LIGHTNOVELWORLD chapter 45
Beware of overprotectiveness
“Well, let’s make sure the three are properly tucked into bed.”
“Towa, I’m really sorry. My mother…”
“It’s fine, really. I appreciate the lively time we had.”
It was a bit noisy, but the time spent with not just me and Ayana but also our mothers was enjoyable. Though there were some slightly troublesome moments amidst the alcohol scent, I realized that I truly enjoyed such lively atmospheres.
Now, as the conversation with Ayana indicated, we needed to get each of the three into bed. Since it had come to this, I wanted to ensure they had a comfortable sleep after preparing the bedding. Well, let’s hope they wake up without a hangover.
“Well then, I should prepare the bedding. After that, I’ll help tuck them in.”
At times like this, it’s good to be a strong man. I’m definitely not mocking the adults for being heavy or anything of the sort. I want to make it clear that I don’t think that way at all.
While Ayana was helping with the dishes, I prepared the bedding and tucked the adults into their respective beds. At one point, Kanzaki seemed like she might be dragged into the bed half-asleep, but a chop from my mother, who was next to her, landed right on Kanzaki’s forehead.
“Geez… defeated… suu”
“I’m not a b*tch… suu…”
“They seem close, don’t they?”
Despite not being awake, the synchronicity of their sleep talk was impressive. Kanzaki ended up in a position clinging to my mother, who in turn had her hand on Kanzaki’s head. Whether their sleeping positions were good or bad, it was a somewhat amusing and picturesque scene.
“Suu… suu…”
Compared to the two, Hoshina’s sleeping posture was remarkably peaceful. She didn’t kick off the covers or talk in her sleep, simply lying still facing the ceiling. It reminded me of Ayana in a way. When Ayana sleeps in a separate bed, she’s like this. Conversely, when we’re in the same bed and close enough to touch, Ayana often intertwines her limbs with mine as if seeking closeness.
“Good night.”
I bid the three sleeping figures good night and left the room… that’s when it happened.
“N-no, Towa-kun… I’m… Ayana’s mother… suu”
“…………”
I started to feel a bit uneasy about what dream she was having. Before leaving the room, I fixed the kicked-off covers for my mother and Kanzaki. Heading to the kitchen, I saw Ayana was still in the middle of washing dishes, so I stood beside her to help.
“Aren’t you tired from carrying everyone? It’s okay to rest, you know?”
“I’m fine with this. I like standing next to Ayana and helping.”
“That’s a sneaky way to put it…”
Ayana smiled in a troubled manner, then focused on washing the dishes. From then on, we exchanged few words, with only the sound of washing dishes and running water filling the air.
Ah, but today was truly enjoyable… it really was.
“hehehe, you have a face that says you truly had fun.”
Seems like I got caught. It’s usually me, Ayana, and our mothers, but today, Kanzaki and Hoshina joined us. They had just met today, but it seems like they got along well… which truly makes me—”
“But at the same time, it seems like I can’t get Shu-kun’s family out of my head.”
“……………”
So she noticed that too… Ayana chuckled, seeing through me, and continued speaking as she wiped her damp hands.
“Towa-kun, to be honest, I really don’t care. If this current happy world can be preserved, then everything else truly doesn’t matter to me.”
“You’re a terrible woman,” Ayana continued, but I didn’t think so. It was because if I were in Ayana’s position, I would probably think the same way. Considering my feelings and the fact that Ayana couldn’t forget what happened back then, it was understandable from her perspective.
I gently embraced Ayana, who had her face down.
“Sure, it bothers me, but I don’t plan on doing anything in particular. The most I can do is offer advice when Shu notices this issue… I know it would only complicate matters if I were to meddle in someone else’s affair.”
Moreover, I was also told by Kanzaki-san not to worry about it. Although I still don’t fully understand everything about that person, if Kanzaki-san went to that extent, there must be something. Something that our children don’t need to get involved in… In that case, it’s better to leave it to Kanzaki-san and feel assured in many ways.
“If I meddle and something happens, Ayana will be sad. I understand that painfully already. So, even though it’s bad for Shu… I’ve decided to protect Ayana’s smile.”
It’s foolish to try to protect something other than what’s close to you when you can’t protect the ones near you… Or maybe that’s too harsh. But I think it’s not entirely wrong. The one who is within reach, no matter how many times it may be, I need to firmly protect the woman in my arms right now.
“Towa-kun, I’m glad you say that. I’m happy, but… hehehe.”
Ayana continued with a look as if she was seeing a troubled child.
“If there was someone in front of you in trouble, no matter how difficult it might be, you would extend a helping hand. I know that’s who Towa-kun is. It’s too late now, how many more years do you think we’ll be together?”
“W-Well…?”
“So, I have to stay by Towa-kun’s side forever. Otherwise, I won’t feel at ease.”
…Oh boy. I could only avert my eyes from Ayana’s words, but she seemed to be enjoying my reaction.
“hehehe… Ahahahaha!”
It was rare to see her laugh out loud like that. At the same time, her gaze on me was so gentle that I almost found myself captivated… No, just by continuing to stare into those eyes like this, it was as if I was already captivated.
No matter how many years pass, my feelings for Ayana will never diminish. Rather, with each realization of how much stronger those feelings become, I can’t help but think about how much I love her. Well, Ayana’s charm is something that can’t be fully described—
“Mmm… Mm!”
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, Ayana seized the opportunity and kissed me. It wasn’t just a cute peck on the lips; it was a passionate kiss, tongues intertwining. Exchanging saliva, and ardently yearning for each other.
“I actually thought of holding back. But since all three of us had been drinking that much, they should be in a deep sleep… It should be fine to make a little noise, right?”
“It might indeed be fine, but…”
“hehehe, well then—”
Ayana sat down on the spot and skillfully put her hand on my pants.
“Umm, but come to think of it, it’s been a while since we did it here last spring.”
“I remember that… Ah.”
As I listened to Ayana’s words, I also recalled. I think there was a little mishap back then… Did Ayana remember the same thing as she chuckled to herself?
“When Akemi-san came back early… and we hurried to clean up, right? I remember it was quite a mess, with the floor getting wet.”
“And you couldn’t move properly… Yeah, it was really tough.”
“Anyone would have been like that right after reaching their limit!”
I really thought we might get caught. We were desperately cleaning up, but inside, I was panicking.
“‘Oh, cleaning? …Ayana-chan? Your face is really red, though?'”
“‘I-It’s f-fine…'”
“‘You’re not making sense!?'”
It’s nostalgic to think I worried my mother in a different way. As I reminisced about the past, I was brought back to reality by the cool touch of Ayana’s hand.
“It’s my duty to ease your discomfort… hehehe, shall we play the master and maid’s secret game again in maid outfits?”
“It’s alluring, but it’s tiring, so let’s not….”
“Aww, that’s too bad♪”
It doesn’t seem like she’s really that disappointed… However, compared to the adults who have fallen asleep, it seems like we won’t be sleeping anytime soon today.