The night was still young when we arrived at her neighborhood. Like I previously observed, its not as quiet as ours but theres also not much socializing going around. And at this time of the night, most people would already be inside their house, cooking dinner or watching TV as a family.

Next to me, Hana silently trudged along, her hand remained interlocked with mine. There was a small hint of satisfaction on her lips as she stared straight ahead. Despite the dim street, her path to the future was probably being illuminated by her bright prospect of it.

What? Cant get enough of my face?

Upon noticing my gaze on her, Hana teasingly asked. The girl then drew her face closer, giving me a better angle to admire her beauty that could make anyones heart skip a beat.

I cupped her cheek and gently caressed her silky skin with my thumb.

Mhm. But more than that, its been a while since Ive seen you this delighted. You keep on frowning ever since you returned. You mightve been acting triumphant at times but youll always fall back to default whenever Im not looking.

Im not always frowning. I have my angelic smile, remember

Ah. Youre right. But did you forget that I can see through that?

Yes. Ive just remembered. It never worked on you. You see me for who I am ever since I caught your attention Say, if I asked you to stay with me back then, would you at least consider it?

She already knew the answer to that question and yet, she still brought it up. If I had to guess, she just wanted to confirm it again. That the events of our separation wouldnt change at all, no matter the circumstances.

No. I dont think so. I cut off all of you. No exceptions. But Im glad to find the three of you again. The clumsy Chii, the studious Hifumi, and lastly, the pretentious Hana.

Excuse me. Pretentious? Im only acting according to what people expect of me. Also, why is Hifumi the only one with a positive trait?

Well, I cant find fault with her, can I? Chii has changed though. She completely overhauled her image though still clumsy at times. As for you What can I say? Youve grown more beautiful.

Stop with an empty flattery. Are you saying I havent changed too?

Yes. You do not. But it doesnt mean you need to. I love you as you are already.

This guy I like you more when youre quiet. Not this guy who keeps on throwing some cheesy lines like that.

Alright then, I will keep my thoughts to myself. Instead, Ill convert it to action.

What do you

Before she could finish her question, I already dragged her somewhere. Not some corner or anything but inside the nearby convenience store. She looked confused but followed me inside, nonetheless.

When the part-timer at the counter greeted us, we both nodded at her before continuing our stride inside.

Passing through the aisles of goods and other customers picking their items, we arrived at the back where a row of coolers displaying different beverages were located.

If she was confused earlier why I brought her in, it immediately dissipated upon noticing where we stopped.

You remembered.

Of course, I do. How can I forget what you always drink? I pulled on the door of the cooler and reached in for a certain beverage. Its not a popular one but it seems to still be in production today. Although not something I preferred, I often drink it with her. Since our allowance wasnt that high, we sometimes shared a bottle.

Back then, it was her go-to beverage whenever she was tired or just feeling under the weather. She tried hiding it from me at first by letting me pick our drink. But after a while, I noticed how she kept glancing at it, deliberating whether to ask me to pick that one.

And when I did pick it, I could still vividly remember her bright round eyes rejoicing

Here. Should I get more? Lets stock your fridge with this.

I handed the drink to her and the girl instantly pressed it against her cheek, her lips stretching into a fulfilled smile. Her cheek mustve been warmed up enough despite the cool night breeze outside.

... Idiot. Thats enough. Ill go to a supermarket to stock up. Not in a convenience store.

Ah. Right. Its impractical.

I closed the cooler door and we walked back to the aisles. I picked some snacks and a bar of chocolate on the way to the counter.

Hana rolled her eyes at it but didnt stop me from doing so. Like the beverage, theyre her favorite.

Even without saying anything, she already realized my message for her I havent forgotten or in my case, I remembered every little thing about her.

After paying for it at the counter and walking out of the convenience store with the bag in hand, we continued on our way to her house.

Hana never said a word again but she opened one of the snacks, a vegetable-flavored rice cracker shaped in a short stick. Its quite salty though but Hana loves munching on it, especially when shes in a good mood.

Of course, she kept it hidden from our classmates back then. Furthermore, while she had a usual lunchbox, she had a hidden compartment in her bag, containing her snack of the day. And more often than not, its this one.

I once caught her eating it and to keep me from leaking it to our classmates, she pushed the cracker to my mouth, making me her accomplice. Now that I think about it, thats quite adorable of her, no?

Anyway, just like back then, she shared it with me, feeding it to my mouth as we walked.

Soon enough, we arrived at her house. Without any people inside, the house felt lonely because of the darkness. But I guess, shes already used to it as Hana just continued on her steps until we got stopped at the front door.

With the residue of the snack remaining on her fingers, the girl looked up at me and conveyed what she wanted me to do.

Alright. Wheres the key?

There. Beneath the plant. The girl pointed at the window closest to the door where a potted plant was on display.

Its probably a flower but its only a small stack at the moment. Possibly something she bought recently.

In any case, I moved there, lifted the plant, and grabbed the key.

When I returned Hana had a meaningful smile on her lips before clinging to me again.

I slotted the key to the door and turned the knob.

As soon as it opened, Hana walked in, dragging me with her inside.

Well, even if I only planned to walk her home, I couldnt help but feel the urge to check on her living conditions again now that Im here.

The house was well-maintained just like Rumis house but with the lack of house slippers inside or just the presence of other people, its just as lonely.

After taking our shoes off and walking inside with just our socks on, we arrived at the living room. The same living room where I did things with Chii and Hifumi.

Hana grabbed the convenience store bag from me, placed it down on the coffee table in the middle, and pulled me with her to the same long sofa we used back then.

Ruki Wont you stay here with me? Without warning, the girl dropped that question as she cupped my cheeks in between her palms. Her eyes burned with her desire to prolong this night with me.

I can do that. But you know that I have to go home at some point, right?

I only told Akane that Id walk Hana home. Even if she expects me to have another moment with the girl here, its not to the point that Ill be staying the night here.

Besides, who knows when her Aunt will show up? She wont be amused to see Hana bringing a guy a few weeks after returning from overseas.

... Yes. Though I am tempted to suggest that you stay the night and sleep with me in the same bed.

Only tempted?

Un. I know youll reject it anyway. Spare me the heartbreak.

Girl, I keep saying I love you. Why will I pass up that golden chance to be with you?

Because youre Ruki You wont simply come into my bed when Akane is waiting for you at home. I know at least that much Hana clicked her tongue and squeezed my face before sliding her hand down to my neck.

Thats fair. And thank you for understanding me, Hana.

I started stroking her back and her long, lustrous hair. Then with a push of my head, I caught her lips.

Hana closed her eyes, accepting the kiss. And gradually our desire for each other that was already brimming since earlier had started to overflow.

As we savored every moment of it, we couldnt help but continue conversing in between our kisses.

Hmph. Its our misfortune to fall for you. But its too late to regret being drawn to you.

You know you couldve met more guys better than me if you stayed in that country.

Guys better than you? I dont think so. Most are still childish and only out there to boost their ego. You, however

I may be mature but still filled with flaws.

Whos without flaw anyway? Im also imperfect.

Theres the stubborn girl that I love.

Thats just being real, you flawed guy

Upon delivering that, Hana blocked my lips again, preventing me from replying to her. Then, as if on cue, she climbed on my lap, straddling me.

At this point, were already drawing close to a more intimate moment.

Unfortunately, our moment was cut short when we suddenly heard a gasp by the doorway. Standing there was a woman with her hands on her mouth staring at us in shock.

I never heard the door opening nor footsteps coming in So where did she come in from?

In any case theres only one identity for this woman Talk about timing

Aunt Hana muttered softly.