Kazusa pursed her lips, and a blush appeared on her cheeks. This was the first time she had blushed today.
It was a physiological reaction caused by overwhelming inner emotions that she couldn't control with reason.
All other thoughts vanished; only he remained in her eyes, and her mind was completely consumed by him.
The previous confession was the most touching expression of love that Kazusa had ever heard.
In his eyes, she actually possessed such a beautiful demeanor. He said he could tolerate all her faults and shortcomings and even considered their future together.
If this is the case, then even if her current life isn't ideal and she no longer relies on her mother in the future, she should be able to live a truly happy life.
All she needed to do was give an appropriate response...
But even though she was aware of this situation, what she wanted to say next still felt daunting for Kazusa.
During her previous performances on stage, with hundreds of spectators focused solely on her, she had never felt as nervous as she did now.
Because everyone else was irrelevant, but Chisato was different. He was one of the very few people Kazusa could say she cared about...
She needed to respond well.
Yet, the more she thought about it, the more her mind became confused, and her breathing quickened.
What kind of expression should she wear to respond to his feelings?
Should she imitate his earlier demeanor and say those embarrassing words in a frivolous and awkward tone?
Just thinking about that made her feel almost faint.
"I…"
Kazusa trembled.
Just one syllable escaped her lips when she opened her mouth, and she gently gritted her teeth.
She knew she should have the courage at this moment, just like Chisato had before, but she felt unfulfilled. Her beautiful little face still showed signs of embarrassment.
She had already drafted her thoughts in her mind, but when it came time to express those words, the overwhelming shyness made her wish she could crawl into a crack in the ground and hide.
Sure enough, it felt a bit forced.
Chisato understood Kazusa's character—clumsy, arrogant, timid, and simple. It was understandable that she couldn't be honest in this situation.
Although a little disappointed, to some extent, this was part of her charm. Witnessing it firsthand was not without its rewards.
"Actually, there's no need to rush. It's perfectly fine to take your time and think about it before answering me. After all, we'll still see each other at school every day."
Chisato took the initiative to open the door for her, easing the awkwardness.
"…"
But this was not the response Kazusa had expected.
Years ago, she had been frustrated and confused after being rejected by her mother. There was no way around that reality.
But now, with the happiness she had longed for right in front of her, should she really let this opportunity slip away without taking action?
—Absolutely not!
She had to be more proactive in expressing her feelings and never want to be alone again!
"…Yes, the later."
Kazusa did her best to give her answer.
Her awakened heart was full of enthusiasm, expectation, and joy, turbulent like the continuous flow of the Yangtze River.
There was something more in her eyes, and in her still timid gaze, there was a clear and beautiful light that could not be ignored.
"I don't want you to hate me, Suzumiya… I…"
You are the one who led me out of loneliness, supported me, and made me realize that there are still many beautiful things in the world beyond the piano and my mother.
I want to be by your side every day, hear your voice, and see your smile.
"I…"
I will overcome my shortcomings and bad temper, and I won't embarrass you in front of your friends.
I don't need you to accommodate me; I will do my best to support you, so...
"…"
Kazusa's slightly parted lips trembled, but she could no longer produce any sound.
Chisato, who had been quietly observing her, decided not to wait any longer. He reached out and placed his hands on Kazusa's shoulders.
He had gotten her response.
"Kazusa."
He spoke, calling her name for the first time.
"I like you."
At that moment, Kazusa looked at him blankly.
Like the crisp sound of wind chimes blown by the breeze, the stunning bloom of fireworks as they ascended, or the waves of applause during an award ceremony...
There had been countless beautiful moments in her life, but none could compare to the weight of these four words.
Tears that had brimmed in her eyes due to her frustration finally flowed down her beautiful cheeks.
Chisato wiped away her tears with his fingertips.
"Idiot, why are you crying?"
"…You don't have to worry about it."
"It's been this long, and you're still so headstrong, but that's the Kazusa I know."
"…!"
"I'm going to do something now that may be a little abrupt. If you don't like it, please push me away."
Chisato seemed a bit nervous, his Adam's apple bobbing as he spoke.
As his left hand moved to hold her fingers, he leaned closer, closing the distance between them.
Even Kazusa, who had never experienced such a moment, realized what was about to happen.
Her heart raced, and she shyly closed her eyes.
"Uh—"
At the contact, she let out the most adorable sound through her nasal cavity.
The kiss confirmed the relationship between the two, and the intimate contact allowed Kazusa to let go of her last bit of reservation.
"I like you… I really like you, Chisato…"
Kazusa felt like a kite in his hands.
Her direction and destiny were firmly in his grip.
He just needed to hold the thin string; no matter how fierce the winds and rains were, she would remain by his side without complaint.
Regret tried its best to pull her back, but she wouldn't give in.
At least for now, she was completely enveloped in happiness, surrounded by his scent, feeling the warmth of his body.
"Yeah, I know."
Kazusa looked at him with tear-filled eyes, biting her lower lip.
This time, it was no longer Chisato taking the initiative. She raised her head and leaned closer, repeating the gesture they had just shared.
The dust had settled.
In the corner of the ceiling, the small red dot of the camera blinked out.
Youko in the room turned off the surveillance screen on her computer.
She smiled silently, leaned back against the bed, and took out her diagnosis form, lost in her thoughts.
_______
20+ advanced chapters on patreon.com/SenatusTheta
_______
If any of you noticed an error, please point it out in comments!