[Kento’s PoV]
“The thunder really is intense, huh…” (Kento)
After Sophia was done, I thought she might be hungry, so I had dinner with her before heading to the bath myself. But while I was in the bath, thunder struck relentlessly nearby.
It was so intense that I was actually scared the power might go out.
“I wonder if Sophia’s okay…?” (Kento)
She had been really frightened by just one strike of lightning, and even though we were indoors, with the thunder being so close, she must have heard it in her room.
I hope she isn’t too scared…
Thinking that, I must have been more worried than I realized, because as I was climbing the stairs, I witnessed an unbelievable scene.
“…! …!” (Sophia)
“Sophia…?!” (Kento)
While climbing the stairs, I saw her from behind—she was curled up on the floor, hugging her knees, and without thinking, I called out to her.
“—!” (Sophia)
Then, as soon as she noticed me, Sophia suddenly leaped into my chest.
The body I caught reflexively was trembling violently.
It seemed that while she was on her way to her room, lightning had struck nearby, and since then, she had been too frightened to move.
“It’s okay, don’t be so scared.” (Kento)
Seeing Sophia, not her usual confident self but trembling like a young child, I consciously used a gentle voice and soothing words to comfort her.
She really was like a completely different person at times like this.
“I hate thunder…” (Sophia)
“I know, it’s okay.” (Kento)
Sophia, sounding like she was regressing to a younger age, hugged me tightly, so I rubbed her back, trying to calm her down.
By the time I started my bath, the lightning had already been striking, and it had continued several times while I was in the bath. It was clear that she had already reached her limit.
“Let’s go to your room for now.” (Kento)
There was no point in staying in the hallway, so I decided to take her to her room.
If she gets under the covers and waits for the thunder to pass, she’ll probably fall asleep before we know it.
“*Sniff*…” (Sophia)
“It’s okay. It’s okay.” (Kento)
I kept reassuring Sophia, saying “It’s okay” over and over as she cried.
In reality, as long as we were inside the building, there was no real danger from the lightning.
While we had to be cautious about secondary disasters like fires, the chance of dying from being struck by lightning was low.
“See, we’re at your room.” (Kento)
“……….” (Sophia)
Even after I brought her to her room, Sophia shook her head and wouldn’t let go of me.
Since the sound of the thunder was still there, she probably didn’t want to be alone.
At this rate, she wasn’t going to study, so it might be better to stay by her side until she fell asleep.
“Well then, you should get in bed—” (Kento)
Just as I was about to say that, a lightning strike louder than any before struck, and the room went completely dark.
“Kyahhhhh!” (Sophia)
“Sophia, calm down! It’s just a power outage!” (Kento)
Sophia screamed and clung to me with immense force such that I raised my voice.
I felt like it was the only way to reach her.
“No… Why…” (Sophia)
For someone like Sophia, who’s also afraid of the dark, this must feel like hell right now.
I’m not fond of the dark either, so I could feel my own anxiety rising within me.
But—if I let myself be consumed by fear too, it would only make Sophia more scared.
So, I took a deep breath and focused on calming myself first.
I remember when we had a power outage from lightning before, Dad told me that you had to turn off the breaker, and then for safety, unplug all the electrical appliances, right?
I recalled that lesson from my dad during a similar situation.
“It’s dangerous, so how about you get into bed and close your eyes for now, Sophia?” (Sophia)
Even though I had a rough idea of where the furniture was in the house after living here for so many years, moving around in the dark with her, while she was so scared, was too risky.
I knew Sophia was afraid of thunder and the dark, but considering her safety, it was probably best for her to stay still in bed.
However—
“No… don’t leave me…” (Sophia)
Sophia pressed her face against my chest, clinging to me desperately.
Even though she understood logically that nothing would happen if she stayed in bed, her mind was probably running wild with fearful thoughts and bad imaginations.
Her intelligence likely made her more prone to these kinds of fears, especially in situations like this.
“Okay, just hold on to me.” (Kento)
Even in the pitch-black darkness, with time, your eyes will adjust, and you can start to make out your surroundings.
And the flashlight… wait, am I an idiot…?
