The door to their little home clicked shut behind them. Shiki hung his coat loosely over the chair, red scarf slipping off his shoulder. Ai, still flushed from the whole day, walked in behind him, tugging at the hem of her hoodie.
The cozy warmth of the living room greeted them—dim golden light from the lanterns flickered, shadows dancing along the wooden walls.
Ai suddenly hooked his arm again, almost reflexively, resting her cheek against his shoulder.
"You're not letting go, huh?" Shiki teased, lowering his gaze at her with a smirk.
Ai pouted, her cheeks burning pink. "No. I don't want to."
Shiki chuckled, wrapping his free hand gently around hers, squeezing it. "You're cute when you're stubborn."
They walked together to the couch, Shiki dropping himself lazily onto it with a soft sigh. Ai hesitated for just a second before quickly following, sitting down right beside him—so close their thighs pressed.
Shiki leaned back, stretching, his arm falling casually over the backrest behind her. Ai shifted, shy but purposeful, leaning into his side and resting her head against his chest.
"…This is nice," Ai whispered, almost embarrassed by how honest she sounded.
"Mm," Shiki smirked, tilting his head down to look at her, "sounds like you're saying you like cuddling with me more than the date itself."
Ai instantly sat up, glaring at him with puffed cheeks. "T-that's not what I meant!"
He chuckled, tugging her back down into his arms. "Relax, kitten. I'm teasing. I like this too."
Ai blinked, surprised, then smiled shyly as she let herself sink into him again.
For a few quiet moments, the only sound was the faint crackle of the lantern and the steady rhythm of Shiki's heartbeat beneath her ear.
"…Ne, he, Shiki," Ai murmured softly, almost hesitant.
Shiki tilted his head. "Hm?"
"Today was… fun. Really fun." Her fingers curled lightly around his shirt. "It was my first time… going on something like a date. And… it felt special because it was with you."
Shiki's smirk softened into something gentler. He lifted his hand, brushing his fingers through her hair. "You're saying dangerous things again."
Ai peeked up at him, her face red, but she didn't look away. "I'm not taking it back. I told you yesterday… I love you. That hasn't changed. It won't."
Her courage made his chest tighten. For all her shyness, Ai was bold when it came to him.
"…Kitten," Shiki murmured, lowering his forehead against hers, his voice low and husky, "you really know how to get under my skin, don't you?"
Ai's breath caught. Her lips parted just slightly—anticipation written all over her.
Shiki tilted his head, brushing his nose against hers. His lips hovered close, but he didn't close the distance. Instead, his smirk returned.
"You want me to kiss you, don't you?"
Ai's whole body flushed crimson. "D-don't make me say it."
"Hm? But I want to hear it."
Ai buried her face into his chest, muffling her voice. "I do…"
Shiki chuckled, the sound vibrating against her ear. "That's my good girl."
He cupped her cheek, gently tilting her face up, and pressed his lips against hers. Soft, warm, unhurried. Ai's breath trembled as she clutched at his shirt, kissing him back with innocent eagerness.
When they finally pulled away, Ai's face was glowing, her lips slightly parted.
Shiki brushed his thumb over her lower lip. "You're getting better at that."
Ai squeaked, hitting his chest lightly. "Don't say embarrassing things!"
He laughed, catching her wrist and pulling her back into his chest. "But you're adorable when you're embarrassed."
They cuddled like that, Ai curled against him, Shiki's arm secure around her waist.
"Hey," Shiki said after a while, his voice softer now. "Do you regret any of this?"
Ai tilted her head up, frowning. "What? Of course not. Why would I regret it?"
He shrugged, smirking faintly. "You're stuck with me, you know. Everyone thinks we're married already."
Ai's cheeks went red again, but instead of denying it, she smiled softly and pressed her face against him. "…Then let them think that. I don't care. I only care about being with you."
For a moment, Shiki didn't reply. He just stared at her, caught off guard by the sheer honesty in her words.
Then, unable to help himself, he kissed the top of her head and pulled her closer. "You're too good for me, kitten."
"No," Ai whispered, eyes closing as sleep began to weigh on her, "we're perfect for each other…"
Her breathing softened, steadying as she drifted off against him.
Shiki smirked faintly, watching her peaceful face. He tightened his arms around her and leaned back into the couch, whispering to her sleeping form.
"Sweet dreams, kitten. I'm not going anywhere."
And for the rest of the night, the living room was filled with nothing but warmth—the kind of warmth that only belonged to two people hopelessly in love.
---
END OF CHAPTER : 29 : WARMTH OF OUR LIVING ROOM!
---