When The Lines Begin To Blur

Three years have passed since that quiet afternoon on the couch—

since I finally told Kuruha how I felt… and she felt the same.

Now we're in 9th grade.

Same school.

Same friendship.

But deeper. Stronger. Realer.

Kuruha had only grown more beautiful over the years.

Her once-long light blue hair now danced gently at her waist like threads of silk in the morning breeze, and her ocean-blue eyes sparkled with the same playful mischief—but now softened by a gentler warmth when they looked at me.

And somehow, despite all the changes, she still chose to stay by my side.

To tease me.

To walk home with me.

To laugh at my tired jokes.

And I still found myself falling deeper every single day.

I walked into class, stifling a yawn. The morning light spilled through the window, painting everything in soft gold. My seat waited quietly by the window, just as it always had.

But before I could even sit—

"Morning, sleepyhead."

Her voice floated to me like music, warm and teasing, followed by a sharp poke to my ribs.

I didn't even flinch. I just smiled.

"Still doing that after three years?" I asked, turning to face her.

She leaned in, her grin as bright as ever. "Tradition."

My heart fluttered.

Without thinking, I leaned closer—just enough to feel the faint scent of her shampoo.

Then I gently kissed her on the cheek.

She froze in place.

Her eyes widened, her smile faltering as a crimson blush exploded across her face like a sunrise blooming in real time.

"Wha—Yeho!!" she squeaked, slapping her hands over her cheek. "Y-You kissed me out of nowhere!"

I burst into laughter. The way her face lit up—it was priceless.

"You're blushing so hard," I said between laughs. "You look like a tomato!"

She pouted, still hiding behind her hands. "You're so unfair…"

I smirked, leaning back. "But you're cute when you're surprised."

That did it.

She lowered her hands slowly, a dangerous glint in her eyes and a smirk curling at the corner of her lips.

"Oh? So you think I'm cute when I'm surprised, huh?" she said, stepping closer.

"…Uh-oh."

Before I could blink, she tiptoed and kissed me on the cheek—quick and light, like a feather brushing skin.

I blinked. My brain stalled. Everything went blank except the warmth left behind on my face.

"W-What was that?!" I stammered.

She giggled, eyes sparkling with victory. "Now you look like a tomato, Yeho."

I turned away, hands covering my face. "Unfair… you got me back."

She crossed her arms, proud and smug. "Revenge tastes sweet."

Later that day, after school, we were sprawled lazily on the living room couch.

The window let in the soft glow of a late afternoon sun. Dust particles floated in the light like golden snow, and the hum of distant cicadas created a dreamy summer lull.

Kuruha was beside me, curled against the armrest, head propped on her palm.

She turned suddenly, her face mischievous, and crawled over so her face was inches from mine.

"Yeho…" she whispered, eyes twinkling. "Hold still for a second."

"Huh? Why—?"

I didn't get to finish.

Her lips pressed against my neck. Warm. Intentional. A little longer than I expected.

And then—heat. A gentle suction.

My whole body tensed.

"K-Kuruha?! What are you doing?!" I panicked, voice pitching high.

She pulled back, looking entirely too satisfied.

"Now you have proof that you're mine," she said with a proud smile.

I stared at her, dazed.

My fingers slowly reached up to touch the still-warm skin on my neck.

"A hickey?! Kuruha!"

She only laughed, brushing her hair behind her ear casually.

"Better wear your jacket tomorrow, mister."

The next morning.

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, groaning.

There it was.

A small, red-purple mark, glaring back at me from the side of my neck. Clear as a confession. A "love stamp," as she called it.

I pulled up my uniform collar. Then added a hoodie. Then another layer for good measure.

Kuruha, you menace.

When I arrived at school, I tried to act normal. Calm. Casual.

Nothing to see here. Totally innocent.

But the moment we entered the classroom—

Shina's eyes narrowed like a hawk.

"Yo, Yeho… why are you wearing your jacket indoors? It's like… 30 degrees out."

I froze. "W-What? Me? No reason! Totally normal Yeho behavior!"

Kuruha was beside me, pretending to read a book—but I could see the corners of her lips trembling.

She was trying so hard not to laugh.

I glared at her silently. You planned this.

Shina suddenly lunged and yanked down my collar with zero warning.

"OH MY GOSH! IS THAT A—?!"

I slammed my hand over her mouth before the rest could be said.

"SHHHHH!"

But it was too late.

Everyone looked over.

"What's going on over there?"

"Is Yeho hiding a tattoo?!"

"Or a bruise? Did he fight someone?!"

Shina broke free, pointing at me like she'd solved a murder mystery.

"HE'S GOT A HICKEY!!"

The class exploded.

My soul left my body.

I groaned and sank into my chair, melting like a discarded popsicle.

Across from me, Kuruha casually turned a page in her book and whispered, just loud enough for me to hear:

"Next time… wear a turtleneck."

I buried my face in my arms.

"I hate how good you are at this…"

She just smirked.

And as I sat there—flushed, flustered, and defeated—I realized something.

Love wasn't just about the big moments.

It was about mornings like this.

Laughter, teasing, tiny kisses, and unexpected blushes.

It was in the way her voice made my name sound softer…

In the way her laughter lit up the corners of my otherwise quiet life.

Falling in love with Kuruha wasn't just a one-time thing.

It was something I kept doing… every day. All over again.