The time I needed a flashlight during a power outage was when I was a kid. Now, I’ve got a smartphone…
I guess the sudden situation had thrown me off too.
“Alright, with this, I can go get the flashlight.” (Kento)
Since I didn’t know when the power would come back, I couldn’t rely solely on my phone.
To conserve the phone’s battery, it was probably best to get a flashlight as well.
I took Sophia, who was clinging to me in fear, along and went to get the flashlight. After that, I turned off the breaker and unplugged any electronics I thought might be connected.
Once all that was done, I returned to Sophia’s room.
“Sorry for dragging you around.” (Kento)
It had taken longer than I expected since I unplugged everything one by one.
Because of that, Sophia must’ve been even more scared.
The thunder hadn’t stopped either.
“Bed…” (Sophia)
“Yeah, I know. Let’s get you to bed.” (Kento)
Sophia was still acting like a scared child, likely wanting to get into bed as quickly as possible.
I took her to the bed as she asked.
“Here, get in.” (Kento)
“Shirakawa-kun too…” (Sophia)
“Huh!?” (Kento)
I thought she’d get into bed alone, but as she sat on the edge of the bed, she pulled on my arm.
Does this mean she wants to sleep together!?
That’s crazy… right!?
“Thunder and the power outage… they’re scary…” (Sophia)
“Yeah, but…” (Kento)
“Please…” (Sophia)
Sophia pleaded with a voice full of desperation.
She was clearly overwhelmed, and I could understand that. But… still, I couldn’t just sleep with her.
“Would it be okay if I stayed by your side until you fell asleep? Is that not enough…?” (Kento)
“Sleeping is impossible…!” (Sophia)
Until now, Sophia had only spoken in a weak voice, but now, her voice was desperate, almost on the verge of breaking.
It seemed like I had no choice but to get into bed with her until she fell asleep and then slip out once she was calm.
“Are you really sure about this…?” (Kento)
“…! …!” (Sophia)
When I asked one last time, Sophia, with tears welling up in the corners of her eyes, nodded vigorously, clearly trying to hold back the emotions.
It seemed like her fear of thunder and the dark outweighed any sense of danger she might have of having a man in her bed.
“Alright… then, excuse me.” (Kento)
Seeing how desperately she had pleaded, I couldn’t turn her down. I climbed into bed with Sophia.
Then, as if to make sure I wouldn’t leave, Sophia clung to me and pressed her face against my chest.
I gently wrapped my arms around her and stroked her head, trying to ease her fear, even just a little.
Of course, my heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst.
“I’m not going anywhere, so just relax.” (Kento)
I know that I said I would slip out after she fell asleep, but I decided to let go of those thoughts I had earlier and decided to stay with Sophia for the night.
Given how scared she was, if she woke up and found I was gone, it would be too cruel.
To help her sleep peacefully, I needed to put aside my embarrassment and stay with her.
…But, I would have to control myself, not crossing any lines.
Still…
“Thank you…” (Sophia)
Right now, Sophia was just too cute…
It was impossible not to feel something when Sophia clung to me as though she couldn’t be without me.
The contrast with her usual cool demeanor only made my heart race even more.
This situation felt like it could be great training for mental discipline.
—As I silently continued to stroke her head, the tension in Sophia’s expression slowly started to fade.
The sound of the thunder had lessened and became quieter, which probably helped ease her a bit.
At this point, it seemed like talking might be a good way to distract her.
“Feeling a little better?” (Kento)
“Mm…” (Sophia)
When I asked, Sophia gave a small nod.
That was the response I’d expected.
But then—she followed that up by pressing her face into my chest, rubbing it gently like she was seeking more comfort.
I understood the desire to seek comfort when feeling vulnerable.
I understood it… but still, when I was already struggling to keep my composure, having her do something like this made it hard to hold back.
“That’s good… you can sleep whenever you feel tired, okay?” (Kento)
Even though my heartbeat was racing painfully in my chest, I managed to force a smile, trying not to let it show.
But with her face pressed against my chest like that, I had a feeling she knew how fast my heart was pounding.
