Part 194: I'm Not Gonna Write You a Love Song

What kind of fantasies does Kaede think about...?

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U-Ummm...



Do you remember what today is?

Today... Um...

So you don't remember... I kinda had that feeling.

Ah, I'm sorry...



She put her hands on her hips and pouted at me.

Today...is our anniversary. You know, when we started dating...



That's right! Today's very important!

Ah, I see...this is Kaede's fantasy. That must be why she's talking like this...

Since it's our anniversary... I want you to say it, Shuichi...

Say...what?



I-I'm sorry, Kaede, but I honestly don't know what you want me to say...



Oh no, did I make her mad again?

How long will I have to wait before you call me something other than just Kaede?

Something other than Kaede...?



Ah, um... Ah...

Say it!



...

*gasp*!

K-Kaede! Are you okay?



Ah, yeah, me too.

But...you went back to calling me Kaede again.



It's fine. I really like...that passive side of yours...

...



Without a word of warning, the blushing Kaede took me in her arms.



K-Kaede, wait! Careful—

As Kaede leaned into me, I lost my balance, and...

*thud*!



Ah! K-Kaede, sorry, this is a bit... Ah...

We're...in bed... Ah, not like I would try anything!

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Yes...?

Hug me...

What?

Like this...



Slowly, I put my arms around her, pulling her in gently. Matching my movements, she drew her body closer, pressing herself against me.

...

Kaede's warmth was speaking to me...and my whole body was listening.



...Yes, Kaede.

I can hear yours too, Shuichi. It's my favorite melody. It envelops me in a warm, strong embrace...more than any other song can do. It fills me with courage...



Kaede...?

Please call me your sweetheart...

S-Sweetheart...

If we're going to be honest today, then... I wanted to hear you say that...



Kaede— Ah, I mean, my sweetheart...pulled back and rested herself on my lap.

We stared into each other's eyes for a long while...our noses almost touching...

Shuichi, will you...do it with me? I would like that more than anything.

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Last night, with Kaede... Was that a dream? But I still feel...her heartbeat...