Chapter 307: Long Time No See

“Kazumi, I have two discount tickets to the amusement park. Let’s go together tomorrow!” Yuki Hiroto immediately approached her excitedly as soon as he saw her.

“I don’t want to go. Ask someone else,” Kazumi said without even turning around, busy organizing the bookshelf.

“Come on, just accompany me, please? Tomorrow’s the last day to use them. It’d be such a waste not to go.”

“I just got back from the water park yesterday. I’m exhausted. Stop bothering me and find someone else to go with you.”

“What? You went to the water park yesterday? Who did you go with? Was it a guy or a girl?” Yuki Hiroto asked nervously.

“That’s none of your business.”

“If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask Shinobu. Did she go too?”

Feeling annoyed, Kazumi turned around and snapped at him, “Listen, I’m working right now. Stop coming over here to bother me. Go home and watch cartoons like a good little kid.” Then, she turned and walked toward another shelf that needed organizing.

Yuki Hiroto, feeling a bit hurt, trailed behind her and said, “Kazumi, you’re always like this. I’m only a year younger than you! We’re both university students, just that I’m in the year below you.”

“Yes, yes, I know. You’re an adult now. How wonderful,” Kazumi replied as she walked, speaking in a tone as if coaxing a child.

“Kazumi…” Yuki Hiroto called her name pitifully.

Kazumi ignored him and continued her work.

Not wanting to make her angry, Yuki Hiroto reluctantly walked over to Takeshima Shinobu, who had been standing nearby, quietly laughing.

Seeing Shinobu still laughing, Yuki Hiroto said with some annoyance, “Is it really that funny?”

Shinobu covered her mouth, still laughing. “Yes, it’s hilarious. You’re like a little brother asking his sister for candy.”

Yuki Hiroto, displeased, replied, “Why are you like this too? I’m only a year younger than you guys, but you always treat me like a kid.”

Shinobu finally managed to stifle her laughter and said, “Well, you do have a baby face. When you first joined, I thought you were a high school student. Honestly, it’s not just your looks; even your personality is like a kid’s. Let me guess—you’re the youngest in your family, right?”

With a resigned tone, Yuki Hiroto admitted, “I am the youngest, but it’s not as bad as you say. Besides, I can’t help how I look—it’s how I was born. By the way, tell me, who did Kazumi go to the water park with yesterday?”

Patting him on the shoulder, Shinobu said, “Relax. I was there too. It was Kazumi’s brother who came to pick us up and took us there. It was so much fun!”

“Oh, so that’s what happened.” Yuki Hiroto’s face instantly relaxed with relief.

Seeing his expression, Shinobu couldn’t resist the urge to tease him. Lowering her voice deliberately, she said, “But do you think you can rest easy now? Let me tell you, just a few days ago, a young white-collar worker from a big company came to the store and asked Kazumi out to dinner. At the time, Kazumi…” She intentionally stopped mid-sentence.

Anxious to know what happened, Yuki Hiroto quickly asked, “Did Kazumi go out with him or not?”

Shinobu glanced at him and then fanned herself dramatically, saying, “I’m so thirsty. If only I had an ice-cold soda right now.”

Knowing she was taking advantage of the situation, Yuki Hiroto sighed and said helplessly, “Fine, I’ll go buy one for you.”

Shinobu immediately beamed. “You’re too kind. I’ll have a diet soda, please.”

“When I get back, you better not leave me hanging,” Yuki Hiroto said warily before heading toward the store outside the bookstore.

Watching his retreating figure, Shinobu smiled mischievously.

Walking over to Kazumi, she grinned and said, “Yuki is so obedient and fun. Maybe you should consider him. Then we’d never have to worry about getting our drinks again.”

“Be careful, karma might come for you, you wicked woman,” Kazumi said while continuing her work.

“Oh, come on, I was just joking. But it is strange—first, it was that married office worker, and now it’s this baby-faced college boy with a sister complex. Why is it that the people drawn to you are always so… peculiar?”

