I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile. - Chapter 17: Such A Spoiled Child.

Such A Spoiled Child.

Shigure-kun… will you sleep with me?

That single phrase kept replaying in my mind. I wanted to believe I had misheard it, but deep down, I knew I hadn’t.

Spending time with Tsubame recently, I had come to realize something—her way of interacting with me hadn’t changed at all since back then. Perhaps the clearest example was how we used to feed each other during lunch.

And if her perception of me hadn’t changed either, then… this situation made sense. It was something I could understand—something I couldn’t deny.

Back in the day, whenever we slept together, Tsubame would always use me as a body pillow.

I hesitated for a moment. Normally, I should have refused immediately. Back then, it might have been different, but at our age now, this was far from appropriate.

Shaking those thoughts aside, I returned to reality and looked at Tsubame.

Her half-lidded eyes, dark and deep, peeked at me through the dim light. The hand that grasped mine was warm, trembling slightly with a weak yet determined grip.

“Alright.”

The words left my mouth before I could even think.

Tsubame’s fingers tightened ever so slightly around mine. Her lips parted, forming a soft whisper—”Come here.”

Keeping our hands intertwined, I slowly lay down beside her.

I watched her closely, waiting for any sign of discomfort, any hint of hesitation. Instead, I saw her body relax completely, as if a weight had been lifted from her.

There was still enough space between us to keep a reasonable distance—just close enough for our hands to remain linked. The mattress was large enough to allow this separation.

But then, Tsubame’s eyes opened just a fraction.

“Shigure-kun…”

“What is it?”

“Mmm…”

It wasn’t my imagination—her voice carried a trace of dissatisfaction.

She shifted, inching closer. If she fully woke up now, it would only make things more complicated. So, I moved toward her as well.

And then—

I was enveloped in warmth. A soft, delicate scent surrounded me.

“…!”

Tsubame had wrapped herself around me.

One arm circled my back, her face nestled against my neck. Her legs intertwined with mine, pressing gently. I could feel the warmth of her body through the thin fabric between us.

The scent—sweet and intoxicating—grew stronger.

…I wanted to praise myself for not making a sound.

My mind went blank. Yet, I knew better than to say anything. If she lost her sleep now, it would defeat the purpose.

When I looked down at her, she slightly lifted her head, as if waiting for something. Instinctively, I slipped an arm under her head.

That seemed to be the right choice. Tsubame rested her head there immediately, her weight pressing down gently. Though the human head is relatively heavy, her small face and the low-resistance mattress made it manageable.

She relaxed against me, embracing me fully. Her breathing was calm, steady—a perfect depiction of someone drifting into slumber.

…I had to ignore the way her soft curves pressed against me with each breath.

My heartbeat quickened. She was so close—so impossibly close. Surely, she could hear it. But she didn’t seem to mind. If anything, she might have been using it as a lullaby.

I averted my gaze, taking slow, deep breaths in an attempt to steady myself. Yet, no matter how many times I tried, the racing in my chest refused to subside.

Of course, it wouldn’t. It had been years since I had been this close to someone. And even back then, the only person was—Tsubame.

Not to mention, she wasn’t just any girl. She was the “bewitching beauty” that could bring an entire nation to its knees.

Or rather, that title didn’t even do her justice anymore. Tsubame had become breathtakingly beautiful—so much so that I sometimes thought she truly could sway a kingdom.

But even that was only one facet of her charm.

The way her eyes sparkled when she watched animal videos.

The kindness she showed when she cared for others.

The playful, mischievous side she occasionally revealed.

Her pure, unchanging heart.

I could list a hundred more reasons. And I knew I would keep discovering them, time and time again.

It was impossible to remain unaffected by someone like her.

I exhaled sharply, trying to calm the storm within me.

Focus on what matters. Right now, the most important thing was ensuring that Tsubame got the sleep she desperately needed.

Gradually, the heat in my head cooled. Only then did I dare to look at her again.

Tsubame had completely fallen asleep in my arms. Though her grip had loosened slightly, one hand still rested on my back, her face nestled against my neck.

…No, this wasn’t just her holding onto me.

It was an embrace.

Sighing softly, I gave in. If things were going to be like the old days, I might as well act like it.

With my free hand, I gently placed it on her back, holding her close—just like we used to do.

She felt so small now. Back then, we were almost the same height.

Her breathing was soft, steady. At school, she always carried an air of untouchable beauty—almost overwhelming. But right now, she seemed delicate.

Like a child, warm and vulnerable. It stirred something deep within me.

I wanted to protect her.

It was something I had promised myself long ago. I would bring back her smile. I would help her regain what she had lost. And now, I wanted to make sure she could sleep peacefully.

Even if that meant staying by her side. Even if that meant becoming her pillow.

“Why?”

A question she had once asked me came to mind.

Back then, I had answered simply: “Because I want to help my childhood friend.”

That wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t the whole truth, either.

If I had been honest…

“I wonder how she’d react if I told her I’ve always loved her.”

The words left my lips in a whisper, too soft for anyone to hear.

I let my hand move gently, running through her hair—just as I had done countless times before.

A soft noise escaped her lips.

“Shigure… kun…”

Immediately after, she fell back into steady breathing. Likely just sleep-talking.

Yet, hearing my name in her voice—even in a dream—sent a quiet ache through my chest.

“I’m here, Tsubame.”

I pulled her closer, just slightly.

She had always been the type to seek comfort. And if she still was, then I wouldn’t hesitate to give it to her.

Not just by staying by her side.

No—staying wasn’t enough.

“I’ll make sure you smile again, Tsubame.”

I didn’t know what had happened to her. But the changes in her—and in her mother—told me that she had been through something painful.

So, I made a silent vow. To her. To myself.

“I’ll do everything in my power to make her happy.”

After all, my first love had come to me for comfort.

For her, I was willing to do anything.

Without saying another word, I closed my eyes.

Maybe because of the familiar warmth, maybe because I had spent so many nights worrying about her, sleep finally took over.

“Good night, Tsubame.”

“…”

There was no reply. But that was fine.

That night, I dreamt of the past.