Surprise? It’s Clearly a Fright

Haruno successfully obtained Haruto's contact information.

In fact, she had already gotten his contact details from Hiratsuka. However, through Hiratsuka, Haruno might have learned more about Haruto's character.

Perhaps he wouldn't have paid attention to her at all!

Therefore, since she happened to meet him this time, she wouldn't miss the opportunity.

Haruno didn't just sit idly by and wait for Haruto on the road. Because for her, Haruto was a very special person, someone who was quite powerful in other circles, and definitely not someone who would do anything to displease her.

Even though Haruto might have a good relationship with Yukino.

That didn't mean it worked.

Moreover, from what she observed, Haruno already had doubts about the definition of a "very good relationship" in her mind.

"Kuromori-kun, goodbye."

"Alright, see you."

There wasn't much communication between the two, and they quickly said their farewells and parted ways.

As they passed each other, Haruno suddenly leaned towards Haruto's ear and whispered, "Kuromori-kun, Onee-san won't tell Yukino-chan what happened between you and this girl~"

Haruto slightly curled the corners of his mouth.

He glanced back to see Haruno winking at him playfully.

Haruto shifted his gaze, feeling utterly calm and confident. When he chose to accept these feelings, he was already mentally prepared.

Perhaps before he could resolve this emotional issue, the world would disappear!

"Why doesn't he seem guilty at all?"

Haruno looked at his back with a strange expression.

Judging by Yukino's demeanor, something must have happened between her and this boy. At the very least, this boy wasn't just a friend in her heart.

She was very clear on this.

Now, it seemed like Haruno had suddenly realized she couldn't comprehend something.

Was she getting old?

Were young people these days so open and bold in their relationships?

"It seems this doesn't work." Haruno pouted, a complex expression on her face.

After hesitating for a moment, she took out her phone and sent a text message to Yukino.

She didn't mention anything about meeting Haruto.

If it were another boy, Haruno wouldn't even think twice and would surely tell him to stay away from her sister.

But now, she hesitated.

She sighed again and couldn't help but rub her temples, "Let's meet Shizuka-chan first. I should be able to learn something from her."

❀❀❀

On the other side.

Haruto and Itsuki boarded a bus, which headed towards the outskirts of town.

After getting off the bus and walking for another ten minutes, the two arrived at the foot of a mountain.

The cemetery was located on the mountain slope.

To reach it, they had to climb a long staircase, the kind that would make Miku's legs give out just from looking at it.

However, Itsuki's physical strength was excellent, so she had no problems.

Still, after reaching the top, she exhaled in relief, and sweat appeared on her forehead.

"Do you want to rest?"

"No, Kuromori-kun, let's keep going."

"Alright."

Haruto thought for a moment, then reached out and gently grabbed her hand.

Itsuki's hand instinctively clenched before slowing down. She whispered, "I really loved my mother."

"I know." Haruto held her hand tightly. "Actually, I met Aunt Rena."

"Eh?"

Itsuki looked at him in surprise.

Haruto said, "Itsuki, do you remember when you were little, about ten years ago, Yotsuba got lost once?"

Itsuki's eyes widened slightly as she suddenly recalled what Haruto was talking about.

"That time, was it you who brought Yotsuba back?"

"Mm." Haruto nodded gently, a smile appearing on his face. "I saw you back then, but you seemed to be sleeping on the table."

"Woo~"

Itsuki couldn't help but cover her face with her hands. "Sorry, I was too sleepy back then."

"That's when I met Aunt Rena. She was truly gentle and kind."

"Mm, mom was the kindest."

Itsuki nodded enthusiastically, then as if recalling something, she suddenly realized, "No wonder Yotsuba has always been so enthusiastic about Kuromori-kun; turns out you've known each other for a long time~"

"No, actually, only Yotsuba recognized me at first."

After saying that, Itsuki quietly glanced at him and hesitated, "If that's the case, then why didn't Kuromori-kun look for Yotsuba?"

She suddenly felt a strong sense of guilt in her heart, as if she had taken something away from Yotsuba.

If they had known each other ten years ago, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them childhood friends.

And judging by Yotsuba's behavior, she must have had a good impression of Haruto.

Haruto thought for a moment, "Because I think Itsuki is the cutest?"

"Impossible!"

Although she denied it, the corners of Itsuki's mouth couldn't help but curve slightly, clearly pleased.

Haruto's gaze softened, and he stopped, letting go of her hand.

Itsuki also stopped and looked at him curiously, "Kuromori-kun, what's wrong?"

At that moment, the path ahead suddenly opened up. In the sunset light, four girls stood together. The wind blew gently, making their skirts flutter.

The next moment, the four girls seemed to sense something and turned to look at the two walking out of the forest trail.

Ichika smiled and said, "Kuromori-kun, Itsuki, good afternoon~"

Nino put her hands on her hips, the black swallowtail butterfly at her temple fluttering its wings. "You two are so slow. We've been waiting for more than ten minutes."

Yotsuba ran up with a burst of wind, her face full of vitality: "Kuromori-san, thanks for your hard work. Let me help you carry the stuff."

As for Miku, she sat quietly on the side, not saying a word.

When Haruto glanced at her, Miku silently turned away, her expression saying, "Don't look at me."

No wonder she couldn't meet anyone in the afternoon. They all came early to express their feelings!

Itsuki's ahoge stood up, and she exclaimed, "Why are you all here?"

"Because we haven't been here in a long time~"

A bright smile appeared on Ichika's face as she hugged Itsuki's arm and said with a grin, "Well, was Itsuki surprised?"

Clearly shocked!

Itsuki pouted, not happy: "Ichika, don't stand so close, it's too hot~"

"But I'm a little cold~"

"Ichika, stop bothering Itsuki, it's getting late, we should continue."

Nino glanced at Haruto, her eyes lingering for a moment before she turned away, pretending to be calm. "Miku, get up."

"Mm."