From the zoo to the cinema, and even a couple's lunch in between—though Hachiman and Yukinoshita bickered in their usual back-and-forth manner, the whole morning date had been unmistakably saccharine.
Afternoon.
After finishing the movie, the two stepped out of the theater.
Both Hachiman and Yukinoshita had faint blushes on their faces, the atmosphere between them hazy and suggestive.
"That movie was terrible. My bad—I picked the wrong one."
Yukinoshita, recalling the abundance of intimate scenes, spoke with a hint of embarrassment.
"It wasn't that bad. The story was pretty engaging."
"Really? That's a relief."
Just as the tension eased, she teased with a mischievous smile:
"Ehehe~ Hachiman-kun really is a guy, huh? You enjoyed all those close-up scenes, didn't you, you little perv~?"
"Excuse me?"
Hachiman shot back without missing a beat:
"You were the one whose eyes went all wide during those scenes!"
"Says you! When they did that pose, you—"
"Which pose?"
"Eh?!"
Yukinoshita instantly turned crimson, flustered.
"You know exactly what I mean!"
"Impressive as always, Yukinoshita-san. Your memory's so vivid—you must've been paying close attention. Meanwhile, insignificant little me forgot all about it."
"You—!"
Her mouth twitched, but she took a deep breath and regained composure. Then, with a graceful smile:
"Oh, but who was it just now, watching the film while… hehe… reaching over and touching my thigh? Not just once either, right?"
"!"
Hachiman froze.
"Thought I wouldn't notice?"
Yukinoshita beamed sweetly, eyes narrowed like a fox.
"It was brief, sure—but Hachiman-kun, what exactly were you thinking in that moment? Were you imagining doing something right there in the movie seats...?"
"..."
He was completely at a loss for words, awkwardly avoiding her gaze.
Yukinoshita, victorious, smiled smugly, thoroughly satisfied with her comeback.
"I-It was just… accidental…"
"Was it really? Accidental? Or was it intentional~?"
Hachiman flushed deeper and instinctively glanced at her flawless legs—smooth and pale. He quickly looked away.
He couldn't help it. Her legs really were too smooth.
"Still sneaking glances? Are you maybe thinking of… touching them again?"
"W-Wait!"
Hachiman quickly waved his hands.
"Let's not talk about this out here! There's people around!"
"…Eh?"
Glancing at a few curious pedestrians, Yukinoshita cleared her throat and put on a composed face.
"Fine, I'll let you off the hook this time."
Relieved, Hachiman then asked:
"So what's next? You planning to shop or something?"
"Hmm…"
She checked the time on her watch and muttered:
"…Should be just about time. Can't keep her waiting too long…"
Then, with an unexpected grin:
"Hachiman-kun, were you just ogling my legs again?"
"Eh?!"
Prepared this time, Hachiman responded smoothly:
"Nope. Just looking at the pavement."
"Oh? Is that so?"
She chuckled, leaning in a little.
"I know you way too well. Ehehe… After watching that kind of movie, you're all riled up now, aren't you? Little Hachiman will always be a little fish. Some things never change~"
"I'm telling you, I didn't."
"Then why'd you sneak another peek at my legs just now?"
"I—"
Cornered, Hachiman blurted:
"Yeah, I looked. So what? You're my girlfriend. I can look. In fact, I even want to touch—uh…"
He cut himself off just as he saw the gleam in Yukinoshita's satisfied smile.
Crap, I walked right into that!
"You want to play with my legs?"
"N-No, I mean—"
"Don't wimp out now. At least be honest. Don't be useless."
Damn it… this little vixen!
"Fine! I do! I want to—right now!"
"Eh?"
Startled by his sincerity, Yukinoshita's eyes widened before quickly averting as she laughed softly.
"There we go. That's better. Honesty suits you."
Finally! He said it on his own!
Yukinoshita had been hoping for this for ages, but as a proper young lady, she could never be the one to bring up going to a hotel.
"So… shall we?"
Hachiman asked.
"Sigh… Well, I am your girlfriend."
And so, they headed toward a love hotel.
—
Soon after.
They checked into a couple's suite—dim mood lighting, tastefully seductive décor, and an enticing round bed. The ambiance made hearts race.
"Hachiman-kun, you go shower first."
Yukinoshita suggested as she slipped off her shoes.
"Eh?"
Hachiman stared at her soft, pink toes for a moment before hesitating.
"What? You want to shower together?"
She giggled playfully.
"Pfft, who'd want that?!"
He snorted and turned to the bathroom.
"Then I'll go wash up."
"Mhm~ And wash up well, okay?"
"Got it, don't need you nagging."
Yukinoshita smiled warmly, watching her boyfriend disappear into the bathroom.
Then her expression shifted.
She took out her phone, typed a few words, and quietly walked to the door.
Even though she'd teased him to "wash well," boys didn't take long in the shower. Less than ten minutes later, Hachiman stepped out, wearing only a towel.
Yukinoshita was lounging on the bed, stretching like a lazy cat.
"Alright, guess it's my turn to shower now~"
"Wait."
Hachiman stopped her, his gaze on her elegant form. Face slightly flushed, he stammered:
"Actually… I don't really mind if you don't shower."
"Y-You…"
She turned red, whispering under her breath:
"Hachiman-kun… you perv."
"You said it. So now I've gotta prove what a real perv looks like."
No more games—Hachiman walked straight to the bed.
"Eh?"
"Yukinoshita!"
Before she could react, he kissed her deeply and scooped her into his arms.
"!!"
Blushing madly, Yukinoshita's heart pounded. As Hachiman held her, she sneaked a glance at the wardrobe across from the bed… as if meeting someone's gaze.
Then she silently closed her eyes.