Rei was shifting in the sleep. The room was dim, silent — until a faint glow pierced the darkness. Rei stirred in his sleep, blinking through the blur, only to spot Yuzuki sitting with a flashlight, reading. His eyes widened. She was reading his secret book. He instantly shot up, rushed over, and snatched it from her hands.
"So you were after my secret book…"
The small torch dropped from Yuzuki's hand as she froze. She was looking down, clenching her pajamas, shaking. Rei found this unusual. Her face was hidden behind her hair.
When Rei slowly leaned in to see, her eyes were welled up—and tears began to fall. Rei quickly stepped back. Seeing her like this made his mind go blank. Yuzuki looked him in the eye and said in a sobbing voice
"So you do hate me…
I liked you too, you know.
I just wanted you to try. I was… I was playing hard to get…"
Rei stood stunned—confused—his face softening. Yuzuki took a step closer, wiping her tears, trying to hold it in, but she broke down.
She rushed forward, stopping just an inch away from Rei. She burst into tears again, hitting his chest gently with her fists again and again, asking desperately.
"Why do you hate me?!
I didn't know those cookies didn't have sugar…
I made them just for you....
Rei stood there, just taking everything in. Rei wondered if he was wrong about her this whole time. She stopped hitting; her fists rested on his chest. Before Rei could say anything.
"And now you like someone else?
I hate… I hate this…"
Rei was in a panic. He had to say something. Suddenly, he pulled her into a tight hug. She gasped; it was a tight hug, and her arms were stuck.
Before she could react, he made the hug even tighter, to the point where he was lifting her. He closed his eyes and let out whatever came to his mind.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm dumb — I overthink everything.
But this… this won't happen again. I promise."
She was touched by his words but didn't forget everything yet. She continued in a low voice.
"But… you like someone else."
"I'll forget her. I don't even know her. I only saw her once.
Compared to you… she's nothing."
Rei was just hoping that he could go through this. However, Yuzuki was doubting. They both didn't move for a few moments, just Rei tightly holding her. Until she broke the silence.
"Really...? I don't believe you. That's a lie."
Her tears stopped, but her eyes still shimmered. Rei took a deep breath and said.
"Its true. I swear. What can I do to prove it? Should I burn the book?"
"That won't mean anything…There's one thing you can do."
She looked down, flustered, still in many doubts. While Rei was in his own world, regretting that he had misunderstood her.
She's so cute when she's like this… Every girl has her own charm. It's hard to choose—wait, what am I even thinking?!
I'm just a boy and a dumb one.
"Tell me. Whatever it is."
Yuzuki thought for a second. A faint blush appeared on her face; she was hesitant. But she had to say it.
"….....Kiss me. On the lips."
Rei finally let go of the hug out of pure shock. Blushing all over, he nearly lost his balance.
"WHAT?!"
Yuzuki was clearly embarrassed as well for asking. She covered her face and turn to the other side.
"Make it long… like you mean it."
As Rei listened, he imagined all kinds of ways this could end up. Partially red all over, he fell to the floor; he couldn't hold his mind.
Long… huh?
When did winter fade? Why is it suddenly so hot…
"…..While hugging me. Like you did. Got it?"
Hug… I can feel gravity increasing…
Both were too Embarassed to face each. Rei was struggling to stand after those words and she was trying not to turn. She continues.
"You know…... if we kiss, we'll be a couple."
Couple…?
Internally combusting, trying to stand, she was trying to make sense of it but only made things even more embarrassing. When she turned back.
"I knew it… it's too much...Why are you on the floor?"
Rei sharpens her face before saying anything or before anything that comes out of her mouth.
"I was looking for a wedding ring."
She was speechless, her face turning crimson, clenching her pajamas and looking aside.
A man should never reveal his feelings too soon.
IDIOT. Rei gathers up the strength and continues with confidence.
"I'll do it…"
She snaps at his words. She was scared inside, but it was too late now. He stepped forward. She flinched slightly but leaned in.
He held her — both trembling and blushing. Their eyes slowly closed. And then… they kissed..
Like she said — hug... long…
Rei:
"STOP!! Do you have to narrate the details?!"
You're just embarrassed~ Hahaha!
Rei:
"Kids — don't try this at home, okay?"
What kind of kid would read something like this?
Amways...
What happened after that?
Rei:
"After that we... "(falls silent)
Rei and Yuzuki share their first kiss. The world outside falls silent, as if time itself holds its breath. Rei lets her lead, frozen in the moment.
Do girls really smell this good...? Her lips are so soft.
Yuta once said his first kiss tasted like sushi.
But mine… it's cocoa. It's nothing like the movies.
Damn, I don't want this to end… but I really need to breathe.
Is she done?
She slowly pulls away, flushed and breathless, eyes avoiding his.
Silence for a few seconds. Rei asked in awkwardness.
"So… how was it?"
Her smile vanished. She looked at him with hate in her eyes. Her voice turned from sweet to bitter.
"Disgusting."
She wipes her lips. Rei stands frozen. Before he could process her, she continued as she laughed.
"What made you think Id ever like someone like you?
You just gave your first kiss to a girl you hate.
Now let me ask you—how was it?"
Rei couldn't believe what had just happened. It was a nightmare for him. She was very satisfied with the look on his face.
What...? Is this the same Yuzu I know?
Why is she... like this?
"I hate you. Even if you ever get a girlfriend, I'll ruin your reputation so badly you'll never keep one. Just like I did with your mom. She still thinks it's your fault, funny..."
She burst into anger, raising her voice and shouting at him while Rei listened. At that moment, he wished it was a dream, but he had to face it.
Suddenly, a knock at the door. Yuzuki stopped, a tear falling from her eye as she turned. She was scared for a second. Someone's voice came from outside.
"You two still awake?"
It's Rei's mom. She opened the door and saw Yuzuki's tear-stained face.
She instantly suspected that Rei was somehow involved. She turned to Rei in anger.
"Did you make her cry?! Rei!?"
Yuzuki is about to break down, but then Rei turns toward his mother. His face is pale, hollow, and lifeless. The room falls silent.
Seeing Rei like this, she rethought her judgment and softened her tone, gently asking.
"Rei... what happened here? "
Before Yuzuki can say anything. Rei calmly speaks without hesitation.
"I couldn't sleep. I was writing in my secret book.
Yuzu woke up and wanted to see what I was doing...
I got scared and... I dropped the flashlight on her."
He turns away, then suddenly hugs Yuzuki gently. Yuzuki wasn't able to understand; she couldn't react. Rei slowly whispered.
"You're not the only one who can act innocent..."
He steps back, picks up his pillow and blanket, and quietly leaves the room without saying a word.
"Sorry, Mom. I'm sleeping on the couch tonight."
Sae Ayanagi was concerned for both of them, but since Yuzuki was crying, she decided to prioritize her.
"Wait—are you hurt? Let me check..."
A few moments later, Rei lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling, eyes blank.
There was something peaceful about it, but not for long. Soon, his mind was full of questions.
Why did she say those things...? Why she hates me so much?
He remembered her kiss and then her wiping her lips. He covered his face with the pillow, trying not to think too much.
Fine. If this is a game to you, Yuzu... I won't show you any sympathy anymore.
He turned around and fell asleep soon after, knowing he wouldn't have any nightmares.