Living in Tokyo, all I want to do is laze around.

"What's strange about it?"

Her shimmering, violet eyes looked at him, their beautiful brilliance reflecting the girl's conflicted thoughts.

"For example... if Hanabi became another guy's girlfriend, even if it was just a fake one, what would Kai-kun think...?"

Kai Uesugi: "I feel really awkward. I don't know that guy, and even if I did, it wouldn't work."

"That's what Hanabi thought too..."

"So you disagree?" Uesugi Kai gazed at her cute little face.

"Mmm." Hanabi Hanamaru turned her face away, giving off a shy vibe.

She is always a very generous, considerate, and helpful girl.

There's only one reason why she's not so generous now.

Kai Uesugi took her hand and replied, "I will refuse if Hana-chan disagrees."

"It's not that I completely disagree... Kai-kun himself promised the other party that he would do his best to help, and Hanabi was nearby at the time..."

"So you want to confirm it with your own eyes?"

"Yes, but Kai-kun has to promise Hanabi... no holding hands or anything like that..."

"Will not."

Kai Uesugi smiled. Hanabi looked beautiful when she was jealous. She would pout and look at him with dissatisfied and slightly resentful eyes, but her delicate and picturesque face made her even more adorable.

Love can make people selfish, but there's nothing wrong with just that kind of selfishness.

I want to eat your fried eggs.

Hanabi Hanamaru didn't speak, but simply nodded slightly in agreement.

Uesugi Kai: "Are you so good to me because you're afraid I'll run away one day?"

Hanamaru Hanabi looked at him: "Yeah."

That evening, Uesugi Kai stood alone on the balcony, looking at the city's night view, and dialed her uncle's number.

The phone rang with the soulful voice of a male singer, the commotion sounding like it was coming from a brightly lit bar.

Kai Uesugi: "Uncle."

Hanamaru Yuzuki: "Kaori, I know, are you going to bother me again? Never mind, just tell me, I'll take care of it for you as soon as possible."

Kai Uesugi: "Could you help me with a reservation at Matsukawa Restaurant...?"

Hanamaru Yuzuki: "You're reserving a few, right? How many do you want? Or a private room? You still have the leisure to take my little niece to eat fancy food? Aren't you busy enough with your studies at Tokyo University?"

The University of Tokyo isn't really that busy, and there's not much academic pressure. All of his current courses are electives.

"Two private rooms, please. Thank you, Uncle Youyue."

------

A street scene in Tokyo at 1:39 p.m.

Cold rain sprinkled across the transparent umbrellas that were being used to walk between the high-rise buildings.

"Welcome to 7 Days Convenience Store."

"Hi, Seunghye, 300 yen."

"Sir, starting in September, you'll be charged for plastic bags. Here's your change: 190 yen. Please keep it safe."

Thank you for your patronage. We look forward to welcoming you again.

After leaving the convenience store, Uesugi Kai, whose chin was now covered in stubble, walked home alone, holding an umbrella.

The whispers of raindrops hitting the umbrella's surface filled my entire body with a chill.

Kai Uesugi didn't react much, letting the chill invade his body as he continued walking through the rain-soaked streets of Tokyo.

He answered the phone, carrying a clear plastic bag containing two cup noodles.

It is the mother.

【Akai, the letter from the University of Tokyo has arrived.】

【Um. 】

[It says on the sign that the entrance ceremony will be held on April 1st!]

That's really lucky.

[Yeah, yeah! I can't believe you actually got in, A-Zhao! This past year must have been tough, right? What do you want to eat tonight?]

Kai Uesugi glanced sideways at the two packs of Nissin Cup Noodles in his plastic bag.

The pattering raindrops continued to fill my ears.

I've already bought some instant noodles.

[Instant noodles? No way! That's unhealthy. When you get home, just wait for me to go grocery shopping; it'll be ready in a minute.]

【Um. 】

Kai Uesugi hung up the phone and put it back in his pocket.

Unexpectedly, it rang again.

It's Goto.

【Hello.】

[Haha, Uesugi, I passed! I passed!]

【Congratulations.】

Hey, you have no idea how tough it's been for me lately. Every night I wait for the envelope to arrive at home.

【Um. 】

Kai Uesugi, phone in hand, gazed at the passersby under their umbrellas as they brushed past him.

[Hey, Uesugi, are you alright? You don't sound very happy. Could it be that you...]

You've passed; don't worry.

[You passed? Haha, that's great! The University of Tokyo... I can't even dream of it. There's a class reunion on Friday, everyone's coming. Are you coming?]

【never mind.】

Hey, no way! The class reunion wouldn't be complete without you! You're a celebrity at our school! Do you know how many girls have asked me for your phone number?

[It wouldn't be much different without me.]

【How can you say that! Every classmate is important! If you don't come, Tsubokawa and I will drag you here!】

There's no need.

"Uesugi, this is necessary. We're worried about you." Goto's tone suddenly became serious.

What do I have to worry about?

[Anyway, it's settled then. 2-6-12 Ginza. Remember to come on time Friday noon, you absolutely have to!]

Kai Uesugi put the phone he had just hung up back into his pocket.

On the way home, the sound of the plastic bag swaying and the rain hitting the umbrella were clearly mingled together.

The words Goto had invited me to the class reunion kept echoing in my mind.

To say it's perfect is an understatement; it's been imperfect for a long time now.

Uesugi Kai continued walking, the sky overcast with rain, filled with an unyielding chill.

......

open the door.

"I am back."

Kai Uesugi spoke loudly because he secretly hoped that a soft, warm voice would reach his ears.

A street scene in Tokyo at 1:39 p.m.

Cold rain sprinkled across the transparent umbrellas that were being used to walk between the high-rise buildings.

"Welcome to 7 Days Convenience Store."

"Hi, Seunghye, 300 yen."

"Sir, starting in September, you'll be charged for plastic bags. Here's your change: 190 yen. Please keep it safe."

Thank you for your patronage. We look forward to welcoming you again.

###Chapter 304 Illustrations, Father and Matsukawa Cuisine###

June is the rainy season, and sunny weather is rare. Although there is no continuous drizzle at this time, the sky is also devoid of bright sunshine.

Fortunately, the air was fresh, and there was no need to use an umbrella when going out, making morning runs much less troublesome.

Kai Uesugi changed the water in the vase of lilies in the living room, hoping it would bloom longer.

It's a pity that these delicate flowers can't be placed in the bedroom—although the fragrance of lilies is lovely, it can easily make people intoxicated and unable to sleep.

After finishing these tasks, Uesugi Kai pulled Hanabi, who was still sleeping in, out for a morning run. Only after that did it come time for breakfast.

He kept in mind that health was the foundation of learning and life.

Although Uesugi Kai spent the entire morning idly at home, waiting for Hanamaru Hanabi to come home at noon.

He doesn't have class today, but Hanabi does.

After reading for a few hours of miscellaneous books borrowed from the University of Tokyo library, Uesugi Kai glanced at the time on his phone screen.

It's too early.

Then I started casually browsing information on social media.

A post from "SG Library" caught his eye.

The content is a character design illustration, depicting a pink-haired girl dressed as a shrine maiden.