A snowy night.
As I walk back from the convenience store where I work as a part-timer, I pull out my phone and turn the screen on.
8:23 P.M.
It is quite late.
Although her parents have told me not to work myself to death, I just can't be a burden to them, especially now that I have moved into their house.
Passing by loving couples and weary salarymen, I soon arrive at a brightly lit house among many others.
Opening the door, I take off my shoes and step inside. Right then, a voice echoes from the kitchen.
''Oh, you're finally back, Aurora.''
A middle-aged lady peeks out and looks at me with a smile.
''Dinner is almost ready.'' She continues softly. ''Wash your hands and come here.''
''Thanks, aunt.'' I reply.
Further into the hallway and to the right, I see a middle-aged gentleman watching television intently.
''Uncle, I'm back.'' I speak up.
''Hm.''
He simply nods at me approvingly before turning back to the TV again.
Climbing to the second floor, I take out a key and unlock the door to my room. A cozy interior greets me. After changing my clothes and freshening myself up, I exit the room and walk to the opposite one.
The door is already opened, albeit slightly, so a light push is enough to get me through.
Immediately, a distinct scent hits my nose, making my eyebrows crinkle.
''...You are drinking again.''
On the table, before the computer screens, is a nearly wasted girl, one that I'm most familiar with. She has long and straight black hair with hints of deep blue sprinkled on it and a rather rare pair of violet eyes.
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''Ah...! Aurora~''
Chloe turns right to me and extends her arms forward, dragging the chair together with her body toward me. When she is about to hug my torso, I push her head away, rendering her attempt unsuccessful.
''Aurora...''
''What were you doing? Why are you drinking?''
''Mhm.''
Chloe points to one of the two screens, where a big golden text saying 'GAME CLEAR' is displayed.
''I just 100% completed that game.'' Chloe proudly proclaims, making a 'V' sign with her hand. ''The last achievement was so hard to get... So I decided to celebrate with some alcohol!''
''...''
Now that I can see a bit better, there is a whole empty bottle near the computer case. No wonder she is this drunk.
Chloe then slides back to the computer and clicks a few buttons. A new scene pops up. In it, a girl with shoulder-length pale blonde hair can be seen raising her sword drenched in purple blood. The most distinctive feature of this image should be her brightly sparking green eyes.
''Now then, which girl should I marry~''
As Chloe happily sways left and right, I walk behind her and pull out a wrapped package from my pocket. When I put it on the table, Chloe instantly grabs it and turns to me, puffing out her nose in excitement.
''Chocolate?! Is it chocolate?!'' She asks repeatedly.
''Yes.'' I reply.
''Yay!'' Chloe jumps up and dances around. ''It's a love chocolate from Aurora!''
''It is a friendship chocolate.''
''Tch! When will it become a love chocolate, huh?!'' Chloe clutches the collars of my shirt and pouts. ''Well, thanks anyway...''
''...''
Sorry. My heart is not certain yet.
Chloe then puts my chocolate on the table again and opens the drawer nearby. She takes out a heart-shaped package and shoves it onto my chest.
''Take it!''
''Yes, yes. Thank you.''
''Grr... It's my heartfelt love, and yet you don't seem moved at all!''
''I am moved.''
...It's a bit heavy when I can't reciprocate her, though.
''Take this!''
''?!''
Perhaps in a surge of recklessness, likely fueled by the alcohol, Chloe suddenly jumps on me, making both of us fall onto the bed right behind me.
Now, the girl is lying on top of me, face to face, and the chocolate is being sandwiched between us.
Ugh... The alcohol smell...
Chloe slowly rises, supporting her torso with her arms on either side of my head. In the dark room, only light from the computer screens can shine through Chloe's cascading long hair, faintly illuminating her face. Her violet eyes, full of intent, are fixed on me.
''Hah... You know.'' Chloe whispers. ''I saw you with another woman yesterday.''
''That was my teacher.''
''And the day before that.''
''My co-worker.''
''...''
''...''
''...Idiot.''
''Okay.''
Chloe once again pouts. Then, for no apparent reason, she bows down and drills her forehead against mine.
''Stop, that hurts...''
When I attempt to push her head upward, she suddenly slips out and—
'''' !!! ''''
Her face unexpectedly falls onto mine, in turn, causing our lips to overlap each other. An incredibly soft and hot sensation spreads across my face.
As I stare, my eyes widen at Chloe, and she also stares right back at me.
''...''
''...''
When are you going to get up??
Only when I nudge her constantly for a while does Chloe finally get out of the way. She sits up and hugs her cheeks, making indescribable noises.
''...''
My first kiss... It didn't feel bad. Just...
Why did it have to be alcohol...