Chapter 33: Chapter 33 : Confession

The room had gone quiet except for the sound of their breathing — slow, steady, and in sync. The faint light spilling through the curtains brushed over their tangled bodies, painting them in a soft, golden hue.

Miyu lay on Haruto’s chest, her cheek resting just above his heart. She could hear its steady rhythm, strong and reassuring, and it made her smile. His skin was still warm, his arm wrapped gently around her back as if protecting her from the world.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Miyu simply breathed him in — the faint scent of his skin, the warmth of his touch, the way his fingers unconsciously stroked her hair. It was a simple gesture, but it made her chest ache in the best way.

"He’s fine now..." she thought softly, a quiet relief blooming in her heart. The tension that had lingered between them — the worries, the unspoken fears — all seemed to melt away in that silence.

She traced a small circle on his chest with her fingertip, watching it rise and fall with each breath. Haruto’s presence felt like home — steady, warm, and unshakable.

When he looked down at her, their eyes met, and Miyu’s lips curved into a gentle smile. "You’re my safe place," she whispered, almost too quietly for him to hear. But Haruto smiled back, tightening his arm around her just slightly, and that was enough.

The night carried on in quiet peace. The world outside didn’t matter — not when she had this warmth, this heartbeat, this feeling that everything was right again.

For Miyu, it wasn’t just love. It was trust, comfort, and belonging — all found in the quiet rise and fall of Haruto’s chest beneath her.

The first light of dawn slipped quietly through the curtains, tinting the room in soft gold. The air was still, peaceful — the kind of morning that felt like a fresh beginning.

Haruto stirred before the sun was fully up. Miyu was still sleeping soundly beside him, her face relaxed, a faint smile lingering on her lips from the night before. Her hair was messy in the most beautiful way, a few strands resting across her cheek. Haruto couldn’t help but smile — she looked so serene, so pure, that his chest tightened just looking at her.

Moving carefully so as not to wake her, he slipped out of bed, dressed quietly, and stepped outside into the early morning air. The garden behind Miyu’s house was still dewy, glistening like a thousand tiny diamonds. The air smelled of earth and flowers, calm and refreshing.

He wandered among the blooms until he found her favorites — soft pink lilies and white daisies. He gathered them gently, arranging them with clumsy care, his fingers trembling a little. This wasn’t just a gesture; it was everything he’d been feeling for so long but had never been able to say aloud.

When he came back inside, Miyu was just waking up. She blinked sleepily, her eyes adjusting to the light — and then she saw him standing there, holding the flowers.

"Haruto...?" she murmured, her voice still soft with sleep.

Haruto’s heart pounded, but he took a step closer, smiling nervously. "Good morning, Miyu," he said softly. Then, taking a deep breath, he knelt down beside the bed and held out the flowers toward her.

"I love you, Miyu," he said, his voice steady but full of emotion. "Please... go out with me."

For a moment, the world stood still. Miyu’s eyes widened — surprise, warmth, and joy all mixing together. Her hands flew to her mouth as tears began to glimmer in her eyes.

"You... you really mean it?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Haruto nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I’ve never meant anything more."

Miyu’s lips trembled into a bright, tearful smile. She reached out, taking the flowers from his hands, clutching them close to her chest. "I... I love you too, Haruto," she said softly. "And yes... yes, I’ll go out with you."

The relief and happiness that washed over Haruto was indescribable. He stood, and before he could say another word, Miyu threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

The flowers were slightly crushed between them, but neither of them cared. The morning light poured over their embrace, warm and golden, wrapping them in its gentle glow.

For the first time in a long while, they both felt it — peace, love, and the certainty that this was the beginning of something truly beautiful.

After the proposal, the morning seemed brighter than ever. The air in the house felt lighter, almost as if it shared in their happiness. Miyu still couldn’t stop smiling. Every time she looked at Haruto, her cheeks warmed, and her heart fluttered all over again.

She slipped out of bed, tying her hair up loosely before heading to the kitchen. "I’ll make us breakfast," she said, her voice sweet and still full of excitement.

"I’ll help," Haruto replied instantly, following her.

In the kitchen, sunlight poured through the small window, falling on the counter where Miyu began to prepare the ingredients. She cracked eggs into a bowl, whisking them while Haruto sliced vegetables beside her. Their movements were small but full of unspoken affection — every glance, every brush of their hands brought a quiet thrill.