“You’re saying it’s because I’m a weirdo myself, so I attract other weirdos, right? Does that include you?” Kazumi replied, glancing at her with a half-smile.

Takeshima Shinobu made a funny face at Kazumi in mock defiance and then asked, “Rumi’s coming back tomorrow, right?”

Kazumi smiled and said, “Yes, after such a long training session, she must be exhausted. I’m planning to cook a big meal to treat her tomorrow, and you’ll need to help out.”

Pouting, Shinobu said, “Kazumi, you’re so biased. You treat Rumi so well, but you’re so cold to me.”

“Please, give me a break,” Kazumi replied, sounding a bit exasperated.

Just as Yuki Hiroto returned to the bookstore with several cans of drinks, a brand-new silver Lamborghini drove past him and stopped in front of the store.

Having rarely seen such a beautiful sports car, Hiroto couldn’t help but widen his eyes, admiring the sleek and flawless lines of the car.

It wasn’t until he heard the sound of a car door closing that he shifted his gaze to look at the driver.

When he saw the man stepping out of the car, Hiroto’s eyes filled with envy.

Compared to the Lamborghini, he envied the man’s mature and handsome appearance even more.

Hiroto often felt helpless about his own baby face. Even though he was already in college, people frequently mistook him for a lower-grade high school student. Most girls his age saw him as nothing more than a little brother and never considered him boyfriend material, which frustrated him greatly.

The man walked into the bookstore, and for some reason, Hiroto suddenly had a bad feeling. He quickly followed him inside.

“Shinobu, it’s been a while,” the man said as he entered, removing his sunglasses and smiling at Takeshima Shinobu.

“Oh, it’s Ogata-senpai! Hello,” Shinobu said with surprise, clearly delighted to see this long-absent acquaintance.

“You haven’t changed much. How have you been?”

“I’ve been well. What about you?”

“Same here. I just got off a flight yesterday. I’m completely exhausted.”

“Just got off a flight? Where did you go?”

“Hawaii. I went with my family, but it was crowded and too hot, so I came back early by myself.”

“Hawaii? I’m so jealous. I’ve never been abroad. When I get married, I’ll definitely go to Hawaii for my honeymoon.”

“Ha, you’re planning way ahead.”

Seeing the two chatting so happily, Hiroto couldn’t help but reevaluate Shinobu. He never expected her to have such a handsome boyfriend and was quite impressed.

After a few more exchanges, Ogata Yasuda asked, “Where’s Kazumi? Isn’t she here today?”

Ever since he entered, his eyes had been searching for her, but he hadn’t seen her anywhere.

“She was just called to the storage room by the manager to bring out some new books. She should be back soon. Oh, there she is!”

Following Shinobu’s gaze, Ogata saw Kazumi pushing a cart loaded with new books through the back door of the bookstore.

“I’ll go help her,” Ogata said and headed over.

Seeing the man suddenly leave Shinobu to approach Kazumi, Hiroto froze for a moment before rushing to Shinobu’s side.

“Shinobu, who is he? Is he close to Kazumi?” Hiroto asked urgently.

Shinobu glanced at the two of them, then smiled and said, “Little Yuki, that’s not a question you can pay for with just a single soda.” As she spoke, she took her diet soda from the bag he was holding.

Hiroto grew even more anxious and pressed further, “Is he the white-collar worker you mentioned from the big company?”

Shinobu chuckled and said, “He’s much wealthier than that white-collar worker.”

Kazumi, who hadn’t seen Ogata Yasuda since their big argument that night, was momentarily surprised to see him suddenly appear before her. However, she quickly regained her composure and walked past him as if he didn’t exist.

Ogata Yasuda wasn’t surprised by her cold demeanor. He walked up to her and said, “It’s been a long time, Kazumi. How have you been?”

Kazumi didn’t respond and silently began placing the new books on the shelf, one by one.

