Chapter 10 – “Hot Sandwich” – From Aoi’s Perspective
When I woke up, there was a bare-faced Iwabuchi right in front of me. As expected, when the makeup comes off, you can see a cute aspect within the beauty.
Last night, I gave Iwabuchi some alcohol, and she got drunk.
“You can’t go home all sloppy like that, right?”
“Makeup… want to take it off.”
Reluctantly, I went to the convenience store right next to the apartment, bought makeup remover sheets, and removed Iwabuchi ‘s makeup. Once I returned from the store, Iwabuchi had fallen asleep with a soft snore. Removing Iwabuchi ‘s makeup was quite easy.
I felt like kissing her cute face, but doing so without permission could lead to accusations of harassment. I lifted her up and carried her to the living room. I wanted to keep looking at her sleeping face, so I got into bed together with her.
After watching her for a while, I thought maybe I could quietly move away once I got bored. But for some reason, I didn’t get bored.
Resting my arm as a pillow, I gently brushed aside the bangs that were on her face, and she smiled happily as if in response.
Oh no, I might just die from how cute this is.
Without thinking, I stroked her head.
Her hair was soft and fluffy, and touching it was the best feeling.
It was soothing.
Ah, it makes me happy that the necklace I made for her is around her neck.
The whiteness of her skin suits the kyanite well.
Should I make a ring with kyanite too?
This is nice, but perhaps she would look better with a slightly more mature design.
I want to make a ring and a bangle together.
The joy of seeing She wear something I created.
While savoring happiness, I continued to stroke her head.
I seemed to have fallen asleep without noticing. A while after I woke up, Iwabuchi’s eyes opened. Quickly, I pretended to still be asleep.
I could sense that she was looking at me.
“……Since we’re at it…”
She slowly leaned against my chest.
So cute!! What is this? My heart’s pounding like crazy! Seriously!
“Whoa! Too… tight… L-let go…”
I might have overdone it. My bad.
“My bad… morning…”
“Good morning… Can I ask you something?”
“What?”
“Did we do it?”
Iwabuchi said something incredible.
“Is it okay that we did it?”
“Well, it’s generally better if there’s a memory of it… But, isn’t it normal for two adults of opposite gender meeting alone to consider the possibility? Just in case?”
“Is it too late to do it now?”
“I’m hungry.”
“Right now?”
“I can’t hold it any longer.”
Right on time, Aoi’s stomach growled. At this point, all you can do is laugh.
As I burst into laughter, Aoi’s face turned red.
“You’re laughing too much.”
“I can’t help it! It’s seriously funny.”
“Okay, make food already… Wait, huh? Did I remove my makeup?”
“Yeah, you were making a fuss about wanting to remove it, so I helped you.”
“Huh? So, am I makeup-free now?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh no!”
Iwabuchi covered her face with both hands.
Even though I think there isn’t much difference without makeup, Aoi seems to be embarrassed.
“It’s too embarrassing.”
“It’s not that different, and honestly, I think you look even better without makeup. It complements the necklace I gave you.”
Aoi’s face turned even redder, and she turned away.
“Heart attack.”
“That’s my line, isn’t it?”
Aoi slowly removed her hands from her face. We found ourselves gazing at each other unintentionally. This might work out!
I instinctively leaned in, anticipating a kiss. Just as our lips were about to touch, Iwabuchi’s stomach made a silly noise, “Grrrr.”
I burst out laughing and sat up. Iwabuchi also sat up and playfully smacked my back.
“I’ll make breakfast right away.”
“I’m so embarrassed.”
“You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?”
“Do I look like I’m making fun of you?”
“You do!”
“Hmm, that’s odd. I thought I was hiding it well…”
Iwabuchi playfully smacked my back again.
She was so cute, I couldn’t resist ruffling her hair before heading to the kitchen.
For this morning’s breakfast, I made bacon and cheese hot sandwiches, onion soup, and a fresh salad with sesame dressing.
I made something quick and easy, but will Iwabuchi be pleased?
Occasionally, there are people who only have vegetable juice or acai bowls for breakfast, or they put chia seeds in everything. But She is different.
“How is it?”
“It’s delicious! Aoi would make a great wife.”
“Would you become a husband?”
“Wearing a frilly apron?”
“Gross!”
Aoi chuckled happily.
“Wouldn’t it be better if you wore it instead of me? Naked.”
“That’s even worse.”
“Isn’t it a man’s fantasy?”
“I don’t know~ and I don’t want to know~”
With each bite, Aoi smiled and moved their mouth, like a small animal being fed, tickling my nurturing instincts.
“All guys have those kinds of desires.”
“Gross.”
“You hurt my feelings!”
Looking over, Iwabuchi’s plate was already empty.
“There’s seconds if you want.”
“Nah, I might have eaten too much.”
“Then, shall we exercise?”
“…I’ll pass.”
“Don’t make me cry! I even held back from kissing you all night!”
Aoi, you’re such a gentleman! I’ve fallen for you all over again!”
“…Damn, I’m being completely played…”
As I buried my face in my hands, Iwabuchi spoke with a serious expression.
“Even though I’m like this, would you consider making me your girlfriend, Aoi?”
The unexpected words made heat rush to my face.
Iwabuchi, being mine?
I was so overwhelmed with joy that I didn’t know what to say.
“Is it a no? Too much trouble?”
“You can tell from my face, can’t you?”
“It’s bright red.”
“Isn’t that your answer?”
“Is it embarrassing?”
“Happy, actually?… Seriously, I’ll treasure you.”
Iwabuchi smiled with a sense of relief.
Looking at that smile, I made a promise in my heart to cherish Iwabuchi for the rest of my life, something that she would never know.
