Chapter 153

Hasegawa Izumi looked at the bewildered girl.

In that instant, Kousaka Kirino, who was in agony, made up her mind and clenched her fist.

Fine, so be it!

"Actually, I came here for a doujinshi convention..."

"A fan convention? What's that?"

"It's a place where animation enthusiasts can showcase their love for the works."

"So... Kirino, you're an otaku too?"

Aragaki Ayase's eyes went blank for a moment, then she drew her own conclusion and left the scene with a flick of her wrist.

"I'm doomed! Hasegawa, it's all your fault! You made me lose my best friend!"

Kousaka Kirino was initially dejected, but then, remembering his seduction, she couldn't help but say something.

"If they were truly friends, they wouldn't mind your hobbies, but clearly that girl just hasn't truly understood you. Only when you overcome this barrier can you be considered true friends who can talk about anything."

Hasegawa Izumi, unconvinced, spoke slowly.

"That's right, just like how Izumi understands me... well, anyway, if you take the initiative, that girl will definitely make up with you."

Eriri quickly corrected herself before uttering the taboo.

"I hope so."

Kousaka Kirino finally regained some confidence.

Before parting, Gokou Ruri, whom she had become somewhat acquainted with, suggested adding each other on Line.

What are you planning?

Eriri's eyes flashed with a fierce light as she questioned him.

"If you want to make progress, you can't work in isolation, right Hasegawa?"

She completely ignored him and looked at the man.

That's right.

Hasegawa Izumi agreed with this statement and secretly planned to find some time to let Miss Kuroneko communicate with the organization members to improve their skills.

Three days later.

The day was sunny and breezy.

In the backyard of a luxury mansion, several archery targets of varying positions were erected on the lush green lawn.

A hundred meters away, a strikingly beautiful young woman was holding a huge Japanese longbow with several arrows nocked on it, her captivating wine-red eyes fixed intently on the targets.

She closed her eyes again, feeling the flow of the wind.

Until a certain instant, a wonderful sensation arose spontaneously.

"Call out!"

The arrows shot out in four different directions, and although not all of them hit the bullseye, every single one of them landed on the target.

Half an hour later.

"Kaguya-sama, your archery has improved tremendously again! You're amazing!"

Hayasaka Ai, dressed as a butler, appeared and openly praised him.

"Not enough! We're still far from that person's level. At this rate of progress, who knows when we'll ever see that person again..."

Shinomiya Kaguya's tone sounded very stubborn.

"Um..."

Hayasaka Ai pondered for a moment, searching her mind for a solution.

"Kaguya-sama, since you're so eager to improve, why don't you find a master?"

"Who can guide me? I already know the level of those coaches."

Shinomiya Kaguya remained indifferent as she strummed the bowstring.

"Of course it's young master Hasegawa."

"Hayasaka, how could you even think of having the person who humiliated me teach me archery... Oh well, so be it. I'm just too eager to improve."

43. I have never felt happy learning archery.

"Ring ring."

In the afternoon, Hasegawa Izumi was somewhat surprised to hear the landline alarm ringing at home.

My parents had just contacted them by landline yesterday to build rapport, and normally no one calls their landline.

"Could it be the Ring? But it's still early."

That was the first thing that came to his mind.

However, even if such a terrifying thing were to actually happen, he would only show an expression of interest.

However, when the call was answered, it was unexpectedly a pleasant, girlish voice.

"Excuse me, is this the Hasegawa family?"

"That's right, this is Hasegawa. May I ask who you are?"

"This is Kaguya-sama, Hayasaka -Hasegawa, right?"

"Just call me Hasegawa, calling me 'Young Master' is really weird."

"Really? Then I'll call you Hasegawa- Kaguya-sama, just like Hasegawa-kun does."

"Speak, what do you want to talk to me about?"

Just as Hasegawa Izumi was asking questions, her Little Sister suddenly ran out of the room.

"Dude! The Fireworks Festival is about to start, we should head out! Hey..."

When she realized her brother was on the phone, she immediately shut her mouth.

"Wait a minute, Kōko. I know you're anxious, but don't rush, there's still half an hour."

Hasegawa Izumi turned her head and smiled slightly.

Some time ago, because he and the other members of the organization participated in the Kōko Obon Festival but Kobato did not, he was very dissatisfied and strongly demanded compensation.

So, they made plans to go out together today.

"Fireworks Festival?"

Upon hearing those words, Hayasaka Ai, on the other end of the phone, immediately took them to heart.

This is clearly a rare opportunity for Kaguya-sama!

