Tomiko let out a shaky, embarrassed sound—half sob, half whimper—and immediately buried her face into the blanket, hiding from me. Her shoulders curled inward as she tried to disappear into the fabric, but her hands still clung tightly to my sides, betraying how much she didn't truly want to let go.
I chuckled warmly, the sound low and affectionate. Sliding one arm around her waist, I pulled her closer until she was practically in my lap, her face still hidden against my chest and the rumpled blanket.
"Hey… look at me, Oba-san," I murmured, gently tugging the blanket down just enough to reveal her flushed face. Strands of her hair had fallen messily across her forehead, and I brushed them aside with care.
She peeked up at me through her lashes, biting her lower lip, equal parts mortified and hopeful. "This… this feels like a dream," she whispered.
