"I should come here again…"
Haruto leaned back as the soft rays of light landed on his face. Combined with the warm water wrapping around his body, he felt regretful that this would be one of the last few times he could experience this.
Following Haruto and Mahiru's little 'bath' time they stay a bit to talk before finally going to bed. A conversation about the new information he got from Kageyama and Hinata eventually sprouted.
But he didn't delve too deep into it as there were still a few things he didn't know.
Eventually, they just stayed on his bed to relax before Mahiru finally went to her room to sleep, which he was a bit reluctant of.
However, drowsiness began to overtake him. From the excursion in the village near the hotel to the event he had with Mahiru in the bath. It seems to have taken a toll on him.
"Thankfully, that sleep was one of the best I've ever had in a while."
Haruto sank the lower half of his face in the spring water and sat in silence as his body took in the comforting heat from the water.
A sudden drowsiness wanted to take over, but he held on since he needed to meet up with the others for breakfast.
He indulged in this comforting silence for a couple of minutes before he heard some movements near his door.
–CLICK
"Haruto…? Are you awake…"
Mahiru's soft voice entered his ears, and he opened his eyes to look back.
"I'm in the bath."
"Ah! Should I come back when you're done?" Mahiru peeked her head past the glass door and saw Haruto's small grin.
"Don't worry, I'll be done in a few minutes anyway."
Haruto noticed Mahiru holding two cups, which he assumed were coffee and urged her to wait for a bit while he finished up his bath.
She nodded her head and closed the glass door, leaving Haruto by himself.
"I guess the bruises are still visible…"
Haruto mumbled to himself as he recalled the black turtleneck Mahiru was wearing earlier.
Touching the faint purple marks visible on his neck, Haruto chuckled. "I guess we'll be matching for today."
Following the words he said earlier, Haruto walked out of the hot spring after a few minutes and entered the room to see Mahiru sitting by the table reading a book.
Faint traces of steam rose from the cup in front of her, and it seemed like she had reached a good part of her book since she hadn't noticed him come in yet.
'I'll get ready quickly.' Haruto thought to himself as he didn't want to interrupt Mahiru at the moment.
Entering the bathroom, he did his morning routine and finished dressing, which took some time as he wanted to savor his last few moments in his room before leaving.
He ruffled his damp hair with his towel and adjusted the black turtleneck he brought. It hugged his body tightly, but it felt a bit awkward around his neck, which bothered him.
"You forgot to fold here."
Pushing the long towel that hung across his face, Mahiru leaned forward and helped Haruto clean up his messy attempt at folding his collar.
He felt his lips twitch seeing the disapproving expression she had on, and couldn't help but pull her cheeks, which caused her to frown.
"What are you doing?"
"Sorry, I felt like something was on your face."
"....."
Haruto kept a straight face while he pulled on her cheeks for a while longer and Mahiru eventually relented. Seeing as she couldn't escape his grasp.
Looking down at Mahiru who was oddly calm despite what happened last night, Haruto thought she might have already planned to join him for a bath for a while.
Even to the point where she brought a bold swimsuit that she would never usually wear.
Thinking that his girlfriend was quite cute for planning all this, he wanted to kiss her but he suddenly noticed something.
As her long hair covered a portion of her ears he never would have noticed her beet-red color. Seeing straight through her facade.
Amused, Haruto leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "Your acting is way too cute."
Mahiru flinched and a shiver went down her spine as she also felt Haruto nibble on her earlobe. Her calm facade shattered immediately and she couldn't fight back the deep blush reaching down to her neck.
"W-What are you doing?"
"Hmm~? Nothing really."
Honey dripped from her eyes as she began to fidget under his gaze. The atmosphere suddenly turned ambiguous and she brushed her hair behind the ear he bit.
Her eyes couldn't sit still as they alternated between the furniture in the room to Haruto's face that was inching closer and closer to her. More so to her neck.
Mahiru slowly moved her face to the side and a hint of shyness and expectation appeared on her face.
"As expected, too cute."
Instead of the sensation she anticipated, Mahiru felt a soft kiss reach her cheek and she instinctively reached her hand to the spot.
Feeling a bit surprised.
"Were you expecting something else?"
"N-Not really…"
Before Mahiru could finish her words, she noticed Haruto's smile and she finally figured out she was being played.
Haruto was quick and wrapped his hands around her waist while laughing. "You lewd little angel~ You hadn't enough?"
"HARUTO!!"
"Hahahaa—!"
Mahiru's face was flushed. Too flushed that Haruto felt like if he pressed her a bit further, he would face the wrath of eating greens for a while.
–KNOCK KNOCK
Indulging in their playful time together where Haruto tried to coax the pouting Mahiru, a series of knocks pressed against his door and he immediately went to open it.
"What are you guys doing…?"
"Bonding."
"Geh. You're going to make me throw up my coffee."