Honestly, asking me to hold back when a cute girl like her was snuggling up to me in bed… was impossible.
No, I didn’t want to betray her trust, so I couldn’t make a move but… damn, why is she so cute?!
As I struggled with my inner turmoil, Sophia slowly opened her mouth.
“…I might not want to sleep.” (Sophia)
“Huh? Sorry, what did you say?” (Kento)
I was so focused on holding myself back that I missed what Sophia murmured.
It didn’t sound like her usual English muttering; this time, it seemed like she was speaking in Japanese.
“I feel at ease when we’re like this… And… it makes me really happy…” (Sophia)
She seemed to mumble “happy” in English afterwards.
I definitely knew what “happy” meant, and it was clear she was feeling comforted and happy about the situation.
I wasn’t sure why she switched to English for the second part, but it seemed like a small slip, nothing major.
At least, she seemed to feel at ease, which was a relief.
Suddenly, it hit me.
When Sophia is vulnerable, she becomes much more honest, almost like a completely different person. If I brought up the manager situation now, she might open up and tell me the truth.
If her mental state were to improve too much, she would likely slip back into her usual, more guarded self. This could be the perfect moment to ask her.
“Hey, Sophia. Do you really not want to be the baseball team’s manager?” (Kento)
I asked her gently, keeping my tone softer than usual to avoid pushing her too much.
At that, Sophia lifted her face and looked up at me with her watery eyes.
The sight of her, so close and gazing at me with such a vulnerable expression, nearly overwhelmed me.
But I couldn’t let myself be swept away by it. I had to hold my ground.
…This is truly some good mental training…
“Because…” (Sophia)
Sophia murmured softly at first.
I had expected that it would take a few more exchanges before she’d start talking, but as I thought, when she’s feeling vulnerable, she becomes unexpectedly honest.
I kept silent, making sure not to say anything that might make her change her mind, and just waited for her to continue.
“Because… I don’t want to trouble my mom with my selfishness… Besides, there were many other people who wanted that scholarship… I can’t just take up a spot and then quit…” (Sophia)
From her tone, I could tell her mental state hadn’t fully recovered yet.
Just like when she was feverish, when she’s weak, she becomes more childlike in her behavior, which likely causes her voice to sound more childish as well.
Normally, her tone is more like that of a cool, composed adult woman, so it’s easy to tell whether she’s vulnerable or not based on how she speaks.
That said, there are always limits to how many students can receive a special scholarship in both academics and sports.
Sophia, who has been at the top of her class since her entrance exams and continues to dominate in tests, probably has one of the highest-ranking scholarships available.
Sophia was a serious person, someone who clearly felt the weight of the responsibility she had taken on with the scholarship. Having secured it by surpassing others, she likely couldn’t bring herself to let it go.
What she said was right—and admirable.
Not many high school students are able to face their responsibilities so directly and possess such a clear mindset.
“If you just maintain your grades, it should be fine, but… I’m not good at managing things… If I reduce study time, my grades drop… And that’s not all… Even if I were allowed to join the baseball team, I wouldn’t get along well with the other members… I’d just cause trouble for them, too…” (Sophia)
It seemed like Sophia was truly thinking about everything. She faced her own shortcomings, but she also considered the well-being of others.
Many students probably saw her as the “Solitary Flower” who is cold, rude, and indifferent to others.
But in reality, she was a kind-hearted girl who put others before herself, even if she struggled to convey that to those around her because she was clumsy in doing so.
“I’m not asking about all the reasons why you think you can’t do it. What I want to know is whether you want to be the manager or not.” (Kento)
I had already heard from her before that she couldn’t be a manager with how she is right now.
But that’s not what I needed to hear.
What I wanted to know was what she truly wanted—what her own heart desired. Once I had that, I could figure everything else out next time.
Considering the way she spoke earlier and how she had mentioned all the reasons she couldn’t do it, I already had a pretty good idea of the answer. But still, I needed to hear it from her own mouth.
No matter how much I prepared the path for her, the final decision lies with her.
I wasn’t going to let her run away from the crucial moment, so I’d make sure she couldn’t escape from this.
