Chapter Six Hundred Sixty-One: Puppy 🐕
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In the morning, warm sunlight scattered along the riverbank, where a skinny figure appeared especially small and light in the morning glow. The gentle breeze danced with the fragmented light, causing the tips of her hair to sparkle.
She simply threaded her way across the corridor with both hands. The sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on her body and highlighting her delicate features. She stood a few meters away, her gaze soft as it fell upon her side profile.
The slightly shaking lashes and calm details of her nose drew attention, yet she remained unaware of how enchanting she truly was. Unwilling to confront this aspect of herself, she didn’t realize that she was being watched to such an extent by those around her.
Feeling the tranquility of the lake, she thought about the matter at hand without needing to deliberate. That guy, Shin’ichi, looking foolishly at her, seemed completely oblivious. Yet, she couldn’t help but notice Kazumi’s beauty; it was enough to draw her gaze completely.
In truth, she was uncertain about her own feelings, not entirely understanding why she had allowed herself to let go before the confirmation of matters in the vehicle. While the journey ahead might pose a trial for a young boy, this encounter had already changed everything about him.
From a rational perspective, possessing the capability to confront oneself can lead to unwise decisions. Especially when dealing with someone of higher caliber, the outcomes can be profound and filled with consequences.
However, the girl’s heart didn’t want to confront her own feelings towards Satō Shin’ichi’s beauty. She was reluctant to watch the young boy invest so much effort only to receive disappointment in return. This shouldn’t even classify as an appreciation of beauty. Yet, Shin’ichi’s feelings remained subdued, not even receiving a neutral response. The desolate sensation she could tap into was essentially an emotional reflection of her own state, causing her to feel immense pain for someone she had genuinely cared for.
After all, this situation didn’t arise from the boy’s ability but rather from her own denial. Even if Emperor Yan had some doubts, it wouldn’t have been particularly serious. However, despite her concerns, the result remained mere worries, which led her to realize the boy’s true thoughts.
Suddenly, she found herself standing with an interruption in her mind, pulling her from her reverie. She glanced up and noticed the swordmaster’s blade – a seemingly ordinary sword yet significant due to its owner’s status as a swordsman. It was not merely an external object, but rather a reflection of the path of the sword passed down from master to disciple.
The young boy studying fencing nodded, recalling recent events. He couldn’t help but laugh, remembering the serious elder who had greeted him with a warm smile, casting a gentle glow around him.
“So you’re one of those who talks behind others’ backs?” he teased, winking as a playful tone slipped into his voice.
Satō Shin’ichi immediately flustered, “N-no, that wasn’t it… ” He fumbled for words before lowering his voice. “Hey, you can’t say anything bad to Kazumi, okay?”
Due to the peculiar way Kazumi had been chosen for this situation, he occasionally found himself in verbal duels with her. He let the sunlight slip through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on her face. Suddenly, she poked his cheek. “So, what are you doing?”
Standing face-to-face with her, she instinctively puckered her lips, resembling a coquetting puppy. “And the moment you started talking, Kazumi froze, her warm breath brushing against her fingertips. She instinctively pulled her hand back slightly, but upon seeing Shin’ichi’s slight head tilt, her movements halted abruptly, leaving her with an astonished expression. Covering her mouth with one hand, the corners of her eyes curved into a crescent shape.
“Hey, Shin’ichi, don’t be like that. I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”
