Suddenly Getting Flirty (Continued)

"A lifetime is too far, but so far, whenever we talk about serious matters, I really acknowledge your talent."

"That means we'll be colleagues for life," Utaha joked.

Yukino didn't answer, her beautiful eyes fixed on the lush green trees ahead.

A lifetime is indeed far too long, but there's no denying that she really enjoys discussing serious matters with Utaha.

Right now, there are only two and a half people she can approve of when it comes to serious matters.

Fushimi Makoto, Utaha, and half of Nakano Ichika.

Nakano Ichika's acting skills impressed Yukino, but Yukino's personality was always unable to be serious, so she could only be considered half a good actress.

As for Yotsuba and Itsuki, who were also recognized by Yukino, their talents are still far behind. They have the attitude to the max, but their actual abilities are too low.

"Those two have such a good relationship." On the other side, Haruno had been watching her younger sister closely, and seeing that the two of them hadn't stopped, she couldn't help but sigh.

Fushimi Makoto looked over in agreement. "They only get along this well when it comes to serious matters."

"And what about in daily life?" Haruno's spirits lifted, much like a badger running wildly through a melon field.

Fushimi Makoto suddenly felt a strong urge to pinch her cheek.

Her bright, sparkling eyes are really cute.

"In real life, their relationship would be described as extremely bad," Fushimi Makoto replied.

"That's an exaggeration? They even used the word 'awful'. Do they argue all the time?"

"Do they still resort to violence occasionally?"

"Eh? Tell me more!"

"Actually, there's not much to talk about."

"Tell me!"

"Sister Haruno, stop pretending."

"What does 'clamp' mean? Oh, tell me quickly, hero!"

Hiss!

Hearing her deliberately cute voice, Fushimi Makoto rubbed his arms, goosebumps rising on his skin. "Stop, I said stop!"

Haruno blinked her bright, watery eyes, looking at her with an expression that said, "I'm so cute, please answer my questions."

But Fushimi Makoto no longer felt the urge to pinch her cheeks.

Because her current cuteness is faked; it lacks the natural charm she showed earlier.

Fushimi Makoto casually changed the subject. "What methods do you usually use to release stress and worries?"

Haruno paused, a subtle smile playing on her lips, "Why are you suddenly asking this?"

Fushimi Makoto turned to look at the basketball court. "I was just asking. I happen to have some time today. If you have plans, I can keep you company for a while."

"Are you suddenly being so nice to me because you're after my legs?" Haruno asked with a grin.

To everyone's Fushimi Makoto casually replied, "No, I just think you look a little tired today."

Haruno's expression froze, then she suddenly turned her head and chuckled softly, "Why are you suddenly flirting with me? You'd better watch out or I'll tell Yukino."

Fushimi Makoto was too lazy to explain.

Haruno didn't want him to explain, and the smile between her brows was quite charming.

After everyone had rested enough, they got up and left the basketball court.

Once Fushimi Makoto and the three beauties with different temperaments left, the people on the field who had been vying to show off immediately returned to their original state.

Although they are still playing, that desire to show off has completely disappeared.

"Hey, you guys are so real! You've already lost your fighting spirit as soon as the pretty girl left? Why didn't you go and chat her up earlier?" someone complained, half-laughing and half-crying.

"Hitting someone up? Do you even know who that guy is?"

"Who is it?" the person who spoke asked, looking confused.

"Looks like you don't usually watch the news. That guy's name is Fushimi Makoto. Some people online call him the Tokyo Sword Saint because his swordsmanship is extremely fierce."

"The Tokyo Sword Saint? Why did I see people calling him the Tokyo Boxing Champion online before? I also saw a video of him taking on multiple opponents; his stance looked like a hybrid of mixed martial arts and boxing."

"I heard it's an ancient Chinese martial art?"

"..."

Fushimi Makoto himself didn't expect that once he left, the people on the court would lose interest in playing and start discussing his nickname and fighting techniques instead.

After leaving the park, Haruno led Fushimi Makoto and the others to a nearby dessert shop for a while. Around seven o'clock, she asked the two girls, "Now that you've bought everything, are you eager to go home?"

Yukino didn't reply, but instead stared at her sister's face.

She remembered that Fushimi Makoto had just said that her sister was very tired today.

Utaha was actually observing secretly, but since they had asked her a question, someone had to answer it, especially since they had generously given her a bag.

So she replied, "I'm going to the Yukinoshita Family to work for a while longer, I should be back around 8:30."

Yukino then spoke up, "An hour and a half is indeed enough."

"In that case, I'll borrow Makoto then~" Haruno nudged someone with her elbow with a smile, "How about it? You definitely don't mind walking with me, right?"

"If you'd like to treat me to something to eat, I have no objection," Fushimi Makoto stated.

Utaha didn't suspect the two of them. She first glanced at Yukino, and seeing that the latter didn't seem to be planning to speak yet, she casually asked, "Miss Haruno, would you like Fushimi to accompany you to relax?"

Haruno's smile remained unchanged, "Hey, why are you asking this too?"

"Also?"

"Yes, Makoto just asked that question."

"I see."

Utaha nodded slightly; she was sure she had guessed correctly.

Yukino then said, "If it's Fushimi, he should be able to make you happy, since he's quite irresponsible and unreliable."

"Is it okay to talk bad about me to my face?" Fushimi Makoto was ready to argue.

"This isn't saying anything bad, it's just stating the facts." Yukino didn't give him a chance to argue, and after saying this, she lowered her head to enjoy her cake.

"Then it's settled!" Haruno made the decision.