Akane who felt like her eyes were being purified, clicked her tongue seeing her brother acting lovey dovey so early in the morning.
"Anyways did you guys get the coffee mom got?"
"Coffee?"
"Yeah, the one I gave Mahiru before I went to take a bath."
Haruto felt a bit confused at first before he finally remembered why Mahiru came to his room in the first place and looked down.
Mahiru was buried in his arm still feeling embarrassed about the event that happened just a few minutes ago and felt like she couldn't face Akane at the moment.
Haruto nodded his head. "I enjoyed it very much. Was a bit sweeter than expected but still good regardless."
He said seriously while ignoring the painful pinch appearing at his waist.
Akane felt something off about what he said but she decided to ignore it and let out a small yawn.
"Let's hurry up, mom and dad saved seats for us for breakfast so we shouldn't let them wait."
Haruto and Mahiru watched as Akane slowly walked her way towards the dinery and felt like she was a bit more lethargic than usual.
"I think she was up late watching some shows I recommended."
"How do you know?"
"Before going to your room last night I talked with her a bit and we just so happened to talk about a show that was adapted from a book I read before."
"That girl…"
Haruto sighed as he thought about his sister's habits that haven't changed since entering high school. But he understood the feeling as he also did the same on occasion.
"I'll probably be the same later today…"
"Try not to."
Mahiru grumbled as she pulled Haruto out of the room and a small grin began to slowly form on his lips.
He continued to coax her and was fortunately successful by the time they got to the table.
***
Hours continued to go by and Haruto's family carried on with making the most of their time by the Hotspring Hotel.
Previously they went to the village to explore the various activities that place had to offer. Today they went along to search for monuments and other types of scenery to take pictures.
This included exploring the hidden gems that Jiro managed to find out after talking with one of the staff in the hotel.
Such as a large frozen waterfall with an artificial skating rink built by the bottom.
Which was quite the activity that caused Haruto bits of trouble as he had to help both Mahiru and Akane get used to the ice as it's been a while for Akane.
And for Mahiru who was quite new to the sport.
After a while of teaching Mahiru what he had remembered when he first started out, the two enjoyed themselves as they skated around the rink.
Escaping from Akane who wanted to chase after them.
"They finally managed to burn themselves out, huh."
"That's true."
Leaning his elbow against the door and steering the wheel with his other, Jiro glanced at the mirror and saw the three passed out sleeping in the backseat.
After their final day of activities concluded for the day, Jiro and Yui felt a bit exhausted but they fought the urge to sleep since they still had a lot of things to do once they arrived back at the hotel.
Saying their last few goodbyes to the place where they enjoyed their stay and one that created lots of memories for the group, they were finally on their way back home.
Yui in the passenger seat turned around and noticed Haruto and Akane butting heads while they slept and felt an odd sense of nostalgia.
"Seeing them sleep like this reminds me of when they were still in elementary."
"They're still the same hassle as before."
"Like you're any different."
"True! Haha."
Jiro stifled his laugh after feeling Yui's piercing gaze to stop him since he might wake up the people in the back and he complied.
"But we also have another child which reminds me that they're also growing up faster than ever…"
Yui looked at Mahiru who was breathing softly in Haruto's arms and she felt her face relax more than ever.
Jiro was silent as he waited for his wife who was still looking in the back seat before bringing up something he coincidentally discovered.
"Mahiru's last name is Shiina, correct?"
"That's right."
"Then is there a chance she's the Shiina's corporations…."
"That is most likely."
Jiro was silent after hearing Yui's decisive tone which also carried a bit of coldness that he rarely saw from her.
Whatever she's learnt so far regarding Mahiru's family situation must have struck a bad chord.
Jiro began tapping his finger on the wheel as he thought about the corporation that he was semi-familiar with and wanted to ask his wife something.
"Should we act just in case?"
Yui didn't reply immediately as she was in her thoughts.
"It's not necessary for now. From what I found out, Sayo Shiina refuses to acknowledge Mahiru as her daughter."
"But the chance of her being pulled into by—--"
"Mahiru won't let that happen. She's a strong girl." Yui said sharply and Jiro gave her a wry look.
'My son, it looks like you brought someone capable of melting your ice queen of a mother.'
Jiro relaxed after glancing at his rearview mirror. "Yeah, I'm also confident in Mahiru. I had some of my employees monitor that corporation just in case so if you ever need some evidence then just let me know."
"It's not a hassle?"
"Not really. Quite a bit of their business falls under a few subsidiary companies of mine so you don't need to worry."
"Alright."
"Anything to protect my family." Jiro laughed and Yui also cracked a smile.
They may not show it in front of others but the two are quite prominent in their respective fields. They tend to be more lowkey but if push comes to shove.
They wouldn't hesitate to use their names.
With the heavy topic passing by like a small storm, Yui leaned back to sleep while Jiro focused on the road ahead of him.
