Chapter 92: Confusion

“That’s impossible. Someone like that actually exists? Did he really not give any hint at all?” Kogure couldn’t believe it. Considering Aiko’s exceptional charm, it was hard to imagine any guy could resist.

“You’re so annoying. I’m going to try on some clothes.” With that, Aiko casually picked up an outfit and headed to the fitting room.

“Hey, Mami, it really looks like she’s serious. Do you think Gennai has some kind of… issue?” Kogure asked, a hint of suspicion in her tone.

“Seriously, I can’t believe you. You’re a girl, yet you dare say something like that. Who’d dare marry you in the future?” Murashima Mami replied, torn between frustration and amusement.

“Whatever. It’s not like anyone else is around anyway. But I’m still curious—why doesn’t Gennai show any interest in Aiko? He doesn’t seem like a clueless guy.”

“That guy isn’t like most boys. Don’t you remember? On the night he brought Aiko back, no matter what we said, he refused to share a room with her. If he actually made such a request of her, that would be far stranger,” Murashima said thoughtfully.

“Alright, I get it now. The conclusion is that Gennai is a total weirdo.” Kogure nodded like an expert delivering a diagnosis.

“I’ll agree with that,” Murashima said, laughing.

“What do you think, Ai?” Kogure turned to Aikura Ai, who stood nearby.

“I… I think he’s a good person,” Aikura Ai replied, caught off guard by the sudden question.

“A good person? Hmm, that’s one way to put it,” Kogure mused, fiddling with the elegant watch on her wrist.

“Look at you. Just a moment ago, you were calling him a weirdo, and now, after seeing the gift he gave you, you’ve completely changed your tune,” Murashima teased her.

“Hey, Mami, stop making fun of me, or I’ll get back at you!” Kogure charged at her playfully.

Murashima Mami’s greatest weakness was being ticklish, so this was often a prime opportunity for Aiko and Kogure to tease her. Seeing Kogure coming at her, Murashima immediately bolted. Kogure, of course, wouldn’t let her off the hook and gave chase. Their playful laughter filled the clothing section, drawing curious stares from other shoppers.

Watching the two chase each other, Aikura Ai smiled gently, then lowered her gaze to the elegant watch Gennai had given her. She stared at it in a daze.

***

In a cozy café where soft music played, four radiant girls sat together, sipping drinks and chatting leisurely.

The lively group was like a picturesque scene, attracting the attention of many male patrons.

“Aiko, what a coincidence to run into you here,” a boy with gold-rimmed glasses approached them. Behind him were two other boys—one with dyed blonde hair and the other tall and imposing.

“Ikeda? Yeah, I suppose it’s a coincidence,” Aiko replied flatly.

“Since we’re all here, why don’t we go watch a movie together later? After the movie, we can grab dinner. Your friends are, of course, welcome to join,” Ikeda suggested, smiling.

“Sorry, I need to get home for dinner. Thanks anyway.”

“Aiko, don’t be like that. Come on, join us. I promise you’ll have a great time.” Ikeda reached out and casually placed a hand on her shoulder.

“This is a public place. Please show some respect. Mami, let’s go.” Aiko shook his hand off angrily and stood up.

The other three girls followed suit.

Feeling humiliated, Ikeda glared at Aiko’s retreating figure with a venomous look.

Outside the café, Kogure voiced her concern. “Aiko, are you sure it’s okay to act like that with Ikeda? He’s known for holding grudges. There was this guy who accidentally upset him once, and he ended up in the hospital after Ikeda and his gang beat him up.”

“Hmph, I’m not afraid of him,” Aiko said with a dismissive pout.

“Still, it’s better to be careful,” Kogure urged.

Noticing Murashima Mami deep in thought, Kogure tapped her on the shoulder. “Mami, what’s on your mind? Are you worried about Ikeda too?”

Murashima nodded. “It’s worth being cautious about Ikeda. But there’s something else I can’t figure out.”

“What is it?” Kogure asked.

“Remember when Gennai gave Ikeda and his gang a beating?”

“Of course! I couldn’t believe it. Gennai’s so strong. Seven against one—that was like a scene from an action movie,” Kogure exclaimed.

“That’s the thing. Given Ikeda and Fukui’s personalities, they’d definitely have sought revenge. But it’s been days, and nothing has happened. And don’t you think it’s strange that every time Gennai comes to pick up Aiko after school, Ikeda and his gang don’t dare approach?” Murashima pointed out.

“Now that you mention it, yeah, it is weird. What did Gennai do to make them back off? Aiko, do you know?” Kogure asked, looking at her.

The other two girls also turned to Aiko.

“I have no idea. He’s always so mysterious. Like this time—he suddenly went to Switzerland and stayed for over half a month without saying a word beforehand.” Thinking about it, Aiko grew increasingly annoyed.

Murashima pondered briefly before saying, “We don’t seem to know much about Gennai at all. Sure, we know his mother is an office worker and that he has a younger sister in the same grade as us, but beyond that, he’s a complete enigma. Aiko, have you ever felt that way?”

Aiko recalled that terrifying night when Gennai single-handedly defeated Toyokawa Mito to rescue her, the time he effortlessly took down seven people in a school confrontation, and the impenetrable, mist-like aura of mystery that always surrounded him. All of this left her deeply confused.

“Mami, what should I do?” Aiko asked, looking at her with uncertainty.

Seeing the helplessness in Aiko’s eyes, Murashima sighed inwardly. “Here’s my advice: don’t press him about anything. When he’s ready to tell you, it means he’s opened his heart to you.”

“I understand,” Aiko replied softly.

***

At the entrance to an apartment, Naoko blushed furiously. “Would you like to come in for a bit?”

“No, I need to get home for dinner. If you need anything or just want to chat, give me a call,” the boy replied.

“Alright.” Naoko nodded gently.

“Your body is still recovering, so don’t stay up late. Make sure you’re in bed by 10 PM, okay?”

“I will,” Naoko answered, her voice as soft as flowing water, her tone obedient and sweet.

The boy’s slightly commanding tone didn’t offend her in the least; instead, it filled her heart with joy, like honey spreading through her soul.

“Alright, I’ll be going. Go on inside.” With that, the boy turned to leave.

Suddenly, an uncontrollable urge surged through Naoko. Before she realized it, she had already wrapped her arms around his slender waist.

“Lei!” she whispered, using the name he had asked her to call him only in private. She cherished this name deeply.

“What is it?” The boy smiled down at the woman embracing him.

“Hold me, please?” Naoko looked at him like a child seeking comfort.

“Fool,” he said, pulling her into a firm embrace.

In that moment, Naoko felt that even if she were to die right then, she would have no regrets.