Chapter Text
Koyuki must’ve been radiating negative energy as she sat during break period. With the class change, she felt like she’d grown further apart from Minato, no longer able to watch him or interact with him for 80% of the school day.
Her heart tugged. She knew it was a normal part of life but it worried her that things seemed to get more awkward between them. What had felt comfortable before, now had her heart racing and her nerves jumping out of her body just seeing him.
Maybe it was a self-brought-on problem, her anxiety making things worse than it needed to be. After all, it didn’t seem to faze Minato much. Though, she could tell her sudden withdrawal might have had him questioning.
“What’s wrong, Koyuki? You seem to have a negative aura surrounding you.” Tsukiko asked her with bewilderment from the desk beside her.
Koyuki took a breath and sighed softly. “It’s just…” Her thoughts and feelings started swirling together and she couldn’t form the words.
Tsukiko tried to help her fill in the blank. “Is it about Amamiya?”
Koyuki nodded, but she didn’t want Tsukiko to get the wrong idea and villainize him, as her friends so happened to do often. “… It’s nothing he did. It’s a problem within me.”
Tsukiko looked even more confused.
“Spending more time apart. It’s difficult…” Koyuki began to explain. “I’m starting to get all jumpy around him again and it feels like I’ve regressed everything we’ve worked up to…”
Tsukiko nodded understandingly, then put her hand to her chin in thought. “Why not ask him to hang out today?”
“I’ll try… but he’s also been busy with the soccer club most days…” Koyuki said, turning her attention to the window as she tried not to get her hopes up.
Once the school bell rang signalling the end of the school day, Koyuki stopped at her locker and took out her cellphone. Her finger hovered over Minato’s chat. Anxiety swirled within her and she wondered if maybe a group outing would be easier to manage today. That way she could spend time with Minato without having the pressure of having to talk much.
She opened the group chat with Minato, Miki and Yota, her anxiety calming a bit as she typed.
[Hey. Would you all want to get burgers together today? ☺️]
She smiled lightly as she hit send.
Then her heart did a backflip as Minato replied instantly.
[Minato: I’m in! 👍]
[Minato: Practice ends at 4 though… wait for me? 🥺]
Koyuki giggled to herself at the thought of Minato making a face like the emoji.
[Koyuki: It’s okay. ☺️ Let’s meet at 5 then at the usual place?]
Miki replied next.
[Miki: Yes, let’s do it!!!]
Then Yota.
[Yota: Works for me. ☺️]
—x—
The burger joint was warm and noisy compared to the cool evening outside. The scent of fries and grilled meat lingered in the air while conversations buzzed around them.
Koyuki sat beside Minato in the booth, trying not to be overly aware of how close their shoulders were.
A paper puzzle sheet had been tucked beneath their cups and plates. Minato immediately slid it toward the middle of the table with an excited grin.
“Alright,” he announced dramatically, uncapping a pen, “today we conquer the children’s maze.”
“It’s literally for ages six and up,” Miki laughed.
“That’s exactly why it’s humiliating if we lose.”
Yota smiled quietly beside her. “You can’t lose against a piece of paper.”
“Watch me.”
Koyuki giggled softly before she could stop herself.
The sound seemed to encourage Minato instantly. He leaned a little closer and pointed the pen at the maze. “Koyun, you’re good at these. Help me before I embarrass myself.”
Her chest warmed slightly at how naturally he included her.
For a few minutes, things almost felt normal again.
Minato kept making ridiculous commentary while tracing the wrong paths on purpose.
“Ah yes,” he muttered seriously, “a dead end. Symbolic of the human condition.”
“You say that every time,” Yota sighed.
“Because it keeps being true.”
Miki laughed loud enough that a couple nearby glanced over.
Koyuki found herself smiling.
Maybe Tsukiko had been right after all. Maybe she really had just been overthinking things.
Then the conversation gradually shifted away from the puzzle.
Miki started animatedly recounting something that happened during class, a teacher dropping markers everywhere, students trying not to laugh. Minato immediately bounced off the story, adding dramatic reenactments that made everyone crack up.
