"...Two or three minutes is enough, right?"
I didn't want to ask, but...
Having already voiced the question, showing any weakness before even being rejected would be too uncool.
One day, Shino might look back on this. I want the version of me in her memories to be at least a little cool. Even if, to the grown-up Shino, this relationship is nothing more than a youthful folly.
So I put on my usual Shino act, forcing a bold smile and teasing her.
"Yes. During that time, I'll have you listen to my story while you wait."
"Alright. Go on."
"Since I started talking to you, I've... not exactly become friends with them, but some of the girls in class have started talking to me more."
"Ah, now that you mention it, I think I've noticed that happening."
At school, I don't talk to Shino all that much. After all, what connects me to Shino is skin-to-skin contact. Of course, you can't talk about that at school. Besides Shino, part of the reason is that I'm afraid I might slip up and reveal something.
After Shino publicly declared our date in class the day after we first slept together, pretending we were unrelated became practically impossible. But as long as there's no need, we don't actively engage with each other. That's the kind of relationship we have at school.
"They're asking if you're dating me. Everyone's curious."
"Yeah, I get grilled by the guys periodically too. I just give them vague brush-offs."
Every time they interrogate me, every time I see the unspoken "Why you?" written all over their faces, I'm acutely aware of how ill-suited I am for this.
"I have a similar problem. Which is why I want to say something now."
I really don't want to hear this.
I desperately tried to keep my disappointment from showing on my face, but before me, Shino—
Heh.
She abruptly raised her head, her entire face taut with intensity, her expression serious.
"Gouji-kun... Would you like to belong to me?"
Now it was my turn to widen my eyes.
Understanding the meaning of her words, yet no words would come out of my mouth.
"Of course, in exchange, I would belong to you. Don't you think it's a fair trade?"
I'd heard those words somewhere before. And my reaction was the same—How could Shino and I possibly be of equal value? If this deal went through, it would be a terrible shark trade.
Now that she'd thrown out the words, I had to respond. I swallowed the saliva that had pooled in my mouth, forcing my throat open.
"...So... does that mean... I've just been... proposed to?"
"Gouji-kun..."
"What's up?"
"You don't need to say any more."
"I already said it."
Her words were typical Shino, but her expression remained serious. Her sharp, slanted eyes pierced me like the blade of a sword, living up to her name.
"...Do you really want me?"
"I want you. I like you, Gouji-kun. I always had a good impression of you, but frankly, I never thought you'd become such a dominant presence in my heart. But as we spent more time together, my preferences seem to have shifted entirely to you. Your appearance, voice, personality—I love everything about you... Are you satisfied now?"
"...You don't need to say any more."
"I already said it."
Shino's relentless barrage of embarrassing words left my face burning. I imagined Shino could see my face was crimson.
"Um... if you really mean it, I'd love to give this a try."
"Well then, since three minutes have passed, I'll give my answer. If you're willing, I'd be delighted to be your partner. Though I'm hardly worthy, I look forward to a long and happy future together."
I steeled myself, as if it were a once-in-a-lifetime decision, before speaking. But Shino responded so easily, so smoothly.
"Isn't that cheating? You knew all along there was no chance I'd reject you."
"You were the one wallowing in indecision. While it's nice to have everyone around us celebrate, the bare minimum requirement for a romance is just two people: you and me. If we both love each other, what else matters?"
The expression she wore then—a faint smile—was the Shino I knew so well.
...Huh? So you knew all the reasons I was struggling?
If that's the case, this is just embarrassing.
What's going on? How did you figure it out? I never wrote anything like that in my erotic novel.
Seriously, I feel like I'm being toyed with. Now that Shino's gotten out of bed, I don't have a chance with her.
"Come on, Gouji-kun. If you're going to give her the gift, now's the time. There won't be another opportunity today."
The "gift" must be referring to the paper bag in my pocket.
Apparently, she knew about that too. As she said, I bought it specifically for Shino. Well, considering I bought it at a women's clothing store I normally wouldn't even look at, of course she'd know.
