( first kiss arc end )
Hina brought Haruki back to his house, since he could barely walk on his own. Both of them were in a terrible state. She helped him lie down on his bed and quickly began searching.
"Haruki where's the medicine box? she asked, looking around frantically.
When he tried to get up, she stopped him"Just tell me where it is I'll bring it."
"In the kitchen, Haruki muttered.
Hina rushed to the kitchen found the medicine box and came back. Sitting beside him she said softly"Give me your hand, I'll strip your wounds.
As she helped him sit up Haruki whispered"No… before that, I need to take a bath.
Hina set the box aside and nodded "Fine Then I'll get dinner ready while you do that.
He tried to walk toward the bathroom but staggered Concern flashed in her eyes"Should I help you?
Shaking his head Haruki closed the bathroom door behind him"No, I'll manage.
Inside the shower water ran down his body, washing away the blood. Slowly beneath the mess of dirt and wounds his real face began to show again the sharp lines of his jaw, the marks of battle and the deep cuts scattered across his body.
Meanwhile in the kitchen Hina stirred pots with trembling hands Her thoughts wouldn't stop racing.
Because of me, Haruki almost lost his life today. Maybe I really am a curse for him ever since we met, trouble keeps following him.
Her breath caught. But wait… who was it that saved us today? Or… did those men…
Fear crept back into her chest. She hurried into Haruki's room pulled off her clothes, and stood before the mirror, scanning every inch of herself.
Her heart hammered There were only scratches marks from falling. No bruises no torn skin no evidence of being forced. She let out a shaky breath. It doesn't look like they touched me.
But another thought stabbed her chest. If something did happen… I wouldn't be a virgin anymore. What if Haruki pulls away from me? The fear was heavy, suffocating. Then she shook her head, almost scolding herself.
No… what am I thinking? Nothing happened. And even if it had… Haruki would never leave me for that.
Still, her voice faltered as she whispered it betraying the fear she carried.
Just then, the bathroom door creaked open. Haruki stepped out. Hina panicked, hurriedly pulled on her clothes, and turned only to freeze.
His upper body was bare, water still dripping down, his tall frame casting a shadow. His muscles shifted with each step, his hair damp and falling across his forehead—he looked like someone pulled straight out of a dream.
Hina's breath caught. In her eyes, there was no one in the world more handsome than him. But when her gaze dropped lower, color flooded her face.
She screamed, spinning around.
Startled, Haruki asked"What's wrong? Why are you yelling?
Covering her face with both hands, Hina stammered"Y-you're not wearing any clothes!
Glancing down Haruki realized she was right. With an awkward laugh he rushed back into the bathroom returning a moment later with clothes on. He scratched his head, embarrassed"I'm sorry… I forgot you were here.
Still blushing, Hina peeked at him. He reassured her"You can open your eyes now. I'm dressed.
She lowered her hands and looked at him. Haruki bowed his head slightly"Sorry again I should've been more careful.
But she shook her head quickly. "No, no—it's my fault too. I shouldn't have barged in like that.
Trying to lighten the moment Haruki asked"So… is dinner ready?
Just then both of them smelled something burning.
"The soup!" Hina cried, sprinting to the kitchen. She turned off the stove just in time. "Thank goodness it didn't burn completely.
Haruki rubbing his damp hair with a towel, teased"Why don't you take a shower before dinner? You'll feel less tired. I even heated water for you.
Taking the towel from him, she nodded shyly"Alright.
In the bathroom, she slowly undressed, her curves glowing under the dim light, her figure breathtaking even to her own eyes. Slipping into the tub, the warm water eased her sore body.
Meanwhile, Haruki curiously tasted the soup. The moment it hit his tongue, his face twisted. Steam practically shot out of his ears"This girl… she eats this spicy every day? No wonder she's always so fiery!
He quickly added vegetables and salt, trying to tone it down. After a few minutes, he tasted again and smiled proudly"Wow… this is amazing. I'm a genius—" He stopped mid-sentence when his eyes fell on Hina entering the room.
She was wearing an oversized shirt—his shirt. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders as she tried drying it with a towel.
"You don't have a hairdryer?" she asked.
"Yeah but it's broken" he said, watching her too intently.
By the time they sat at the table, Haruki had set everything neatly. Both pressed their hands together politely. "Thanks for the food."
But the moment Hina took a bite, she paused"This isn't how I made it. This tastes like the way you cook.
Haruki froze, worried she was upset "I—I just added some vegetables and salt. I don't like too much spice, so I changed it a little. But that doesn't mean your cooking isn't good! Really you cook great! I just
She said nothing, simply staring at him. He panicked, resting his head on the table. "I swear, your cooking is amazing. If you're mad, I'm really sorry.
That made her laugh softly. "No, I'm not mad. I was just… tasting it properly.
Relief washed over him.
Later, as Haruki lay down shirtless Hina carefully applied medicine to his wounds. But her gaze kept drifting, lingering on his toned muscles.
She whispered, almost in awe"Is this body really him? I can't believe it… not even a supermodel's body looks like this.
Lost in her excitement, she squeezed his arm a bit too hard.
"Ahhh!" Haruki yelped.
Startled, she pulled her hands away "Sorry!
He chuckled through the pain"It's fine.
Gently, she bandaged his deeper cuts"So when did you build such a body?
