"…"
Taki's long, black lashes trembled slightly. Her eyes, which instinctively wanted to look away, remained fixed straight ahead through sheer force of will.
Compared to last time, Haru's confession now hit with a completely different weight. The confession he'd made back then in front of Takamatsu Tomori had been sudden, fleeting, almost dreamlike, a moment that vanished before it could take root and with Tomori standing nearby, Taki hadn't been able to respond.
But this time, Taki had prepared herself mentally. She faced the impact of this emotion, one meant solely for her, head-on.
"…Mm…"
Hit with such a direct and unfiltered declaration of love, Taki could only let out a soft, unintelligible whimper, her cheeks burning.
She'd never imagined herself falling in love. Now she felt like a startled cat whose scruff had been grabbed, her trembling left hand awkwardly clutched her right arm, her entire body so tense that sweat began to bead along her brow and the tip of her nose.
The once stern and cold expression she always wore had bloomed into something tender and radiant, like the first blossom of spring. So soft, so full of life, it almost didn't seem real.
Her whole body flushed with a delicate shade of pink, her damp, tousled hair clinging to the heat blooming behind her ears. Those deep violet eyes darted toward Haru, then away again the moment they met his gaze, as if unable to bear the contact.
This woman, so severe, so sharp-tongued and hot-tempered, had now transformed completely before Haru's eyes.
She was so adorably shy, it nearly overwhelmed him.
Luckily, Haru caught himself in time, shaking his head to clear away the tempting thoughts crowding his mind. Then, keeping his tone deliberately serious, he spoke again.
"Taki, don't tell me you're going to dodge this one again with a 'I'll think about it' or something like that?"
At that, Taki's eyes snapped open wide. Her tone turned sharp and defensive.
"Hah? Do you think I'm some wishy-washy idiot who can't be honest?!"
Aren't you?
Haru rolled his eyes in his head but wisely kept the thought to himself. Knowing full well what kind of person Taki was, he had no intention of saying it out loud.
Sure, she was straightforward especially when it came to work or social dealings. If there was a problem during band practice, Taki wouldn't hesitate to call it out. She had no qualms about offering blunt criticism, even if it was harsh.
Even when Anon was in a slump, Taki never held back.
But when it came to love, that honesty of hers suddenly vanished. When the feelings were her own, she could only bite her tongue and hold back.
"So, since you're not a 'wishy-washy idiot,' Taki-san, what's your answer to my confession?"
Haru watched the icy black-haired beauty across from him with a calm expression, simply waiting for her response.
Taki opened her mouth slightly, her eyes trembling.
Facing Haru's sincere and straightforward confession again, Taki was still like the purest of pure-hearted girls from nervous, flustered, completely unsure of what to do.
But even so, she knew she had to respond. She had to share her own feelings too. Taki didn't want Haru's emotions for her to be trampled on just because she hesitated or got shy.
No matter what, she had to take a step forward.
"…I like you too."
Her shoulders trembled as she lowered her head. Standing before Haru, she spoke in a soft, nearly inaudible voice.
Couldn't hear a word. You're trying to command a warship with a whisper?
Amused, Haru stared at Taki, her face bright red. He spoke in a slow, deliberately even tone.
"Sorry, your voice was too soft. I don't think I caught that."
At his words, Taki looked like an overcooked soufflé about to collapse. Her flushed face even seemed to be letting off steam.
But she took two careful steps closer, her voice slightly louder this time as she stammered:
"I said I… like you too."
Still can't—wait, okay, this time he heard it.
Haru thoroughly enjoyed watching this side of her, so shy and adorably awkward. He could watch her squirm like this a hundred times and never get bored.
In the silence of the room, even their breathing seemed amplified. Let alone Taki's bashful confession, now whispered right up close.
Even though he'd heard her loud and clear, Haru blinked and scratched his head, putting on a troubled face.
"I still don't think I heard you clearly. Can you say it a little louder, Taki?"
Taki clenched her fists. She glared up at him with those trembling eyes, but there was none of her usual sharpness or toughness. Just pure, flustered embarrassment.
Before Haru could even react, she lunged forward, grabbing him and shoving him straight down onto the bed.
Having confessed twice already, she tossed aside the last of her shame. Throwing herself on top of him, she pressed her lip-glossed lips close to his ear and, teeth clenched, released every ounce of pent-up frustration.
She shouted at the top of her lungs:
"I SAID I LIKE YOU!!!"
Why are you yelling like that?!
The entire M78 Nebula probably heard that.
Having finally screamed it out, Taki slumped over him, gasping for breath as if a heavy weight had been lifted. Then, realizing what she'd just done, she groaned and covered her head with her hands, visibly regretting not saying it earlier.
