Tokyo: I took in a homeless girl

If that still doesn't work, then we'll have to keep going.

"Why don't we go back?"

Ayano Yui was already having second thoughts. Looking at the stagnant traffic, she said hesitantly, "Even if we get to the next station, things might not get any better."

"There's nothing we can do. We've already arranged with Suguha to pick her up while we're packing." Haruno Sawayama was also a little frustrated. "We can't keep delaying like this, and Suguha has already left, so it's not good to ask her to go back and wait a while longer."

They had already discussed it before leaving home, but at the time, Haruno Sawayama did not realize that the traffic situation on Monday would be so bad.

It's too late to back out now. After all, Suguha Ezaki has already set off, and they can only grit their teeth and continue on, praying that the morning rush hour will disappear as soon as possible.

Fortunately, the morning rush hour in island nations generally doesn't last too long. In this country, the morning rush hour is usually between 8:00 and 9:30. Regardless of the type of company or school, people generally start working or studying at 9:00.

In other words, if Haruno Sawayama and Yui Ayano just need to walk and endure for another twenty minutes or so, they should be able to get through the morning rush hour. And if you calculate the time it would take them to walk to the next station, twenty minutes is about right.

If it were in his previous life, Sawayama Haruno would definitely not have accepted the option of walking for twenty minutes. In his opinion, it would be cheaper to call a taxi or take a ride-sharing service.

However, the situation in the island nation is naturally different from that in his previous life. After living here for many years, Sawayama Haruno gradually got used to the option of walking for twenty minutes. After all, in the eyes of most islanders, walking for twenty minutes is nothing.

Let's go.

Sawayama Haruno rubbed his temples, called Ayano Yui, and prepared to head towards the next station.

Despite feeling somewhat reluctant, Ayano Yui had no choice but to quickly follow after seeing that the other person had already left.

"What a hassle. I should have arranged to go to Shinjuku this afternoon."

"There's not much difference, and if it's in the afternoon, I'll have to reschedule to see the car."

"What does it matter? We can also travel with Maki-nee and Mana-nee." Ayano Yui pouted and said casually, "I know my brother wants to create an opportunity for the two sisters to go home together, but things have come to this point, is it really necessary to do this anymore?"

"You're just looking for an excuse to be lazy, aren't you?" Haruno Sawayama glanced at her and chuckled.

Maki and Mana Miyazawa have to go home this afternoon. There's no other way, since other guests and relatives are coming to the Miyazawa family's house, and as daughters, they have to go back and help their parents deal with the visiting relatives.

The reason why the two of them went home together in the afternoon was not because Haruno Sawayama did it on purpose. It was just that Maki Miyazawa couldn't get out of bed, and Suguha Ezaki wanted to come back early and wanted me to come over for dinner.

Clearly, Ayano Yui was still somewhat dissatisfied with the result, but faced with Sawayama Haruno, who had already made up her mind, she couldn't say anything more.

But when she recalled the petite girl from last night, Ayano Yui couldn't suppress her curiosity and asked, "Why doesn't your older brother let Shiori stay at home all the time?"

"Ok?"

When she suddenly asked this question, Sawayama Haruno paused in her tracks.

"There's no need to be in such a hurry. By the way, why do you seem so enthusiastic about Shiori? You used to dislike her at first."

“Those times are different from now,” Ayano Yui said with a hint of reproach. “We already have Suguha and Mana here, so I don’t think it would matter if we added one more, right?”

Moreover, it might even be more advantageous for you. Sometimes having more people isn't necessarily a disadvantage. The most important thing is how to balance the power of speech at home.

Shiori Mine is clearly the kind of girl who is extremely reserved. With such a personality, even if she becomes Haruno's secret girlfriend, it will not affect the status of the others in the slightest.

However, Ayano Yui can also take advantage of the other party's relatively soft personality, which might allow her to achieve her goals in certain matters, such as having multiple partners!

Ayano Yui had been looking forward to this for a long time, after all, she already knew that Maki and Suguha would sometimes be with Haruno. The earliest time was even back in Macau.

The Macau incident happened a long time ago, and such things must have happened between them more than once!

That Christmas reindeer cosplay outfit is still haunting Ayano Yui's mind. The mischievous girl keeps thinking about it and secretly resolves to try it out someday.

"Let's talk about moving in later."

Walking down the street, Sawayama Haruno suddenly sighed, seemingly lost in thought, and said, "Last night I talked to Maki about taking wedding photos."

"and then?"

"Then she got angry again for some reason. Although I made up with her quickly, she seemed to care a bit about taking wedding photos."

Looking at the slowly moving traffic in the distance, Zeshan Chunye casually said, "I don't know if it's because everyone wants to take pictures, but I can't figure out what she's thinking. She's been keeping her feelings to herself quite well lately."

"what?"

Upon hearing what Haruno Sawayama said, Yui Ayano objected.

"Maybe she doesn't have anything on her mind at all. It's just that you're overthinking it, brother. After all, that's just Maki's personality. Her mood can be good or bad all the time, and being pregnant can easily cause emotional fluctuations."

