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 12: Snow White's Lap Pillow And Contact Information.

Snow White’s Lap Pillow And Contact Information.

“I want to thank you, Taka-kun.”

Having finished the hot tea, Himeno, sitting next to me, gazes at me with upturned eyes.

This isn’t the first time; it seems Himeno has a personality that can’t be at ease unless she properly expresses her gratitude. It’s probably because she has a fundamentally earnest nature.

“It’s not necessary.”

I didn’t comfort her hoping for gratitude; I couldn’t just leave a girl looking so sad. Even though I was rejected, I still like Marika, so comforting a heartbroken girl with the hope that we might eventually become a couple wasn’t part of my intentions.

While it’s pleasant to be together, knowing that our interaction might not be as frequent once both of our wounds heal, especially since the wounds from heartbreak are still fresh, is something I consider.

I’m not thinking that our interaction will completely disappear, but at least being alone together at home like this might not happen.

“No, please let me thank you.”

With a light touch, Himeno’s fingertips lightly graze the back of my hand. It’s very delicate, and ordinarily, she wouldn’t casually touch someone of the opposite sex.

The rooftop incident at the school building probably stemmed from the need for physical contact due to significant emotional distress and the desire to raise her body temperature.

Normally, she wouldn’t engage in physical contact with the opposite sex, and using her fingers like this is probably the most she can manage.

Even so, she’s willing to express her gratitude to this extent.

“Got it. Thank you.”

She wants to thank me, and I can see the sincerity in her blue eyes. I decided not to refuse her gratitude. If she’s going to cook for me again, there’s no need to feel awkward, like we did on the rooftop yesterday.

“Thank you. Well, then…”

Himeno taps her own thigh, and I find myself frozen, unsure of what this gesture means. Watching her, her cheeks are tinged with red. Why did she just lightly tap her thigh? Did I miss something?

“Would it be better if I took off my tights?”

“No…, why….?”

I can’t comprehend the full explanation of what she’s about to do. I’m entirely clueless about her intentions. Her voice is almost fading as she mentions something about guys not disliking lap pillows. The bottom line is she wants to offer a lap pillow as a thank-you.

“I heard that there aren’t any men who don’t like having a lap pillow…”

I’ve seen scenes in anime where characters share lap pillows, and it crossed my mind that it might be a nice experience. However, lap pillows are usually between couples, and I’ve never even asked Marika, my childhood friend, for one.

“It’s true that it’s rare, but…”

Even though she’s offering, I feel oddly hesitant about accepting. There’s a willingness from her side, but actually receiving a lap pillow feels awkward.

“Originally, I know that you probably wanted Shikibe-san to do this…”

Seeing Himeno looking a bit sad, I understand why I feel hesitant. It’s because I’d rather have this done by someone I like. Although I’ve decided to give up, it’s only been a day since I was rejected. I still want Marika to do a lap pillow for me.

Probably, if Marika had suggested doing a lap pillow for me without confessing, I would have gladly accepted.

“My lap pillow won’t be enough for a thank you?”

“No, that’s not true.”

Even though it makes me feel hesitant, a lap pillow from a beautiful girl is worth it as a reward.

“If you desire, I can, um, offer it with my bare legs.”

“gulp…”

That was an overwhelmingly destructive statement, as if I were about to spit blood.

“I-I’m not ready for such intense stimuli right now…”

Marika wears socks without tights, so seeing her thigh isn’t as damaging as Himeno, who usually hides her legs with tights, offering a lap pillow with her bare legs.

Even just the idea of offering is making me embarrassed.

“Um, please keep the tights on.”

“Understood. Here you go.”

Despite how embarrassing it is, Himeno will probably insist on giving me a lap pillow no matter what I say. So, feeling embarrassed, I slowly rested my head on Himeno’s thigh.

It seems Himeno, who suggested this in the first place, is even more embarrassed. A faint “Ah…” escapes her lips.

(What’s with this softness?)

It’s true what they say – no one dislikes a lap pillow. Without realizing it, I find myself thoroughly enjoying the softness of Himeno’s thighs. Despite her slender, model-like legs, there’s a surprising elasticity that makes me think anyone who claims to dislike lap pillows must be out of their mind.

“So, um, how is it?”

“In a single word – fantastic.”

The embarrassment is still lingering, but there’s no other way to express it. It’s simply fantastic.

“Well, that’s good then.”

Himeno’s coy smile is overwhelmingly charming, making me briefly question if there might be more to her feelings than just offering a lap pillow. But no, offering this doesn’t necessarily imply romantic intentions. It’s a gesture of goodwill, albeit not necessarily of the romantic kind.

“Um, since we’ll be spending time together from now on, would you like to exchange contact information?”

“Come to think of it, we haven’t done that.”

Considering we only started talking yesterday, it’s only natural that we haven’t exchanged contact information yet.

“Yes. I might end up calling you if I feel lonely.”

“If that’s what you want, it won’t be a problem. Since our houses are close, we can commute quickly.”

“Thank you.”

As we both take out our smartphones to exchange contact information, a feeling of connection starts to settle in.