“I… !… want to do it…” (Sophia)
She gripped my clothes tightly with the hand she had used to hold me.
“I definitely want to join the baseball team…!” (Sophia)
The words she forced out held a firm conviction.
This wasn’t something she had said just because of the atmosphere in the room.
Finally, I heard her true feelings.
“Thank you for telling me.” (Kento)
I first expressed my gratitude to her for sharing her true feelings.
Then—
“I’ll think about it. I’ll figure out a way for you to stay as a scholarship student and still be the manager of the baseball team. Regarding the relationships with the team members, I already have a plan for that, so you can rest easy.” (Sophia)
—I had made up my mind to face this issue head-on.
“Is that okay…?” (Sophia)
Sophia looked up at me, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
She was probably worried about causing trouble again.
“It’s fine. It’s just what I want to do. I want you to join the baseball team, Sophia.” (Kento)
I said that and gently patted her head again.
Even though we were classmates, and she usually carried herself like a mature young woman, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of affection for her.
It was probably because she had become so vulnerable and childlike in her current state.
The feelings an older brother might have toward his imouto could be something like this.
—Though in my case, it’s complicated because I can’t see Sophia as just an imouto.1
“Thank you…” (Sophia)
Sophia said her thanks while tightly clinging to me.
She then pressed her face into my chest.
Through that, I felt a variety of emotions coming from her, but I simply kept stroking her head, letting it pass.
I was glad she thanked me, but I still hadn’t done anything yet.
I needed to make sure I didn’t waste her words of gratitude and her feelings, and properly solve the situation for her.
“Um…” (Sophia)
“Hm? What’s up?” (Kento)
As I continued to stroke her head, Sophia looked up at me again and called out, so I shifted my gaze back to her.
“Is it okay if I ask for something selfish…?” (Sophia)
That was a rare request coming from her. Given her pride, Sophia hardly ever asks for things like this.
Personally, I would be happy if she made more selfish requests like that.
“Of course. Well, it doesn’t have to be just one.” (Kento)
I had said something similar before, but it was sincere, so I wanted to make sure she knew it again.
“U-Um… I want to call you Kento-kun…” (Sophia)
Sophia shyly looked up at my face, her voice hesitant and uncertain.
At that moment, my mind nearly short-circuited.
What is this… She’s way too cute…
I had to hold myself back from hugging her tightly and instead forced a smile as I spoke.
“Well, if I call you Sophia, there’s no reason why you can’t call me Kento-kun, right?” (Kento)
“Ah… I guess that’s true. Thank you…” (Sophia)
I could faintly hear an “ehehe” sound, as Sofia’s cheeks softened into a relaxed smile.
If I hadn’t known her usual self, and if I didn’t understand that she was in a weakened state right now, I might have pushed her down.
That was how irresistibly cute and unfairly charming she was.
――In fact, I almost felt like I was falling for her.
While I was caught up in such internal conflict, Sofia pressed her face against my chest once more.
And then――
“Kento…kun” (Sophia)
She said my first name slowly, almost as if savoring it.
Please stop… I couldn’t hold onto my reason any longer…
In just this one night, my self-control was teetering on the edge of collapse.
As for what happened afterward――
“Suu… Suu…” (Sophia)
Not only had the storm settled, but it seemed like her emotions had completely calmed down from our conversation as well. Sophia, with her face still pressed against my chest, had unknowingly fallen asleep, breathing in a cute, steady rhythm.
Being in the same bed like this, with her sleeping so peacefully, made me feel like she wasn’t seeing me as a man, and it was a complicated feeling… but for now, I was just glad she was able to sleep.
…And also, since she had been unknowingly trying to break down my self-control over and over again, I was thankful she had fallen asleep.
If she had kept clinging to me like that, I might have given in and done something I’d regret.
That said――I was still lying here with her pressed up against me, and the feelings of her affection were still swirling inside me.
If I didn’t do something about this, I might end up making a move on her while she was sleeping.
――Damn it, I can’t stand nights like this…
I gritted my teeth and fought the urge, trying to hold myself back from doing anything while she slept.