Koyuki tried to follow along. But somewhere between watching Minato smile at everyone so easily and seeing how naturally Miki and Yota moved together, something inside her tightened again.
Miki absentmindedly stole fries off Yota’s tray. Yota wordlessly moved the ketchup closer to her before she even asked. Everything between them looked effortless.
Meanwhile Koyuki felt hyperaware of every little thing she did. How long had it been since she’d spoken? Was she acting strange again? Did Minato notice?
Of course he noticed. He always noticed lonely people.
Her thoughts spiraled quietly inward until the voices around her blurred together into white noise.
“Koyun?”
She blinked.
Minato was looking at her now, chin resting lightly against his hand.
“Huh?” Koyuki panicked.
Oh no. What were they even talking about?
“We were asking which movie you wanted to see next,” he said. “You disappeared for a second there.”
Heat rushed into her face.
“Oh.” She looked down quickly. “S-Sorry… I zoned out.”
For a brief second, something unreadable flickered across Minato’s expression.
Not annoyance. Something… softer? Concern, maybe.
But he smiled easily a moment later.
“I was saying Yota has the taste of a middle-aged father.”
“I do not,” Yota defended immediately.
“You suggested a historical documentary for movie night.”
“Because they’re interesting.”
Miki pointed accusingly at him. “You also fall asleep before the climax every single time.”
“That happened once.”
“Twice,” Minato corrected.
The conversation flowed back naturally after that.
But Koyuki still couldn’t shake the lingering feeling in her chest.
Because even though Minato had smiled at her the same as always… something still felt different.
Not him, but within herself. She had tried to keep it hidden, to try and act normal with the group but Minato could obviously perceive that something was wrong. Which terrified her if she was going to have to talk about it when she didn’t even fully understand what it was. Miki would jump to villainize Minato for hurting her but that wasn’t what this was.
Koyuki tried to blink away her tears. She suddenly regretted picking the inner booth seat since she couldn’t easily escape like this. She’d have to look at Minato and speak just to leave.
“Uhm… I’m just going to go to the bathroom for a bit…” Koyuki said quietly as she looked up at Minato.
Minato’s eyes widened when he noticed the tears welling in her eyes. That worried look returned, but he seemed to catch himself.
“Oh, okay. We’ll be here,” he said lightly, getting up to let her out of the booth.
As Koyuki walked away, unease settled in his chest.
Did I say something wrong just now? Is she unhappy?
Does she… want to break up?
I should go after her.
He stopped himself.
Right. Women’s washroom.
Miki watched Koyuki disappear around the corner.
After a moment, she got up too.
“I’m gonna check on her.”
Minato looked at her.
“…Yeah. Thanks.”
—x—
Koyuki quickly locked herself into one of the stalls, pressing a hand over her mouth as tears blurred her vision.
This was stupid. Nothing even happened. Minato had been kind the entire time.
So why did it still feel like there was this unbearable distance between them?
Why did she suddenly feel nervous around the person she loved most?
The bathroom door opened and Koyuki’s heart jumped in fear.
“Koyun?” Miki called out.
Koyuki squeezed her eyes shut.
A pause followed before Miki spoke more softly.“… Hey. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Koyuki answered immediately.
Miki was silent for exactly one second. “You’re crying in a restaurant bathroom.”
The stall door rattled lightly as Miki leaned against it from outside.
“Did… Minato do something?”
“No!” Koyuki answered so quickly it almost startled even herself.
The silence afterward made her chest ache.
“No,” she repeated more quietly. “He didn’t do anything wrong…”
Miki’s voice softened. “Then what’s wrong?”
Koyuki slouched forward, trying to organize feelings that refused to untangle neatly.
“I don’t know,” she admitted weakly. “That’s the problem.”
Outside the stall, Miki listened quietly.
Koyuki laughed shakily through her tears.
“Things were normal before… but now I keep overthinking everything.” She lowered her gaze. “And the more I think about it, the more awkward I act around him.”
“You know Minato likes you, right?”
“I know…”
“Like. A lot.”
Koyuki smiled faintly despite herself. “I know.”
“Then why are you panicking?”
“… Because what if I make him stop?”
