147 - Mischief (Patreon)

RAW

Haruto sat on the bed, leaning against the wall.

Ayaka, nestled against him, was intently watching a drama.

"The first episode is over. We're watching the second one too, right?"

"Yeah. I'm too curious about what happens next."

Haruto gently embraced Ayaka from behind as he spoke.

"Thought so. Alright, starting episode two."

As the second episode played, Ayaka leaned more into Haruto, once again absorbed in the drama.

This episode was even more intense than the first.

One of the protagonist's companions was suddenly kidnapped.

The group discovered that their friend had been taken to an abandoned building and decided to storm in.

"Ugh… this building is bad news…"

Seeing the eerie, zombie-like atmosphere of the abandoned place, Ayaka muttered quietly.

"These protagonists are seriously brave."

Haruto commented while popping a piece of popcorn into his mouth, then casually offering one to Ayaka.

She ate it with a small pop before speaking anxiously.

"They're definitely gonna get attacked by zombies… Ah, wait! They're heading to the basement! Nooo… You never go into the basement of an abandoned building…"

Of course, her warnings went unheard, and the protagonists descended into the darkness.

The basement was completely shrouded in black, the only illumination coming from their flashlights. They searched desperately for their friend within the limited visibility.

A suspenseful BGM built tension until—suddenly, a noise echoed through the silence.

Ayaka flinched.

"Ah! … Oh, it's just a cat…"

Relieved, she let out a breath. The protagonist also muttered, "Just a cat, huh…" in sync with her.

Haruto found this amusing and smirked.

"Scaring the audience before letting them relax—classic horror technique."

"Ugh, I hate it… My heart can't take it…"

Despite her words, Ayaka remained glued to the screen, unable to look away.

Another loud noise.

This time, it wasn't a false alarm—real zombies attacked the group.

"Ahhh!!"

Ayaka let out a shriek as the screen was suddenly filled with zombies. Her body trembled.

The protagonists were in grave danger.

One of them got caught and dragged down by multiple zombies. Unable to bear the sight, Ayaka grabbed Haruto's hand, pressing it over her face.

"Oh no… They're all gonna die…"

"This is bad…"

She peeked between his fingers, unable to look away entirely.

The group fought desperately and somehow managed to repel the zombies.

But the friend who had been dragged down—was bitten.

"I actually liked this character… Are they done for?"

"Not necessarily. If they can find the vaccine stored in this building, they might be saved."

"I hope so…"

Still clutching Haruto’s hand, Ayaka brought it tightly to her chest as if in prayer.

Haruto, distracted by the sensation against his palm, focused back on the screen.

The group argued over what to do.

Should they put the bitten friend down before they turned?

Or should they take a chance, hoping to find a vaccine?

One member was adamant about leaving them behind for the safety of the group.

Ayaka pouted. "I don’t like this guy."

Haruto fed her another piece of popcorn as he wondered—what would he do?

If it were Ayaka who got bitten… he would do whatever it took to find a vaccine.

Eventually, the protagonist decided—they would save their friend.

The one who had insisted on leaving them behind was visibly unhappy, but the strong-willed protagonist took full responsibility.

Ayaka exhaled in relief.

"This protagonist is such a good person."

"Yeah. In a world like this, you probably need some kind of belief to stay sane."

"That makes sense… Hey, Haruto, what's your belief?"

"Hmm? That would be… Ayaka’s happiness?"

"Wha—?! … Ugh, don't mess with me!"

"I'm serious."

"Y-You are…?"

"Yep. Completely serious."

"I-I see…"

Ayaka mumbled, her back still against Haruto.

He couldn't see her face—only her ears, which were turning red.

As he stared at them, he heard a tiny whisper.

"You always catch me off guard… geez… fufu."

The drama’s intense scene continued, but a different kind of atmosphere enveloped the two of them.

The protagonists resumed their search in the dark.

Traumatized by the previous zombie attack, Ayaka covered her face with Haruto’s hand from the start, peeking through his fingers.

"Isn't that hard to watch?"

"It's too scary otherwise."

"But you’re still looking through the gaps?"

"Yeah. This way, I can handle it."

Ayaka nodded while keeping her face hidden.

She twitched every time something suspenseful happened.

Watching her, a mischievous thought crept into Haruto’s mind.

Right before him—her ear.

He suddenly remembered.

That time when Ayaka had repeatedly nibbled on his earlobe…

And how he had to endure the unfamiliar sensation the entire time.

Now, she was focused on the drama, completely unaware.

Haruto glanced between the screen and her ear, then leaned in.

"Uuughh—Gao!"

Mimicking a zombie’s groan, he playfully nibbled her earlobe.

"HYAAAHHH!!"

Ayaka screamed, jumping a few centimeters despite being seated.

Haruto marveled at how much someone could bounce even while sitting.

Is this what they call adrenaline-fueled strength?  

As he pondered, Ayaka slowly reached for the remote, pressed pause, and froze the screen.

The room fell into silence.

Then, very slowly, she turned her head toward Haruto.

"Haa~ru~to~!"

Her eyes, slightly teary, glared at him.

"Uh… sorry?"

"You idiot! Idiot! Idiot! That was terrifying!"

She turned to face him completely and began lightly punching his chest with both fists.

"You did say I could bite your ear anytime…"

"Not now! What kind of timing is that?! Do it at a normal time!"

"So… it's okay at other times?"

"Yes! In fact, I want you to! But not now! Right?!"

She kept hitting him, her outburst mixed with an unexpected confession.

Haruto wisely chose not to comment on that part.

"Okay, okay. I won't do it again."

"Ugh! And here I thought you were sweet when you said your belief was my happiness!"

As Haruto apologized, Ayaka pouted hard.

"Fine. Then from now on, I’ll dedicate myself to your happiness."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Then you'll do whatever I say?"

"…Yeah, whatever you say."

After a brief hesitation, Haruto nodded.

Satisfied, Ayaka settled back between his legs.

Then, she suddenly turned around.

"Hm? What's up?"

"No more scaring me, got it?"

"I swear I won't."

Ayaka turned forward again—then immediately turned back.

"Swear to God?"

"I swear."

"Hmm… Oh! I know—let’s switch places!"

"You mean swap positions?"

"Yep!"

She quickly stood up and moved behind Haruto.

"Okay, scoot forward a bit."

"Like this?"

"Perfect!"

She slid into the space between Haruto and the wall, wrapping her arms and legs around him from behind.

"This way, you can't scare me, and I can hide behind you when things get scary. Perfect, right?"

Peeking over his shoulder, she grinned.

"…Ayaka? Can you move back a little?"

"Nope!"

"As expected…"

Haruto sighed, feeling her warmth against his back.

"Alright, let's continue."

"Roger that!"

He pressed play, resigning himself to watching while struggling to ignore the distractions behind him.

"Oh, and if I ever decide to bite your earlobe, you have no right to refuse. You did say you'd do whatever I wanted."

"…I accept my fate."