I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile. - Chapter 29: I Won’t Hold Back.

I Won’t Hold Back.

“Shigure-kun, thank you so much. Truly, I’m grateful I could rely on you… Even though, as a mother, I can’t help but feel inadequate.”

“No, I’m really glad you are here. She’s been happier lately, saying that we’ve grown even closer than before.”

It was nighttime. While Tsubame was in the bath, I had a brief conversation with her mother.

The topic, of course, was Tsubame. She expressed her gratitude over and over again. Given that Tsubame’s sense of taste and expressions had returned, I couldn’t possibly refuse her thanks. But even so, it wasn’t as if I had done everything alone.

“Besides, I should be the one saying thank you. You must have gone through so much physically, yet you’ve always stood by Tsubame’s side…”

“That’s only natural as a mother, Shigure-kun.”

“…I had a feeling you’d say that.”

There aren’t as many parents as one might think who can say that with such certainty. Both of mine would, of course. But back in middle school, I saw a lot of different situations…

Lost in thought for a moment, I was brought back to reality when I heard my name.

“Shigure-kun. I know I’ve said this before, but…”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Please continue to take care of my daughter.”

Her expression was serious. Matching her tone, I straightened up and gave a firm nod.

“Of course. I won’t let go of her… Though, if I said that, I’d sound like a total stalker. But that’s how serious I am.”

“Fufu. If you were a stalker, I’m sure Tsubame would welcome you with open arms.”

“That’s… not exactly reassuring.”

Tsubame’s mother chuckled softly. She had been smiling a lot today. It probably wasn’t just my imagination—she must be relieved because of Tsubame.

I, too, felt like my spirits were unusually high tonight.

Just then, Tsubame’s mother stood up.

“Well then, I think I’ll take my leave for now.”

“Oh, right. Do you have work?”

“No… It’s something far more important. Not for me, but for you, Shigure-kun.”

Following her gaze, I turned around—Tsubame was standing there.

She was wearing the same fluffy pajamas as yesterday. But this time, there was something different—her hair was wrapped in a towel.

“Tsubame? What’s up?”

Her deep, night-sky-colored eyes locked onto mine. Slowly, she parted her lips.

“If I asked you to dry my hair… would you be mad?”

“Of course not.”

“Then, I’d like you to do it.”

I hesitated for a brief moment, but there was no reason to refuse.

…Compared to hugging or sleeping together, this was nothing.

“Fufu. Then, take your time.”

With that, Tsubame’s mother left, and Tsubame stepped closer.

She stared at me, then let out a thoughtful hmm before settling herself on the carpet in front of the sofa where I was sitting.

“This position seems best. Here, use this hairdryer.”

“Oh… It’s cordless. That’s impressive.”

“I got it from a magazine sponsorship. Apparently, it’s good for hair and scalp health.”

“That’s even more impressive.”

“Sometimes I get useful things like this. It helps a lot.”

As she spoke, she removed the towel from her head, and—at that moment—a soft, sweet scent drifted through the air, somewhere between honey and flowers.

“…”

“Alright, Shigure-kun. Please?”

“Ah… Yeah. Got it.”

…Why is it that post-bath gestures have such a way of stirring the heart?

Shaking off unnecessary thoughts, I reached out and ran my fingers through her hair. Though some moisture had been absorbed by the towel, it still felt damp against my fingertips.

Refocusing my mind, I switched on the hairdryer. It was much quieter than the one I used at home.

“You know,” she began.

The sound was soft enough that I could still hear her voice clearly.

“I’ve always wanted you to dry my hair like this.”

“Really? You should’ve just asked. I would’ve been happy to.”

“I liked having my mom dry my hair too, so I could never quite decide. I also liked when your mom did it when I stayed over… And I guess I felt a little embarrassed to ask you.”

“I see.”

Now that she mentioned it, I do remember my mom drying her hair when she stayed over. She had even said it felt like having a daughter of her own.

As I reminisced, I continued drying her hair. When I glanced down, I noticed that Tsubame had her eyes closed, looking completely at ease.

“Now that I think about it, am I doing this right? I don’t really know much about how to dry hair properly without damaging it.”

“It’s fine. It feels really nice.”

“…Then I’m glad.”

