March had arrived, chasing away a winter so cold it felt like even our breath would freeze. The mornings were still brisk, and we still relied on the modern luxuries of air conditioners and heaters, but on clear, sunny afternoons, winter gear like down jackets and thick coats started to feel a bit stuffy.
Now in its final days, March had ushered in spring break. Students everywhere were enjoying a fleeting rest as they prepared for the new school year in April, though after a few days, most of them were gradually running out of things to do.
"…Hey, Maki."
"Hmm?"
"Let's do something."
"Do something… like what?" I mumbled. "We've been playing games since this morning, and I've already read most of my manga."
"The TV's just showing informational programs at this hour, and there aren't any movies on either," Umi added, sighing. "Ah, the laundry should be dry by now, right? I'll help you bring it in."
"Ah… then, I guess I'll take you up on that."
It was just past three in the afternoon. The view from the veranda was the same as always, but under the cloudless sky, the air didn't feel all that cold.
"Umi, the weather's nice. How about we go outside for a change?" I suggested. "I have absolutely no idea on what to do, though."
"Oh, that's rare coming from you, Professor Shut-In," she teased. "Sure, why not? Let's get this folded and then just wander around the neighborhood."
Since we'd been sitting around playing games since early morning, some light exercise sounded like a good idea to loosen up.
Once we'd made up our minds, we moved quickly. We briskly folded the laundry, put it away in the closet, and left the room hand in hand. It was warm enough that we didn't need our winter coats.
"Nn~… Ehehe, wandering around aimlessly like this is nice once in a while, isn't it?"
"You have a way with words," I chuckled. "But you're right, it's not bad. Until now, we hardly ever just walked around outside unless it was for a specific date."
"No, no, this is totally a date. A stroll date," she corrected me with a grin. "And playing games at home earlier was a home date, too."
"I see. When you put it that way, it feels like we're dating all the time."
"That's right," she declared proudly. "You get to date me—a girl who's this cute, reliable, and devotes herself completely to the person she likes—every single day… Maki, you're one lucky guy."
"You're really singing your own praises there… though, I guess it's true."
Since our daily routine hadn't changed much since we became a couple, it was easy to forget, but when I took a moment to think about it, I realized just how happy I was.
Umi is incredibly cute and beautiful even compared to other girls. She takes good care of her fair skin, has a great figure, and always smells nice. Sure, in class, she's called the 'Second Cutest' after her best friend, Amami-san, but…
Right now, I was walking hand in hand with that very girl. I wouldn't do it out here in public, but if I wanted to pull her into a hug, Umi would let me. If I asked, she wouldn't get mad if I touched her cheeks or hair… In fact, she'd probably smile happily and sometimes even whisper for me to 'do more'.
To me, who knows her true self, calling her 'Second' is just plain rude.
The more I thought about it, the more my happiness swelled. I felt a sudden urge to brag, to tell the world that I was dating such an amazing girl. Of course, I didn't want to attract any unnecessary resentment, so the most I could do was bottle up that joy and grin to myself in my room.
"…Maki, are you trying your best not to grin right now? Your facial muscles are twitching more than usual, you know?"
"Eh? Ah, no, not really."
"Fufu, bullseye. Well, I'll let it slide for now. Hup—"
With a soft motion, she pressed herself against my side.
"Wai—there are people around, sticking this close is…"
"Then should I stop?" she whispered, a playful lilt in her voice. "Even though you're actually happy about it~"
Her black hair, which curled slightly outwards, tickled my cheek, followed by the soft, unmistakable sensation against my arm. Without our coats, the feeling was far more direct.
Having her treat me like this made me happy—incredibly so. But being out in public, I had no idea how to express it, so I just ended up flustered.
"Umi, um, I'm happy, but maybe you could hold back just a little for now…"
"Hm? Okay," she said, pulling back slightly. "Then, we'll continue this when we get back home… alright?"
"…Yeah."
Even after all this time together, I was still completely wrapped around her little finger.