Chapter 18 - 17: Haruno’s Reward to me
The next morning.
Perhaps because someone had been gently massaging her all night, but Haruno had the best sleep she’d had in a long time.
She stirred awake early, feeling utterly refreshed. There wasn’t a hint of sleepiness as before which always try to pull her back to sleep —just a deep sense of comfort that lingered in her body, as though every muscle had been put at ease.
But something felt off. As her eyes slowly fluttered open, she became aware of her posture—it wasn’t the usual way she’d expect to wake up. She wasn’t lying flat on her back or curled up on her side. Instead, she was leaning against something solid and warm.
When she fully opened her eyes, she realized she was nestled in Roland’s arms. Haruno froze for a moment, then quickly pieced together her memories of the previous night.
Roland had been the one caring for her all night when her menstrual cramps flared up.
Roland’s hand was still tucked inside her clothes onto her belly. Combined with the sight of him slumped against the headboard, fast asleep, Haruno easily deduced that this foolish guy must have maintained his massage throughout the entire night until he couldn’t.
Haruno: "..."
Haruno glanced at Roland’s hand, still resting on her stomach. Even though the brat was asleep, his hand would occasionally stroke her abdomen, as if he couldn’t forget to give her a massage even in his sleep.
Is this little guy really this thoughtful...?
For some reason, Haruno felt a strange sense of peace. A warmth seemed to fill her heart, making her cheeks flush slightly.