Miku rarely shows big changes in expression. Most of the time, she looks calm and doesn't care much about things around her.
Natsuhiko usually judges her mood through her eyes and small movements.
But now.
After Natsuhiko finished speaking.
The calm or cold look on Miku's face was completely gone.
Her breaths were short and shallow.
Her fingertips shook.
Her face clearly showed shyness.
Natsuhiko took one step forward.
Miku shuddered as he got close, but Natsuhiko did not go easy on her. The mood right now was perfect. He could not hold back.
He stepped up until their noses almost touched.
"So tell me, Miku, do you like me!"
Looking into her panicked eyes full of worry, Natsuhiko closed in step by step.
In the end, Miku bowed her head and gripped her knees tightly with both hands. Soon she made a sound like a kitten.
"L... Like..."
That was the most she could say right now.
Then.
Feeling shy at last, Miku jumped up from the sofa.
"I'm going to wash my face."
She felt her face burning hot and said it fast.
"No need. I'll go run hot water for your bath."
Natsuhiko got up too.
New body wash, shampoo, towels... Natsuhiko quickly got everything ready.
Miku's words "I'm going home" would not come out.
Miku stood there quietly like she was lost in thought, watching Natsuhiko's back as he filled the tub with hot water.
Steam rose fast.
For no reason, Miku thought of Plato.
They say this thinker Plato pushed Platonic love. It means a bond of minds and personalities. If that's the first stage, then staying here was not for the next one.
Natsuhiko's actions showed he wanted to test the first stage.
...
Natsuhiko turned and went to the balcony. He opened the window and turned his focus to the telescope.
Let Miku go home now?
That was impossible.
From Miku's actions, Natsuhiko knew if he missed this chance, with her shy nature, it might never happen.
He could not enjoy the pretty stars in the sky now.
His heartbeat picked up, like drumbeats getting faster.
Natsuhiko slapped his cheeks.
He was still not smooth enough.
...
While he spaced out.
Miku finally came out.
She wrapped a bath towel tightly from her neck down. Seeing no Natsuhiko in the living room, she looked unsure what to do.
Natsuhiko heard her, glanced at Miku, and drank the rest of his soda.
"So... cute~!"
Seeing the sight, he let out a soft laugh.
Miku felt a little happy spark at Natsuhiko's praise.
Before she could speak.
Natsuhiko picked her up in a princess hug.
"Mm!"
Caught by surprise, Miku let out a quick yelp.
He breathed in deep the scent from Miku. It was strong and fresh shampoo smell.
"What did you decide?"
Natsuhiko's voice was not sunny and bright like before. It was not calm either. It was low with a touch of pushiness.
Miku had not really thought about it.
She would be the first to have a boyfriend.
And things moved so fast.
Natsuhiko leaned toward her earlobe.
"It tickles!"
The tiny itch on her ear made her want to wiggle, but Natsuhiko's arms held her still. She could not move.
"How can I answer like this?"
Miku puffed her cheeks and said it like she was mad. She knew what he meant.
Natsuhiko saw Miku's ears turn bright red, like clear red gems.
But.
To let Miku say her choice smoothly.
Natsuhiko slowly put her down.
She felt like a big teddy bear hugged in his arms.
She could not see his face, but she felt his long breaths clearly, and his faint familiar scent.
"I've decided."
...
Natsuhiko grabbed a bottle from the liquor cabinet and poured himself a full glass.
He looked at the message and smiled happily.
[Got Nakano Miku's first kiss, +4 youth points]
[Got Nakano Miku's first time, +400 youth points]
[Set Nakano Miku as clan member by default for kingly power bonus? Yes/No]
After picking yes, Natsuhiko stared off in thought.
It was a shame Miku could not stay the night.
...
Miku came home with ice cream for all five sisters. Just into the living room, she saw Nakano Ichika stumble out of her room sleepy-eyed, Nino with a face mask doing yoga, Yotsuba watering balcony plants, Itsuki doing her usual belly workouts.
"Miku's back~!"
Yotsuba heard and called out low with joy, like she caught a prize thief.
Nino looked over. Itsuki ran up to take the ice cream. Their fridge was empty of it.
All five sisters were home.
They sat for after-dinner dessert.
"Miku, Miku, did you let Hiko taste your cooking?"
Yotsuba went right to Miku and asked what everyone wanted to know.
"Yeah."
Miku narrowed her eyes a bit and nodded.
"He said it was so bad he wanted to throw up!"
"Aw." Itsuki sighed sadly. "I thought he would praise your cooking and win your heart."
"BIU~BIU~"
She made shooting motions.
Ichika smiled.
"A high school girl goes to a guy's house just to test food? Such a waste!"
"Ichika, Nino got stuff from Hiko too."
Miku said it flatly.
The five sisters talked boyfriends in private. They knew Miku got shy, so they stopped.
Only Nino looked doubtful.
"Miku, you hurt? Your legs look shaky."
Miku panicked at the words.
"I need to study. Notes not done."
She skipped Nino's question and went to her room.
Nino did not mind being ignored. She led the talk on Miku's bad cooking earlier, but something felt wrong.
Miku's scent was different. Her mood seemed brighter. Her skin had more glow...
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