Chapter 79: Morning Chuun and Shutter Sounds

I was dozing off in deep tranquility.

There was something by my side, and it exuded a soft and comforting warmth.

Surrounded by a sweet scent that melted my instincts, there was nothing but blissful rest.

Shutter sounds

As if cuddling up to a mother cat, I indulged in the most peaceful sleep. My whole body was enveloped in immense relief, and everything felt satisfying.

Kacha, Kacha, Kacha!

But what is this noisy sound?

Uhh?

Due to the annoying noise, I woke up from my blissful slumber. Opening my eyes, I saw a ceiling that didnt belong to my room, with the dazzling morning sunlight pouring in through the window.

Oh I see I must have fallen asleep sitting on the living room sofa

While the chirping of sparrows sounded pleasant, the continuous mechanical noise drowned it out.

What is that noise and Kanako?

I turned my drowsy gaze towards the direction of the sound and saw my sister, wearing a T-shirt and denim pants. However, something seemed off.

She had a slightly flushed face, and with a wide grin, she excitedly exclaimed, Woohoo! while aiming her flip phone towards me and taking photos at a furious pace. It seemed that the rattling sound was the shutter of the camera.

Uhh What are you doing?

Oh, looks like youre awake. Good morning, big brother!

Still in a half-asleep state, my mind not fully functioning, I addressed her. Why is she so hyper in the morning?

Hehehe, what am I doing? Obviously, taking pictures! I cant miss capturing such an exciting and rare scene!

Huh? What rare scene? Wait a minute

As my foggy mind gradually cleared, I suddenly noticed a warm sensation against my chest. It wasnt just warm; it was soft and silky, and there was a sweet fragrance.

Finally, I realized our current situation.

Shijouin-san was leaning against me, peacefully breathing in her sleep. We had been sharing a towel blanket and sleeping side by side all this time.

Wha- What is this!? Why is Shijouin-san sleeping next to me!?

Could it be that weve been like this the entire night!?

I tried to move away from the sleeping Shijouin-san, but she had her head resting on my chest, making it impossible to budge. The intense heat and weight of the girl pressed against me made my heart race at full throttle from the early morning.

But Wow Shijouin-sans sleeping face is incredibly cute

No matter how flustered I was, my love-stricken brain couldnt help but be captivated by her. The sight of the beautiful Yamato Nadeshiko peacefully sleeping stole my gaze.

Even though it might be because of sleepiness, did I really say something like that?! Just by hearing those words, it sounds like an invitation to bed!

I, um, apparently I ended up leaning on Niihama-kun all night Wasnt it too heavy? And even though the air conditioning was on, wasnt it suffocating to be so close?

Normally, it would be a situation where I should scream upon waking up to find myself sleeping together, but Shijouin timidly asked if it wasnt a bother.

And of course, being in close proximity to an angel was not a bother to me, but rather a heavenly experience.

No, it wasnt a bother at all But Im sorry too. I mean, even though we were both sleepy, as a guy, I shouldnt have slept beside

Im confident that Ive become quite close with Shijouin, but this is a different matter.

From a gentlemans perspective, I should have stayed awake and returned Shijouin to Kanakos room before going to sleep.

Oh, no, its okay. I didnt find it uncomfortable at all, really.

I-Is that so?

Shijouin, sitting next to me, said nonchalantly as if there wasnt anything unpleasant.

Yes, of course, I admit it was a little inappropriate, and its a bit embarrassing to see each others faces like this in the morning

Blushing slightly, Shijouin spoke with a shy voice.

The following words she spoke seemed to indicate that, despite her usually ethereal demeanor, she had to endure some embarrassment.

But, its you, Niihama-kun.

Huh?

Youre my closest friend and a very reliable boy. Thats why theres nothing unpleasant about it. In fact, I felt incredibly safe and slept very comfortably!

I was left speechless by Shijouins words, spoken with a smile that was angelic in itself.

Those words went beyond simply saying it was okay because we were friends.

She acknowledged that it was a little inappropriate to have fallen asleep together, but she sincerely expressed that she felt incredibly safe and slept very comfortably.

That although aware of my male attributes, it sounded like she was saying that we were close enough to include that as well.

Oh, Im sorry. I forgot to mention the most important thing, even though its such a precious morning!

Whether she knew or didnt know about my inner thoughts, Shijouin turned towards me on the same sofa.

Good morning, Niihama-kun!

Shijouins smile was as radiant as the morning sun in summer, and I heard the best good morning Ive ever heard in my life.

Ah Good morning, Shijouin-san.

In celebration of the morning welcomed together with the person I love, I returned the greeting with a smile to the best of my ability. Under the refreshing air of a sunny sky that made last nights heavy rain seem like a lie, we shared a serene and harmonious atmosphere, laughing together.

By the way, Kanako later sent me a photo titled Morning Snuggle that was too straightforward, so I made sure to tell her not to let anyone else see it! And in secret, I saved the photo that captured Shijouins sleeping face.

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