How Could Hiratsuka Be a Coward?

Just as Haruto was about to get in the car, Hiratsuka suddenly turned around: "Kuromori, what do you think you're doing?"

"?"

Several question marks appeared in Haruto's mind.

Hiratsuka pursed her lips: "Sorry, but I don't allow men in my car."

Haruto replied calmly, "Hiratsuka-sensei, last time, it was clearly you."

"Hm?"

Hiratsuka looked at him with a smile: "Kuromori, is there something you'd like to say?"

'Yeah, so what? What could you do on your own?'

Haruto looked slightly annoyed: "Sorry, I didn't say anything."

"Hmph!" Hiratsuka turned away with a huff, "I'll let it go this time. After all, the situation is urgent, but don't expect a next time."

'You're overthinking it! If there's a next time, I promise I'll toss you to the side of the road without a word and then go home and sleep alone.'

Haruto glanced at her: "Understood."

Hearing his reply, Hiratsuka's mood suddenly worsened.

Even though she had thought this through carefully, hearing his casual response was, as expected, rather frustrating!

'You took my first kiss, but in the end, I didn't show any emotion at all. So, does that mean you didn't feel anything either? I'm beautiful, wealthy, and fit, so what's wrong with me?'

Hiratsuka took a deep breath, suppressed the sadness in her heart, and said flatly, "Sit down, we're going."

Haruto fastened his seatbelt and reminded Yukino to do the same. There was no point in driving a sports car if not to experience speed and the thrill of the ride.

As Mafuyu's good senior, Hiratsuka's driving skills were on par. On weekdays, whenever she felt down, she often went out for a drive.

And right now, she was feeling pretty down.

*VROOM*

Pressing down on the accelerator, the sports car roared like a waking beast, then shot into the traffic like an arrow released from its bow.

Yukino was startled: "Hiratsuka-sensei, isn't this a bit, too fast!"

"Don't worry, I haven't exceeded the speed limit!" Hiratsuka replied and glanced at Haruto in the rearview mirror, noticing his calm, unruffled expression.

'This guy is way too calm! Could he have been trained by Mafuyu?'

Just the thought of riding in Mafuyu's car made Hiratsuka shiver. No, that was too terrifying.

Unconsciously, she eased up on the gas.

Seeing this, Haruto let out a sigh of relief.

Once they reached the city highway, where traffic was much lighter, Hiratsuka's mood improved significantly, and she spoke up to break the silence in the car.

"When Haruno came to see me last time, I already knew this situation wasn't simple, but I didn't expect things to escalate to this level."

Haruto said, "Have you ever heard the phrase, 'A dog relies on the strength of its owner'?"

"Hm?" Hiratsuka looked puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Haruto raised his phone and gave it a little shake: "I just did some research and found out that the other party is an ancient family from Kyoto. They've been around for hundreds of years and are one of the top conglomerates in the country."

And this was just public information available to the average person.

As for the hidden details, ordinary people wouldn't dare to imagine them.

In the face of such power, even an Onmyoji family—or the top of the Onmyoji families—was no more than a loyal dog.

Yukino bit her lip hard.

Haruto continued, "Like I said, they're just a dog clinging to power, so this matter isn't too troublesome."

"Oh, you've got a big mouth!"

Who was boasting now?

Hiratsuka gave him a stern look but couldn't help worrying: "In any case, leave this matter to me first, Kuromori. Don't go doing anything reckless."

Even if the other side was just a dog basking in borrowed power, there's another saying—whoever hits the dog needs to be aware of its owner.

To some people, reputation might mean nothing, and they wouldn't care even if they were trampled on. But for others, reputation was everything, even more important than life.

Since the other party is an ancient family with centuries of history, they must be highly traditional and would generally value their reputation greatly.

Haruto was strong, but Hiratsuka didn't know how strong, so it was natural for her to be a bit concerned.

After all, no matter how strong Haruto was, he was just one person!

What if something went wrong?

Haruto said seriously: "No need to worry, I've never done anything reckless."

If the other party acts sensibly, fine. If not, he would show them who truly held the reins of power in this country!

Besides, his body had been undergoing some changes lately, and he was feeling slightly restless all over.

The view outside the window flew by rapidly, and with a long way to go before reaching their destination, Haruto took out his phone.

The entire journey remained silent.

Soon, Hiratsuka drove and stopped in front of an office building.

After parking and turning off the engine, Hiratsuka said, "I called Haruno this morning and found out that she's not home today but at the company."

Getting out of the car, Hiratsuka waved her hand: "I know the place. Let's go, I'll take you to find Haruno."

Haruto turned to her: "I think you won't be able to get inside."

"Impossible!" Hiratsuka said with conviction, "Just follow me!"

Having just arrived, how could she be a coward now?

Was the dignified and beautiful Iron Fist a vegetarian?