Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Hotaru Hoshino took a step back, nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

Haruhiko withdrew his gaze and headed towards the school.

After finishing his morning classes, he said goodbye to Chiyome and Tachibana Yui, and then went to learn lip reading.

The main problem is that it's really inconvenient not to learn it.

In addition, Hotaru Hoshino has been very good to me, so I can't let her sincerity go to waste.

As dusk fell, Haruhiko acquired a lip-reading skill, but it was only at the first level.

He can only understand a limited amount of lip reading and needs to continue to work hard.

At this rate, it should take about a week to achieve the goal of daily communication with Hoshino Hotaru.

Back home, Haruhiko resumed practicing his curses, then ate and slept.

a new day.

After Haruhiko left the house, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't told Hoshino Rin that he was going to her house today.

He changed course and went to the small villa next door.

The place where Hoshino Rin stayed.

However, he was unsure whether he had already gone to school.

Haruhiko pressed the doorbell.

Not long after, Hoshino Rin, wearing a school uniform, appeared in front of him.

It looks like they were just about to leave.

"Haruhiko-kun."

When Hoshino Rin saw him, the corners of her mouth immediately turned up slightly, and her eyes seemed to sparkle like stars.

"Good morning."

Haruhiko greeted him with a smile, then asked, "Want to go to school together?"

"Wait for me a moment."

Hoshino Rin hurriedly returned to the entrance hall, leaning against the wall with one hand and changing into round-toed flat shoes with the other.

When she opened the door, she wasn't wearing shoes, just black over-the-knee socks.

However, Haruhiko was still somewhat surprised.

Because I didn't see Hoshino Hotaru.

I thought she would be unable to resist following me, but she didn't.

Hoshino Rin, carrying her schoolbag, locked the door and jogged over.

Bathed in the warm winter sun, the girl's light steps exude a youthful energy.

Especially the black pleated skirt, which undulated slightly, revealed her two long, beautiful legs.

"Why did you suddenly come to see me today?"

Hoshino Rin chuckled and asked, "Is something the matter?"

I plan to visit your home today.

Haruhiko walked alongside her and asked, "How is it? Are you welcome?"

"Eh?"

Hoshino Rin paused, clearly not expecting this, but she immediately said, "Of course you're welcome."

"Then thank you, Miss Rin."

Haruhiko cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Please let me stay for the night."

"how?"

Hoshino Rin put one hand on her hip and asked, "Were you expelled from school?"

"That's not true."

Haruhiko admired her rather girlish actions and said, "I'm just going to freeload a meal."

"Have a meal?"

Hoshino Rin raised an eyebrow and said, "Why don't you try my cooking?"

"can you cook?"

Haruhiko was somewhat surprised.

In his memory, Hoshino Rin's bento boxes were always prepared by Hoshino Aoi.

"of course."

Hoshino Rin stretched out her hand, revealing a section of her fair wrist, and said, "Don't underestimate me! I know a lot!"

"Then I'll wait and see."

Haruhiko said earnestly, "It will definitely taste delicious."

"There's no need to be so sure."

Hoshino Rin turned her face away, suddenly feeling a sense of pressure.

Her cooking skills are alright, but they are nowhere near as good as Hoshino Aoi's.

Haruhiko has such high expectations, so it would be quite bad if she didn't perform up to par.

"You can talk about it after you've eaten it."

Hoshino Rin lowered her head and said softly.

"Ok."

Haruhiko turned his head and glanced at her.

All that could be seen was her fair profile and delicate ears.

She had a double ponytail hairstyle today, but it wasn't a classic ponytail; she just used a hairband to wrap two loose strands of hair around her head.

It's quite cute when it swings its arms and legs as it walks.

"I remember you had two classes this morning, right?"

Haruhiko asked.

"Ah."

Hoshino Rin nodded and said, "Go home first, and I'll call you later."

"fine."

Haruhiko thought for a moment and said, "I'll wait for you outside."

"That's fine."

Hoshino Rin did not refuse and nodded with satisfaction.

When she arrived at school, she remembered something else.

"You have Ying's phone number, right?"

"Ah."

Haruhiko observed that her expression was normal and asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"

"She will come to pick me up, remember to contact her."

Hoshino Rin said with a smile, "I'm worried that she will be harassed at school. After all, we look alike, and people might mistake us for each other."

"So, you were harassed at school?"

Haruhiko frowned, his tone serious, and asked, "Who is it?"

"Don't worry, they're all overestimating themselves."

Hoshino Rin noticed the change in his expression and felt even more delighted. "Even if they train for another ten years or so, they still won't be able to catch up with me."

Haruhiko breathed a sigh of relief.

Upon closer reflection, it's normal.

Given Hoshino Rin's looks, background, and abilities, it would be problematic if no one pursued her.

"see you later."

Haruhiko waved goodbye to Hoshino Rin and went down another road.

The morning classes concluded smoothly.

He picked up his schoolbag and left the classroom.

I spotted Hotaru Hoshino in the distance.

She stood under a tree, her shrine maiden attire covering her quite thoroughly.

Only Haruhiko knew her figure.