Mahiru, and they left the apartment. “…Looks like someone had some fun yesterday, huh?” The day after Amane’s birthday, as expected, he had to endure some teasing from Itsuki at school. Mahiru apparently had some business in the staff office, so they briefly parted. When Amane entered the classroom, Itsuki came to greet him with a big grin. Incidentally, it didn’t seem Chitose had arrived yet. That was pretty typical—to be expected, really—but the teasing made Amane feel more embarrassed than he figured he would be, and he couldn’t stop himself from frowning. “Get your mind out of the gutter. We just had a normal celebration.” “There you go again!” Amane raised his eyebrows. “Listen, you—” “I’m just messin’ with you. Anyway, I’m glad to see Miss Shiina’s preparations worked out.” Itsuki pacified him with a shoulder pat, then nodded with a knowing expression. Unable to criticize his friend for anything, Amane groaned a little and let out a soft sigh. “…Sounds like she got some help from you, so thanks.” “Actually, I didn’t really do anything. If anyone helped her out, it was Chi and Kido, who gave her a ton of advice.” “Even so, you went through the trouble of keeping it a secret, right? I really appreciate it.” “Well, she went to all that effort, so I figured the surprise would be nice. Glad to hear you had a good time. Happy birthday again, man.” Itsuki, the most caring person he knew, smiled like it was no big deal and clapped him on the shoulder. Amane felt momentarily overwhelmed by a surge of happiness and embarrassment, so he bit his cheek and quietly answered, “…Thanks.” He knew he also had to tell Chitose how grateful he was later. He was sure she had given Mahiru quite a bit of advice. It was almost guaranteed there’d be more teasing, but that was nothing compared to the favor she had done for him, so he had already mentally accepted it. He let out a breath, reflecting upon how lucky he was to have friends who would care so much about his birthday, and a classmate who had overheard their conversation approached them. “Fujimiya, it was your birthday, huh?” “That’s right.” Itsuki nodded. “Yesterday.” “Wow!” Their classmate said loudly, staring at Amane. “Why didn’t you say so? Miss Shiina and the girls didn’t mention it, either. I had no idea!” “Ah, it was kind of a surprise, so…” “Nah, I get it. But it’s cold not to say anything…and I don’t have anything good with me today… How about some juice?” Another classmate who had apparently overheard their conversation came shuffling over. “All right then, I’ll give you these caramels. They’re enoki mushroom pilaf flavor—limited time release.” “Those are so gross,” the first classmate said. “Don’t make him eat that.” “What do you mean?! They taste so good, I’m hooked!” “Something’s wrong with your sense of taste.” “Rude, much? Enoki pilaf is delicious!” “It is, and it’s pretty plain, but for a caramel?” “Your logic is an insult to me and the company that makes them!” Itsuki laughed quietly with the extremely perplexed Amane and whispered, “They’re good guys, you know. Do them a favor and take what they’re offering.” Amane knew the changes he was making to his life were helping him become more approachable, but…this was the first time any of them had come to talk to him like this or to wish him well on anything, and it made his chest feel exceptionally hot. If he had still been a shut-in, avoiding all human contact, there was no way he would be surrounded by his classmates like this. “…Um, thanks, everybody. This makes me really happy.” Amane couldn’t hide the embarrassment in his voice as he thanked his cheerful, smiling classmates. “Thank you, everyone,” he quietly mumbled once more. “…I take my eyes off you for one second, and suddenly, you’re popular.” After she had finished her errand, Mahiru returned to the classroom. Her expression was half delight and half surprise as she saw Amane getting birthday wishes from their classmates. Her surprise was natural; normally, Amane would never be the center of attention like that. This wasn’t exactly popularity, though. Their classmates were just being nice. “Ah, good morning, Miss Shiina! Don’t worry—we’re not going to take Fujimiya away from you.” “I—I wasn’t worried about that at all! I was just surprised to see him surrounded by everyone.” “Yeah, Amane hasn’t been the center of attention like that since you two announced you were dating. I’m shocked, too.”