When I Helped Out At My Classy Classmate's Family Home, They Started Going All Out To Close In On Me From Every Angle. - Chapter 16: It's Like A Dream, But It's Bad For My Heart—4.

It’s Like A Dream, But It’s Bad For My Heart—4.

Thanks to Ayame’s help, I was able to finish my homework about an hour after dinner. With some extra time, I even managed to catch my favorite VTuber’s live stream. Honestly, I’m so grateful to Ayame.

I finished enjoying the stream and checked the time. My phone showed it was 10 p.m.

“I guess it’s about time for a bath. Everyone’s probably done by now,” I muttered.

Both Ayame and Yuri-san had told me,

“You can take a bath whenever you like.”

“Yes, feel free to relax like it’s your own home.”

Yuri-san had become more casual in her tone since we started living together.

However, since I was still technically a guest, even though they gave me permission, I still hesitated. So, I always planned to take my bath last. It was usually after 10 p.m., but with all the videos and manga I had to enjoy, waiting wasn’t a problem.

As I was getting my pajamas and underwear from the closet, there was a knock at the door.

“Sorry to bother you at this time, but can I come in for a moment?”

“It’s fine. Just give me a second.”

It was Ayame.

I put my clothes back in the closet and opened the door.

Standing there was Ayame in her pajamas. It seemed like she had just finished her bath—her long, glossy hair was still wet, and her cheeks had a gentle flush.

She exuded a certain sensuality, but at the same time, the pastel yellow pajamas made her seem so innocent.

The combination of mature allure and cute, childlike charm made my head spin.

Seeing me frozen in place, Ayame tilted her head curiously.

“Tetsu-kun?”

“Ah! S-Sorry, I was just spacing out!”

Snapping back to reality, I forced a smile.

“Um… did you need something?”

If Ayame’s bashful expression was anything to go by, it seemed like she wanted to ask me for something.

“I was wondering if I could read the next volume of Amanyan… if that’s okay?”

It seemed my attempt at converting her had worked. I couldn’t help but smile widely, feeling victorious that I had gained a fellow fan.

“Of course! Let me get it for you.”

Feeling excited, I grabbed the next volume of “Amanyan” and handed it to Ayame.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you so much!” she said with a bright smile.

Ayame, who had received the manga, smiled softly and said,

“Well then, I’ll make myself at home.”

“Huh?”

She entered the room.

I stood there, stunned, as Ayame walked past me and sat down on the cushion. With a smile, she patted the space next to her.

“Come on, Tetsu-kun, join me.”

“R-Right.”

It seemed she wanted to read together again.

If I said no this time after agreeing before, I might hurt her feelings. So, feeling obligated, I sat down next to Ayame.

Uwaa… I was still so nervous.

They say you get bored of beautiful people in three days, but I didn’t think that applied to Ayame. If anything, the more time I spent with her, the more attracted I became.

That’s why I couldn’t get used to it. When Ayame was close by, my heart raced uncontrollably.

And now, after her bath, the sweet scent of cherry blossoms mixed with the fragrance of shampoo, making it even harder to keep my composure. It was a double punch of nerves and desires.

Hang in there, me! It’s only a little longer until Ayame finishes the manga!

I clenched my lips, trying to resist the mix of emotions.

Just as I had steeled myself, Ayame turned the page.

What appeared next was a kiss scene.

My body froze, and my temperature shot up in an instant.

A cold sweat ran down my cheek as I realized my mistake.

Oh, right! This volume has a kiss scene coming up!

I had already read this volume, so I knew what was coming. I was aware of the kiss scene. But in my nervous state, I had completely forgotten about it.

Being alone with Ayame, watching a kiss scene together—this was beyond awkward.

I really messed up. There couldn’t be anything more uncomfortable than this. Is Ayame feeling awkward too?

As I frowned, Ayame suddenly lowered the manga.

I tilted my head, wondering what was going on.

Thud.

I jolted in shock.

Immediately, Ayame leaned her head on my shoulder, and I nearly jumped out of my skin.