"Itsuki, please! Let me kiss you, I'm so curious and want to know what Itsuki tastes like. If I don't find out, I won't be able to sleep!"
"..."
Haruto always felt that if he said this, even though Itsuki wasn't the type to hold grudges, she would likely ignore him for days! So, he firmly gave up on the idea.
Haruto coughed, "Itsuki, there's something I'd like to ask for your help with. Please agree."
"Eh?"
Itsuki looked at him in surprise, then nervously asked, "Kuromori-kun, can I really do it?"
"It has to be you!"
What if Miku refused to go?
To prevent his mother from nagging him, Haruto decided to switch partners.
That's right!
From today, Miku would be sent straight to the cold palace!
Besides, Itsuki was serious and thorough in her work, and she wasn't reserved. If Haruto brought her home, it would be 100% better than bringing Miku.
Maybe his mother would be extremely satisfied!
"It has to be me?"
Itsuki was stunned for a moment, then looked at him with a flushed face, quickly turning away like a frightened rabbit, hesitating as she said, "That kind of thing is impossible."
Haruto sighed and softly said, "Don't worry, this is a very serious matter."
If he really wanted to tease Itsuki, he could take the initiative to adopt one hundred and eight poses and let her bully him.
Even the next morning, Itsuki wouldn't have realized anything!
"Oh~" Itsuki covered her face, holding back her embarrassment, but she still let out a soft groan.
What was she even thinking?
She had totally misunderstood Haruto.
She truly wanted to die from embarrassment.
Gathering her composure, Itsuki said, "I-I understand. If there's anything, feel free to ask me, Kuromori-kun."
"You agree?"
"Mm~"
Itsuki lowered her hands, her face blushing, her eyes sparkling, and her blue eyes looking especially beautiful.
"Alright, then it's settled."
❀❀❀
Time passed quickly, and it was already 5 PM.
Haruto said his goodbyes and left.
Before going home, he needed to find someone else.
Miyazono Kaori.
He had seen her last when he went to pick up Mafuyu, so he knew where she was.
Even though Arima Kousei didn't want to see Kaori, he only wanted her to forget about him and live a happy life.
That wasn't wrong, but he ignored Kaori's feelings.
Haruto could tell that Kaori had never forgotten and had been waiting.
You could hear it in the way she played the piano.
In this regard, Kaori's thoughts were clear.
Half an hour later, Haruto stopped, looking at the sign of a pastry shop, then walked in.
This shop wasn't small, but more than half of its space was used to display musical instruments.
In the corner was a piano, but the space was empty.
Not here?
Haruto's eyes fell on a woman behind the cashier. She had shoulder-length brown hair that was slightly tousled. She was resting her chin on one hand, playing with her phone in the other.
She looked extremely bored.
"Sorry to bother you."
"Eh?"
When Tsubaki heard the voice, she looked toward its source, her eyes lighting up a bit as she squinted and chuckled, "Little brother, whatever you want to buy, Onee-san can give you a 30% discount."
Haruto shook his head and pointed to the piano in the corner, "I'm looking for the person who was sitting there playing piano that day."
"Oh?"
A surprised expression appeared on Tsubaki's face, and she joked, "Are you interested in that older sister? But let me give you some advice, you'd better give up because that older sister already has a boyfriend."
After saying this, Tsubaki stood up and stretched, showing off her curvaceous and attractive figure. However, to her surprise and slight displeasure, the guy didn't even glance at her.
Haruto didn't look aside and spoke in a calm tone, "I have something to do with Miyazono Kaori."
"Eh?"
Tsubaki asked curiously, "Little brother, do you know Kaori?"
If he said he didn't, Haruto might be mistaken for a suitor and then be denied a meeting.
So, Haruto nodded and said, "I know her."
Perhaps because Haruto was so calm, although Tsubaki was skeptical, she still called for Kaori.
Kaori stood up, "Tsubaki, is someone looking for me?"
"Kaori, is that guy your brother? He's pretty handsome." Tsubaki leaned in closer to Kaori, lowering her voice, "If not, you should seize the opportunity. If you don't, I will."
"Tsubaki, what are you even saying!"
Kaori rolled her eyes at Tsubaki. She understood her concern, knowing that they weren't getting any younger, and their families were anxious about their futures.
But some people were impossible to forget.
Over the years, Kaori had thought about finding a boyfriend to put her parents at ease, but in the end, she still couldn't bring herself to act on it.
Besides, considering her health, she was grateful just to be alive. Everything else she couldn't force.
The truth was, Tsubaki was the same.
Aside from a brief fling with a senior she had once admired, she hadn't dated anyone for years.
Even though she often talked about wanting to date.
Kaori stepped out of the room, glancing casually before freezing momentarily, a look of joy appearing on her face.
Her body even trembled slightly because of it.
Tsubaki, startled, quickly supported her, "Kaori, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Kaori took a deep breath and tried to calm herself.
Ten years had passed.
Now, maybe more than anything, she wanted an explanation. In other words, it was for the obsession in her heart.
After all, ten years had gone by!
Kaori walked quickly, took a deep breath, and smiled, "Little brother, we meet again."
"Mm."
Haruto responded, looking at her briefly before saying, "Sorry to bother you, I have something to ask for your help with."