Volume 5 - CH 6

Around the beginning of June.

Yuzuru’s high school holds a so-called “physical fitness test”.

The school rents out an athletic field and gymnasium near the school and spends the entire day for all the students to record their performance.

…having said that, it was not a very interesting event.

The only thing to say is that there would be no schoolwork and incidentally, a little bit of a special experience.

Also, it was a bit tiring because it involves some exercise.

…That was the downside, though.

If there is one thing to add, it is that this will be Yuzuru’s first physical fitness test, as he did not participate last year due to injury.

However, the content of the test was the same as the one held in elementary and junior high schools.

In other words, for both Yuzuru and Arisa, it’s a simple event.

But…

An event that would be nothing if alone. But if the two of them are involved, it’s a different story.

“Your lunch is delicious again today.”

Yuzuru said to the girl sitting beside him.

The blonde girl in the gym uniform replied as if it was nothing as she moved her chopsticks.

“I see. I’m glad to hear that…Well, it’s the same as always, though.”

Yuzuru’s fiancée, Yukishiro Arisa, replied with a clear expression.

But her white, porcelain-white skin was slightly tinted… suggesting that she was actually embarrassed.

As usual, she was an easy-to-understand fiancee.

“…Would you like some more miso soup?”

“If there is any left.”

When Yuzuru replied, Arisa didn’t answer…

And without saying a word, she picked up the thermos and poured it into Yuzuru’s cup.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

The miso soup was full of ingredients, mainly root vegetables.

Although the taste was the same as usual for Arisa’s cooking …it tasted even better than usual, partly because it was after a workout.

It was the lunch break of the “fitness test”.

Yuzuru and Arisa were having lunch together.

They sat down on an empty bench and ate the lunch box that Arisa had made for them.

There were no people around.

This was because they chose such a place.

“…Can I drop by Yuzuru-san’s house once I’m done here?”

“Sure… If you want, do you want to stay the night?”

He answered Arisa’s question heartily…. and proposed an additional idea.

In May, during the holidays, Arisa stayed in Yuzuru’s room.

In fact, some of the “sleepover sets” from that time were left in his room.

So, if she wanted to stay… She could stay there anytime she wanted.

Then, at Yuzuru’s suggestion, Arisa looked a little thoughtful before answering.

“No …I think it’s not a good idea for me to stay over that often… Ah, but I’d be happy if I could borrow your shower.”

“It’s no big deal.”

Yuzuru also understood that no matter how close the fiancée is, it’s not very good from a social point of view to stay over so often.

…Besides, there were plenty of opportunities.

“…”

“…”

Yuzuru moved his body closer to Arisa’s, just a little bit.

Their shoulders, which had been close enough to touch, were now perfectly in contact.

“…”

“…”

Then, slowly and naturally…  he grabbed Arisa’s hand.

And Arisa also grasped back.

His fiancée’s hand was soft and warm.

And…

(…And yet, how exactly should I go about… taking my time, not rushing, and not missing opportunities?)

Yuzuru was thinking back to the words of his boss at his part-time job – Hiromi.

He felt that his relationship with Arisa was at a bit of a standstill.

During the May holidays, the distance between them had shortened, and they had been able to kiss on the lips… But they had not been able to move forward from there.

Beyond that was so far away and the wall felt huge.

(No, to begin with, to feel hasty about such things… Am I being impatient?　Is that not good?)

If he ends up too impatient, spinning out of control, and scaring Arisa, it will be a complete disaster.

Here, it would be better to proceed slowly and with much caution…

(But as a man, should I take the lead? …If I’m not aggressive, that in itself might make Arisa feel uneasy…)

He had never considered it seriously before.

However, Hiromi was Yuzuru’s senior in life.

He had lived at least twice as long as him.

He could not be underestimated.

Chance of Arisa is feeling insecure about the love she is getting from Yuzuru… and when you take that into account, Yuzuru being too cautious could be making Arisa feel uneasy.

(Mmm, this is tough…)

What should I do?

As he was thinking this, for the moment Yuzuru put his hand on Arisa’s shoulder.

The delicate shape of her shoulders was completely wrapped in Yuzuru’s palm.

The fabric of the gym uniform was moist, though only slightly.

“…”

“…”

As Yuzuru put his hand around her, Arisa put her weight against Yuzuru’s, one tempo behind.

The next thing he knew, Arisa’s head was on top of his shoulder.

Her light flaxen hair tickled Yuzuru’s cheek.

The smell of shampoo, antiperspirant, and a hint of sweat tickled his nose.

It was an amazing scent.

Yuzuru felt his rational mind going into overdrive.

“…Arisa.”

He called out her name and hugged her tightly.

Then touching her face, he leaned in to take her lips…

“Um, that…”

Slightly, Arisa’s hand pressed Yuzuru’s chest…

Yuzuru’s movements come to a halt.

“W-we’re in class… I mean it’s class-time and we’re outside…”

She rejected him softly.

Yuzuru was a little hurt.

But…

Currently, they were in the middle of a school event.

Above that they were out in the open under the blue sky… someone might see them.

With that in mind, Arisa’s point was reasonable.

This was probably Yuzuru’s case of being hasty.

“That’s true… Sorry.”

His fiancée will not dislike him because of this.

While telling himself that, Yuzuru tried to distance himself from Arisa a little bit.

But then, Arisa grabbed Yuzur’s clothes tightly.

Then she peered up at Yuzuru.

With green, moist eyes and a slightly flushed expression, Arisa said.

“When we get home, let’s, uh, do it… um, so until then…”

“Okay. I’ll be patient.”

Yuzuru was very much looking forward to going home.

AN: Yuzurun, who doesn’t know whether to push or pull.

TN: You know what to expect from the next few chapters…

I’m getting lazy.