The disease of lies [Hachiman x Yukino]

Chapter 14 : Family matters

In the quiet solitude of the nighttime park, I sat on a cold, weathered bench, the soft rustle of leaves and distant chirp of crickets the only sounds breaking the silence. My eyes were fixed on the dark canvas of the sky, scattered with stars that glimmered faintly through the thin veil of clouds.

The shadows of the trees loomed around me, their branches reaching out like silent sentinels. I waited, with a sense of anticipation, for Yukinoshita to arrive.

She called me a few minutes ago and asked me if I was already home. Immediately after I told her that I was still out, she invited me on some sort of date, I guess.

She mentioned that she would come here straight away. This place I'm at right now is a nearby park that's close to the school building.

Before long, I noticed her silhouette emerging from the darkness, gradually becoming clearer as she approached. I rose from the bench, the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet breaking the stillness, and started walking toward her, the cool night air brushing against my face as we closed the distance between us.

"Yo."

"Good evening, Mr. I can't look at a cute girl for more than three seconds," she teased.

"You're one to talk."

She smiled lovingly, holding back a chuckle.

"No, I can look at a cute boy for long, but it's just different when it comes to you..."

"Are you saying that I am not cute?" I said, imitating a disappointed expression.

"N-No, I didn't mean-" she stuttered, her cheeks flushing slightly as she tried to regain her composure. "You're more than that."

"Why, thanks, I guess." I scratched my hair nervously.

Yukinoshita looked around nervously, her eyes darting back and forth between me and our surroundings.

"Don't worry, we're alone," I reassured.

"It does seem that way..." she mumbled, inching closer until she leaned fully against me. Her head settled on my collarbone, and her arms wrapped around me in a gentle embrace. "You must be cold after being out here for so long."

"A little less now."

"Good..."

I lifted my hand slowly until it rested on the top of her head, then let it glide gently down the length of her hair, savoring the silky texture as it slipped through my fingers. The sensation was captivating, pulling me into the moment as if nothing else existed.

I had once longed for moments like this-being close enough to touch her so intimately. The subtle change in her breathing, a slight hitch, brushed against me, an indication that my touch brought her pleasure.

"Y-You do like my hair," Yukinoshita murmured.

"I like everything about you," I thought out loud.

Her fingers slightly squeezed the fabric of my coat. "...Even my small-"

"I believe in genetics."

"Shall we get going?" She raised her head to look up at me.

"Sure."

We reluctantly pulled apart, leaving behind the soothing tranquility of the park. The once tranquil atmosphere of the park seemed distant now, as we were enveloped by the hustle and bustle of the more crowded surroundings.

"Where did you plan to go?" I asked, looking at her.

"There's a cheap restaurant at around 10 minutes of walk from here. We could have dinner there. How does it sound?"