The exchange of kisses had been born from the joy of finally confirming our feelings for one another. It felt like it could have gone on forever, but it was suddenly and forcibly interrupted by the sharp ring of a phone.
That ringtone triggered a flicker of trauma within me... and my mind, which had been melting into the sensation of our kisses, snapped clear in an instant.
"It’s from Papa."
As I expected, it was a call from Haruka’s father, Nobuyuki-san.
"Geez... talk about bad timing."
"Don’t say that. Look, it’s already gotten dark outside."
I glanced at the clock while Haruka answered the phone with a pout, and I was stunned.
The time was 8:00 PM. Since I had confessed to Haruka around 6:30 PM, it meant we had been holding each other and kissing for over an hour and a half.
We had gotten way too carried away. If that phone hadn't rung, our lips might have literally shriveled up.
My throat was parched from the long embrace. I started to lift myself up to get a drink, but Haruka immediately caught my arm and held me fast.
Resigned, I sat back down. As she continued her call, she leaned over and rested her head softly against my shoulder. I couldn't help but find the gesture incredibly cute.
I instinctively reached out to stroke her head, but she was in the middle of a call. I had to be patient.
"Yeah, I’m okay. Sorry I didn’t check in... Yeah, that’s right. I’m at Tatsumi's House."
"At Tatsumi-kun’s house? I see, I see."
When their daughter hasn't contacted them at this hour, it’s only natural for parents to worry.
At this distance, I could hear every word Nobuyuki-san said. Even though I hadn't done anything wrong, I found myself bracing... Wait, had I done something wrong?
We were officially a couple now, and we had stopped at kissing, so surely this was still within the realm of a healthy relationship.
While I was making excuses to myself, the conversation between father and daughter continued.
"It’s already late, so I can come pick you up by car... or is Haruka okay with the alternative?"
"The alternative?"
"Like, staying over there tonight."
"Pffft!?"
I reacted instinctively to Nobuyuki-san’s teasing.
What was this man suddenly saying? Ignoring my bewildered look, Haruka’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Wait, is that really okay!?"
"Of course it's not okay...!"
When I protested in a whisper so her father wouldn't hear, Haruka puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.
"Why not? We finally became a couple, so it should be fine to stay over at my boyfriend's house! I can just borrow Tatsumi-kun's jersey like I did before, and I'll even make dinner for you. Don't you want to eat a dinner filled with your girlfriend's love?"
"Urgh."
I was at a loss for words.
It was an attractive proposal—a very attractive one—but even so, some things were simply not allowed.
"If anything, it’s because we’re a couple that it’s a bad idea..."
"What do you mean?"
"Well... you see. You're my first girlfriend, and because it’s you, Haruka, I’m pretty swept up in the moment."
"Ehehe, Tatsumi-kun is my first, too."
"That makes me really happy. But that’s exactly it. In this state, if I were to spend the night alone in a room with you... I probably wouldn't be able to stop myself. Like earlier... I'd start wanting to go even further. Because you’re precious to me, I don’t want to hurt you."
"Heh?" Haruka let out a stunned sound as I looked her straight in the eye.
Her face immediately turned beet-red. She had finally realized what lay beyond the kissing we had done earlier.
However, far from showing any sign of avoidance or disgust, Haruka’s expression softened into a look of pure affection.
"If it’s something you do, Tatsumi-kun... I wouldn't hate it. Because I love you so much... If it’s something you want to do, then I want to try it, too..."
"Stop...!"
That was a foul.
As she looked up at me, I could see a trace of anxiety and shame in her eyes, but also a great deal of expectation.
My awareness focused entirely on the heat and softness of her arm pressed against mine. If I were to touch her directly, what would happen?
I impulsively started to reach out, then hurriedly stopped myself.
Calm down, me.
"...But, no. Even if we eventually do that sort of thing someday, I think we should take the proper steps and make sure we’re both mentally and physically prepared. You can think of me as a wimp if you want. But I don’t want to hurt you, Haruka. Never."
"Tatsumi-kun... I’m sorry. I was only thinking about what I wanted."
I gently stroked her hair as she slumped her shoulders.
"It’s okay. I want to touch you more, too. We don’t need to rush."
"Yeah, you’re right. We’re still only in our first year of high school. We have plenty of time."
Haruka smiled, looking relieved, and rubbed her head against my hand.
I was inwardly melting at the adorable gesture when I felt a hard sensation against my fingertips.
What was that? I shifted my gaze down to my hand—and my face turned pale instantly.
"...Ah, you two. Are we about finished?"
At the awkward voice coming from the phone still in Haruka’s hand, both our shoulders jumped in unison.
What was I thinking!? Of all things, I had been discussing such suggestive topics while her father was listening.
I had often lost sight of my surroundings when I was with Haruka, but this was a new level of carelessness.
I expected him to be furious, but to my surprise, Nobuyuki-san’s voice sounded surprisingly cheerful.
