Although I did have that thought, this is just too direct; the System really means for me to go straight for the goal, huh.
The familiar countdown started beeping, and after a brief moment of deep consideration, Natsuhi still chose—Option Two.
It was a simple process of elimination; if I were to say something like that in all seriousness or yell it out super loudly, even someone as gentle as Yui would very likely slap me, and that would definitely not be a good time.
Taking a slow breath, trying hard to mask her abnormally racing heart, she brought her lips close to Yui's pink earlobe.
She asked in a low voice:
"Wife..."
"Tonight... can you properly keep me company?"
This question was vague, filled with infinite possibilities, entirely dependent on how the person involved imagined it; one could say it was a bit despicable.
When Natsuhi's words, "Tonight, can you properly keep me company?", entered her eardrums along with warm breath, Yui could clearly feel the slight trembling of the arms wrapped around her, as well as the expectant gaze Natsuhi had fixed on the top of her head.
Natsuhi's overly direct signal of aggression made Yui's body tremble violently; she instantly sensed the danger hidden in those words, far exceeding "hugs" and "feeding."
[Ugh... this idiot, her hands are shaking, and her breath is so hot... her intentions are way too obvious!]
How could she not understand Natsuhi's meaning?
Even though she had acted on impulse yesterday... and had indeed said things like "special needs aren't impossible,"
And... if the person was Natsuhi, she found that she didn't seem to reject it, and perhaps... there was even a sliver of anticipation she didn't want to admit to herself?
[Actually... if it's just kissing... it seems... it's not that hateful?]
Her mind couldn't help but recall the image of Natsuhi pressing her lips close to her earlier...
[Ah! What on earth am I thinking about? I must have been infected by this idiot Natsuhi!]
Watching Yui's hesitant and bewildered appearance, Natsuhi felt confident; the more flustered the other party was, the more certain she was of her own success.
Subsequently, she gently blew hot air beside Yui's small ear, her voice carrying a hint of teasing.
"What's wrong, Wife... why haven't you answered me for so long?"
"You aren't thinking about some... very naughty, de~tails~, right?"
"I-I'm not thinking about any details!"
Yui retorted almost reflexively, "It's clearly you who made such a bad request, it's all your fault!"
"Eh? I don't think there's anything bad about it?"
Natsuhi feigned a frown, acting as if she were deep in thought, feeling like she had everything under control.
Then she leaned back slightly, revealing a surprised yet innocent expression, blinking as she looked at Yui,
"Wife, you didn't get the wrong idea, did you? When I said 'keep me company,' I just meant wanting to hold you while we watch TV or play some games; is that such a bad thing?"
She gently pinched Yui's chin; the temperature coming from her fingertips was shockingly hot,
Natsuhi was glowing, her soft features adding a touch of holiness under the sunlight.
Confident, composed, and sharp—it couldn't help but make the young girl in her arms stare blankly.
"Could it be... that you yourself were thinking about something 'bad'? So, my wife is actually this bold?"
"If you're like this, I might not be able to handle it in the future~"
!!!
—Turning the tables!
It was clearly Natsuhi who made the ambiguous invitation first, yet now she was acting all innocent.
But as Yui looked at Natsuhi's eyes, which carried a smile and appeared exceptionally clear in the sunlight, she couldn't even bring herself to be angry.
[But the way she smiled just now... she looked so handsome ♡!]
[Stop, stop, stop! What am I thinking? Why am I suddenly swooning over this pervert?!]
For some reason, when Natsuhi said it was just 'watching TV and playing games,' Yui actually felt a little disappointed.
Dizzy from being'slandered' by Natsuhi, Yui felt her brain could no longer think normally; she was completely dazed now.
She wanted to keep retorting, but couldn't say anything, only letting out a few short syllables before hiding her face in Natsuhi's embrace; she couldn't face anyone anymore...
Watching her look like she was about to be teased to tears, Natsuhi's mischievous thoughts were instantly replaced by tenderness.
She knew well that Yui was thin-skinned; if she kept teasing her, this shy little kitten might really be bullied to tears.
Although she really wanted to see it, it would break her heart, so she wouldn't.
Adhering to the principle of eating one bite at a time, Natsuhi once again revealed a warm, approachable expression.
She gently stroked her burning cheeks with her fingertips, her movements so soft that it was as if she were afraid of shattering the young girl.
"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore."
With obvious doting, Natsuhi gently comforted Yui, "It's my fault, my words are easy to misunderstand; I'm a big bad guy."
She adjusted her posture slightly, letting Yui lean on her shoulder, and patted her back soothingly with her palm.
"So... is it a deal?"
Natsuhi lowered her head, affectionately rubbing her forehead against Yui's bangs, her tone filled with pure anticipation, "Tonight, we'll just hold each other and watch your favorite shows, or I'll keep you company playing games, hmm?"
This time it wasn't a joke, but an invitation filled with respect and cherishing.
Even if she wanted to do something, she would prioritize Yui's feelings; this was Natsuhi's principle.
Buried in her shoulder, Yui felt the gentle stroking and the intimate little actions of her rubbing against the top of her head; listening to the sincerity in her tone, the grievances and confusion in her heart were instantly smoothed away.
Her tense body gradually relaxed, and she even unconsciously snuggled deeper into her embrace.
"...Mm."
Responding softly, Yui no longer resisted, feeling the warmth and care the other party gave her with her whole heart.
After a few seconds, she added in a low voice, as if trying to regain some ground, with a little stubbornness: "I-if I win... you aren't allowed to go back on your word..."
Hearing this, Natsuhi finally couldn't hold back; her wife was so cute, were there any other options besides doting on her?
"Alright, I'll listen to my wife."
Holding the little kitten in her arms who had finally been smoothed over, Natsuhi felt her heart filled to the brim, "If you win, I'll let you do whatever you want with me, I definitely won't go back on my word. Want to pinky swear?"
"Hmph! Who wants to pinky swear with you! You did okay, so I'll forgive you for now!"
"Eh? Why is it only for now?!"
Hearing Natsuhi's aggrieved protest, Yui slightly lifted her head from her embrace; although a hint of lingering moisture remained in her eyes, a flash of slyness crossed them.
The girl deliberately set a stern face, extended a slender index finger, and gently poked Natsuhi's forehead.
"Because—"
She drew out the tone, like a little queen holding the power of life and death, "You are a bad person with a 'criminal record,' who knows if you'll say something weird again the next second, or... come up with some new 'bad ideas'?"
Her fingertip slid down Natsuhi's nose bridge, finally tapping gently on her lips, attempting to stop the retort she wanted to make.
"So, the permission for 'permanent forgiveness' isn't something you can get so easily!"
"How could you? Fixed impressions really are harmful..."
Looking at Natsuhi's dejected appearance, Yui felt inexplicably comfortable; she had finally gained the initiative for once.
[Hmph! That'll teach you to bully me, reflect on yourself!]