"Idiot… did you hear me that time?"
"Loud and clear."
Haru rubbed his ringing ears, grateful he hadn't gone too far with his teasing. He'd been tempted to joke, "Like who?" but wisely held back.
Teasing a tsundere was fun, but there was a limit as Taki could be scary when pushed too far.
As she started to relax, Taki quietly pressed her lips together. Her violet eyes, as clear as starlight, narrowed slightly. Maybe from shouting too hard, her lashes shimmered with a soft hint of moisture. The two of them simply stared into each other's eyes in silence.
"That's my answer. Are you satisfied now?"
"…Not really."
Haru raised his brows and gave a small shake of the head.
"Hah? Then what else do you want?"
"Did you only say 'We're already dating' to Soyo that night? Was that all?"
Nagasaki Soyo had repeated Taki's exact words back to him. So of course Haru knew what she'd really said. And Taki, who was lying on top of him now, couldn't possibly forget what she'd declared in her panic that night.
She had gone all-in to stop Soyo.
Taki knew she had to take responsibility for what she'd said.
"So it's just a kiss, right? What's the big deal?"
With a deep breath and her face burning crimson, Taki leaned in closer to Haru.
But after a brief pause, she froze, blushing harder than ever. Embarrassed, she gently bumped her forehead against his chest and muttered,
"This position's kind of awkward… Just sit up first, okay?"
What else could Haru do? He gave her a chance to save face.
And Taki, true to form, didn't disappoint. Once Haru sat up, she shyly settled next to him. Her face still red, she kept trying to scoot closer, but couldn't quite bring herself to close the distance.
It was both hilarious and adorable.
In the end, Haru smiled playfully and offered,
"Hey, I just remembered, shouldn't the guy be the one to take the lead in moments like this? Why don't you come sit over here instead?"
"…You've got a point."
Flushed and silent, Taki slowly shifted, then sat sideways right on his lap.
Haru: ???
Wait, hold on. Who said you could sit on me?
But Taki clearly didn't notice Haru's stunned look. She turned her face away, trying to wear her usual confident expression. But with her cheeks still bright red, she just looked soft and lovely.
Seeing Haru still motionless, she grew a little impatient and mumbled,
"Haru, what are you staring at? Hurry up already…"
That gruff little murmur made it sound like she was the one taking charge.
Haru could only chuckle faintly. Then, after a deep breath, he reached out, gently cupped her chin, and leaned in.
Her lips were unbelievably soft, subtly sweet. A faint, elegant fragrance filled his senses. If he paid close attention, he could even taste a lingering trace of coffee. It made him want more.
The sudden kiss made Taki's eyes fly wide. The dominant act stripped away her bravado in an instant, leaving only dazed violet eyes, accepting him with awkward innocence.
A moment later~
As a strand of warm moisture broke between them, Taki muttered against his chest, cheeks glowing:
"…That was… okay, I guess. Just average."
Even the sharpest tongue melts when kissed.
"But seriously, why are you so good at that?"
Haru's expression froze.
Well, that might be because he practiced kissing every day with Anon.
But there was no way he could admit that to Taki. So he quickly changed the subject.
"By the way… you said yes so suddenly. You're not going to regret it, are you?"
"Hah? Of course not!"
"But… I'm still having trouble getting used to Soyo, Anon, and the others. Being with other girls in the band, it just feels…"
For someone like Taki, who approached everything with such serious, structured intent, the messy dynamics of a rock band relationship were bound to be difficult.
Okay, but why is Tomori the only one she never complains about?
"So then, what are you going to do, Taki-san? There's still time to back out, you know."
"There's no way I could back out now! Even if I could… I never would!"
Taki pressed her lips together in quiet frustration, letting Haru hold her gently by the waist.
Thinking about it, Taki really was the most classic example of a tsundere with a sharp tongue.
She always wore a sour expression and spoke in contradictions, but behind the scenes, she helped him more than anyone, with a gentleness she couldn't express to anyone else. Even if someone spoon-fed the affection to her, she'd be too proud to say how she felt.
She was the kind of girl who, if cast in a classic romantic comedy, wouldn't realize she was losing the guy until the very end, only to finally summon the courage to confess in a desperate last-minute chase, ending in tears and a hoarse voice as she says, "I hope you're happy."
"…But seriously, Haru, what do you like about me?"
"I'm nothing like Tomori or Soyo. I'm not gentle, and I'm definitely not cute."
Haru raised an eyebrow, like she'd just said something absurd.
"To me, your kind of gentleness is different."
"When we first met, you couldn't stand me. You thought I was only joining the band for selfish reasons. But then… you slowly started to accept me, started treating me like an inseparable part of MyGO. You even went so far as to scold Soyo, the girl you'd formed two bands with and known for over a year, all for my sake."
