Chapter 225 A Night for Two (2)

A Night for Two (2)

Ai’s PoV

What did I just blurt out…?

“Senpai, can I come over to your side for a bit?”

I could tell he froze and held his breath at my sudden suggestion.

A silence lingered for just a little too long. In this dark space, only our breathing echoed. My heart ached the moment the words left my mouth.

“Sure.”

He replied in a gentle voice. That kindness in his tone seemed to dissolve into the darkness.

“Then, I’ll take you up on that offer.”

I tried to compose myself as much as possible. It felt like the last shred of pride I had as a girl.

Even though I was trembling inside, a part of me was secretly hoping for something. Slowly, I slid into his futon. He turned to face me and shifted slightly, making room for me.

““Ah.””

Once under the covers, I realized how close we were—close enough to see his face even in the dark.

The spot still retained his body warmth. Wearing his shirt and sharing the same futon only intensified the scent I’d been noticing earlier.

“Aren’t you cold?”

He asked gently.

“No, I’m fine.”

We were so close our breaths intertwined, and if we weren’t careful, our bodies might touch. The awkwardness from earlier had been replaced with something entirely different.

Before I lost my composure, I had to say what needed to be said.

“Senpai, thank you for today.”

“It’s nothing. Meeting you was a coincidence, and letting you stay over was Mom’s idea, after all.”

He spoke with his usual kindness. I lightly touched my cold right hand to his left hand under the futon.

“Even so, thank you for finding me. I really mean it.”

Before I knew it, our hands were entwined. The warmth from his hand slowly spread to mine. That’s just how he is. He always finds me exactly when I need him most.

He stays by my side without saying a word.

Before meeting him, I didn’t believe in things like fate. Or rather, I believed in it in a negative way…

I’d thought countless times, “Why does this have to happen to me?” I thought the world’s unfairness was my fate.

“Back then, didn’t I promise I wouldn’t let you go?” (tl: in chapter 128)

It was a promise made on an important day. I was so happy he remembered it that our fingers intertwined. I couldn’t help but squeeze his hand a little tighter.

Back then, I thought I wouldn’t have minded whatever happened—I was reckless, prepared to accept being kissed or pushed down. Yet he found what I truly needed, and because of that, it’s okay.

The one I love most is right here in front of me, and surely…

He’ll stay by my side.

“You remembered?”

“I’d never forget. I promised to always stay by your side.”

That’s exactly it, Senpai. You’re such an idiot. How do you always know the exact words I want to hear? Even though I thought I’d lost everyone… How did you manage to bring me back? You even gave me a place to belong.

“Yeah.”

I muttered meaningless words and rested my head against his chest. Here, I always end up crying. But tonight was different.

As always, he wrapped me in his embrace.

“It’s okay.”

His gentle voice reached my ears. I slowly lifted my head and looked into his eyes.

Pouring in every reason I’d fallen for him, every ounce of my emotion…

I gently pressed my lips to his.

We savored the moment as though trying to make it last forever.

Pulling away for a moment, I saw the surprised look on his face. I wondered what would happen if I closed my eyes again. With that faint hope, I slowly shut my eyes.

The second kiss was even gentler than the first.