Others might not be able to see it, but how could she, who had accompanied the Young Lady since childhood, not see it? In the Young Lady's eyes, Hasegawa-kun was someone different from others.

Although many people consider Hasegawa-kun to be a special case, these are clearly two different perspectives.

However, she also understood that the rigid Young Lady couldn't accomplish certain things on her own, so naturally someone needed to push Young Lady from behind.

She felt it was her duty to take on this responsibility.

"Hasegawa-kun, just to confirm, you're going to the Fireworks Festival with your Little Sister, right?"

That's right.

Are there only two people?

That's right...

Girl, you're asking a lot of questions!

"Then, would it be convenient for Kaguya-sama to come along? She's been wanting to go for Young Lady, but hasn't had the chance. It might seem a bit strange from my perspective, but I hope Hasegawa-kun can..."

"It's just a small matter, no need to be so sentimental. I agree, one more person won't make a difference."

Although it wasn't Hasegawa Izumi's intention to humiliate and injure Shinomiya, he still held it in his heart.

'So easy to talk to? I thought...'

Hayasaka Ai was quite surprised by the other party's quick agreement.

She composed herself and then said on the phone, "Then I'll leave it to you. Please ask Hasegawa-kun to give me her phone number and address. I'll contact her if anything unexpected happens. Also, regarding the matter I originally planned to ask you, Young Lady will tell you herself at that time."

"What nonsense are you spouting! Hayasaka! You actually went to Fireworks Festival on behalf of me, your master? Unbelievable! Going to... going to Fireworks Festival together is practically the same as a date!"

Shinomiya Kaguya knelt on the bed, a row of red lines appearing under her eyes, and couldn't help but mutter curses.

"No, Hasegawa-kun's Little Sister was also there; it wasn't a date between the two of them."

Hayasaka Ai said calmly.

"But, but..."

Shinomiya Kaguya remained undecided.

"This is a rare opportunity! Hasn't Kaguya-sama always wanted to see Fireworks Festival in person? Or do you really think that the little lights you see from your window every time are enough? But those who have seen them know that only fireworks seen up close are the most beautiful. Staying at home means missing out on a lot of the spectacle."

Hayasaka Ai's pointed advice.

"Hayasaka, what you said makes sense, so let's go watch the fireworks. Um, it's just watching fireworks together, nothing special, not a date or anything."

After hesitating for two seconds Shinomiya Kaguya nodded in agreement.

Soon, she changed into a flower-shaped hair clip and a well-fitting Yukata, with butterflies of various colors fluttering on a pale red background.

"You're so beautiful, Young Lady."

The maid couldn't help but give her a thumbs up for her beauty.

However, just as she was getting ready to leave, she was stopped by a female security guard.

"No, in crowded places, even the attendants might get lost. If something happens, how can we explain it to your father? Besides, we've heard many horrifying rumors lately; you shouldn't go to such places."

The light in the girl's eyes vanished instantly.

Hayasaka Ai wanted to say something on behalf of the Young Lady, but she couldn't bring herself to say it to her face.

After all, she was just a maid, and in the strictly hierarchical Shinomiya Family, she had no say.

"Hayasaka, give me Hasegawa-kun's phone number."

Back in her room, Shinomiya Kaguya took out her old-fashioned flip phone and sent a text message to Hasegawa.

The message read, "I'm sorry, I suddenly can't go. I'm really sorry."

At the same time, the maid next to her also sent a message explaining the specific reason.

As Shinomiya Kaguya closed her phone and gazed at the bright moonlight in the sky, her eyes filled with sadness, her phone suddenly beeped.

She received a new message.

"Does she mean I can't guarantee your safety? How foolish, but it's also quite normal; human beings are always so narrow-minded."

"Pfft, hahaha..."

Shinomiya Kaguya's previously cold heart seemed to be awakened.

"Kaguya-sama, what did Hasegawa-kun say that made you so happy?"

Hayasaka Ai looked surprised.

Is Hasegawa-kun that good at making girls happy?

No wonder he's surrounded by so many beautiful girls; it turns out it's not just about his talent.

"Hayasaka, look at this! Does he even know what he's saying? Hahaha, is this what chuunibyou is? It's so funny."

Shinomiya Kaguya held up her phone to show her.

In our previous conversations, Hasegawa seemed more like a villainous boss, but now, from a different perspective, he evokes a completely different feeling.

"Hasegawa-kun is indeed very witty. I thought he was just making a scene at school, but it turns out he was serious."

Hayasaka Ai almost burst out laughing after taking a look.