Miki paused for a moment, thinking about Koyuki’s concern as it stopped her in her tracks.
“Hey Koyun… you told me before, just be yourself and let the people who truly care about you stick around.”
Koyuki’s eyes widened as she recalled that conversation they had a year ago. She opened the stall door to face Miki, her expression ashamed and confused.
“I’m sorry for worrying you, I just can’t make sense of these feelings…” Koyuki’s eyes swirled and her face went blue with guilt. “I feel horrible. I hope I didn’t make him feel bad. I just had to leave and process this…”
Miki waved her hands, trying to calm her friend. “Koyun, he literally looks at you like a lost puppy every 5 seconds. Just go talk to him.”
“A puppy?” Koyun repeated as she imagined Minato’s happy go lucky Pomeranian Ponta. She blushed and giggled softly, the puppy being one of the first things that brought them together as friends.
Miki raised an eyebrow at Koyun’s sudden mood change, but she was also relieved that her friend was feeling better. She chuckled and grinned. “Well, I’m glad to have helped!”
—x—
After Koyuki and Miki left for the bathroom, Minato immediately knew how this looked. He slumped and his face went grim.
Yota smiled kindly. “Minato, what did you do?”
“I have no idea!” Minato waved his hands innocently. A pause as he went serious with a soft sigh. “I thought you would know. Did I push her too hard to speak again? I just worried that she wanted to be included while we were all joking around.”
“No, I don’t think you were out of line there.” Yota reassured.
Minato rubbed the back of his neck.
“… Then why does it feel weird lately?”
Yota looked mildly surprised by the honesty in his voice.
Minato laughed weakly and leaned back in the booth.
“It used to feel easy talking to her.” His gaze drifted toward the direction of the bathroom. “Now I feel like I’m accidentally making her nervous no matter what I do, like we’re back to square one again.”
Yota was quiet for a moment. Then he asked gently, “have you told her that?”
Minato stared at him and then squinted his eyes. “… Why are you suddenly obsessed with communication?”
Yota snorted. “Because you overcomplicate everything.”
“Says the guy dating Miki.”
“She’s actually very straightforward.”
“That’s terrifying.”
Suddenly there was a hand on Minato’s shoulder and he looked back to see Miki had an intense look on her face. “What’s so terrifying, Minato?”
“N-nothing! I mean, we were talking about the meat here. What’s it made out of?!” Minato tried to explain in fear.
Yota smiled and shook his head, meanwhile Koyuki couldn’t help but giggle at the interaction.
Minato lightened up as he heard her laugh. He scooted over to make room for Koyuki to sit beside him in the booth, giving her the outside spot incase she felt the need to leave again.
Koyuki smiled softly, a quiet thank you as she slid back into the booth.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Minato awkwardly pushed the unfinished maze toward her again.
“… We still haven’t conquered the children’s puzzle.”
Koyuki stared at him for a second before giggling softly through the remnants of her embarrassment.
“Pfft- You were the one leading us into dead ends.”
He pouted. “I was just testing your critical thinking skills.”
“Huh.” Koyuki took the paper and began figuring out the maze on her first try. “There, Sensei.” She passed it back to Minato, looking proud of herself.
Minato grinned, happy and relieved as stars twinkled around him. He reached out to pat Koyuki’s hair. “Good job, you’ve surpassed even your Sensei.”
Koyuki smiled and her whole face went red.
Yota and Miki exchanged a knowing look and smiled to each other.
Yota then checked the time on his phone. “Ah, I should probably get going.”
“Oh, me too.” Miki clued in. She looked towards Koyuki and Minato. “Will you two be okay without us?”
Minato chuckled. “Yes, mom and dad. I’ll have her back before midnight.”
“Hmm, a firm 8pm would be better.” Yota replied, half-serious that Minato not keep Koyuki up that late.
Koyuki nibbled her lip, a bit uncomfortable at the thought of them being alone but she nodded.
Once the other couple left, Minato turned to Koyuki outside of the restaurant.
“Do you want to do something else? Or I could walk you home.” Minato offered, then paused for a moment. “I could also… leave you alone if you’d prefer.” He blushed slightly, worried if that came across how he intended. He just wanted to give her the option.
