CH 35

Snow was falling.

It’s December.

“Hiyori, you sure you’re not getting cold?”

I mumbled to myself thinking about her, who was not in the room. At that moment, I received a LINE. It was from Ebina.

[Hiyo-tan, you’re too cute~! ]

With such a message, a picture of Ebina hugging Hiyori tightly was attached.

“Keep it in moderation, okay? She’s my Hiyori.”

I responded with a slightly exaggerated message. Then, another reply came soon after.

[Hiyo-tan is getting embarrassed seeing your LINE, Hidetsugu♡]

There was another photo. Sure enough, Hiyori’s cheeks were flushed as if she was embarrassed, but she was looking up at the camera. That made me giggle.

“I can’t wait to see you. ……”

Hiyori was currently staying at Ebina’s apartment. The reason for this was ….Christmas.

Hiyori said she would make a present for me. It was her way of keeping it a surprise for me to look forward to on the day of the event.

I was looking forward to Christmas.

******

Then, the day arrived.

I was in front of the giant tree in front of the station where I was supposed to meet Hiyori. Many couples were already standing around the tree, cuddling up to each other and looking at each other. Seeing such a scene, I thought to myself, “I can’t wait to see her.”

I’ve totally become obsessed with her.

“…H-Hidetsugu-san”

I turned around at the sound of her voice, which I hadn’t heard in a long time.

“Hiyori …”

There she was, more dolled up than usual.

“…So cute, even more so today.”

“R-really? Shoko-chan helped me…”

“I see.”

I smiled and patted her head, and she smiled shyly at me.

“Then let’s go, I’ve already made a reservation at a restaurant. “

“Yes, Hidetsugu-san”

Hiyori was somewhat fidgety as she said that. So I held out my arm to her. Hiyori smiled happily and hugged me tightly.

And then we started walking through Christmas night together.

******

I was a little nervous because it was my first time going to the restaurant where we made a reservation. I was a little nervous, but just by having a casual conversation with Hiyori, each moment turned into a treasure.

“This is delicious, Hiyori.”

“Yes, Hidetsugu-san.”

Time flies when you’re having fun. With our stomachs and hearts full, Hiyori and I left the restaurant.

“…I feel like I’m dreaming.”

Hiyori said,

“I never thought I’d get to spend … Christmas with someone I love like this,….it’s my first time”

“Me too, Hiyori.”

I smiled and Hiyori smiled back.

“U-Um, Hidetsugu-san.”

“Hmm?”

Hiyori was holding something behind her back and fidgeting.

“Y-Your Christmas present…”

I accepted the paper bag she offered me.

“Thank you, Hiyori. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time. May I open it?”

“G-Go ahead.”

Hiyori said shyly. I opened the paper bag nervously.

“Ah, …. muffler.”

I said and Hiyori nodded.

“T-This might be ordinary…”

“What are you talking about, Hiyori? To be able to make such a wonderful muffler…it’s amazing. Thank you.”

I smiled and Hiyori smiled as if she was relieved.

“Is it okay If I wrap it around me right away?”

“Ah”

“What’s wrong?”

“I-I want to share it with you.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Hiyori’s cute words.

“Then, please.”

I handed Hiyori the muffler and bent down. Hiyori wrapped it around my neck.

“…How is it? Suits me?”

“Y-yes…you look lovely.”

“I-Idiot, it’s embarrassing.”

I looked away.

“…Thank you, Hiyori. I’m very happy.”

“I’m happy too”

“Well, can I give you my present, too?”

“Eh?”

I smiled at Hiyori, who widened her eyes, and took out a small box from my pocket and popped it open.

“…A Ring.”

“Yeah. It’s not that expensive, but… it’s enough for two people.”

“T-then, with Hidetsugu-san…”

“Can you wait until I give you the real thing?”

I said, and Hiyori had tears in the corner of her eyes.

“I will wait forever”

I hugged Hiyori, who smiled with tears in her eyes.

“……I have made another reservation.”

“Huh?”

“… Hotel.”

“Ah, …, yes.”

*****

Since we started dating, Hiyori and I have done it a few times. But today, more than ever, I felt … our feelings for each other rising.

“… Hiyori, are you okay?”

“… yes. It was really… good.”

“…… I-I see.”

Hiyori hugged me tightly under the covers.

“Ah..”

“What’s wrong?”

“Koshiba told you before, but … Certainly, you’ve grown up.”

“Hidetsugu-san no ecchi…”

“I-I’m sorry …, but I’m a guy too. I look at the girl I like that way, too.”

“T-then… can you look at me with more naughty eyes?”

“Hi-Hiyori ….”

We gazed at each other and kissed.

“When I am …. held by your strong body, I feel … very excited. Even when we are connected,…. Kya.”

“I-I’m embarrassed, so don’t say too much.”

“M-My bad…”

We both blushed.

“Ah, that’s right. Hiyori, at the end of the year, ….would you like to come with me to my parents’ house?”

“What?”

“Look, I met Hiyori’s family before, so this time…?”

When I said that,

“…I’d like to meet your family, Hidetsugu-san”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“Well, then, may I introduce … you as my wife?”

“Hauuu~~~”

Hiyori held her bright red cheeks and shook her head in agony.

“….P-Please”

“Thank you, Hiyori.”

Then Hiyori and I gently hugged each other.

(T/N: The Single after story chapter left might take a while as busy with RL)