SS 7 The Two on New Year's Day (3)

The Two on New Year’s Day (3)

Ai’s PoV

I wonder why.

Even though we’re outside on such a cold day, my heart has stayed warm.

On the way back from the shrine, our hands remained linked the entire time. Earlier, we had stolen a kiss while avoiding the eyes of the nearby families. Thinking about it now, I can’t help but feel embarrassed. It was the same at Christmas. Even if there weren’t many people around, kissing in public isn’t exactly the kind of behavior you can be proud of.

Lately, it feels like there’s a part of me I can’t control that’s been running wild. Normally, I’d be able to stop myself with reason, but recently, that boundary has become far too easy to cross.

And yet, I can’t help but feel content and happy.

The amazake he bought for me was sweeter and warmer than anything I’d ever tasted before. My heart, which had been frozen and shut away from the world six months ago, has completely melted.

“By the way, how’s the novel coming along?”

“Oh, I’ve finished the main work for now. They’re handling the cover and other preparations at the moment.”

“It’ll be out soon, won’t it?”

The publisher announced on their website that it would be released late next month. I’ve already reserved a copy at a local bookstore and plan to pick it up as soon as possible on release day.

“I’m nervous and on edge.”

“Don’t worry! That story was amazing. I’m really excited for the additional new content you wrote!”

There were times when I worried he might drift away to some far-off place. But he’s always been sincere, showing me through his actions and words just how much he loves me. In the little things he does and says, I can feel the kindness and affection he directs toward me, and it makes my heart race.

I hadn’t realized before that special words aren’t necessary. Just being with him is enough to make me happy. I can clearly see how much he treasures me.

These peaceful days are the everyday life I’ve always dreamed of. The person who brought me back to this life I had longed for—the life I wanted so desperately to reclaim—is smiling beside me.

I found myself thinking that I wanted to keep watching that gentle smile forever.

“What should we do when we get back?”

He asked me a difficult question. I couldn’t tell him, “I just want to keep looking at you forever.”

“What are Mom and Onii-san doing?”

“They’re binge-watching a foreign drama. Apparently, there’s a season two of the one they watched yesterday.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Watching dramas together sounded like it could be fun too.

“Then let’s do something that feels like New Year’s.”

I intentionally let him take the lead. I used to be terrified of giving up control, but with him, I can do it without hesitation.

“How about hanetsuki?”

His unexpected suggestion made me burst into laughter.

“Actually, I’ve never played it before. So I’m really looking forward to drawing all over your face when I win, Senpai.”

I confidently added, “It’s fine. I’m good at things like badminton,” full of self-assurance…

“Already assuming you’re going to win, huh?” he retorted, throwing a slightly provocative comment my way.

As I felt my earlier prayer slowly beginning to come true, the two of us walked forward together, step by step, down the path toward happiness.