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 64: I'll protect Mizuki.

I’ll protect Mizuki.

On December 25th, Christmas Day, before heading to see the illuminations in front of the station, Mizuki came to my house. We ate Christmas cake together.

“Hinano-san, where did you get this cake?”

“I bought it at the shopping district.”

“I see. It’s really delicious.”

Unbeknownst to me, Mom and Mizuki had become friendly with each other. I was very curious about what kind of exchanges they had through messages.

“Hey, Mom. What kind of conversations do you usually have with Mizuki through chats?”

As Mizuki focused on the cake, I asked Mom, who was in the kitchen getting water.

“Oh, are you curious? Mizuki-san and I often talk about cooking. It seems Mizuki-san is currently trying out various recipes. Perhaps she wants to let Ao try them.”

Mom chuckled and said that as she started preparing tonight’s dinner.

“Mizuki-san, would you like to stay for dinner?”

“Is it okay?”

“Yes, if you have permission from your parents, I’d love for you to join us.”

“Then, please let me join you. I’ll inform my parents properly.”

After finishing eating and coming to clear the table, Mizuki said to Mom.

“Then, I’ll make Mizuki-chan’s portion too. Since we’ve finished the cake, what are you two planning to do until dinner time?”

“Well, we’re planning to relax together until we go see the illuminations at the station in the evening. Ao-kun, is there anything you’d like to do?”

As Mizuki asked, I thought about what I wanted to do. If Mizuki suggested we relax at home, that would be more than enough for me.

“It would be nice to just stay home and cuddle with Mizuki.”

“C-Cuddle…? Understood.”

“I envy you, Ao, wanting to cuddle with Mizuki-san. You’re so lucky.”

As Mom said this while cooking, I gently squeezed Mizuki’s hand.

“Only I can cuddle with Mizuki.”

“Oh, Mizuki-san seems to be quite loved by Ao. Is it not okay to hug too?”

“I don’t know what ‘hug’ is, but no, it’s not okay. Mizuki, let’s go over there.”

Feeling it inappropriate to stay in the kitchen, I led Mizuki to the living room.

“Um… what shall we do?”

Although we sat on the sofa in the living room, we hadn’t decided on anything specific to do.

“You mentioned cuddling, but it’s up to what you want to do. Do you have anything in mind, Mizuki?”

“Well, earlier Hinano-san mentioned ‘hug’ too, can we do that?”

“What’s ‘hug’?”

“Um, I’m not sure, but is it like this?”

Saying so, Mizuki hugged me. I don’t think Mom noticed as she was engrossed in cooking, but I couldn’t help but worry that she might see us someday.

“I-is this right?”

“Maybe like this. Um, uh…”

Mizuki gripped my clothes tightly and looked straight at me with a face that seemed to want something.

(What kind of expression is this?)

Not a kiss… not quite a hug either. I’m not sure if this is right, but I gently stroked her head.

“Ao-kun.”

“Hmm?”

Thinking about something, Mizuki kissed me, hiding it from Mom who was nearby.

“Did you dislike that kind of kiss?”

After parting her lips, Mizuki whispered to me quietly.

“No, I felt really nervous…”

“Fufu, I’m glad to hear that.”

“By the way, earlier, were you hinting that you wanted me to stroke your head?”

As I asked, Mizuki blushed and nodded slightly.

“I love being patted on the head the most. It calms me down when you do it, Ao-kun.”

Calms her down… Is that why she always seems like she might fall asleep?

“Hinano-san is so kind. She even taught me how to make hamburg steak.”

“Is that so… I could teach you too, you know…”

As I said this, Mizuki chuckled softly.

“I wanted to secretly improve without you knowing. Wouldn’t you be surprised if I suddenly got better? But it might be nice to learn from you too. You’re definitely better at cooking than I am.”

Praised by Mizuki, I felt happy. I had started cooking with moderate skill, thinking it was worthwhile. I shouldn’t rely on Mizuki alone in the future.

After stroking her head, we hugged and felt each other’s warmth. Completely forgetting Mom was nearby, we were fully immersed in our own world.

“I’m glad Ao found such an important person like Mizuki. Ao, take good care of her.”

After finishing cooking, Mom came over and said that to me.

“I know. I’ll protect Mizuki.”

Hearing this, Mizuki, who had been listening, blushed, leaned against my chest, and hid her face.

“Oh, how cute. It’s because Ao says such cool things.”

“It sounds like you’re blaming me, but I haven’t caused any trouble.”

As Mom said, these expressions that only she shows to me are truly adorable. I want to cherish her more, and that feeling grows stronger.

“Well then, we’re off.”

“Take care, Hinano-san.”

“Take care. Since it might be crowded, make sure not to get separated from each other, okay?”

Mom said this, and Mizuki and I looked at each other and nodded.

“To make sure we don’t get separated, should we hold hands from home?”

“Yes.”

She gently took the hand I offered.