When Miyu leaned over to grab the seasoning, Haruto instinctively reached to steady the bowl she was holding. Their fingers brushed again, and both laughed softly, sharing that shy, joyful energy of new love.

"Careful," Haruto teased. "You’re still half-dreaming."

"And whose fault is that?" Miyu replied playfully, glancing at him with a smile that made him blush.

They worked together like they had done this a hundred times — cooking, chatting, stealing small glances. The smell of freshly cooked rice, fried eggs, and miso soup filled the room, warm and homely.

Just as they were setting the table, the front door opened. Miyu’s mother stepped in, looking tired but smiling. "I’m home!" she called softly, removing her shoes.

Miyu turned around, her heart skipping. But this time, she didn’t panic. Instead, she took Haruto’s hand gently and walked toward her mother. "Mom," she said with a soft smile, "this is Haruto... my boyfriend."

Her mother blinked, surprised for a brief moment — and then her face softened into a wide, genuine smile. "Oh my... really? Miyu, that’s wonderful!" she said, laughing warmly. She turned to Haruto. "I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to finally meet you properly."

Haruto bowed politely, a little nervous. "It’s an honor to meet you, ma’am."

Her mother smiled approvingly. "You seem like a good boy. And I can tell Miyu’s happy. That’s all that matters to me."

The words filled Miyu’s chest with warmth. She felt her mother’s approval settle over her like sunlight. They all sat down together for breakfast, laughter and light conversation filling the table.

Haruto helped serve the food while Miyu’s mother complimented his manners, teasing Miyu gently about finally bringing someone home. Miyu’s cheeks turned pink, but she couldn’t stop smiling.

The morning passed in a blur of comfort — the clinking of plates, the smell of home-cooked food, and the feeling of being surrounded by love.

When Miyu looked at Haruto across the table, their eyes met, and both smiled quietly — that silent, knowing smile that said this is where we belong.

After breakfast, laughter still lingered in the air. The dishes were cleaned, and Miyu had gone upstairs to change into her clothes for the day. The house grew quieter, filled only with the faint hum of morning sounds outside — birds calling, leaves rustling in the wind.

Haruto helped Miyu’s mother stack the last of the dishes. "Let me dry those," he offered politely, taking a towel. She smiled at his kindness, watching him for a moment as he carefully handled each plate.

When they finished, Miyu’s mother motioned for him to sit down at the table again. Her expression softened, but there was a depth in her eyes — the quiet seriousness of a parent who loves deeply and worries even more.

"Haruto," she began, her voice calm and steady. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Haruto straightened, a little nervous. "Of course, ma’am."

She smiled faintly. "You don’t have to be so formal. Just listen, okay?"

He nodded.

She looked toward the stairs where Miyu had gone, then back at him. "Miyu... she’s a shy girl," her mother said gently. "She doesn’t talk much to people, and sometimes she struggles to open up. It’s not because she doesn’t care — she just finds it hard to connect. But she has a very kind heart. Once she trusts someone, she gives everything."

Haruto listened intently, his hands folded on the table.

Her mother continued, her tone warm but sincere. "I can tell she really likes you. I saw it in her eyes today — the way she smiled when you were beside her. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her look that happy." She paused, then added softly, "So please, take care of her. Be patient with her. She might not always say what she feels, but she’ll always mean it."

Haruto’s throat tightened a little. He bowed his head slightly, his voice quiet but firm. "I will, ma’am. I promise. I’ll take care of her. I’ll make sure she never feels alone."

Her mother’s expression softened into a warm smile. "That’s all I wanted to hear," she said kindly. "I trust you, Haruto. And... thank you — for making my daughter smile."

Just then, Miyu came back downstairs, her hair tied neatly and a small blush on her cheeks. She looked between the two of them curiously. "What are you talking about?"

Her mother chuckled softly. "Nothing you need to worry about, dear. Just... mom things."

Miyu pouted a little but smiled anyway, slipping her hand into Haruto’s. He squeezed it gently, and her mother noticed — the quiet reassurance in his touch, the unspoken promise that her daughter would be safe.

As they prepared to head out together, Miyu’s mother stood by the doorway, watching them go with a peaceful smile. She didn’t say anything more — she didn’t need to.

Haruto glanced back once before stepping outside, and their eyes met — her gaze full of trust, his full of determination.