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 27: If you ever want to do something like that, just let me know, Ao.

If you ever want to do something like that, just let me know, Ao.

“Excuse me for intruding.”

On the weekend, since I lost to her in our test scores, Mizuki came over to my house, which was where she wanted to go. My mom, who usually wakes up a bit late on holidays, was up and excited from the morning because Mizuki was coming over.

I don’t really understand why she needs to get so worked up…

“I’ve been waiting for you, Mizuki0san. Please, come in and make yourself at home.”

“Oh, um… thank you…”

Mizuki was led into the living room by my mother. I hoped she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with my mom’s enthusiasm. With that worry in mind, I headed to the living room as well.

Mizuki and I sat next to each other on the sofa, while my mother sat across from us. On the table, there was tea and snacks that my mother had prepared.

As I admired the preparation, it dawned on me—wasn’t this situation leading up to introducing her as my girlfriend? Last time, I brought her over saying we were having a Christmas party with friends, but today was different.

“Mom, this is my classmate Tsuyuzaki Mizuki, and we’re dating.”

“Well, I had a feeling. When she came over last time, you two looked so cozy napping together.”

With that, my mother showed us a photo on her phone.

“Mom!?”

“O-Okaa-sama, that’s…”

Both Mizuki and I turned bright red as we looked at the screen. It showed us napping on the sofa, leaning on each other.

(Mom, when did you take this?!)

“You two looked so cute sleeping together, I couldn’t resist.”

That’s not the point, Mom! Mizuki, it’s okay to be angry here. Even though it’s my mom, this is definitely something to be upset about.

But Mizuki didn’t get angry; instead, she made a request.

“Okaa-sama, can I also have that photo?”

(W-What are you saying, Mizuki?!)

“Of course. Oh, let’s exchange contact details.”

Right in front of me, my mom and Mizuki exchanged contact information. Who could have predicted this turn of events?

I was completely forgotten as Mizuki and my mom chatted happily.

“By the way, Mizuki-san, it’s a bit early to call me ‘Okaa-sama.’ Please, call me ‘Hinano-san’.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Then, Hinano-san, about dating Ao-kun…”

“I approve. There’s no way I’d let go of such a lovely girl. I told you before, didn’t I? Please take care of my Ao.”

Wait, she was serious when she said that? I thought it was a joke.

“Ao-kun, I’ve been officially approved as your girlfriend!”

Mizuki, looking delighted, came over to me, so I responded with a “Yeah” and gently patted her head.

“Well, I should probably head out for a bit so I don’t interrupt your date at home. Just remember, no funny business while you’re alone,” my mother said with a teasing tone.

I really wished she wouldn’t say things like that because it made me self-conscious about what might happen next.

“I know. We’ve only been dating for less than a month. There’s nothing to worry about,” I replied.

Yet, Mizuki, sitting next to me, seemed a bit pouty for some reason.

(Did I say something wrong?)

“Alright then, I’ll be off. Have fun, you two,” my mom said as she left.

“Okay, see you later,” I replied.

After seeing her off, I thought she was gone, but then my mom came back, apparently having forgotten something.

“Ao, just because no one’s here doesn’t mean you should—”

“Stop worrying so much. You’re making it sound like a dare,” I cut her off.

Finally, with the sound of the door closing, my mom left, and the room fell silent.

Because of what she said, I was suddenly unsure of what to do next.

“Mizuki, what should we do?” I asked.

She moved closer to me and leaned on my shoulder.

“No one’s here, so it’s okay for me to be a little clingy, right?”

“Uh, yeah, sure…”

Usually, such a request wouldn’t make my heart race this much, but thanks to my mom’s words, I couldn’t stay calm.

“How about a lap pillow? Or maybe… a kiss?”

“A k-kiss?”

“I’m kidding. I was going to ask for some affection, but today, let me pamper you. Here, lie down and I’ll give you a lap pillow.”

Mizuki looked at me with a bright smile.

No way! I mean, I do want a lap pillow, but…

Today, Mizuki was wearing a short skirt with black tights. There’s no way I could handle a lap pillow in this situation. But then I thought, maybe if I just let my mind go blank, I could manage. So, I placed my head on Mizuki’s lap and lay down on my back.

“Ao-kun, do you want to do something else instead of this?” she asked while gently stroking my head.

Something else? Was she asking this because of what my mom had said?

“S-something else?”

“Yes, like kissing, for example…”

“A kiss… I mean, I do want to, but isn’t it a bit too soon?”

“I like your honesty.”

“And you, Mizuki? Do you want to kiss me?”

I remembered her slightly pouty face from earlier and decided to ask.

“I’m just like you, Ao-kun. We should take things slowly and enjoy our time together. But if you ever want to, just let me know.”

With that, Mizuki leaned closer, brushing her long hair aside with her hand, and kissed me on the cheek.

A second kiss on the cheek. I couldn’t help but feel happy. As I gazed at her face, I wanted to touch her.

(No, I can’t… I just said we should wait.)

“Ao-kun, your face is all red. It’s so cute.”

“D-don’t look at me…”

I covered my face with my hands, and Mizuki chuckled.

“Fufu~, you’re so cute. I can’t help but keep looking.”

Being with Mizuki makes my heart feel like it might burst. It feels like I’m the only one who’s getting so flustered.