“Can I help you with that?” Ogata asked.

Kazumi still didn’t reply, acting as if no one was there.

Ogata Yasuda noticed that while Kazumi didn’t agree outright, she also didn’t refuse. Taking it as tacit permission, he grabbed a stack of books from the cart and began shelving them on the other side.

With the two working together, the books were quickly shelved.

At that moment, Kazumi said quietly, “Thank you.”

Ogata Yasuda smiled. She hadn’t changed at all. When it came to saying thanks, she was never ambiguous—always straightforward and without unnecessary pleasantries.

“Would you like to grab a drink with me after your shift?” Ogata Yasuda asked.

“I don’t want to.” Her refusal was as direct as ever.

Ogata Yasuda smiled bitterly. She was just as straightforward in turning people down—no excuses about being busy or having plans, just a simple and direct “I don’t want to.”

After a pause, he said, “What if I asked as a friend?”

Hearing this, Kazumi stopped what she was doing and turned to look at him.

Ogata Yasuda sighed and continued, “Didn’t you say last time that if I gave up, we could be regular friends? So now, I’m inviting you as just an ordinary friend. Will you give me the honor?”

After silently studying him for a moment, Kazumi finally replied in a calm tone, “Alright, I’ll be done in fifteen minutes.”

“I’ll wait for you in the break room then.”

Hearing her agree at last, Ogata Yasuda’s emotions were a mixture of relief and disappointment.

Nearby, Yuki Hiroto, who was pretending to read a book while actually eavesdropping, felt a storm of emotions when he heard Kazumi agree to go out with the man.

Although their conversation suggested they weren’t in a romantic relationship, Hiroto couldn’t help but feel that this Ogata Yasuda was a formidable rival—wealthy, handsome, and sophisticated. He was genuinely worried that Kazumi might be swayed by him.

With this thought, Hiroto followed the man as he headed toward the customer lounge.

Observing him up close, Hiroto noted his stylish and expensive attire, as well as his confident demeanor around women, which further cemented his impression that Ogata Yasuda was a playboy. Hiroto had encountered similar types at his university—guys who changed girlfriends as easily as changing clothes.

Sensing someone’s gaze, Ogata Yasuda turned toward Hiroto, only to find a boy glaring at him with unconcealed hostility.

What’s his deal? Ogata Yasuda frowned, confused by the intense stare.

Finally, Hiroto couldn’t hold back any longer and walked up to him, saying, “Hey, how well do you know Kazumi?”

Ogata Yasuda frowned at the confrontational tone and replied, “Who are you? This doesn’t seem to concern you.”

Hiroto sat down across from him and warned, “I’m telling you, stay away from Kazumi. She’s not like the women you’re used to.”

Not wanting to cause a scene, Ogata Yasuda picked up his book and left the lounge.

Hiroto immediately chased after him, shouting, “Hey, don’t walk away! I’m not finished yet.”

At that moment, Takeshima Shinobu hurried over and grabbed Hiroto, saying, “What are you doing? Stop making a fuss here.”

“But he—”

“No buts! Come help me clean the windows.” Shinobu quickly dragged him away.

Under Shinobu’s firm insistence, Hiroto had no choice but to help her clean. He could only watch helplessly as Kazumi got into Ogata Yasuda’s sports car and drove off.

After finishing her shift, Shinobu looked at the dejected young man and said, “Cheer up. As compensation, I’ll tell you about them.”

“Really?” Hiroto perked up immediately.

“But you have to buy me ice cream first.” Shinobu seized the opportunity to make her demand.

Desperate for answers, Hiroto quickly agreed.

Looking at his boyish face that smiled more like a child than a grown man, Shinobu couldn’t help but laugh and teased, “Honestly, you should be grateful for that face of yours. If you didn’t look so harmless, trying to approach someone like Kazumi would’ve definitely earned you a scolding. So, tell me—what do you like about Kazumi? Don’t tell me you really have a sister complex!”