"Well, well, I only meant it as a joke. I see, so you’ve finally started dating. As a father, I have slightly complicated feelings, but first, Haruka, congratulations. I’m truly happy for you."
"Yeah, thank you, Papa!"
Haruka replied happily. It seemed we were being welcomed, which was a massive relief.
"Can you put Yanagida-kun on?" Nobuyuki-san requested. Haruka handed me the phone, and I took it with a trembling hand.
"...Hello, this is Yanagida."
"Hi, Tatsumi-kun. It’s been a week. There’s no need to be so nervous. As I said before, we are truly grateful to you. I have no intention of opposing your relationship with Haruka."
"Thank you very much. I promise to cherish her."
At my words, filled with unwavering determination, Nobuyuki-san let out a small laugh.
"You really are a straightforward man. I heard what you said just now. Thank you for thinking so seriously about your relationship with my daughter. I’m glad it was you whom Haruka chose."
"Thank you... thank you very much!"
My spine straightened at his words.
I felt the joy of being trusted by her father, alongside a deep sense of responsibility. However, it didn't feel like a heavy burden.
"Now then, I’ll come pick her up right away—if only to make sure your willpower doesn't go to waste."
"Please do. When you arrive, please let me greet you properly."
"You really don't have to be so formal..."
After a brief exchange, the call ended. I sank deeply into the sofa.
Nobuyuki-san was a very friendly person, and he had been incredibly kind to me. Even so, the weight of the "girlfriend's father" title was enough to make my heart skip a beat. Facing this on the very first day of being a boyfriend was a lot to handle.
But I couldn't stay like this forever. I needed to tidy myself up. As I started to stand, I felt a tug on my arm.
Haruka was looking up at me with a lonely, pouting expression.
"You're really sure I can't stay over?"
"Positive."
I almost wavered for a split second, but I held firm.
I shook my head with a dead serious face. Haruka protested by rubbing her forehead against the arm she was holding.
She was devastatingly cute. But no meant no.
"...I want to stay with you longer."
"Me too. I want to stay like this forever."
"Tatsumi-kun."
"Yeah?"
"I want to kiss. So I don't feel so lonely."
"I understand. Just a little bit, okay?"
We managed to finish just before Nobuyuki-san arrived.
"Papa, you’re here too early!"
"Don’t say that. I even took the long way around."
Nobuyuki-san replied with a wry smile as his daughter complained the moment she stepped out to the car.
Unlike a week ago, he was dressed in casual clothes, looking exactly like a father on his day off. He was a world away from my own dad, who wore a Jinbei all year round just because he thought it made him look like a character from a drama.
Nobuyuki-san turned his gaze toward me, and I bowed.
"It’s been a while, Nobuyuki-san."
"Hi, Tatsumi-kun. I’m glad to see you’re doing well."
He had a pleasant smile, but I still felt a wave of pressure—or maybe that was just my nerves acting up.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward, looking him straight in the eye.
"As of today, Haruka-san and I have begun a relationship. I’m still learning, but I hope you’ll continue to look favorably upon me!"
"So stiff! This isn't a marriage proposal, you know. You don't have to be so formal with me. We’re friends, aren’t we? Oh, wait... could it be?"
Nobuyuki-san gasped playfully.
"Has it already been decided that far!? Student marriage is still two years away, so was that an official engagement proposal?"
"Wait, no! That’s... well, it’s not exactly wrong, but that’s not what I meant!"
I hurriedly waved my hands as Nobuyuki-san made an exaggeratedly surprised face.
Ever since I had sworn to stay by her side, I had naturally thought about marriage. However, as a high school student still supported by my parents, I couldn't be optimistic enough to say that with total confidence yet.
It sounds pathetic, but while I had the "resolve" to be with her, I didn't yet have the "determination" that comes with a realistic plan for the future.
It might seem heavy, but that’s how seriously I was taking my relationship with Haruka.
So—
"I’ll ask you about that... once Haruka and I have prepared ourselves properly. For now, let me ask again later."
"Tatsumi-kun...!"
At my declaration, Haruka let out a happy sound and squeezed my hand. I squeezed back.
I didn't want the promise of being together forever to be just empty words. I would do everything in my power to make her happy. With her smile and her warmth, I felt like I could do anything.
Nobuyuki-san watched us with a warm smile.
"My thoughts are exactly as I told you on the phone. Talking to you directly has only made those feelings stronger. I’m glad it was you whom Haruka chose, and I’m glad it was you who chose her. If it’s you, I can entrust our precious daughter to you."
"Thank you very much! I’ll do my absolute best to live up to that trust."
"I told you, stop being so stiff! You can even start calling me 'Father-in-law' now if you want."
"Maybe another time..."
"Hahaha, I’ll look forward to that day then!"
I personally thought it was way too early for that on day one.
As the tension finally bled out of the air, Haruka spoke up quietly while still holding my hand.
"Papa, thank you. I’m really happy right now. Every day is fun... and now that I’m dating the boy I love, I’m sure I’ll be happy forever!"
