Embracing my stalker - Chapter 9- Adorable

Amaye was worried.

She could tell something had happened between Yumeko and Haruto. It was clear from the way Yumeko was acting around others—

Quiet. Distant. Almost like she was scared.

And it didn’t take a genius to guess that Haruto probably said something to cause it.

A few students had gathered around Yumeko’s desk, trying to talk to her, but she barely responded.

What confused Amaye more was Haruto.

When she looked at him, he had a calm, friendly smile on his face.

It made her wonder—was he just pretending? Or did he really not care?

“I know you’re curious,” Haruto said, still looking at his notebook.

Amaye didn’t look away when she asked,

“Did something happen… because of me?”

She knew how much Haruto liked Yumeko.

He had told Blaze about his feelings so she knew.

Yumeko was his first crush, and later, his girlfriend.

Their families were close, so they even got engaged after starting university.

Haruto let out a quiet sigh.

He could see the worry in Amaye’s eyes.

She was full of doubt, full of questions.

So he decided not to keep her guessing any longer.

“Let’s go to the cafeteria first. I’m starving,” he said.

Then, without any hesitation, he took her hand and stood up.

Amaye froze for a moment. He had just pulled her out of the class—in front of everyone.

Her heart raced, and she couldn’t look anyone in the eye.

At some point, she closed her eyes, trying to ignore the stares around them, and simply followed his lead.

They soon entered the cafeteria.

It wasn’t too crowded, so they easily found an empty table.

“Wait here,” Haruto said before heading to the counter.

Amaye sat down and bit her lip, glancing around.

Just like she feared, people were looking at her and whispering.

She even noticed a few taking pictures.

‘I really want to disappear right now,’ she thought.

But closing her eyes and pretending she wasn’t here wouldn’t help.

By tomorrow, everyone in the university would know she was with Haruto.

She didn’t regret following him, but she was still unsure about where they stood.

What if he got back together with Yumeko?

Would she be pushed back into that same lonely world she came from?

The silence… the emptiness…

But still…

A small smile formed on her lips as she looked at Haruto.

Even if this wasn’t real.

Even if it didn’t last long—

She wanted to treasure every moment she had with him.

“That smile… why do you look so satisfied?” Haruto asked, returning with a tray full of food.

Amaye shook her head lightly.

“It’s nothing. I’m just… living this moment.”

Haruto raised a brow. “Oh? Sorry I didn’t do anything special for it.”

Amaye smiled softly. “You already did enough. I know I’ll remember this moment later.”

Haruto let out a short laugh. “You’re really honest, aren’t you?”

Amaye blinked, then quickly added, “Sorry—did I say something weird? Did I make you uncomfortable?”

Haruto shook his head, smiling.

“No. Thank you for letting me know that I’m not the only one who’s truly enjoying every moment we spend together.”

Amaye paused.

Her eyes searched his face.

Haruto didn’t look away. He held her gaze with a warm, gentle smile.

And in his eyes… all she saw was honesty.

She slowly lowered her head and fell silent.

Haruto pushed a burger toward her and said,
“Come on now, eat up. We don’t have much time left.”

Amaye took the burger carefully.

“How much did it cost? I’ll pay you back—”

“Oh, you already paid me,” Haruto replied casually, taking a bite from his sandwich.

“Huh?” she blinked, tilting her head slightly.

With her big, round eyes and strands of hair falling across her face, she looked so adorable that it almost hurt.

Sweet aggression.

He wanted to hug her right then and there.

But he held back.

He had already embarrassed her enough today.

“Remember those assignments you helped me with?” he asked.

“You searched the internet, picked the best points, arranged everything neatly… I just wrote my name on top and submitted it.”

Amaye blinked in surprise. “But… that doesn’t mean you have to buy me food.”

Haruto gave a small sigh. “Then pay me later, okay?”

Amaye nodded and quietly unwrapped her burger.

She took a tiny, careful bite—just enough to taste it.

Cute. Too cute.

Gah, I need to endure this!

They finished lunch soon after and still had a few minutes to spare.

That’s when Haruto decided to speak up.

“Nothing between us happened because of you,” he said softly.

“Like I told you before, I broke up with Yumeko because she cheated on me. You’re not responsible for any of this, so don’t blame yourself.”

Amaye shook her head.

“I’m not worried about myself… I just don’t want you to make a choice that might hurt you later.”

Haruto took a quiet breath, then reached across the table and gently held her hand.

“Amaye,” he said, “look at me.”

She hesitated, then slowly lifted her gaze to meet his.

“Do you want to see what I look like when I’m truly happy?” he asked, eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Then come with me.”

Before she could ask anything, he stood up and tugged her hand, urging her to follow.

“E-Eh? But… what about class?” she asked, startled.

Haruto grinned.

“Let’s be disobedient students today.”