◆
[Sophia’s PoV]
“Mn…?” (Sophia)
Wrapped in the sensation of warmth, I slowly opened my eyes.
I couldn’t hear the alarm, but my thoughts were unusually clear.
In fact, it might have been the best I’ve felt waking up in a while.
For some reason, my heart felt incredibly calm――
As I was thinking this, I suddenly realized something.
There was something in front of me.
“…………” (Sophia)
Despite just waking up, my thoughts were clearer than usual, and at that moment, I instantly understood what it was.
And then, when I slowly turned my gaze upward――there was Shirakawa-kun’s face, softly breathing in his sleep.
“~~~~~~!?!” (Sophia)
W-W-Wait, is this what I think it is!?
We slept together, didn’t we!?
From the fact that we had both been in the same bed, I quickly reached that conclusion.
It would have been fine if that was all, but slowly, memories of last night began to resurface.
――Yes, I had clung to him, terrified by the thunder and the blackout, crying and acting as if I were a little child, completely relying on him.
“Noooooo! I can’t! I want to disappear! I wish there was a hole I could crawl into!” (Sophia)
Recalling that unbelievably embarrassing scene, I wanted nothing more than to vanish right then and there.
Why does this always happen to me!?
I’m going to die from embarrassment!
“Mmm?” (Kento)
“Ah…!” (Sophia)
It must have been because I screamed.
Shirakawa-kun furrowed his brows, looking uncomfortable as he shifted in his sleep.
Not wanting him to wake up right now, I pressed my hands against my mouth, holding my breath.
Soon――I could hear his steady breathing again.
“Thank goodness… If he had woken up now, I wouldn’t have been able to face him…” (Sophia)
Honestly, I was terrified of what he might think of me right now.
He had been treating me with that calm, kind expression, like an adult man with composure, but there was a possibility that, deep down, he was completely put off by me.
He was kind enough not to show it, but still…
“It’s so weird… acting all cool, yet trembling like a child at the thunder and darkness…” (Sophia)
If he hated me, I might not be able to recover.
But… still, as long as he’s sleeping next to me like this, I don’t think he hates me at least…
“Come to think of it…” (Sophia)
Not all the memories that resurfaced were bad.
Yesterday, while I was being pampered by him, I had become even more clingy――and then I brought up how he should address me.
Thinking back on that moment, I wanted to crawl into a hole again, but honestly, since the real me couldn’t have done it, I thought it was a fine play on my part.
In return, let’s forget about everything that happened yesterday.
…As if it were that easy. If I could easily forget it, I wouldn’t be struggling so much right now.
“Kento-kun…” (Sophia)
Taking advantage of the fact that he was asleep, I whispered his first name softly near his ear.
But he was still asleep, showing no signs of waking up.
“Hehe… Kento-kun ♪ Kento-kun ♪” (Sophia)
I’d wanted to call his name like this for so long, and now, feeling delighted, I couldn’t help but call it over and over again.
If he woke up, I needed to make sure I could call him naturally, without any awkwardness. I had to get used to it now, while I had the chance.
Besides, opportunities like this don’t come often, so I decided to press my face against his chest as well.
Since he was asleep, there was no need to worry about anything.
It was fine to nuzzle my cheek against him.
“I’ve always been bad at relying on others, but for some reason, I just want to lean on Kento-kun…” (Sophia)
Well, I can’t be honest and clingy when he’s awake.
Sometimes, I wish I could have been born with a more straightforward personality.
“And he still smells so nice… Speaking of which, I heard that people are drawn to the scent of others when their genetic compatibility is high?” (Sophia)
Maybe that’s why I end up wanting to rely on him.
As I leaned in like this, my heart felt warm, and I couldn’t help but feel incredibly happy.
I wanted to wake up to mornings like this every day.
“Hehe, Kento-kun… ♪” (Sophia)
I want to sleep together with him every day.
Maybe I should ask him to do so on thunderstorm nights…
As I called his name while thinking such mischievous thoughts――
“――Um…” (Kento)
Immediately, I heard a familiar voice from above.
“――!?” (Sophia)
I couldn’t help but look up, only to meet Kento-kun’s gaze as he smiled at me, looking a bit confused.