"When I messed up during practice, you never hesitated to criticize me. But when I was really sick, you completely dropped your usual coldness and took on all of my responsibilities without hesitation. Even when it became too much, you chose to bear the blame rather than make me work through my illness."
"To me… you're the most reliable, most caring support I have."
Taki stared in shock, her lips slightly parted, unable to believe the words coming from the handsome, dark-haired boy in front of her.
"And as for being cute... oh, you've got plenty of that too."
Haru smiled meaningfully and began raising his fingers one by one as he counted.
"Your smile is cute. Your blush is cute. The way you complain but still help me out is cute. How you steal glances at me during practice? Adorable…"
"Ahhh! Stop it already!!"
Taki's eyes flew wide as she slapped down the hand that kept ticking up fingers with every embarrassing compliment.
If he kept going, her face really would catch fire. Her heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest. Her black hair shimmered as her overheated brain practically started smoking.
Idiot, I never should've asked!
Nervously, she twisted her waist slightly, trying to inch closer into Haru's arms. But that one, small movement made the previously smug Haru freeze up. Even the arms around her waist suddenly trembled.
That confused Taki.
Then, in that brief moment of curiosity, something clicked. Her body stiffened as she realized what had happened, and she looked at Haru with eyes wide in disbelief.
After a short pause, she furrowed her delicate brows and bit her lip, voice trembling but serious as she accused,
"Haru… you…!"
Sensing that her tone was dipping into dangerous territory, Haru immediately took a deep breath, released her waist, and raised his hands in surrender.
"I'm really sorry! I couldn't help it… Can you just move off of me for a second?"
"…Huh? Why are you apologizing?"
Taki looked away, her face crimson. Her violet eyes shimmered with uncertainty as she blinked.
Instead of exploding in anger, Taki had gone all soft and shy. Her snow-white cheeks were dyed a vivid red, and her sharp eyes now shimmered faintly with a warm glow.
"We're dating now, aren't we? And… you're a normal guy, too…"
She trailed off, sneaking a glance in that direction.
"And as your girlfriend, I have responsibilities too!"
"So… just… move the thing that's in the way already."
As she spoke, she reached for the offending intruder but Haru swiftly caught her wrist. Her brows knitted again, and her eyes sharpened with a hint of annoyance.
Taki: Full Power Pressure Mode activated.
"What are you doing? Got a problem with me?"
"How could I have a problem with you, Taki-san?"
"Then what is it? We're dating now, right?"
Haru broke into a nervous sweat. Taki's voice had fully returned to her usual commanding tone, as if she'd just activated Susanoo and was ready to steamroll him. He had no choice but to defend himself.
"It's just that right now isn't the right time! I need to take responsibility for you, and for our future. Just give it a little more time!"
"Hah? What, but you've already done it with them, haven't you?"
Taki's voice was matter-of-fact, but her words hit like a brick.
She was clearly thinking back to the chaos of their last training camp, and honestly, considering the state of things back then, she didn't believe for a second that Nagasaki Soyo and Chihaya Anon had behaved themselves.
"…Or is it just that you're not satisfied with me?"
"And by the way, you went on and on about how cute I am, but you never mentioned my face or my figure. Plus, the way you used to treat me... it was like we were just friends. Is it because I'm not feminine enough? Is it girls like Maki or Soyo who really…"
Taki bit her lip in frustration, her graceful violet eyes dimming with disappointment.
"…!"
Haru sucked in a sharp breath.
That look on Taki's face made his eyes widen. He'd just been trying to say that he loved her for who she was inside. He hadn't even thought to compliment her looks and he'd completely forgotten that, for all her toughness, Taki had a deep-rooted sense of insecurity most people couldn't imagine.
I messed up. Taki really is the most womanly woman there is.
"Actually! I seriously think you're gorgeous from your face and your body both! You've probably noticed I sneak glances at you, right? I didn't say anything because I didn't want to seem shallow. And when I was holding you earlier, I…"
"Besides, I haven't done anything with Soyo or the others. Nothing at all. So how could I be dissatisfied with you?"
"…Huh?"
Taki blinked, stunned. Her rare, clueless reaction made Haru want to hug her on the spot.
His answer had completely caught her off guard. She never expected the usually smug, confident Haru to make such a sincere expression. And oddly enough, it made her happy. Like she'd finally scored a win in their endless tug-of-war.
But more than anything, Taki took responsibility seriously.
Now that she had agreed to be Haru's girlfriend, there was no way she was going to let her boyfriend suffer alone.
She froze for only a second before shaking her head hard, then bit her lip and, face flushed deep red, responded with determination.
"No. I have to fulfill my duty today, no matter what!"
