[542] The Ice Queen's Waltz

Chapter 542: The Ice Queen's Waltz

With her lips parted, the suppressed breaths that had built up for so long finally found their release.

At that moment, Mafuyu looked at Hachiman with eyes like autumn waters, her face a deep shade of crimson, and her hands unconsciously wrapped around his neck.

Breathlessly, she spoke, "H… Hachiman, this is inappropriate!"

Hachiman couldn't help but smirk at her words.

Hey, wait a minute. You were the one who kissed me first! Now you're turning the tables and accusing me? That's a bit unfair.

Looking down, he noticed her pink tongue instinctively brushing against her lips, the shiny, moist petals glinting under the lights, presenting a tempting allure.

This stirred a fresh wave of desire within Hachiman to kiss her again. However, before he could say anything, Mafuyu seemed to guess his thoughts and quickly shook her head.

"No… we can't kiss again. If we do, my lips will swell!"

Hachiman didn't press the issue and nodded in agreement.

Glancing at the time on the wall, he said, "It's getting late; I should head back. Otherwise, Komachi will get suspicious."

"Okay… alright," she replied.

Though a bit reluctant to part, Mafuyu knew that their relationship wasn't something they could openly acknowledge yet, considering the potential shock it would cause.

However, she was overthinking it; for Hachiman, the increase in shock didn't matter at all. Worst case, he wouldn't be a teacher anymore, but given his current assets, he could still manage.

Yet, Hachiman wasn't inclined to make that move because he didn't want to cage his partner like a pet.

Moreover, from Mafuyu's demeanor, it was clear she genuinely enjoyed her work as a teacher.

So, he resolved to keep this matter under wraps for now. After all, he only needed to wait a year until his high school graduation, and then everything would be settled.

"Goodnight, Hachiman…"

Just as Mafuyu walked him to the apartment door and prepared to wave goodbye, something suddenly crossed her mind, prompting her to speak up once more.

"By the way, Hachiman, can you accompany me to a place tomorrow?"

Hachiman was taken aback for a moment, then nodded eagerly. "Of course! Let's consider it a date."

"A date?"

At that, Mafuyu's face flushed, but deep down, she felt a flicker of anticipation.

"Well then, see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

Hachiman nodded, stepping out of her doorway.

As he reached his own door, he suddenly felt something and turned around.

To his surprise, Mafuyu hadn't gone inside yet; she was standing by the railing on the second floor, looking back at him.

A gentle breeze swept by, making her cherry blossom-colored hair dance in the wind.

Even from a distance, Hachiman could still feel her gentle gaze.

Seeing this scene, a soft smile appeared on Hachiman's face as he gently spoke.

"Goodnight, Mafuyu."

It was as if she heard his words; standing by the second-floor railing, Mafuyu's lips moved before she turned and walked into her room.

Only a whisper remained, carried away by the wind.

"Goodnight—"

...

The night passed without a word.

The next morning, after having breakfast and exchanging a few words with Komachi, Hachiman found himself standing outside Mafuyu's apartment door.

"Ding-dong—"

As the doorbell rang, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard coming from inside.

The door opened, revealing Mafuyu's charming face peeking out.

"Good morning, Mafuyu."

At his greeting, Mafuyu paused for a moment before breaking into a brilliant smile.

"Mm, good morning, Hachiman."

After exchanging pleasantries, Mafuyu remembered that Hachiman was still outside and quickly stepped aside.

"Come in; let's get ready to go."

"Okay."

Hachiman nodded and stepped into the apartment.

It was clear that Mafuyu had just woken up, as it was a rare day off for her.

After settling Hachiman in the living room, she grabbed a few clothes to change into and dashed into the bathroom.

Half an hour later, the bathroom door opened again, and a fully dressed Mafuyu stepped out.

Clearly, she had gone through quite a transformation, considering their public roles as teacher and student; if they were spotted together by someone they knew, it could lead to complications.

Mafuyu was wearing a red off-shoulder knitted top with white trim, paired with tight black jeans and knee-high leather boots.

Her cherry blossom-colored hair was tied with a black ribbon lower down, cascading down to her chest. She wore round black glasses and had a knitted hat perched on her head.

Typically, Mafuyu's attire consisted of her work clothes, and at home, she usually wore her high school gym uniform. Seeing her in this ensemble made Hachiman's eyes light up.