Hours passed and the car finally made their way towards a familiar-looking gate and a lone figure accompanied by a few others bowed their heads as Jiro and Yui got out.
"I hope that your trip was an enjoyable one." Aoi bowed her head as Jiro rubbed his stiff shoulders.
"It certainly felt great that I might have liked to have another extra day. My shoulders are already feeling stiff…"
"Already? Even after all the hours you've spent soaking in that hot spring?"
"Hey, injuries will always follow a busy man making a living for his lovely wife and children."
Yui only scoffed seeing the dramatic act Jiro was putting on and went inside after giving Aoi and the others behind her some souvenirs she got on the trip.
Following shortly behind them was Akane who still had her eyes closed and walked as if she was a salaryman having a few too many drinks on a night out.
And Haruto who carried Mahiru who was sleeping silently and refused to let go of his arm even with all the attempts he made to have her let go.
"Want me to take it from here?" Aoi asked, seeing Haruto in a similar state as Akane but still having the ability to walk.
"Don't worry, I need to get something in her room anyway so I have no issues."
Aoi could only nod after hearing his words and was about to leave to do some work but Haruto suddenly stopped her. "However I just wanted to ask if there were any…"
***
With the sun going and the busy day finally reaching an end, the moon found itself hanging high above the clouds. A gentle glow peeked through the gap of one of the rooms and highlighted the soft blonde hair of the individual currently sleeping inside.
Her long lashes trembled as a pair of sweet honey coloured eyes appeared and they began to adjust to the darkness the room was currently in.
"Thirsty…"
Mahiru rubbed her eyes and walked down the stairs feeling a bit groggy as it felt like she had a sleep that was longer than usual.
Reaching the kitchen and getting a cup of water, the cold liquid gradually woke her up as she wondered where everyone was.
"It's 11:45 so I'm guessing all of them are asleep now…."
Seeing as the clock was showing that it was reaching the depth of night, she decided that she would go back to her room for a while and see if she could sleep.
But as she was about to go up the stairs, she saw that there was a dim light in the living room still on and tiny voices escaping the door.
Peeking through the gap, she saw Haruto sitting on the floor near a fireplace with a laptop in front of him while Aoi was placing a plate of snacks near a tray by him.
"I know you enjoy watching those matches but shouldn't it be time for you to begin sleeping?"
"Hmm… Not yet. I still have a few teams I want to get a feel for."
Haruto absently said while biting into a cookie on the plate Aoi brought.
With her hands placed in front of her, Aoi stared at Haruto whose eyes were glued to the screen and a subtle smile grew on her face.
"You've grown compared to back then but your habits are still as childish as ever…"
Stifling a laugh that wanted to escape she poured him a cup of tea and decided to leave him be but as she was about to go, she noticed a pair of eyes landing on her.
Mahiru flinched seeing as she was discovered and panicked but began to relax seeing as Aoi was silently calling her over.
Entering the living room and seeing Mahiru in front of her, Aoi gave her a blanket that she placed on the side for Haruto.
"If you like you can sit with him and enjoy your time together."
"Thank you… uh.."
"As I said before, call me Aoi. No need to feel so hesitant since everyone here already considers you family."
Mahiru bowed her head hearing her words and seeing that Aoi's demeanor reminded her so much of her caretaker from her childhood.
She began to relax and let out a sweet smile. "Thank you, Aoi."
Aoi ruffled Mahiru's silky hair gently before leaving the room where only Haruto and her were left.
Placing the blanket around her shoulders, she sat beside Haruto who was still distracted by the game playing on his laptop and she noticed that it was a match played in the stadium where Nationals would take place.
"So their outside likes higher sets and tends to do lines whenever he gets the chance to…"
"Sounds like a simple opponent."
"Not necessary. There is still his defensive skill that may pose—-!?"
Mid-sentence Haruto suddenly jumped back and looked at Mahiru with wide eyes as if to ask when did she get here.
Mahiru was amused. "You need to pay attention sometimes. Who knows if I was a serial killer and may have gotten you while you were distracted."
"Hah, jokes on you, I would have offered my heart in a heartbeat if my serial killer was this beautiful."
"What are you even saying?"
Haruto stuck his tongue out seeing the deadpan stare Mahiru was giving him and resumed the match that was playing on his laptop.
All the while, Mahiru covered his shoulders with the blanket she had and joined him under. Having their shoulders touched and leaned her head on him while watching the match alongside him.
A warm hand overlapped her own and the two silently watched together while enjoying the warmth they had during this dark and cold night.
–TICK
"Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you too."
The hand struck twelve and shared beneath the warm glow of the fireplace was a fleeting moment of silence.
Silence where the focus was no longer on the game but the comfort provided by the individual right next to them.
***
A new chapter after almost a year? This must be some sort of sorcery huh…
I hope you enjoyed it. Peacu.