On this day, Haru received quite a lot of chocolate. Of course, the photography club mbers were included, but even so of his admirers at school boldly expressed their feelings.
Apart from a few familiar classmates, Haru politely refused all the other "obligatory" chocolates.
Though a bit cold, the thod worked perfectly. By the afternoon, word of his repeated refusals had spread through the school, and no other girls ca to him after that.
After school, Haru stayed in the clubroom to review Utaha's filming plan. Outside the door, a "monster spawn point" imdiately triggered—a familiar NPC appeared: Hiratsuka Shizuka.
She greeted everyone with a warm, elder-like smile and briefly asked how their day had gone.
Beyond that, she said nothing more, and Haru's group tacitly avoided bringing up the earlier yoga incident.
Everyone knew by now: Shizuka wasn't getting any younger, and a single woman at her age—especially one who hoped to get married—would naturally feel awkward on Valentine's Day.
When it ca ti to go ho, Utaha and gumi both left separately, though Utaha said she would return by seven in the evening.
Yukino didn't comnt. In her mind, she was already accustod to this "three-player dynamic."
Even soone as composed as Yukino could be affected by habit. Habit is a subtle but formidable force.
Haru was originally accompanying Yukino to the supermarket when his phone suddenly rang.
It was Utaha. Haru answered casually, and imdiately noticed the girl's nervous tone.
"Can you co to my house now?" she asked, her voice slightly lowered.
"What's wrong?" Haru asked, sensing sothing off.
Yukino, picking out tomatoes nearby, paused and looked at him curiously.
Utaha's voice carried a hint of a headache: "Because it's Valentine's Day, I told my mother I'd be at a friend's place around seven to discuss filming plans. She imdiately brought you up."
"So… she's not letting you go?" Haru's mind raced.
"Sothing like that," Utaha sighed. "If I don't tell the truth, she won't let leave."
"Then just tell her honestly. You're going to discuss the filming plan with Yukino anyway."
"I planned to, but my mom is convinced I'm going on a date with you. She thinks girls only go out on Valentine's to et boys."
Utaha sighed again, troubled. "And she's been trying to figure out our relationship all along."
"I'll co over right away," Haru said.
"Really?" Utaha's tone was a mix of anxiety and delight.
"If you're having trouble there, I'd better help. Otherwise, I might never get to see Bunny-senpai again," Haru joked quietly.
There was a brief pause on the other end. Then her sweet, slightly coquettish voice replied: "I'll wear it for you tonight, okay?"
"That can wait. Let's solve the problem first."
"Okay, thank you."
After hanging up, Haru explained the situation to Yukino. He had originally intended to bring her along.
On one hand, Yukino's calm deanor would be useful; on the other, her presence might prevent Utaha's mother from being too intimidating.
Yet Yukino analyzed the situation: "I suggest you go alone. If I co, senpai might reveal a crack in her defense."
Haru blinked: "Her composure is pretty good."
Yukino's face remained calm. "Yes, but she knows you well. If I'm there, and your mother targets to probe for information, your friend might get nervous."
Haru had no argunt. That woman had been extrely perceptive before; if he hadn't stayed calm last ti, things would have gone badly.
He understood the strategy: direct distractions and subtle misdirection.
Realizing this, Haru said to Yukino, slightly embarrassed: "Sorry, I'll be back soon."
"Mm," she replied.
Once Haru left, Yukino sighed quietly while pinching a tomato in her hand.
I actually let Haru go on his own to help Senpai…
Her eyes flickered with a subtle change; even she felt herself shifting.
_ _ _ _ _
When Haru arrived at the Kasumigaoka residence, it wasn't Utaha who answered, but Mrs. Kasumigaoka, in casual howear.
She smiled warmly at Haru: "Welco, Amamiya-san. Utaha said you were coming over for dinner. I thought she was joking."
Haru handed over the bag he brought: "I hope it's not rude of to drop by unannounced… I just bought so tea and fruit on the way, sorry."
"You're too polite. Co in, I'll make so tea for you."
"Thank you."
Haru removed his shoes and followed her into the living room, spotting the black-haired girl sitting on the sofa.
She sat perfectly straight, like she was discussing sothing serious with Yukino. When Haru entered, she turned to greet him.
She's really acting well, Haru thought.
His [Perception] skill was fully active. Mrs. Kasumigaoka, appearing to make tea, was actually quietly observing the two of them—every detail registered.
Ti to start the real performance.
Haru assud a serious expression: "Senpai, how's the filming plan going? I saw you discussing it with Yukino earlier—progress should be fast, right?"
Mrs. Kasumigaoka imdiately perked up.
Utaha cooperated perfectly: "Almost ready. But I'm still a little nervous; this is my first short film, and everything is starting from scratch."
Haru nodded. "Don't worry. This ti, the filming will go smoothly. I've read your script many tis—it's definitely high quality…"
As if rembering sothing, he glanced at Mrs. Kasumigaoka: "By the way, ma'am, you must have read it already, right? Senpai's script is excellent."
"Eh? I haven't read it," she replied instinctively.
Haru looked surprised: "You haven't? Even Hiratsuka-sensei praised it highly."
"Really?" Mrs. Kasumigaoka's expression shifted.
Haru smoothly continued, directing all attention to the script and Utaha's achievents, subtly distracting her mother.
Then he asked, casually: "By the way, is it just you and Utaha at ho today? Is your husband not back yet?"
"He hasn't returned from work."
"That must be exhausting. I can't imagine working overti like that in the future."
"Everyone goes through it. But don't worry—you're a very capable boy. Maybe a few years in society and you'll be a successful TV producer."
Haru laughed: "If that's the case, I'll believe it. And if I fail to beco successful, I'll co complain to you personally."
Mrs. Kasumigaoka smiled faintly, suddenly realizing: Is this boy deliberately distracting ?
With his [perception] fully active, Haru noted her subtle shift in focus, maintaining a friendly smile: "May I ask when dinner will be ready? I'm a bit hungry."
"Ah, sorry! I'll start cooking right away. You can have a snack first if you're very hungry," she said, offering so sweets. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel⸺fire
As she moved toward the kitchen, she sighed lightly.
Completely controlled!
A series of questions and casual conversation left her no opportunity to probe him. Haru, as the guest, had arrived politely, brought a gift, and expressed hunger. As hostess, she had no choice but to leave the room.
Behind her, Haru subtly gave Utaha a reassuring look: The situation is under control.
The girl responded with a sweet, slightly coquettish smile. She wanted to shake her head at him teasingly—if only she had her bunny ears on.
~~~~~~~~~~
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