140 - You Still Don’t Understand

RAW

Bathed in the morning sunlight streaming through the living room window, Haruto enjoys breakfast with Kiyoko and the rest of the Tojo family.

"Mmm, this sesame-dressed green beans dish is simple but has such a deep flavor," remarks Shuichi, holding a small bowl as he shares his thoughts.

Kiyoko, her expression softening, turns to him and says, "That one was made by Ayaka today."

"Oh! Is that so? Ayaka, it’s really delicious!" Shuichi praises enthusiastically.

"Thank you, Dad," Ayaka replies, her lips curling into a happy smile at her father’s compliment.

Seeing her reaction, Kiyoko, who taught her how to make it, smiles warmly. "I’m glad it turned out well, Ayaka."

"It’s all thanks to your teaching, Kiyoko-san. Thank you for always guiding me so patiently," Ayaka says, bowing her head respectfully to Kiyoko.

Meanwhile, next to them, Ryota is diligently picking out the bones from his salmon. Haruto steps in to help.

"Ryota, there are small bones here too, so be careful," Haruto advises.

"Okay, thank you, big brother!" Ryota replies energetically, stuffing his mouth with the now bone-free salmon.

"Is it good?" Haruto asks.

"Yeah! It’s delicious!" Ryota exclaims, his face lighting up with a happy smile as he enjoys the meal.

Haruto, sharing in Ryota’s joy, takes a bite of the tamagoyaki he made himself. Just then, Ikue, who had set down her miso soup bowl, smiles and strikes up a conversation with Haruto.

"By the way, the sports festival is coming up soon, right? Which events are you planning to participate in, Haruto-kun?"

"We’re still discussing it in class, but I ran the 100-meter dash last year," Haruto replies.

"Oh, that’s one of the main events in track and field! Are you fast, Haruto-kun?" Ikue asks, clasping her hands together in admiration.

Before Haruto can answer, Ayaka proudly interjects, "Haruto was the anchor in the relay race back in elementary school."

"That’s amazing!" Ikue exclaims, reacting as if she were praising her own child.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Haruto quietly says, "Thank you."

Since the incident at Izakaya Haruto, Haruto has noticed that Shuichi and Ikue have become even closer to him. He had always felt that they held a favorable impression of him since he started helping with household chores during summer break. And after he started dating Ayaka, he felt they treated him even better. However, he had assumed it was all because of Ayaka—because she liked him, and he was her boyfriend.

But now, he feels that even without Ayaka, they genuinely care for him. It’s as if they treat him like their own son. This makes Haruto think of his late parents, and he can’t help but feel both happy and embarrassed, his heart tingling with mixed emotions.

After finishing breakfast, Haruto changes into his school uniform and heads to the entrance. As he puts on his shoes, Ayaka, also in her uniform, joins him.

"Sorry for making you wait," Ayaka says.

"Not at all. Let’s go," Haruto replies.

"Okay," Ayaka nods happily.

Together, they bid farewell to Kiyoko, who sees them off, and head to school.

Previously, they had avoided walking to school together to keep their relationship a secret, leaving at different times. But now that they’ve come out about their relationship, there’s no need to hide anymore.

As Ayaka walks beside him with a spring in her step, Haruto asks with an amused expression, "Is your right foot okay now?"

"Yeah, it doesn’t hurt at all anymore," Ayaka replies, even doing a little skip to prove her point.

Haruto chuckles softly at her enthusiasm. "Ayaka, watch out for cars, okay? Don’t get run over."

"I’m not Ryota, you know. I’ll be fine," Ayaka retorts.

"Ryota and you are actually quite similar in some ways," Haruto teases.

Ayaka pouts slightly at his comment, then moves closer to Haruto and holds out her right hand. "Then, if I hold your hand like this, will you feel better?"

"Yeah, this way I’ll feel at ease," Haruto replies, gently squeezing her slender hand in return. He adjusts his pace to match hers as they walk leisurely.

The morning sun feels a little less harsh compared to the summer, and Haruto and Ayaka walk to school, radiating happiness.

As they walk, a somewhat sleepy voice calls out from behind them.

"Hey, Haru. Tojo-san, good morning."

"Yo, good morning," Haruto replies.

"Good morning, Akagi-kun," Ayaka adds.

