Chapter 48 Morning, When I Woke Up (Kanade's Perspective)
Morning, When I Woke Up (Kanade’s Perspective)
“Nn…”
A pleasant morning sunlight shone on my face, waking me up.
Emerging from the haze of sleep, my consciousness slowly sharpened… and then, I noticed something strange.
What is this?
There’s a warm sensation…
Ah, Shintaro must still be asleep next to me—
“Kanade, good morning.”
A voice called my name, startlingly close, instantly snapping me wide awake.
As my awareness returned, I realized the situation and felt a rush of embarrassment.
…No way, I fell asleep on Shintaro’s lap pillow.
That realization sent me into a flustered panic.
I messed up. I was supposed to give him a lap pillow to help him relax!
Ugh… this is definitely because I stayed up late for days planning everything.
Aah! I’m such an idiot!!
While I was busy regretting, he looked at me with a gentle smile.
“What’s wrong, Kanade?”
“N-nothing! It’s nothing at all!”
“Really? Your face is red. Are you running a fever or—”
“I’m fine! More importantly… aren’t your legs numb?”
“No problem. Besides, a man’s legs are rough. It probably wasn’t very comfortable, was it? If you’re tired, you can sleep a little longer.”
“Hmm~ I think I’m okay. It was surprisingly comfortable! Uh… nice legs!!”
“Haha. What even is that supposed to mean?”
When I tried responding with my usual cheer, he laughed softly.
But… something felt off.
What is it?
Normally, even when he smiles, there’s always a trace of pain in his expression.
But now, I don’t sense that at all.
His face looked so clear and refreshed…
It’s like something incredible had happened… Ah.
As my thoughts reached that point, I finally pieced it together.
I stared straight into Shintaro’s eyes, and he didn’t look away—he just chuckled softly.
Seeing that, I asked what had been on my mind.
“H-hey, Shintaro…”
“Uh, what is it? Why are you stammering—”
“Did you… maybe… take advantage of me?”
The moment I asked, he spat out his drink in a loud “Pfft!”
He began coughing, his face turning bright red.
His reaction made me squint at him suspiciously.
“So, you did… Shintaro…?”
“N-no! Kanade, are you crazy?! I’d never do that to someone while they’re asleep!!”
“…Really~? But my clothes seem a little messy…? Look, even my neckline is undone.”
“T-that’s because your sleeping posture was terrible! Actually, you should be thanking me—I covered you with a blanket to keep you decent!”
“Hmm, a blanket?”
“Look, it’s right there at your feet.”
Ah… sure enough, there was a blanket at my feet.
So, my disheveled clothes must be because I got hot and moved in my sleep?
Besides, there’s no discomfort or pain…
It’s probably all just in my head, right?
But as soon as I thought that, embarrassment swept over me, and my face felt like it was burning up.
This is bad… this misunderstanding is way too humiliating.
“Really?”
“Really, I swear.”
“Hmm…”
“Anyway, if your clothes are out of place, cover yourself already…”
As he averted his gaze, I couldn’t resist teasing him. I subtly emphasized my slightly open neckline.
My face felt like it was on fire from embarrassment…
But seeing Shintaro blush made it all worth it.
Well, given his reaction and personality, I doubt he’d ever try anything with me.
I always feel like retorting, “Are you some kind of self-control demon?!”
To distract from my own embarrassment, I jokingly called him “Shintaro the chicken.”
In response, Shintaro scratched his cheek awkwardly and muttered, “Sorry about that…” in an embarrassed voice.
His boyish attempt to hide his embarrassment made me smile instinctively.
But what is this feeling?
Normally, he brushes things off so casually.
Why, though?
…Today, he seems different, like he’s admitting something.
It’s as if emotions he wrestled with last night are now written all over his face… That’s how it feels.
“I-I’m going to wash my face.”
“Okay. Got it… Wait, Shintaro?”
“What is it…?”
“That’s the restroom.”
“Ah… Right… My bad.”
—Yeah, something’s definitely off.
Who confuses their own bathroom and restroom in their own house?
That’s impossible.
Could he be holding back because of me…?
Or maybe he’s trying to create distance again?
If that’s the case… it’s a little disappointing.
I thought this date had brought us closer…
—No, no!!
I can’t let myself get discouraged over something like this!!
I’ve been stuck in this one-sided love for years!
There’s no need to let a small setback get me down!
I mean, it’s far too late for that anyway!!
Feeling that I couldn’t let him out of my sight, I hurried after him.
Just as I reached out to grab his hand, he suddenly stopped, and I bumped into him, landing on my butt.
“Ouch…”
“Sorry, Kanade. Are you okay?”
“…Yeah.”
He looked apologetic as he helped me up.
…I really messed up.
From Shintaro’s perspective, I must’ve seemed like I charged at him for no reason, leaving him totally confused.
Ugh, why am I always so clumsy at the worst times…?
As I sighed in frustration, he spoke to me in a rare, serious tone.
“Hey, Kanade.”
“Uh, what is it?”
“I know it’s weird to bring this up first thing in the morning, but…”
“Huh??”
Tilting my head, I looked directly at Shintaro’s face.
When our eyes met, he gently gripped my shoulders.
“I love you… Let me take responsibility.”
“…Huh?”
Both of us froze as silence fell over the room.
In that moment, only my dumbfounded voice seemed to echo quietly.