The Beautiful Girl With a Kind Personality and Good Looks, Who Happens to Be My Childhood Friend, Seems to Have Eyes Only for Me
“Sorry, Haru-chan. Making you help me out like this.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m doing this because I want to.”
I listened to their voices coming from the kitchen while sitting on the sofa. In the end, Haru ended up staying over tonight, and we came home together—but the moment I opened the front door, she ran into Mom, who had finished work early and come home.
It wasn’t unusual for Haru to come over, but seeing how close they were today, Mom seemed to understand instantly.
“So that’s what this is about.”
“…Mom.”
When she smiled at me like that, I have to admit it was pretty embarrassing. As for Haru, she seemed incredibly happy to receive Mom’s blessing.
“I look forward to getting to know you, Mother-in-law,”
she said, bowing straight from the waist, a bit nervous but sincere. Needless to say, Mom was overcome with emotion, hugged Haru tightly, and didn’t let go for a while.
“Yuma-kun, please wait a little longer.”
“It’s fine~. It’s your beloved’s cooking, so waiting is part of the happiness, right?”
…So please don’t say that with a smirk.
I tried to look away by pretending to watch TV, but my eyes were drawn to the photo displayed beside it. A young couple and a small boy being held—that was me. Honestly, I have almost no memories of my father. All I can recall is his smiling face and the size of his back. I stood up and moved closer to the photo. The facial features… probably took after my father.
“…”
As I was thinking about this, a voice came from behind me.
“Yuma-kun, it’s ready.”
“Ah, thank you.”
On the table were teriyaki chicken, spinach ohitashi, and miso soup packed with ingredients. All were home-cooked, hearty dishes.
“Today is a special day, after all.”
“That’s right. It’s a celebration.”
“A celebration…”
“Someday, right?”
Haru said it casually, her cheeks flushing just a little. Mom saw this and smiled contentedly. And the meal was surprisingly delicious. Not just the taste itself—more than anything, the fact that Haru had made it for me touched my heart deeply.
Amidst this, Mom murmured softly.
“…I wish he could have seen this too.”
She meant Dad. But there was no deep sadness in her voice anymore. I decided to ask.
“How did you and Dad meet?”
“Oh, you’re curious?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Mom smiled and began to tell the story.
“You see, I used to be really timid. Even when bullies picked on me, I’d just cower.”
“…Huh?”
“The one who saved me then was Yuki-san.”
Apparently, Dad was pretty rough around the edges back then. Still, he was a kind person. The Dad I remember was kind too. Seriously, Mom being timid… I can’t believe it.
“He was a bully, but he couldn’t leave someone weak alone. It was love at first sight. Before I knew it, we were always together.”
Spending time with Dad, Mom gradually grew stronger. Just like the Mom I know now.
“I didn’t want to just be protected. I wanted to become someone who could protect others too.”
“…That sounds just like Dad.”
Haru, staring at the photo, said quietly.
“Hehe, what a lovely story. And Yuma-kun takes after his father, doesn’t he?”
At those words, Mom smiled happily.
After dinner, Mom went to her room early. I finished my bath first and waited in my room. Reflecting on today—confessing, having my feelings reciprocated, becoming lovers—.
It really was an intense day.
A knock sounded, and Haru entered.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Welcome back.”
Haru, in her nightgown, looked soft and somehow vulnerable. She sat down beside me and gently leaned her head against my shoulder.
“I… I wonder if it’s okay for me to be this happy.”
“Me too.”
Our eyes met, and we naturally drew closer. A gentle kiss, just touching.
On the bed,
Thud
I gently placed my hand on Haru’s shoulder and ended up pushing her down. For a moment, we drew too close, our breaths mingling. Haru’s eyes widened in surprise, then she slowly spread her arms. Not to escape, not to refuse—just to accept.
“…Yuma-kun, come…”
Her sweet, slightly trembling voice calling my name made my heart pound hard. Her eyes held trust more than anxiety.
side Ayase Haru
After finishing our workout, we took a bath together and exercised a little more. The lingering feeling was, ‘It’s so good that Yuma-kun is really cool.’ Returning to the room, I collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.
Honestly, both my body and heart were completely drained.
Originally, I was going to use the bed, and Yuma-kun the futon—that seemed to be his plan. But I said, “Want to sleep together?” I thought for a moment he might refuse. Yuma-kun smiled awkwardly, but in the end, he came over beside me without saying anything.
That alone made my chest feel warm and fuzzy.
Maybe he was just really tired, because Yuma fell asleep almost immediately. I found myself thinking I wanted to talk a little longer, but then I reconsidered—it was fine like this. Being this close, closer than anyone else. Because I got to see Yuma’s sleeping face, vulnerable and exposed, a face only I knew.
“…Yuma. I really like you.”
Words I could say when he was awake. But now, I wanted to whisper them softly from deep within my heart. “I’m so glad I met you.” Just like that, I leaned my body closer to Yuma-kun. His warmth, his breath, his reassuring scent. Everything was so close, so real.
Naturally, my heart filled up too.
(…I’m so happy. Truthfully, I want to be with Yuma-kun forever and ever. I don’t want him to even notice other girls, I don’t want him to eat food made by anyone but me. If anything, I want to lock us in a room together—but I have to hold back for now.)
I don’t need a reason. Just having the person I love beside me—that alone fills me so completely.
“…suuu… suuu…”
Sleeping Yuma-kun showed no sign of waking, even as I drew closer. I nestled in further, gently closing the distance as if to embrace him.
“…Fufu”
Tonight, surely. I’ll sleep much better than usual. Nights when the person I love is beside me are special just for that.
—But tonight isn’t over yet.
—
Knock knock knock
“Yes? Haru-chan?”
“Mother-in-law. I need to talk to you.””
Maiasa