Chapter 25

“If we started going out, you’d end up doing it, right?”

“Doing what?”

“You know, that.“

Finally, Yuki caught on to what I meant. Her face turned slightly red as she replied.

“Well, as long as you use proper protection, it should be fine, right?”

“Yeah, but the thing is, people stop doing that after a while. And you can see how that would turn out.”

“Hmm? You really think so?”

“My old man dropped out of high school and had a shotgun wedding. I’m not saying it’s the worst thing in the world, but I don’t want to end up like that. I think it’s better to wait until I’m financially stable, until I can support myself. Besides, I don’t really want to rely on my parents for that kind of thing if I can help it.”

That was the official reason I gave. But the truth ran deeper.

My father used to hit my mother. They were supposed to be in love, supposed to have chosen each other for life, and yet that’s what it became.

That’s why I never believed those wedding vows about “eternal love.” Pledging to protect someone with your life? I don’t even know if I could be that kind of person. But the one thing I do know is that I don’t want to become a liar.

“Besides, I barely even know you yet. Saying stuff like ‘I love you’ after just a few days—it’s shallow, don’t you think?”

“Huh…? Wait a second, are you saying you’re thinking about marriage? Oh no, what should I do?”

“Are you even listening to me? Did you get any of that?”

“I got it, I got it. What you’re saying is, before we get to the next stage, we need more time being mutual and intimate, right?”

“Are you really okay, like, mentally?”

Suddenly, Yuki put on an expression of realization, as if everything had just clicked for her. She slid closer, shifting on her knees until she was right in front of me. She was so close I could feel her breath.

“But above all else… leaving all that aside, how do you feel about me? Do you hate me? Do you not think I’m cute?”

She was definitely angling her face to show off what she thought was her cutest look. I knew exactly what she was doing, and yet I couldn’t help but flinch a little.

When it came to her looks, there wasn’t much I could criticize. Even if she asked what she could improve, nothing came to mind. At first, I was bothered by the mark near her eye, but now I see it as something of a charm point.

“You totally think you’re cute, don’t you?”

“I do think so, but I’m asking how I look to you, Knight-kun.”

“I already told you, didn’t I? You’re cute.”

“Is it just my looks?”

“Well… that straightforwardness of yours isn’t something I hate. Like how you don’t bother with fake humility—it’s refreshing.”

“‘Isn’t something I hate,’ huh? Acting all cool~.”

Yuki gave a pleased smile before spinning around and turning her back to me. Then, she lifted her hips and plopped herself right down on my crossed legs, settling there.

“Are you satisfied now?”

“Nfufufuh.”

“Are you listening? Five more seconds. Five, four…”

“Nope. Ten thousand more seconds.”

“That’s way too long.”

Yuki pressed her hands over mine to keep them from pulling away.

She might have looked calm and collected, but honestly, I was the one in trouble here.

It felt like some strange energy was coursing through me from the places where we were touching.

Her hair smelled amazing. Despite my rational brain telling me to back off, another voice somewhere inside me kept whispering to stay like this a while longer.

“Mind if I say something kinda gross?”

“Go ahead.”

“Girls’ bodies are so soft.”

“Yeah, that’s gross,” she said, giggling.

She twisted her neck to look back at me.

“Can I say something gross too?”

“No.”

“Guys’ bodies are so hard.”

“That sounds like a dirty joke.”

“Eh, does not. Where exactly do you think I meant by ‘hard’?”

Yuki widened her eyes dramatically, her gaze sliding downward in an exaggerated way.

“…If you tell me where, I wouldn’t mind doing it for you, you know?”

She stared at me, clearly trying not to miss a single twitch of my expression.

I couldn’t bring myself to ask what she meant by it. The question stuck in my throat as I struggled for a response.

Then, Yuki grinned mischievously, pointing to my face.

“Ohhh, didn’t you just make a pervy face?”

“I did not. This is a neutral expression.”

“What did you think I was talking about? Come on, tell me.”

She poked at my cheek with her finger. I brushed her hand away, but instead of backing off, she twisted around on my lap to face me. Her hands slid up to my shoulders as she leaned forward. Tilting her head just slightly, she looked directly at me, her gaze unwavering.

“I love you.”

Her lips moved closer.

I couldn’t do anything but watch, frozen like a deer in headlights.

Maybe I was mesmerized by how beautiful her face was up close.

Or maybe it was the growing weight of reality setting in—that a girl this stunning was actually into me—that left me paralyzed.

“I want you to do it this time, Knight-kun.”

She whispered moments before our lips could touch, licking her lips with her tongue.

Her expectant gaze glinted with the reflection of the ceiling light. Her moist eyes shimmered as if rippling, and her eyelids began to descend slowly.

The timing of meeting someone, or the length of time spent together—maybe such things don’t matter much to simple instincts.

The slightly damp lips in front of me lay defenseless and longing. I already knew how soft they felt. I knew how good they felt.

If I wanted, I could probably go further.

—Don’t turn out like me.

At the time, I brushed it off like, Yeah, right. No chance I’ll end up like that.

But is this what people mean when they say parent gacha?

The idea that a person’s life is determined by their environment and genetics makes me want to resist.

Still, if everything’s already decided, maybe it’s better to just go with the flow, live as freely and happily as possible.

I tightened my arm around Yuki’s back.

Her eyes blinked in surprise for a moment, but then closed again. Her slightly parted lips invited me in. I drew closer, inhaling a soft breath.

Then, a vibration sounded from the table. My phone.

Once, twice… The sound didn’t stop.