Chapter 26: Pincotat Grand Festival (4)
Morning of the 21st
Subaru slowly opened his eyes. Reinhild's sleeping face appeared before him. Sleeping Reinhild had a few less traces of her usual pride and dignified presence, replaced with a cuteness and innocence that matched her age.
—So cute!
Even though he had seen Reinhild sleeping several times before, Subaru was still mesmerized by the sight. But this time, unlike before, he didn't quietly slip away. Perhaps it was due to how much closer their relationship had become recently, or perhaps the excitement from yesterday afternoon's passionate kiss still lingered. A sudden, unprecedented impulse surged through Subaru's heart.
—I want to kiss her!
Looking at Reinhild's pinkish side profile, the thought grew stronger, and Subaru's heart raced faster and faster. Finally, his reason gave way to Reinhild's cuteness.
Subaru unconsciously leaned closer to Reinhild. His senses sharpened to their peak without him realizing it. Carefully observing Reinhild, he moved his lips with utmost slowness toward her sleeping face. Gently, his lips brushed against her cheek. Reinhild's long eyelashes trembled slightly.
Subaru carefully watched Reinhild, still asleep. His racing heart gradually settled back to its place, as if frozen blood had begun flowing again. He continued to hold his breath, his face slowly moving away from Reinhild's cheek.
(Exhale)
After creating some distance, Subaru turned his head and released a slow, long breath, pressing his hand against his pounding heart. After a few minutes, he calmed down and looked warmly at Reinhild, still asleep. He realized that even a mosquito landing on her face would wake her instantly. The fact that she didn't wake up from his touch meant Reinhild was completely unguarded around him.
The widened distance allowed Subaru to take in more of Reinhild's sleeping posture. She wore the pink floral pajamas he had gifted her, though they had shrunk slightly, revealing her delicate white waist. She lay on her side, hugging the blanket tightly with both hands and legs.
—So adorable.
Subaru couldn't help staring.
—I can't keep looking.
He understood that continuing to stare would betray her trust. Biting his tongue, the pain brought back a thread of rationality. Then his head turned like a rusty robot, jerking slowly. It took a minute for Subaru to forcefully shift his gaze away from Reinhild's sleeping face.
—I can't stay here any longer.
Carefully putting on his slippers, Subaru stood and walked a few steps. Then he remembered Reinhild's sleeping position.
—She has [Divine Protection of Temperature Regulation]. It should be fine, and she won't catch a cold…
Even with countless reasons running through his head, thinking of Reinhild sleeping like that in the cold made him turn back and return to her bedside.
On the pink heart-shaped bed, Reinhild breathed peacefully. Subaru gently tugged at the blanket she was clutching. Her long legs moved slightly, and her graceful fingers held onto the blanket.
—So beautiful! So beautiful!
Ouch!
Subaru snapped back to rationality. Seeing Reinhild unwilling to let go, he picked up his own blanket and slowly pulled it over her from underneath. Although Subaru's movements were gentle, the weight of the blanket stirred Reinhild awake. Instinctively, she sat up, but upon seeing Subaru, her usually sharp eyes instantly softened.
"Subaru? Is it morning?"
Reinhild spoke while rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand like a cat. Her vivid red hair spread messily across the bed, a few strands sticking up toward the ceiling. Her bare navel was exposed, and the pink heart-shaped bed framed the scene.
—&%$# @$*# $@#%
"Subaru? Are you okay?"
"Ah!"
"It's fine. It's still early morning. Reinhild, you can sleep a bit longer. I'll help cover you with the blanket."
Subaru gently helped her lie back down and carefully tucked her in. Watching her sleep, he quietly stepped out of the room and softly closed the door.
.
.
.
Morning of the 22nd
With the sound of birds and the festival's cheers, Reinhild woke up. She looked around.
—Is this Subaru's blanket?
Seeing the blanket over her, vague memories surfaced, but before she could think further, the sound of a door opening, dripping water, and gentle breathing drew all her attention.
"Subaru, are you okay?"
Reinhild asked, worried as she looked at him, seeming as if he had returned from a heavy rain.
"Ah, yes. I got up a bit early today. There was no one outside, so I decided to make up for the training I missed these past few days all at once."
"Everything in moderation. Are we going to the festival today?"
"Ah, yes, that's fine."
Half an hour later
"Thanks for waiting."
"No, I just finished too. Occasionally waking up slowly like this is nice."
Reinhild placed the folded blanket on the large bed and waved her points card. East District: 97 points. South District: 80 points.
"Where to next?"
"Let's go to East District for breakfast."
"Then let's go."
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The atmosphere in Pincotat remained as wild as ever. Various eating competitions were in full swing. On the streets, the lingering smell of alcohol from couples who had attended last night's party could be detected. Many temporary couple-run stalls were already preparing.
"By the way, what shall we do tomorrow?"
"Okonomiyaki."
"Oh! Then I can show off a bit. By the way, what about eating fried dough sticks today?"
"Mm."
Reinhild followed Subaru into the shop. The cheering and applause from outside were muffled by the door. Two couples who had completed the couples' meal challenge were kissing unabashedly. Reinhild's mind involuntarily recalled yesterday afternoon when Subaru had kissed her passionately.
She instinctively glanced at Subaru, and their eyes met. Both blushed instantly.
"Shall we go to another place?"
"Mm, let's go."
The two quietly exited the restaurant. Most shops in East District were like that, so clearly, they couldn't comfortably eat while other couples kissed nearby. Unnoticed, the sun was nearly overhead.
"Shall we check out West District today?"
"Mm, let's have breakfast there too."
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