A Name Only for You

I was writing a short story for the next Literature Club meeting when I suddenly snapped back to my senses, startled by Uguisu-senpai, who was sitting next to me.

"What's the matter?" she asked, her voice soft yet curious.

"N-nothing…" I muttered, trying to play it off.

"Is that the short story?" she said, glancing at the table where my notebook lay open.

"Ah, yes," I replied.

"Then, I'd rather not see it."

"Is that so? Then please look forward to its completion," I said with a small smile.

Lately, it had just been the two of us remaining in the library at this hour.

Of course, everyone in the club knew we were dating, so maybe they were being considerate by leaving us alone.

Being alone together like this made me hyper-aware of the fact that we were a couple.

…

Spending time alone with my girlfriend… I thought it would be natural for us to do things couples do. Especially after our first kiss.

"…"

I could see Senpai's back, turned deliberately away from me, yet I could tell she was still fully aware of my presence.

"Senpai…"

I called out to her softly, and she immediately turned toward me.

I leaned in closer, closing the distance between us. Her expectant gaze sent my heart racing.

…

And then, we shared a somewhat familiar kiss.

As my lips pressed against hers, I gently wrapped my arms around her waist, and she timidly did the same in return.

I felt as though my heart was being filled with her.

When we finally pulled away, Senpai took a deep breath, her cheeks tinged pink.

"Were you breathing properly, Senpai?" I asked, half-teasing.

"I'm used to it now, so yeah…" she said, still flustered. "Even so, I still get nervous… and it makes my chest feel tight."

"Me too," I admitted.

Even so, I always tried to keep our kisses going for as long as possible. That was probably why Senpai always turned bright red afterward.

"It's almost time to leave. I'll take you home," I said, getting up from my seat.

"Right…" she murmured.

Lately, escorting Senpai to her home had become a natural part of my routine.

But today, something was different.

…

Senpai stood still, her gaze wavering as if she wanted to say something but couldn't quite get the words out.

"What's wrong, Senpai?" I asked.

"Uh… what was it again…?" Her face suddenly turned red. "Shin-kun and I are lovers now."

"That's right," I said, nodding.

"I've gotten used to kissing you like this after school."

"…Yeah."

"I think… it's time we took another step to close the gap."

"…"

Wait, what?!

Did she just say that? That's… incredibly bold of her.

We're in the library right now…

Well, I guess this was where we had our first kiss too, but… to think she wanted to go beyond that here of all places…

"What do you think? This is an important issue for us as a couple, so I'd like to decide it together with you," she said earnestly.

"I-I'm glad you think about me that much…" I scratched the back of my head, feeling nervous. "On the other hand, I should have been the one to bring it up… but it was Senpai who did. I'm sorry for making you say it first."

"No, I think timing is important, so I don't think it matters who says it first," she said with a gentle smile.

"Senpai… thank you."

"Well then, let's get started."

…

"EH?! Y-you mean here?"

"Is there a problem with that?"

"N-no… well, that's a bold move coming from you…"

"Really? I think as long as we both agree, it can be done anywhere."

"…Is that so…?"

She was never this bold in the manga… wow…

"First of all…" she hesitated. "Can I ask you for a favor?"

"Yes, it's my first time, but I'll do my best," I said without thinking.

"Actually… it's about how you address me," she admitted, her voice suddenly small.

...

"Eh?"

"Even though we're lovers, I can't help but feel a little uncomfortable hearing you call me 'Senpai' all the time." She fidgeted, her face growing redder. "To be honest, I'd prefer if you stopped using honorifics with me altogether, but… I know that might be difficult. So, for now, I'd be happy if you called me by my first name."

"…"

"What's wrong, Shin-kun? Why are you covering your face with your hands?"

"Please forgive me, for I have been a fool," I muttered dramatically.

I wanted to punch myself. How could I have overlooked something so simple?

Trying to brush past my embarrassment, I looked at her. "Um… so, what if I call you… Uguisu-san?"

"Hm," she nodded quietly, her face turning red.

Then, as if savoring the moment, she closed her eyes and nodded again, this time in satisfaction. "I see… so this is how it feels when someone you like calls you by your name. It makes me kind of happy."

"It also feels… exciting for me, Senpai."

"Does saying my name really make you feel excited? That's kind of nice," she said with a shy smile.

"Well then, Uguisu-san, you also have to think of what to call me."

"Alright then…"

…

Silence.

Uguisu-san froze. No, her mouth was trembling slightly.

"Uguisu-san?"

"W-wait a moment. This is harder than I thought," she mumbled.

"Take your time," I reassured her.

"Y-yeah… It helps to have an understanding boyfriend," she muttered under her breath.

And then…

"Himeya-san."

…

Ba-dump.

I flinched.

Suddenly being called by my first name with "san" attached hit me right in the heart.

"W-wait a second, why 'san'?"

"Uh… is something wrong?"

"N-no… but being called 'san' by someone older than me tickles me a little…"

"Really? Why?"

"How should I put it… it almost feels like you're calling me your husband…"

I couldn't believe I actually said that out loud. My face grew hot.

The embarrassment must have spread to Uguisu-san as well because she was now blushing furiously.

"You really have a wild imagination, thinking that far ahead just from one word…" she murmured.

"I-I guess so…"

"Well then, Himeya-kun… how about this?"

"Yeah, that sounds fine to me," I said, relieved.

"Yeah… calling each other by name tickles more than I thought. But it makes me happy," she admitted.

"Me too," I said with a smile.

Just by changing how we addressed each other—by calling each other by name—I felt like we had taken another step closer in our relationship.