Toranoana SS: Another Ordinary Day

Staying over was typically considered a special event for most couples, but for Amane and Mahiru, it no longer felt all that special. Well, it was still special, but since they now had a sleepover at least once a month, it no longer made Amane's heart race like crazy, as it had in the beginning.

They weren't aiming to do the kind of physical acts people might imagine. Instead, it was about spending time together, lying side by side, feeling each other's warmth, and drifting off to sleep—a peaceful and tender time filled with soothing happiness. Of course, Amane couldn't deny that he sometimes reacted or that certain thoughts occasionally crossed his mind, but he always upheld their promise. Even without a physical connection, the happiness they shared was more than enough for him.

Amane had come to appreciate the comfort of lying beside someone precious to him as they talked about the day, the things that made them happy, or plans for tomorrow before gently drifting off to sleep. When he was younger, it had been with his parents. And now, it was with the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

"…Hehe."

Mahiru was nestled in his arms when suddenly, she giggled softly, prompting Amane to pull himself back from the edge of sleep.

"What happened?" he asked.

Having finished all their preparations for the night and the next day, the warmth they shared under the covers filled them with an indescribable sense of joy. Amane, melting into that bliss, asked the question in a tired voice, and Mahiru laughed softly once again.

"No, nothing happened, but… Um…"

"Hm?"

"…I just feel so happy," Mahiru said. "Spending a snug and cozy night together like this, isn't it such a luxury?"

As his heavy eyelids struggled to lift under the pull of sleep, Amane caught Mahiru's soft, contented smile, looking like she had just rubbed her eyes. The fact that she felt the same way made him happier than anything else.

Without even realizing it, a soft smile tugged at Amane's lips. Wanting to feel more of her, he gently tightened his arm around Mahiru's back and pulled her small, delicate body closer. He thought he might feel a surge of heat, but instead, what filled him was something calm and tender—a gentle warmth that softly caressed his heart like a warm summer breeze.

As if it were the most natural thing in the world, as if this warmth by his side was something he could always count on, Amane shared that closeness without a second thought.

Mahiru giggled bashfully. "…You're so warm, Amane-kun."

"As long as you're comfy, then I couldn't be more glad… Your warmth is just right for me, too."

"You said my legs were cold before."

"Please don't hold that against me… It means you've warmed up from my body heat, right?"

Mahiru's legs, which had been cold when they first got into bed, were now warm and gently tangled with Amane's. The tips of her toes traced along his calf, tickling him softly.

"This doesn't make you jump?"

"Not at all… Though, I bet I could make you jump if I wanted to."

Before Mahiru could ask, "What do you mean?" Amane gently ran his fingers along her side. As expected, she let out an adorable, high-pitched "Kyaa!"

Still as ticklish as ever, Amane quietly chuckled to himself. In response, Mahiru pressed her knee against his thigh, pouting softly with a "Geez…" as if that would be enough payback. The fact that she thought it might work only made her more adorable, though she was likely unaware of this herself.

"Amane-kun, you meanie. Next time, I'm bringing an ice pack with me."

"Please forgive me." "Where's your apology?" "I'm sorry."

"Good boy."

Mahiru's expression turned smug, clearly satisfied with his straightforward apology. Seeing this, Amane almost smiled but bit his lip to hide it. He gently patted her back, signaling that it was time to stop playing around and get some rest. Picking up on his cue, Mahiru obediently nestled her face into his chest, letting out a soft, contented sigh.

Never one to stay up late, Mahiru quickly drifted off to sleep as Amane gently stroked her back. It was a testament to how comfortable she had become around him, how much she let her guard down, and how deeply she trusted him.

Listening to Mahiru's steady breaths as she lept, Amane smiled softly again. Following her lead, he closed his eyes. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but the warmth and comfort of the moment made it impossible to let go. As Amane cradled the happiness he wished would last forever, he let his consciousness drift away.