Using a simple excuse, Haruto went alone to his newly purchased house. He changed the locks, replaced some of the furniture, and bought a few daily necessities enough that one could live there comfortably.
"The only problem is that it's a bit far from where I usually stay. I probably won't come here often, so for the most part it'll just sit empty."
He walked up to the third-floor rooftop and gazed at the surrounding environment. From here, he could overlook the buildings and pedestrians in nearby Bunkyō's Ochanomizu district, he could even glimpse a corner of Ochanomizu Women's University.
"I've bought it, but for now… I don't really know what use it serves."
Turning back inside, he entered the bedroom. The refined yet cozy interior caught his eye. He sat down on the bed, then leaned back into the soft, springy mattress. As his body sank into the branded bed set and famous duvet he had spent dearly on, warmth spread through him immediately.
"Haah..."
Opening his eyes again, he stared at the ceiling above and began thinking seriously about how this place should be used.
Should I just have Yuka move in here?
But that felt unnecessary. Yuka was already comfortable in her current apartment, and she had just paid three months of rent. A sudden move would mean wasted money, and besides, there were other complications.
"Forget it. I'll just leave this place empty for now. If I've got nothing better to do, I can always stop by and wander around."
Haruto rose from the bed, glanced back once at the mattress behind him, then left the bedroom. After locking the door, he headed in the direction of the station.
Compared to his apartment in Koishikawa, this new place in Kōrakujii was much closer to both the subway and train stations. Public transport was far more convenient. Out of the 150 million yen he had spent on the house, he figured about thirty to forty million of it was tied purely to its prime location.
Near Kōrakujii Station, he passed a large glass display filled with posters and merchandise tied to Kodansha's movies and manga.
Directly across the street stood the headquarters of Kodansha the renowned publishing giant.
Haruto looked across at the imposing high-rise buildings, his eyes drawn to the enormous banners draped from above. They celebrated sales milestones: one series crossing one hundred million copies sold, another surpassing ten million.
"Manga, huh."
His feelings were complicated. Kodansha wasn't only about manga it also carried influence in the literary world, with several major literary prizes tied to the publisher.
"I'll think about it later."
There was no need to rush. Better to wait and judge when the time was right.
During the break, when most students would still be at home, Haruto found himself instead at Toyogasaki's campus. The security guard at the gate, recognizing him faintly, let him through after a quick check. Soon, Haruto was pushing open the door to the lab where Rio Futaba was working.
"School hasn't even started yet, and you're already this eager?"
She wore her usual white lab coat, but this time she'd layered up for the cold, and beneath her short skirt she had pulled on thick black tights.
"What did you come for?"
She gave Haruto a calm glance as he stepped inside.
"Nothing really. I was just bored at home and thought I'd stop by."
That casual, laid-back answer left Rio at a loss for words. Shaking her head, she quietly returned to jotting down her notes.
Haruto settled into a chair off to the side, resting his chin on one hand as he watched her work. Her absorbed expression, the steady movement of her hands, her long hair brushing against her cheek, the curve of her ear just barely visible... little by little, the restlessness inside him faded away.
When noon arrived, Rio finished tidying the lab, and the two left campus together. They ended up at a nearby sushi restaurant.
"I'm not really that interested in sushi,"
"Then why did you come in with me?"
She shot him a sidelong glance. For someone claiming indifference, he was polishing off plate after plate of sushi dipping them lightly in soy sauce before swallowing them whole, almost one bite at a time.
"Well, it's not like I hate it. It's just a little pricey.."
This was a higher-end conveyor-belt sushi spot. Even compared to ordinary sushi places, the prices were steep. The four plates stacked in front of Haruto alone already added up to over a thousand yen.
When it came time to leave, Rio reached for her wallet, but Haruto was quicker he slid a ten-thousand yen bill across the counter and settled the bill before she could react.
"I could've paid for myself..."
"Humor me. Let me indulge in a little vanity."
"..."
"Are your parents home today?" he asked as they stepped outside.
"They're resting at home."
"Then let me show you something."
With a faint smile, Haruto guided her toward the subway station. On the train ride to Kōrakujii, Futaba noticed the large Kodansha building near the exit and gave Haruto a questioning look.
"You're heading to the publisher?"
"No, not really. I don't have any official business with Kodansha yet... unless you count buying their magazines."
"Then where?"
He slipped her soft hand into the pocket of his jacket, holding it there as he led her down the street. After about ten minutes, they stopped in front of a residential block at the end of the street. Haruto took out a key and unlocked the front door.
Watching him, Rio's eyes widened in surprise.
She knew he had an apartment in Koishikawa that much he had told her.
