Chirp, chirp.
(So cute...)
The sound of birds chirping and the subtle stirrings of the inn as it wakes up fill the air. As the morning light filters into the room, I wake up before Hisui-san and take my time admiring his sleeping face.
Now that I know he won't get mad at me no matter what I do, I can enjoy this close proximity with peace of mind.
His unexpectedly long eyelashes, his lips that look alluring even without any makeup, the faint outline of his Adam's apple, and the well-defined collarbones—everything about him is captivating.
The sheer fact that I get to have this defenseless version of Hisui-san all to myself fills me with an undeniable sense of satisfaction.
(So this is why Misago gets so smug about it...)
(A hundred tales don't compare to one sight, and a hundred sights don't compare to firsthand experience.)
The thought crosses my mind, and I instinctively reach for my phone beside my pillow. I notice a few message notifications, but they can wait—I have something more important to do.
I quietly activate the camera and take a snapshot.
Just in case, I had already turned off the shutter sound. No need to worry about waking him up.
Even though the room is still a bit dim, and the subject is quite close, modern camera technology is more than up to the task. Thank you, technology.
As I press the shutter, I can't help but grin.
It seems like a waste for this adorable, unguarded sleeping face to be a privilege only I can enjoy.
Wait… now that I think about it, I can hug him, and he won't get mad, right?
I no longer have any hesitation about closing the distance.
With utmost care and all my focus, I move.
A gentle touch.
A soft embrace.
Even though he's a bit smaller than me, his presence is unmistakable and deeply reassuring. Just this—just this alone—feels like enough to keep me alive.
I can't stop myself from grinning.
This is so nice.
Misago had told me, "If you're going to do it, you absolutely have to cuddle up to him and enjoy it until he wakes up!" And now, I completely understand her reasoning. What a great little sister.
Misago and I go way back, after all…
As memories resurface, I recall how we grew up together—practically family. When Misago was still in her mother's womb, our hometown had a major shift in leadership. The man sent by the government to take over resented the presence of his predecessor's children.
I still remember how, on the day he arrived, he casually kicked baby Suzume aside with his foot, calling her a nuisance. When Misago's pregnant mother, Tsugumi-san, reprimanded him, he kicked her too.
At the time, I was just a kid, but I tried to intervene—and got kicked for my trouble. I hit something hard, cut my mouth, and lost a baby tooth.
Tsugumi-san, despite being injured, didn't hesitate. Furious, she lashed out, kicked him out of the house, and handed him a letter of divorce.
The whole thing turned into a legal battle, but in the end, Tsugumi-san's actions were justified, and the court ruled in her favor.
After that incident, the government stopped trying to send men to our region, but the damage was done—our town was slowly declining.
And maybe, in part because of that whole ordeal, I always felt a little out of place.
So when a military recruiter visited our school, I didn't think twice about following them. One thing led to another, and here I am.
Meanwhile, Misago saw me as an older sister figure and always looked up to me. And now, thanks to that bond, I get to experience this incredible moment.
(Is it really okay for me to be this happy...?)
As I gaze at Hisui-san's peaceful sleeping face from up close, I can't stop myself from whispering softly.
"I love you."
And then, just barely, I brush my lips against his.
I want to do more.
But I shouldn't wake him.
There'll be plenty of time for that later.
As I bask in the bliss of this quiet morning, my phone vibrates with a new notification. Right—silent mode must have ended.
This is around the time I usually wake up, anyway.
Careful not to disturb Hisui-san, I stretch my arm and pick up my phone.
Misago: How was it?
Hachikuma: It was perfect. Thank you so much.
I attach the picture I just took.
Misago: If you had the presence of mind to take a photo, you must've handled it well.
Hachikuma: No, I was barely holding it together.
Last night had been overwhelming.
The sheer urge to hold him, to kiss him, to be held by him—it was all-consuming. And when he finally took me in, when he held me close, when he kissed me over and over… My whole body trembled with every touch, every embrace.
And then, in the end, he poured everything inside me.
I couldn't think.
I just felt.
Wrapped in warmth and happiness, we both drifted off to sleep.
As I recall the events of a few hours ago, my face grows hot.
(Did that count as doing it properly...?)
I feel like I was just completely swept along…
As a woman, I wanted to handle it more smoothly. This wasn't anything like the first-time scenarios I had imagined.
But he gave me so much. That alone should be enough. Yes, let's say it's fine. Subjectively. Tentatively.
Still, my sisters will definitely pry for details, so I should come up with a good narrative...
Anyway, what are the rest of my notifications?
…
…
Chomp
"Hyah?!"
A sudden sensation makes me yelp and arch my back.
Hisui-san had latched onto my chest.
This novel has been lovingly translated by https://www.patreon.com/Jenuinez_translation