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 23: Snow White's Confession.

Snow White’s Confession.

“Are we really going to sleep together?”

It’s 11:00 PM, and I ask Himeno before bedtime.

While it’s not the first time we’ll be sleeping together, the previous occasion is a blur due to the influence of chocolate. So, in essence, this is the first time I’ll knowingly share a bed with Himeno, and my heart is pounding intensely.

Thump, thump—the sound of my heartbeat has been audible since a while ago, a testament to the unimaginable tension I’m feeling.

Himeno is likely nervous as well.

“Yes.”

Holding my hand tightly, Himeno seems determined to sleep together, no matter what. However, the warmth emanating from her hand suggests a hint of embarrassment about the prospect of sleeping together.

“I might try to make a move on you.”

It might be a redundant question at this point, but I couldn’t help asking. If I feel unwelcome, I can always leave and go back to my own home. While it might be tough not to receive comfort when feeling lonely, there’s a need to establish boundaries with Himeno, who, for some reason, doesn’t seem to harbor any distrust toward me.

Not that I have the courage to actually make a move.

It’s not like we’re a couple, after all.

“I don’t think Taka-kun would do such a thing. Also, if you had any intention of making a move, it would have happened when you were drunk on chocolate, right? So, if you really had the intention, you would have done it then.”

Certainly, it’s said that one’s rationality diminishes when under the influence of alcohol, and she probably trusts that I didn’t take advantage of the situation.

Although we had hugged when I was drunk, I hadn’t made any advances. That incident probably contributes significantly to her trust.

“It’s only been a week since we started talking, but I trust you, Taka-kun.”

Smiling, Himeno seems genuinely trusting of me.

Not making a move not only when drunk on chocolate but also when holding her in her underwear—this likely plays a significant role in her trust. In reality, it’s merely a lack of courage to make a move, but for Himeno, it seems to work.

Maybe she doesn’t like aggressive men, considering how she’s surrounded by admirers. If she preferred such types, she would probably have a boyfriend by now.

“So… let me sleep, feeling the most secure with you, Taka-kun.”

As she said it, she seemed embarrassed, a soft “ah…” escaping Himeno’s lips.

Even so, her desire to sleep together likely stems from anxiety about sleeping alone.

“Got it.”

It’s heartening that she trusts me completely, and if a girl is expressing a wish to sleep together because she’s anxious, there’s no reason for me to sleep alone. After all, it was my suggestion in the first place.

“Ah…”

To reassure her, I let Himeno bury her blushing face in my chest. I hold her close, silently conveying that she can find comfort in my embrace.

Even if it’s embarrassing to hold her like this, it’s necessary to provide comfort. I don’t mind holding her, but…

“Shall we get into bed?”

“Y-yes…”

We slowly climb into bed, still in the same embrace. While it might have been reasonable to let go since the bed is just a few steps away, it seems more fitting to stay like this.

The soft bed feels comfortable, and under normal circumstances, I might have easily drifted off. But tonight, with Himeno in my arms, sleep seems elusive.

Despite it being bedtime, my heart continues to pound fiercely, making it impossible to relax. Moreover, I have no idea how to calm down while still holding onto her, and she must be feeling the rapid beats of my heart as well.

“I might not be able to sleep for a while.”

While it’s reasonable to assume that I’ll eventually succumb to sleepiness, at least until the date changes, sleep doesn’t seem likely.

“I feel the same. But since tomorrow is a day off, I think it’s nice like this.”

Himeno, peeking out from my chest, seems to prefer being held rather than sleeping immediately.

I’d prefer to sleep early after the tumultuous events, but it seems that won’t be the case.

“I like you, Taka-kun.”

“Huh?”

The unexpectedly candid words make Takashi blurt out a surprised sound. If he heard correctly, Himeno undoubtedly said, “I like you.”

“I like doing this on your chest, Taka-kun.”

It’s a confession from Himeno as she presses her face against Takashi’s chest.

Given that their initial connection was rooted in mutual comfort, it seems that she developed affection through moments like this. However, it’s not necessarily romantic; she simply enjoys this particular act.

Takashi’s heart races uncontrollably at the unexpected words and actions. Whether it’s the result of the intense blood circulation or the warmth spreading throughout his body, he can’t bring himself to look at Himeno. Simply holding her like this seems like a significant achievement.

“Your heartbeat, Taka-kun, is amazing. Despite having such a cute childhood friend, I can tell you’re not used to girls.”

As if wanting to feel more, Himeno places her ear against Takashi’s chest.

“I don’t sleep with Marika.”

While Marika comes over every day to cook, staying overnight is certainly not part of the routine.

“I see. So, aside from when we were kids, is it the first time you’ve slept with a girl since entering adolescence?”

“Yeah.”

“Then, I’m happy.”

Himeno, with a beaming smile, genuinely seems delighted.

Even though Takashi wants to say, “Don’t misunderstand,” he can’t bring himself to speak due to embarrassment.

“Well, um… for me, it’s the first time sleeping with a boy since I was born.”

After saying this with flushed cheeks, Himeno buries her face in Takashi’s chest, perhaps to hide her embarrassment.

For a while, Takashi’s mind is overwhelmed, and he finds himself unable to say anything.