A Pretty Girl Has Her First Kiss Stolen By an Equally Handsome Classmate - Episode 2.24

Saturday, July 23

“Do you want to stay over?”

That was the unexpected suggestion from Shizuku Mizuhara four days ago.

Her parents were leaving on Friday to visit distant relatives, which meant that Shizuku and I would be spending the night together—just the two of us.

Since my morning was already packed, we decided to meet in the evening at a newly opened, old-style café near the station. The place was small, with only a counter and three tables, making reservations a must.

“What did you do today?”

“I went to an adventure park with Masuda and the others.”

“Wow, in this heat? You’re crazy.”

Shizuku grimaced.

“You must’ve been drenched in sweat.”

“Yeah… Oh, but I went home and took a shower before coming.”

“You didn’t have to go that far.”

We enjoyed our meal—a salad, soup, quiche, and meunière. Every dish was exceptional, but the final touch, a silky panna cotta, was pure bliss.

After leaving the café, we walked to Shizuku’s apartment. We took the familiar route, entered the building, rode the elevator, and stepped inside her home.

By then, the clock had already struck 8 PM.

Spending the night alone with Shizuku Mizuhara.

That reality, which had barely crossed my mind before, suddenly became very real as I stood in her room.

“Hey, about that movie I mentioned before…”

Shizuku scrolled through her phone.

“It’s available for streaming now. Want to watch it together?”

“Oh, that sounds great!”

“Right? I’ll grab the projector.”

She left the room and returned carrying a projector. She set it up effortlessly while I sat there, unsure of what to do.

“So… where am I sleeping tonight?”

“On this bed. We’ll just have to make it work together.”

“Wait, what!?”

She said it so casually.

“I mean, do you want to sleep on the floor?”

She looked at me, genuinely puzzled.

To be honest, I had assumed I’d be sleeping on the floor.

I had even gone home earlier to take a shower and change into fresh underwear—all because I had certain expectations.

But what about Shizuku Mizuhara?

She seemed as calm as ever, making it impossible for me to figure out what she was thinking.

“Everything’s ready. Sit here.”

“Oh… okay.”

We leaned back against the bed, shoulders touching as the movie started.

At first, I was hyperaware of her presence, but soon enough, the fast-paced action on screen pulled me in.

That’s what I loved about Western movies—the big, flashy scenes, the thrilling pace.

Before I knew it, nearly two hours had flown by.

“Wow! I want to try karate or kickboxing someday!”

“Cute and strong? That’d be the ultimate combo.”

“W-what? I’m not cute!”

“You are.”

Shizuku turned off the projector and stepped out of the room.

As the night deepened, my heartbeat only quickened.

“I brought some hot water.”

“Oh… thanks.”

She remained completely composed.

“Do you need to borrow pajamas?”

“No, I brought mine.”

“Got it.”

I took out my change of clothes and got ready for a bath.

Suddenly, nostalgic music played, signaling that the bath was ready.

“You can go in first.”

“Thanks.”

Following Shizuku’s directions, I opened the cabinet below the sink and grabbed a few towels.

“Put the used towels in the basket.”

“I could take them home and wash them?”

“Nah, it’s fine. It’s just me here anyway.”

With a casual “Okay then,” Shizuku shut the door.

She remained completely unfazed.

Was I the only one feeling nervous?

Shaking off my doubts, I started undressing.

“Hey, about the toner—”

“Whoa!?”
The door suddenly opened, and I froze.

Standing there, Shizuku didn’t seem to care that I was in my underwear. She casually opened a shelf, took out some toner and body cream, and placed them down.

“You can use these too.”

She spoke so indifferently, it caught me off guard.

“…Cute underwear.”

“Well, of course…”

“What?”

I looked away.

“I mean… I prepared for this, you know?”

Shizuku turned bright red, completely frozen in place.

Saying it out loud made me feel like I might just die of embarrassment.

“A-anyway, I’m getting in the bath!”

“…Oh, okay…”

Pushing her out of the bathroom, I quickly shut the door.

Looking in the mirror above the sink, I saw my own reflection—flushed, overwhelmed, and full of anticipation.