If she didn't settle down, her naturally stubborn and headstrong nature never would.
Haru knew this well, and there was no real way to stop her once she was set on something. But in a moment of desperation, an idea struck him.
"Wait! What if we just…"
Haru took a deep breath, then glanced down at her long, beautiful legs.
…
Shiina Maki was having a very complicated day.
She'd headed out early for a dinner with friends, but midway through, her friend had to leave due to some band-related work. With the outing cut short, Maki returned home earlier than expected, only to walk into something entirely unexpected.
She'd barely stepped through the door when she heard someone upstairs shout, "I like you!"
As the older sister who had lived with Taki for sixteen years, Maki immediately recognized the voice. Curious, she couldn't help but quietly creep upstairs to listen in. But what she heard…
"Uwah… Little Taki's being way too bold, isn't she?"
Though the voices from the room were muffled, Maki could just make out that her little sister seemed to be pressuring Haru into something. Considering Taki's usual cold, forceful attitude, she could practically see the scene in her mind.
Then the room suddenly went completely silent, which only made Maki even more curious.
That's not right. Why is it completely quiet?
What the heck is going on in there?
Nervous and restless, Maki even pressed her ear to the door, but it didn't help. With no other choice, she headed back downstairs, chopped up some fresh fruit, brewed two piping-hot cups of strong coffee, and spent the next thirty minutes staring at her phone, gathering courage.
Knock knock…
"Taki~ Haru~ I brought you some snacks and drinks!"
The moment she knocked, there was a commotion inside the room. A few seconds later, a red-faced Taki slowly opened the door. The usually cool and blunt girl looked uncharacteristically soft and flushed as she frowned and took the tray from her sister's hands.
"Maki, why are you back already?"
"Am I interrupting something?"
Maki smirked teasingly and peeked inside the room.
Normally, the curtains and windows were tightly shut, but now both were wide open. Haru was sitting on the bed, calm and polite, nodding to her with a faint smile. Everything looked… strangely normal. Even the bed barely had any wrinkles in the sheets.
But Taki…
Her clothes were perfectly neat. No issues there. But her beautifully sculpted face was bright red, and her lip gloss looked a little… smudged.
"We were just discussing the arrangement for a performance!"
Taki snapped coldly.
"Anyway, if that's all, hurry up and go back downstairs!"
Clearly flustered by Maki's wandering gaze, Taki's usual impatience surged to the surface. She immediately shoved her sister out of the room and slammed the door shut.
"Eh?! But I didn't even get to say hi to Haru-kun!"
Now locked out, Maki was stunned.
"Wait, what the heck happened in there?!"
She'd only meant to tease her little sister, never expecting this shy tsundere of a girl to be so aggressive.
Maki had no idea how far the two had gone, but to her, one thing was clear... they were officially a couple now.
Considering how tsundere Taki was, Maki had assumed the most they'd manage was a shy hand-hold or maybe a peck on the cheek. But no~ her little sister was full-on carnivore.
And not just carnivore, she snatched her prey.
"I'm doomed… I've totally been left behind…"
Shiina Maki, a college student, completely lost her composure. Having gone to an all-girls school her whole life, she'd never even been in a relationship and now her impossibly tsundere little sister had reached adulthood before she had.
How was this happening?!
Meanwhile, Taki had no idea what her sister was thinking. After shutting the door, she looked like a rose in full bloom at the edge of summer, her cheeks tinged with soft pink. Her lashes, dark as crow feathers, quivered uncontrollably.
She slipped back into Haru's arms and covered her flushed face with both hands.
"She—she didn't figure anything out, right?"
"I… don't think so?"
Assuming she wasn't listening earlier.
Taki furrowed her brow, trying to glare at her boyfriend with her usual sharp gaze. But the moment she looked up, her face softened, and all she could do was lightly headbutt his chest to vent her embarrassment.
"This is your fault!"
Haru quickly adopted a serious look and protested.
"Don't pin this on me, I said no from the start."
Exactly. This was all because Taki was too horny.
Taki immediately shot him a glare.
"So you're saying it's my fault?"
"Cough. It's all my fault."
Satisfied with his surrender, Taki gave a small nod. But then, as if remembering something, she cast a glance to the side and asked cautiously,
"Is there… anything else?"
Haru hesitated, then answered uncertainly.
"I think… that was it?"
"Pervert! There better not be a next time!"
She bit down hard, her expression fierce, though honestly, it didn't carry much weight.
"…Really? No next time, Taki?"
Faced with Haru's gaze, the ever-soft-hearted Taki wiggled slightly in his arms, trying half-heartedly to resist. In the end, she muttered coldly,
"…Tch. Whatever you want."
Now she finally understood why Haru always snuck glances at her legs.