Koyuki felt her heart tighten that he had to ask that last option and she shook her head. “No, I don’t want you to leave me alone.” Her eyes began to water up and she tried to blink away the tears quickly.
Minato took her hand gently and began walking. “Let’s walk then... to no where in particular.” He decided with a reassuring smile.
With a nod, Koyuki followed him, the warmth of his hand grounding her to reality. She was thankful he didn’t do a huge kind gesture or bombard her with feelings just now because it probably would’ve made her cry.
She took a breath and sighed softly, the cool breeze also cooling her heart, making her feel less likely to melt from her feelings.
She looked towards him. Who was going to talk first? Should she say something? Was he waiting for her to say something?
Minato looked over to her, his expression serious but not intense. “… Did I do something?”
Koyuki immediately looked up.
Minato laughed softly, but there was nervousness underneath it now. “You’ve seemed anxious around me lately.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I kept thinking maybe I said something weird without realizing it.”
Koyuki’s chest tightened painfully. Of course he noticed and somehow hearing the worry in his voice made everything feel even worse.
“No…” she answered quickly. “You didn’t do anything.”
“Then what happened?”
The question was gentle. Which almost made it harder.
Koyuki lowered her gaze to their intertwined hands.
“I don’t know,” she admitted quietly. “That’s what’s frustrating.”
Minato stopped, fear flooding his heart at what this meant. If she didn’t even know, how the heck was he supposed to help her?
“… Are you having second thoughts about being with me?” He asked.
Koyuki froze and then immediately shut down the idea. “No, it’s not that!”
Relief flickered across Minato’s face for only a second before confusion replaced it again.
Koyuki gripped his hand tighter unconsciously.
“I-It’s just that I miss you and I feel…”
Her thoughts tangled together again.
Minato tried to follow the thread.
“Is this about club activities?” he asked carefully. “Because I know I’ve been busy lately, but once tournaments calm down—”
“No, it’s not your fault.” She shook her head.
“Then is it because we haven’t been spending enough time alone together?”
Koyuki’s chest tightened. “I-I don’t know…”
Minato’s brows furrowed slightly as he kept trying to piece it together. “Wait… do you think I’ve been neglecting you?”
Koyuki looked stricken. “No! Minato, that’s not what I’m saying at all.”
“Then… what am I supposed to do?”He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, expression unreadable. “I don’t really get it.”
Koyuki flinched slightly.
Minato wasn’t angry. If anything, his expression had gone strangely blank again, the way it sometimes did when emotions became too complicated to solve.
She felt panicked, each question backing her into a metaphorical wall. “I-I’m sorry, please just stop asking me questions.”
Minato nodded, his expression pained. “I’m sorry too. Really sorry… I didn’t mean to push you. Take all of the time you need to think.”
The two walked quietly beneath the glow of streetlights.
Minato kept his promise not to press further.
Even so, Koyuki could feel the worry lingering quietly in the way his hand held hers just a little tighter than usual and the glances every so often.
But the silence no longer felt suffocating now. Just fragile.
Koyuki took a small breath. “… I think I got too happy.”
Minato blinked beside her. “Huh?”
She looked down, embarrassed already. “When we first started dating, I was just happy being around you at all.” Her fingers curled slightly around his hand. “But now I miss you all the time.”
Minato listened quietly, his heart thumping.
“And when we stopped seeing each other as much…” She laughed weakly. “I started overthinking everything.”Her voice grew softer. “Like if we weren’t constantly talking or laughing together, maybe the feelings would disappear somehow.”
Minato’s expression softened immediately. “Koyun…”
“And then I got really nervous around you again because I was scared something had already changed. Which probably made things feel even weirder.” She admitted.
“That’s… it?” Minato blinked, confused, before he realized his insensitive comment. “I mean, you don’t have to worry about that! I love you, Koyun. That’s not going to change just because we’re not in the same class anymore.”
