Epilogue
“A-kun, A-kun♪” Charl’s voice chimed softly, brimming with affection.
Right now, Charl and I lay entwined, bare skin against bare skin. After our intimate moments, we had bathed together and slipped into bed. Perhaps because she was so thrilled to be so close, Charl clung to me, her high spirits infectious. She nuzzled her face against my chest, radiating pure happiness.
“Sorry… in the end, I couldn’t hold back,” I murmured, stroking her hair gently as I recalled our time together.
It wasn’t just how incredible it felt to be with her—though that was part of it. Once Charl grew accustomed to the initial pain and began to feel pleasure, her sensitive spots responded so vividly to my touch. Her adorable, unrestrained reactions were too much for me to resist. Normally, the discomfort of a first time lingers, but Charl’s resilience was extraordinary.
“Please don’t apologize,” she said, her eyes feverish with sincerity. “You wanted me so passionately… it made me so happy. And, well, it was intense, but… you kept finding my weak spots, so it felt good…” Her voice trailed off as she buried her face in my chest, as if to hide her flush.
That shy side of hers was impossibly cute.
“Was there really no pain?” I asked softly.
“It only hurt at the start,” she admitted. “If it hadn’t faded, I wouldn’t have… reacted like that…” Her words faltered, and she pressed her face harder against me, clearly recalling the moment.
Her eagerness, the way she sought me again and again, seemed to embarrass her now.
“—!?”
Her subtle movements stirred me, and since we were pressed so close, Charl noticed immediately. With my reaction evident against her stomach, it was impossible to hide.
“…”
Her pure, unwavering gaze met mine, and I felt a flicker of awkwardness. Before we began, Charl had mentioned a second round, but after her first time, I didn’t want to push her too far. If I ignored it, it would settle soon enough. After all, she’d already left me utterly spent.
But then—
“Um… since it was my first time, I can’t handle more… inside… today,” Charl said hesitantly, “but… would you like me to use my mouth…?”
Her offer caught me off guard. I hadn’t expected her to suggest something like that, especially not after her first experience. She must have been thinking along the same lines, not wanting to overdo it. Still, I didn’t want her to feel pressured.
“It’s okay, Charl,” I said gently. “It’ll settle on its own. You don’t have to push yourself.”
“Is that so…?” she replied, her voice tinged with something I couldn’t quite place. Was that… disappointment? Or was I imagining it?
Jiriririri!
“—!?”
The sudden blare of the alarm jolted us both, our bodies tensing in unison. In the quiet room, the sound was startlingly loud.
The alarm I’d set meant the date had officially changed.
“Sorry, one sec,” I said, slipping out of bed to retrieve something I’d brought over after our bath. “Charl, could you hold out your left hand?”
“…?”
She tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes, but extended her left hand as I asked. I slid a small gift onto her left ring finger and smiled.
“Happy birthday,” I said warmly, celebrating the moment.
“W-what is this…!?” Charl’s gaze darted between her hand and my face, her shock unmistakable. She clearly hadn’t expected a birthday gift like this.
“I know we’re still students, and it might seem unconventional,” I explained, “but since we’re engaged now, it’s an engagement ring.”
This was what I wanted to give her. Charl often felt hurt or jealous, worried someone might come between us. I hoped this ring would reassure her, a tangible symbol of our bond.
“This must’ve been expensive…” she murmured, her voice laced with concern.
“Haha… Sorry, I know it’d be cooler if I could’ve afforded something fancier,” I admitted with a sheepish grin. “I could only manage about half the usual cost of an engagement ring for adults.”
Fearing she might refuse if I named a specific amount, I kept my response vague to sidestep the issue.
“Would another gift have been better?”
“No way… I mean, I’m so happy I could cry…”
True to her words, tears streamed down Charl’s face. Relief washed over me, grateful I hadn’t misjudged.
“I’m glad you like it,” I said softly.
“How could I not love an engagement ring…?” Charl’s voice trembled. “Thank you for such a wonderful gift… It’ll be my treasure forever…”
Her fingers brushed the ring tenderly, her expression radiating pure joy.
“A-kun…”
Charl slipped behind me, her arms encircling my neck. The soft warmth of her touch pressed against my back.
“Hm?”
“This birthday… it’s the happiest day of my life… Thank you, truly…”
Her cheek nuzzled against me, a clear sign of how much she cherished the gift.
“I feel the same,” I replied. “I’m incredibly happy right now.”
Being bound to the girl I love—nothing could be more natural. This moment would stay with me forever.
“Meeting A-kun… becoming lovers… I’m so, so glad from the bottom of my heart…” Charl’s voice softened. “Please stay with me forever… I’ll give you everything I am…”
“I’m the one who should be asking,” I said warmly. “Let’s stay together, okay?”
I rested my left hand over hers. As if sensing my emotions, Charl let out a delighted ehehe laugh.
“Yes, forever together,” she murmured. “Even if A-kun says no, I won’t let go.”
Her arms tightened around me.
Overwhelmed by her emotions, Charl gently pushed me down, and before long, a second round began…
