*Some time later*
I was walking alongside Tadano-Kun.
I offered to share the umbrella to prevent him from getting soaked.
He was so kind to get a little wet just so I wouldn't.
We started chatting.
When I was with him, I felt safe.
I felt confident enough to use my voice.
At least a little.
I talked to him about my practices in the club.
About how Agari, Inaka, and I would occasionally go out together.
How fun it was to see Agari in her other aspect or how cute Inaka looked when she saw things she didn't know and tried to hide her country origins.
When we arrived at the supermarket, he helped me find the best deals.
It was nice to see him get excited about finding a vegetable a few yen cheaper than another we had seen earlier.
When he realized his actions, he was embarrassed and returned to his normal attitude.
Seeing his embarrassed face was also nice and cute.
When we were at the checkout counter, I took out my wallet to pay, but he stopped me and paid for me.
I wanted to insist, but he had already paid when I was about to say something.
Then he took the heaviest bags and accompanied me home.
On the way, I thanked him for the gesture, but I insisted that I could pay for things.
He shook his head and said.
Tadano: "It's the first time I've accompanied you to buy something, and these groceries are for making dinner for your family, right? Then just consider it a small introductory gift from me to them... if it's not enough, I'll visit your house in the future with a more appropriate gift."
I felt very happy when he said that.
But I also felt guilty.
He believed that these groceries were for my family's dinner, but they were actually for us.
I felt bad for deceiving him.
However, I was a little embarrassed to hear that he would visit me again.
With a mix of conflicting feelings, we finally arrived at my house.
When we reached the door and he was getting ready to say goodbye, I finally gathered the courage to invite him.
Komi: "W-would you like to stay for dinner? Y-you see, today I'm home alone and... I don't like being alone... would you mind joining me... at least for a while?" I said as loudly as I could.
Yet my voice almost sounded like a whisper.
My cheeks were hot with embarrassment.
And I looked at my feet like they were the most interesting thing in the world.
This was all I could do; I felt like if I looked him in the eyes, I would run away in embarrassment.
There was a moment of silence.
When I was about to apologize for causing trouble, I felt a familiar hand rest on my head.
He gently rubbed my hair and moved down to my face until he stopped at my chin.
Gently moving it to see his face.
With a kind smile and a gentle look, he said,
Tadano: "If you feel lonely, I don't see any problem in keeping you company. Remember what I told you when I gave you my number. Whenever you need help or company, call me, and I'll come right away..." he said as he affectionately rubbed my cheek with his thumb.
*Ba-Dump*
*Ba-Dump*
*Ba-Dump*
*Ba-Dump*
My heart was pounding wildly at the sight of his kind smile or those gentle eyes, his sweet words, his concern, and care for me.
Ahh~
Don't do this...
I don't think I can hold back~
He's so kind, he's so gentle~
I love him♥
/////
90% -> 92 -> 94%
/////
My eyes clouded, and I couldn't hold back anymore...
I dropped the bags in my hands and pulled on the collar of his shirt.
Giving him a kiss, it was awkward, and I think I even made our teeth clash.
But I tried to express all the emotions I had bottled up in my heart.
I really love him.
He was the one who helped me and opened the doors to a world I didn't know.
I could have fun with friends for the first time, and I'm really grateful.
When I pulled away and saw his expression, I laughed a little.
He was frozen in a strange expression, a mix of surprise, embarrassment, and disbelief.
It was very cute ♥
Hearing me laugh seemed to bring him back to his senses, and he quickly returned to his normal expression.
Seeing the change and seeing him so serious, I couldn't help but laugh even more...
I could see in his eyes how he struggled to maintain composure, and that strangely made it even funnier.
His eyes rolled back as he saw me laugh again and said,
Tadano: "If you find it so amusing, why don't we try it again..." Then he took me by the waist and brought me closer to him.
This surprised me, and I couldn't help but blush knowing what he meant.
But I didn't resist.
In fact, this is what I was looking for.
