I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile. - Chapter 47: The Swelling Tide of Emotion.

The Swelling Tide of Emotion.

“You’re clinging to me more than usual today, Tsubame.”

“I’m making sure no other girl takes Shigure-kun away.”

“Hehe, it was quite a day, wasn’t it? Better hold on to me tightly.”

“Mhm.”

“Ah, um, please don’t take it too seriously, Tsubame…”

“Oh my? I wasn’t joking, you know?”

It was nighttime, after Tsubame finished work. At her home. Ever since Tokyo, she hadn’t left my side.

After what happened, even Usui-san came by to personally apologize—but Tsubame had already become like this, and Usui-san could only smile wryly. She also seemed incredibly busy lately and left for her office right after a brief chat.

During that visit, Tsubame had talked about taking time off—and thankfully, she managed to get her days off. Today was Sunday, the second day of a long weekend. As soon as it was confirmed, she’d called Set-chan to share the news, and her joy had been overflowing.

I was recalling that moment as I turned to my side—Tsubame was snuggled tightly against my left side.

“…Most celebrities who approach me are a little odd. But they’re all beautiful and cute. That’s why I have to work hard, so Shigure-kun doesn’t get distracted.”

“Fufuu. No need to worry. Ever since you reunited with him, you’ve become even prettier and cuter, Tsubame. Isn’t that right, Shigure-kun?”

“Y-Yeah. Her expressions have become more vivid, and I find myself watching her more often… So, Tsubame, there’s nothing to worry about.”

It might sound misleading if I said I only have eyes for her—but I’m not going to be swayed by anyone else.

Of course, I can still find others beautiful or attractive—but Tsubame is special. She’s the only one who truly is.

…That said, if we stayed here any longer, her mother might keep launching teasing remarks endlessly.

“Tsubame, it’s getting late. Should we sleep soon?”

“Mhm. Let’s sleep together.”

It felt a bit early, but Tsubame wakes up at 5 AM. I only need to get up at 7, since her mom offered to drive me.

I initially said I could manage on my own, but she insisted—so I had no choice but to accept.

“You two, don’t stay up too late, okay? On days like this, go to bed earlier tomorrow or take a short nap.”

“It’s fine. When I fall asleep in Shigure-kun’s arms, my sleep quality triples.”

“Tsubame, no! That phrasing is seriously misleading! We’re not doing anything beyond hugging, okay? And we usually sleep pretty early too.”

“Fufufu… Well then, goodnight, you two.”

“W-Wait, I-I’m serious, okay!?”

“Goodnight, Mom. Let’s go, Shigure-kun.”

I tried to insist to her mother with a straight face—but her gentle, knowing smile didn’t waver.

All I could manage was a quiet, “Goodnight,” as Tsubame took my hand and led me toward the bedroom.

***

“Hmm~ ♪”

“You seem in a good mood, Tsubame.”

“Mhm. I feel calm when it’s just the two of us in my room. I like it.”

In her bedroom, on the bed—Tsubame was clinging tightly to me.

She buried her face in my chest, rubbing it gently with a contented smile. I could almost see imaginary puppy ears and a wagging tail—she was that cheerful.

It must be comforting to be in her own space. While we had spent time alone at a café, it wasn’t the same as a private room. There’s just something deeply relaxing about being in your own space.

“Hey, Shigure-kun.”

“Yeah?”

“Touch my cheek.”

Tsubame pulled away slightly and looked up at me intently.

When I reached out and touched her cheek, I was met with soft, plush, and smooth skin—something I could happily keep touching forever.

“Hmm~ ♪”

I gently stroked her cheek with my fingers, giving it soft little pokes.

“Hehe~ ♪”

She looked a bit ticklish, but didn’t pull away. In fact, she rubbed her cheek into my palm as if asking for more.

“Ehehe~”

Finally, unable to suppress the ticklish feeling any longer, she let out a small giggle.

“Tsubame…”

“…What?”

“…No, it’s just… I really think you’re adorable.”

“Mhm, thank you. That makes me happy.”

I stumbled for a moment but managed to get the words out—because I knew they would make her happy.

As I continued stroking her cheek, her night-sky-colored eyes met mine with deep intensity.

“Shigure-kun.”

“What is it?”

“…No, never mind.”

“…Really?”

She only said my name, then brushed it off—but something about it lingered in my mind.

“If something’s bothering you, don’t hold back, okay?”

“…Okay.”

There was a brief flicker of hesitation in her eyes—but it soon faded.

Then, she tightened her arms around me.

“Shigure-kun… will you always stay by my side? No matter what happens?”

“…I’ll always stay. No matter what.”

Maybe she hesitated because I’ve said those words before. She really didn’t need to worry—but I repeated it anyway.

…Though there might be another reason. Regardless, I wouldn’t lie to her—not about this.

Some feelings need to be put into words.

Reminding myself of that, I cupped her cheek again with my hand.

“Because… being by your side—being with you—is what I love most, Tsubame.”

“Mhm.”

Her quiet chuckle and warm breath escaped her lips as her expression softened completely.

“Although, when I say ‘no matter what,’ it might sound like I’d stay even if you came to hate me… But I’d like you to know that’s how much I care.”

“That makes me really happy. And… I would never hate you, Shigure-kun. Ever.”

“I mean, even I think blind faith isn’t ideal, you know? What if I did something bad? Then I’d want you to hate me.”

“Hmm? But you wouldn’t do anything bad. Even if you did, I’m sure you’d have a reason.”

“You really do trust me, huh…”

Her eyes met mine with innocent certainty, as if to say, Of course I do.
And I suppose this situation alone proves her trust. Even if something were to happen, I feel like she’d accept me anyway.

“It’s because you’re you, Shigure-kun. Even though we were apart for so long, you stayed the same.”
“…And you, Tsubame—you were always you. Just had a hard time showing your feelings.”

“But you pulled them out. My heart.”

She shifted slightly—and gently pressed her soft lips to the palm of my hand. I flinched, but before I could pull away, she nuzzled my chest again.

“Hey, Shigure-kun.”

“Y-Yeah?”

“I worked really hard to become beautiful.”

There was no way I could miss what she wanted to hear.

“You are beautiful, Tsubame. Your appearance, and your heart—equally so.”

“…Am I cute?”

“…Yeah, you’re cute. I’m not comparing you to anyone, but—to me, you’re special.”

“That makes me really, really happy.”

She gently slipped her face from my hand and moved closer—pressing her cheek to mine and whispering by my ear.

“To me, Shigure-kun, you are special too.”

“That means—”

“…Hehe. I’m getting sleepy, so I’m going to bed now, Shigure-kun.”

With that, she rubbed her cheek against mine, then nestled her face into my chest again—holding me tight.

“Goodnight, Shigure-kun. …We’ll always be together, okay?”

“…Goodnight, Tsubame. Always.”

I swallowed the emotions rising within me and replied softly.
Tsubame, clearly content, kept nuzzling her face against my chest.

She didn’t seem tired at first, but within minutes, her gentle breaths filled the room—fast asleep.

Watching her, the feelings I had tried to suppress earlier began to swell once again.

“…God, seriously.”

Her words echoed in my head, and while my heart still throbbed uncontrollably, watching her sleep so peacefully slowly calmed me.

But while my body settled down, my emotions remained stirred.

“…I think I’m reaching my limit.”

Murmuring those words to myself, I closed my eyes.

So many tangled emotions inside me were swelling up—ready to burst.

Maybe tomorrow… I’ll talk to someone about it—
Just like someone once came to me with their heart wide open.