Koyuki nibbled her lip. “I love you too… It just felt weird that we couldn’t be as close anymore… It felt like you were drifting off into other things and I was worried that you might have forgotten about me…”
Minato nodded understandingly. “I get it. I was worried too that you might realize that I’m not as good of a guy as you thought and want to break things off.” He scratched the back of his head and sighed. “I know it’s my fault, but other people’s opinions of me around school aren’t the greatest. Even Yota and Miki make it seem like I’m some villain that’s going to hurt you.”
Koyuki made a sad face and hugged him, patting his back. “There, there.”
Minato chuckled. “Such amazing comforting skills you’ve got there.”
Koyuki giggled and looked up at him, her smile making him blush and feel bubbly inside.
Then her eyes wandered to a nearby vending machine. She motioned her hands towards it. “Would you like a beverage?”
Minato grinned and nodded. “Sure, I’ll have what you’re having.”
“Hm, it’s a bit cold today. Let’s go with hot chocolate.” Koyuki decided, getting them each a can.
They sat down on a bench together and sipped their drinks. Silence passed between them and Koyuki glanced over at Minato.
She began thinking to herself. He seems content now even after that awkwardness. I hope things are okay…
Her anxiety began to swirl within her. I love him, but is such a couple even supposed to work out? I’m used to being a loner and he’s the popular one. Even our closest friends seem to be flabbergasted at our union.
Minato glanced towards her. “What’cha thinking about?~”
“Uh, uhm… serious things…” Koyuki admitted as her face went red.
“Huh? You’re thinking about that!?” Minato asked as his face also turned red.
“W-wait, what do you think I meant?” Koyuki blushed a deeper red. “I was just thinking about things like if love like this is supposed to last.”
She paused and realized that was worse. She’d probably depressed him again.
Minato felt his heart tighten. “Hey, you don’t have to be so critical about it.” He reached his hand to hold hers.
She felt guilty for worrying him again. “Ah, I-I’m sorry… I was actually thinking about the other thing. I just didn’t want you to know...” She pouted with embarrassment and blushed again.
Minato couldn’t help but laugh, but he could see through her deflection. “No, I can see why you would be worried, with my track record and all. I promise you though, this is real. I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Ahh, g-good…” Koyuki agreed, becoming speechless after his declaration.
Minato made a sad expression. “Do you think I’m a villain too, Koyun?”
“N-no, I don’t think that.” Koyuki said with certainty. “You’re not bad or evil, it’s just sometimes feelings just fizzle out. I’m worried about that.”
Minato was quiet for a moment.
“… I can’t really guarantee stuff like that,” he admitted.
Koyuki’s chest tightened slightly.
“But…” He glanced toward her, his expression softer now. “I don’t think feelings disappearing is something that just happens out of nowhere either.”
Koyuki listened quietly.
“If people drift apart, there’s usually a reason, right?” He shrugged lightly. “They stop trying to understand each other. Or they stop spending time together. Or they stop caring.”
His fingers tightened slightly around hers.
“But you’re here panicking because you care too much.” He laughed softly. “So I think we’re probably okay for now.”
Koyuki stared at him and smiled softly. “Yeah, true.”
That answer wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t some fairytale promise that they would love each other forever. But somehow that made it feel more real.
Still, she couldn’t help but relate his thoughts to her parents. Is that what happened between them? That they stopped trying to understand and care about each other…
She didn’t want to be alone with these thoughts.
Koyuki leaned her head against his arm and cuddled into him. “Do you want to come over tonight?”
Minato blushed slightly and nodded, leaning in to kiss the top of her hair. “Of course. I’d love to spend more time with you. Let’s stop by the convenience store and pick up some things first.”
Koyuki followed Minato around the convenience store and they picked out various treats and snacks. He asked her about her favorites and things felt light and easy until they’d made it to the condoms.
“Hmm, we should probably get some, just incase there comes a time, you know?” Minato pondered.
“U-uhm, yeah, maybe just incase… but I don’t want to be associated with you when you buy them…” Koyuki admitted, her face turning bright red.
Minato chuckled. “What? Embarrassed to be seen with me?”
Koyuki’s eyes swirled. “W-well, no, but… when you buy something like that it’s pretty obvious and I don’t want to paint a picture in someone’s head… Y-you know? Best to leave some things ambiguous…” She pressed her index fingers together with embarrassment.