Relieved by her words, I continued.

Bit by bit, the moisture vanished, and soon her hair returned to its usual silky texture, smooth enough for my fingers to glide through effortlessly.

“Shigure-kun, do you like touching hair?”

“Hm? Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize.”

“I never said I didn’t like it. In fact, I want you to. I love having my hair petted.”

She turned to glance at me, only to quickly face forward again, resting against my legs as if they were a backrest. The word love almost made me react, but I managed to keep myself in check.

I set the hairdryer aside and gently ran my fingers through her hair, checking for any damp spots or uneven dryness.

…Yeah, looks good.

“I didn’t know hair could be this silky.”

“Now that you mention it, my hair has been getting better lately. It wasn’t this nice before.”

“…Stress, huh?”

“Yeah. I think it’ll keep getting better from here.”

If that’s the case… then Tsubame is only going to become even more beautiful. She’s already at the top level in Japan, yet she still has room to improve—an unbelievable thought.

As I ponder that, my hand unconsciously reaches out. Tsubame glances over at me.

“Are you done with the hairdryer?”

“Yeah. Do you have anything you want to do?”

“I do.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“I want to be spoiled.”

“…You don’t hold back, do you?”

Tsubame gives a small nod and stands up before settling down beside me.

“I want to rest my head on your lap.”

“…A lap pillow? I don’t mind, but—”

“Yay.”

She murmurs happily and immediately lies down. This time, it’s the opposite of before.

That thought crosses my mind, but—hold on a second.

“…Tsubame? Aren’t you a little too close?”

“I like being close.”

“I-I see.”

Tsubame turns her face toward me, her head resting against my stomach—or rather, pressed against it.

“Shigure-kun.”

“…Your hand, right?”

“Yeah.”

She reaches out slightly, and I instinctively understand what she wants. I take her hand. It’s warm.

“Thank you, Shigure-kun. …Yesterday, I was the one giving, but I like being on the receiving end too.”

“As long as you’re happy, I’m happy too.”

“It goes both ways. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

Saying that, Tsubame tilts her head back, lying on her back. In the process—things shift, and my gaze almost follows instinctively, but I manage to hold myself back.

“Shigure-kun, if there’s anything you want to do, just say so.”

“…Yeah, I know.”

For a moment, I wonder if she noticed what I was trying to ignore—but no, that couldn’t be.

“If you’re happy, then I’m happy. So don’t hold back, okay?”

“…”

“I like it when you touch my hair, just like earlier.”

Tsubame exhales softly. It’s almost like a laugh—no, it is a laugh.

“Even if you don’t rely on me, I’ll still spoil you, so there’s no point in holding back.”

“…That’s quite reassuring.”

“Mhm. I rely on you too, so you can rely on me as much as you want.”

She reaches out her other hand and gently touches my cheek. Her fingers trail along my skin before shifting to my ear, making me shiver from the ticklish sensation. Seeing that, Tsubame’s eyes narrow slightly in amusement.

“Then… just for a little while.”

“Yeah, do as you like.”

Every word she says makes my heart skip a beat. Since she’s given me permission, I reach out as well—touching her cheek.

Soft, smooth, and irresistibly pleasant to the touch. …If anyone saw us, they’d probably think we were doing something outrageous. But at this point, it’s far too late to worry about that.

“By the way, Tsubame.”

“What?”

“I mean, I know you understand, but… you don’t do things like this in public, right?”

“I do.”

She responds as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“If I get lonely, I will.”

“…………I see. Got it.”

A flood of thoughts races through my mind, but I somehow manage to nod. It caught me off guard at first, but if that’s the reason, then it can’t be helped. It’s not like she’s going to do this anywhere, anytime, without restraint.

Besides, Tsubame probably understands when and where it’s appropriate… hopefully. Then again, she did feed me at school once. But for now, I’ll assume it’ll be fine.

Satisfied with my response, Tsubame nods and withdraws her hand from my face, stretching lightly.

“Getting sleepy?”

“Yeah, I’m starting to feel drowsy.”

Tsubame sits up, still holding my hand.

“Then let’s go to bed.”

“…Yeah, let’s.”

The way she said that—it was a little… no, very misleading. But there was no hidden meaning, I tell myself, as we head to the bedroom.