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 24: Snow White, Breakfast, and a Slight Change in Feelings

Snow White, Breakfast, and a Slight Change in Feelings

“Taka-kun, please wake up.”

A gentle voice calling my name pulls me out of a deep slumber. I slowly open my heavy eyelids, and amidst the morning haze, I find white hair and blue eyes in front of me.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning.”

Even in my drowsy state, I manage to return Himeno’s greeting. Though I had fallen asleep in a tense embrace, it’s a new day, and my mind gradually starts to clear.

However, along with awakening, a wave of embarrassment floods over me. Despite the morning warmth, there’s an inexplicable reluctance to let go.

Likely, Himeno feels the same embarrassment. Her face, or rather her entire visage, has turned as red as a ripe apple.

Despite the awkwardness evident on Himeno’s face, she doesn’t seem eager to break the embrace either.

“In the morning, when Taka-kun hugs me, I feel incredibly at ease.”

Perhaps to convey her genuine sense of comfort, Himeno places her hand on my cheek.

“So… anytime is fine for you to hug me.”

She says it with a shy tone, and blushing excessively, she buries her face in my chest.

The muffled sound of “Ah…” that emanates from within suggests that she finds solace in being held. Maybe, for her, being embraced is synonymous with receiving comfort.

“So, shall we get up and have breakfast?”

Understanding that being in this position for too long isn’t good for our hearts, I suggest breakfast.

Even though our bodies are warm, it’s necessary to break the embrace. Himeno’s proposition receives a nod, albeit with a somewhat disappointed expression.

“Alright, I’ll make it then.”

Despite her slightly disappointed look, Himeno separates from me to prepare breakfast.

***

“Gochisousama.”

The breakfast is laid out on the table, and I sit down to start my morning meal. Today’s menu is a Western-style breakfast—toast spread with margarine, ham, and salad.

Toast might seem like a simple dish, and anyone can make it, but for some reason, Himeno’s toast is unbelievably delicious. It has the perfect crispiness on the outside and a fluffy texture inside, exactly to my liking.

“Himeno, your cooking is always delicious.”

“Thank you. I’m happy when Taka-kun says that.”

Blushing while nibbling on her toast, Himeno looks adorable. I think that this is an appropriate moment to nickname her “Snow White” once again.

At school, she goes about everything calmly and efficiently. Probably, I am the only one who gets to see this side of Himeno, the side that blushes and feels embarrassed. Feeling a sense of exclusivity in being the only one who witnesses this, I inexplicably find myself pleased.

Even though I’m supposed to like Marika, I can’t help but feel this desire to monopolize Himeno. I am confused by this conflicting emotion—wanting to monopolize someone I like, yet not wanting to cross the line by wanting to monopolize other girls.

But if I see Himeno being friendly with other guys, I can’t deny that it would make me uncomfortable. Despite our agreement to stay together to avoid bullying from other girls, wanting to monopolize her seems wrong.

“Um, would you like me to do the ‘aahn’ thing?”

With a fork holding a perfectly grilled ham, Himeno brings it to my mouth. Although I still feel a bit awkward, I find joy in having her feed me and take a bite of the deliciously seasoned ham.

“Um… from now on, could you let me make meals for you?”

“Huh? Meals?”

“Yes. When I look at you, Taka-kun, I do want to be with you like with Shikibe-san, but it seems a bit painful.”

Certainly, wanting to be with someone you like is natural, but there are times when it’s painful, especially after being rejected.

“If I’m around, I can comfort you, Taka-kun. Please rely on me whenever you’re feeling down.”

“Got it.”

Since she looked at me with such seriousness, I nodded in agreement. It seemed like she was suggesting not only staying together to avoid bullying from other girls but also comforting each other during tough times. Having someone who can comfort you anytime is emotionally reassuring, and for me, being with Himeno has its merits.

However, being together at school would undoubtedly attract jealous glances from other guys. Himeno, despite being avoided by girls, is popular among boys to the extent of being called Snow White.

If she had accumulated stress from the jealous looks, comforting her would be a good idea.

“Thank you.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you. Being together helps me, too.”

Certainly, being together might reduce the chances of being bullied by girls, so it’s a mutually beneficial proposal.

“But today, I’ll be going home. I made a promise with Marika.”

“Understood. Can I come with you? I’d like to talk to Shikibe-san, and I think it’ll be a bit easier if I’m around.”

“Sure.”

With such an arrangement, I, who made such a promise, took a bite of the delicious toast.