Early June.
At Yuzuru’s high school, the so-called “fitness test” was being held.
They rented out a nearby stadium and gymnasium, using an entire day to record results for all students.
…That said, it wasn’t exactly an exciting event.
If anything, the only perks were getting out of regular classes and enjoying a faint sense of something different.
There was also the fact that it involved physical activity, so it was a bit tiring.
…A definite downside.
If there was one thing to add, it would be that for Yuzuru—who had been unable to participate the previous year due to injury—this was his first time taking the test.
That said, the content was no different from what they’d done in primary and middle school.
In other words, for both Yuzuru and Arisa, it was nothing particularly noteworthy.
Though…
What is unremarkable alone becomes something slightly different when shared between two people.
“Your lunch is delicious as always.”
Yuzuru said this to the girl sitting beside him.
Still in her gym uniform, the blonde girl continued moving her chopsticks as she replied in a casual tone.
“I’m glad to hear that. …Though, it’s hardly different from usual.”
His fiancée, Yukishiro Arisa, answered with a composed expression.
And yet, the faint colour blooming across her porcelain-white cheeks made it clear… she was actually embarrassed.
As always, she was an easy-to-read fiancée.
“…Would you like another serving of miso soup?”
“If there’s still some left.”
At his reply, Arisa said nothing—
Instead, she silently picked up the thermos and poured some into his cup.
“Here you go.”
“Thanks.”
The miso soup was packed with root vegetables.
It tasted just like Arisa’s usual cooking… but perhaps because it followed exercise, it felt even more delicious than usual.
It was the lunch break during the “fitness test.”
Yuzuru and Arisa were eating together.
They sat side by side on an empty bench, sharing the lunch she had prepared.
There was no one around.
They had chosen the spot that way.
“…After this, would it be alright if I stopped by your house, Yuzuru-san?”
“Of course. …If you like, you could even stay over.”
He readily agreed—and then made a suggestion of his own.
During the May holidays, Arisa had stayed over in his room once before.
In fact, some of her “overnight set” had been left behind.
Which meant… if she wanted to, she could stay anytime.
After a brief moment of thought, Arisa answered.
“No… I think staying over too often wouldn’t be a good idea… Ah, but I would appreciate it if I could use your shower.”
“Easy enough.”
Even as close as they were, Yuzuru understood that staying over too frequently wouldn’t look good socially.
…And besides, there would be plenty of opportunities.
“…”
“…”
Yuzuru shifted slightly closer to Arisa.
Their shoulders, already near, pressed fully together.
“…”
“…”
Then, slowly and naturally… he took her hand.
Arisa gently squeezed back.
Her hand was soft, and warm.
And…
(Still… what does it actually mean to take things slow, carefully, and not miss your chance?)
Yuzuru recalled the words of his part-time job supervisor—Hiromi.
Lately, he’d felt something like a stalemate in his relationship with Arisa.
During the May holidays, they had grown closer—close enough to kiss—but… they hadn’t moved beyond that.
What lay ahead felt distant, like a wall too large to overcome.
(No, wait… if I’m feeling impatient about that, doesn’t that mean I’m already rushing? Is that bad?)
If he got carried away, lost control, and frightened Arisa, that would defeat the entire purpose.
Perhaps he should proceed slowly—so slowly it bordered on excessive caution…
(But as a man, shouldn’t I take the lead? …If I’m too passive, maybe that’ll make Arisa anxious too…)
He hadn’t taken Hiromi’s words at face value.
But still—Hiromi was someone with far more life experience.
At least twice as much.
Not someone to dismiss lightly.
If there was even a chance that Arisa might feel uncertain about his affection… then being overly cautious might only make things worse.
(Th-this is difficult…)
What should he do?
As he pondered, Yuzuru decided—for now—to place his arm around Arisa’s shoulders.
Her slender frame fit neatly within his grasp.
The fabric of her gym uniform felt faintly damp.
“…”
“…”
A beat after he moved, Arisa leaned into him, resting her weight against his side.
Before he realised it, her head was resting on his shoulder.
Her smooth, flaxen hair brushed against his cheek.
The scent of shampoo, deodorant, and a faint trace of sweat tickled his nose.
It was a very pleasant smell.
Yuzuru felt his self-control beginning to melt.
“…Arisa.”
He called her name, pulling her closer.
His hand touched her face, and he moved to claim her lips—
“Ah, um…”
Arisa’s hand pressed lightly against his chest.
Yuzuru froze.
“I-it’s still technically class time… and, well, we’re outside…”
A gentle refusal.
It stung, just a little.
But…
They were in the middle of a school event.
And under the open sky… someone might see them.
Thinking about it that way, Arisa’s reasoning was perfectly fair.
This was probably what you’d call “rushing things.”
“…You’re right. Sorry.”
Telling himself that something like this wouldn’t make his fiancée dislike him, Yuzuru tried to pull away slightly.
But then—Arisa tightly gripped his clothes.
She looked up at him.
With moist emerald eyes and faintly flushed cheeks, she spoke.
“…When we get back, um… we can… you know… so until then…”
“Understood. I’ll behave.”
Yuzuru suddenly found himself very much looking forward to going home.