Tomoya, catching up to them from behind, looks incredibly sleepy.

"Tomoya, you look really tired," Haruto remarks.

"Yeah, I lost track of time watching guitar videos last night," Tomoya replies, letting out a big yawn.

"By the way, Haru, walking to school hand in hand with Tojo-san in the morning? What’s up with that? Just explode already," Tomoya teases.

"Sorry, no plans to explode anytime soon," Haruto replies with a smirk.

"You’re so annoying," Tomoya groans, tears forming in his eyes from another big yawn.

Just then, another voice joins in.

"Aya-senpai, Haru-senpai, good morning. And Tomo-senpai too."

Shizuku, with her usual expressionless face, greets them.

"Good morning, Shizuku-chan," Ayaka replies with a smile.

"Hmm, holding hands with Haru-senpai in the morning, huh?" Shizuku says, staring intently at Ayaka’s left hand holding Haruto’s. Then, in a slightly lowered voice, she adds, "Aya-senpai, did you have fun with Haru-senpai last night?"

"Wha—?! Shizuku-chan, what are you saying?! That’s not true at all!" Ayaka’s face turns bright red in an instant.

Shizuku, feigning innocence, tilts her head. "Huh? Why are you blushing so much?"

"It’s because you’re saying weird things like 'Did you have fun?'!" Ayaka exclaims.

"What’s weird about having fun? I’m just a kid, so I don’t understand. Aya-senpai, please explain in detail," Shizuku continues, her voice dripping with mock curiosity.

"You’re doing this on purpose, Shizuku-chan! Stop playing dumb!" Ayaka protests.

"What am I playing dumb about? Please explain in detail, Aya-senpai?" Shizuku presses, her expressionless face betraying a hint of amusement.

"Ugh! Haruto!" Ayaka, unable to handle Shizuku’s teasing any longer, turns to Haruto for help.

Haruto, with a wry smile, looks at Shizuku. "Shizuku, cut it out, will you?"

"Fine, fine," Shizuku shrugs, then adds, "Muttering Aya-senpai, you’re the best," as a final jab.

Ayaka, about to retort, turns to face Shizuku, but the latter’s unwavering gaze makes her swallow her words. A small, playful smile tugs at the corner of Shizuku’s lips.

"Shizuku-chan, you’re so mean…" Ayaka mutters.

"I love that side of you, Aya-senpai," Shizuku says bluntly.

"…You’re so sneaky," Ayaka replies, her expression a mix of frustration and happiness.

Watching the two girls’ banter, Tomoya sighs contentedly. "Man, mornings are the best. Right, Haru?"

"For some reason, I don’t feel like agreeing with you," Haruto replies.

"What are you talking about? Being honest with your feelings is important, you know?" Tomoya says, crossing his arms behind his head nonchalantly.

Just then, Saki appears from the path leading to the station.

"Good morning, everyone. Oh, Ayaka, already walking to school hand in hand with Otsuki-kun? Living the dream, huh?"

"Saki-senpai, listen to this! Muttering Aya-senpai just—"

"Shizuku-chan! Don’t tell Saki anything unnecessary!" Ayaka interrupts, flustered.

"Huh? What’s going on, Shizuku-chan?" Saki asks, intrigued.

"Nothing! Absolutely nothing!" Ayaka insists, desperately trying to stop Shizuku from spilling the beans.

Saki, grinning mischievously, presses Ayaka. "Come on, Ayaka, tell me too!"

The girls’ lively chatter fills the morning air as Tomoya sighs again.

"Such a peaceful morning, Haru."

"Is this really peaceful?" Haruto asks, watching his girlfriend fluster under the teasing of their friends.

After walking to school together, the group parts ways with Shizuku at the entrance, as she heads to her own grade. Haruto and the others make their way to their second-year classroom.

Just before entering, a male student calls out to them.

"Uh, Otsuki, and Tojo-san…"

Hearing the nervous voice, Haruto turns to see the male student who had insulted him the previous day, triggering Ayaka’s anger.

Ayaka’s cheerful expression immediately hardens as she recognizes him.

The male student, noticing her change in demeanor, flinches slightly.

"Uh, what’s up?" Haruto asks, noticing the boy’s pale complexion.

