The trope of a hero saving a beauty, though old-fashioned, but for unfamiliar members of the opposite sex, it is indeed one of the fastest ways to close the distance.
Especially when the man is good-looking, the effect is extraordinary.
"So…", Soyo slightly raised the corners of her lips, "Whether it's ten million, twenty million, or even more."
"As long as it's a request from you, Kaito-kun, I'm willing to do anything."
The wind stirred across the four seas, under the flowing moonlight, her azure pupils resembled fireflies glimmering at midnight.
Soyo didn't take advantage of the victory to press forward.
She had spent too little time with Kaito, and the favor she had built up was not enough.
Pursuing the boy she liked was a long and meticulous endeavor that required patience.
Soyo still remembered her friends once seriously saying: a confession is the triumph song after victory, not the horn of charge.
Without being fully prepared, rashly confessing would only make the relationship slide into worse territory. If it failed, they might not even remain friends.
So she very naturally passed over that topic, then used the excuse that it was too late to invite Kaito to stay overnight.
"There's no need to stay overnight."
After all, he had already made plans with Yumiko and the others to travel to Hoori Town during Golden Week.
And tomorrow was the first of May, the start of the Golden Week holiday.
Even though the invitation was tactfully declined, Soyo wasn't discouraged. She simply bit her lip gently and said with a slightly troubled expression, "But, I really want to find a time to repay Kaito-kun's kindness. At the very least… let me treat you to a meal?"
"But I just ate the dinner you made earlier."
"That's different."
Soyo gently shook her head, "That was due to an invitation from Mom, not my own repayment."
Kaito thought for a moment, then didn't refuse again, and just honestly said, "Recently, I might not have much free time."
Soyo didn't press the issue, cupped her hands at her chest, and said with a gentle smile, "As long as you give me a chance to repay you, it's enough. Even if I have to wait a few more days, it's no problem."
"Then let's set it for May 6th."
Kaito's travel plan was five days and four nights. After all, Hoori Town wasn't very big; just a simple stroll was enough. Departing on May 1st and leaving on May 5th would still leave a few days of vacation left for free use.
"Then… pinky promise?", Soyo extended a slender pinky finger, playfully hooking it, "It's not that I don't trust Kaito-kun, it's just for the sense of ritual, sense of ritual~"
The pinky-promise that "breaking it means hanging for a hundred years," may seem childish to elementary schoolers, but to a female college student, it was just right.
Kaito didn't think much about it either and likewise extended his finger to hook with hers. The two pinky fingers intertwined like entangled spirit snakes, thumbs pressed together like a seal, signaling that the promise had been made.
Soyo's pretty face slightly reddened.
The last time she was possessed by Mizusaki, she had more intimate contact with Kaito, interlocking ten fingers like a couple.
But that kind of experience didn't last long. The two separated quickly, leaving the girl quite disappointed.
All this time, Soyo had been constantly reminiscing about that enchanting warmth.
Now, it finally felt like she had recovered what was lost.
Even if it was just a simple skin-to-skin contact again, it was like parched earth welcoming a rainbow, a thirsty traveler finding an oasis, every cell in her body radiated joy, craving more.
"Pinky promise, one hundred years, no change~"
The girl used great willpower to suppress the impulse within, her voice sweet and clear like the gentle March wind.
———
[The Next Day, Early Morning]
Hoori Town was about two hundred kilometers from Tokyo. If a high-speed rail were available, the distance would be no big deal.
Unfortunately, the town played the charm of an old-time aesthetic. People's lifestyles remained traditional, like a Peach Blossom Spring detached from the world. Most residents still lived a simple life of returning home at sunset.
Plus, traveling while enjoying the scenery along the way was a form of entertainment, so the final transportation method was decided to be a bus.
There were still thirty minutes before the appointed time, but many people had already arrived at the gathering place.
Even when traveling, Bocchi still wore her pink tracksuit, together with Nijika, who carried many bags, and Kita, who had changed into a blue dress and looked like a proper lady.
And then there was Miura Yumiko, who was clearly dressed up and looked radiant.
Compared to these girls who arrived early, Kaito was actually the last to show up.
But no one minded such a small thing. Sleepy-headed Nijika and Ryo, who was secretly yawning, all perked up upon seeing the handsome boy who looked like he came straight from a painting.
"Kaito-kun, Ciallo～(∠・ω＜ )⌒☆", The most energetic Kita greeted him first. Thanks to the dress change, her ladylike vibe was gone, and she instead seemed like a lively sunshine girl.
"Good morning," Kaito nodded to her, feeling a bit strange inside, 'Ciallo? Is this kind of greeting used in Japanese?'
"Hehe," The considerate, socially adept Kita explained warmly, drawing a subconscious retort from Nijika, "Seriously? Why have I never heard anyone say that before?"
"Well then, the answer is already obvious."
Beside her, Ryo solemnly said, "Nijika, you're actually a young boy, aren't you!"
Smack!
'Ryo, every time I want to give you a shred of respect, you open your mouth.'
Nijika angrily pulled her fist back, noticing the others' eyes drawn by the commotion. She awkwardly put her hands behind her back, "Sorry, that was rude of me…"
Should've noted this debt and secretly taught Ryo a lesson once they checked into the inn tonight.
'Ugh… what if Kaito-kun misunderstands me as a violent girl?'
[T/N: I am not using Kurumizaka anymore, will just use kaito everywhere]
Kaito didn't think much of it. In fact, he found it quite amusing.
Watching youthful girls bicker felt like listening to a comedy skit.
Not saying much more about that, he turned his eyes toward Bocchi, the little social-phobic girl with pale skin, making her dark circles even more noticeable.
Seeing her constantly yawning with eyes she could barely open…
'Did she not sleep at all last night?'
"Bocchi, didn't get enough rest?"
"Ah!", Bocchi jolted, the little social-phobe stood at attention, "I-I-I… I'm fine! Please don't worry, Kaito-kun!"
'You really don't look fine right now, it feels like a gust of wind can blow you over.'
'Could it be that, because it is her first time traveling with friends, she got too excited and ended up tossing and turning all night?'
Kaito figured that was probably the most likely reason.
And indeed it was. For Bocchi, who usually could only swap lunchboxes with her teacher, going on a long-distance trip with friends, just thinking about it kept her too nervous to sleep.
Barely enduring until the early morning, she finally got a little sleepy, but before long, it was already time to get up.
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