Chapter 135: After the Date, and Tetsuya's Trials

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Translator: Soafp

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On the way home from their date, Ginji and Sora made it onto the last train just in time. With a sigh of relief, they collapsed into their seats.

“…We made it.”

“I didn't think we'd cut it this close… I'm exhausted…”

They had taken a taxi from the lighthouse, but traffic had thrown them way off schedule.

The train was nearly empty, just a few scattered passengers. As if waiting for them, the train began to move the moment they boarded. The two started chatting about the highlights of their date…

“The night sky was something else… whoa.”

When Ginji looked to his side, he saw that Sora had already dozed off, resting her head on his shoulder like a switch had flipped.

Her mouth was wide open—if she were awake, she'd probably be mortified—but her expression was one of pure peace and contentment.

“Well, no wonder. That was a full day… had a great time, Sora.”

“I did too…”

Ginji thought she might've woken up, but it seemed to be just sleep talk.

With a wry smile, he quietly watched her sleeping face, making sure not to disturb her. Sora didn't wake until just before they reached their stop.

“Mm… I'm fiiiine…”

“You're obviously not. No taxis around… Can you walk?”

“I can waaaalk…”

“There's no way. I'm walking you home.”

Ginji decided to leave his bike at the station and walk her home instead.

Sora, who could normally stay up all night without issue, was now barely able to stay upright—proof of just how much she'd truly enjoyed the day.

At one point, Ginji had to carry her on his back while dragging her wheeled suitcase with one hand. Her body radiated the warm weight unique to someone sleeping.

“We're here. Time to wake up.”

“I'm awake… I'm fine… Thanks…”

Still half-asleep, Sora unlocked her door.

“You sure you're okay?”

“Worried? Wanna stay over?”

Slurring like a drunk, she offered with a sleepy smile. Ginji placed a hand gently on her head.

“If you can still say that, then I think you'll be alright. See ya.”

But as he turned away, she grabbed his hand and pulled him close.

“One last kiss.”

“Geez… You could be this sweet all the time, you know.”

A soft kiss, barely a touch. Ginji reminded her several times to lock the door, then turned and left.

Just as he'd said, Sora locked up, tossed her swimsuit and clothes into the washing machine while rubbing her sleepy eyes, and took a quick shower.

Half-unconscious, she dried her hair and collapsed on the bed in her underwear.

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The Next Day – At the Momoi Household

Tetsuya sensed a gloomy aura radiating from the living room and cautiously asked Ginji,

“Uh… Aniki, what happened to Sora-senpai?”

“Leave her be.”

“Why am I always like this… So close, yet I always fumble at the finish line… It was going so well at the lighthouse…”

Sora was writhing in embarrassment on the living room floor.

Overwhelmed by the shame of what she did while half-asleep, she had sprinted to the Momoi house first thing in the morning.

Ginji set down a glass of barley tea in front of her.

“Well, I thought it was cute.”

“Because of you, I'm turning into a useless human… a useless, useless wreck…”

“Gununu! Now you know how I usually feel.”

“Grr… I'll redeem myself!”

Sora shot up and downed her tea in one go, then pulled out a laptop from her bag.

“Huh? What's that?”

“An idea for the art festival came to me during our date. So I figured we could finish up the CAD file for the metal sculpture. It's mostly done—just needs a few tweaks.”

“Quick work, as always… Let me see.”

On the screen were design files laid out in a pattern that transitioned from circles into heart shapes.

“You're going to weld these together?”

“Yeah, like the bubbles we saw rising in the sea—it spirals from circles into hearts.”

“I'm worried about the connection points, especially at the top where the hearts link to each other.”

“I'll layer the shapes to increase the bonding areas. Should we add a support column?”

“Yeah, better to have one. I can't guarantee it'll be stable without support. Any design issues?”

“Nope. I planned to include one anyway. Actually, I've got an idea: we can shape the support like a lighthouse and I'll paint the details on by hand.”

“Huh. I like it.”

As they reviewed sketches and CAD files, Tetsuya placed some sliced yōkan (sweet red bean jelly) on the table and glanced at the design.

It showed metal plates shaped like bubbles turning into hearts, floating along a lighthouse-shaped support.

“So… what's the motif?”

Tetsuya immediately regretted the question. Sora's eyes sparkled as she proudly held up the sketch.

“Tetsu-kun! I'm so glad you asked! This piece is inspired by how I felt when I fell in love with Ginji!”

“…”

“Like bubbles rising in the ocean, my feelings were overflowing. And the lighthouse? It's a symbol. Ginji helped me shape those feelings. That's why they turn into hearts!”

“…You're really laying it on thick… but it's good, right?”

Tetsuya swallowed back whatever he was going to say and just nodded.

“Yeah… I think it's really good. By the way, Bro, about the summer cleaning volunteer thing—here's the schedule. You don't have to come if you're busy…”

Realizing any further conversation about the sculpture might turn dangerous, Tetsuya changed the subject.

“Don't be dumb. Of course I'm going. Gotta take these things seriously.”

“What's that?”

Ginji took the printed schedule from Tetsuya and unfolded it.

It listed dates for school cleanup during summer break, apparently scheduled for the weekend.

“It's a volunteer cleanup for my old middle school. I can bring someone along, if you're up for it.”

“Really? I'd love to!”

“The more, the better. Let's rack up some brownie points for my adorable little bro's school record!”

“Darn right we will!”

“…Just act normal, please. I'm heading to school. Good luck with the project.”

Tetsuya made his escape and headed off to school.

When he arrived, he headed straight for the library, but before he could reach it, a buzz-cut student in a stained uniform spotted him and ran over.

“Yo, Tetsu! Did you give the printout to Ginji-senpai?”

“You mean the cleanup thing? Yeah, he said he's coming this year too. …You're still in uniform?”

“Helping out with the younger team ahead of round two. Nice! Everyone's gonna be pumped!”

“Apparently, he's bringing his girlfriend too, so you might not get much one-on-one time—”

The buzz-cut kid's jaw dropped. Tetsuya instantly regretted saying it.

“Wait… what did you just say?”

“…He's bringing his girlfriend.”

“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?! EVERYONE! GATHER UP!! THIS IS BIG!! FORGET PRACTICE—THIS IS A FREAKING EMERGENCY!!”

A few minutes later, a group of students in sports uniforms surrounded him, buzzing with excitement.

Tetsuya could only stare up at the sky and let out a long, weary sigh.