Finally, hand in hand, the two of them left the spot with feigned affection, amidst the approving gazes and applause from the surrounding crowd.
"Are they misunderstanding something?" Yuu whispered in her ear.
"Mhm… Maybe they thought you were proposing? A romantic tale of a poor young man who couldn't afford a wedding ring, so he used a bracelet as a token of his heart."
Resting her head on his shoulder, Haruno analyzed carefully.
Her fingers unconsciously brushed the beads on her wrist, the corners of her full lips constantly curving upward: "Too bad Yuu-chan lacks a romantic soul~ Why didn't you just propose earlier? Such a pity."
It wasn't clear what she was regretting.
"You're in such a rush to get married?" Yuu rolled his eyes helplessly. "It's too early for a college student and a high schooler to talk about this—it's not some drama about a thirty-something voice actress desperate to wed."
Feeling exasperated, Haruno sighed: "What can I do? My mom wants grandchildren soon. She says it's best to have two, a boy and a girl, with the one inheriting the wealth taking my last name."
The corner of Yuu's mouth twitched slightly: "You've thought that far ahead… Your mom's even more impatient than you."
"Right, right, that woman's awful!" Haruno nodded repeatedly, her expression serious as if it were a grave matter. "Don't let her gentle, elegant yamato nadeshiko demeanor fool you—her personality's actually terrible… I'll give you some examples."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Hachoo!"
Having just set down her teacup, Saori, far away at home, couldn't help but sneeze.
She lightly covered her refined nose, her brows slightly furrowed, looking left and right in confusion.
"Weird, is someone talking bad about me?"
Though the notion was a bit superstitious, there was no reason for her to sneeze out of nowhere…
"Mother, isn't Sister eating dinner tonight? Where'd she go?"
Having spent the afternoon reading, Yukino, the younger daughter, now came downstairs, asking curiously.
A glint flashed in her eyes, and Saori instantly forgot about the sneeze, turning to Yukino with a smile:
"You're asking about Haruno?"
Yukino blinked, tilting her head in confusion: "Who else? I only have one sister."
"True enough." Gracefully lifting her teacup, Saori nodded in response. "As for Haruno, she's out on a date with your brother-in-law. Not sure if she'll be back tonight."
"I see… Hm?!"
Realizing what was said, Yukino, usually calm and composed, widened her eyes, her small mouth slightly agape.
"Bro-brother-in-law? Who? No, when did she get married?!"
"Ask Haruno yourself—I don't know the details."
With a light, irresponsible laugh, Saori sipped her tea, feeling thoroughly relaxed physically and mentally.
(Ah, it's rare to see Yukino's composed facade crumble—so delightful~)
Thanks to her daughter's "nourishment," Saori felt a few years younger today.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Disneyland's food street was filled with a medley of aromas.
Decorative lights lined the path, streetlamps cast a warm yellow glow, mouse-shaped lanterns were everywhere, and a large panda statue stood at the street's end, arms outstretched as if greeting visitors.
After ranting about her mother, Haruno suddenly glanced at her phone, thought for a moment, then a satisfied smile slowly curved her lips.
"Let's take a picture!"
Saying that, she pulled Yuu along again.
They asked someone to take their photo. The two posed in front of the giant panda, in a very natural, couple-like stance—
She clamped Yuu's arm between her "towering peaks," stood on her tiptoes, lips pressed to his cheek, her eyes narrowing into crescent moons as she looked at the camera.
The sweet, intimate atmosphere could make anyone jealous, even through a photo.
"Alright, sent!"
Clicking her phone screen, Haruno grinned, her smile turning increasingly mischievous, as if two tiny horns sprouted from her head.
Yuu, taller than her, saw the chat history between his girlfriend and Yukino and knew Haruno had sent their photo.
Once the photo was read, the other side immediately called, but Haruno unhesitatingly rejected it, switched her phone to silent mode, and slipped it back into her bag.
"Okay, let's go! My appetite's huge—time to eat~"
Raising her hands in satisfaction, she hummed softly toward the food street.
Yuu dragged along by her, could only shake his head helplessly.
(I hope after she forgets me, she'll be a bit more forgiving toward you, Yukinoshita Yukino…)
They found a casual restaurant serving Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes. After queuing for ten minutes, they finally sat down and ordered.
"How about curry today?" Haruno suddenly suggested.
"Sure, how about two servings of 'Super Spicy Lethal 3000 Curry'?" Yuu, used to her thrill-seeking, picked the spiciest-looking curry and prepared to call the waiter.
But Haruno said: "Order just one. I'll take the spicy one, you get the mild."
"Huh? Why?" Yuu looked confused.
Haruno didn't explain, directly calling the waiter. After ordering, she smiled meaningfully at him: "You'll find out soon enough."
Soon, two plates of curry were served.
Haruno handed him the mild one, while she scooped a bite of the fiery red super spicy curry, eagerly opening her small mouth and shoving it in.
"Ugh!"
When the tongue-scorching curry sauce and hot rice hit her mouth, she couldn't help but let out a soft moan. Her fair, beautiful face flushed, her breathing quickened, her eyes narrowed slightly, and her lips pursed in distress.
Though her lips and tongue were tortured, she refused to spit out the curry rice. Covering her mouth with her hand, she struggled to chew, occasionally letting out soft, pained yet relieved moans.
This scene was too good to miss for even a second. Yuu immediately set down his spoon, focusing on watching her eat.
After a long while, she finally swallowed that bite of curry rice. As if she'd just done an hour of intense exercise, her forehead glistened with sweat, and she panted heavily.
"It's… really lethal. Truly lives up to the name 'Super Spicy Lethal 3000 Curry.'"
Grabbing the warm tea beside her and gulping several sips, Haruno opened her small mouth to cool it down.
"Too spicy—here, you take it." Fanning her swollen, tempting lips, she swapped their curries, her smile sly like a white fox in the snow.
Yuu only then realized her intent: "Another trick like at the sports center?"
"The spicDynamics were way beyond my expectations, but it's not just that."
"What do you mean?"
"Ahem."
Haruno suddenly cleared her throat, leaned forward with her hands on the table, and, along with a view of her cleavage, blew a hot, curry-scented breath into his ear.
Pressing her lips together, she whispered:
"My body can't handle spicy food today, nor cold water, let alone intense exercise… Such a pity."
Yuu's expression froze, and he fell silent.
"Yehehe~"
Haruno giggled softly, then sat back, calmly and boldly observing his expression, as if wanting to see him blush.
But her cheeks flushed red and felt hot, whether from the spice or embarrassment.
Yuu rubbed his nose, hesitating to speak, then gave up and sighed:
"Let's eat."