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 50: Hot Spring Trip - 4

Hot Spring Trip – 4

After changing into our yukatas, Ayame and I strolled through the hot spring town.

The hemp-leaf pattern on Ayame’s yukata suited her perfectly, giving her the elegance of a celestial maiden.

She was so breathtakingly beautiful that people—young and old, men and women alike—couldn’t help but stare.

Normally, that kind of attention would make me self-conscious, but right now, I had no room to care.

Because Ayame was way too close.

“Uh, hey, Ayame?”

“Yes?”

“Uh, aren’t we… a little too close?”

Ayame was practically clinging to my arm.

She was always a bit touchy, but this level of intimacy was on a whole new level.

Her ample chest was pressed against my arm, and the softness—combined with her cherry blossom-like scent—was making my head spin.

We hadn’t even entered the hot spring yet, but my entire body was already burning up.

Honestly, I couldn’t take much more of this. If this continued, I might just pass out in the middle of our walk.

Feeling the impending danger, I pleaded with her.

“C-Can we put a little space between us?”

“Why?”

“Why, you ask… Because it’s too close, obviously!”

“…Am I bothering you?”

Ayame looked up at me with sad, anxious eyes.

Her deep red irises wavered slightly, and I faltered.

“Ugh…”

I was weak against that face.

Seeing Ayame looking so sad made my chest ache, and I just wanted to do something to make it better.

Scratching my cheek, I mumbled,

“N-No, it’s not like you’re bothering me or anything…”

“Then, I won’t hold back.”

“Wha—!?”

Before I could react, Ayame squeezed my arm even tighter, pressing herself against me more than ever.

This level of closeness hadn’t happened since that test of courage during our school camp.

Two very soft objects were pushing against me, kneading my arm like dough.

My brain was on the verge of overheating. My vision was swaying dangerously.

This is bad! Really bad!

If I don’t do something, I’m going to lose myself in multiple ways!

As a warning alarm blared in my head, my eyes landed on a stall’s banner fluttering in the wind.

“Specialty: Hot Spring Steamed Manju!”

Like a cornered rat biting a cat, or someone gaining superhuman strength in an emergency, my desperate mind kicked into overdrive.

If we eat something, Ayame will have to let go of my arm! And that break will help me regain my composure!

This is it!

Latching onto the idea, I immediately put my plan into action.

“Look, Ayame! They have hot spring steamed manju!”

“Oh my, how unusual. Do they use the steam from the hot springs to cook them?”

Luckily, she seemed interested, staring curiously at the stall.

Now’s my chance!

“Since we’re here, why don’t we try some?”

“That sounds lovely. I was starting to get a bit hungry, too.”

Ayame smiled warmly and nodded.

Yes! Barely made it!

As I returned her smile, I clenched my fist in a silent victory pose.

As expected, the onsen mushi manju was a Chinese-style steamed bun made using the steam from the hot springs.

Among the various types available, I chose a pork bun, while Ayame picked a sweet red bean bun.

We sat on a bench beside the stall and prepared to dig in.

“Itadakimasu.”

Together, we pressed our hands together in gratitude before taking a bite.

The fluffy skin of the bun was also moist, and the filling was seasoned to perfection.

I see. The hot spring steam must have infused the bun with a faint onsen aroma, adding a unique accent to the flavor. The seasoning of the filling was also different from a regular pork bun—probably adjusted to complement the scent. It wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a well-thought-out dish.

As I savored each bite, my habit of analyzing food kicked in.

Focusing on the analysis helped distract my mind, gradually cooling my overheated body and calming my racing heart. That wasn’t my original intention, but it was a welcome bonus.

Alright, I’m finally calming down. At this rate, I should be able to finish our stroll in one piece.

Chewing my steamed bun, I felt a sense of relief.

Then, from beside me, I felt Ayame’s gaze.

“What’s wrong, Ayame?”

“Could I have a bite of your bun, Tetsu-kun?”

It seemed she had been eyeing my pork bun all this time. Apparently, the onsen mushi manju had won her heart.

Her innocent request made me smile.

“Of course.”

I happily agreed and began breaking the bun in half for her.

That’s when it happened.

“Then, excuse me.”

“Huh?”

Before I could react, Ayame leaned forward—

And took a bite.

From the exact spot I had just bitten into.

“Wha—?! Huh?!”

Shock, panic, confusion, embarrassment—my emotions tangled together in a chaotic mess. I was left opening and closing my mouth like a fish out of water.

Meeting my stunned gaze, Ayame murmured softly.

“…It’s delicious.”

Her pale cheeks flushed a deep red, and her deep red eyes shimmered with moisture.

The expression she made—one that stirred something primal—sent my regained composure crashing down in an instant.