I wanted his attention.
I wanted him to see me.
To take care of me.
I wanted to be special to him.
I didn't just want to be his friend anymore.
I wanted to be something more.
Slowly our lips approached until they met in a warm kiss.
When our lips touched, I felt a spark race through my brain and ignite my heart.
I felt a warm sensation spread throughout my body.
Unconsciously, I wrapped my arms around his neck and tried to deepen our kiss.
I say tried because I don't know the right way to do it, and my efforts were clumsy at best.
He saw my intentions and gently guided me.
The feeling of his lips against mine was truly addictive.
Unconsciously, I found myself moving my tongue...
When I realized that I had put it in his mouth.
I immediately panicked and pulled away from him.
Will he think I'm a lascivious woman?
I hope he doesn't hate me for this.
Damn it, I had to ruin it at this moment...
When I started to get depressed, I heard his voice.
Tadano: "Don't worry about it... you're new to these things, and you act on impulse. It's not like I dislike this side of you either," he said with a mischievous smile.
I couldn't help but blush even more.
Before he could say anything, he took the groceries and said,
Tadano: "how about we go in? I don't think you want to continue our interaction outside where all the neighbors can see you, right?"
I quickly realized that we were still on the porch and quickly opened the door.
I led him to the kitchen and left the bags on the counter.
When I offered him to sit in the living room while I took care of dinner, he shook his head and offered to help.
I got excited to hear him say that and nodded.
Together we made a meatloaf.
I was very excited to do it; I had seen it on TV and was interested in trying it.
And doing it now with Tadano-Kun makes it 100 times more amazing.
We cooked for a while, and I could see Tadano-Kun's incredible skills.
He probably cooks at home...
When we finished, we had a table full of beautiful dishes.
Tadano: "Since it's the first time we've cooked something together, why don't we take a picture?" he said as he took out his phone.
I nodded and took a picture of him.
Then he suggested taking a picture together with the food.
I got a little nervous, but I agreed.
When we finished, he sent me the photo.
I would keep it very well along with the rest of my treasures.
*Some time later*
Our dinner was perfect.
Tadano-Kun praised my cooking skills.
I also praised his skills.
Then we ate in silence.
Although there was silence, I didn't feel uncomfortable.
In fact, just seeing him eat my food with a happy expression was more than enough for me.
Eating with him was very comforting for me.
When we finished, he offered to wash the dishes.
I hesitated for a moment but accepted.
I waited for him in the living room.
While sitting on the couch, I watched his broad back as he washed the dishes.
Seeing him like this filled me with a joyful feeling.
I couldn't explain it.
Having him close was more than enough for me before.
But now having him here in my house, cooking with me, eating the food I prepared, and helping me with the dishes.
We almost looked like newlyweds...
*Puff*
Thinking about this, I quickly covered my face with a cushion and wriggled on the couch.
When he heard the noise, he looked at me, concerned.
Tadano: "Are you okay, Komi-San? Did something happen?"
Komi: "I-I'm fine... it's just that..."
*Boom*
*Rumble*
The rumble of thunder left my mind blank.
Soon the lights also went out.
*Tremble*
Fear... I'm scared.
Tadano-Kun, help me...
When I wanted to go to Tadano-Kun, I couldn't.
As I tried to get up from the couch, my legs gave out, and I fell to the floor.
*Thud*
Komi: "Ouch..."
After letting out a groan of pain and before I could get up, another thunder sounded, leaving me curled up on the floor.
*Rumble*
*Boom*
I was trembling and couldn't do anything but curl up and wait for it to pass.
I didn't have the courage to move.
I was very scared.
I wanted to cry.
In fact, I was about to.
Author's note: Today's chapter, a little late I know, but I was crying for most of the day. I think I remembered why I didn't watch Clannad again. Damn it's as touching as I remembered. leaving that aside. Remember to drink plenty of water and that I love you very much. Sincerely your favorite depressive author.
--------------------------- -.-r