Chapter 58: Are You Willing?
Momoi's eyes widened in shock, her hands covering her mouth as she slowly turned around. The sight before her made her heart race—a boy holding a bouquet of flowers, standing there quietly. His usually calm and distant eyes now sparkled with a gentle light, filled with emotions that seemed to wrap around Momoi, pulling her into their depths.
"Momoi, today marks the 342nd day since we met. When I first saw you, it wasn't love at first sight. I just thought you were really beautiful, an impression that stayed with me long after that moment. There were no dramatic twists between us like in those romance novels. Our interactions were just casual greetings most of the time" Shiro said, never taking his eyes off Momoi. His voice was sincere as he continued, "But as I got to know you better, I discovered so much more about you. You shine in ways I never imagined. I truly hope you'll get to know the real me, too, and I hope we can create a beautiful future together. Momoi, will you?"
Shiro's face flushed slightly after he finished speaking, but his gaze remained steady on Momoi. With a soft smile, he extended the roses to her, awaiting her response.
Momoi was completely taken aback by Shiro's sudden confession, her cheeks turning bright red as a wave of joy washed over her, overwhelming her senses.
"Shiro, I will!" Momoi reached out and took the bouquet from Shiro with a shy smile. She hadn't expected him to confess, but deep down, she'd been waiting for it. She had long believed they were destined for each other, having already fallen for Shiro a while ago.
Shiro had expected Momoi's answer, he knew that confessing was never a leap into the unknown, but rather a celebration of a victory already won.
He carefully pulled Momoi into his embrace, gently stroking her hair. She didn't resist, hugging him tightly, savoring the warmth of his body with a happy flutter in her chest.
Their faces moved closer together, like magnets drawing each other in. In the small space, they could hear each other's breathing, the air around them growing warm and thin, intensifying the heat between them.
Gathering her courage, Momoi stood on her tiptoes and lifted her adorable face, cheeks flushed like a sunset, closing her eyes in shy anticipation of Shiro's move.
Seeing Momoi's acceptance, Shiro's throat moved nervously. His eyes were filled with warmth as he leaned down slowly, closing the gap between them with a tender, hesitant movement.
But just then, an abrupt ringtone shattered the quiet, breaking the tender moment.
Startled, they both pulled away, blushing furiously.
"Who the hell would ruin the mood at a time like this?!" Shiro cursed internally, silently blaming himself as well, two lifetimes lived, and he'd never experienced a proper romance, not even daring to take a step now.
He glanced awkwardly at Momoi, who was also looking at him. Their eyes met, and both faces turned even redder.
"Shiro, you should answer the call" Momoi said softly, sitting back down and handing him the phone. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the caller's name 'Aomine' and a wave of irritation swept over her.
Shiro scratched his head, took the phone, and saw Aomine's name. Anger flared up as a huge vein popped on his forehead.
"This better be good! Otherwise, you can forget about getting those rare Horikita Mai photo collections from me!" Shiro muttered in a low, threatening tone.
"Wait, wait, Shiro, I'm sorry! I just wanted to check in on you since you didn't show up for practice today. Was Momoi keeping you busy? Shiro, remember, 'With no woman in your heart, your shots will be divine!'" Aomine's voice panicked on the other end, desperate not to lose the promised prize.
"Shut up, Aomine! Don't teach Shiro such nonsense!" Momoi snatched the phone from Shiro's hand and yelled, immediately hanging up.
Seeing Momoi's frustration, Shiro couldn't help but feel happy, he noticed she had stopped calling Aomine with the same familiar tone. Though he had never been overly concerned, her willingness to change for him moved Shiro deeply.
Shiro placed a hand on Momoi's head, gently stroking her hair. "Momoi, let's go grab something to eat. I'll walk you home after" he said.
Noticing the intimacy in Momoi's words, her heart leaped with joy. She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch, and replied, "Okay!"
Eventually, the Ferris wheel came to a gentle stop, and with a soft thud, they stepped out of the cabin, still hand in hand. Their steps were light and steady, as if they were awakening from a wonderful dream, yet their hearts were content and full.
They headed to a cozy restaurant filled with warm light, sitting by the window to enjoy a delightful dinner. The soft lighting and mellow music created a romantic atmosphere as they chatted and laughed, sharing stories and dreams, their laughter filling the air.
After dinner, they walked side by side down the quiet streets. The night city was peaceful, the streetlights casting a warm, golden glow over them. Their hands naturally intertwined, enjoying the tranquility of the night until they found themselves standing outside Momoi's house.
"Time flew by" Shiro said, gazing at Momoi with a hint of reluctance. She nodded, agreeing, understanding that this time together, though short, was precious.
Shiro gently caressed her hand. "Thank you for tonight. It's been such a wonderful memory" he said softly.
Momoi smiled, "Thank you too, for giving me an unforgettable evening"
They stood in silence, staring into each other's eyes, as if trying to hold on to the moment forever.
Suddenly, Shiro made a decision, pulling Momoi's hand sharply, causing her to stumble into his arms.
She looked up, surprised, her face just inches away from his. Shiro's intense stare made her cheeks flush even more, her heart beating faster.
Without warning, Shiro leaned down, and before Momoi could speak, he kissed her, catching her completely off guard. Her mind went blank as she instinctively responded to his touch, her arms wrapping around him.
After a few moments, Momoi gently pushed Shiro away, her pink hair tousled over his arms, her face flushed like a peach, her lips slightly swollen. Her eyes, misty with emotion, softly scolded, "Shiro, you're so naughty! Hmph!"
Seeing her like this, Shiro couldn't resist teasing her. But sensing his intentions, Momoi quickly stepped back, smiling shyly. "Goodnight, Shiro" she said, and, like a startled deer, dashed back into her house.
Shiro watched her go, shaking his head with a gentle smile, realizing he might have been a little too hasty. His lips curved up with warmth as he softly called out, "Goodnight to you too" then stood there until she safely reached her door.
Momoi rushed to her room, threw herself onto her bed, hiding under the covers like an ostrich, trying to calm her racing heart. Her whole body felt hot, her mind whirling with an indescribable sense of happiness.
As for Shiro, he took a deep breath as he saw her disappear behind the door, then quietly left.
Above them, the stars twinkled in the night sky, watching over the beginning of something special between them.