Chapter 78: Midnight Tea Party
When I sat next to her, the figure of Shijouin-san, which had been blurred in the dim light until a moment ago, became clear.
The pajamas she was wearing were a gift from Kanako, and she said, I guess its understandable that it would be tight for Haruka-chan to wear our size!, with a strangely delighted expression as she rummaged through my drawer.
Well, the choice itself was perfectly appropriate as sleepwear. It consisted of a plain white T-shirt and navy blue shorts, a casual outfit that gave off a different lively atmosphere than her usual skirt look and suited her very well.
(But this proximity feels a bit dangerous Even though the air conditioner is on, my head feels dizzy from the heat)
A sweet and pleasant fragrance typical of girls wafts directly from Shijouin-san, and even her seemingly unsexy shorts reveal slender, long white legs that are unabashedly exposed, with not even socks covering her perfectly bare feet.
Well then, here I go.
And Shijouin-san, seemingly unaware of my turmoil, takes the mug in her hand, gently blows on it, and sips the tea.
Ahh Its delicious. Its very calming.
I see. Thats good.
In an attempt to calm down the desires of adolescence brought about by the youthful teenage body, I also take a sip of tea. Its just ordinary Darjeeling, but perhaps due to the situation of being alone together in the late night, it tastes much more delicious and brings a soothing feeling to my heart.
By the way Today was fun. Your mother is a very kind person, and Kanako-chan is so cute
If you say that, its a relief. Especially Kanako, She got really close to you, so sorry for her overly-familiar behavior.
No, not at all! Kanako-chan is so adorable that I actually envied you!
Is that so?
While it may be true that she is cute, I was worried if I was becoming a nuisance to Shijouin-san with my overly familiar attitude
Yes, really! Besides, its my first time staying overnight at a friends house, so I had so much fun I cant sleep because Im not really tired, but I think its also because Im still feeling excited.
At that moment, Shijouin-san turns her face towards me, who is sitting next to her.
Our eyes meet at an almost zero distance, and my heart starts pounding.
Thats why I feel a little reluctant. I wish this time could continue a little longer.
With a warm cup of tea in her hand and a slightly reddened face, Shijouin-san smiles. She is saying that she enjoyed the day spent in this house, including my family.
Actually, I feel the same way.
Eh?
I didnt expect that I would spend time with Shijouin-san at my own house Cooking together, talking a lot It was a day full of excitement and happiness.
Due to the unusual situation of having Shijouin-san right next to me in the late night, the words from my heart come out of my mouth without hesitation. Perhaps its the season of summer that is making me speak so casually.
Thats why I feel a little lonely that Shijouin-sans overnight stay is coming to an end.
As I mutter those words, Shijouin-san widens her eyes.
And then, I also realize the meaning of my own words.
When Shijouin-san said she felt reluctant, it was a word directed at my entire family, including the Niihamas, but my lonely only means that I want to spend more time with Shijouin-san.
Uh, um, well Thank you
Oh, no, um
Shijouin-sans cheeks flush a little more, and she stammers in response. I also give an equally unremarkable reply in the same state. The situation has become unsettled for a different reason than before, and in an attempt to calm my restless heart, I take a large sip of the still hot tea. Its surprisingly sweet even without sugar.
The rain still hasnt stopped.
Yes, according to the weather forecast, it should stop by morning
The dreams that were supposed to come true, the envisioned futureeverything was crushed.
(In this life, I will never let that happen I am here not only to reclaim my own life, but also to protect Shijouin-san! I, and no one else, have made that decision!)
Shijouin-san You will definitely become a wonderful mother. I guarantee it.
Huh?
Everyone is captivated by your cuteness, your warm and kind nature. Moreover, your cooking skills surpass those of any ordinary housewife. You possess everything that is important as a person. If you cant be happy with all of that, then the world must be wrong!
Ah, whawhat!?
In my enumeration of her good qualities while looking at the face of the person I admire, Shijouin-san blushes and becomes flustered.
In hindsight, at that moment, I wasnt in my right mind.
I was overwhelmed with emotions, thinking about the pitiful Shijouin-san from my previous life. It was a mixture of anger towards the injustice and a rebellious spirit against fate, and my mind was bursting.
Thats why, please rest assured. I will protect that dream and your happiness. I will definitely make Shijouin-san happy!
Hyaa!?
With a firm declaration, Shiratori-sans eyes widen, and her cheeks gradually turn crimson. She seems to be quite confused.
(Huh!?)
And then, I finally realize the weight of my words.
Although I usually think about love matters, the words I just uttered stemmed from a pure sense of duty to protect Shijouin-san from certain doom.
But only I understand that, and if you were to take the words at face value, they would simply sound like I want you.
N-No, umm! Anyway, what I wanted to say is that I will support that dream and your happiness with all my might!
Y-Yes Thats right. It just surprised me because it sounded like lines I heard in a drama
To cool down our flushed faces, we avoid looking at each other and speak. Although Shijouin-san usually shows a dull response to romantic words, it feels like her usual airheadedness has disappeared, perhaps due to the magic of this summer night.
But Im really going to miss this I love these moments.
Her words, reminiscent of bidding farewell to a festival, are incredibly touching, filling my chest with joy. And its clear to see what I want as well.
That Ill text you and call you again. And
It required a bit of courage to say this.
But I had no hesitation. I cant let the fear of angering Tokimune-san prevent me from pursuing love.
I know this visit to my house was spontaneous due to Kana-chans help, but next time, Ill invite you properly.
!
The one disappointing thing about Shijouin-sans visit to my house was that it wasnt a deliberate invitation on my part. Since I had already been invited to the Shijouin household, it wouldnt have been an issue to extend the invitation in return. However, due to my virginity and being fixated on the idea of inviting her to my house after were officially dating, I didnt consider it.
Well, of course, spending the night together in this situation would be inappropriate, and even a regular invitation would face the greatest obstacle of obtaining approval from the doting President.
So Please come to my house and visit again. My family would be happy too.
Yes!
In response to my heartfelt words, Shijouin-sans face brightens even more than I expected.
That is what I must protect. Her smile is as radiant and dazzling as a sunflower blooming under the summer sun.
(TLN) YASS, I AM HERE FOR THIS FLUFF!