GA Bunko 2024 Summer Fair SS: Spring’s Allure
As one of her principles, Mahiru always held herself to a high level of self-discipline. Showing her careless or vulnerable side to others was something she couldn’t stand, especially in public spaces. This didn’t change even with Amane, her boyfriend. While she did relax more around him compared to others, she still carried a much more composed and diligent air about her compared to Amane’s laid-back attitude. She was so diligent, in fact, that it sometimes made him worry about her.
That was how Mahiru always acted, but there was one exception to this rule of hers that occurred only when certain special conditions were met.
✧ ₊ ✦ ₊ ✧
“...Th-This is not okay,” Mahiru said, her voice trembling as she looked at one corner of the living room.
The windows in the apartment were relatively large, letting plenty of light into the room. In the open space in front of these windows, the notorious ‘evil’ beanbag sofa from Amane’s room was proudly positioned. The sofa was adorned with the cushion Amane often used as well as Mahiru’s favorite blanket. The air conditioning was set to the perfect level for comfort, and UV-cut lace curtains were drawn to create a softly lit, cozy space while protecting against sunburn.
The spring sunlight spilling through the laced curtains was soft and pleasant. Combined with the mild temperature, it was the perfect setup for anyone to drift off while basking in the gentle light. The environment was meticulously prepared to be irresistibly inviting. Mahiru, realizing that everything was set in place specifically for her, trembled slightly, clearly understanding its purpose.
“Is something the matter?” Amane asked.
“Y–You set all of this up to just make me feel lazy, didn’t you!?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“Don’t just nod along like it’s nothing!”
“I mean, with weather this perfect and everything taken care of, now’s the perfect time to relax. We should take it easy.”
As of late, things had been getting busier and busier, but today, he had wrapped up everything he’d set out to do. Mahiru had also completed her tasks in the morning so that she could relax in the afternoon, which was the very reason why this setup was prepared.
“C-Could you not relax on your own, Amane-kun?”
“Huh? No, I don’t wanna. I’ll be lonely… Can’t we relax together?”
“I— …It’s not that we can’t! But I’m sure you’re fully aware that I can’t resist when you make that face!”
“Yep.”
Having been together for a considerable amount of time, Amane grasped Mahiru’s personality quite well. He knew that if he showed a hint of expectation and loneliness, Mahiru would—to an extent—become more accommodating. Of course, he would never ask her to do something she genuinely disliked. This time, his goal was to turn her hesitation into something she could accept by making it seem like it was for his sake.
“…You’ve really begun to figure out how to use your facial expressions to your advantage recently, haven’t you?”
“Whether it’s objectively attractive or not, I know you also love my face, Mahiru.”
“I–It’s not like I chose you for your looks!”
“Yeah, that’s why I said ‘also’.”
“U-Uuu…”
“Don’t worry, I think I understand you pretty well. At least, I think I do. In actuality, I might not always be right, but I think I’m spot on this time.”
“…Dummy.”
Amane knew that Mahiru’s “dummy” meant that she had finally given in. When he smiled at her sulking face, she glared at him even more with her narrowed eyes.
“…You’re becoming less cute now,” Mahiru said.
“Then what am I becoming instead?”
“And the way you can say things like that is exactly why.”
This “…You’re becoming less cute now” was likely both a complaint and a compliment. If it were the old Amane, he wouldn’t have had the confidence to assert that Mahiru loved him so openly. Mahiru knew that this newfound confidence of his came with him being assured of her love for him. That said, his new ‘lack of cuteness’ also meant that Amane had become harder for her to handle, which left Mahiru with mixed feelings.
However, it seemed that this change was not one Mahiru disliked. Feeling reassured, Amane laughed and accepted her slightly sulky attitude as she gently thumped his arm in mild protest.
“I mean, I’ve already finished all my homework and chores. Dinner prep is done, I did all the shopping and cleaning in the morning, and I’ve reached my study goal for the day already. You also cleared your schedule for the afternoon, didn’t you?”
“I–I may have, but still! I–If you prepare something like this, I’ll…end up becoming lazy.”
“Yep, that’s kinda my goal.”
Since Mahiru was always strict with, and rarely treated herself, Amane thought it was important for them to create and spend time together relaxing. Besides, another big factor was that he simply wanted to spend a slow, leisurely time with Mahiru.
“Why do you want to see your girlfriend being lazy like a sloth?”
“Hmm… I mean, you’re always so on edge, Mahiru. I thought some little relaxation time like this might help you unwind. Sometimes you don’t let yourself relax even around me.”
“B-But even so…”
“I tried to create an ambience that you’d enjoy. Was that too much of me?”
“N-No, it’s not that…!”
“So it’s okay?”
“...What do you plan to do while I’m relaxing, Amane-kun?”
“That depends on you, I guess… If you don’t want me to see, then I’ll be in my room studying.”
“What if I don’t mind you seeing?”
“Then, maybe I’ll enjoy watching you let yourself succumb to relaxation.”
“…You won’t come and relax with me?” Mahiru glanced at Amane.
When she looked up at him with those eyes and asked that question, there was no way anyone in the world could refuse her request.
“If it’s okay with you, I’d love to.”
“You say that, but I know you planned as such from the beginning.”
“Yep. Is that not okay?”
“…Now you’re being straightforward—and cute.”
“Mahiru, your standards for being cute are beyond me. Well, I don’t mind not being cute.”
“…You are cute, but not at the same time.”
Slightly amused by Mahiru’s ambiguous words, Amane chuckled softly and, as prompted, settled into the ‘evil’ beanbag sofa that spoiled whoever fell into its clutches. Mahiru sat beside him…or so he had thought—instead, she plopped herself right between his legs and leaned back against him boldly.
Mahiru glanced back at Amane, who then blinked back in surprise. A mischievous smile played on her lips.
“…If the goal is to make me succumb to laziness, then I would rather do so by your hands, Amane-kun.”
Upon hearing a whisper so sweet, Amane not letting out a groan was almost short of a miracle. Mahiru, too, was well versed in how to act in ways that would make Amane fall.
“…You’re so cu—”
“Not cute enough for you?”
“…That was so cute that I’m concerned. Please worry about yourself first.”
“Why’s that?”
If you start teasing me like that, even my composure might take a hit, Amane thought with a sigh, wishing that she would be more careful. He wrapped his arms around her dainty body. Though she initially tensed with embarrassment, she quickly relaxed and entrusted herself to him completely. As he gently embraced her and they soaked in the soft sunlight, Mahiru’s breathing soon settled into a slow, steady rhythm within his arms.
She must have been tired already, for Amane could see from above that her eyelids were already starting to drop.
“…So warm,” she said.
“Me, or the sunlight?”
“Both. It feels very comforting.”
“Yeah.”
Amane felt immense joy hearing Mahiru’s sleepy, tranquil voice and seeing her relaxed posture, which was a testament to her complete trust in him. Relishing the moment, he closed his eyes as well, letting the soft, warm spring sunlight lull him into peace.
…This is what happiness feels like.
Nestled comfortably in his arms, Mahiru had already begun to breathe softly, drifting off into sleep. Amane, feeling a warmth different from that of the spring sunlight, savored this moment of pure joy. Slowly, he let his thoughts drift into the sea of slumber, enveloped in the bliss of holding his beloved close.
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