"Wait... is this a new place you rented?"
"No. It's my house. I bought it. The whole building."
As the door closed behind them, Futaba stood frozen in silence.
She was still just a high school student, but she wasn't so naïve as to be oblivious to the world. In school, it was common to hear classmates boast about renting tiny apartments in Tokyo just to prove their independence.
But this...
In the heart of Bunkyō Ward, one of the most expensive districts in Tokyo, Haruto still only a first-year high school student had outright purchased an entire residence.
It was staggering.
Looking around the neatly furnished living room, Rio's feelings were a tangle of awe and disbelief.
"Make yourself comfortable. I don't come here very often, so I'll just boil some water first."
There was tea, coffee, even juice and soda in the cupboards, but no hot water yet. On a chilly day like this, cold drinks weren't ideal, while both tea and coffee needed boiling water.
Since Haruto rarely stayed in this house, he had to start with the basics boiling water before he could serve anything to Rio.
Standing in the living room, she slowly made her way into the dining area. Her eyes wandered over the interior furnishings before settling on Haruto, who was busy at the kitchen counter, waiting for the kettle to heat up.
"This place… is it really?"
"Hm? Yes. I bought it. Cost me about 150 million yen. It's a bit pricey, but the quality's worth it. I don't regret it."
Rio wanted to ask where he'd gotten the money to buy such a property, but the question felt too blunt, almost inappropriate. She stayed silent, simply taking in the surroundings while Haruto walked over.
"The water will take a bit. Want me to show you around while we wait?"
She nodded without complaint, following him upstairs.
The bathroom was a striking contrast of gray and black, with a pure white bathtub set like a jewel amid obsidian walls. The unique atmosphere made Rio linger near the tub, glancing at the lighting above. But true to her cautious nature, she didn't touch anything.
Haruto, watching her careful restraint, felt a faint twinge of disappointment he had half-expected something more impulsive.
They left the bathroom and moved into the bedroom. Though smaller than the rest of the house, it was cozy and warmly decorated. Standing beside Rio, Haruto caught the flicker of light in her eyes as she glanced at the bed.
"It's soft," he said lightly, patting the mattress. "Want to try?"
He sat on the edge and gave the spot next to him a gentle tap. Rio hesitated, then quietly sat down beside him.
That was enough for Haruto. He slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Slowly, he guided her down onto the bed with him…
The rest of the afternoon slipped away. Haruto was well-prepared; the neatly stacked boxes in his bedside drawer showed he had anticipated this. By the time Rio sat up again, looking tired, the sky outside had grown dark.
"It's already evening," she murmured.
"Stay the night," Haruto suggested softly. "We're not kids anymore you don't need to run home every evening."
"Do you want my parents to find out about us?"
"I don't really mind."
"I do."
Her voice was quiet but firm. Rio stood, tying up her long hair with practiced movements. Despite the air conditioning, she shivered slightly as she dressed.
Haruto leaned back against the headboard, watching her button her shirt. "Do you have time tomorrow?"
She glanced at him while biting down on her hair tie, then secured her hair neatly. "I do."
"Then come back tomorrow."
"You.....we'll talk about it later."
She didn't give a clear answer, but she didn't refuse either. Haruto dressed as well, accompanying her downstairs.
"I'll walk you home," he said.
She didn't object. The two left the house together, and Haruto locked the door behind him. They strolled in silence until they reached the street near her home.
"See you tomorrow, then."
"Mm."
They parted there, Haruto turning back toward his own apartment.
By seven o'clock, he was home again. After a shower, he had barely stretched out on his bed when the doorbell rang.
Opening the door, he found Sayu standing there.
"Do you wait for me every night?" Haruto asked with a small smile.
"I never know what you're doing during the day," she admitted softly. "So… evenings are all I have."
"Come in."
She stepped inside while Haruto sat on the edge of his bed.
"You look exhausted," Sayu observed.
"A little."
"Then let me help."
She climbed onto the bed behind him, her hands resting gently on his shoulders before beginning to massage.
The light pressure made Haruto close his eyes, tilting his head back.
"How's that?" she whispered near his ear.
"Not bad. Just… a little weak."
"Then I'll try harder."
Her strength increased, though never enough to hurt him. Compared to a professional, she lacked power, but her effort alone was comforting.
Eventually, her hands grew weaker, and Haruto leaned back, resting against her soft warmth. Opening his eyes, he found her gaze full of quiet tenderness.
He had to admit it did revive him a little.
The rest of the break passed much like this: Haruto spent most of his days at home, occasionally going out with Koharu or Rio to wander through interesting spots. Before long, the holidays were over, and the new semester arrived.
~~~~~~~~~~
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