The dishes were laid out perfectly. Warm miso soup in delicate bowls, chicken glazed with sweet soy, freshly chopped vegetables steamed to perfection, and the rice fluffed just right. Ai had even cut the pickled radish into little flower shapes, humming as she arranged them neatly. Everything was ready.
With twenty minutes still left before their parents arrived, the couple collapsed onto the couch in the living room.
Ai climbed into Shin's lap without hesitation, her legs curled to the side across his thighs, her face turned to him, soft and glowing. She leaned her cheek against his shoulder, arms loosely around his neck, breathing steady.
"I'm nervous," she murmured.
He stroked her hair gently. "About dinner?"
"No. About you getting handsy while they're in the house."
Shin grinned, then leaned in to nuzzle her neck. "That depends on where you're sitting."
She blushed instantly. "I'm not moving!"
"Good," he whispered, brushing his lips over her earlobe, letting the warmth of his breath trail behind every word. "I like you right here… trapped."
Ai shifted slightly, her thighs pressing tighter against him—but it wasn't to get away.
Her silence gave him permission.
He leaned in closer, lips grazing the shell of her ear, and whispered, "You know what I was thinking while we were cooking?"
"Hm?" she replied, eyes closed, her voice already wavering.
"That I could've bent you over the counter… lifted your skirt… and teased you while the rice cooked."
Ai's cheeks burned crimson. "Onii-Chan!"
"Five minutes of simmering?" he whispered hotly. "That's more than enough time to make you moan."
Her body tensed slightly, and her grip on his shirt tightened. "You're not allowed to say things like that."
"Why not?" he chuckled low. "You're the one sitting on my lap, squirming like a needy little kitten."
Ai couldn't answer. Her heart was pounding too fast.
Shin's hand slid up her side, fingers teasing the curve of her breast. He didn't grope her fully yet—just grazed the fabric of her shirt, brushing close enough to make her breath catch.
"You're too sensitive," he said.
"You're the one who—" she started, but her sentence crumbled the moment he cupped her fully.
His palm covered her breast through the shirt, gentle at first—just warmth and pressure—then gradually firmer. His thumb brushed over her nipple through the fabric, and her whole body arched lightly in response.
"O-Onii-Chan…" she whispered again, and that voice—so small, so honest—only made him fall deeper.
He kissed her.
Their lips met again, warm and lingering. Not rushed or rough, but hungry with need buried beneath restraint. He pulled her closer, arm locked around her waist, while the hand on her chest kneaded softly.
Ai clung to him, burying her face in his shoulder between kisses. Her lips brushed his neck, trembling.
"You always get like this when we're about to have guests," she mumbled, voice muffled.
"That's because I know I won't get to touch you once they're here," he replied with a sly grin. "So I'm making the most of my time."
He tugged the collar of her shirt gently, just enough to expose the top of her bra strap. He placed a single, slow kiss there, right where her skin met lace.
Ai bit her lip. "This is supposed to be family dinner prep."
"I'm prepping you," he said smoothly. "Emotionally. Spiritually. And maybe a little physically."
She giggled, breathless and flushed. "You're such an idiot."
"You love it," he whispered, pulling her tighter, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
"I do…" she said softly, "but I'm trying really hard not to be a flushed mess when our mom walks through the door."
Shin looked up at her, one brow raised, playful mischief in his eyes. "Too late. You're already glowing."
Ai covered her face with both hands, laughing. "Stop it!"
But she didn't move from his lap.
He reached up and gently pried her hands away, lowering them so he could see her face again.
"I like when you're shy," he said. "It's honest. Real. Beautiful."
Her smile softened. "You always say things like that right after groping me."
"I multitask."
She swatted his shoulder, but her eyes sparkled.
Shin leaned forward again, kissing her gently on the nose, then the cheek, and finally her lips—soft, slow, and filled with warmth.
"I love you," he whispered between kisses. "I love every version of you. The bold one, the shy one, the serious one, and the girl who melts when I touch her like this—"
His hand slid beneath her shirt and rested just below her bra, fingers splayed over warm skin.
Ai gasped softly but didn't stop him.
"You're warm," he murmured. "You always feel like home."
Ai's arms wrapped around him fully again, her forehead pressing against his. "Onii-Chan…"
He kissed her once more, lingering, savoring her. "Mm?"
"After everyone leaves… can I fall asleep with your arms around me again?"
"You're not allowed to leave them at all tonight," he replied instantly.
She smiled. "Promise?"
"I promise."
Their noses touched. Her breath trembled against his lips. The atmosphere was so sweet it made her chest ache.
Then Shin's hand gently lifted her breast again, thumb rubbing lightly over her nipple through the thin lace of her bra. She squeaked.
"H-Hey!"
"Just checking if it's still your favorite spot," he said with a grin.
"You already know it is!"
"Exactly. Gotta keep my skills sharp."
She moaned softly into his shoulder, biting down a giggle. "You're so lucky I'm hopelessly in love with you."
"I'd call that mutual destruction," he murmured, letting his hand rest flat again, content to hold her close without further teasing—for now.
They stayed there, snuggled together in silence.
The hum of the kitchen appliances, the soft ticking of the clock, the warmth of her body pressed against his—it was everything Shin had ever wanted.
He could still feel her heartbeat through her chest, rapid but calming. Her breath brushed his collarbone. Every once in a while, she would shift slightly and steal a kiss on his cheek or jaw, smiling afterward like she was collecting them like candy.
Fifteen minutes passed in that quiet world.
Ai was nearly dozing off when she sat up suddenly.
"Oh no. I forgot the soy sauce for the dipping plate!"
Shin wrapped his arms tighter around her. "No you didn't. I added it when you weren't looking."
She blinked. "You what?"
"Helped you out." he said proudly.
Ai leaned back and kissed him again, full on the mouth. "You're amazing."
"I accept payment in cuddles and gropes," he said immediately.
"You're getting both. Just not when Mum's in the room."
"Fine," he groaned. "But I want a double portion later."
Ai giggled as she nestled back into his lap, one hand resting over his heart. "Greedy…"
"Only for you."
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END OF CHAPTER : 137 : I AM HOPELESSLY IN LOVE WITH YOU!
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