Chapter 158: The Worrywart Girlfriend

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Translator: Soafp

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It was a strange atmosphere. At least, it was something Ginji had never experienced before.

The attendees were chatting as usual, and though a few were clearly looking in their direction, most weren't being blatant about it. Still, he felt an oppressive pressure, like the entire room was watching them.

Even as people acted engaged in conversation or food, their attention seemed locked onto Ginji and Sora.

Pretending not to care, while clearly unable to stop themselves from watching—that's what it felt like.

This unclear, omnidirectional attention made Ginji uncomfortable. He sighed inwardly, finally understanding why Sora became so shy around strangers.

Leona released Masaomi's arm and walked over. Her perfume, elegant with a hint of smokiness, wafted softly.

“That's a lovely dress. Adorable. Now, will you introduce me to the boyfriend beside you?”

Sora looked up at Ginji, and he stepped forward slightly, offering a polite bow.

“I'm Ginji Momoi. I've been dating Takagi-san since last month.”

“I'm so glad you could come, Sora. And you too, Momoi-kun. Leona was quite insistent on meeting you.”

Masaomi, cheerful and friendly, extended his hand, and Ginji shook it.

While Masaomi had a dignified appearance mixed with warmth, Leona gave off a completely different vibe—mysterious, sharp, and alluring in a way that made it hard to let your guard down. Ginji couldn't help but compare her to a leopard:

Beautiful, but not someone you want to get close to.

That was his honest impression. Though she resembled Aika in appearance, she was nothing like anyone he had ever met.

“…It's not a bad feeling, being admired by someone younger.”

“Ack—sorry! Ow—!”

He'd been staring. Not out of admiration, really, but just… staring.

A sharp kick to his heel from Sora brought him back, and when he glanced sideways, she was giving him a dead-eyed glare.

“Hahaha, it can't be helped. Leona is beautiful. But so is Sora. You've clearly matured into quite the young lady since I last saw you. Just like Aika—your futures are bright.”

“Yes, truly fitting of the Shiki family. And since we're all here, let's have a talk—with everyone. Let's gather at the upstairs restaurant after the party.”

“Good idea. So, for now, try not to eat too much, you two. I should tell Aika the same.”

“Uh, well, we were planning to head home tonight…”

“Sorry, we've got something we need to take care of…”

The two tried to decline, but Leona didn't back down.

“Even though we've prepared a suite for you? You're free to do as you please, of course—but you'll be tired from all the traveling. Sora, haven't I always told you?”

“…‘Those who go slowly go surely.' Not like you say it all the time, though.”

“Did I? I must've forgotten. Well, see you later then. Everyone, please take care of my niece. She's the daughter of Sousuke, so some of you may already be acquainted.”

“Yes, though my brother knows more about the ikebana world than I do. Still, Leona… well, never mind. I'm counting on you, Momoi-kun. See you later.”

Any rebuttal from Ginji or Sora was effortlessly brushed aside, the timing of the conversation masterful. With people already gathering around Leona and Masaomi, any further discussion was impossible.

Ginji and Sora exchanged looks.

“…Those two are impossible to pin down.”

“Yeah, talking to them is exhausting. I wonder if we'll make the last train…”

Sora popped a smoked salmon and cheese cracker into her mouth from a nearby table, then slumped against Ginji in utter fatigue. Just then, a guest approached them.

“Leona-san mentioned you’re her niece. Are you perhaps the daughter of Sousuke Takagi, the event producer?”

The man looked to be in his twenties, with a neat and refined appearance. Sora shrank behind Ginji and peeked out shyly.

“My father does that kind of work, yes… but I've left the Shiki family, so…”

“Oh no, I didn't mean in connection with the Shiki family. Your father's name comes up often regardless.
I had no idea he had a daughter! That exhibition he organized with multiple artists—it was spectacular.
…Um, is something wrong?”

The man leaned in excitedly, but Sora retreated completely behind Ginji.

“Sorry. She's really shy around strangers.”

“Ah, I see. My apologies, then. Would it be alright if I gave you my business card?”

“Excuse me—may I join the conversation?”

“I've always been interested as well…”

“Do you paint, like Aika-san?”

“We'd love to formally introduce ourselves—”

In an instant, they were surrounded.

At first, Sora tried her best to hang in there—but the moment the crowd swelled, fear overwhelmed her. She clung to Ginji and refused to come out from behind him.

Ginji gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“Sorry, folks. She's not feeling well. We'll be taking our leave!”

Raising his voice to carry over the chatter, he pushed through the crowd—perhaps a bit forcefully—and led Sora out of the hall. Once they had climbed a few flights of stairs and ensured there was no one around, Ginji sat Sora down on a lounge chair.

He bought a bottle of orange juice from a nearby vending machine and handed it to her.

“Here, drink this. You okay? Damn…”

Frowning deeply, Ginji stared at her. Sora looked back apologetically, shrinking her shoulders.

“S-sorry…”

“Hm? Nah, it's not your fault. That old lady totally knew this would happen and led people to us anyway.”

“She did?”

Slightly calmer, Sora sipped her juice with both hands and looked at Ginji.

“Think about it—she deliberately said those things while drawing attention, and it naturally led people to come to us.
She even brought up your dad.”

“I guess so…I didn't know my dad was that well-known.”

“You didn't?”

“When I search his name online, it only pops up now and then. I figured he was just lazing around while getting support from the Shiki family. …Not that I ever wanted to know more.”

As she spoke, she patted the empty seat beside her—an invitation. Ginji sat down, and Sora rested her head on his shoulder.

“Thanks. That was kind of scary. I'm bad at stuff like that. When I was working as Aika's assistant, no one ever said anything to me directly.”

“In that sense, I guess Aika really has a talent for dealing with people. I couldn't act like her, even if I tried.”

“But you still handled it way better than I could. If I were you, I'd have run away. …Oh yeah, Ginji, you were kind of staring at Leona-san…”

Perking up slightly, Sora rested her chin on Ginji's shoulder.

“I wasn't mesmerized or anything. I was just trying to figure her out—she's the kind of person you can't read at all.
Actually, that goes for everyone at that party. Their words didn't match their intentions. Gave me the creeps.”

“Most of them probably only think about themselves. That's the starting point for how they interact. Not that I really get it, though.”

“Even you don't?”

“I don't understand people. That's why robots are justice.”

“Hah… I think I finally get why you're shy around people.”

If it's something she can see, she understands it completely. But because human emotions are invisible, they're difficult—even painful—for her. With Sora's extraordinary memory and observation skills, the inability to grasp hidden feelings likely frustrated her more than most.

“Yeah. But even if I can't see them, there are things I want to believe in now.”

She placed her juice on the table and gently took Ginji's hand. Her hand was cool to the touch.

“Yeah…”

“But cheating is still unforgivable.”

“Where the hell did that come from?”

She lightly scratched the back of his hand with her fingertip.

“You're not allowed to escort anyone else to a party but me, okay?”

“That kind of opportunity won't come up again. Wait, are you still hung up on Shiki's teasing? She wasn't even serious.”

“I wonder… I couldn't see what she really meant, so it worries me. That's why—let me believe in you.”

She closed her eyes and lifted her chin.

“…Alright.”

After quickly checking that no one was around, Ginji kissed his overly cautious, deeply jealous—and utterly beloved—girlfriend.