As Yukino and Utaha left, Fushimi Makoto watched the two beautiful girls' retreating figures and asked softly, "Yukino and the others all noticed, why didn't you say anything?"

"What should I say? Should I confide in my sister? Or tell her how tired and troubled I've been lately, how much pressure I've been under, and how I've almost been unable to sleep?"

Haruno still wore a faint smile, and she shook her fair wrist, on which hung the pendant that Fushimi Makoto had given her. "It's a good thing I have this treasure, otherwise I would definitely have insomnia lately."

"Yukino very worried about you." Fushimi Makoto didn't argue with her, but simply gave the truth.

Haruno pursed her lips, then suddenly smiled broadly, "I'm not so fragile that I need to complain to my sister. Besides, I've experienced similar things many times before. You should know that, right? You get used to it after going through the same troubles too many times."

"That's not a habit, it's numbness," Fushimi Makoto said.

Haruno was quiet for a moment, then said in a soft, reproachful tone, "Really, why did you have to tell the truth?"

"It was my fault, I shouldn't have said it."

"An apology won't do you any good; I need compensation."

"Then shall I go with you and let loose a little?"

"Presumptuous?"

Upon hearing this word, Haruno seemed to be intrigued.

But she immediately smiled and shook her head, saying, "Never mind, I'm not that tired."

She was clearly attracted to him, but she knew how to control herself.

Sensing her change in mood, Fushimi Makoto jokingly said, "Are you sure you don't want to go? If you don't go today, you might not have another chance."

"I won't fall for such a childish attempt at seduction," Haruno said with a smile, but took Fushimi Makoto's hand. "Let's go, let's go to a place I've been interested in before, but have never been inside."

Fushimi Makoto expressed his curiosity about this.

But once the two actually arrived at a shop, his curiosity vanished instantly, replaced by helplessness.

"Is a pachinko parlor really worth making a special trip for?"

Looking at the rows of machines in front of Fushimi Makoto wore a speechless expression.

"Just browsing. I've heard from others that there are many stores like this across the country, and they're all actually owned by Konami." Haruno's smile broadened.

Fushimi Makoto: Konami.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Haruno thought he didn't understand and was about to explain when he heard him say, "No need for explanation, I know."

"That's right, you really enjoy playing games, of course you'd know about this company."

"Strictly speaking, the reason I'm familiar with this company is because pachinko and Yu-Gi-Oh!! are their two most prized possessions."

The two chatted in front of the machine that was flashing with various colorful lights, but neither Haruno nor Fushimi Makoto tried to play it.

A customer not far to the left seemed to be out of money, or perhaps he was going to the restroom. He hurriedly stood up and ran away, disappearing from Fushimi Makoto and the other man's sight in no time.

If that were all, Fushimi Makoto and Haruno wouldn't have cared, but perhaps that person left in such a hurry that they didn't even take the things off the table.

"Is that a belt?" Haruno asked, unsure.

"It's Kamen Rider belt." Fushimi Makoto walked over and picked up the belt. It was in very good condition, obviously because its owner had taken good care of it.

He glanced around and said, "Let's give the things to the staff first; maybe that person will be back soon."

Haruno was about to reply, two stylishly dressed young people walked up from the right.

"Excuse me, are you two a couple?" Both of their gazes fell on Haruno.

Clearly, they were attracted by Haruno's beauty and came over to chat her up.

"No, but I already have many suitors, so if you want to hit on girls, please find a different target." Haruno had been hit on before, so she wasn't surprised at all.

"Uh... having suitors means you don't have a boyfriend yet?"

What if I have a boyfriend?

Hearing Haruno's answer, the two looked at each other, somewhat confused.

Fushimi Makoto watched this scene, he thought to himself that Haruno was indeed very skilled in this area, able to distract others in no time.

He immediately said to Haruno, "Let's go find some staff."

"Mm." Haruno nodded and followed.

But before they could leave, the two young men asked, seemingly surprised, "Kamen Rider belt? Seriously? You're playing pachinko these days, why do you like children's toys?"

Fushimi Makoto turned around and asked in a strange tone, "If I remember correctly, Kamen Rider is supposed to be an all-ages series. How come you think it's just a toy for kids?"

"Is that so? We don't know, but she looks quite childish. This lovely young lady doesn't seem to have very good taste in friends," the two said with a grin.

Fushimi Makoto didn't look at them again, but asked Haruno, "I asked you before if you wanted to let loose and release some pressure. Now that the opportunity has come, do you want to?"

Haruno blinked, quite intrigued. "Then what should I do?"

"You don't need to do anything." Fushimi Makoto looked back at the two young men who were still laughing and joking.

His perception overshadowed the past, altering the thought processes of both individuals.

"You need to apologize to the viewers of Kamen Rider," Fushimi Makoto told them.

Before Haruno could figure out what was going on, he suddenly noticed the red-haired youth among the two clenching his fist and charging towards Fushimi Makoto.

"Watch out!" she cried out instinctively.

However, before she could finish speaking, Fushimi Makoto was holding the Kamen Rider belt in one hand and raising the other hand as if to block, but his elbow struck the red-haired youth's arm.

With a dull thud, the red-haired youth was thrown into the air by the force, his body spinning twice before flying diagonally backward.

When he crashed into the rows of machines, the broken machines emitted all sorts of strange noises, causing everyone in the store to stand up in surprise and look in his direction.

Haruno stood there, stunned.

Her hand unconsciously covered her heart, feeling its rapid pounding.

This was the first time she had ever experienced something like this in public.