110 - Is It Okay to Be Selfish for a Little While?

RAW

As Ayaka gently closed the door behind her, she casually stepped into the room.

“You were studying, huh?” she said, glancing at the study materials spread across the desk.

“Yeah, well, it’s part of my daily routine.”

“Wow, as expected of you, Haruto. I need to follow your example—especially with tests coming up soon.”

Ayaka’s expression turned slightly gloomy as she seemed to recall the upcoming midterm exams scheduled for next week. Haruto, noticing her demeanor, gave her a kind look.

“By the way, wasn’t there some kind of reward if you scored over 80 on all your tests?”

“Yeah, you remembered our promise?”

“Of course.”

Ayaka’s face lit up with delight at Haruto’s firm nod.

“I’m looking forward to the reward you’ll give me.”

“Oh? So you’re already assuming you’ll score over 80 on every test?” Haruto teased, amused by her confidence.

“Well, I’ve been studying for these tests with that goal in mind. But…”

Her words trailed off as she looked down slightly, peering up at him with a vulnerable gaze.

“If I don’t make it… will you comfort me?”

“…Sure, I’ll comfort you.”

“Yay,” she giggled softly.

Though her gesture seemed calculated to elicit affection, Haruto couldn’t help but chuckle at her charm. Realizing Ayaka had been standing since she entered, he suddenly spoke up.

“Sorry, Ayaka, you’ve been standing this whole time. Why don’t you sit—”

Just as he was about to say, “sit down,” Haruto stopped himself. The room he was using was one Ryota would eventually claim as his own, but for now, it was almost completely unfurnished. Besides the desk Shuichi had hastily arranged for Haruto’s use, there were no chairs, cushions, or even a bed—just the futon Haruto had spread out earlier for sleeping.

“There’s nowhere to sit, huh…” Haruto said, glancing around.

In response, Ayaka blushed slightly and hesitantly spoke.

“Then… is it okay if I sit on your lap?”

“Huh? I mean… sure, but how would you—?”

Still seated in the chair in front of the desk, Haruto tilted his head in confusion. Ayaka, her cheeks flushed, approached him slowly. She turned to face him directly and gently lowered herself onto his thighs.

“Like this,” she said softly, placing her hands lightly on his shoulders.

The sudden proximity sent Haruto’s heart racing. The warmth and sensation from his thighs were overwhelming, and he could hear the loud beating of his own heart.

“A-Ayaka? Isn’t this a little too close?”

“…Do you not like it?”

“It’s not that… it’s just making my heart race so much it hurts.”

“Really? I’m making your heart race that much?”

“Well, of course… if the girl I like sits this close, anyone would feel the same.”

“Fufu, I see. My heart’s racing too, you know.”

Ayaka gazed at him with shimmering eyes, leaning even closer. Haruto noticed her flushed cheeks and trembling figure, realizing she must have been summoning a lot of courage to be this vulnerable.

“I’m sorry, Ayaka. I’ve probably made you feel insecure because of Shizuku…”

Ayaka flinched slightly at his words.

“…That’s not it,” she whispered, looking down. “It’s not insecurity…”

Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his.

“Haruto… is it okay if, just for a little while, I’m selfish?”

Her voice carried a hint of guilt as she sought his permission. Haruto smiled warmly at her.

“You don’t have to limit yourself to a little while. Be as selfish as you want.”

“You’re too sweet, Haruto. If you say that, I’ll just get greedier.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Geez…”

Ayaka tried to pout, but her attempt quickly crumbled, leaving her smiling warmly. She slid her arms behind Haruto’s neck and clasped her hands together.

“You know, like I said before, I trust your feelings for me, so I’m not insecure. It’s just… I got jealous.”

"Jealous? Of Shizuku?"

She gave a small nod.

"At school, seeing Dojima-san talk to you so openly... I couldn't help but feel envious. I mean, I can't do that with you."

"I see..."

"I'm your girlfriend, yet I can't even talk to you at school while she can..."

She gave a self-deprecating chuckle.

"I'm being ridiculously selfish, aren't I? I was the one who said we should keep our relationship a secret at school..."

Her voice carried a hint of regret. Haruto, still smiling gently, sought to reassure her.

"But that's because of what happened in middle school, right? It's perfectly understandable."

"Yeah... but seeing Dojima-san today, I realized I also want to be able to interact with you at school. Still, I'm scared..."

"Ayaka..."

Haruto extended his arms to embrace her gently, offering solace as she sat on his lap.

"You don't have to push yourself. We can't be together at school, but we can spend time like this at home. We'll figure out the school part together, at our own pace."

"Thank you, Haruto-kun."

Ayaka smiled brightly and nestled her cheek against his neck, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

"I love you..."

"I love you too."

Haruto ran his fingers gently through her soft hair, his voice tender.

"Hey, Haruto-kun..."

Ayaka pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"What is it?"

"Can I use my girlfriend privileges?"

Their noses nearly touched as she asked. Haruto tilted his head curiously.

"Privileges? Sure, go ahead..."

The moment he agreed, Ayaka leaned closer. Haruto braced himself for a kiss, tilting his head slightly upward. But her lips bypassed his entirely, brushing past his cheek.

Before he could process the unexpected gesture, a warm, slightly damp sensation tingled on his left ear.

"Ah!"

Haruto stiffened, instinctively tightening his hold on her.

"Mm..."

Her breath grazed his ear, sending his heart racing wildly. His pulse hammered so intensely that he feared Ayaka might feel it.

Oblivious to his turmoil, she nibbled softly on his earlobe once more, her gentle bites sending shivers through him. Haruto clenched his eyes shut, trying to endure the strange, ticklish sensation.

When she finally pulled away, her playful grin was both endearing and alluring.

"I couldn't resist nibbling on your earlobe, Haruto-kun."

"I told you not to do that before..."

Despite his protest, Haruto's tone lacked conviction.

"But isn't it normal for a girlfriend to nibble on her boyfriend's ear?"

She tilted her head innocently, her charm disarming him.

"From the beginning, I've thought your ideas about relationships aren't exactly... conventional, Ayaka."

Ayaka giggled, her love of romantic novels and manga evident in her unique approach to romance.

"Did you dislike it?"

"Not exactly, but it feels... strange, I guess."

"Then, can I nibble your right earlobe too?"

"Ayaka, were you even listening?"

"Of course! You said you didn't dislike it."

With a radiant smile, she tightened her embrace.

"Do you like nibbling my earlobes that much?"

"Yep, they're amazing!"

She whispered this confession before resuming her playful nibbling, this time on his right ear. Haruto endured once more, his self-control tested to its limits.

After finally finishing, Ayaka gazed at him with satisfaction.

"I'm starting to think nibbling your earlobes could become a habit."

"Please don't make it a habit. My heart can't take it."

Ayaka chuckled at his plea, tilting her head with a teasing smile.

"You know, if you tried nibbling my earlobes, you'd understand how wonderful it is."

She tucked her hair behind her ear, offering him a clear view. Haruto, caught off guard by the gesture, averted his gaze awkwardly.

"Go ahead, Haruto-kun. You can nibble my earlobe."

He swallowed nervously, summoning every ounce of restraint he had.

"...No, I'll pass."

"Why?"

"Because... I might not be able to stop myself."

His words left Ayaka blinking in confusion. Haruto could only offer a wry smile at her innocent expression.