Beneath the Aurora

It's difficult to pull off underhanded tactics.

Shuya had no choice but to settle down and chat with her about ordinary topics.

After talking for a while, Shuya suddenly received a call from Hanazawa Sakura.

What mischief have you gotten yourself into this time?

Mai asked curiously.

No way...

He couldn't ignore it, so he answered, "Hello, Mom?"

"Shu-chan, good afternoon~"

Hanazawa Sakura's voice sounded relaxed, and she didn't seem angry at all.

They probably didn't come to insult him.

Shuya breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Why did you look for me?"

"Shu-chan, congratulations on your album sales hitting new heights! I've been hearing people praising you all day... By the way, are you free now? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Shuya roughly understood Hanazawa Sakura's purpose in coming.

"Of course I'm free. Mai and I are taking a foot bath at Oedo Onsen Monogatari, so we have nothing else to do."

Hanazawa Sakura exclaimed in surprise, "Eh? With Mai- chan? Ugh, you two are on a date? Oh dear, I guess I'll just stay silent. Hehehehe, have fun, hehehehehe."

She hung up the phone with a smile.

Mai, who overheard this, Mai her head helplessly. "The president is really something..."

The ending of Violet Evergarden has made me feel terrible for two days.

I mentioned I wanted to write down my thoughts, and I'm currently rewatching the TV version, but the more I watch, the more upset I get.

The movie's ending completely ruined my love for Violet Evergarden. I've always thought Violet Evergarden wasn't a masterpiece, but it was still a work I really liked... Now all I feel is sadness and disgust for that scoundrel Major.

I felt a bit out of place after watching the movie, but since I wanted to write down my thoughts, I kept analyzing the plot and reading reviews from Japan guys.

The result is that I'm so irritable that I can't sleep well, and all the pent-up frustration in my heart is overflowing. I probably won't feel better tomorrow either.

Well, those who give full marks to anything with a happy ending don't need to care about my opinion.

But if you feel something's wrong when the Major appears in the promotional video, I advise you to lower your expectations to the bare minimum.

I'll probably post my thoughts on my Bilibili blog after I finish writing them; it might not be appropriate to put them here... Hmm, I'll write them first and then talk about it.

Section 618, Chapter 576: Under the Aurora

Shuya hung up the phone just three seconds before receiving a LINE message from Hanazawa Sakura.

"Are you coming home for dinner tonight? I can cook red bean rice."

"No need, thank you."

Mai also saw the message, and she smiled wryly, "The president really likes red bean rice..."

"Yes, I've been hearing this so much since I was a child that I feel like throwing up."

Xiu couldn't stand these almost brainwashing-like words anymore.

How much does she really want him to get married?

It's true that Hanazawa Sakura gave birth to him around his age, but she's such an exception...

Mai said, "Hmm... The president called you, probably to ask when you're going to hold your victory celebration party."

So you think so too?

Shuya nodded.

With sales this high, holding a celebration banquet is almost inevitable; there's no need to think twice.

And it was a very grand affair.

"Just leave it all to her to handle, I don't care."

Shuya lazy to think about these things, Mai gave up when she saw this.

They held hands quietly, gazing at the garden scenery.

After a while, Mai asked, "Shall we go for a soak in the hot spring next?"

Shuya asked in surprise, "Huh? There aren't any private hot springs here, are there? And mixed bathing isn't allowed either."

"Huh?"

Mai, half-annoyed, said, "Didn't you consider that I meant simply soaking them separately?"

"No interest. I don't want to soak in a hot spring with an old man."

Shuya shrugged.

He was afraid he'd explode on the spot if a gay guy inside threw soap at him.

"Then don't go."

Mai wasn't really keen on going to the hot springs.

After they got tired of staying there, they went to sit in the rest area and then left.

Coming here and not soaking in the hot springs seems like a waste, but it's not that much of a difference.

After changing their clothes and leaving the store, it was almost dinnertime. This time, they didn't go to see Ayase and the others, and just randomly picked a restaurant to have dinner.

After dinner, Shuya thought that since he was in Odaiba, he might as well take a look at the famous night view.

Shuya led Mai to Odaiba Seaside Park.

