After all sorts of twists and turns, we finally made it to a safe zone—just barely. I managed to get him down safely and collapsed into the grass for a breather. At the edge of my vision, I could see the rough waves swallowing the path we had just walked.
Scary, scary...
Huff, huff, huff...
I tried desperately to catch my breath. My whole body was burning up. I even felt like stripping off my clothes, but there were people around. Would this person forgive me if I did something like that?
I started thinking these silly thoughts.
And just as one problem ended, another one arose. I realized the next hurdle: what should I even talk about? It wasn't a life-or-death situation like before, but it still felt crucial.
By the way, I just noticed—he's really good-looking.
When I was helping him down, I caught a glimpse of his face, and it was almost blinding.
I know it sounds like a virgin's delusion, but just that one glance made my heart race, my face turn bright red, and I realized I wasn't wearing any makeup. I was completely exposed.
I tried my best not to look at him and even hid my face to avoid showing my pitiful expression.
I regretted not wearing bigger, darker polarized sunglasses. With those, my gaze wouldn't be so obvious, and I could hide my face. They would've been perfect.
But I had chosen small, thin sunglasses, thinking that darker ones would make it harder to spot jade. Now, my gaze was totally exposed.
While I was lost in these silly thoughts, I desperately searched for something to talk about.
The weather? Too cliché.
"You're handsome?" Sounds like a bad pickup line.
I need to improve my vocabulary!
"Thank you, you saved me."
While I was still struggling, those words came out of his mouth.
I felt relieved inside—he was more polite than I expected. Well, actually, he had been polite even when I was carrying him, but I had only been looking at his feet and only remembered the warmth of the parts I was touching. My mind was elsewhere.
"No, no, it was nothing."
I waved my hand, avoiding eye contact to hide my embarrassment. Then I realized—this is such a virgin move...
I screamed internally. If he runs away, I'll be in trouble. There's no way there'll be a next time. Men are way too scarce here. If I let him go, I'll be tossing and turning in bed tonight, haunted by flashbacks of my virginity.
…
...
...…
Huff, huff, huff...
I gave it my all, using every bit of vocabulary I had to convince him to stay with me. I don't even remember what I said.
"Alright, I'll take you up on your offer."
(Yes!)
I jumped for joy inside.
"By the way, what's your name?"
"Misago. Umino Misago."
"Got it. Nice to meet you, Misago-san."
As he said that, he reached out his hand.
Wait, should I grab it? It's okay, right? Yay!
Without hesitation, I grabbed it firmly, pulling him closer.
(Don't be so desperate!)
I scolded myself internally, but I didn't want to let go of his hand. I savored the feel of it—it was rougher than I expected, with calluses. It was the hand of someone who worked hard. He's definitely a good person!
Even if people laugh at me for being a delusional virgin, I don't care!
Taking advantage of the fact that he didn't pull away, I held onto his hand and hugged him.
This feels nice... so boyish... and warm...
Even though it wasn't cold, I felt strangely moved.
"Um, what's your name...?"
I couldn't let this opportunity slip, so I waited for his answer, but he kept tilting his head and looking in random directions, acting suspicious.
"Uh… I can't seem to remember my name?"
He gave a troubled smile, and for some reason, it made my heart flutter.
"What should I call you?"
That's a bit too much...
"Uh, how about just 'Umino Mokuzu'?"
It was a half-hearted, random name. More self-deprecating than I expected. He's using my last name—does that mean we're practically married?!
I started overthinking and my ears turned bright red. I knew there was no deep meaning behind it, but if I didn't say anything, it could become official. So, in my mental strategy meeting, I decided to let it slide.
It's like he's mine because I was the first to find him?
But...
"Mokuzu is no good!"
He's definitely not worthless. What's the most valuable thing around here...?
"How about 'Hisui' (Jade)!"
That's the most valuable tourist resource around here. I couldn't think of anything better.
"Alright, then. Please call me that."
He gave a wry smile and agreed. It seemed like a decent evaluation, so I felt relieved.
"Im not that valuable, though..."
He looked genuinely confused.
"It's valuable to me, so it's fine!"
I affirmed strongly. Was I being too forward?
"Well, I'll do my best, then."
He smiled wryly.
---