The Pure-Hearted Beauty Who Only Dotes on Me Despite Not Being in a Relationship—And How She Became Even Sweeter After We Started Dating - Chapter 12: I didn't intend to push you down.

I didn’t intend to push you down.

On December 28th, it was Mizuki’s birthday, and four of us gathered at my place to celebrate.

“Am I too early?”

Mizuki arrived before Kouta and Kana, expressing a slight concern about her timing. I reassured her with a smile, assuring her it was perfectly fine.

“Kouta and Kana mentioned they’d come together, so they’ll be here soon. Please, have a seat and make yourself comfortable while we wait.”

I gestured towards the sofa, encouraging Mizuki to relax.

“Alright, I’ll wait here.”

Shortly after, Kouta and Kana arrived, marking the start of Mizuki’s birthday festivities. They greeted her warmly and presented their carefully chosen gifts.

Mizuki was genuinely touched and pleasantly surprised by their thoughtful gestures.

“Thank you so much, Kana-san, Maeyama-kun.”

“Can I give you a hug? Because you are just too cute~.”

Kana didn’t wait for an answer before pulling Mizuki into a warm embrace.

“Of course, go ahead.”

Mizuki’s smile showed her appreciation for the affectionate gesture.

“Feeling a bit jealous, huh?”

Kouta teased, noticing the interaction between Mizuki and Kana.

“What’s there to be jealous of?”

“I’ll keep that to myself.”

“Come on, tell me.”

After our exchange, Mizuki and I unexpectedly locked eyes. She responded with a soft smile, saying something quietly. Despite my curiosity, the distance between us made her words indiscernible.

***

“At that time??”

“Yeah, because it looked like you were saying something when Kana was hugging you.”

After I said that, Mizuki seemed to remember something and laughed softly as she came closer to me.

“At the time, I said that I would do the same thing to you later, Ao-kun.”

The same thing… as I recalled the recent events, Mizuki embraced me from the front.

“Um, Mizuki-san…”

“What is it?”

“Not ‘what is it,’ but doing that in front of my mom…”

My mother, returning from another room, where the birthday party had ended, saw Mizuki hugging me in the living room.

“Huh, why didn’t you tell me!?”

Realizing she was being watched, Mizuki blushed and leaned into me, hiding her face.

“Well, I didn’t think you’d hug me… Mom, Mizuki and I, we’re not in that kind of relationship.”

“You said you were Tsuyuzaki Mizuki, right?”

“Y-yes…”

Asked by my mother, Mizuki moved away from me and nodded.

“Please take good care of your son.”

What are you saying, Mom!? I said we’re not dating, didn’t I!?

“Um, Ao-kun and I aren’t in that kind of relationship.”

As I tried to figure out how to clear up the misunderstanding with my mother, Mizuki spoke up instead.

“But Ao-kun and I intend to be together from now on, so I hope we can count on your support.”

Just when I felt relieved, Mizuki said something unexpected.

“U-um, Mizuki-san…?”

“What is it, Ao-kun? I just mentioned what we promised before.”

True, I did say I’d be by Mizuki’s side before.

While my mother went to the kitchen, I handed her the present.

“Mizuki, happy birthday…”

“Oh, thank you. I thought you didn’t have anything for me since I received gifts from everyone else but you.”

“I wanted to give it to you when we were alone…”

I said, and she happily hugged the gift I gave her.

“Sometimes you can be sneaky like that. Can I open it?”

“…Sure.”

She opened the small bag and looked surprised.

“Isn’t this what I mentioned before?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“…Thank you. I’ll treasure it.”

She said, putting the hairpin I gave her on and smiling happily

***

“Mizuki?”

After I had given her the present, we sat on the sofa talking, but at some point, she had leaned against my shoulder and fallen asleep. With soft, gentle breaths, she looked incredibly adorable.

“Ara, Mizuki-san, did she fall asleep?”

My mother brought a blanket and gently covered Mizuki with it.

“It seems so…”

“Well, just stay by her side until she wakes up.”

Saying that, my mother went from the living room to the kitchen.

I guess it’s fine… I covered Mizuki entirely with the blanket and decided to take a short nap myself.

***

“Ao-kun… Ao-kun…”

In my dream, it felt like Mizuki was calling my name, so I called hers.

“Mizuki…?”

“It is, but um… please wake up.”

I was being gently shaken, unsure if this was a dream or reality.

“Why? It’s not morning yet, so just a bit longer…”

“What are you saying? It’s already dark outside, so I should head home soon.”

“That’s… not allowed.”

What was I thinking in my dream? I took her hand and inadvertently lost my balance.

“Ao-kun!? What’s wrong? Are you still half asleep!?”

Half asleep? What is she… huh? Could this be not a dream?

I opened my eyes to see a blushing Mizuki.

“Um…”

Slowly becoming more aware, I realized I seemed to be pushing Mizuki down and hastily moved away.

“I-I’m sorry!”

“N-no… I was just a little surprised…”

This was bad. I couldn’t say Mizuki appeared in my dream and caused this confusion between dream and reality. Regretting not waking up sooner, Mizuki approached.

“What kind of dream were you having?”

“Do I have to tell you?”

“Yes, since you pushed a girl down, you must tell me.”

She seemed to be smiling, but not smiling, and I realized I wouldn’t get her to leave until I told her.

TL: So uhmm… okay… author is saying that I’m a noob… in other words.. yeah… i want to do this too demn… (Lots of sugar coming soon!~)
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