I was very scared.
I wanted to cry.
In fact, I was about to.
That was until I heard footsteps approaching me.
When I looked up, I could see his worried face.
When he extended his arms to lift me up, I immediately jumped into him.
I held onto him as tightly as I could.
Tadano-Kun always helped me; he could protect me, right?
I could feel a warm hand rubbing my back.
I could relax a little, but I still didn't let go of my grip; I didn't want to let go of him at this moment.
Tadano: "It's okay... Everything will be fine, Komi-San... I'm here... Don't be afraid, I'll protect you..." he said affectionately as he rubbed my back.
Hearing him say that, I couldn't hold back anymore and cried.
I probably looked horrible, but I couldn't hold back.
His warm embrace and strong arms made me feel safe enough to let out my emotions.
I cried for a while as I held onto him.
Tadano: "It's okay... let it all out... you don't need to hold back... everything will be okay..."
His warm words calmed my frightened heart, and little by little, I managed to calm down.
Komi: "Thank you, Tadano-Kun," I said as I hid my face in his chest; I didn't want him to see my face at this moment; it was probably a mess, and I didn't want to show him that.
I was already embarrassed enough for showing him my inappropriate behavior earlier, and I didn't want to make it worse.
Tadano: "It's no problem... do you want to stay like this a little longer, or do you want me to let go?" he asked.
Komi: "No! Don't let go!" I exclaimed as I held onto him with all my might.
When I realized what I had done, I regretted it.
Komi: "I-I'm sorry... b-but can we stay like this a little longer? Please..." I pleaded.
Tadano: "You don't need to worry; we can stay like this as long as you want, but staying on the floor might be uncomfortable. How about we move to the couch?" he said and then took me by the hips and stood up while lifting me; this action unintentionally put our faces in front of each other.
I was somewhat embarrassed by his hands that were very close to my butt, but I didn't push him away; it unexpectedly felt good.
When I realized we were face to face, I was even more embarrassed, and I wanted to hide my face again, but he started walking.
This distracted me, and I unconsciously looked around as he walked.
Strangely, this was fun.
Being carried like this by him while he walks was stimulating.
When we reached the couch, he sat down.
When he sat down and got comfortable, we ended up in a strange position.
He was sitting with his hands around my lower waist, and I was sitting on top of him. My legs were on either side of him, and my arms were around his neck; our faces were so close.
Should I kiss him in this situation?
Mom said I need to be aggressive.
Alright! Let's do it!
After gathering some courage, I slowly moved my face towards his to kiss him.
However, one of his fingers rested on my lips and stopped me.
Tadano: "You know? You don't need to force yourself, Komi-San. I like you just the way you are; there's no need for you to act this way just to get my attention. Just be the cute cat-loving girl I met. Okay?" he said in a kind tone that warmed my heart.
Turbulent emotions swirled within me.
He likes me!
He said it!
He likes me... he told me he likes me!
I couldn't help but hug him even tighter and press my body against his, perhaps in an unconscious attempt to merge our bodies.
He rubbed my back and stroked my hair as I still hugged him.
Hearing the beat of his heart was very soothing for me.
We stayed like this for a while.
I don't know at what point, but at some point, I fell asleep.
When I woke up, I was still in his arms.
This made me happy but also embarrassed.
I quickly looked for any damp spots.
It would be incredibly embarrassing if I drooled on him.
What surprised me was that he was strangely still.
His chest was still moving, albeit very slowly.
When I saw his face, his eyes were closed.
I sighed in relief.
He probably fell asleep.
His sleeping face was cute.
I couldn't help but appreciate it for a while.
I wanted to engrave it deeply into my memory.
An uncontrollable desire sprang forth in my heart.
I know it's disrespectful.
But I wanted to touch him.
Even if just a little.
Timidly, I placed my hand on his cheek.
It was soft.
When I saw that he didn't wake up, I became bolder and placed my other hand on his cheek.
Seeing that he didn't wake up, I wanted to try something wild.
Guided by a strange impulse in my heart, I slowly approached his lips.
The previous feeling still lingered in my mind.
I wanted to see if I could experience it again.
When I was about to kiss him again, a sound froze me in place.
*Door opening*
Shuuko: "Shouko, Tadano-Kun, we're home... Oh..."
I could see my parents and Shousuke entering through the door. I was petrified in place. Everyone saw me in this strange position. My mother just looked with playful eyes while hiding her amused smile with her hand. My father's expression was somber. Shousuke... well, he just glanced at me, and when he saw that I was okay, he lost interest and went upstairs to his room.
My mother approached to get a better view of the whole situation. That's when her gaze shifted from amusement to confusion.
Shuuko: "Oh my God. Baby, don't tell me you were attacking a poor defenseless boy," she said upon seeing that Tadano-Kun was asleep.
My father's face was even darker. Upon hearing my mother's voice, I immediately separated from Tadano-Kun in panic and waved my arms as fast as I could, denying any accusations that were imposed on me.
The abruptness of my movements seemed to wake up Tadano-Kun.
Tadano: "Huh? What's going on? Are you feeling better, Komi-San? Can you stand up now?" he asked.
Shuuko: "Oh? Couldn't you stand up? Oh, right, the thunder... are you okay, baby?" my mother asked, somewhat worried.
My father's expression relaxed a bit.
Komi: "I-I'm feeling better now... sorry for my inappropriate behavior, Tadano-Kun," I said, somewhat embarrassed.
Tadano: "Don't worry, we all have our moments where emotions overpower us... Oh? Your parents have arrived," he said after noticing my parents standing beside me.
Shuuko: "Nice to meet you, Tadano-Kun. My name is Komi Shuuko, Shouko's mother, and this is my husband, Komi Masayoshi," my mother introduced, then discreetly nudged my father, who had an unfriendly expression.
He leaned over from the sudden nudge and held his stomach.
Tadano: "The pleasure is mine, Mr. and Mrs. Komi. My name is Tadano Hitohito, a good friend of your daughter's... I'm sorry for not bringing a gift with me at the moment, but if possible, I'll bring an appropriate gift on another occasion."
Shuuko: "Oh my... what a polite young man. Then please come again another time. We're equally grateful to you for taking care of our daughter," my mother said with a bow.
Tadano-Kun returned the bow and said.
Tadano: "It's no trouble at all. Your daughter is a good friend of mine, and naturally, I'll do whatever is necessary to help her and..." he said respectfully but stopped halfway through his sentence.
Tadano: "Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Komi, I remembered that I have some important matters to attend to... so I'll take my leave... See you at school, Komi-San," he bid farewell as he quickly exited through the door.
Was he scared?
Or maybe it's my parents...
Shuuko: "Oh dear... I think I scared him... I'm sorry, baby," my mother said as she looked at me somewhat embarrassed.
My father didn't say a word from start to finish. I looked at him somewhat annoyed, but I let it go.
Then I saw the leftovers of the food in the kitchen and said quietly.
Komi: "If you want, there's some food in the kitchen. It's what's left from the dinner Tadano-Kun and I prepared."
Shuuko: "Oh, right... judging by your earlier situation, it seems you've made progress, Mama's very happy about it. Now come here and tell me all the details," my mother said, very smiling.
Author's note: here is the last one of the day. I thank everyone who likes my work. Remember to drink plenty of water and that I love you very much. Sincerely your favorite depressive author.
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