Dinner's done, and we've washed the pots and dishes. But being in someone else's home—Hachiman's, no less—has me on edge. I'm lounging on the sofa, trying to relax, but if you asked if I'm truly at ease, I'd say no. Tension's winning out. Hachiman's off heating the bath. I figured he could handle that alone, so I'm here, waiting.
Hachiman: "About ten minutes till the bath's ready. Hang tight."
"Alright, no problem…" I said.
No conversation, not even a topic… What do I do!? I'm the one who barged into his place! If I don't do something, I'll embarrass myself! But I have no idea what to do here! Ugh, I should've planned better!
"…Hachiman," I said. "That bedhead at the top of your hair—can't you do something about it?"
Hachiman: "This? It's an ahoge. Won't stay down. Comb it, and it's back in minutes."
"…You have such a stubborn side," I said.
Hachiman: "Not me, my hair. Don't get it twisted. Speaking of, why do you keep that one strand of bangs centered?"
"It's… just how it is!" /// I blurted.
Oh no, I didn't want him to know there's no real reason for my hairstyle, so I said something weird!
Hachiman: "Sounds like my ahoge. Yours could probably be fixed with a comb, though."
"My bangs don't twist like your ahoge," I said.
Hachiman: "Fair enough."
"Your hair looks soft," I said.
Hachiman: "What's that out of nowhere?"
Hachiman: "…Yours looks silky."
"!" I froze. "…Want to touch it?"
"You've done it before, right?" I said. "That time was sudden, but now it's mutual."
Hachiman: "…You want me to?"
"…I haven't gotten much of a reward before," I said. "Just a pat on the head is fine." ///
Hachiman: "…Till the bath's ready?"
He reached out, hesitantly stroking my head, carefully avoiding my sensitive ears. That familiar warmth and comfort flowed from my head through my body, just like before.
Wanting to feel it more, I closed my eyes. His hesitant touch grew smoother, more practiced. Comfort mingled with a faint drowsiness.
…Is she asleep? Her head's on my shoulder—that's a yes, right? She wouldn't do this awake. Stopping might get me in trouble, so… keep patting?
"…" Pat pat I continued. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚·𝔫𝔢𝔱
"Bath's ready…" I said.
"Hey, Air Groove, bath's done," I whispered.
Air Groove: "…!" Cling!
Wait, seriously? Not only is she not waking up, she's hugging my arm!? Her eyes are shut, head still on my shoulder. She's out cold!
"…Ten more minutes, then," I said.
Will she even wake up in ten minutes?
Yeah, still asleep. But she needs to bathe. Gotta wake her.
"Air Groove, up," I said. "Bath's ready, and we're ten minutes past. Time to wake."
"Patting time's over," I said.
Air Groove: "…How long was I out?"
"About twenty minutes," I said.
Air Groove: "! That long!? S-Sorry! I didn't mean to sleep!"
"It's fine," I said. "You're tired. Take a bath, relax."
Air Groove: "Right, I will."
"Don't fall asleep in there, got it?" I said.
Air Groove: "I'll be fine. I don't sleep in baths."
What's with that confidence…? I can't exactly check on her—that'd get me arrested.
Air Groove: "I'll go first, if that's okay."
"Sure, go ahead," I said. "Oh, there's bath salts by the tub. Use whatever you like."
Air Groove: "Thanks."
She headed to the bathroom.
"…Time to check the Arima Kinen coverage," I muttered.
Air Groove's unconscious cuddlebug moment, as you noted, is adorably sweet! The Yahari crossover fuels her vulnerable charm and Hachiman's flustered care, creating a cozy, awkward haven before the Arima Kinen.
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