Yuki Hiroto’s face turned red as he said, “Don’t make things up! This is my first time pursuing someone older than me. Kazumi… she’s so beautiful. From the moment I came here to buy a book and saw her smile at me, I couldn’t forget her.”

Takeshima Shinobu didn’t know how to respond. She knew that the smile Kazumi had given him was nothing more than a professional courtesy toward a customer. Yet, this boy had fallen for her over such a small gesture. She couldn’t tell whether he was simply pure-hearted or utterly clueless.

※※※

In the relaxed atmosphere of the café, Ogata Yasuda quietly observed her for a moment before asking, “How have you been?”

Kazumi replied calmly, “Nothing out of the ordinary. How about you?”

Hearing her ask about him, Ogata Yasuda felt that her hostility toward him had lessened compared to before. Smiling, he said, “Nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Don’t copy my words,” Kazumi said, a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone.

Not wanting to disrupt the peaceful mood, Ogata Yasuda conceded, “Alright, alright, I’ll answer properly. Honestly, things haven’t been great lately.”

Kazumi glanced at him with a faint smile and said, “Because of some disease caused by your promiscuity?”

Ogata Yasuda felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness at her teasing remark. “I admit I’ve had my fair share of girlfriends in the past, but I’m not promiscuous.”

Kazumi smiled but didn’t respond.

Left with no choice, Ogata Yasuda explained, “I’m the only son in my family, and with just over a year until I graduate, my father has started making me help with his business. For the past few months, I’ve been ridiculously busy. It feels like my carefree days are coming to an end.”

Kazumi stirred her drink with a spoon before saying, “You’ve enjoyed yourself for so long. It’s only fair to contribute something to your family in return. If you find it too boring, you can always ask your father to assign you a sexy secretary.”

Ogata Yasuda gave a bitter smile. “It seems my image in your mind will never change.”

Kazumi smiled. “You should actually feel fortunate. Many men dream of being playboys but can’t pull it off. It’s not that they don’t want to; they just don’t have the means like you do.”

Ogata Yasuda sighed. “If I heard this from anyone else, I might take it as a compliment. But hearing it from you, it doesn’t make me happy.”

Kazumi thought for a moment before saying, “Maybe I’ve misunderstood you in some ways, but first impressions are hard to change in a short time. Honestly, you don’t need to care about what I think. Everyone only gets one life, and you should live it the way you want without worrying about other people’s opinions. If you let others’ judgments dictate everything, wouldn’t that be exhausting?”

Ogata Yasuda was silent for a moment before looking at her and saying, “I don’t care about other people’s opinions, but I care about yours. Kazumi, can’t you give me a chance?”

Kazumi glanced at him and then calmly said, “Ogata, have you ever seriously thought about whether we’re actually compatible? Even if we were together, do you think our personalities would allow us to get along long-term? I’m not someone who compromises easily, and you’re a man who’s gentle with women but fundamentally very proud. Two such people would inevitably clash if they were together. In the end, it would just lead to a breakup due to mutual understanding. Knowing that, wouldn’t it be better for us to remain ordinary friends?”

Ogata Yasuda, a little agitated, said, “But how would we know without trying? If it’s you, I’m willing to set aside my pride. Kazumi, do you know this is the first time I’ve felt such a strong desire to be with someone?”

Kazumi interrupted him before he could continue, “Ogata, don’t push me. It won’t do anyone any good. Honestly, I do have some respect for you. You’re different from those arrogant rich kids who think money lets them do whatever they want. You have principles and aren’t aimlessly frivolous. Go home and think it over calmly. You’ll realize that being friends, not lovers, suits us better…”

Hearing her rational response, Ogata Yasuda felt an urge to ask: Are you rejecting me so decisively because of him?

But he knew that saying those words could very well destroy the fragile friendship they had just established, so he chose to remain silent.

After a while, he took out a business card and handed it to her. “Here’s my updated contact information. If you ever need to reach me, feel free to call.”