"You look beautiful, Mafuyu."

"Thank you."

Mafuyu's face flushed slightly at his compliment, and she thanked him shyly.

"Let's go; we're all set."

Hachiman naturally didn't refuse. "Yeah, let's go."

.....

Leaving, Hachiman followed Mafuyu as they walked together.

On the way, Hachiman bought her breakfast.

After some time walking, a large building appeared before them.

An ice sports arena?

Hachiman raised an eyebrow at the words displayed on the building's exterior.

At that moment, Mafuyu nodded. "That's right. Remember that pair skate voucher we won together before? It's for this place."

Hachiman recalled that during their last grocery shopping trip, they had indeed won a pair skating voucher.

However, he remembered Mafuyu mentioning long ago that ice skating was just an unpleasant memory for her.

So, why were they here today?

As these questions swirled in Hachiman's mind, Mafuyu reached out her hand to him.

"Let's go inside."

Seeing this, Hachiman didn't hesitate to take her hand.

It didn't matter; if Mafuyu wanted to talk, she would do so in her own time.

Since they were here, they just needed to enjoy themselves.

Hand in hand, they entered the ice sports arena together.

At the front desk, Mafuyu handed over the pair skating voucher.

The receptionist took the voucher and began processing their paperwork.

Before long, two pairs of ice skates and some basic protective gear were handed to them.

After thanking the staff, they walked into the ice rink.

Once inside, Hachiman and Mafuyu changed into their skates and arrived at the rink's entrance.

Since it was still early, there were hardly any people in the rink.

Standing at the entrance, a hint of nostalgia appeared on Mafuyu's face.

It had been so long since she had smelled the unique chill of the ice rink.

Looking at the smooth ice surface, she felt as though she was back in competition.

The cheers of the audience in the stands, and her parents watching her from the sidelines…

Remembering these scenes, her heart began to race.

Thump… thump… thump…

The pounding of her heart seemed to echo in her ears.

No, I can't do this.

With that thought, Mafuyu crouched down.

Abandoning everyone's expectations, giving up on all her hard work.

With how I am now, how can I possibly have the right to step onto the ice again?

She had thought that after so much time, it would be alright, but standing here now, she realized she still couldn't muster the courage.

Just then, she felt herself enveloped in a warm embrace, followed by Hachiman's gentle voice by her ear.

"It's okay. Remember what I told you?"

"I'm here for you. I'll always be by your side."

Hachiman had a good idea of what was going on with her.

From what Mafuyu had previously mentioned, it could be inferred that she had achieved many honors on the figure skating stage, along with countless precious memories.

However, for some reason, she later shifted to the education field, which meant giving up the efforts she had dedicated herself to for so long. This decision would undoubtedly disappoint her parents and her fans who had always supported her.

These feelings of discontent became a lasting pain in Mafuyu's heart.

Returning to the ice rink this time was merely an attempt to bid farewell to her past, to prove she hadn't made the wrong choice; even without figure skating, she could still lead a fulfilling life.

Unfortunately, it was clear that Mafuyu had struggled with this, so now it was Hachiman's turn to help.

He embraced Mafuyu gently and spoke softly.

"Haven't I told you? I'm always here for you."

"Whether in the past or present, you are you; you are still the popular teacher at school—"

"And my adorable, clumsy Mafuyu."

"So hold your head high and do what you want."

"Remember, I'm always here for you."

"…"

As Hachiman's words reached her, a glimmer of hope sparked within Mafuyu.

It felt like a drifting ship had finally found its lighthouse after a long journey at sea.

Mafuyu looked up, her eyes glistening with tears, but her face regained its confidence.

"Hachiman, please dance with me."

At her request, Hachiman didn't refuse and helped her up.

Hand in hand, they walked onto the ice.

As a beautiful melody began to play from his phone, Mafuyu led the way, and the two started to glide gracefully across the ice.

Though Hachiman had never learned figure skating, his strong coordination made it easy to keep up with Mafuyu's movements.

Together, they savored their dance to the music.

Gradually, Mafuyu seemed to rediscover the sensation she had on the competition stage; her movements and her smile began to radiate confidence again.

Seeing this, Hachiman let go of her hand, allowing her to dance freely.

Mafuyu showcased her gracefully.

Spinning, leaping...

She flourished splendidly, like a blooming flower.

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