I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 279 Swaying in the Dark

It was quite late when Tsukino Gen returned to the area near the inn.

The hostel was completely dark.

There was no noise or commotion, but on my phone were several messages from Akihiko Miura urging me to come back, asking where I was, when I would be back, whether I should leave the door open, and how I should explain things to Professor Sakuraba.

Tsukino Gen simply said, "I asked the teacher for leave," and that was enough to get by.

As for now, he naturally wouldn't go to his original room.

I gazed at the increasingly cold and clear moon overhead.

The boy increasingly felt the 'sin' he carried on his shoulders. Being a time management master wasn't so easy, and of course, not everyone would feel any psychological burden about it.

More likely, they felt that they were very attractive, and that only by moving among different women could they highlight their unique charm.

In reality, abusing sincerity, then abandoning it after starting something new, and being fickle in love doesn't necessarily prove how charming you are. It just means you've hurt the kindness and innocence of others, or perhaps it's like a turtle meeting a green bean—a scumbag encountering a temptress.

From this perspective, my situation is quite unique.

Ok.

Thinking this, she moved lightly and quietly, easily arriving at the separate door.

I sent a message without knocking.

Soon, soft footsteps came from inside the door, and the door opened gently.

Familiar, beautiful faces appeared in the darkness, bathed in light, like a wanderer who had traveled through wind and rain, driven to desperation, witnessing the arrival of a deity.

"You're only arriving at this hour?"

Asagiri Rin made no attempt to hide the resentment on her face as she stood at the doorway, as if blocking the other person from entering as a form of punishment.

Gen Tsukino looked helpless. "There's nothing I can do. Those two can't come out unless they're asleep, and I'm too lazy to explain a bunch of questions."

"is it?"

The girl was somewhat skeptical of what he was saying; he didn't seem like someone who couldn't handle these kinds of things.

However, the other party's performance was very realistic, so I moved aside.

Gen Tsukino walked in.

The room was spacious, and the overall style was the same as the hostel. However, by local standards, this room was probably one of the best, and even so, it was still a bit of a letdown for the girl.

It might have been the most ordinary room she had ever stayed in?

"But you're still not asleep?"

Tsukino Gen was still thinking that if there was no reply to the message, it meant the other person was asleep, and then he wouldn't need to come over.

But it seems the other party is quite persistent.

Asagiri Rin snorted softly, "I can't sleep in a place like this."

"Does the young lady have trouble sleeping in a particular bed?"

Gen Tsukino casually sat down on the sofa and noticed some snacks that had been eaten and several bottles of water that had been opened on the table.

It was probably Kazama Sakura's doing, since the young lady is quite picky about food and drink, and is the type who would rather endure it than wait for her own things to finally arrive.

"Anyone who can sleep in such a terrible room must be a superhuman."

She retorted sarcastically without holding back.

Tsukino Gen was stunned. "So everyone in the entire grade except you is a genius?"

"You can say that."

"Don't think you're immune to being beaten just because you're a pampered young lady and have incurred public wrath."

"It's okay, if I get beaten up, I'll definitely take you with me."

Actually, I'm not afraid at all.

Does a group of weaklings possess the power to overthrow the strong? That's just a story from a fairy tale.

The saying "a single spark can start a prairie fire" is not an isolated case, but rather because those sparks that can burn are not weak in themselves.

Sitting on the other side of the sofa, propping her cheek up with her hand, Asagiri Rin lazily looked at Tsukino Gen.

Do you think autumn outings are fun?

When asked about today's events.

Gen Tsukino thought for a moment, realizing that he couldn't really give a fair answer. After all, he had spent the whole day teaming up with these two. If it were someone else, they might have had a simpler time. He didn't mean to belittle or be sarcastic; after all, this young lady wouldn't have come if it weren't for him.

"The so-called bonfire party was a bit lacking in flavor, and it doesn't fit the current aesthetic of young people. But it's fine during the day. I think hiking and seeing the plants and insects is quite interesting."

"Those bugs are disgusting, what's so interesting about them?"

"That's due to differences in people's preferences. Some people even like to keep these strange and unusual insects."

"Anyway, you're not allowed to keep them."

Asagiri Rin touched her arm, seemingly getting goosebumps just thinking about those strange, unheard-of insects.

Girls are truly amazing creatures.

Although there are no statistics, based on impressions, most of the people online who keep insects, reptiles, and even snakes as pets are women.

In real life, it's mostly girls who seem to be afraid of these things.

As for boys
It seems like you have no other preferences besides color? That's narrow-minded.

"I'm happy to keep you; I have no interest in other pets."

"Support me? Are you sure you can afford to support me?"

Asagiri Rin looked at the other person with amusement.

Gen Tsukino thought for a moment, "Can't I use my true feelings?"

"Get lost! I'm not going to elope with you like in those fairy tales or folk legends and become Cinderella. I'm so pampered, I absolutely can't have a bad life."

Indeed, she had the confidence to be so proud. Moreover, after several encounters, Tsukino Gen also knew that her mother was not the kind of parent who insisted on a marriage between equals.

how to say.

