While Kato Hiromi's head and heart were at war, Rei Ao didn't push her. He just watched quietly—his gaze deep, as if it could see through every bit of her hesitation and struggle. It felt like silent encouragement, and also an irresistible pull.
Before reason could fully take over, Hiromi heard her own voice—slightly trembling yet clear—say, "S-sure…"
The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted it.
Oh God! What did I just say? Did I actually agree to go on a date with my little sister's boyfriend?! Kato Hiromi, are you crazy?!
She opened her mouth to explain it was a mistake—that she was just joking—but before she could find the words, Rei Ao reached out. His warm, dry palm naturally closed around her hand, which had gone a little cool from nerves. The gesture was gentle, yet decisive.
"Then let's go," he said with a small smile, and led her into the bustling night crowd.
The warmth of his hand shot through her like a current, wiping out any thought of resisting. She felt like a marionette who'd lost the ability to think—face burning, head down—letting him lead her toward a date that terrified her and thrilled her in equal measure.
…
The next few hours felt like a beautiful, unreal dream.
Rei Ao was the perfect boyfriend, planning every step with care. He took her through a lively night market to try all kinds of snacks, handing her a drink right on cue when the spice got to her.
He walked with her along a quiet seaside promenade, listening to the waves, letting the faintly salty wind brush past them. Their talk was light and unimportant, but the warmth of it was intoxicating.
They ended up at a midnight screening of a light, romantic comedy. The theater was dim, but Hiromi couldn't focus on the screen at all.
Every sense she had was filled by the man beside her. He was still holding her hand—at some point their fingers had laced together—and the heat from his palm kept flowing into her until her entire arm tingled.
She could catch his clean, crisp scent, blending with the sweetness of popcorn into something uniquely dizzying.
She kept her head down, cheeks blazing, too afraid to look at him, terrified she'd faint from embarrassment if their eyes met. And yet, somewhere deep inside, a quiet happiness rose like a tide and wrapped her up.
She greedily savored this stolen time and selfishly wished the movie would never end, that the night would go on forever.
When the movie finally ended and the lights came up, they drifted out with the crowd. It was already eleven. The night air was cooler, but Rei Ao still held her hand tightly—fingers interlaced, close as can be.
She walked with her head lowered, looking at their joined hands, already dreading the moment they'd have to part.
Rei Ao stopped. Hiromi stopped too and lifted her head, puzzled. He was facing her, leaning in slightly, his handsome face gentled by the soft glow of a streetlamp. He looked into her eyes and asked in a low, velvety voice, "Hiromi, how was our date? Did you have a good time?"
Her heart skipped a beat. Under that focused gaze, it fluttered madly. She ducked her eyes and answered in a small but sincere voice, "Mm… yes. I was really happy—so, so happy."
It was the truth—the most exciting, happiest night of her life.
Then, the next second, his face seemed to draw a little closer.
!!!
That angle, that posture—just like the moment before the lead in a drama kisses the heroine!
Hiromi's mind exploded. The battle between reason and desire flared up again.
Is he going to kiss me? Is Rei Ao going to kiss me? What do I do? Close my eyes? Push him away? But… but… I want it so badly…
Tension and anticipation hit a breaking point, and her body moved before her brain could. She shut her eyes and tilted up her pale neck ever so slightly. Her long lashes trembled from nerves, as if awaiting the kiss about to fall.
Seconds stretched—and the expected softness didn't land on her lips.
…
Instead, a warm breath carrying his familiar, clean scent brushed against the sensitive shell of her ear. It tickled and tingled, making her shiver.
Then his voice—lowered, seductive, devilishly soft—slipped into her ear: "So, Hiromi… want to try the last activity on tonight's date?"
!!!
Realizing he'd leaned in not to kiss her—and that she was standing there in a mortifying "please kiss me" pose—Hiromi went rigid.
A wave of shame crashed over her like a tsunami. What a misunderstanding! So embarrassing! She wanted to sink through the floor.
Her mind blanked out completely. Faced with his suggestive, tempting invitation in that short-circuited state, she could only obey her body—or maybe the truest desire in her heart. Barely audibly, like sleep-talking, she nodded and whispered, "O-okay…"
She never noticed the slight curve at the corner of Rei Ao's lips in that instant—a satisfied, faintly wicked smile, like a plan falling neatly into place.