130: Your Relationship Grows Closer

[The weight loss methods recommended by the professional did not cause Iroha any suspicion.]

[You successfully positioned yourself as an assistant, allowing you to use your sense of smell to detect her scent, your eyes to admire her cute face, and your hands to confirm the softness of her body.]

[After a lot of careful planning, you finally succeeded.]

[Iroha's body was surprisingly flexible.] 

[As she lay on the exercise ball, her back arched significantly, adhering closely to it. Moreover, her performance in splits and backbends was flawless.]

[You could now see up close how she panted and how beads of sweat formed on her forehead.] 

[This reward made you feel that everything you had done before was worth it.]

[After finishing the exercise ball routine, you returned to your room. Iroha, feeling sore all over, knocked on your door after her bath.]

[She shyly explained that her personal trainer said she should gently massage her muscles after the workout.] 

[She had intended to ask her mother for help, but it was too late, and her mother was already asleep. Clearly, she couldn't reach all parts of her body on her own.]

[Recalling the time spent with you, she thought maybe she could ask for your help.]

[You pretended to be impatient, which successfully made Iroha pout.] 

[She approached you, using her adorable tactics to persuade you.] 

[You seemingly reluctantly agreed, saying you'd help her for ten minutes. Iroha cheerfully lay down on your bed, propped her chin on a pillow, and said you could start.]

[First-person perspective…]

"Strange, why does your bed smell so nice? Did you use perfume?"

As Iroha lay down on the bed, her sensitive nose quickly detected an unusual scent.

"What nonsense are you talking about? I just changed the bed sheets. The sheets at home are all washed by Aunt Isshiki, so they're no different from yours." 

"Now, lie down properly so we can finish quickly—I need to get back to studying."

Chisato stood up from his desk and moved to the side of the bed.

"Alright~—mainly the lower back and the area around the shoulders. Please take care of that."

Iroha obediently lay down, burying her face in the pillow and preparing herself.

"You're really making me work for it. How do you plan to repay me?"

"Next month when I get my allowance, I'll take you out for a nice meal. How about I also buy you a new outfit?"

"Forget it. You should keep that money for yourself."

As Chisato spoke, he adjusted his mindset, retracting his gaze that had been unintentionally drawn to Iroha's thighs.

He knew he couldn't let a momentary impulse ruin everything. 

Noticing Iroha's slightly curled toes, it was clear she hadn't fully relaxed and was still somewhat tense.

When a once distant cat finally shows affection, what's needed is to gently stroke it, not roughly flip it over and squeeze its sensitive paws and belly.

Chisato resisted the strong urge to be aggressive and slowly placed his hands on Iroha's waist, applying gentle pressure with his fingertips.

"Hmm—"

Iroha shivered slightly, emitting an indescribable but particularly suggestive muffled sound.

Although she had mentally prepared herself, thinking that both she and Chisato had grown up and wouldn't repeat past mistakes, the moment his fingers applied pressure, the slight pain from her sore muscles triggered memories of the past, making her involuntarily recall similar sensations.

This sudden sense of déjà vu made her heart race and feel extremely embarrassed.

"Does it hurt?"

Chisato eased the pressure slightly.

"…No, continue."

Iroha fought to suppress her chaotic thoughts, pressing her lips tightly together to avoid making any noise, though it was only partially effective.

Chisato's fingers were hot and firm, and her body was delicate and sensitive, so even with her lips pressed tight, she couldn't help but make small, indescribable sounds through her nose and throat.

In the small room, both of their breathing was heavy and labored.

After about ten minutes, Iroha, feeling completely relaxed, slowly lifted herself. 

She didn't dare look at Chisato, simply thanked him, and left the room with small, hurried steps.

A moment later, she returned silently, returning the pillow she had unknowingly taken with her, and left the room in the same familiar manner.

Chisato looked down at his pillow, noticing a distinct wet spot, and immediately concluded what had happened. 

He mentally pictured Iroha hugging the pillow and biting it to keep quiet.

She's really grown up.

Chisato gazed at his open hand, thoughtfully closing and reopening it, his expression contemplative.

[Your fitness assistance plan has been very successful.] 

[Over the past six months, the female fitness trainer you've directed from behind has taught Iroha a series of exercises and home workout routines, such as stretching, squats, and hip lifts, which are very beneficial for women to maintain their figures.]

[Due to her natural inclination to maintain her appearance, Iroha makes sure to set aside some time each day, no matter how busy she is, to follow through with the exercises.] 

[Because you have been helping her with her workouts and occasionally giving her pocket money, your relationship has naturally returned to the close and intimate state it once was.]

[Even once, while you were giving her a massage, she fell asleep quietly on your bed. You could clearly feel that the barrier that once lay between you two had slowly disappeared.]

[As a high school student now, you are in a stage of life where you're full of restless energy.] 

[Every morning, you wake up in a state of contemplation, pondering whether this might be the opportunity to take your relationship with Iroha to the next level.]

[After careful consideration, you decide…]

[1. No, Iroha is only in the third year of middle school; it's not the right time yet.]

[2. Besides exercising with her and giving her massages, perhaps I could also explore other daily interactions with her.]

[3. Maybe approaching the Isshiki couple might be a more clever choice.]

Looking at the three options before him, Chisato fell into deep thought.

___

20+ advanced chapters on patreon.com/SenatusTheta

___

If any of you noticed an error, please point it out in comments!

I'll fix it as soon as I can.

Upload rate: 2 chapters a day

Don't forget to check out my other translations!