What Ayano Yui said was true; in fact, this was exactly what Sawayama Haruno was worried about.

Back in Osaka, his mother had given him a lot of advice about this matter. Fortunately, Miyazawa Maki's personality didn't become as awkward as before, which made Sawayama Haruno feel relieved.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that Maki Miyazawa's personality has become increasingly better; sometimes she's even so gentle that it's hard to believe that marriage has really changed her so much.

"I don't think she'd be angry about the number of people taking photos. If she were really angry, she wouldn't be living with us in our new house, would she?"

Ayano Yui paused for a moment and added, "I think you're overthinking it, brother. Maybe if you work less and spend more time with her, things will be fine."

"I hope so," Haruno Sawayama replied casually.

He actually had this idea too, but there were just as many things to deal with in January, which made him quite tired. He had also promised Morikawa Riho that he would finish and submit his second novel before February.

There are only two months left, which seems quite tight. After all, we haven't even completed a third of the work, not to mention that we still have to go out to take wedding photos. Thinking about it, the schedule is so busy that it's giving me a headache.

Lost in thought, the next station arrived quickly.

It seemed that the two had finally ushered in a turning point. The morning rush hour had gradually subsided, and the number of people in the station had decreased significantly compared to the one they had just bypassed.

Haruno Sawayama and Yui Ayano seized the opportunity to board a train and successfully found two adjacent seats. By the time they arrived back in the familiar Shinjuku, the suffocating crowds were long gone.

Sawayama Haruno lived in Shinjuku for about four years. Although he moved once during that time, his actual living area did not change much because the two addresses were close to each other.

However, things were clearly different after moving to the port area this time, so when Sawayama Haruno returned to the familiar Shinjuku, he couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

There are also many places here filled with his memories of the Miyazawa twins, such as the Lawson convenience store not far from the station. If it weren't for this Lawson, he doesn't know where he would be now.

Sawayama Haruno shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Ayano Yui, on the other hand, focused her attention on the bakery across the street. She had breakfast there with Sawayama Haruno when she first came to Tokyo. Well, it didn't seem like that was a long time ago, and she didn't feel like she missed it.

Moreover, compared to Haruno Sawayama, she will continue to stay in Shinjuku for quite some time. After all, her original apartment still has about six months left in her shared lease, and she plans to use it as her second studio until then, so she will keep coming back.

"Then I'll go back to my room to pack my things. You need to get the drawing paper and paints, right?"

Noticing that the two were getting closer to the apartment, Haruno Sawayama casually told Yui Ayano something.

His main purpose was to get cat food for Salmon Ball, some cat treats, and some personal items, while Ayano Yui's purpose was to pack up her academic belongings.

Although she used the apartment as a second art studio, it didn't mean that Ayano Yuima wouldn't bring anything back to the other home. It's always good to be prepared.

After confirming their respective purposes, Haruno Sawayama quickly followed Yui Ayano upstairs. Once they reached their respective floors, the two temporarily separated. Haruno Sawayama took out her key and opened the door to her home, which she hadn't been back to for some time.

In just three or four days, the apartment seemed to have accumulated a lot of dust.

Looking at the familiar scene inside, Sawayama Haruno stood there, somewhat stunned.

It's perfectly normal to feel a sense of unfamiliarity after spending more than a week in Canada, especially since Sawayama Haruno had spent two weeks in his hometown of Osaka before that.

In the past month or so, Sawayama Haruno had hardly ever stayed in the apartment for more than five consecutive days, so when he returned, he couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity mixed with strangeness.

"So, I guess I'm still a nostalgic person after all?"

Sawayama Haruno placed the key on the counter next to the entrance hall, glanced at the neatly arranged slippers on the floor, pursed his lips, and then took off the slippers.

When she got back, she realized that she didn't have as much stuff to pack as she had imagined. After stuffing all the food and toys that the salmon balls needed into her bag, Sawayama Haruno started to wonder what she should bring back.

First of all, there are the holiday gifts that the women gave him. Needless to say, Zeshan Chunye will definitely take them back to his new home and keep them safe.

He had always kept it at the bottom of his bedside table. Miyazawa Maki knew this, but because these things had special meaning to Sawayama Haruno, she didn't want to take them away on her own. So she left them for Sawayama Haruno to pack up when he came back.

Actually, there weren't many things—a fountain pen, glasses, and a watch—each of which represented incredibly precious memories of the past year for Haruno Sawayama.

After packing everything up, looking at the apartment room that was no longer bustling with activity, Haruno Sawayama suddenly smiled.

"One can't stay in one place forever, and neither can I. It's about time to set off," he muttered to himself.

The things have been packed up, but Ayano Yui next door will probably dawdle a bit more. It's okay, I can just go over and help her out.

Although this apartment left many indelible impressions on me, the most important thing is the people around me. Rather than reminiscing, Sawayama Haruno is more looking forward to a new life in the future.

Chapter 382 Esaki Suguha's New Ride

“The next station is SHIBUYA”

As the train's announcement rang out, Suguha Ezaki snapped out of her daze a little.