The male student hesitates before speaking. "I… I wanted to apologize for yesterday."

He looks at Ayaka, who remains expressionless.

"I’m sorry. I said things that upset you, Tojo-san…"

Ayaka nods coldly, her demeanor icy.

The male student, flustered, continues. "I… I didn’t mean to upset you. What I said yesterday wasn’t how I really feel—"

"Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to Haruto," Ayaka interrupts, her voice cold.

"Uh, yeah, right. Of course," the male student stammers, turning to Haruto.

"Otsuki, I’m… I’m sorry about yesterday. Calling you a nerdy, gloomy loser… I didn’t mean it. I just… lost control of my emotions. I’m sorry."

Haruto, feeling a bit sorry for the visibly shaken boy, replies, "I’m not really bothered by it, so don’t worry. I forgive you, so don’t stress over it."

Hearing Haruto’s forgiveness, the male student’s expression lightens slightly.

"Thank you. I really am sorry. I…" He pauses, glancing at Ayaka before continuing. "I’ve liked Tojo-san since our first year. I’ve always liked her… so when I found out Otsuki was her boyfriend, I couldn’t accept it. I lost control of my emotions and said those terrible things… I’m sorry."

He bows his head again.

Ayaka, her expression softening slightly, speaks up. "Sato-kun, from now on, don’t say bad things about my boyfriend, okay?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Of course," Sato replies, surprised that Ayaka remembers his name.

"Haruto is amazing. He got first place in the grade on the last test," Ayaka adds.

"Yeah, that’s really impressive," Sato agrees.

"Thank you," Haruto says, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Ayaka, smiling, continues to praise Haruto. "You know, Sato-kun, Haruto isn’t just good at studying. He’s been practicing karate since he was little, and he’s really strong."

"Really? I didn’t know that. I’m even more sorry for calling you a loser," Sato says.

Ayaka nods enthusiastically. "And Haruto is great at cleaning too. Ever since he started living at my house, everything has been spotless."

"Wow, that’s amazing, Otsuki," Sato replies.

"And Haruto’s cooking is delicious. I could watch him cook forever," Ayaka continues, her eyes sparkling.

"Uh, yeah… Otsuki can cook too?" Sato asks, starting to feel overwhelmed.

"Yes, he can. And he always takes care of Ryota too. Ryota has really taken to him. Oh, Ryota is my little brother," Ayaka explains.

"Oh, I see…" Sato replies, taking a step back as Ayaka steps closer.

"Haruto is also really considerate. When we go shopping, he always subtly takes the bags from me if I’m carrying too much."

"…Otsuki is a real gentleman," Sato mutters.

"Yes, he is. And he’s so kind. When the fireworks festival got postponed because of the rain, he went out in the rain to buy all the ingredients for a home festival just for me. Isn’t that amazing?"

"Uh, yeah… Otsuki is like a superhero," Sato says, clearly feeling the pressure.

"Yes, Haruto is a superhero. And there’s more—"

"Okay, okay! I get it! Otsuki is amazing!" Sato interrupts, clearly overwhelmed.

But Ayaka isn’t done. "No, Sato-kun, you don’t understand. Haruto is also really fast. He was the anchor in the relay race back in elementary school."

"Elementary school… that’s impressive," Sato replies, sweating.

"It is, isn’t it? And there’s so much more…" Ayaka continues, her eyes shining as she lists Haruto’s many virtues.

Sato, looking increasingly panicked, mutters, "Oh no…"

Watching Ayaka’s relentless praise, Saki chuckles. "Oh dear, Sato stepped on another landmine."

"Hey, Haru, let’s sell Sato a jar with your face printed on it later. He’ll definitely buy it," Tomoya jokes.

"Stop it. That doesn’t even sound like a joke," Haruto replies, feeling both touched by Ayaka’s admiration and sympathetic toward Sato, who’s being bombarded with his own virtues.

"And Haruto always holds my hand so gently," Ayaka continues.

"…Otsuki is amazing…" Sato mutters, clearly defeated.

"Yes, he is," Ayaka concludes, finally satisfied.

The group heads to their classroom, leaving Sato to recover from Ayaka’s overwhelming praise. Haruto can’t help but feel a mix of pride and pity for the boy who had unknowingly triggered Ayaka’s passionate defense of him.