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 48: Can we hold hands like before?

Can we hold hands like before?

When I woke up, Mizuki was no longer beside me, and her futon was already put away.

She’s up early… She might be making breakfast, I thought, and quickly put away my futon, changing from my pajamas into my casual clothes.

After getting dressed, I headed to the kitchen, where, just as I suspected, Mizuki was preparing breakfast. The sight was picture-perfect. If we ever lived together in the future, I wonder if I’d get to see her like this every morning.

“Good morning, Mizuki.”

“Oh, good morning. Is a Japanese-style breakfast alright with you?”

“Yeah, that’s fine. Should I help with something?”

Confident in my cooking skills, I thought I could assist, but I didn’t want to leave everything to Mizuki. However, she shook her head.

“No, I just need to bring it to the table.”

“Alright, I’ll help with that.”

“Thank you. I’ll bring the drinks and chopsticks.”

We divided the tasks and brought the breakfast to the table. Hasebe-san and Kiyomi-san were still asleep, as they usually got up later.

“Having breakfast with you feels kind of strange, Ao-kun.”

“I was thinking the same thing. Do you think this will become a regular thing in a few years?”

Hearing that, Mizuki smiled happily.

“Does that mean you intend to stay with me in the future?”

“…Yeah, I suppose so.”

We sat across from each other, said “Itadakimasu,” and began eating the breakfast Mizuki had made.

The breakfast menu consisted of rice, vegetables, a fried egg, and miso soup. At home, I usually had Western-style breakfasts, so this Japanese-style breakfast felt refreshing.

“This miso soup is delicious, Mizuki!”

“I was worried it might be too bland, but I’m glad you like it.”

On the second day of the three-day weekend, we spent the day relaxing at home. For dinner, Mizuki and I prepared a meal together for the four of us.

“Ao-kun, do you know what a sleepover is all about?”

After our baths, with nothing left to do but sleep, Mizuki asked me this while holding her pillow. She can’t sleep without her own pillow, so she had brought it from home.

“Talking about love?”

“Just the two of us talking about love?”

“Yeah, that doesn’t sound very fun. How about ghost stories? I’ve got some pretty scary ones.”

Mizuki shook her head and grabbed the edge of my shirt.

“N-no, please… If we talk about scary stories, I won’t be able to sleep.”

“Okay, then… Oh, Mizuki, you said you wanted to play cards, right?”

“Yes, I brought some cards. Shall we play while chatting?”

“Sure. To make it more interesting, how about the loser has to do what the winner says?”

“Sounds good to me. I won’t lose, though.”

She said this with a confident smile.

We played a simple game of Old Maid. With just the two of us, if I didn’t have the Old Maid, it was obvious Mizuki did. So, the focus shifted from who held the Old Maid to who could form pairs faster and finish first.

“I lost…”

“I won. So, I get to ask you for one thing, Ao-kun.”

“Yeah, a deal’s a deal. As long as it’s not something impossible, I’ll do it.”

Knowing Mizuki, she wouldn’t ask for anything too crazy. As I waited for her request, she hugged her pillow, half-hiding her face.

“Um, c-can we sleep together in the same futon?”

“In the same futon?”

“Y-yes…”

We managed to sleep on separate futons last night, but sharing one? But I did suggest that the loser has to do what the winner says…

“Alright. It’ll be cramped, but if that’s what you want, Mizuki.”

At 11 PM, we decided it was time to sleep. Mizuki lay on her back first and patted the spot next to her.

(Every single thing she does is just too cute.)

Her gesture to hurry me up made my heart skip a beat.

“I’m turning off the light. Goodnight.”

“Okay… Goodnight.”

I turned off the light, but the room wasn’t completely dark thanks to the nightlight. Lying next to Mizuki, I decided to sleep on my back to avoid staring at her.

Today was fun. The thought of going back home tomorrow made me feel a bit sad.

I can see Mizuki at school, but that’s only during school hours. On weekdays, the time we can spend together is limited.

“Ao-kun, are you awake?”

“Yeah… Is something bothering you, Mizuki?”

“No, it’s not that. Can we hold hands like before?”

“Of course.”

When I extended my left hand, Mizuki gently grasped it with her right hand.

“Tomorrow, I’ll make breakfast.”

“I’m looking forward to it. I love your cooking, Ao-kun.”

“That makes me happy… I love your cooking too, Mizuki.”

“Thank you,” she said with a soft giggle.

A few minutes later, I heard her soft, steady breathing as she fell asleep. I whispered one more goodnight to her.

“Take your time waking up tomorrow…”

***

3-day weekend, the last day. I woke up and glanced over to see Mizuki peacefully sleeping beside me, breathing softly.

(She looks so defenseless…)

I reached out and gently stroked her head. Her hair felt silky smooth under my touch, and she responded with a small smile. Then, unexpectedly, she hugged me.

It seemed I woke her up. I was about to apologize, but Mizuki held onto my hand.

“Ao-kun… you can touch me more if you want.”

“Huh, what do you mean…”

“I mean exactly what I said.”

With that, she sat up, removed the cardigan-like top she was wearing, pushed her hair behind her ear, and leaned closer to me.

T-This sudden boldness from you today, Mizuki-san!?

TL: I love bold Mizuki-san… demn she’s agressive today LOL