Chapter 7: Let's Go To Shopping.
Last night was the best sleep of my life. Why?
Because I slept beside the person I love-under the same roof, under the same comforter, on the same bed. That kind of closeness does something to you. I woke up feeling like I'd just been wrapped in dreams for days-refreshed, light, and... complete.
But the moment I opened my eyes, disappointment settled in.
The bed was cold. Akeshi-kun was gone.
I checked the clock-9:00 AM. Later than I usually sleep, but I was hoping to catch a glimpse of his sleepy face. No such luck. I dragged myself out of the bedroom, still clinging to the warmth he left behind. In the living room, I found Miyamoto-san seated on the sofa, his posture as polished as always.
When he sensed me, he stood and bowed politely. "Good morning, Miss Amanika. Is there anything you require?"
"Do you know where Akeshi-kun went?"
"Master Akeshi has gone to the Okushaki Café, his workplace. I encountered him on my way in. He asked me to deliver this letter to you."
A letter?
He handed me an envelope. The moment I opened it, my heart fluttered. The handwriting was clean, elegant-calligraphy-level beautiful. I smiled as I read:
---
Hey Amanika-san, it's me, Akeshi.
Like we talked about last night—you wanted to go shopping. I changed my work schedule, so don't worry. I'll make it back in time. Please don't be sad. After we get the groceries, I'll cook something for you myself. So make sure you're ready before 9:30. I should arrive around 9:40.
Oh, by the way, you looked adorable while sleeping.
—Akeshi
---
My heart did a somersault. He said I looked adorable. Aghhh, he's too sweet!
"Mam," Miyamoto-san said gently, "I believe it would be appropriate to begin preparations. Master Akeshi will arrive in approximately 40 minutes."
'Shit.'
I handed him the letter and bolted for my room, grabbing the cutest outfit I owned. No time for second-guessing. I rushed to the bathroom, juggling a toothbrush and body wash like a madwoman, trying to get everything done at once.
By the time I was drying off and trying to tame my hair, I felt like I'd survived a hurricane.
I glanced at the mirror and groaned. "Ugh, it's still wet-it won't style properly."
"You know it's bad to mess with wet hair, right?"
I froze.
Behind me stood Akeshi-kun, holding a hair dryer, his expression calm and soft.
"I don't think being late would be such a tragedy," he said.
"What time is it?"
"Ten."
"Ten!?" I covered my face with both hands. "Oh no... I ruined our first date."
His voice dropped to a tender hum. "You thought this was a date?"
"Of course... I was really looking forward to it."
Akeshi-kun placed a hand gently on my hair. The hair dryer buzzed to life, its warm wind brushing over me like a quiet breeze.
"It only matters if the two of us are together."
After akeshi-kun finished dying my hair, he leaned in and gently kissed my forehead—a lingering, intimate gesture that made my heart skip. His lips were soft, his touch warm and calming, the kiss itself delicate yet full of meaning. Even as he pulled away, the warmth of his lips lingered on my skin like a memory I didn't want to fade.
No matter how many times he does this, I never get used to it.
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, and a quiet joy bloomed in my chest at the thought that he's mine—and I'm his.
"I'll only show this side of myself to you," he murmured, taking my hand into his, "so get ready to learn more about me... and I'll learn more about you, too."
A shiver danced up my spine.
His breath ghosted against my ear, the intimacy of the whisper making every nerve in my body tingle. Electricity raced down my spine, and something inside me stirred-like my heart had flipped over and was now beating twice as fast.
The air grew warm. Tense. Alive.
"I-I... I think you should, uh... take a shower! Yeah, because you're probably... sweaty. From work. Or something!" I blurted out, desperate to break the rising heat between us.
He chuckled. "Fair enough."
He stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind him. Water began to pour, his soft humming blending with the sound of the shower.
And that's when my brain betrayed me.
What if we were in the shower together? His body pressed against mine, steam rising around us, his voice whispering sweet things in my ear while-
"Focus, Nino," I muttered, shaking my head. But the images kept playing in my mind-hot, vivid, dangerous.
And then I heard the bathroom door creak open.
"So..." Akeshi-kun's voice snapped me out of my fantasy. "What were you thinking just now?"
His eyes held a teasing glint.
I stared at him. His slightly damp hair clung to his forehead, and that black button-up shirt with the white pants-ugh, how can someone look that good in something so simple?
Tarazune Akeshi-charming, kind, with a perfect physique, a gentle voice, and zero awareness of how attractive he is.
"Hello? Earth to Amanika-san?"
I blinked. "Y-yeah! What's up?"
"I think it's time you stop fantasizing about me and get ready to go."
"How'd you-!?"
"I could practically see the steam coming out of your ears."
I scowled, embarrassed.
As if that wasn't enough, he casually added, "By the way, if you were wondering why I don't have a girlfriend-it's because my friends keep interfering."
"Why would they do that?" I asked, genuinely confused.
He shrugged. "Beats me."
And then, smirking: "Anyway, now that you're done monologuing about my romantic status, shall we go?"
I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Yeah, let's go."
We stepped out of the room, where Miyamoto-san was already waiting, ever the perfect butler.
"Shall we, Mistress?"
I nodded. "Let's go."
Side by side, hand in hand, we stepped into the day ahead. Together.
Let's just hope no one sees us while we're like this... or my heart might not survive it.