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 68: I wouldn’t want you to see me making a bunch of mistakes.

I wouldn’t want you to see me making a bunch of mistakes.

The New Year had ended, and with winter break nearing its end, Mizuki, Kouta, and I were relaxing at Kana’s house.

“Sugar-chan is so fluffy,” Mizuki cooed.

Kana’s cat, Sugar, had grown quite fond of Mizuki and was contentedly sitting on her lap.

“She’s so cute… but Mizuki is even cuter,” Kana said.

“I agree. Watching Mizuki with the cat is really soothing,” I added.

As Kana and I watched Mizuki, Kouta gave a wry smile and started connecting something to the TV.

“Ao, it’s been a while. How about a match?” Kouta suggested.

“Sure, let’s do it. I don’t think I’ll lose to you, Kouta.”

As I moved toward the TV for our game, Kana and Mizuki, carrying the cat, joined us.

“I’m rooting for Kouta. Do your best!” Kana cheered.

Encouraged by Kana, Kouta said he’d do his best and fist-bumped her.

“What are you going to do now?” Mizuki asked, unfamiliar with video games.

“It’s a video game. We’re about to play a versus game. Have you ever played one, Mizuki?”

She shook her head slightly.

“No, I’ve never played a game before.”

“What? Mizuki, you’ve never played a game?” Kana exclaimed, gripping Mizuki’s shoulders.

That’s a bit of an overreaction. It’s not that surprising.

“Mizuki, would you like to try? I can teach you,” I offered.

“Really? Is that okay?”

“Of course. But since Kouta is pretty strong, maybe Kana should be your opponent?”

Kana puffed out her cheeks and grabbed the game controller.

“Ao-kun, are you saying I’m not a good enough opponent?”

“Well, to be honest, you’re not very good.”

I had played with Kana a few times, and the games always ended in seconds.

“You jerk!” Kana said, playfully hitting my arm with her fists. At that moment, Mizuki quietly remarked, “Even if you think that, you shouldn’t say it out loud.”

“You’re right… Kana, you’re not bad, but you’re really good at dodging.”

“That doesn’t make me happy at all! Fine, let’s do this. I just have to beat Mizuki and prove I’m not weak!”

Come on, that’s too much intensity against a beginner. No holding back, huh?

“I-I may be a beginner, but I won’t lose!” Mizuki, competitive as ever, responded to Kana.

Teaching Mizuki, we played the first round. The result was decided quickly.

“I-I won!”

“Well done!” Mizuki and I high-fived while Kana had her head patted by Kouta.

“Kouta, Ao and Mizuki…” Kana complained.

“There, there, let’s win the next one,” Kouta reassured her.

After taking turns playing the game, we enjoyed the snacks Mizuki had made, played cards, and had a great time together.

“So, we’ll see each other after winter break. By the way, I heard from Hikari-san that you’re starting a part-time job, Ao-kun?”

I had planned to tell Mizuki once I got used to it, but it seems Hasebe-san had already told her.

“Yes, I’m starting at the ‘Hitode’ café tomorrow. Since I’ll be a senior next year and will be focusing on exams, it’s just for a short period until summer. But I wanted to try working.”

I hadn’t been able to work before due to my dad’s opposition, but he had finally allowed me to work at a café based on our recent agreement.

“That’s great. Can I come see you at work?”

“Well, once I get the hang of it, sure. I wouldn’t want you to see me making a bunch of mistakes.”

If she’s going to see me, I want her to see me doing well. It would be embarrassing to be seen struggling.

“Understood. Please let me know when I can come by.”

“Will do. Are you planning to get a job, Mizuki?”

“I’m interested, but I think I’ll wait until college. If I do work, I’d like to try working at the same café as you, Ao-kun.”

If Mizuki decided to work there, Hasebe-san would probably be thrilled.

“Alright, see you after winter break.”

“Yes, see you at school.”

After parting ways with Mizuki, I passed through the park and saw Yua sitting alone on a bench again. It seemed she might have had another argument.

“Another fight?” I asked, handing her a melon soda I bought from the vending machine, knowing it was her favorite. She looked up and silently took it.

“I failed to convince them about living alone… This is the tenth time now. Am I really that unreliable on my own?”

“Well, to be honest, you do seem a bit unreliable.”

“I see, so that’s how it looks… Oh, is this enough to cover the cost?”

She placed the money in my hand, asking if it was enough for the soda.

“It’s exact. I would have treated you…”

“I don’t want to owe anyone, so please let me pay.”

“That’s just like you, Yua. So, the reason for the failed persuasion was your father’s opposition?”

From what I had heard before, it was Yua’s overprotective father who was against her living alone. While it showed he cared deeply for her, his level of worry seemed excessive.

“Yeah, it is. Can’t you say something to him, Ao?”

“I doubt it would make any difference if I did. It might even make things worse. Just keep trying.”

“Yeah, I will. By the way, there’s somewhere I want you to go with me tomorrow…”

On the last day of winter break, Yua invited me to a certain place.