Passing by Kirisu Mafuyu

Shinichi shook his head. "Don't apologize. I'm the one who wanted to help, and it's my fault for being too charming. It has nothing to do with you."

Is this person thick-skinned enough to block a meteorite? They can even say things like that.

Kei wanted to complain, but when she thought the other party said it to keep the mood light, she couldn't help but laugh.

She used a sip motion to hide the corners of her mouth.

Warm, sweet milk tea flowed down her throat, mixed with freshly settled emotions, creating an indescribable and complex feeling.

Kei held the cup and curled up on the soft sofa like a tired kitten.

She lazily gazed at Shinichi.

"Senpai, are you going to be happy today?"

Shinichi set down cup and said seriously, "Of course."

"Are you as happy as your 'girlfriend' when you're on a date?" As soon as this sentence came out of her mouth, Kei shook her head again and whispered, "Sorry, it's too cunning to ask, although I didn't say—"

"When I'm dating someone different, I'll have a different mood. Whether I'm happy or sad, the experience is incomparable treasure."

Shinichi poured his heart into every word and sentence.

"So, today also becomes an important memory for me to remember."

"I think the phrase 'equally happy' can't describe my current mood."

"All I can say is I'm having fun today. Thank you for the invitation, Kei."

Kei fell silent before slowly showing a helpless smile.

"I am truly defeated."

Indeed, the most important thing for someone who can cheat is their ability to speak.

Kei lowered her head, her mood very complicated.

She didn't know what to say to him to end the day.

She didn't know what else she could do to make him fall in love and stop looking at her the same way he looked at his little sister.

Express her feelings directly?

Then she would truly lose, she couldn't do this.

And the result was very clear, Shinichi would surely reject her with a apologetic look, and maybe even say something like "I don't want to see anyone fall into the fire pit again."

And in this matter, Kei really didn't understand, does Shinichi's 'girlfriend' know that he has many mistresses?

If they knew, why would they still want to stay with him instead of being sad and angry and distancing themselves from him to find a better man next?

Could something happen between them that was enough to overlook this issue...

At this moment, Kei suddenly realized.

She actually didn't understand him, she also didn't understand the people around him.

His life at school, the problems Shinichi usually encountered, what he did all day, what his goals were for the future...

Kei didn't know all of this.

Not just his age, but also his life that was far from hers.

This distance alone made the word "like" suddenly pale, meaningless, fragile, and ridiculous.

Kei unconsciously bit her lip.

She knew that honestly giving up and allowing herself to mature was the best choice for the future—

"Mhm!"

Despite the fact that the hot milk tea hadn't cooled down yet, Kei sipped it to vent her anger.

Whatever happens, she must not show weakness in front of him.

Fortunately, Shinichi was currently staring out the window and didn't notice the change in her expression.

His cappuccino gradually diminished in his hand, because he knew he might say more and make more mistakes. He didn't take the initiative to speak to the girl, but just silently drank his coffee, even if the atmosphere became tense, he remained calm.

Shinichi took another sip of cappuccino to let the caffeine and the beautiful scenery relieve the fatigue of the day.

He liked the feeling away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

No wonder many young people like to go to cafes, order a cup of coffee, and sit there all afternoon, occasionally reading a book and occasionally watching the street scene, their enjoyment different when it rains.

Of course, it would be even more perfect if he could lock eyes with a beautiful girl in the coffee shop and discreetly raise his cup as a tribute to this chance encounter.

Unfortunately, such a thing still depended on appearance.

A not-too-handsome but still young man could only be a background figure in the coffee shop, so no beautiful girl would look at him.

"Haaa..."

Shinichi sighed softly at this cruel fact, then saw Mafuyu running past the window.

"...?"

What's going on?

His eyes followed the figure of Mafuyu running. Shinichi sipped his coffee to make sure the bitterness creeping into his throat wasn't fake. He blinked again to make sure that Mafuyu did indeed run past this café.

Behind her, there was a group of people holding phones, signboards, and other things, chasing her with fanatical expressions.

Staying silent, Shinichi sipped his coffee again, feeling a frustrating feeling.

Regardless of the origin and development of the incident, the timing was off.

He still wanted to pretend not to see it, but Kei looked out the window and asked in confusion:

"Is that Kirisu-sensei? What's going on?"

"I don't know either. I don't understand the situation at all right now. There are still many things I want to say. I don't know where to start."

Shinichi pretended to joke, making himself look very relaxed.

He placed the empty coffee cup down, inadvertently glanced at the girl across from him, and then averted his gaze, not wanting the girl to misunderstand.

However, Kei was more observant than he appreciated.

"Senpai, are you worried about Kirisu-sensei?"

Seeing her serious expression when asking the question, Shinichi nodded.

"That's natural. She's the mentor of all the student council members. How could I not worry when she's being chased by a group of people like that on the street?"

"If that's the case..." Kei started again, but was interrupted by Shinichi.

"I've promised you, and I won't break it. I'm just worried. There's no way Sensei would face any danger in broad daylight. Even if I don't chase after her, there won't be any problem."

Even as he said this, Kei could see his fingers tapping on the table and his deliberate avoidance of looking out the window.

He seemed to realize her gaze, and disregarded this action, showing a natural and gentle smile.

"I'll order another cup of coffee and cake, or else I'll see you drinking milk tea."

Shinichi stood up and went to the counter to order.

Kei put down her half-empty cup of milk tea and reached for his hand.

She gently let go of his hand.

"Thank you so much for accompanying me today, Asada-senpai."

Kei said seriously, "I have something urgent to do next, so say goodbye here. I'll take care of everything myself, and you can do whatever you want."

After saying that, she ignored Shinichi's reaction, called the waiter, and asked him to pack the remaining milk tea.

There was still half a cup left, it shouldn't be wasted.