Minato nodded, though he couldn’t help but find her over explanation cute and funny. “Okay, I’ll get it and you can wait outside.”
Koyuki went outside to wait as Minato bought the items. Just because he was getting the condoms, didn’t mean they had to have sex tonight. She knew that he wouldn’t push her, but she still wondered. She partly wanted to, to feel close to Minato but she also wasn’t sure if she wanted to cross that line just yet.
She sighed softly, visions in her head that made her heart flutter and her cheeks flush.
I love him so much, I almost want to but I don’t know. It feels overwhelming and vulnerable.
When Minato was finished at the check out, they went right to Koyuki’s apartment from the subway station.
“What do you want to do first? Watch a movie?” Minato offered, figuring they should start with something easy, considering Koyuki’s unease earlier. He wanted her to work up to feeling comfortable around him again.
Koyuki nodded. “Mhm, that sounds good.”
Minato flicked through Netflix. “What are you in the mood for?”
Koyuki couldn’t help but smirk. “How about a horror movie?”
Minato’s face went grim. “You’re not still picking on me for that time at the haunted house, are you?”
She giggled. “No, it’s just… kind of cute when you get scared.”
Her cheeks heated up as Minato looked over at her.
“Cute?” Minato frowned dramatically. “I was hoping for something more like handsome. Or cool.”
Koyuki giggled. “You weren't very cool at the haunted house.”
“Hey!”
“You were really scared. But it was cute.”
“Okay, we're definitely not watching horror.”
After more scrolling, they picked a light comedy for a movie. Minato offered her a snack and she took some graciously.
Her attention wandered to him during the movie.
“Minato…”
He met her gaze. “Hm? What’s up?”
“W-will you…” Koyuki’s face heated up. “… hold me?”
Minato grinned happily and embraced her. “Of course. Come’re~”
Koyuki sighed with relief and let her body rest against him, feeling his body heat. She turned herself towards him and hugged him back.
“Minato… have you… had sex with your exes before?” Her thoughts came out without thinking.
Minato almost jumped at the question. “H-huh? Why’re you asking that all of a sudden? No, I haven’t…”
He looked away, clearly embarrassed, before giving her a playful pout. “Why? Do you want an experienced man?”
“N-no. Sorry, was it too much?” Koyuki worried.
“No, it just caught me off guard is all.” Minato smiled gently.
Koyuki felt relieved. Hmm, so he hasn’t done it before either.
“Minato… I… want to try it…” she admitted.
“Are we… still talking about the same thing?” He asked cautiously.
Koyuki giggled. “Yes. Let’s go to my room. We don’t have much time.”
She took Minato’s hand and led him to her bedroom.
They got under the covers and Minato leaned in to give her a soft kiss. His gaze met hers.
“You’re sure you went to do this with me? Like absolutely sure?” He checked.
Koyuki reached for Minato’s hand and squeezed it confidently. “Yes, I’m sure. I love you.”
Minato felt his heart flutter. “I love you too.”
They began to kiss more and got undressed. Their hands roamed each others bodies and for once they didn’t have to think, just feel and experience each other.
“Koyun… do you want to put the condom on me?”
Koyuki blushed instantly. “I uhm… I got too embarrassed and didn’t listen to that part in school… I honestly didn’t think this would ever happen to me…”
Minato chuckled at her honesty. “It’s okay, I can do it. Unless you want to stop?”
“N-no, keep going.”
“Okay, I’m going to put it in now.”
Koyuki nodded and closed her eyes, her heart thumping as she braced herself.
She gasped as she could feel him at her entrance, her nerves lighting up from the pressure. Until suddenly…
“Owww…” Koyuki winced. “It kind of hurts there.”
“Hmm, it kind of feels like I’m hitting a wall. Do you want to stop?”
“No, just go slow…”
“Okay, try to relax.” Minato reassured as he reached to hold her hand.
Koyuki nodded, opening her eyes briefly to look up at him. Physically, it hurt, but emotionally she felt connected to him. It left a heavy ache in her heart, but a good ache, that she could feel this deeply about someone was overwhelming and fulfilling at the same time.
