My Childhood Friend Who Takes Care of Me Seems to Be a Yandere... No, That Must Be a Misunderstanding

Chapter 36: My Childhood Friend’s Answer

“…Really?”

My voice came out trembling pitifully as I asked again without thinking.

I was so happy she said that, but I still couldn’t quite believe it.
Even though the words reached my ears, I couldn’t immediately accept that they were real.

But Mii-chan kept smiling and nodded quietly.

“It’s true. I’d never lie to you.”

The moment I heard that, all the strength suddenly left my body.
It felt like everything that had been wound tight inside me unraveled at once.

From sheer relief, tears welled up before I knew it.

“…I’m so glad.”

When I whispered that, Mii-chan smiled gently and softly took my hand.
A little stronger than usual, but still warm.

Feeling that warmth, I finally felt truly safe.

“Were you that worried?”

Mii-chan’s voice sounded somehow amused.

“Because…”

Because Mii-chan is beautiful and kind,
and so much calmer than someone like me.

The idea that someone like her could like me felt too unbelievable, and it scared me.

“Hina.”

She called my name softly.

That voice was so gentle
that the backs of my eyes grew hot.

Mii-chan gently touched my cheek.

“It’s okay. Thank you for telling me properly.”

My heart jumped hard again.

The cheek she touched burned.
I couldn’t look away; I could only stare at Mii-chan.

“I’ve been waiting for you to say it, Hina.”

Those words made my eyes widen.

“Huh…?”
“Because if I said it first, I felt like you’d run away.”

She said it like a joke, but her voice was somehow sweet and lingered in my ears.

“I wouldn’t…”
“You would. I’ve been watching you this whole time, so I know.”

Mii-chan’s fingertips gently traced my cheek.

“But you won’t run anymore, right?”

At that question, I slowly nodded.

“…I won’t run.”
“Good girl.”

She said it like she was soothing a child, which made me pout a little—
but Mii-chan smiled so softly that I couldn’t say anything back. The warmth of her hand felt like it was seeping all the way into my heart.

“Hina, say it one more time?”
“Eh?”
“What you said earlier. I want to hear it again, properly.”

My face instantly face burned.

“…It’s embarrassing.”
“No?”

Mii-chan pouted just a little.
There was no way I could refuse that face.

I took a small breath—

“…I like you.”

I said it again.
This time my voice was a little more honest than before.
Mii-chan slowly narrowed her eyes and smiled.

“Yeah. I like you too.”

As if to make sure, our fingers intertwined.
That warmth simply felt good.
I gently squeezed Mii-chan’s hand back.

—

Chapter 37: My Childhood Friend Suddenly…

We stayed like that for a while, holding hands in silence.
The warmth of her hand felt so good I wanted to stay this way forever.

Then, all of a sudden, Mii-chan let out a small breath and squeezed my hand tighter.

“Hey, Hina.”
“Hm?”
“…Let’s head home for today, okay?”
“Eh?”

It’s rare for Mii-chan to suggest something like that.
While I was still surprised, she gave me a meaningful little smile.

“There’s something I want to do once we get home.”

My heart gave a loud thump.

“W-What do you want to do…?”
“Secret.”

When I tried to press her, Mii-chan just laughed happily, stood up, and pulled me by the hand out of the park.

────

The front door closed.
The click of the lock echoed in the quiet space.

While taking off my shoes, I remembered what she’d said earlier.

“So, what did you want to do when we got ho—”

The moment I looked up—

My arm was gently pulled.

“—Nn!?”

Before I could figure out what was happening, something soft touched my lips.

My mind couldn’t keep up with the suddenness—I just stood there frozen.
But Mii-chan pressed her lips against mine without hesitation, moving them slowly, as if to make sure.

W-What is this.

My heart was pounding so loudly it hurt.
All the strength left my body; if she hadn’t been holding me, I probably would have collapsed.

When she finally pulled away, I sucked in a huge breath.

“W-Wait a second, what was that all of a sudden!?”

My face was burning. I was definitely bright red.
I glared at Mii-chan without thinking, but she just smiled calmly, not looking sorry at all.

“You’re that surprised?”
“Of course I’m surprised!! At least give me some warning…”

My heart was still racing, and I couldn’t even form proper sentences.
That was way too sudden.
I wasn’t mentally prepared at all—

Mii-chan giggled softly and tilted her head with a slightly teasing look.

“But you’ve practiced plenty of times already, right?”
“Eh…?”

For a second, I didn’t understand what she meant.
Mii-chan gazed at me with a small smile.

Then she leaned in a little closer—

“Before… when I was sleeping, Hina kissed me, didn’t you?”
“——!?”