———Six months later.
“Well… I guess I’ll head home. See you later, Arthur.”
After class ended, I called out to Arthur, who was taking notes next to me. He turned to me with a cheerful smile and replied.
“Yeah, see you tomorrow. ———Hera is staying at your place again tonight, right?”
“Well… that’s the plan.”
“You two are still as close as ever…”
“You’re the last person I want to hear that from.”
“Well… my parents are against my relationship, after all.”
By the way, Hera’s parents have already found out about us. I revealed that I’m a Divine Spirit Contractor, and under the promise that I wouldn’t let it slip to others, they approved of our relationship.
“You’re lucky, having her parents’ support.”
“Yeah… this time, I owe my strength and my grandpa.”
“Honestly, I envy you…”
“Arthur…”
Apparently, Arthur’s parents are against his relationship with Maria, so he’s going against his family’s wishes for the first time to be with her. When I think about it, Hera’s family is really understanding.
“Well, I’ll be off.”
“Yeah, say hi to Maria for me. And if you ever need help, I’ll be there for you.”
“…Thanks. I’ll definitely take you up on that if it comes to it.”
Arthur quickly left the classroom to meet Maria. A little later, I also left and went to the quiet courtyard to wait for Hera. A few minutes later, I saw her—an adorable, silver-haired beauty with crimson eyes, waving and running toward me.
“Shin! How was it? I came early today, right? I worked really hard!”
“Yeah, you did come earlier than usual. Thanks, Hera.”
“Ehehe… of course! You’re my most important boyfriend in the whole world! I won’t let any of those hangers-on get in my way! ———So, praise me?”
“Good job, well done. I’m really happy.”
“Mmm… ehehe…”
Hera threw herself into my arms, and I gently caught her, stroking her hair slowly like she wanted. She smiled happily, letting out a soft sound of contentment.
In these past six months, we’ve become what people call a classic lovey-dovey couple. Without each other, we can’t focus and feel restless. Whenever we’re together, we’re always physically close, whether it’s holding hands or something more. Just holding hands fills my heart with happiness, and doing anything more makes me forget about the world around us.
By the way, we’ve already taken things to the next level, and recently, Hera has been the more proactive one—let’s leave it at that.
“What’s wrong…? Did something happen today?”
Hera looked up at me worriedly with big eyes, noticing that I had stopped stroking her hair. I smiled to reassure her.
“Of course, nothing happened. I was just thinking about how you’ve become more assertive recently… You used to be so shy—”
“Mmph!”
“Stop! Don’t say any more! It’s embarrassing!”
Hera’s face turned beet red, and she quickly covered my mouth with both hands, stopping me from speaking further. I thought she looked adorable as I gently pried her hands away.
“If you’re so embarrassed, maybe you should hold back a little.”
“I-I know, but… before I realize it, I’m already acting like that—ugh… you know I can’t stop… you’re being mean, Shin…”
Hera pouted, her eyes teary as she glared at me, but with her red face, puffed cheeks, and the way she was clinging to me, she didn’t look scary at all—just incredibly cute. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Why are you laughing?!”
“No… I just thought you’re really cute.”
“Ugh… when you say that, I can’t argue back…”
Hera, flustered, pressed her head into my chest, rubbing it back and forth. She’s been doing this recently when she gets sulky… though it’s a bit painful, it’s so cute that I don’t really mind.
“Hera, I was teasing you too much. I’m sorry, so please cheer up, okay?”
“…Do you want my forgiveness?”
She stopped rubbing and asked with a bit of mischief in her voice, so I quickly nodded.
“Of course. What can I do to make it up to you?”
“…Let me stay over at your place again tonight…”
Her face flushed so red it looked like steam might come out, and with watery eyes, she looked up at me, whispering softly. In that moment———I was struck speechless by how overwhelmingly cute she was.
…Isn’t my girlfriend just too adorable?
“W-What’s wrong…? S-Say something… I worked up the courage to say it.”
“S-Sorry… you were so cute, I froze. ———Of course, you can stay. How about I make your favorite omelet rice tonight?”
“Yay! Then let’s hurry and go!”
Hera, now holding my hand in a tight grip, smiled brightly as she started walking. Watching her, my heart soared as I followed close behind.