She patiently waited for the flow of people in front of her to rush out first, and then seized the moment before the passengers outside boarded, quickly and nimbly circling around them.

Successful.

When did she develop such a skill? Although taking the train is a necessary part of life for most people in Japan, Suguha Ezaki, who comes from a wealthy family, has actually never experienced riding the train much.

After she severed all ties with that family, the tram seemed to become one of her daily modes of transportation.

Don't misunderstand, Suguha Ezaki didn't think taking the train was a bad thing. It's just that the changes she'd undergone in the past few months were so significant that even she herself hadn't imagined it. Is this what love really is?

“People become less and less like themselves, but they never feel bored,” Suguha Ezaki said softly.

As the escalator ascended, the bright sunlight outside the station shone through to the exit. Suguha Ezaki, carrying her small suitcase, looked around after coming out. When she found her target, a gentle smile unconsciously bloomed on her face.

"Suguha, over here."

The other person waved to Suguha Ezaki.

Ayano Yui stood beside him, and after exchanging glances with Esaki Suguha, she clearly made a face. Was this her special welcoming gesture?

"Haruno, Xiaowei."

As she got closer, Suguha Ezaki's smile gradually faded.

It was nearing noon, and the station was starting to get crowded again. She felt a little uncomfortable being so close to Sawayama Haruno in front of so many people.

But Ayano Yui obviously didn't have that concern. She was practically pressed against Sawayama Haruno's arm, and when she saw Ezaki Suguha coming over, she immediately said with a grin, "You're too slow, Suguha-nee. I'm starving."

"Sorry, I already have a restaurant reservation for lunch. As compensation, I'll treat you," Suguha Ezaki said in a very soft voice.

Upon receiving this signal, Ayano Yui's eyes lit up, and while Sawayama Haruno wasn't looking, she secretly made a fist-clenching gesture to cheer herself up.

Honestly, it's not necessary for just one meal. Besides, compared to the others who have savings from part-time jobs, Ayano Yui seems to be the one with empty pockets. Ezaki Suguha never intended for her to treat them.

Because art studies require a lot of money, even with the strong support of her family and the private subsidies from Haruno Sawayama, Ayano Yui still couldn't have enough money to pursue her artistic dreams.

Ayano Yui spent most of her money on drawing paper and paints, while Ezaki Suguha, who had basically passed the university entrance exam, naturally had no more money to spend, especially since she received "financial assistance" from Ezaki Naoto this time when she returned home.

That was an extremely large sum of money, far exceeding the expenses a normal person would need for four years of university. Naoto Ezaki claimed that he was helping Suguha Ezaki with her future studies, but in reality, he gave far more than that.

In short, Suguha Ezaki won't need to worry about economic issues for a long time to come. Besides, with Haruno Sawayama around, there shouldn't be any worries in the first place, right?

Thinking about this, Suguha Ezaki's thoughts became somewhat chaotic. She glanced at Haruno Sawayama, who was leading the way, and couldn't help but call out his name.

"Haruno."

"Ok?"

Sawayama Haruno, whose name was suddenly called, turned around somewhat blankly. "What's wrong, Suguha?"

"No, I just wanted to ask what kind of car you're planning to buy later?" Suguha Ezaki asked with a hint of curiosity.

Today is not just about going home. The reason why Suguha Ezaki made a special trip back to Shinjuku is actually to meet up with Haruno Sawayama and the others before going to the next place, which is the 4S car dealership.

Because of the move to the port area, the traffic conditions near his new home are not very good, so Haruno Sawayama had the idea of ​​buying a car as soon as possible. He happened to have some free time today, and since Naoya Ezaki was also coming back, he thought he would ask her to go to the car store together.

His original intention was to ask Esaki Suguha for advice, since in Sawayama Haruno's view, Esaki Suguha, who came from a prestigious family, should also know about high-end brands. However, he had clearly fallen into a misconception.

From childhood to adulthood, Suguha Ezaki has always ridden in high-end business sedans. She doesn't know much about car brands, and doesn't even have a clear idea of ​​how much the long sedan she rides in costs. Asking her to make a car recommendation is really a bit of a challenge.

"What kind of car do you want to buy? I don't know. I've just made an appointment at a Mercedes dealership that's not far from here. I haven't looked at any other cars yet."

Sawayama Haruno stroked his chin, saying uncertainly, "There's no rush, is there? I wasn't planning on only buying one car."

"Eh?"

Ayano Yui, who had been holding his arm and walking happily, was taken aback when she heard those words.

"Hey bro, wanna buy two?"

"Impossible, and there must be more than that, right?"

Sawayama Haruno glanced at her hand tightly gripping his sleeve and casually said, "Because I'm going to drive one myself, and then there's Suguha. Didn't Suguha get her driver's license recently?"

"I?"

Suguha Ezaki was somewhat surprised.

She had already taken her driving test when she went to Canada on a business trip to Sawayama Haruno, and she only returned to the Ezaki family home after she had finished the test.

Although she had successfully obtained her driver's license, she hadn't expected to buy a car so soon, let alone that Sawayama Haruno was planning to give her one for free.