The bathroom was filled with a soft mist, the warmth of the steam gently enveloping the space. A thin layer of condensation coated the walls, and the flickering candlelight reflected on the water’s surface, casting a golden shimmer that added to the hazy atmosphere.


    Hinano curled up in the bathtub, hugging her knees tightly as she rested her forehead against them. The water rippled gently, mirroring her uncertain gaze tinged with a hint of self-mockery.


    "Makino-san… she''s such a kind person..." she murmured softly, her voice as delicate as mist, as if speaking to herself or letting her thoughts dissolve into the warm air.


    Images of Miyo’s bright, innocent smile surfaced in her mind, the way she had eagerly tugged at her hand, inviting her to play. A small smile unconsciously formed on Hinano’s lips, but it quickly faded, and she averted her gaze, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.


    "I''ll probably see Tetsuya there too…" she whispered, her words accompanied by a barely audible sigh. Burying her face in her hands, she seemed to be battling an internal struggle.


    Memories from earlier in the day suddenly rushed back, making her jolt upright. She bit her lip, her face flushing even deeper. "He actually saw me… like that…" Her voice grew quieter, but then, in a burst of frustration, she raised it, "And it had to be Tetsuya of all people!"


    Shrinking further into the bathtub, she felt utterly cornered by her own embarrassment. Restlessly, she trailed her fingers across the water’s surface, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her.


    "Ahhh…" she let out a small groan, pressing her burning cheeks with both hands, as if hoping to melt into the steam and rippling water.


    The candlelight reflected off her damp skin, highlighting the tiny droplets trickling down her collarbone before disappearing into the bath, sending small ripples across the water. The golden glow flickered gently along with the water’s movement.


    Suddenly, Hinano took a deep breath and submerged herself fully underwater. Small waves rippled outward as her long hair floated weightlessly, swaying like strands of silk. Bubbles slowly drifted upward, catching the dim light, creating a scene as tranquil as a painting.


    As the bubbles multiplied, she finally surfaced, gasping for air. Droplets scattered around her, trickling down her flushed cheeks and settling along her collarbone, glistening like tiny pearls.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    She swept back her wet hair, exposing the delicate curve of her neck and her faintly reddened face. The candlelight caressed her damp strands, outlining her silhouette with a golden glow.


    Hinano gently lifted the ends of her hair, absentmindedly twirling them around her fingers. The gesture held an unconscious elegance unique to a young girl lost in thought, carrying both innocence and an unspoken charm.


    "Would Tetsuya think I’m an improper girl…?" she murmured, resting her arms against the edge of the tub. The water lapped gently against the sides, responding to her faint movements.


    Her fair skin, tinged with a soft pink from the heat, glistened with moisture. Strands of hair clung to her shoulders, cascading down her back in delicate waves, illuminated by the candle’s gentle light.


    "If I confess… and he rejects me, would we still be able to stay friends?" she sighed, her long lashes trembling slightly as she closed her eyes, trying to suppress the emotions welling up inside her.


    "Do boys… prefer girls with a bigger breasts?" she muttered in an even softer voice, placing her hands on her chest as if the thought embarrassed her too much to say out loud.


    However, in the next second, she straightened her back, clenching her fists with a sudden resolve, her eyes burning with determination. "No! Hinano, you can’t just give up like this!"


    But as quickly as her resolve had come, hesitation crept in once again. Lowering her gaze, she mumbled, "But… what if he actually does like me?"


    Leaning against the bathtub once more, a faint, dreamy smile played on her lips, as if she were sinking into a sweet fantasy. "If he does… then I’ll become his wife, cook for him, take care of our home… Tetsuya works so hard, so when he comes home, I’ll have a warm meal waiting for him… He’ll be so touched, and then… he’ll be really gentle with me…"


    Her whispered words grew softer, turning silk-like in their sweetness. Even the candlelight seemed to glow a little softer, as if it, too, had been enchanted by her romantic musings.


    But suddenly, Hinano slapped the water’s surface, her face burning. "Ahhh! What am I even thinking?! This is so embarrassing!"


    She buried her face in her hands, her body swaying slightly in the water as she tried to shake off the mortifyingly sweet thoughts swirling in her mind.


    It wasn’t until the bathwater started to cool that she realized she had been soaking for too long. As she tried to stand up, she found that her legs had gone weak. Panic surged in her voice as she cried out, "Mom! Help! My legs won’t move!"


    Her mother burst through the door, taking one look at her predicament before breaking into laughter. "Hinano, how do you even manage to turn a simple bath into such a disaster?"


    On the way back to her room, supported by her mother, Hinano could only groan in embarrassment. "Ahhh… Tetsuya can never know about this… Never ever…"


    The moonlight gently spilled into her room, casting a serene glow. But the fluttering emotions in her heart continued to ripple on.