"...It's a little awkward to give this to her after this conversation."
I pull the small paper bag from my pocket and offer it to Shino.
I originally intended to give this to Shino, but I never imagined I'd be handing it over like this. It's a delicate matter whether it's appropriate for her or not. That hesitation lingers in my hand, making it feel heavier than usual.
"Heh heh heh. I'll be happy with anything. It's the first gift you've ever given me. Oh, no, wait..."
"Don't say that."
"Right."
True to her words, Shino opens the paper bag with a genuinely delighted, almost childlike expression.
She peeks inside, takes out the item—
"Um... I'm sorry. I didn't think it would turn out like this... I should have bought something more sophisticated."
"...Nothing like that at all. It couldn't be any more perfect. Depending on how you interpret it, you could even call it a marriage collar (engagement ring)."
It's a choker.
There's no deeper meaning behind it. I just bought it because I like the constant sensation of something around my neck and the slight pressure.
Without hesitation, Shino immediately fastened the choker around her neck. Ah, yes... That's exactly what I was feeling.
Knowing Shino's sexual fetish, to me, this fashion accessory was nothing more than a dog or cat collar.
"Just as a ring symbolizes marriage, this collar proves that I am your pet—a woman meant to be cherished and indulged by you. Heh heh, the fact that you went to the trouble of making this tangible... Does that mean you're quite possessive, Master?"
"I wouldn't go that far..." I couldn't deny it completely.
I couldn't deny it. I had no intention of restraining her, but I was consumed by possessiveness.
I felt so strongly that I didn't want anyone else to touch her.
I was about to mock my own pettiness, but Shino's lips began to part, stopping my thoughts.
"Rather, it would be a problem if you weren't like that. I'm your lover and pet, after all. You must monopolize everything about me—devour me so thoroughly that no one else has a chance to lay a finger on me, handle me until your touch marks me, and make me your secret pet. Like keeping a kitten you found in a cardboard box."
A radiant smile. Those were just words, but to me, they were the world's most beautiful girl's most exquisite smile.
Her words made my heart race.
Tsurugi Shino wanted me to monopolize her.
Considering our relationship, it wasn't just a matter of the heart—it involved our bodies too. She told me to make her mine.
I can confidently say I've never heard words that made my heart race so wildly in my entire life.
"A lover and a pet. It's annoying having to specify both relationships every time. If only there were a better way to phrase it."
"...Just 'lover' is fine. You know, our play is just a little... unconventional."
"...Yes, I suppose so."
I bite into a crepe to hide my embarrassment. I thought the cold cream might cool my burning face, but a few bites aren't enough. I devour it greedily.
"Gouji-kun."
"What is it?"
"You've got some cream on your face. Don't move, I'll wipe it off for you."
"Ah, no, I can do it myself—"
Without warning, Shino leaned forward, her cool, composed face drawing closer—her lips stole mine.
It was a sweetness different from the crepe, a distinct kind of sweetness spreading through my mouth... and into my heart.
"Thank you for the treat. It's sweeter than I expected."
Plick! Shino playfully licked her lips with a small flick of her tongue.
A moment later, my head began to heat up even more. If I were a kettle, I'd be whistling by now.
"Y-you... you...!"
I hastily glanced around, but fortunately, no one had noticed... or at least, no one who noticed was still looking our way.
I knew she was bold. Ever since she summoned me to the rooftop, Shino had been constantly surprising me.
"Hey, Gouji-kun. Can I call you 'Darling'?"
"That's not like you at all."
"It's not. But couldn't you just let me act like a fool and be silly for today?"
Honestly... I wish she wouldn't. It's embarrassing. It's not like me at all.
But when Shino says that, looking so happy and having fun, I can't bring myself to refuse. It's the weakness of being in love with her.
"At least don't do it in public."
"Alright, darling."
"You never listen to a word I say, do you?"
I feigned exaggerated exasperation, but Shino remained cool and unruffled, as if the wind didn't blow her way.
