( first kiss arc)
After working all morning, Hina, Haruki, and Kazuki were exhausted. When lunch break finally came, the three of them sat down together. Before starting, they all joined their hands and said in unison "Thank you, God, for this food.
The moment Haruki looked at his plate he pounced on it as if the food might escape. Watching him eat like that, Hina scolded"Haruki, eat slowly. No one's stealing it. This is all yours anyway.
Haruki gave a sheepish grin looking like a guilty child. "Sorry," he said.
Then when food stuck to his cheek, Hina leaned over and wiped it off with her scarf. Haruki blinked in surprise not even realizing what she had done "What happened?" he asked.
"Nothing You just had food on your face,Hina replied.
"Thanks" Haruki murmured.
Hina had brought her own tiffin with food she had cooked especially for Haruki. Picking up her chopsticks she held out a bite to him. "Here, try this.
Haruki froze for a second startled, but then quickly took the bite. The moment the food touched his tongue his eyes lit up. It felt as if he had been transported to another world. Hina watched eagerly, waiting for his reaction. "Well? How is it?"
Her voice snapped him back, and he exclaimed with excitement "It's delicious!
Kazuki however had stopped eating entirely. She just stared at the two of them, her chopsticks hovering midair. They're acting just like a couple,she thought.
Haruki noticing her gaze got nervous and stammered, "C-can I have a little more?
Instead of getting angry Hina's face softened. Smiling she handed him the tiffin. "Of course I made it for you.
"Really?!" Haruki's eyes widened.
"Yes" Hina nodded gently.
When Hina turned, she caught Kazuki watching them with wide eyes, almost as if she had just witnessed something shocking. "Kazuki, why aren't you eating? Hina asked.
Kazuki blinked snapping out of it, and quickly took a bite. "Nothing… I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what?" Hina pressed.
Kazuki looked at the two of them and said as if announcing breaking news, "You two look exactly like a couple."
Both Hina and Haruki flushed red. Hina tried to hide her smile but Haruki panicked.
"What nonsense are you talking about Kazuki?! he blurted.
Kazuki fell silent thinking she might've said something wrong. But Haruki continued, "We don't look good together at all. A couple? Us? No way. It's like a monkey and an angel—how could they ever be a pair?
He turned to Hina, forcing a nervous laugh. "Right, Hina?"
But Hina's face had turned crimson with anger. She punched him hard on the head.
"Why did you hit me?!" Haruki yelped holding his head.
"Because you said we don't look good together!" Hina shot back.
Haruki, like a scolded child clutched his head and mumbled, "Sorry…"
Kazuki sighed in irritation, muttering under her breath, "These two… such drama.
The next moment, Hina's anger melted away. She gently patted Haruki's head and said softly "Don't say things like that again. Okay?"
Haruki looked at her, stunned, as if a soft glow surrounded her"Okay," he nodded.
They resumed eating, though Kazuki still stared, baffled. "What a strange girl," she thought,She hits him one second, then pampers him the next. No wonder Haruki misses her so much.
Hina turned to Kazuki and held out her lunchbox"Do you want to try some too?
Kazuki's eyes lit up. She quickly picked up her chopsticks, almost as if she had been waiting for this moment all along"Of course I never say no to things like this.
But the moment she took a bite, her face went red and steam practically shot from her ears—it was unbearably spicy. Hina asked innocently"How is it?"
Kazuki struggled to hold back a scream, her eyes watering. Haruki, realizing what was happening, gestured desperately for Hina to stop asking. Kazuki gulped down an entire glass of water in one go.
"Didn't you like it?" Hina asked nervously.
Through tears, Kazuki forced a smile. "No, it's… it's really tasty. I regret eating it so fast.
Haruki quickly jumped in "She means she regrets not eating food this tasty before, right?
Kazuki gave a thumbs up, agreeing with him.
Hina glowed with happiness "If that's the case, then from now on, I'll cook every day!
Both Haruki and Kazuki froze, sweat beading on their foreheads.
"No, you shouldn't overwork yourself, Haruki insisted. "You're still recovering Don't push yourself.
Hina thought for a moment and nodded. "You're right. But once I'm fully healed, I'll make food for you every day Okay?"
Haruki forced a smile. "W-wow… that'll be amazing.
After finishing lunch, they went back to work.
Later that night, on their way home, Hina was completely worn out. Her steps faltered and Haruki scolded "Didn't I tell you to rest at home? But you never listen.
"I'm fine," Hina tried to assure him.
But she could barely walk so she slipped her hand into his "I'm just tired Don't worry.
The moment her fingers intertwined with his, Haruki felt a jolt of electricity run through his body. He blushed, whispering, "H-Hina… you're holding my hand.
"Yeah so? Do you have a problem with that?she teased.
"No… not at all.
She tightened her grip, pulling closer until her chest pressed lightly against his arm. Haruki's face burned, his breath caught, but he couldn't say a word.
When they reached her street she finally let go, and Haruki sighed in relief.
"I'll go from here, Hina said.
But her legs wobbled again. Haruki frowned. "Can you really walk like this?
"Don't worry I'll manage,she insisted.
Haruki shook his head, then suddenly crouched down in front of her"Get on. I'll carry you.
"What? No way!" she snapped.
"Don't argue. Just get on.
"I'm too heavy for you.Hina is trying to understand this But Haruki laughs at what she's says "Yeah, right. I know exactly how heavy you are.
"I've put on weight, you know," Hina pouted, turning her face away as she said
"Doesn't matter. Get on before it gets late."
Reluctantly Hina climbed onto his back. "You're so stubborn…
"Really?" Haruki smirked.
Hina rested her head on Haruki's shoulder. He figured she must've been tired and had finally gone quiet. But then, her hand slipped onto his chest. Haruki didn't pay much attention—until she suddenly pressed against him.
A little flustered, he whispered, "H-Hina…"
She didn't respond. Her breathing was steady, her eyes closed—she had fallen asleep. She's… actually asleep? Haruki thought in disbelief.
Carefully, he tried to move her hand away, but Hina instinctively gripped him tighter, pressing against his chest again. Haruki groaned inwardly. Do girls really do this kind of thing in their sleep?
By the time they reached her house, Haruki gave up and gently shook her. "Hina, wake up—we're here,She rubbed her eyes and slid off his back. "Sorry… I must've dozed off.
Haruki smiled awkwardly. "It's fine.
At the door, she turned and said softly, "Thanks for bringing me home. Want to come in?
Haruki's heart skipped. He shook his head nervously. "Not tonight Maybe another time."
Hina pouted, stepping closer "You talk like it's your first time coming here."
But Haruki, terrified she might tease him further, quickly excused himself "I really should go. Good night!"
She watched him leave, disappointment clouding her eyes"Fine… take care," she said quietly.
Then, glancing down at her chest, she muttered under her breath, "Mine aren't as firm as his…"
Which could only mean one thing—
She hadn't been asleep at all. She was pretending.
To be continued…