Perhaps Asagiri Rin was indeed unhappy as a child, and she did suffer for a long time after losing her biological father.

But now, she truly lives a life where she can get whatever she wants.

The god of misfortune has taken away what he was supposed to take; all that remains is ultimate luck.

“I know, that’s why I never intended to elope with you in the first place.”

"Hmm? So what you said before was a lie?"

Asagiri Rin leaned closer, her long, beautiful legs slightly tilted, yet possessing a certain beauty, much like how the Leaning Tower of Pisa is so memorable precisely because of its tilt.

When you are surrounded by a sufficient fragrance and are close enough, your scents will naturally blend together.

He hadn't forgotten that not long ago he had been intimately entwined with another beautiful woman in a hot spring.

Fortunately, she managed to dispel all those auras on the way back using her cultivation technique. Tsukino Gen looked at her with a smile, "Anyway, I could tell you were enjoying that imagined romance back then, even though we both knew it was impossible to elope. This vast world seems like you can go to the ends of the earth, but if your heart isn't truly free, everywhere you go is a cage."

So what's your solution?

"Solve problems head-on so as not to put anyone in a difficult position. Eloping or fleeing are choices to escape problems, and are examples of trying to avoid hardship. I don't like that."

Listening to the boy's calm and firm words.

Rin Asagiri knew that this was the answer she wanted.

What's remarkable about this man is his ability to consider many factors, especially his precise understanding of what he truly wants, without making unnecessary choices. He won't sacrifice what's truly precious for the sake of the so-called "bigger picture."

"What if we can't solve it head-on?"

Her eyes twitched slightly, as if in defiance, or perhaps as a question from someone who had lost their way.

Everyone else is lost, so why are you able to find your way with unwavering determination and keep moving forward in that direction?

Aren't you confused?

Won't you stop because of difficulties and hardships?
If there were such a person, I would feel not only envy but also intense jealousy.

Such blessings are a tiny minority.

Even Asagiri Rin herself, who could be considered one of the 'parties involved,' was somewhat jealous of how clear-headed he always was.

Gen Tsukino shrugged. "How do you know it can't be solved if you don't try? As for when it really can't be solved, then we'll use a simple and direct approach. I don't know if you believe me, but I think that's definitely what makes me special."

There's no need to turn a specific case into an example applicable to most people.

It is precisely because of my extraordinary nature that I have embarked on a different path and therefore made attempts that normal people would not even consider.

And he has the corresponding confidence.

Asagiri Rin reached out and pinched Tsukino Gen's cheek.

Seriously, how come her skin feels better than mine?

"They used to claim they were just ordinary people, but now they're saying they're special. They're not pretending anymore?"

"There's no other way. If you lack confidence, then of course I have to give it to you. Otherwise, what if you run away before I even put in the effort?"

Asagiri Rin was very pleased with these words.

She just couldn't admit that she was a weak girl.

"It seems things aren't as dangerous as you make them out to be. At least my mother hasn't done anything yet."

“She can do nothing, but I can’t wait until she does something and then be completely unprepared.”

"What preparation?"

"Living well at all times is my best preparation."

"He really knows how to show off."

"Do I need to act cool? I'm cool just by standing here."

"Puch."

Even though I tried to keep a straight face and show the coldest expression, I couldn't help but laugh out loud when I heard such shameless words.

The girl, with her graceful, swaying charm, was a feast for the eyes.

Tsukino Gen couldn't help but reach out his hand. The boy, who was used to being passive, wasn't without his moments of initiative.

How could someone who is good at seizing opportunities miss out on such a perfect time and atmosphere?

Just like in a fighting game, the moment you see your opponent's weakness, you can't help but want to seize that weakness and take their life.

The moment my hands were grasped was like turning on a switch.

The atmosphere that is ignited so quickly leaves no room for those involved to be oblivious.

Her eyes looked at the other person with a hint of panic.

Tsukino Gen, still sporting a smile, was so wicked that it was impossible not to like him.

"what?"

"Can I kiss you?"

Gen Tsukino asked with a smile, his breath clearly drawing ever closer.

At this point, being polite is practically a mockery.

Asagiri Rin's cheeks kept getting hot, and her ears were burning.

Have you ever been this polite?

She couldn't help but feel angry.

Tsukino Gen smiled and reached up, tucking a strand of hair beside her cheek behind her delicate ear.

"Because I respect you, of course I need to ask you first. Is that alright?"

"If I say no, will you not kiss me?"

"Then I'll keep asking until you agree."

"Scoundrel."

Her gaze shifted slightly, unable to meet his eyes.

"Then do you agree?"

"disagree"

His head was tilted back, but it was supported by a broad, kind hand.

"Agree?"

He was smiling, his eyes shining.

"disagree"

He struggled to turn his head.

But he cupped her cheek with his other hand.

"Agree?"

He shamelessly asked again.

"Whatever you want."

The voice was so low it was almost inaudible.

The figures on the sofa gradually overlapped, and rustling sounds filled the air under the light.

Like autumn leaves swaying in the wind.

……

(End of this chapter)