She clutched his hand a little tighter as the movement became deeper and he was even closer inside. She didn’t want to make any embarassing sounds so she just softly panted.
She lost track of time, her focus on Minato moving into her and how it felt to be close to him like this. It was like nothing else mattered. It was only the two of them.
Minato spoke then, “I-It’s going to happen soon… Are you close, Koyun?”
“Ah, I-I don’t know…” She paused, hoping she wasn’t ruining things or keeping him waiting. “It’s okay, go ahead. I feel good and I want you to feel good too.” She reached up to caress his cheek.
“No, I want to hold out for you.” Minato said determined.
Koyuki felt her heart tighten and she feared that she didn’t know if she was capable. This was all new to her and it still kind of hurt. It was honestly starting to feel numb down there.
“A-ah, shoot…” Minato sighed as he couldn’t hold back.
She felt a pump of hot fluid at the top of the condom. She nibbled her lip, her heart stuttering.
After a moment, she reached her arms around him and hugged him as he was almost collapsed on her.
“You didn’t finish?” He whispered, ashamed of himself.
Koyuki turned towards him. “No, but I enjoyed it.” Her face flushed.
Minato’s face turned blue with shame and he began to spiral. He pulled away and laid beside her. He thought the worst. I’m a failure. She didn’t finish…
Koyuki pouted and felt her heart tug. Why is he so upset about this? Is it really that big of a deal?
She leaned in and kissed his cheek, hoping to cheer him up. “Hey, I’m really happy that my first time was with you.”
Minato still looked disappointed.
Koyuki blinked. Maybe it’s a lot for him to process? Still, she couldn’t help but feel like she did something wrong. Why didn’t her body work properly when the time came? It wasn’t like she regretted it or had a terrible time, but Minato seemed to be down on himself.
“I think… I just need to get used to it. Okay? It was our first try so we can only get better from here, right?” Koyuki offered.
Minato’s eyes watered dramatically. “You’d do it with me again?”
Koyuki chuckled and smiled at him. “Of course.” She reached to pull his head down to lay against her chest, hugging him tenderly. “I feel even closer to you now and that’s the best part.”
“Awww, that’s sweet.” Minato peppered her in sweet enthusiastic kisses on her lips, cheeks and collarbone. Then he noticed the time. “Oh, I think your mom gets home soon? Should I go?”
“Uhm… yeah, that’s probably for the best…” Koyuki admitted, still embarrassed to face her mom with meeting her boyfriend, especially after what had just happened.
Minato began to get up and then noticed something. “Koyun, you bled.”
She gasped and looked down at the sheet, quickly crumpling it up and throwing it aside. “I-I’ll wash that tomorrow.”
They got dressed and Minato got ready to leave, putting his jacket on.
“I love you.” Minato leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss at the doorway.
“I love you too.” Koyuki smiled. “Will you… text me when you get home?”
“Yeah, I will.” Minato nodded, lingering in the doorway as he found it difficult to leave her. “Goodnight.” He gave her one last hug before heading out.
Koyuki was surprised as literally a few minutes later her mom arrived home.
“Koyuki, was that your boyfriend who just left?”
Koyuki’s whole face went red. “Y-yes… we were just hanging out.”
Her mom set her bag down by the doorway before glancing toward the elevator Minato had disappeared into.
“… He’s handsome.”
Koyuki froze in embarrassment. “M-Mom…”
“I’m just saying.” She slipped off her shoes tiredly. “Guys like that tend to know they’re handsome.”
Koyuki looked down slightly. “He’s not a bad person,” she said quietly.
“I didn’t say he was.” Her mother’s voice softened a little at that. “Just…” She paused, searching for the words after a long workday. “Don’t ignore your own feelings trying to keep someone else around.”
Koyuki blinked.
Her mother gave a small shrug. “When you really like someone, it’s easy to start accepting things you normally wouldn’t.”
Koyuki winced and knew her mom must’ve been talking about her father. She knew her mom didn’t mean any harm and was trying to be helpful but it still made her feel weird.