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 63: Exam Results.

Exam Results.

“Ao… kun?”

Mizuki slowly opened her eyes and gazed at me sleepily.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

She quickly moved away from me, apologizing.

“No, it’s fine. You looked so comfortable sleeping, I just enjoyed the moment.”

“En-enjoyed… the moment? W-what did you do while I was sleeping?!”

Mizuki, her face turning red, checked her clothes first. But all I did was stroke her head and touch her cheek, so nothing should be out of place.

“Are you misunderstanding something? I only touched your cheek and head.”

“You teased me, didn’t you?!”

Angry, Mizuki pouted and lightly hit my arm.

“Sorry, sorry. Did you maybe want me to do something?”

“W-well, if it’s Ao-kun, I wouldn’t mind if—ah, that tickles!”

Since she said she wouldn’t mind, I poked her side with my index finger, causing her to make a strange noise and grab my hand.

“Don’t say you wouldn’t mind a guy doing anything to you so easily. Unless you’re okay with me attacking you right now…”

“I-I take my words backs….”

Remembering that Akihito-san was downstairs, Mizuki quickly retracted her words.

“Got it, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it.”

After saying goodbye to Akihito-san, I left Mizuki’s house. Though I considered staying up all night to study, I didn’t want it to affect tomorrow, so I decided to go to bed early.

Five days starting tomorrow. Let’s give it our all…

***

“Who is this? Kougami?”

“Isn’t Kougami the guy who’s dating that Tsuyuzaki girl?”

The bulletin board with the test results had caused a commotion. Usually, Tsuyuzaki Mizuki’s name would be in the first place, but not this time.

“Congratulations on getting first place.”

“Thanks… I haven’t worked this hard since middle school. Mizuki, you did great too.”

“I’m just the same as always. Being second is a bit frustrating, but you worked harder than I did this time, Ao-kun, so I’m satisfied with the results.”

As we looked at the board together, I felt the stares of people around us. They must be surprised to see Kougami’s name in the top spot instead of Mizuki’s.

As Mizuki and I moved away, Yua approached us with a cheerful greeting.

“Ao, congrats on getting first place! We should have a party to celebrate.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s not really something to celebrate.”

“We must celebrate!” Mizuki insisted.

When I agreed, Mizuki and Yua started planning the time and place for the celebration.

“Alright, let’s meet at the karaoke place after school today,” Yua said, waving as she left.

“We should invite Kana and Kouta too. We’ll celebrate at the karaoke place,” Mizuki suggested.

“Well, I did work hard, so I guess I can let loose a bit.”

I felt a sense of liberation, no longer burdened by the pressure.

After school, the five of us enjoyed ourselves at karaoke. On the way home, we ran into Mizuki’s father, Akihito-san.

“Welcome back. Did you walk Mizuki home?”

“Yes, we were at karaoke with some classmates.”

“I see. Mizuki has changed. She didn’t used to hang out with friends much before. It’s probably thanks to you.”

I realized that Mizuki was indeed different from the girl she was in our first year. Whether I was the reason or not, I believed she changed because she wanted to.

“I didn’t do anything. She changed because she wanted to,” I replied.

I have also changed thanks to Mizuki. However, in the end, it was my own actions that brought about the change.

So, I believe Mizuki and I provided each other with the impetus to change.

“That might be true. Still, I want to thank you. Please continue to take care of my daughter.”

“Yes, you can count on me.”

***

December 24th. This year, we decided to have a Christmas party at my house with six people. The group included last year’s members plus Rikuto and Hasekura-san.

“Merry Christmas! Come on, everyone, let’s eat!” Kana exclaimed, spreading out the food she had bought from various stores onto the table.

“Everyone, please try this if you’d like,” Mizuki said as she placed adorably decorated steamed buns on the table.

“Wow, amazing! Did you make these yourself, Mi-chan?” Kana asked.

“Yes, it’s my first time making them. Ao-kun, if you’re not picky, please try some.”

“Sure, I’ll give it a try,” I replied.

The small, round steamed buns were topped with whipped cream and strawberries, looking delicious even from a glance.

“Delicious, Mizuki, this is really good,” I said.

“Really? I’m glad you like it,” Mizuki replied with a smile.

“Mizuki, are you good at making sweets?” Hasekura-san asked after trying the steamed buns.

“I’m not sure if I’m good at it, but I do enjoy making sweets,” Mizuki answered.

“Wow, I didn’t know that. Can you teach me how to make these steamed buns next time?”

“Of course, I’d be happy to,” Mizuki agreed.

After eating, we spent time playing games and exchanging presents, thoroughly enjoying the Christmas party.

When everyone else had left, Mizuki stayed behind. I mentioned that my father would be coming home soon, and she said, “Then I’ll wait until Ao-kun’s father comes home.” She apparently wanted to greet him.

We heard the sound of the door opening from the entryway. Mizuki and I stood up from the sofa and went to greet him.

“Welcome home, Dad. This is Tsuyuzaki  Mizuki , my girlfriend,” I introduced.

Mizuki gave a polite bow.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Tsuyuzaki Mizuki, Ao-kun’s girlfriend.”

Mizuki, always well-mannered, behaved impeccably in front of my father.

“Nice to meet you, Mizuki. I’m Kougami Tatsuya, Ao’s father. Ao, I approve of your relationship with Mizuki, but don’t neglect your other responsibilities.”

Three days ago, I had shown my report card to my father. He told me that from now on, I could do what I wanted as long as I didn’t do anything that would make my mother disapprove.

“I understand,” I replied.

My father had previously restricted me from doing what I wanted, even from hanging out with friends, but those restrictions were now lifted.

(I don’t have to hold back from doing what I love anymore…)