139 - That's What I Mean

RAW

After school, Haruto returned home to the Tōjō household, where he shared dinner with the family, including Kiyoko. After taking a bath with Ryōta, he was called to Ayaka's room.

Sitting on the bed, Ayaka cleared her throat and then spoke to Haruto.

"Alright, now it's time for your lecture."

She patted the bed next to her, signaling for Haruto to sit beside her.

"Um... What is this lecture about?" Haruto asked, cautiously as he sat down next to Ayaka.

The lecture started after Haruto had spoken alone with Terasawa-san during lunch. Was it possible that something had happened with Terasawa-san? Maybe there had been some trouble, something like a past trauma resurfacing?

Haruto had told Ayaka before that he would protect her if they were to make their relationship public. Was she angry because he hadn’t been able to protect her as he promised?

His mind was filled with these thoughts when Ayaka looked at him seriously and spoke.

"Haruto."

"Yes?"

"You are attractive. Very attractive, in fact."

"Eh? Oh, thank you."

Haruto had braced himself for a scolding, but to his surprise, he was suddenly complimented, leaving him confused.

Seeing his bewilderment, Ayaka shook her head slightly.

"No, that’s not it! I’m not complimenting you, I’m lecturing you!"

"Huh? Isn’t that a compliment?"

"It is, but not for the reason you think! I’m complimenting you as part of the lecture. Got it?"

"Sorry, I don’t understand."

Haruto, unable to comprehend Ayaka’s logic, apologized and shook his head. Ayaka leaned in closer and spoke to him in a clear, deliberate manner.

"Okay? You’re kind, considerate, and you know how to compliment the good parts of people. You’re the ideal boyfriend to me."

"Uh... Does this mean I’m being complimented... or not?"

"Yes! But remember, this is a lecture, so pay attention!"

"Got it, I’m listening."

"Now, since I find you ideal, that means you’re also ideal to other girls."

"I see?"

"Yes! You’re not just attractive to me, but to every girl."

Ayaka stated this clearly, and Haruto, feeling a bit humble, responded.

"Well, I’m not so sure about that. I’ve never been all that popular... "

"That’s exactly what I’m talking about! That low self-esteem, that ‘I’m not good enough’ attitude is wrong! It’s a big problem, Haruto!"

Ayaka suddenly raised her voice.

"From now on, you need to think of yourself as a super popular guy, okay?"

Haruto frowned slightly, unable to hide his dissatisfaction, and countered.

"I don’t think I’m that popular. Besides, I don’t want to be. I like Ayaka. I want you, and only you, to be by my side."

Upon hearing these words, Ayaka’s face turned bright red.

"Th-That’s exactly what I mean! That’s what gets to me! No surprise confessions like that!"

"Sorry, was that not okay?"

"It... wasn’t bad, but also... it was! Agh!"

"Wait, what?"

Haruto was thoroughly confused by Ayaka’s erratic responses. Ayaka, now looking up at him shyly, said in a softer tone:

"…You can’t say things like that to other girls, okay?"

"I’ve already said this, but I only like you, Ayaka, so I would never say that to anyone else."

"Ugh…"

Ayaka sighed and let go of her serious expression, smiling brightly instead.

"Haruto, you’re just like that... always surprising me like this..."

She muttered to herself, then suddenly hugged him tightly.

Haruto, feeling the sudden embrace, gently wrapped his arms around her and asked:

"Is the lecture over now?"

"…Yes."

Ayaka reluctantly answered, holding him even tighter. She buried her face in his chest, and whispered:

"…Sorry, I must be really troublesome, huh?"

"No, not at all. You're not troublesome."

Ayaka’s voice softened as she admitted:

"I’m scared."

She raised her head from his chest and looked up at him with watery eyes.

"Haruto, you’re so attractive, and I like you so much… I can’t help but worry. If other girls like you, what will I do? What if a really cute girl comes up to you?"

Haruto tightened his arms around her back and pulled her closer, reassuring her.

"Sorry for making you feel insecure, but please trust me. You’re the most amazing girl to me, Ayaka. No girl can ever be cuter than you."

Haruto gently held her shoulders, pulling away slightly to look her in the eyes.

"By the way, when I say cute, I’m not just talking about your face. You’re cute because of who you are, your pure heart, how kind you are, and how you care about your little brother. It’s everything about you, not just your looks."

Ayaka blushed, a bit embarrassed by the sincerity in his words.

"So, even if an amazing model or a famous actress appears in front of me, I won’t ever look at anyone else but you."

"…That’s a bit too much, don’t you think?"

"It’s not exaggerated at all."

"Then what if a popular gravure idol shows up in a bikini in front of you? Wouldn’t you look at her?"

"Well... maybe I’d take a quick glance."

"Haruto!"

Ayaka puffed her cheeks and playfully hit his chest.

"You’re supposed to say you wouldn’t look at anyone else!"

She was still pouting, but there was a playful gleam in her eyes now, and her earlier worries seemed to have disappeared.

Sensing the change, Haruto chuckled and apologized.

"Sorry, sorry."

"I won’t forgive you just by hearing that."

Ayaka understood that he was joking but still responded seriously, throwing a mock glare his way. Haruto smiled, then asked:

"So, how can I make it up to you?"

Ayaka didn’t answer with words. Instead, she closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly up.

Haruto recognized the hint and leaned down, kissing her gently.

"Will this make up for it?"

"Yes, I forgive you."

Ayaka smiled contentedly, resting her head against his chest again and relaxing into his arms.

Haruto lovingly stroked her hair, feeling the peaceful silence between them.

After a while, Ayaka remembered something and lifted her head from his chest.

"By the way, about your reward... "

"Oh, the one we talked about when we went to the aquarium?"

When they went to the aquarium, Ayaka promised to give Haruto a reward for getting first place in the school tests, which was supposed to be a day of him getting to be pampered by her.

"How about we do it this Friday?"

"Sounds good, but is there a special reason for Friday?"

"Well, the tests are over, and the next day is a holiday. I thought we could stay up a little later and just relax together. Is that okay?"

Ayaka glanced up at him, a bit shy.

Haruto smiled warmly and nodded.

"Sure. Do you have anything in mind for how we’ll relax?"

"Well, Saki said she’d lend me some DVDs of an overseas drama. How about we watch that together?"

"Sounds good. So, it’s a binge-watch with snacks, right?"

"Exactly!"

Ayaka nodded excitedly, and Haruto felt the same joy growing within him.

"I’m really looking forward to Friday now. It’s going to be a great night."

He said with a smile as he hugged his beloved girlfriend tightly.