“Lady Tamayo!”
She turned, her smile soft as she pulled me into a warm embrace. “Welcome back, (Y/N). Yushiro.” Her voice was quiet, a comforting murmur. I returned the hug quickly, a smile blooming on my own lips.
“Did Yushiro behave himself?” She asked, drawing back slightly. I chuckled, glancing at him. He stood behind me, a familiar frown etched on his face. Likely because Lady Tamayo had embraced me before him. “That depends on your definition of ‘behave,’ I suppose.”
A scoff escaped him. “Well, at least you two came home safe,” the doctor said with a sigh of relief. I smiled in response.
She placed a hand on my cheek. “You two must be tired. Go get some rest. I’ll run tests while you recover.” I nodded, but Yushiro protested. “Lady Tamayo. I’ll help you.” His voice held a determined edge.
“No. Don’t push yourself. I’m fine.” She denied his offer with a gentle smile. He stepped closer, and she raised her hand, silencing him before he could speak further.
“Please, rest.” She said, turning to the blood samples they’d gathered. “You should listen to her. She’s stubborn,” I said, taking his hand and guiding him toward our shared bedroom.
He closed the door behind us, and I released his hand, settling onto the bed. He remained standing, his gaze fixed on the closed door. I knew he was itching to return to Lady Tamayo’s side.
“No. That’s not why you’re here.” I smiled softly at him. He noticed it, and his gaze flickered away, a blush warming his cheeks. “Stop smiling like that!” The words were almost clumsy with emotion.
I decided to tease him, hoping to lift his mood. “Hmm, then should I smile like *this*?” This time, I widened the grin, letting it take over my face.
“No! Don’t smile at all!” He covered his face with his hands, his knuckles white.
I chuckled, continuing to tease him. “You’ve seen worse,” I murmured, before he could react, he was already pressing his weight against me. His face burned red, his lavender eyes sparkling with a hidden intensity. “Yes. I have.” He whispered, his voice raspy with emotion.
I traced my fingers through his hair, disrupting its perfect order with my touch. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead against mine, then closed his eyes with a sigh.
“Is something wrong?” I asked silently, my own heart fluttering against my ribs. He looked away, exhaling slowly. “I love you.” The words were soft, barely audible. I froze, unprepared for such a confession. We had dated for some time, but love had never been spoken between us.
He noticed my shock and pulled back, his expression filled with regret. “Sorry.” His voice held a sad undertone. I reached around him, hugging him tightly from behind. “Silly, I love you too!” I said cheerfully, feeling his tension ease as I held him tighter.
I kissed his cheek, then turned him around to face me. “Now! I was expecting a smile.” I pouted playfully, anticipating his reaction.
“W-What?!” he stammered, his voice slightly raised.
“Well? We just confessed our love. The least you could do is smile.” I urged him eagerly. He scoffed, but a smile tugged at his lips. I squeaked with delight, leaning in to kiss him.
He was caught off guard, but quickly melted into the passionate kiss. He wrapped his arms around my back, pulling me closer, our lips moving in perfect sync.
Oxygen eventually forced us apart. We both pulled back, breathless. I chuckled, praising him softly. “I knew you could do it.” He hummed, pulling me down with him. “Of course I could,” he replied, a knowing look in his eyes.