Chapter 54 Question
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Now in his second year of high school, Haruto is preparing for the university entrance exam this year. Akane is also gearing up for the same challenge.
If both pass, they will become classmates in the same university and medical program next year, making this a critical period. They must focus on their studies and avoid distractions that could hinder their goals.
”Mmm… mmm… mmm… mmm… mmm…”
”Please, try to stay calm, or someone might notice.”
”Mmm… mmm… mmm… mmm… mmm…!”
”Oh dear, someone might have heard that.”
On the secluded landing leading to the rooftop stairs,
she presses her hand over her mouth, trying to muffle her reactions, but eventually, her voice escapes.
Right now, standing breathless in front of Haruto, is Akane.
”I’m feeling overwhelmed too.”
”Mmm, mmm… mmm… mmm… mmm… mmm…”
As Akane adjusts her stance, she keeps her hand firmly over her mouth.
”Mmm… mmm… mmm… mmm… mmm…!”
”This is… too much!!”
*A moment of intense emotion passes between them.*
A high school student who is naturally expressive and around the age of an “older sibling”
and that student, guided by the “older sibling.”
There’s no way she can remain completely composed in such moments.
”Zzz… zzz… zzz… zzz…”
(Perhaps I went a bit too far…)
Half-conscious, Akane is supported by Haruto.
Because she covered her mouth with her hand to hold back her voice, she momentarily lacked oxygen.
That condition unintentionally became something like a moment of heightened intimacy when she expressed herself fully.
”Ugh~ what if someone heard us…”
”Even if someone did, they wouldn’t know who it was, so it’s fine.”
”No! I told you to be careful!”
”Sorry, sorry, I just get carried away when I’m with Akane.”
”No more of this for a while.”
”Ehh!”
”This is a crucial time right now! I said let’s focus on getting into medical school together.”
Thanks to his natural abilities, Haruto’s grades are excellent.
But Akane excels without any special advantages.
Even though they are aiming for the same medical program, Akane has much more time to dedicate to her studies than Haruto does.
In Haruto’s past experiences, it was a time when societal norms were evolving.
It was an era when personal boundaries were beginning to be highly valued.
However, over the past century, expectations have shifted significantly, and the focus on self-control has become paramount.
”Hmm, indeed, as Akane said.”
”If we succeed, we can focus on our goals, so we should hold back, right?”
”Working so hard just for the sake of our future, Akane is quite dedicated~”
”N-No, that’s not it!!”
* * *
As lunchtime nears its end, Haruto returns to the classroom.
He reflects on what Akane casually mentioned.
(No distractions allowed, huh… If we focus, what happens to our bond?)
Currently, Haruto is mindful of boundaries; his intentions remain pure, but the situation is complex.
What would happen if Akane’s emotional and physical connection, which has grown through their moments, didn’t have these instances for several months?
Haruto, who has supported Akane’s growth, has worked hard to ensure their relationship remains respectful and focused on their goals.
For fear that missteps would complicate their journey, he carefully guided her.
(Will she start to feel distant again? Or will nothing change from now on?)
In a previous experience, Haruto’s approach was average—the so-called norm for maintaining boundaries.
There are various theories, but the average effort for sustaining a respectful relationship is about consistent to moderate.
Since Haruto’s was average, when considering their interactions, he didn’t want to overstep boundaries. He was worried that if she became accustomed to more intense moments, their focus on their goals might blur.
However, he has now become more mindful. But if that happens, there is also the opposite concern.
If Akane parts ways with Haruto, what if the next person’s approach is less considerate?
How would Akane feel? How would her new partner feel?
Of course, Haruto doesn’t have any negative intentions, so it’s impossible to test this.
Furthermore, from his past experiences, it seems emotional and physical connections adapt? He remembers something to that effect.
But when you think about it, it’s probably more accurate to say it doesn’t completely return to normal, but rather to a certain extent?
If the human body and heart could completely restore themselves, even after significant experiences, it should be possible to return to a somewhat balanced state.
(Let’s give it a try…)
Thinking about it, he returned to the afternoon class.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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