The Beautiful Senpai from the Archery Club Is Sleeping in My Room with Her Stomach Exposed. - Chapter 22: Watanuki Rino Can’t Fall Asleep!

Watanuki Rino Can’t Fall Asleep!

The clock had just passed midnight.

Having wrapped up my studies earlier than usual, I stood in front of my mini fridge, staring at its contents in contemplation.

“The energy drinks… they’re lasting longer than I expected.”

The large stockpile I had replenished a month ago was now being consumed at a noticeably slower pace.

They used to be an essential part of my routine—an absolute necessity to keep drowsiness at bay while studying. I’d even sneak a can or two at school from time to time.

That was before he started helping me.

“Amemoto-kun…”

I softly murmured the surname of the boy who had, in a way, become my new source of energy.

“…Touya-kun.”

I dared to whisper the first name I secretly wished to call him by. Just saying it out loud made my face flush with warmth. It seemed like another sleepless night was ahead of me.

“Haa…”

Letting out a sigh, I sat on the edge of my bed, leaning against the wall.

With my nighttime routine already done, all that was left was to sleep. Lately, I’d been going to bed earlier than before—a change I owed entirely to Amemoto-kun.

I’ve been relying on him so much these days.

Almost every evening, I find myself in his room.

During our study sessions after club activities, he acts as a tutor, subtly gauging my level of understanding through the questions he asks. Thanks to that, I now have a clearer grasp of my weak points and how to study efficiently.

On days when there’s no club practice, he gives me massages in that calm, greenery-filled room of his. He even prepares tea and snacks for me. Just thinking about spending that special time together again makes my heart race.

And today, he even helped me in an unexpected way.

For the sake of the archery club, he took on an unfamiliar challenge—wearing makeup and acting.

“Ugh… If I think about what happened at practice again, my heart’s going to…!”

I clutched my body pillow tightly. Even pressing against my chest couldn’t calm the rapid beating of my heart. This kind of makeshift solution wasn’t enough.

I could barely look at him properly when he was in full makeup.

His features, bearing a resemblance to the popular Mei-san, were dangerously aligned with my tastes. It was a different kind of appeal from his usual self—one that only served to highlight his charm from a completely new angle.

Apparently, he had spent the whole day in that state.

I bet quite a few underclassmen started taking an interest in him after today.

“…I can’t afford to sit around and wait.”

Before any strong rivals appear, I need to win his heart.

I should have a chance.

We’ve only known each other for a month, but we’ve spent so much time together. Surely, he must be aware of me in some way.

…Right?

He has to be. He’s acted in a way that made me wonder more than once.

He even came really close to me once—his expression was so serious, I couldn’t see it as anything but genuine.

And yet, there was no ulterior motive behind his gaze. That’s exactly why I still can’t figure out if he actually has feelings for me or not…

“If only I knew what you really wanted from me, this wouldn’t be so confusing…”

And then there was the contract.

Despite all the things he’s done for me, Amemoto-kun has yet to reveal what he wants in return.

What if, after everything he’s done, he demands something outrageous?

“Well… If that’s the case, bring it on.”

I’ve already made up my mind to repay him.

Even if it turns out to be something… a little too intimate—I mean, he’s a teenage boy, after all. As a mature upperclassman, I should be able to handle it, right?

“Ugh…”

My body temperature was rising again.

If this first love keeps heating me up like this, I might just boil over.

Hurry up and claim your reward, Amemoto-kun.

“I’d feel guilty if I just kept taking from you…”

Maybe I should take the initiative and give something back.

Honestly, I don’t think I can wait any longer.

He doesn’t seem like the type to ask for much, so if I don’t actively offer something, nothing will happen.

“Maybe… a gift?”

As I murmured the idea, I realized it was actually a pretty good one.

Rolling over onto my side, I grabbed my phone from the bedside table.

Time to go on a little present-hunting adventure.

Amemoto-kun always says, “Avoid blue light before bed. It affects your sleep quality (etc.),” but just for tonight, I hope he’ll forgive me.

After all, this is for him. I just want to see him happy.

My fingers moved instinctively as I searched and searched for something related to relaxation and comfort—something he might like.

“Oh… This might be perfect.”

One particular keyword caught my attention.

This is so fitting for Amemoto-kun! It might even help with his lack of exercise.

Yes, this is exactly what he needs!

“Let’s order it right away! Oh man, he’s definitely going to love this! Maybe I should even get one for myself in the same color… so we can match!?”

A giddy chuckle slipped out.

I know I’m getting carried away.

But it’s fine—no one’s here to hear me in my room anyway.

“Maybe I should practice a bit so I can teach him how to use it properly. Fufufu~♪”

Humming to myself, I opened a video-sharing site.

The day I get to surprise Amemoto-kun couldn’t come soon enough.

And just like that, I ended up staying up late once again.