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Legs...burning...
Arms...numb...
The sweat is slipping into my eyes, making them burn...
Iku huffed out a breath, her lips curling into a bright smile.
It feels so incredibly good...! ♥︎
"Iku!"
Iku turned to see Rentarou standing at the entrance to the batting cages, holding two bottles of water.
"Rentarou!" Iku wiped at her forehead with the back of her hand, setting her bat down. "Is it already time to go?"
"It is," Rentarou confirmed.
Iku tried to ignore the disappointment twisting in her stomach. Rentarou was already so kind as to spend the entire day with her here when he could've been doing something else. She took the bottle he offered and took a swig, keeping her eyes on the ceiling.
"What's wrong?"
"Ah...ahaha...you noticed..."
"Of course. As your boyfriend, it's my job to make sure my girlfriend is always happy."
"It's just that..." Iku took another swig of water before speaking. "Well, ah...this means our date is over, y'know? And I have that charity game tomorrow, so I'll be busy all day...I feel like I haven't practiced enough. I've been so busy doing other stuff all week that today's been the only day I've practiced."
"Iku..." Rentarou, rubbed his chin, trying to come up with an idea as to how to fix this. "Well, what if we go on a walk through the park for a little while? We can play catch for an hour or two. It's not a perfect solution, but..."
Iku shook her head, smiling sadly. "I should probably head home soon. I haven't ate since lunch."
"Well, could I come over and help with dinner? Your parents are out of town, right? You must feel lonely."
"Ah...sure! I guess that's fine."
The entire walk home, Iku was quiet. She was incredibly happy with Rentarou—who couldn't be? However, she felt guilty. She didn't have to work hard to have him, and he does so much to help her. She wanted to cuddle with him, even though they've already spent the entire day together—"
"So, what are we thinking? Spicy ramen? Something that doesn't cool down quickly?"
He knows my preferences well, huh? Iku smiled and squeezed his hand. "Super spicy ramen."
"Sounds good." Rentarou's expression grew serious. "Iku...if there's something on your mind, you can tell me, okay?"
"Can we cuddle?" Iku blurted out as soon as they stepped onto the steps to her house. "I just—ah—well..."
"Of course!" Rentarou smiled brightly. "Why are you so afraid to ask? You know I'd be happy to."
"Well, um...I know it's a super girly thing to ask, and I'm not exactly..."
"It's not girly. Partners are supposed to want to cuddle." Rentarou squeezed Iku's hand again. "And even if it was, you have a right to ask. You're a girl, Iku. You can ask for cuddles as much as you want, just like anyone else in the Family."
"Rentarou..."
No matter how many times her insecurities would fly around her brain, Rentarou would always be there to swat them away.
"I love you," Iku smiled, guiding him to the couch.
"I love you, too!"
"Can we...cuddle first? Before dinner?"
"Of course!"
Iku sat between Rentarou's legs on the couch, and he hugged her as tightly as he could—just how she liked it. It wasn't enough to genuinely hurt, but it definitely felt just a tad uncomfortable.
"Oof...! ♥︎"