Kazumi glanced at him, then took the card and put it in her pocket.

Seeing her accept the card, Ogata Yasuda felt a bit of relief and asked, “Can I still ask you out in the future?”

“Occasional meetups between friends are perfectly normal. We’ll see if there’s time,” Kazumi said with a smile.

This sly woman, Ogata Yasuda thought helplessly as he looked at her.

※※※

Sitting on the sofa watching TV, Takeshima Shinobu occasionally sneaked glances at her friend, who was intently focused on the screen.

After a while, she couldn’t hold back and called out, “Kazumi.”

“What?” Kazumi turned to look at her.

“How… how are things with Ogata-senpai?” Takeshima Shinobu hesitated as she asked.

“What do you mean?” Kazumi looked at her with a faint smile.

“You know what I mean—spill it!” she said as she moved closer in a friendly manner.

“Isn’t this behavior of yours what people call being nosy?” Kazumi smiled at her.

“How rude! I’m just concerned about you. So, what’s going on with you and Ogata-senpai?” Takeshima Shinobu’s curiosity only grew stronger.

Kazumi chuckled lightly before saying, “I guess we’re just ordinary friends now. Does that answer satisfy you, Miss Takeshima?”

Takeshima Shinobu replied with a hint of disappointment, “I think it’s a shame. Honestly, you two seem like a great match.”

Kazumi laughed. “By ‘a great match,’ are you referring to our genders? Miss, put away your romantic fantasies. Ogata Yasuda might make a good lover, but he’s far from being a man women can feel secure with. His track record is just too long. If you were his girlfriend, wouldn’t you worry at all? Besides, I find dating troublesome. You have to consider the other person’s feelings, and it takes up so much free time. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. I’d rather keep things the way they are.”

Takeshima Shinobu was about to say something when the sound of a phone ringing came from the other room.

Kazumi recognized it as her own phone and stood up to head to her room.

Checking the number on the screen, she quickly pressed the answer button.

After listening to the call, she lowered her head in thought for a moment before dialing another number.

“Hello, is this Brother? It’s Kazumi.”

“Mom just called me and asked me to go back as soon as possible tomorrow. So, can you pick up Rumi on your own in the afternoon?”

“She didn’t say what it’s about, just that I should try to return early.”

“Yes, if anything comes up, I’ll call you right away. I’ll also try to get back as soon as I can.”

“I understand. Goodbye.”

After hanging up, Kazumi’s eyes showed a hint of confusion. Why would Mom suddenly ask me to return so urgently? And even Brother doesn’t seem to know anything.

※※※

At the station exit, a girl’s figure occasionally caught the attention of passing travelers.

Aside from her delicate features and the long, flowing ponytail tied neatly behind her, what stood out the most was her white kendo uniform.

The outfit made it obvious she was likely a student participating in a school club. Her youthful face, still carrying traces of innocence, didn’t look much older than a high school student. Yet, the white kendo uniform suited her so naturally that she became a unique sight at the station exit.

“Hey, little girl, are you a high schooler? Are you here alone?” A man in his forties, dressed in a suit and smiling, approached her and asked.

“Sorry, I’m waiting for someone,” the girl replied curtly, not wanting to engage with a stranger.

The man stepped closer and said, “Are you from the countryside? How about I take you out for some fun? I’ll even give you some pocket money.”

The girl saw him moving closer and immediately took a step back, repeating, “Sorry, I’m waiting for someone.”

But the man didn’t give up. He pulled out his wallet, took out 20,000 yen, and waved it in front of her. “If you come with me, this money is yours as pocket money. Come on, let’s go. Uncle has plenty of money and will treat you well.”

As he spoke, he reached out to grab her hand.

The girl was taken aback by his audacity and quickly stepped back to avoid his hand.

Just as the man was about to follow, he suddenly felt a numbness in his legs and waist, and before he knew it, he collapsed face-first onto the ground.

