Too close!
Under the dim moonlight, the girl's delicate features were crystal clear.
So sweet!
Her pink hair spilled over him, its fragrance overwhelming.
So hot…
Their bodies pressed together, no space left between them.
She had ditched the towel.
Takakai could tell from the skin-to-skin contact.
Her scorching body heat seared into him.
His breathing grew rough.
But Chika only smiled, nestled in his arms, her blue eyes blinking up at him.
This is bad.
The intensity of the moment made Takakai swallow hard.
"Seriously, Chika… you're playing with fire here."
He inhaled deeply, staring down at her.
"Ehehe, am I?"
She feigned ignorance, making no move to leave.
His heartbeat raced.
Blood pounded in his ears.
Calm was no longer an option.
Takakai's hand settled on Chika's shoulder.
Her smile faltered; her body tensed.
"Cut the act. I told you not to force yourself. Stop testing a man's limits."
Takakai sighed, eyeing her reaction.
For a moment, Chika stayed quiet, cheeks flushed, seeming to realize her own recklessness. But after a pause, she didn't retreat—instead, her arms looped around his neck.
"You—"
Takakai's frown deepened.
"I'm not… forcing myself."
Her murmur was barely audible.
"I made up my mind before coming here."
"If it's Akira… I'm okay with it. With you, I really am."
"It's just… I just…"
Takakai tilted her chin up, silencing her trembling voice with another deep kiss.
Warm breath mingled between them.
Chika's fingers dug into his shoulders.
Then Takakai shifted, rolling them over until he hovered above her.
"…Ngh."
Scarlet-faced, Chika covered her eyes.
"Scared?"
Takakai's voice was steady.
"…Yeah. Really scared."
Her muffled reply came from behind her hands.
"Then... huh?"
Takakai fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, about to say something more when Chika tugged at the collar of his pajamas.
"Because I'm scared... can you be gentle?"
"This kind of thing is still a little frightening... but if it's Akira, it's okay..."
The girl's flushed face and soft, feather-like voice tickled at Takakai's heart.
He took a deep breath and finally stopped holding back, lowering his head to kiss her again.
The night was hazy.
A gentle breeze swept across the open fields.
Young boys and girls drank beer, laughing as they walked past street corners.
Dewdrops fell from leaves on roadside trees, vanishing into the grass.
In the distance, the sea was calm, waves quietly rising and falling under the tranquil moonlight reflected on the water's surface.
Houses had long turned off their lights, children sleeping soundly as they awaited the next morning's sunrise.
The night remained dreamlike.
Like an ethereal illusion.
Sparse stars dotted the sky.
A passing plane left a long contrail across the darkness, unnoticed by anyone.
Until faint light gradually emerged at the horizon.
Until sunlight slowly spread, once again enveloping the city.
Takakai opened his eyes.
The warm body curled against him was still breathing steadily.
Looking down, he could see the tear stains on her cheeks and the occasional faint furrow in her brows as she slept.
He could still recall the dizzying sensations of last night.
It had felt like an ephemeral dream.
Yet upon waking, he found it had all truly happened.
How should I even describe what I'm feeling now?
For once, Takakai found himself at a loss for words.
He lay still, quietly admiring the sleeping girl beside him.
Until sunlight streamed through the window.
Until her eyelids fluttered open in a daze.
"Nn..."
Chika yawned sleepily, then blinked as she realized she was lying on someone's chest.
"Good morning, Chika."
Takakai greeted her softly.
"Morning, Akira... Ugh, I don't think I can get up..."
She tried pushing herself up with a smile, but immediately collapsed back onto him weakly.
Her whole body felt numb, devoid of strength.
Though she wanted to rise, given her current state, it seemed she wouldn't be able to until nearly noon.
"Uwah... This isn't fair. Why are you completely fine while I'm like this? Shouldn't girls usually handle this better? Shouldn't you be the one who can't get up? Something's definitely wrong here!"
Watching Takakai effortlessly lift her onto the bed and start dressing, Chika couldn't help but protest in a small voice.
"Well, guess it depends on the person. Anyway, want me to grab you something to eat later?"
Takakai pulled on his T-shirt before turning to ask her.
"Nn... Not hungry yet. But I feel kinda sticky... I wanna take a bath..."
Burrowed under the blankets, Chika's voice was muffled.
"A bath? In your condition?"
Takakai paused, eyeing her weakened state skeptically.
"Then... help me wash?"
She tapped her cheek thoughtfully before suggesting.
"..."
Takakai's expression sharpened instantly.
"W-Wait, why do you look like that?! What are you thinking?!"
Chika had only been considering whether he could carry her to the bathroom—until she noticed his suddenly dangerous gaze.
Then it hit her what she'd just implied.
"W-Wait, hold on—"
"At least give me something to wear! Carrying me like this is too—"
"J-Just washing, okay? No funny business... W-Wait, I mean it! Stop— Nn...!"
Outside, the morning streets buzzed with people starting their day.
But the sounds of weak protests and shower water hitting tiles remained a secret between just the two of them.