Chapter 92: A Night of Melting Chocolate

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Translator: Soafp

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In the living room, where Youko had completely passed out from drinking, the girls leaned against cushions, still lingering in the aftermath of the earlier commotion.

Kagura sighed as she covered the collapsed Youko with a blanket.

“Honestly, Mom… she drinks happily and then just passes out at the end…”

“But she seemed to be having fun,” Marin smiled gently while brushing Youko’s hair aside.

“She was on a roll with her questions, asking ‘What do you like about Hajime-kun? What is it that's so charming about him?' She just kept going!”

Aoi sat down on a cushion and laughed, “And she started coming to her own conclusions as she asked.”

“Seriously, my mom is way too free-spirited…” Kagura shrugged her shoulders, and Miyabi gave a small chuckle.

“But somehow, I kind of get what Youko-san's feeling. When you talk about someone you like, you just can't stop. I get that feeling.”

“What do you mean?” Ranko asked with interest.

Miyabi rested her chin in her hand and stared off slightly. “I mean, whenever we all start talking about Hajime, we just can't stop, right? I think it's the same for Youko-san.”

Aoi laughed lightly, “True, when it comes to Sensei, I think I end up talking too much too.”

“Yep, exactly,” Miyabi smiled as she picked up her cup.

“Hey, hey, since we're all together, how about we talk about something we usually don't? Something we normally wouldn't share?”

Kagura glanced around, suggesting it.

“Like what?” Miyabi tilted her head.

Kagura grinned, “For example, about Hajime?”

At that, the air around them instantly turned sweet.

“I guess, in moments like this, it's only natural that we end up talking about… love,” Miyabi murmured a little shyly.

Aoi immediately teased, “Oh, it's rare for you to bring up love, Miyabi.”

“W-Well, is it a problem? Doesn't everyone want to talk about it?” Miyabi tried to defend herself.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Aoi gave a sly smile and lightly nudged Miyabi's shoulder.

“Okay, then, let's just ask, even though it's pretty obvious: does everyone like Hajime?”

There was a brief silence, but it wasn't a question that needed confirmation.

“…Yeah,” Miyabi mumbled, and Marin smiled, saying, “That's obvious.”

“Then let's ask directly. How does everyone want to be seen by Hajime? How would you want him to think of you?” Kagura asked.

Everyone paused for a moment to think.

“…What do you mean by that?” Miyabi asked, a little confused.

Marin smiled meaningfully. “For example, if you wanted him to see you as ‘someone special,' how would you want that to happen?”

“That's hard to answer,” Kagura chuckled teasingly.

“Because, let's be honest, everyone here has some kind of special feelings for Hajime,” she added, and no one could deny it.

“Well, yeah…” Miyabi murmured, and Ranko, still holding her cushion, said, “If we're going to talk about this, let's be more specific, okay?”

“Like, how does everyone want to be with Sensei? For me, being supported by him is a given,” Ranko said proudly.

Kagura rolled her eyes, “You never change, do you?”

“That's obvious. I'm going to be Hajime's bride,” Ranko added confidently.

At that, Miyabi quietly declared, “I want to be with him. I'm certain about that.”

“Oh, wow, you really went all in on that, huh?” Kagura grinned.

“Well, it's obvious. We all like Hajime, so of course, we're aiming for that,” Kagura added.

“Well, now that I've said it, there's no need to hide it. I'm voting for being his wife too,” Aoi casually raised her hand.

“I'm thinking about how I can have Hajime hug me every night. That's all I care about,” Marin said with a playful smile, as if it was the most natural thing.

“Marin, you really can be bold sometimes… but isn't it strange? Hajime can be a little cowardly and indecisive, right? And yet, he's loved by so many of us. You can't help but get drawn to him, and then you realize you've fallen for him… It's like he has this mysterious charm,” Marin trailed off thoughtfully.

“…True,” Ranko quietly nodded.

“He's weak, and scared, and seems a bit clueless about romance. He's kind of a heartbreaker in that sense,” she added.

“Exactly! He's way too shy! I'm always ready for him, though,” Kagura pouted.

Miyabi started to speak, but stopped herself, “R-ready…?”

Before she could finish, she fell silent, blushing slightly.

“Okay, next! If you were to go on a date with Hajime, where would you go?” Marin asked with a mischievous grin.

“Hmm…” Miyabi pondered.

“Maybe something simple like a movie theater? No, but Hajime doesn't really like crowded places…” she trailed off.

“A library date would suit him, don't you think?” Ranko said with a smile.

“Yeah, I get that. But honestly, isn't that more like just a study session? Well, if it's with Hajime, I guess I'm okay with that,” Miyabi shrugged.

“So basically, you're fine with anything as long as it's with him, right?” Aoi teased.

Miyabi flustered, “That's not it at all…”

“I'd like to go somewhere with a beautiful night view,” Kagura said casually.

“I'm curious about what kind of scenery Hajime would look at and what kind of words he'd say,” she added, her tone soft.

“…That sounds really romantic,” Marinn smiled, impressed.

Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere grew even sweeter.

“Hey…”

Suddenly, Aoi spoke up quietly.

“Who do you think Hajime actually likes…?”

At that question, everyone fell silent again.

“But at least, I'm sure the person who moves Hajime's heart the most is one of us here,” Marin said with a gentle smile.

“Well, who knows?”

“It's not necessarily just one person.”

“Hmm, maybe…”

“But, it's not impossible.”

As they thought about it, the memory of Youko's words lingered in their minds.

“That means…?”

“Who knows?”

“But the possibility is still there.”

As everyone wondered who the “special” person might be, the night quietly deepened.