Chapter 321

In this situation, we should worry about him first.

Ishikawa Hayato was silent for a few seconds, then tightened his grip on Nijika's arm.

"In my heart, I am a scumbag myself, but the fact that I have scumbagd Nijika and everyone else is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me. Scumbag is scumbag, just one kind of pervert."

Okay, let's talk about something lighthearted. I don't care what other people think.

After making a decision in his mind, Ishikawa Hayato looked around at the pedestrians and said with some surprise, "It doesn't seem like there are many couples today."

Nijika then revealed her adorable disdain.

"Hayato-kun, are you asking me this on purpose?"

Ishikawa Hayato realized what was happening and smiled sheepishly.

Then he proudly raised his head. "Yes!"

After saying that, Nijika patted his shoulder, seemingly quickly but actually lightly.

He cried out in pain.

Although Nijika didn't believe it, she still worriedly reached out and touched the spot where she had just taken a picture.

Even Ishikawa Hayato felt a little reluctant to tease her anymore.

But wanting to see all sorts of happy reactions from girls he likes is a boy's instinct, and he can't change it.

As night falls on Christmas Eve, the number of couples out and about drops sharply, something even Nijika knows.

In just a short chat, Ishikawa Hayato saw a different side of Nijika, and he teased her even more happily. Amidst laughter and conversation, the two only paused briefly by the fountain before continuing on their way.

As Ishikawa Hayato walked forward with his arm around Nijika, he suddenly understood.

Over the years of getting to know each other, I've fallen even more in love with you, and I'll dedicate the rest of my life to maintaining this love—that's the expanded version of love.

The two strolled around the Christmas fair, and Nijika even picked out a new scarf for Ishikawa Hayato. Ishikawa Hayato happily put it on, but deliberately wore it crookedly, making Nijika angry and adjusting it for him.

After wandering around for a while, the two of them didn't stay long before they joined the queue to order food, carrying the same shopping bags with Santa Claus designs that all the shops at the Christmas fair had.

Within the group, they quieted down their earlier cheers and became somewhat still.

But after a short while, Ishikawa Hayato noticed that Nijika.

His petite girlfriend stood quietly to the side, watching the queue at the shop next door. Her beautiful face was serene and tranquil, her gaze fixed intently on the side, giving her an air of quiet strength.

What are you worried about now?

As Ishikawa Hayato thought about it, he took out a chocolate candy from his shopping bag. They had bought quite a few while they were wandering around, as a way to stock up on New Year's goods for the family in advance.

He quickly and silently peeled off the candy wrapper, and from a corner where Nijika couldn't see, he pressed the candy against her lips.

Because her lips were touched, Nijika immediately snapped back to reality and instinctively shrank her head, looking at Ishikawa Hayato's hand in surprise and then at his face, before giving a reproachful smile.

What's wrong?

After she finished speaking, she leaned over and took a bite of the chocolate that Ishikawa Hayato had given her.

Her soft lips gently touched Ishikawa Hayato's fingers, and she took a small piece of chocolate into her mouth and held it there.

"Feeding successful!" Ishikawa Hayato said triumphantly, only to be met with a disdainful look from Nijika.

However, anyone could tell from her expression that her disdain was just an act.

"What are you thinking about?"

Ishikawa Hayato became more serious and asked.

Nijika twitched her cheeks and put the candy aside.

"I was wondering if they'd be getting impatient waiting for us since we've been out for so long."

"There were so many people tonight, I waited in line for ages."

Ishikawa Hayato said in a tone that suggested this was just an excuse, and even turned around and pointed to the long line behind him in front of Nijika, indicating that he was right.

Nijika glanced at the group behind her, then recalled what Ishikawa Hayato had said, and said helplessly.

Even if he wasn't lying, this is still deceiving people...

"If we can't say we're going on a date, we can use this as an excuse; they won't say anything, but..."

Ishikawa Hayato looked at Nijika more seriously. "That's not the reason, is it?"

Nijika lowered her eyelids and let out a soft breath.

"Actually, it's Otsuki..." She stopped halfway through her sentence, gave up on the lie, and smiled helplessly at Ishikawa Hayato.

"It's something that can't be said here."

"That's... something that concerns the five of us?"

Ishikawa Hayato asked tentatively, and seeing her slowly nod, he knew what she was worried about.

Of the five people involved, the only thing that can't be discussed here is what happened tonight.

He put his hand on Nijika's shoulder and whispered.

"I'm sorry, it was my fault for not arranging things properly."

Nijika shook her head, her golden side ponytail swaying, the strands of hair reflecting the various colored lights around her.

"I expected this to happen, but it's okay." She hugged Ishikawa Hayato's arm and leaned on his shoulder.

"I'm already content just being with Hayato-kun like this."

Ishikawa Hayato looked at her, remaining silent for a long time.

