Let's do it again, Yukino.

Perhaps things wouldn't have turned out this way for Haruhi and her.

.........

……

After finishing my part-time job on Saturday, I was greeted by Manager Xin's words of "Thank you for your hard work."

Pushing her bicycle, Chunri left the entrance of Fengliu Temple and walked into the bustling crowd.

Not long after,

In his sight,

The aloof girl stood under the streetlamp, carrying a gift box in both hands, and seemed to be in a rather turbulent mood.

When she saw Chunri walking towards her, Xiaoxue's face lit up slightly, and she jogged up with light, quick steps.

How long have you been waiting here?

Although he had considered that Yuki would care a lot about Junko's affairs, he hadn't expected it.

"I waited for a while, not very long."

"Since it's the weekend, shouldn't Xiaoxue just rest in her apartment? What's that you're carrying? Is it my favorite cake?"

Chunri glanced at the box that had caught his attention, scratched his head, and asked casually.

"It's a secret, and it's not for you."

Yukino carefully shielded the gift box behind her back, her slender white fingers held between her cherry-red lips, and gently shook her head at Haruhi, refusing to explain anything.

"What secret can't you even tell me?"

"Relax, let's go anyway."

Under the setting sun,

Xiaoxue nudged Chunri's steady bicycle and said somewhat guiltily.

Wearing a crisp, high-necked, light blue sleeveless shirt, her originally long, black hair was tied into a ponytail that fell to her lower back, and her pleated skirt, which reached just above her knees, bounced with her steps.

She was both nervous and expectant.

Yui's words still seemed to echo in the girl's ears.

……

If the elder you're visiting, Xiaoxue, is a trendy woman...

They suggested that we could give her a complete set of skincare products.

After all, all women are born to love beauty.

And if possible

Xiaoxue, please remember to say some things that your elders like to hear. Perhaps that will be enough to win their favor.

……

As the sun set, the two pushed their bicycles toward their apartment.

As the two crossed a stone bridge spanning the river,

The water shimmered, a summer breeze blew gently, and the dazzling sunset painted the sky crimson.

Water embraces the wind, while the wind lingers in love with the sky.

What are you thinking about?

Unable to bear the eerily quiet atmosphere, Chunri looked at Xiaoxue, who was suddenly walking close to him and even humming a tune that was hard to understand. He nudged Xiaoxue's slender waist with his arm and asked her with some curiosity.

"I'm wondering what kind of person your mother really is?"

"You mean Junko? She's prettier than Yuki's mother, and she's also gentler and kinder than Yuki's mother, but she's a bit timid and cowardly in personality."

Without much hesitation, Haruhi told the curious child all the advantages and disadvantages of Junko as she remembered her.

Since she was going to take her to see Junko soon anyway, Kasuga had no intention of hiding anything from her.

Why do you always address your aunt by her first name?

"I guess I'm used to it, and Junko never forces me to call her that."

On the stone bridge, the boy scratched his head, chuckled, and then got on his bicycle, pointing to the back seat at Xiaoxue.

"Get in the car, this way we'll get home faster."

"……Um."

The girl didn't press further, stared blankly at the boy's handsome profile, and nodded.

After a while,

The soft sound of the bicycle chain sliding echoed gently in the tranquil atmosphere.

"Junko cries a lot, just like you, Yuki. Just try not to mention me in front of her."

On the path at dusk, the boy's soft voice drifted over.

……

…………

Not long after,

Spring arrived at her second-rate apartment, carrying with it a light snowfall.

Well, I've gotten used to living in Xiaoxue's upscale apartment, so when I come back occasionally, it feels like things have changed.

After setting up the car, Chunri led Xiaoxue up the shaky stairs.

Before they even reached the door of the apartment room,

The door, which had been tightly closed, was suddenly pushed open, followed by the sound of staggering footsteps.

A tall figure appeared in the corridor.

Sensing the commotion, before she could even make out the figure, Chunri instinctively took a step forward, shielding Xiaoxue behind her.

Upon seeing Chunri in front of her, the figure suddenly broke into a sweet smile, took two steps forward, took Chunri's hand, and tried to run down the stairs.

"Ah, it's perfect that you're back. We were just about to go out and look for you. But this is good. Come on, come on. I heard there's a summer festival going on around here tonight. There will be lots of fun things to do, and we might even see fireworks tonight."

"..."

With long, black hair and a delicate face that showed no signs of aging, she wore a sky-blue yukata with a butterfly pattern and held a round fan that she had found somewhere.

As Chunri watched Junko grow younger and younger with age, he lowered his hand that had been hanging in mid-air. He sniffed the air, noticing the faint scent of alcohol, and couldn't help but frown.

"I've told you several times already, don't keep drinking in my apartment room."

"Hehe, we need to drink to boost our courage..."

Are you planning to rob a bank?

Springtime silently complained about the woman in front of him.

However, the high concentration of alcohol in the air that permeated the corridor made Haruhi feel as if it could catch fire at any moment.

Seriously, they always treat my apartment like a bar and drink all day long.

"Besides, Xiaoxue and I haven't had dinner yet. Can't you at least let us have something to eat?"

However, Junko persisted and pulled Haruhi up again, her clear, watery eyes sparkling with the light of the setting sun.

"Let's talk as we go. If we get late, we might not be able to play there for long."

That alluring gaze, tinged with the unique charm of a mature woman, flashed across Koyuki, who had remained silent behind Haruhi. Junko didn't say anything more, her slightly tipsy face still bearing a gentle smile.

"We're going to see the fireworks tonight."

Half-drunk, she pouted like a child, urging the boy on with obvious dissatisfaction.

It seems that night will fall soon.

(P.S.: Please vote for me)

Chapter 108 I've Never Believed in Gods or Buddhas

The night was enchanting.

During the festival,

Junko, holding Haruhi's hand, squeezed through the bustling crowd, with Koyuki following closely behind.

In the lively atmosphere,

Her eyes lit up as she looked at the stalls on both sides.

"There are marshmallows, takoyaki, and candied apples, Xiao Qing! We want to eat this, that, and that!"

The fingers holding the round fan kept tapping around at the various stalls.

"Didn't you just say you ate something at the apartment?"

"No, we want to eat too."

Haruhi, who was used to being led around by Junko, yawned and complained about the woman in her thirties while glancing back at Yuki, who hadn't said much since the beginning.

Perhaps it was because of Junko, but the girl seemed less playful than when she was with him, and more reserved and quiet.

"Xiaoxue, do you want some apple candy?"

The boy asked the girl, though in his mind, Xiaoxue shouldn't care too much about such snacks.

"You buy it for your aunt, I don't need it."

As expected, Yukinoshita gently shook her head.

"Of course it's three portions, I'd feel bad eating it all by myself."

"Okay, you guys wait here for me. Xiaoxue, you keep an eye on Chunzi for me. She's the kind of person who can easily get lost if you don't watch her closely enough."

"Well, I will."