Bringing Miku Home

Haruto asked, "Is it because of Nino?"

Miku opened her eyes slightly, then lowered her head, "I'm fine, I'll head back now."

"You're going the wrong way."

Haruto grabbed Miku's wrist and said, "This way."

Miku hesitated for a moment, saying nothing as she lowered her head and silently followed him.

This scene resembled that night.

Only, this time Haruto wasn't carrying her on his back but holding her hand, though the warmth radiating from his body remained the same.

"We're here."

Miku instinctively raised her head, confusion appearing on her face. She looked around in a panic, "Haruto, we're going the wrong way."

Haruto pulled out a key and unlocked the door, casually saying, "You're not wrong. This is the apartment where I live. Come in."

He had just brought Miku back to his own place.

"…"

Haruto's house?

Miku looked around, feeling momentarily lost.

'Weren't you going to take me home? Why did you suddenly bring me to your house? I heard Nino say that if a boy invites you to his place, you should refuse without hesitation. If he tries anything, call the police immediately.'

But now that she was here, it didn't seem so bad since it was Haruto's place, right?

After all, they were close, and she did like him.

But why did he bring her here?

Could it be…

Miku's thoughts ran wild, and whatever came to her mind made her cheeks grow redder.

She raised her hand to cover her face, blushing deeply, "Haruto, this is too fast, I'm not ready yet."

Between her fingers, Miku peeked at him. At this moment, Haruto was reaching into his pocket.

Don't misunderstand, he wasn't pulling out a deadly weapon. He was just checking his vibrating phone.

However, in Miku's eyes, it clearly had a much worse implication!

In front of all these people, without even getting inside, was Haruto really unable to control himself?

Terrifying!

Miku wanted at least one date first—watching a movie, going to an amusement park to ride the Ferris wheel, even braving the haunted house she'd never dared enter before.

And then, the two would kiss under the dim streetlights on the way home.

Then…

But this was way too fast!

"Hm?"

At that moment, Haruto pulled out his phone and looked at it. It was a message from Nino, asking if he had seen Miku.

After thinking for a moment, Haruto replied truthfully, "Miku isn't feeling well. I'm helping her rest. If you're worried, you can come over."

He disliked lying. Lies were easy to uncover.

Also, a single lie required countless others to cover it up, making it far too troublesome.

❀❀❀

Downstairs from the Nakano family apartment.

When Nino saw Haruto's message, she felt relieved. However, the next moment, she couldn't help but bite her lip hard.

Her fingers instinctively tightened around her phone. After a moment of hesitation, Nino typed a reply: "I'm not going. Miku wasn't feeling well today, so let her rest early. Also, don't bully Miku."

Miku was terrible at lying.

Aside from Itsuki, Miku and Haruto were the closest among them.

So, except for Itsuki, everyone else might have already noticed Miku's feelings.

Moreover, Nino had just been to Haruto's apartment yesterday, so she wasn't in a position to say anything about Miku. Fine, let this be a healthy competition!

Nino thought to herself and then turned to head back to the apartment.

❀❀❀

After ending the conversation, Haruto put his phone away and looked at the trembling girl, opening the door and saying, "Miku, come inside."

Why is her face so red?

If this were a drama, steam would probably be rising from her head right now!

"No, I can't."

"?"

Haruto grabbed the trembling Miku with a dark look on his face, "Miku, what are you thinking again?"

The same thing happened last time at the mall.

Was it happening again now?

'Do you think I'm going to do something to you just because I brought you home? Even if I were, your reaction is way too much! In some cases, you might faint from embarrassment! At that point, should I continue or stop? That's a serious question!'

There were footsteps coming from the stairs.

To avoid causing a scene and drawing unnecessary attention, Haruto had no choice but to pick up the soft Miku, carry her into the room, and close the door.

"Miku."

Haruto placed his hands on her waist, trying to push her away.

However, when she felt his movement, Miku's body trembled, and she raised her head, pleading with teary eyes, "Haruto, I can't do this today. It's too fast. At least…"

Haruto, with a deadpan face, said, "Get inside, or I'll kiss you!"

Forget about all those wild thoughts.

Now that Miku was here, was she still daydreaming?

Miku lay softly in his arms, emitting a warm, sweet scent, making his heart race.

Did she think he was just some indifferent block of wood?

Miku looked up at him briefly, then suddenly closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling.

She couldn't do anything else, but if it was just a kiss, she didn't want to lose.

Just the thought of it made her want to cry.

Seeing Miku tilt her head up and close her eyes, Haruto took a slight breath.

Was Miku actually serious this time?

Impulsive?

Or was she still stuck in some wild daydream, unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy?

Haruto's expression turned serious.

His gaze focused on her face. Due to her nervousness, she tightly pursed her lips, but the soft pink hue of her lips exuded an irresistible temptation.

The shy and fearful look on her face made one want to tease her.

So here came the problem.

Miku was being so proactive—what should he do?

Should he respond?

Haruto's eyes lingered for a moment, and then, following his heart, he bent down without hesitation.

Was Haruto really serious?

This time, when he said he'd kiss Miku, he actually meant it!

Because right now, his top priority was his own feelings!

"Hmm~"

The warm touch on her lips made Miku suddenly open her eyes, staring blankly into those deep black eyes.

Time seemed to stop.

Their gazes met.

Miku was dazed, then she quickly closed her eyes again, as if frightened.