What had just happened? The man cursed under his breath while struggling to get up.

As he was getting to his feet, a figure suddenly appeared beside him, followed by a young male voice saying, “Hey, what do you want with her?”

The man looked up to see a tall man looking at him coldly.

The middle-aged man, too frightened to stay, quickly turned and walked away without saying a word.

“Old pervert,” Lei Yin muttered under his breath as he watched the man’s retreating figure. If there hadn’t been so many people around, he would have beaten him senseless.

Turning his attention to the kendo girl, he saw her blushing and looking at him. However, when she noticed his gaze, she quickly lowered her head and softly said, “Senpai, you’re here.” Her voice was barely louder than a whisper.

Lei Yin found it amusing and walked over to gently tap her on the head, teasing, “You don’t recognize me after a few days?”

Rumi, realizing that he was still the same as before, relaxed and finally dared to look up and meet his eyes.

But when she saw his eyes, her face flushed again.

“Let’s go, the car’s outside.” Not wanting to waste any more time, he said, picking up her luggage and heading out.

The kendo girl immediately walked beside him.

“If you ever run into someone like that again, just shout for the police. They won’t dare to harass you again. They won’t dare to act up in broad daylight.” As they walked, Lei Yin suddenly said.

The kendo girl looked a little embarrassed and replied, “I understand.”

“Kazumi was originally supposed to come with me, but mom suddenly called and asked her to come home, so she couldn’t make it.”

“Is there something urgent?” Rumi asked.

“Don’t worry, it’s probably nothing serious. If it were, Mom would have asked me to go back with her. Are you tired?”

“Yeah, a little.”

“Let’s get you some rest. After you wake up, I’ll take you out for a nice meal.”

“Thank you, Senpai.” The kendo girl smiled sweetly, then, when he wasn’t looking, lightly tugged at his sleeve.

After opening the apartment door, the kendo girl took a deep breath and said, “I’m finally back. This training really felt long.”

Seeing her looking as if she had just been released from prison, Lei Yin smiled and said, “Kazumi’s classmate is still working part-time at the bookstore, so she might not be back this soon. You should take a shower and get some rest first.”

Rumi hesitated before asking, “Senpai, are you leaving now?”

Seeing her reluctant expression, Lei Yin realized she wasn’t used to being alone in the apartment right after returning from training, so he said, “I’ll wait until Kazumi’s classmate is back, then I’ll go pick up Amy and we’ll go eat together.”

Hearing that he wasn’t leaving, the kendo girl smiled brightly and, feeling relieved, took her luggage back to her room to shower.

With nothing to do, Lei Yin turned on the TV.

Some time later, the sound of water from the bathroom stopped, and soon after, a beautiful girl in a white bathrobe walked over, drying her hair.

As she reached the living room, she saw him watching TV and smiled as she took a can of soda and a can of beer from the fridge.

“Senpai,” she said as she walked up to him and handed him the can of beer.

“Thanks.” Lei Yin took it and opened it, taking a sip.

She sat down next to him and asked, “Senpai, do I look a little tanned?”

Lei Yin glanced at her and replied, “Can’t tell. Honestly, you don’t need to worry about such small things. As long as you’re healthy, that’s all that matters.”

The kendo girl gently rested her head on his shoulder and softly said, “Senpai, I’ve actually been worried the whole time before I came back.”

“Worried about what?” Lei Yin asked, a little confused.

“I was worried you wouldn’t be as kind to me as before. But thankfully, you haven’t changed, and that makes me feel at ease.” Her voice carried deep affection and a bit of unease.

Lei Yin didn’t know what to say. He realized that his previous deliberate distancing had left a strong impact on her, one that she hadn’t fully gotten over, and it still lingered in her heart.

After a while, as he was about to say something, he noticed that she had unknowingly fallen asleep.

He quietly looked at her peaceful, serene face for a moment before gently picking her up and carrying her to her room.