“A-Ah, u-uh, this is…!” (Sophia)
Caught off guard by the unexpected situation, I couldn’t get the words out properly.
My face was burning with heat, and sweat was dripping down my face.
What should I do? I have to find a way to cover this up…!
“I-I was just half asleep…!” (Sophia)
In a panic, I quickly lied.
But――he tilted his head, looking at me with a puzzled expression.
It seemed like I had unconsciously used English again.
I wasn’t sure if he didn’t understand it, or if it was because I had rambled so quickly that he couldn’t catch it, but it only made the situation even more embarrassing.
But I couldn’t afford to back down now.
I had to convince him, and fast.
“Y-Y-Y-You were happy to sleep with me, right…!?” (Sophia)
Ahhhhhh!
What am I even saying!?
No, that’s not what I meant to say at all!
Or rather, I’m the one who was happy that we could sleep together…!?
In a panic, I said something completely ridiculous because I thought I needed to say something quickly.
“Ah, yeah, that’s true…” (Kento)
Maybe he was put off by what I said, or maybe he was just taken aback by my momentum, but Kento-kun nodded hesitantly.
I hoped it was the latter.
“N-No, that’s not it…! What I meant to say…!” (Sophia)
Worried that he might hate me now, I scrambled to correct myself.
However――something gently landed on my head.
“It’s okay, calm down. You were confused because we woke up together, right?” (Kento)
It seemed that his hand had landed on my head, and he gently started to stroke my head.
Despite being tickled by the sensation, normally this would have calmed my heart and given me a sense of comfort. But right now, all I felt was utterly miserable.
To cover up my embarrassment, I said something careless and even sounded condescending2, but Kento-kun remained calm and handled the situation like an adult.
The truth was, it was my fault in the first place, and I should have handled things properly…
This is where one’s usual behavior and character really show.
Compared to such a wonderful person, I felt like the lowest.
“I’m sorry…” (Sophia)
“There’s nothing to apologize for. You’re a girl, and it’s perfectly normal to be surprised and flustered if you wake up next to a guy you’re not dating.” (Kento)
Even after I apologized, he continued to show that calm, mature side of him.
Even though we were the same age, Kento-kun seemed years older than me.
I couldn’t help but wonder if he was really a high schooler.
“I was surprised… but it wasn’t that I didn’t like it…” (Sophia)
At least, I thought I should clarify that so he wouldn’t misunderstand.
Even though my image might have dropped a little, as long as he knows that I wasn’t bothered with sleeping together with him, I still believe there’s a chance to redeem myself someday.
What I’m really scared of is him misunderstanding me and not being able to sleep together in the future.
Especially on those stormy nights when I’m completely dependent on him to stay calm.
“I see… just make sure you don’t push yourself too hard, okay?” (Kento)
Even though it wasn’t his idea to sleep together, and I had clung to him for it, he still tried to be considerate as if it were his responsibility.
That only tightened my chest even more.
“I’m not pushing myself… I’m just scared of thunder and the dark… So, having you sleep with me made me feel really reassured… Not to mention… I was really happy to be able to sleep with you…” (Sophia)
I said it in Japanese first, but then quickly corrected myself in English.
It felt more accurate to say I was happy rather than reassured.
But correcting myself in English was a sign of my weakness.
I was afraid to express that I was happy because I thought he might dislike me.
If he rejected me and started distancing himself, I knew I wouldn’t be able to recover from it.
“Everyone has things they don’t like or are afraid of, and it can’t be helped. I’m really glad you relied on me.” (Kento)
Really, he’s so kind.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that he’s too kind.
He’d told me before that he was happy when I relied on him, but hearing him say it with a smile after I had done so felt like a lifeline to me.
It made me feel like it was okay to rely on him, that it was really alright.
…I love him.
With that feeling building inside me, I pressed my face against his chest.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
Ah yes, the classic “He’s definitely not awake” trope. Hopefully he heard all the “Kento-kun ♪”
This chapter is too cute… Her deredere side was really turned all the way up for this. We need more chapters of just the two of them being together.
Soo cute!! Thanks for the tl~