"Alright, let's give it a try."
Unlike Misago, whom I had faced earlier, Hachikuma-san didn't make the first move. So, I decided to close the distance myself.
Even in the dimly lit room, I could see the surprise in Hachikuma-san's widened eyes. Outside, the faint glow of dawn was beginning to creep in, casting just enough light for us to see without turning on the lamps.
I reached around the back of Hachikuma-san's head, gently embracing from behind before leaning in for a kiss.
I could hear the unsteady breathing from the other side—was it excitement, or perhaps a lack of air? Someone once said that the feeling of breathlessness and nervous excitement could be indistinguishable. That thought surfaced in my mind as I deepened the moment.
Simply put, I wondered—if I pushed just to the edge, would the feelings grow stronger?
That said, I had no intention of taking things to an extreme. I wanted this to be affectionate, not aggressive.
"Kissing... is really something," Hachikuma-san murmured between breaths, trying to steady them.
"It's nice, isn't it?" I replied with a smile.
For someone experienced, breathing through the nose comes naturally. But Hachikuma-san, seemingly unaccustomed, had gotten a bit lightheaded.
Now then, who's leading here?
Is it the lighter one? Or the one with more stamina?
Well, I suppose there's no need to overthink it. Just go with the flow.
With that in mind, I leaned in again, this time for a gentler kiss.
A small gasp escaped as our lips met again.
The room was filled only with the sound of our quiet breaths and the faint rustling of movement.
The warmth between us was almost overwhelming.
"You can place your hands however you like," I encouraged.
Hachikuma-san hesitated, hands hovering before pulling back. If they were going to make a move, it was better to commit.
"It might be too much," she mumbled.
"If that's the case, I don't mind," I reassured with a smile. "Just be mindful, okay?"
With cautious movements, Hachikuma-san finally reached out.
"Does it hurt?"
"Not particularly," I answered.
It was a little restrictive, but nothing unbearable.
I could feel everything—Hachikuma-san's heartbeat, their breathing, the warmth of their presence. It was oddly comforting.
"Take your time," I said.
"Okay..."
Feeling a little guilty about hesitating, they leaned in once more. And so, our quiet moment continued.
By the time we finally pulled away, we were both breathless.
"That was..." Hachikuma-san murmured.
I chuckled softly. "A bit much?"
The tension faded as we exchanged amused smiles.
Outside, the sky had brightened. Birds chirped, signaling the arrival of morning.
"What time is it?" I asked, too drained to check myself.
"Five in the morning. Should we get up?"
"Not happening. I'm going back to sleep."
I let myself sink into the bedding, my body completely relaxed.
Just before I drifted off, I heard a soft whisper.
"Thank you for today..."
A light kiss followed, and with that warmth lingering, sleep took over.
Because of our odd sleep schedule, we ended up sleeping until midday.
This novel has been lovingly translated by https://www.patreon.com/Jenuinez_translation