Chapter 8

Chapter 8 – "Let Me Hug You"

The quiet behind the gym had turned tense.

The soft sound of chewing had stopped.

The wind, still blowing gently, felt heavier somehow.

Kazumi had just finished his lemon bread, but the atmosphere felt like biting into a citrus bomb of danger.

Yuino was still staring at him.

Her expression hadn't changed.

Still flat. Still calm.

But behind that single visible eye… something had shifted.

And Kazumi could feel it.

She hadn't blinked once in the last minute.

That was how he knew she was dead serious.

"…Kazumi-senpai," Yuino finally said.

Oh no.

Here it comes.

"Who was she?"

Kazumi looked away, pretending to focus on a nearby rock. "You're still on that?"

"Yes."

He sighed. "It's not important."

Yuino took a tiny step closer, her knees brushing his. "But I'm curious."

Kazumi stayed silent.

Yuino leaned slightly more forward. "Senpai, you smell like someone else. And you won't tell me who it is. Why are you hiding it?"

He scratched the back of his head. "…Because I don't want a misunderstanding."

"Too late for that."

Her voice was soft, but sharp.

Kazumi shifted away a bit, only for Yuino to shift again, closing the gap instantly.

"I'm just eating lunch here," he mumbled.

"With another girl's scent."

"I didn't ask for it."

"You didn't reject it either."

Kazumi frowned. "…It's not cheating."

Yuino narrowed her eyes. "Kazumi-senpai."

She looked serious now.

The playful hint had vanished.

She pointed her chopsticks at him like an accusing sword.

"Why are you cheating on me?"

Kazumi turned his head to her with a confused face.

"…You're not even my girlfriend."

Yuino tilted her head slowly, like a doll processing an unexpected answer.

Then she leaned forward again.

"I'm not your girlfriend yet."

Oh no.

Not this.

"In the near future, I'll be your girlfriend," she continued. "And then I'll be your wife."

Kazumi blinked.

He was trying to think of a response that wouldn't lead to another dangerous line of questioning.

"…That's not how dating works."

Yuino just nodded once. "But I've already decided."

Kazumi wanted to cry.

Not because of the confession.

But because she said it like she was buying a new fridge.

"…I don't remember signing anything."

"You will. Spiritually."

Kazumi coughed.

Yuino scooted even closer, their legs now fully touching.

Then, she tilted her chin slightly and said with an unreadable tone—

"…I'm beautiful."

Kazumi blinked.

"…That's a self-claim."

"I'm cute."

"I mean… yeah, kind of," he admitted with a shrug. "You're cute. In that clingy cat kind of way."

Yuino smiled slightly.

"And my boobs are kinda big too."

Kazumi nearly choked on air.

"Wha—"

"You can say it," Yuino said, her face still deadpan. "I'm well-endowed."

"…I don't judge girls by the size of their melons."

"You should."

"No."

"I insist."

Kazumi narrowed his eyes.

"…It's not even that big."

Yuino's head turned to him slowly.

"…"

She didn't say anything.

But the air around her changed.

It was like watching a bunny suddenly transform into a bear.

Kazumi looked away instantly. "I didn't say anything."

"You whispered."

"No I didn't."

"Yes you did. I heard you."

Kazumi knew this was dangerous territory.

But before he could prepare another excuse or escape route, Yuino scooted all the way forward—and suddenly hugged him.

Both arms wrapped around his torso, her head resting right on his shoulder.

Kazumi froze.

He tilted his head down slightly.

"Uh…"

Yuino didn't budge.

"…Are you still mad?"

"I was mad one minute ago."

Kazumi relaxed slightly.

"And now?"

Yuino nodded against his chest.

"This hug is your apology."

"I didn't say sorry."

"You don't need to. This counts."

Kazumi had no idea what kind of logic that was, but he was too tired to argue.

He just sat still, letting her hug him while trying not to blush.

It was weird.

His heart wasn't racing.

He wasn't flustered.

He just… sighed.

This was his life now.

A girl clinging to him after half-accusing him of cheating on her when they weren't even dating.

A normal Wednesday, really.

For a while, the wind blew softly again.

A strange peace returned.

The warmth of Yuino's hug didn't feel that bad.

It was clingy, yes.

But not uncomfortable.

She didn't say anything for a while.

Just leaned against him.

Until—

"…Kazumi-senpai."

"…Hm?"

"Do you want to hang out at my house tomorrow?"

Kazumi immediately opened his mouth.

"No—"

But he was cut off.

"Before you say no," Yuino said quickly, still hugging him, "If you do say no… I'll follow you to class."

"…And?"

"And I'll keep hugging you."

Kazumi blinked.

"…Even in front of everyone?"

"Especially in front of everyone."

He paused.

That… actually might cause a schoolwide incident.

"…Fine."

Yuino smiled. "Yay."

Kazumi sighed again, louder this time.

She finally let go of the hug and leaned back slightly, returning to her usual blank expression like nothing happened.

Kazumi glanced at his phone.

Only ten minutes left before the bell.

He dusted crumbs off his lap and stood up. "Time to go back."

Yuino also stood, smoothing her skirt. "Okay."

They started walking back together, silence hanging between them.

But Kazumi could feel it.

Yuino was staring at him again.

She didn't say anything.

But her eye practically screamed:

"I'll remember what you said about my size."

Kazumi looked straight ahead.

He didn't say anything.

He didn't dare say anything.

And so the two of them walked side by side, the quiet lunch spot behind them and a growing pile of girl-related problems ahead.