( misunderstanding arc)
Just as Haruki's hand touched the doorknob, Hina shot up from her bed . Wiping away her tears, she rushed toward him and wrapped her arms tightly around him from behind.
The sudden force made Haruki stumble into the door, slamming it shut. Her trembling, tearful voice reached his ears.
"Please, don't go.
Her words were broken by sobs, and though Haruki stood frozen, unwilling to move, Hina clung to him even tighter.
I'm sorry,'she whispered through her tears. I shouldn't have yelled at you.
Haruki stayed silent, only listening. He could feel the wetness of her tears soaking into his shoulders.
Hina pressed her forehead against him, her voice quivering.
"Yes, I'm angry with you. Maybe,maybe really angry. Because so many days have passed, and you didn't even try to see me. No call, not even a single message. I know I annoy you sometimes, and that's why you run away from me, don't you?"
Her words struck Haruki's heart. Kazuki's voice echoed in his memory, reminding him "Maybe she misses you too."
Hina's voice softened, breaking again into sobs.
"But still,seeing you here now makes me so happy. Just She clutched him tighter "If you ever disappear on me again, I'll never talk to you.
At last, Haruki gently freed himself from her arms and turned to face her. Taking her cheeks in his hands, he met her tearful eyes and whispered,I'm sorry I made you cry.
Tears still shimmered in Hina's eyes, yet a fragile smile spread across her face"It's okay.
It wasn't a forced smile—it was a genuine one, the kind that surfaced naturally just from seeing him.
Haruki clean her tears away and finally spoke what had been locked inside his heart"I didn't realize,you missed me this much. I was too scared to even come close to you.
Her eyes welled up again this time, with tears of joy. Haruki carefully wiped them away once more.
"I'm sorry for making your eyes wet.
Hina only listened quietly, as if she wanted him to keep talking, as if his voice alone was enough for her. After a pause, she said softly "No it's fine. I'm happy now. Happy because you're here.
Her words were sweet, her smile gentle, as though her voice itself was pouring honey into his ears.
They both smiled at each other, as if in the middle of darkness they had stumbled upon a hidden treasure of light.
Then, blushing slightly, Hina asked"Haruki do you like touching my cheeks?
Haruki's face flushed red"N-no, it's not like that.
She placed her hand over his, still holding her face, and whispered tenderly, "I've noticed every time I cry, you comfort me like this."
Haruki chuckled softly"I just thought maybe it makes you feel better.
He started to pull his hands away nervously
"But, if you don't like it, I won't do it again.
Hina stopped him, gently pressing his hands back against her cheeks and, she said, "I like it,when you hold me like this.
His face grew even redder. But suddenly, Hina's expression shiftedplayful yet serious. She pouted, then asked with mock sternness"Tell me something do you comfort every crying girl this way?
Caught off guard, Haruki stammered"Wh-why would I ever do that?"
She stayed silent for a beat, then her eyes gleamed mischievously. With a wicked little smile, she leaned in and warned"If you ever touch another girl like this, I'll break your bones and send you straight to the hospital. Got it?"
Haruki froze. She's a psycho, he thought nervously. Out loud, he mumbled "Y-yeah I get it.
The moment hung suspended between them. Silence filled the space, but it wasn't empty it carried a weight only the two of them could feel. Their eyes locked, and slowly, Haruki leaned closer. His heartbeat thundered in his chest, yet nothing held him back now. Hina's eyelashes fluttered shut as he drew near.
Their lips were just a breath away.