Chapter 156: Party Preparations

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Translator: Soafp

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The day after receiving the invitation from the Shiki family, Ginji and Sora met at the station early in the morning. Ginji carried only a shoulder bag, while Sora brought the same trunk case they had used for their beach date.

“Just to double-check—where exactly are we headed from here?”

“…Kyoto. I already booked the bullet train tickets.”

“Seriously? I didn't bring any clothes like they asked.”

“We'll figure it out on the way. Ugh, I was supposed to be working on my art festival piece yesterday, sorting out parts and everything… Sorry, Ginji.”

Because of the sudden trip, Sora had to prepare in a hurry, and the two of them fell behind on their work by about two days.

Seeing Sora sulking and radiating gloomy energy to avoid meeting the Shiki family, Ginji placed a hand on their shoulder.

“Don't worry about it. Things suck less when you face them together. It was the same with student council work, right? As for the parts, I did the prep so they're ready for welding. I stopped the factory folks from helping out, too.”

“It's our project after all. Yeah… since I get to go out with you, I'll just change my mindset and enjoy it.”

“That's the spirit.”

They got on the train, transferred, and rode the bullet train for a few hours to Kyoto. Ginji, after eating a bento, fell fast asleep. Beside him, Sora tapped on their tablet. When they arrived, Sora guided the disoriented Ginji through the station like a local.

“Summer break sure brings out the crowds. I've never seen this many foreigners.”

“First time in Kyoto? I come here pretty often.”

“I came once, for an elementary school trip… Got scolded by Mom for buying a wooden sword.”

“Wait, people actually buy those…? Anyway, our ride is waiting at the Hachijo exit. Let's go.”

“Got it. I'll follow your lead.”

Waiting outside the rotary was a jet-black sedan. As the two approached, the driver got out and bowed.

“Thank you for waiting, Sora-sama.”

The elderly man had a calm demeanor and bowed his head deeply.

“Long time no see. Ginji, this is Kusanagi-san, the Shiki family’s chauffeur. Kusanagi-san, this is… m-my boyfriend, Ginji Momoi.”

“That the intro you’re going with? Uh, hi. I’m Ginji Momoi.”

Blushing, Sora introduced Ginji. Ginji guessed that Sora must know Kusanagi fairly well, since they weren't acting shy like usual.

“I've heard from Madam. Please, get in.”

Once they got in, the car glided smoothly onto the road. Inside, Sora pulled out the tablet again and showed Ginji.

“Once we get to the hotel, we'll change into formal wear and head to a party in one of the hotel's halls. I'll take care of your hair. The suit should be waiting since I arranged for a rental while we were on the train.”

“Uh, okay…”

Ginji blinked in surprise at the suddenly businesslike Sora.

“What's up?”

“Just… you’re so on top of this. Right, you used to be Shiki's assistant.”

“D-does that bother you?”

“No, I think it's impressive. Makes me want to step up too. I'll make sure to greet everyone properly—boyfriend-style.”

When Ginji smiled, Sora fidgeted shyly before resting their head on his shoulder.

“…I'm counting on you.”

“Leave it to me.”

Sora rubbed their head against him like a cat, but then made eye contact with Kusanagi through the rearview mirror. Even Ginji, who had let his guard down, flinched as they both pulled apart in sync like magnets repelling each other.

“A-ahem… What's that temple?”

“Uh, that one's… Nanzen-ji, I think?”

Trying to cover up awkwardly by pointing at a large temple gate, both of them pretended nothing had happened. Kusanagi remained expressionless as he drove, but Sora noticed a faint smile flicker across his face for just a moment. It was embarrassing, so they decided not to bring it up.

Ginji also realized his guard had dropped way too much lately. Maybe it was because of what happened last night. He thought about it, imagining Tetsuya hearing this and shaking his head silently. The atmosphere inside the car remained a little awkward, but the smooth driving soon brought them to their destination.

“They've prepared a dressing room for us, so let's go.”

“I feel like we haven't had a moment to enjoy Kyoto at all…”

Ginji was already tired from all the traveling, but Sora seemed completely unfazed.

“The dinner's only tonight. We'll stay at the hotel and go sightseeing tomorrow before heading home.”

“I'd love that, but I'm worried about our project. Leaving stuff half-finished doesn't sit right with me.”

“You're right. I'll book us on the last bullet train home tomorrow.”

They entered one of the hotel's dressing rooms, where their outfits had already been laid out.

“Okay, Ginji, sit in front of the mirror.”

“…Alright.”

Sora switched into assistant mode, fixing Ginji's hair and helping him into his suit with practiced hands. Once done, Sora stepped outside to change and put on makeup, then returned.

“Thanks for waiting. Yep, you really do look good, Ginji.”

Ginji, slouched on a bench looking tired, was now dressed in a refined single jacket. The size had been perfectly adjusted thanks to Sora's judgment. Sora wore a boyish pale-blue shirt dress cinched with a wide leather belt. Though it didn't show much skin, the fitted silhouette gave off a feminine vibe. Both wore outfits leaning more casual than formal.

“My collar feels stiff. You look great, but are you sure I look okay?”

“Definitely. You look better than me! Pulling off a suit at your age—very impressive, Ginji!”

“I'll take that as a compliment.”

He felt like they'd just called him old, but Sora genuinely seemed to love how he looked in a suit. Their eyes sparkled with admiration. As they talked, a voice called out from the side.

“Ara, you're wearing a dress now, Sora? Haven't seen that in a while.”

“Aika-chan…”

The speaker was Aika, dressed in a deep red straight dress with a jacket over it.

“…Yo, Shiki. You're looking well.”

Ginji stepped forward to stand between her and the now shrinking Sora. They locked eyes for several seconds.

“…Glad to see you're doing well too, Momoi-kun.”

“You too. Hazuki didn't come?”

“I didn't bring her all the way to Kyoto… Hmm. Didn't expect you to look good in a suit.”

“Sora picked it out.”

“Maybe I should have you escort me then?”

“You're joking. No thanks.”

“Don't you know how to play along with small talk?”

Aika stepped closer, gazing up from his shoes to his eyes—inevitably looking up since they were about the same height. Their stares clashed like sparks, full of hostility, until Sora hurriedly stepped between them.

“Aika-chan! Too close!”

Sora had been behind Ginji but now pulled his arm and clung to it possessively, as if saying he's mine.

“Whoa, Sora…”

Seeing Sora trying hard to glare at Aika, she clicked her tongue in annoyance.

“Tch… how cozy. Don't come near me at dinner, okay? I don't want to be lumped in with you two.”

Leaving those words behind, Aika turned and walked away. Ginji, still glaring at her back, didn't notice Sora holding tightly to his arm and whispering quietly.

“Escort…? With my Ginji…?”