Chapter 37 - It Seems That JK Idol-san is Interested in the Fireworks Festival (part 4)
"Since I've never done it before, I hope I can do it well."
I felt nervous.
Although I've often touched women's hair and know how long and soft it can be, it's difficult to do it myself.
Moreover, for some reason, Sakurazaki seems to keep pursing her lips.
At least, I pulled the front hair on the left side to the side and put a hairpin that I had in my hand.
"Alright... done. Sakurazaki, open your eyes."
Sakurazaki's gaze slowly opened.
Suddenly, I realized that the distance between us became too close.
"...Himahara-kun?"
"Sakurazaki... it might be a bit too early, but happy birthday."
The hairpin in the shape of a cherry blossom that I chose for Sakurazaki.
Sakurazaki touched the hairpin with her hand, and suddenly she put it in her mouth.
"Himahara-kun... Is this for me?"
"Y-yes, if possible, I wanted to give it to you on the 15th, but it seemed like you were busy. So, it's a bit early."
"Himahara-kun...!"
Suddenly, Sakurazaki hugged me.
Sakurazaki's face was so close to my eyes and nose, and a sweet scent tickled my nose.
I had never seen Sakurazaki's face from such a close distance.
The more I looked at it, the more captivated I became by her beauty.
Sakurazaki, she's just...
"Thank you, I'm really happy, Himahara-kun."
"S-Sakurazaki... This is too close..."
"As expected, Himahara-kun is always cheating. If you do something like this... I..."
Tears flowed down Sakurazaki's cheeks.
But Sakurazaki... she smiled.
"I will treasure it for the rest of my life... I want to always feel your presence, Himahara-kun."
"Sakurazaki..."
"Hey, Himahara-kun, now it's your turn to close your eyes."
I followed her request and closed my eyes.
Then, Sakurazaki's small hand enveloped my face, and at that moment, I felt a gentle touch on my cheek.
Even though everything in front of me became dark, I could clearly hear the sound of fireworks.
And Sakurazaki's sweet breath touched my cheek.
And once again, I felt a soft touch, this time as if time had stopped and never parted.
Suddenly, when I opened my eyes, I realized that Sakurazaki's lips were touching my cheek.
"Uh!"
I was caught opening my eyes, and Sakurazaki released her lips with a teasing sound, then let out another sweet breath.
"Enough, you're not supposed to open your eyes! Silly!"
Sakurazaki muttered in my ear, and finally, the distance between us returned to normal.
"Sakurazaki..."
I placed my hand on my cheek.
Sakurazaki's... lips were there just now...
"S-so..."
"Eh? Sakurazaki?"
"S-Sorry! I was too happy and felt something strange! I couldn't stop it!"
"Calm down, Sakurazaki! It's like when we feel joy and embrace each other, right?"
"Y-Yeah, yeah! It's the same! So! There's no deeper meaning or anything!"
"Y-Yes, exactly!"
Although I didn't quite understand, both of us were very excited.
Sakurazaki took a sip of water from a plastic bottle to calm herself down, then started speaking.
"...From now on, will you stay by my side?"
"Yes, if that's what you want..."
"I-I want you, Himahara-kun! I want to go to different places with you and see various sceneries!"
"...Alright. So, now..."
I held Sakurazaki's small hand, interlocking our fingers.
"We will watch the fireworks."
"Yeah!"
The fireworks were enough to conceal our blushing cheeks.
Translator: Janaka