Tsurugi Shino seems to be the type who unexpectedly craves affection in public. Come to think of it, she did make a date declaration in class and acted similarly before.
Or maybe she's just taking her usual joking too far. Shino always seems to see right through me, but I can't figure her out at all.
"Hey, just once, could you call me 'Honey'?"
"Please don't."
"Let me guess what you're thinking right now. You're thinking I'm being too giddy, right? Like I've got a case of 'Happy Mania' or something?"
"Not exactly..."
"Then you must be a 'Crazy Cock'."
"Stop it! This is a public place! I just wanted to say it, that's all!"
I really hadn't thought that far, but now I'm seriously starting to believe it. Predicting thoughts... no, using Shino's words, I'd say I hit the mark rather than read her mind.
"Please, darling. If you grant this wish, I promise I'll properly call you 'Gouji-kun' in public."
"...Really?"
"Yes, really. Have I ever lied to you?"
If you count jokes as lies, the number is countless.
But at least Shino isn't someone who lies maliciously. If I endure this humiliation now, at least I won't have to live in constant fear of her while I'm out or at school.
Even so, to be blunt, I hate it. It's humiliating, it's not in my character, and it's humiliating.
But... no. When I see the sparkle of expectation in Shino's eyes, I just can't refuse. It makes me anxious—what if, from now on, I can't turn down any of her outrageous proposals?
Indeed, exchanging opinions is crucial. Adapting to the other person is equally important, but sometimes you have to firmly say no. So from now on, I'll definitely refuse when something is truly unacceptable.
I take a deep breath, once, twice. Steeling myself, I open my mouth.
"...Honey."
"..."
"It's embarrassing. Say something!"
"...I'm... I'm so sorry. That nickname has quite the destructive power, doesn't it? I'm so embarrassed, my face feels like it's on fire. Even if it was a joke, I'll never call you 'Darling' in public again."
That's the most important thing.
I let out a relieved sigh. If I could, I'd never utter that word again unless I was talking to Honey Mustard.
I glanced at Shino, who was blushing like an apple and looking down. It seemed to have hit its mark.
"...It's burning. My face..."
"I wouldn't go so far as to call it a self-destruction, but you did light the fuse."
"I know, it's not your fault. Even I'm surprised by how giddy I am. I'm practically floating on cloud nine... I'm just so, so, impossibly happy."
From the soft smile on her face and her unusually chatty demeanor, I could sense the extent of Shino's elation, but...
The thought that Shino is acting this way because she's become my girlfriend... it really makes me happy. A little... no, quite embarrassing, but happy.
"Ahh, that's better. I feel refreshed now. It's like lying on a grassy plain under a clear blue sky. Now I can sleep soundly tonight... Oh, and feel free to use those 'I won't let you sleep tonight' pickup lines on me—I happen to like them."
"I'll keep that in mind. Even you get nervous, Shino?"
I was a bit surprised. Part of me wondered if there was any reason to be nervous around me, but more than that, I always imagined Shino would remain cool and collected no matter who she was talking to.
"Of course I get nervous! Once you say something like that, things can't go back to normal no matter how it turns out. I was so worried about what would happen if I got rejected."
Shino pouted slightly, looking a little sulky.
The very sight of Shino wearing such an expression was a bundle of surprises, the stark contrast between her usual demeanor and this uncharacteristic display striking me like a punch to the heart. At this moment, I suspect I would find Shino adorable no matter what she said or how she looked... I must be quite giddy myself.
"Heh heh. Not exactly compensation for disturbing my peaceful sleep, but... shall we continue our date?"
"It's not like I mind, but we've already wandered around the whole area. Is there anywhere else you want to see?"
"It's perfectly fine to have no specific goal. Moments this happy and carefree are so rare. Just being with you right now makes me feel so lucky. Now that we're officially a couple, it would be a waste not to act like one."
Shino stood up and offered me her hand.
As I took it, our fingers intertwined, and she clasped my hand firmly.
"Shall we go, darling?"
I know this isn't really her character, I thought, but I didn't feel bad about it.