"I see... I see. That’s good, Haruka. That’s really good."
Nobuyuki-san nodded several times, looking deeply relieved. I thought I saw a glint of tears in his eyes.
I couldn't possibly imagine what it was like for him—watching his only daughter suffer through bullying, forced to suppress her pain and hide behind a model student's smile. I couldn't fully understand the feelings of a father watching his daughter finally smile with genuine happiness.
"Haruka, it’s about time."
"Yeah. Well... see you tomorrow! I’m going to teach you how to make Omurice properly, so look forward to it!"
"I will. See you tomorrow."
Our joined hands slipped apart, leaving me with a sudden sense of loneliness. I guess I couldn't tease Haruka for being clingy after all.
Nobuyuki-san smiled at me.
"It’s late, so we’ll take our leave. You should come over to our house sometime during summer vacation. My wife and I—and Haruka, of course—would love to have you."
"Thank you. If it's not a bother, I'd love to."
"Bother? Not at all. My wife was actually sulking, saying it was unfair that I got to meet you twice while she hasn't met you at all. I bought some cake to appease her and to celebrate your new relationship. Oh, I almost forgot."
He opened the passenger side door and pulled out a small package.
"It’s a Cupcake. I picked a Chocolate Cupcake—is that okay with you?"
"For me? I love chocolate, but are you sure?"
"Of course. Think of it as a celebration and a sign that I’m entrusting Haruka to you."
"Thank you very much. I’ll enjoy it."
I accepted the package with both hands and bowed deeply. I was overwhelmed by how kind they were being.
Haruka peered at the package.
"Wait, that’s from the famous shop by the station! Papa, is there one for me?"
"I bought some for you, too. We’ll all eat them after dinner."
"Yay! Okay, I’m going now. See you, Tatsumi-kun!"
Just as I was about to say goodbye, Haruka gave me that familiar, mischievous look. She clasped her hands behind her back, closed her eyes, and stood on her tiptoes.
Nobuyuki-san was already back in the car. No one was looking.
Driven by a mix of embarrassment and an affection that far outweighed it, I leaned in and let our lips touch.
It was only for a split second. I pulled back immediately, but she gave me a slightly dissatisfied pout.
"Only once? And that was so short!"
"I can't exactly do it multiple times here. You should be praising me for having the guts to do it at all."
"Fufu, you’re so shy. You did a good job! Good boy, good boy."
"............"
I wanted to protest that it wasn't about being shy, but she was stroking my head so happily that the words died in my throat. She really was unfair.
"Haruka, we’re leaving!"
"Okay! Goodnight, Tatsumi-kun! I love you!"
"Goodnight... I love you, too."
Leaving me with a brilliant smile, Haruka hurried into the car. I stood there and waved until the car was out of sight.
Still feeling a bit lightheaded, I made my way back to my room and set the package on the table.
I carefully unwrapped it to find a small Chocolate Cupcake. A sweet aroma wafted through the air. I took the plastic spoon included and took a bite.
"It’s good."
I whispered the words, but no one replied.
As the bitter-sweet flavor permeated my senses, Nobuyuki-san’s words echoed in my head: "I’m entrusting Haruka to you."
He had recognized me as Haruka’s boyfriend.
Yes—her boyfriend.
I had found the courage to confess, and she had accepted. We had said "I love you" more times than I could count and lost ourselves in our first kisses. I was finally dating the girl I had adored since the moment we met.
It felt like a dream. Maybe I was still dreaming.
No, it wasn't a dream. The warmth in my hand, the sensation on my lips, the words echoing in my mind—they were all real. It was an irreplaceable moment I would never forget.
As I sat in the room where we had just been together, my heart felt so full it was almost painful... and then, a wave of loneliness hit me.
"It’s so quiet."
The words slipped out, surprising even me.
We had just been laughing, holding each other, and kissing. I could still perfectly recall her voice, her smile, and her warmth.
But now, the only sounds were the scraping of plastic and the low hum of the air conditioner. The room that had felt stiflingly hot earlier now felt strangely cold.
I lived alone, so this was supposed to be normal. But the silence felt heavy without her warmth.
We had only been apart for a few minutes, but I already missed her terribly. Haruka wasn't here, and the room felt empty because of it.
"So I’m not just shy—I'm a clingy loner, too."
I covered my face with my hands. I wanted to hear her voice, hold her hand, embrace her, and kiss her again. The desire was overwhelming. I never imagined I could long for someone this much.
They called it "lovesickness," and I realized it truly was a kind of ailment—a terminal one. The worst part was that I didn't want to be cured.
If Haruka saw me like this, what would she think? She probably wouldn't be disillusioned, but she would tease me mercilessly. Maybe that would be okay.
Maybe I’d tell her honestly tomorrow. That being away from her for just one night was lonely.
"I want to see her soon."
The whisper was swallowed by the quiet room. I couldn't wait for tomorrow.
Because tomorrow, I would see her again.
Haruka—the girl I loved, who had finally become my girlfriend.