When Two Wounded Hearts Find Solace In Each Other, Snow White (The School's Beauty) And I Were Mistakenly Labeled As A Silly Couple. - Chapter 11: Snow White And A Home Date.

Snow White And A Home Date.

“Can I go to Taka-kun’s house today?”

It was a proposal from Himeno, who had thoroughly dried her clothes and tidied up her appearance.

It’s likely because she feels sad when alone, recalling instances of bullying.

She wants to dispel the loneliness by being with someone she can trust.

Though yesterday marked the first proper conversation between us, the comfort I provided seems to be a significant factor.

When someone who is emotionally wounded is treated kindly, they generally open up.

It wasn’t intentional, but I’m happy to be with Himeno because, like her, I carry my own wounds.

I can talk to Marika, but the pain still lingers.

From my perspective, being able to be with Himeno is something to be grateful for.

“Sure, let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Looking pleased to be together, Himeno grabbed my blazer sleeve tightly.

Since it was already after school when our clothes had dried, we decided to go home together.

*** 

“Uh, please come in.”

“Sorry for intrusion.”

Having arrived at my home, I invited Himeno into the living room. Even though I live in a three-bedroom apartment meant for families, my parents are currently away on a business trip, so I’m mostly on my own.

Marika, who lives next door, occasionally comes over to cook, but she doesn’t stay for long. She helps with making meals or assists with cleaning on weekends, and that’s about it.

Since I spend a lot of time alone at home, I usually pass the time watching anime on my phone or reading manga. However, now there’s a girl other than Marika in my house, and I couldn’t be more nervous.

My heart is pounding intensely, and I’m worried it might beat so loudly that it stops. Himeno seems to be in a similar state, entering the living room with cheeks flushed bright red.

This is probably the first time for both of us visiting someone of the opposite sex’s house since entering adolescence. Despite the novelty, the desire to be with someone right now is overpowering.

Even if it’s the first time, when you’ve been bullied to the point of feeling like water has been poured over you, you want to be with someone you trust.

“Take a seat on the sofa. I’ll make some warm tea for you.”

“Y-yes…thank you…”

Sensing Himeno’s slight awkwardness, likely due to nervousness, I guided her to the sofa. I head to the kitchen, fill the kettle with water, and set it to warm. In the past, it took a bit longer with a pot, but with a kettle, it only takes a minute for hot water, which is convenient.

Since Himeno got wet, her body temperature might have dropped, and hot tea would be better than iced at the moment.

“Sorry for the supermarket tea bags.”

I pour hot water into a cup, dipped a tea bag, and offer it to Himeno.

If I had known in advance that Himeno would be coming to my house, I might have bought a more expensive cup of tea.

“Thank you.”

Taking the cup, Himeno promptly sips the tea.

“It tastes gentle, maybe because you made it, Taka-kun.”

Smiling, Himeno enjoys the tea as if it has a delightful flavor.

For her to describe the taste as gentle, even though it’s a cheap tea bag from the supermarket, and I simply made it, suggests that the comfort she received has a significant impact.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t describe it as having a gentle taste.

“Feels like some kind of home date, doesn’t it?”

“Bubu…!”

Perhaps caught off guard by the unexpected comment, Himeno sprayed the tea she was sipping in a grand fashion.

Observing her reaction, I feel embarrassed myself, wondering why I said such a thing.

“Sorry.”

The tea, now liberally sprayed, dirties the table, and Himeno starts wiping it with a nearby towel.

“I’m sorry too…”

I bow my head, regretting the inappropriate remark.

After all, Himeno came over because being alone is tough, not because she’s looking for a date. It’s normal to want your first date to be with someone you like.

“Now that I think about it, I’m doing something incredibly embarrassing with you, Taka-kun.”

“That’s true.”

When she finishes wiping the table, Himeno nods while scratching her cheek.

Yesterday, we consoled each other by burying our faces in each other’s chests. Today, I’ve wiped and hugged her while she’s in her underwear.

That’s not something you do between people of the opposite sex who aren’t in a romantic relationship. Not even with my good friend Marika.

“But when you said it was like a date, I didn’t feel bad, …you know?”

As she says this, looking up at me with a grip on my clothes, Himeno’s impact is extraordinary.

Himeno, who is as popular among boys as the heroine of a romantic comedy anime, probably has been invited on dates before. However, it seems she didn’t feel happy when someone else asked her out.

(Stop, or I might misunderstand.)

Feeling my body heat up, I silently scream within myself.

Himeno, who has likely turned down all previous date and confession offers, saying that she doesn’t mind when I mention a date, could easily lead to a misunderstanding.

The school’s beauty, referred to as Snow White, wouldn’t fall for Takashi, an anime enthusiast who confessed to Marika. So, I hope she doesn’t say things that might lead to misunderstandings.

That’s why Takashi won’t misunderstand.

For now, it’s probably just comforting for Himeno to be with Takashi, who comforted her, especially since the fear of bullying still lingers. Once the fear subsides over time, the need to spend time together naturally might decrease.

It’s a bit disappointing, but when bullying is no longer an issue, there won’t be a reason to be together anymore.

Not that Takashi wishes for her to be bullied again, but even after that, he’d like her to be with him occasionally.

Considering that Marika comes over every day to cook, having Himeno around is a relief.

With these thoughts in mind, Takashi sits down next to Himeno, who is still holding onto his arm.