Haruki thought for a moment"I don't know.
"What do you mean?" she frowned.
"I've been exercising daily for four years now. So I can't tell exactly when it happened.
She smiled, shaking her head. Then her voice dropped nervously. "Can I ask you something? Promise you'll answer honestly.
"Of course. Why would I lie?"
Her lips trembled "Those men… did they… did they do anything to me?
Before she could even finish, Haruki cut her off. His eyes blazed with determination. "No. Nothing like that happened. I would give my life before letting anyone wrong with you
Tears welled in her eyes "So… I'm still…virgin?"
"Yes,he said firmly, cupping her cheek with his injured hand "As long as I'm here, nothing will ever happen to you.
Hina kissed his hand, pressing it against her face. Their eyes locked Haruki's thumb stroked her cheek, and she misunderstood the gesture—her heart leapt.
In a rush, she climbed onto his lap. For a second, his breath stopped—but then pain seared through him "Ahhh! M-mother—!" he groaned, clutching his stomach.
Panicked, Hina scrambled off. "What happened?! Are you okay?"
He writhed in pain until she shoved a painkiller and water into his hands. Slowly, the pain eased.
"I'm sorry,she whispered guiltily.
Smiling weakly, he teased, "But… why were you sitting on me like that?"
Flushed, she quickly lied "When I was little and scared, I used to lie on my dad's chest like that… it makes me feel safe. So… I just…
Haruki stared at her quietly, making her nervous "I'm sorry!" she blurted.
But instead of scolding, he pulled her gently against his chest"Then do this instead.
Hina blinked in surprise "Doesn't it hurt?"
He laughed"No. Not here.
Resting her head on him, she finally relaxed. "Thank you… if it wasn't for you today, I don't know what would've happened to me.
"Forget it,he murmured, brushing her hair back. "Pretend like it never happened. And don't tell anyone, except maybe a few close friends.
"I won't," she promised, hugging him.
In his heart, Haruki thought, This crazy girl she was willing to face all those men just for someone like me.
Just then, Hina tilted her chin onto his chest, teasing"By the way you actually look more handsome without clothes.
Color crept into his cheeks. She laughed, her smile radiant—like sunlight piercing through a storm. He was lost in it, pulled toward her like gravity.
Haruki cupped her face and leaned in. Their lips brushed, then deepened into a kiss.
At first, it was soft. But soon their emotions ignited, the kiss turning heated. Hina slid closer, lying beside him, arms wrapping around his neck. He held her tightly, pulling her against him.
Their breaths mingled, their lips crashing again and again. Haruki's hands fumbled at her shirt buttons, his touch sparking fire across her skin. When her shirt loosened, the sight of her bare skin made his mind spin.
He kissed down her neck trailing lower until pain stabbed his stomach again. His body jerked, pulling him out of the haze.
Hina gasped guilt flickering across her eyes. She quickly buttoned up, and silence fell between them.
"I'm sorry," Haruki whispered, voice heavy "I didn't mean for this to happen…
"It's okay, she said softly.
But he shook his head, almost rambling"No… if you don't believe me, then… you can punish me however you want even take my head if you want.
Her eyes flared with anger. She punched him lightly on the head "Idiot! I told you, it's fine. I trust you.
He looked up nervously "You're really not mad?
She sighed, laying out bedding on the floor"It's both our fault. We should've been more careful.
Haruki frowned"But why are you making a bed down there? Sleep on the bed.
"No, you take the bed,she insisted.
But stubborn as ever, he scooped her into his arms and laid her on the bed"You're not winning this one.
Blushing, she pouted "Stubborn.
He chuckled, smoothing her frown"And what am I, then?"
"You never listen to me,she teased, adjusting his bandage.
He laughed"I listen sometimes… but how am I supposed to listen all the time?"
Despite her fake sulk, warmth bloomed in her chest. She smiled secretly, only to hide her face when he caught her.
"Did you know?" Haruki asked suddenly "My grandpa used to say I'm just as stubborn as my mom. Do you think so too?"
Hina smirked. "He was right. But he forgot to add one thing.
"What?" he asked, curious.
"That you're also a complete idiot. She burst into laughter.
"I'm very smart, okay?" Haruki grumbled, sulking.
Her laughter softened. Then her voice dropped, more vulnerable. "When my mom left… I pulled away from everyone. Except Miko and Kamo, I didn't talk to anyone. I thought I was truly alone.
"Really?" he murmured, eyelids heavy.
"But now…" she smiled faintly, "I don't feel that way anymore. You know why?"
She turned only to find Haruki already fast asleep, snoring softly.
"Haruki? You fell asleep already?" she pouted, leaning over him. "How can you sleep so easily?"
But seeing his peaceful face, exhaustion written all over him, her annoyance melted. She stroked his hair gently, whispering "I still have so much to tell you…
Unable to resist, she tugged his cheek playfully"Even when you sleep, you look too handsome My eyes just don't want to look away I could stare at you forever.
He shivered slightly, curling up from the cold. Hina tucked the blanket over him and smiled"You fool. Do you really think you're the only one who kissed tonight?
Her own eyes grew heavy with sleep. She yawned, kissed his forehead softly, and whispered "Good night, my stupid Haruki.
Curling beside him, she drifted off.
To be continued… 👀