CH 36

“It’s pretty hot, huh…”

“Yeah, it sure is.”

As summer approached, even a little bit of exercise would make us break out in sweat. It was particularly noticeable for someone like me with a sturdy build, but Shirayuki was also perspiring at the moment. The sweat trickling down her forehead seemed to carry a pleasant scent, and no matter how she looked, Shirayuki was always stunning.

“Well then, should we take a little break before moving on?”

“Yeah, let’s do that. We’ll jog to a nice spot and then take a breather… before heading back.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Somehow, living with her from today made me feel more motivated. Despite the sweat, heavy breathing, and fatigue, my determination to work harder came from the depths of my heart.

“Shirayuki, motivation, or rather, the will to accomplish something, is important, right? Having you by my side is like having a companion even when I return home from being outside… When I think about that, I feel like I can give it my all.”

“Fufu, it makes me happy when you say that. Is it because Touma-kun is really saying the words my mother and I want to hear?”

“Is that so? I’m just speaking my mind.”

“Well, it’s a good thing.”

Expressing my feelings honestly seems to bring them happiness too. Well, not too long ago, I might have been too shy to utter such things, but now it feels natural to express my emotions.

“However… surprisingly, everything went smoothly. Although my mother had hoped for a little more resistance.”

“Resistance?”

“Yes. Considering that Hououin took you in, it wouldn’t have been surprising if they saw Touma-kun as a significant source of funding. It’s quite baffling that it didn’t turn out that way, but I suppose my mother shut down anything that could have inflated their egos.”

“I see.”

“To be honest, my mother and I don’t really care about them. But isn’t it better for them to be anxious and have no room to maneuver rather than seeing more happy faces?”

“I’m afraid, Shirayuki-san.”

“But, you’re still smiling, Touma-kun.”

Yeah… I guess?

Deep down, I don’t really want them to suffer, but since I have Arashi’s memories, I can’t help but feel that they deserve it… Well, I don’t really care either way.

“Now that Touma-kun’s situation has been resolved, shall we wrap things up on my end as well?”

“Huh?”

“Let’s take a walk.”

So, we began walking instead of running, and to my surprise, Shirayuki muttered in a low voice.

“Have you noticed that Koizumi-kun has been following us since earlier?”

“Huh?”

I hadn’t noticed, so I was taken aback. Apparently, Yosuke had been trailing us from a distance ever since we started running together. It made me feel uneasy, but considering everything that has happened and Yosuke’s behavior, I couldn’t say it was completely unexpected.

“…It’s strange, isn’t it?”

“Huh?”

“I originally played the game from Yosuke’s perspective, so I didn’t notice, but… I didn’t just fall for Shirayuki and Hisui, but I also learned about Yosuke’s possessiveness and thoughts, which I didn’t know about before… Yeah.”

“I see, so that part wasn’t explained.”

“Well, yeah.”

Shirayuki kept walking, not stopping her pace, as she continued to speak.

“Perhaps, even if the memories don’t remain, the illusion of having spent time with me lingers somewhere in his mind. But that, too, will end in this world,” Shirayuki said, taking my hand and leading me somewhere.

Before I could wonder what she was planning, I became curious about Shirayuki’s intentions, and I followed her while keeping an eye on Yosuke, who was likely trailing behind us. She led me to a corner of a certain park, and further into a secluded spot with trees where people rarely visited.

“It’s quite shady here.”

“Yes, it is. I’ve heard stories from my friend that this place is a popular rendezvous spot for lovers. The sight during the day and festival nights is said to be quite spectacular.”

“Huh, really…”

I could understand why this place would be suitable for such romantic purposes.

Now, I had a rough idea why she had brought me here… Her blushing expression gave away the answer.

“This is the most effective way to make him give up. Let’s show him.”

“…”

It seemed like a cruel plan for Yosuke. Although I thought suggesting something so ruthless was harsh, I couldn’t help but feel possessive of Shirayuki. She was already someone precious to me, and my protective instincts kicked in.

“Shirayuki,”

“Mm…♪”

I leaned against a tree, holding Shirayuki from behind. In this position, anyone passing by would see us, and they would also see Shirayuki turning towards me, her eyes pleading for a kiss.

(…This feels like a scene from a manga.)

It reminded me of a scene that could be found in a genre of manga that starts with the letters N, T, and R.

But… for some reason, when I thought about the girl in my arms, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of superiority towards Yosuke.

“I won’t go all the way, of course. Just showing him♪” She said with a seductive expression that exuded sensuality.

Not only her expression, but also her aura seemed to emit a pink hue, as if Shirayuki was finally releasing all the pent-up feelings she had towards Yosuke, which made her happy.

“… right. We’ll get to the real work when we get back.”

“… Ahn♪”

Slowly, I placed my hand on her chest, relishing the sensation of her soft curves.

As I lifted Shirayuki’s face and we exchanged kisses, I enjoyed her shy and trembling reactions, until I noticed someone peeking at us.

(…We’re both being naughty. But I can’t let go of this girl anymore… I can’t be separated from her)

We continued to kiss passionately for several more minutes, indulging in each other’s bodies, as Yosuke left.

I could still see Yosuke’s back as he ran away, shaking something off, but my body wouldn’t let go of Shirayuki.

“…Fufu, well then, shall we go back?”

“Yeah.”

Perhaps in some form, Yosuke knew the truth and reality. He couldn’t escape the fact that the woman resembled Shirayuki, and Shirayuki’s disheveled state must have made Yosuke realize that it was not just a bad dream, but a harsh reality.

“It was absolutely incredible.”

“Huh?”

“I felt an overwhelming possessiveness as you held me. It was everything I had wanted for so long… Ah, my body is already tingling with excitement, it’s becoming quite hard to contain, you know?”

“…Even if Yosuke wasn’t there, I think any man would react the same way if treated like that.”

“Fufu, is that so? Were you that attracted to me?”

I nodded.

“I never imagined I would be in a situation like this. It’s not like I feel guilty about it or anything.”

“Yes, that’s true. Koizumi-kun and I are not in a relationship, and we haven’t made any cliché promises about our future. That’s why there’s no need for him to interfere,” Shirayuki stated firmly.

After that, Shirayuki and I walked home together, our strides matching. Yes, let’s return to the place that has become my new home, where we live.

“Ah! …Hehe… Ahaha ♪”

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, well, when I think about it, living together means we can take baths together too. So, Touma-kun, let’s wash off our sweat together in the bath, shall we? And of course, we’ll do some ‘pyu-pyu’ too~?”

Please excuse my ignorance, but could anyone please explain what ‘pyu-pyu’ means in this context?