"Daiki…" I shook him a few times, voice low and slightly slurred. "Get off the floor…"
Cans of beer littered the table, a few crushed in a plastic bag. Daiki was sprawled on the rug like a human starfish. Kana's limbs were draped across the couch in every direction. Risa rested her head on the table, completely done.
And somehow… I was the only one still upright.
Because, clearly,
I'm a responsible adult.
"Oi, get up, you juicehead…" I shook him again.
Daiki groaned.
"Get up!!" I jabbed my fist into his stomach. He coughed, groaned, and rolled over.
"Rion… you're so mean…" he whimpered, flopping onto his stomach.
"Don't you have work tomorrow?!" I barked, trying to stand straight, but my balance was betraying me. I stumbled forward and my foot landed squarely on his back.
"Agh—!"
"Ah. My bad." I stepped back quickly.
No. I didn't feel all that bad.
"Kana… you too…" I turned to her.
"Mmmm," she murmured in response, still sprawled across the couch.
I stared at them for a long moment.
"Ugh… you guys are adults!" I blabbered, throwing my hands in the air. "It's late! Go home already!!"
They just groaned. Not even moving a finger.
I glanced at the clock.
11.23 p.m.
Yeah.
Not happening tonight.
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.
Time to grab some blankets…
I stumbled my way upstairs, rifled through my closet, and grabbed a stack of blankets. Then I stumbled back down, nearly slipping on the stairs.
"Daiki… scooch over this way…" I nudged him across the rug.
"Kana… lay properly…" I gathered her tangled limbs and arranged her on the couch.
Blankets spread over both of them. Though, their legs stuck out awkwardly…
Eh. Good enough.
Then I turned to Risa. She was out cold, her cheeks glowing a bright shade of pink.
You're a light drinker, alright.
Only two cans…
Wait—Maybe two cans were too much for a lady…
Is there even a standard for ladies…?
Don't know.
I lowered myself onto the floor next to her.
"Risa," I murmured, gently shaking her shoulders. "Risa, wake up. You're gonna catch a cold…"
"Mmmmh…" she muttered in her sleep.
I let out a soft sigh.
Should I let her sleep here…?
No. I can't have her waking up next to a creature like Daiki.
Alright then.
I shifted her weight, cradling her gently in my arms, then rose to my feet.
Ah.
She's so light.
Her head nudged into my shoulder, soft against my chest. Stray strands of hair brushed my arm as I carried her upstairs, each step careful and measured, as if the world itself had slowed to let me move.
"Mmm… Rion…" she murmured, half-asleep, a whisper against the quiet.
"…Cute," I breathed, almost to myself.
Slowly, I settled her onto her bed. The sheets rustled softly, a whispering welcome as they conformed to her shape. I pulled the blanket up over her, fingers lingering just above her small frame. Her breaths came slow and even, a quiet rhythm that filled the space between us. Her eyes were half-closed, eyelashes brushing her cheeks.
"Good night…" I murmured, voice low, careful.
As I let go of the blanket, her small hand reached out, curling around mine. The squeeze was gentle, yet firm enough to stop me from leaving.
She's holding on…
Alright.
I sank onto the edge of the bed beside her. Her head turned slightly, tilting towards me. Her hand rose and she tugged at my sleeve, a tiny, insistent pull. My heart skipped and I scooted closer.
She tugged again, firmer this time, and I leaned in slightly, letting the space between us shrink. Then… she stopped, leaving only the quiet of the room and the warmth of her hand through the fabric.
The air was heavy, intimate, yet calm—a fragile stillness suspended between us.
Her eyes were half-lidded, yet she was looking at me—really looking. Then, as if recognizing me fully in that moment, a small, shy smile curved her lips.
Jeez… even like this, you know exactly how to make me melt.
Without warning, she pushed herself up.
"…Risa?" I whispered, stunned.
Before I could react, she launched herself at me, wrapping her arms around me like a claw machine snatching its prize.
"Risa! Wha—" I hissed, barely able to breathe.
The world tilted as she pulled me in, and we hit the bed with a soft thud. The frame creaked faintly under the sudden weight, yet I barely noticed. Her arms remained locked around me, her body warm and soft against mine, snuggling into my chest as if she belonged there.
Ahhhh!
What is this?!
She inhaled deeply, exhaling a long, contented sigh, burying her face even closer.
"My husband~ ehehe~"
My brain… completely evacuated.
The only thing I felt was the heat of her against me, the steady rhythm of her breath, and the dizzying, intoxicating certainty that she had chosen... Me.
"Rion..." She muttered.
My breath hitched.
"Y-Yes?"
...
"You... really like grabbing people's faces, huh...?"
"Wh—I don't—"
"You grabbed Daiki-kun's face..." She tightened her grip, sinking deeper into my heart. "Even Kana..."
Thunder.
Oh no.
"Why don't you grab my face..."
Huh?
What?
Wait—
Is she—
"Risa..." I whispered. "Are you... jealous?"
...
Nothing.
"Do you... want me to grab your face...?"
...
She nodded.
I hesitated for a moment.
"Then... can I touch?"
A twitch.
...
She peeled her face off my chest. Then nodded. "Mm."
My hand moved. But then I paused.
Her face was just a span away from mine. Blushed pink. Exceptionally gorgeous under the dim moonlight. Strands of caramel curled on her cheeks, drifting sheepishly when she breathed.
I let my fingers brush the loose strands behind her ear, revealing her glistening cheeks. Then, gently, I grazed them with the back of my fingers.
Soft...
So... Very soft...
Her hand slipped behind mine, guiding it, and pressing my palm against her cheek. She closed her eyes, then snuggled deep into my hand.
A breathy giggle. Then a small, angelic, heavenly smile.
This is bad...
I might pass out...
But...
Passing out right here might not be so bad.