This place is very famous; I've been here a few times before when filming, but I don't think I've ever come here alone with just the two of us like this before.

This spot offers views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, making it a popular dating location and a popular choice for marriage proposals.

Shuya and Mai walked in the park for a while, then slowly made their way to the beach.

I've really been drawn to the beach lately.

Mai said, "I just went swimming with Yukino."

"So much fun! Want to play in the water with me now?"

Shuya asked casually, while also imagining the scene of the two beautiful girls getting wet.

Mai shook her head. "I'm tired of it."

The two remained silent, strolling along the beach at night, admiring the famous night view.

The Rainbow Bridge, connecting Shibaura and Odaiba, was lit up with pure white lights. Behind the bridge, a cluster of dazzling skyscrapers stood out, along with the towering Tokyo Tower.

Houseboats glided across the water, and the faint sounds of laughter from the boats brought the tranquil waters to life.

All of this contributes to Odaiba's unique night view.

The two were also captivated by the scenery.

This is different from natural scenery; it is a beautiful landscape created by humankind, capable of evoking different kinds of emotions.

There weren't many people on the beach at this time; only a few were scattered around, and they were standing quite far apart.

Shuya secretly used his Strange Arts to prevent any unauthorized people from approaching the area.

He wouldn't normally act so domineeringly, especially since this is a public place.

But firstly, there aren't many people here, and secondly, the atmosphere is quite nice, so it's best not to let anyone get in the way.

Shuya wasn't exactly a rule-abiding person, and he didn't feel guilty about doing things like this occasionally.

Mai didn't notice that he had tampered with her clothes and simply continued walking normally.

The beach wasn't actually that big; they walked for a while and reached about the middle of it.

The two stopped and sat down casually on the sand, not caring about getting it dirty.

Mai sat with her knees drawn up to her chest, her chin resting on them, her eyes fixed on the scenery ahead.

Shuya stretched out his legs, his hands casually resting on either side.

They admired the scenery in the night breeze, not saying a word to spoil the experience.

This kind of time alone, like that of a couple, was quite new to them.

Mai has no dating experience, which goes without saying, Shuya.

He rarely goes on dates like this with Haruno or Tsuruko; even if they do go out until late, they usually go back to exercise.

There's no way around it, these older sisters are just too lewd.

Even Shuya's first time was taken by them... This could be considered his dark history, and he has never wanted to mention it.

"Mai- chan, did you have fun today?"

"Um?"

Mai thought for a moment and said, "More than being happy, I'd say I feel a sense of security."

"Oh, a sense of security... that's a good way to put it."

Shuya sighed, "I've known you for ten years now. I can't believe you were just a little girl back then, and now you've grown so much..."

"What kind of look are you giving me? You're clearly a year younger than me."

Mai found his old-fashioned tone quite peculiar.

"I just find time truly incredible."

"What's wrong? Why are you suddenly bringing up such a profound topic?"

Mai felt uneasy when she saw him suddenly become serious.

"The atmosphere was just right, so I couldn't help but think about it for a moment."

Shuya shook his head.

"The atmosphere..."

Mai looked at the night view and said, "We have indeed been through a lot together."

As she reminisced about the past, her tone was filled with emotion. "To be honest, when you went to Great Hua, I thought our relationship might fade as we grew up, like other childhood sweethearts."

"I've thought about it, but your mom is such a hassle, I can't even be bothered to contact you anymore."

Shuya laughed.

Looking back, it was a very immature approach, but not having to look at her mother's face... it felt really good.

If he had to do it all over again, he would probably still make the same choice.

They became interested and started talking about the past.

First meeting, shooting commercials, filming movies, parting ways, reunion... all the way to Puberty Syndrome.

A lot has happened between the two of them.

As they reminisced about the past, the atmosphere grew increasingly pleasant.

Suddenly, Shuya turned to look at Mai and smiled, "The atmosphere is so good now, shall we continue with the real kiss we didn't do last time?"

"Let me think about it."

Mai tilted her head and thought for a few seconds before saying, "This place is nice, but I still feel it's not romantic enough."

"Romantic?"

Shuya thought about it and realized there was a way to solve it.

The process might alert other people... oh well, who cares.

"Then I'll adjust the environment."