When Ishikawa Hayato returned to his seat carrying three bowls of creamy corn soup, he was met with deep scrutiny from Ikuyo and Ryo.

He gave an awkward smile, put down his plate and pushed it a little further in, making room for Nijika to put her plate down.

Seeing that they were still staring at him while Nijika was setting out the plates, Ishikawa Hayato bowed affectedly.

"Dear guests, thank you for waiting."

He knew very well that he should only answer their questions, so he refused to say anything more.

Nijika smiled and put down her plate, then sat back in her original seat, looking at Ishikawa Hayato with amusement in her eyes.

Unlike Hitori, she doesn't worry too much about Ishikawa Hayato only intervenes when he asks for help or when things go too far.

After she sat down, Liang spoke.

Where did you go just now?

"Right here."

Ishikawa Hayato has started playing the interrogation game again, but this time he's a prisoner who tells the truth.

He stood there obediently, with an expression that suggested he knew everything.

"Then why was it delivered so late?"

Seeing this, Ikuyo laughed and joined in the game.

"If I said... the queue was too long, would people believe me?"

Ishikawa Hayato looked up at her, his eyes filled with hope.

Ikuyo smiled and slowly shook her head.

He immediately begged for forgiveness in fear, "I'm sorry, I got greedy for a moment and went to play with Nijika behind everyone's back."

Ikuyo noticed Hitori's worried expression and knew that continuing to play like this would be going too far, so she spoke first.

"Alright, Hayato-kun, stop playing around."

"Okay."

Ishikawa Hayato nimbly ran over and sat down in the chair.

After a typical day of enjoying delicious food and taking photos, the five of them leisurely sipped hot soup and chatted.

After taking a couple of sips of hot soup, Ikuyo noticed Ishikawa chatting with them in an overly honest manner and said with concern.

"Hayato-kun, do you really not want to watch? We didn't mean to stop you from watching."

It's here!

Ishikawa Hayato's eyes lit up. He had been patiently waiting for this moment, having endured hardship and kept his eyes fixed on it.

He shook his head and sighed.

"Does Ikuyo think I'm the kind of person who can't control my gaze when I see women?"

That's not what I meant.

Ishikawa Hayato's face was resolute, and he nodded heavily. "Well, in that case, I'll tell you the truth."

In some ways, all men are the same; they're unwilling to spend money on themselves, but they buy expensive costumes for female characters in games...

Liang interrupted his impending long speech and concluded.

You want us to wear Christmas dresses.

Ishikawa Hayato's expression changed, and he smiled expectantly, "Hmm! Can I add this to my wardrobe for holidays and cosplay?"

"Is that all?" Ikuyo smiled helplessly and looked back at the stage, which was mostly obscured by the crowd.

Although it's not very clear, you can still tell that it's a cute little dress that isn't too revealing.

After observing the situation for Hitori moment, Ichiri no longer hesitated. "I think it's fine..."

Ishikawa Hayato was very good at judging the situation. Seeing that none of them were too resistant, he immediately stood up and excitedly grabbed Hitori's hand.

"It's settled then! We'll go buy a dress after we finish eating!"

Hitori stood up with Ishikawa Hayato, grasped his hand, and nodded excitedly.

"Um!"

Before long, five clean bowls and plates were quietly arranged on the dining table and chairs where the five people were squeezed together.

While Nijika was wiping her mouth with a piece of paper, Ikuyo checked the time and asked Ishikawa Hayato.

"And what's next?"

"Let's stick to the original plan and go home after the last leg of the journey."

Everyone understood the original plan that Ishikawa Hayato had described.

Ikuyo thought for a moment, then glanced at Ryo as if to remind him, before speaking to Ishikawa Hayato.

"Then let's head home first."

"Yes, I agree."

Liang stood up without hesitation, as if preparing to go straight back, and said, "I won't peek at the rest."

"Ah..." Hitori feigned panic at the unexpected reaction from the others.

Of course, she wasn't nervous about them not joining her and Ishikawa Hayato's date; rather, she was worried that they might be unhappy about something.

"That's true, it would be too strange to go on a date with someone like that," Nijika said lightly, subtly pointing out the reason and Hitori further comfort.

"Bocchi-chan, don't feel guilty, just relax and have fun."

"We can't go too far, everyone's waiting tonight."

As Liang spoke, he stepped out of the chair, displaying a completely indifferent and calm attitude towards the earth-shattering news contained in his words.

After one of them comforted him and the other gave him a reminder, Hitori completely relaxed and then glanced at Ishikawa Hayato.

Seeing her relieved expression, Ishikawa Hayato smiled slightly at her.

However, at the same time, Ikuyo realized what Ryo had said and called out a little shyly.

"Ryo-senpai! This is something we can't just talk about."

After she finished speaking, the group remembered someone who should have stopped Liang at that moment, but she didn't say anything.

They looked at Nijika.

However, Nijika seemed to have been prepared, and smiled gently.