My love index is at its maximum.

"Big sister..."

Tsukasa Tazaki put the dishes down and turned to look at her: "Dinner's ready."

Today's dishes were just some home-style fare, not a lavish spread, but he had tasted them and found every single one to be impeccable.

Hoshino Hanami remained silent, staring intently at him.

The two stared at each other silently. Apart from the ticking of the wall clock, there was no other sound in the guest room. The atmosphere was cold and somewhat awkward.

Tazaki Tsukasa sat obediently on the sofa. The full-length mirror directly opposite him was spotless. He would occasionally look at his reflection in it, and sometimes steal glances at her legs.

The leggings are somewhat like the tight leggings worn by figure skaters; they look thick up close, but from a distance, it seems like they're not wearing anything at all.

Hoshino Hanami rolled her eyes with a hint of disdain.

Feeling that sitting there wasn't going to solve anything, she raised an eyebrow slightly and asked in a cold voice, "What are you doing in here? Weren't you having a good time pretending to be a cook? Keep it up!"

"I was afraid you'd be angry about what happened today..." Tsukasa Tazaki left the sofa and sat down on the edge of the bed.

Hoshino Hanami glared at him, but didn't kick him away. She just rubbed her nose and said sarcastically, "What are you afraid I'll be angry about? Aren't you and your childhood friend having a lot of fun?"

"I'm not happy at all!" Tsukasa Tazaki scratched his head awkwardly and continued, "Especially thinking about my petty older sister watching from the audience makes me feel uncomfortable all over."

Hoshino Hanami pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath: "Get lost, I hate seeing you!"

"I'm not leaving tonight."

"Want to get beaten up again?" Hoshino Hanami raised her fist.

Tsukasa Tazaki said firmly, "I won't leave even if I get beaten up."

She seemed unsure how to respond, and after a long silence, she finally remained silent, letting out a long sigh. She then ignored him, bent her knees, rested her face on her knees, and gazed out the window.

The air conditioner blew out cold air, and the food on the table slowly grew cold. The twilight outside the window stretched on endlessly. Blackness gradually drove away the setting sun, and night finally arrived.

Tsukasa Tazaki, clutching a pillow, watched her silently. Hanami Hoshino seemed oblivious to her presence, or perhaps she was simply contemplating whether to slap herself on the head or face first.

But it didn't matter; he just wanted to witness her every move.

As I watched, I tried to imagine how she was feeling. Given Da Ke'ai's somewhat petty nature when it came to relationships, being provoked by the golden retriever must have made her feel both upset and frustrated. Thinking this, my own thoughts were also churning—pity, heartache, guilt—a mix of emotions overwhelmed me.

It was completely dark outside, and the moonlight shone on the window, making it appear slightly white.

Tsukasa Tazaki gazed at the tranquil, hazy night and the indistinct lines of her face. Smelling her familiar, faint fragrance, he reached out and took her hand in the bright moonlight: "Hanami-san."

Their hands were so soft and warm that I couldn't help but hold them with all my might.

The intense heat transmitted through their touching skin. Hoshino Hanami turned to look at him, her gaze as unwavering as if she were staring at a traffic light on a pedestrian crossing. Yet, she couldn't calm herself; she felt as if she were floating two meters off the ground.

"Why don't you just beat me up?" Tsukasa Tazaki said. "It will hurt, but I can grit my teeth and bear it. Besides, I recover well, and the marks will be invisible in a couple of days."

Although that's what I said, I couldn't help but feel uneasy, afraid that she would actually do it.

Although it's not fatal and recovers quickly, the pain is real and visibly intense. However, at this point, there's no other option but to grit their teeth and proceed. If they back down now, who knows how long it will take before they can communicate normally again.

“Big sister…” Tazaki Tsukasa gritted her teeth, mustered her courage, and climbed onto the bed, sitting up straight against the headboard just like her: “I need to explain to you what happened at the gymnasium today.”

Hoshino Hanami glared at him sideways: "Speak up!"

The voice was icy cold, as devoid of emotion as the expression on her face. However, the way her hand, held by Tsukasa Tazaki, tightened unconsciously betrayed the extent of her concern.

Thanks to the golden retriever for the assist... Tazaki Tsukasa chuckled inwardly, leaning his shoulder against Hoshino Hanami's: "I'm someone who can see my own nature very clearly. I can tell whether the feelings in my heart are desire or love. I say what girls are thinking, and I never deliberately act kind or pretend to be ignorant of them."

Hoshino Hanami narrowed her eyes: "And then?"

"The only person I like unconditionally is you." Tsukasa Tazaki closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall: "Moonlight, movies, favorite songs, touching books, the pleasant spring breeze, the fragrance of flowers, and the like, the first person I want to share them with is definitely you."

Hoshino Hanami didn't offer any opinion, but simply listened silently to the sound of the air conditioner.

“For example, with Kikawa, I wouldn’t say I like her.” Tsukasa Tazaki tilted his head and continued, “I’m closer to her simply because we’ve known each other for a long time, and I naturally feel that she should be by my side. But this feeling will fade. Once we graduate from high school and don’t have to see each other every day, and I don’t have to passively receive a lot of news from her, then whether she dates or gets married is no longer within my consideration.”

Hoshino Hanami shrugged, shook his head off, and asked, "Where's Shimamoto Kana?"

"My older sister clearly cares a lot."

"Say!"

"They may appear cold and hard on the surface, but they are actually soft-hearted."

Hoshino Hanami glared at him angrily: "Speak now!"

“Shimamoto-sensei…” Tazaki Tsukasa scratched his head, organized his thoughts, and then confessed to her, “I’m a staunch older man enthusiast. Unlike my feelings for high school girls, my feelings for Shimamoto-sensei are genuine. If she’s willing to get a divorce in the future, I will definitely take care of her for the rest of her life. And Sachiko-nee, I’m very grateful to her. If she never remarries, I will also take care of her.”

Hoshino Hanami stared at him for a moment, then turned her head expressionlessly to look out the window. Through the large glass window, she could see the moonlight hanging high in the sky, bright and clear as water.

Her already fair skin appeared even whiter under the moonlight, like a shimmering white wax sculpture.

Tsukasa Tazaki looked at her silently.

As a teacher, she was always impeccably dressed, and her classroom demeanor reflected a clear personal style. As a girlfriend, she was wholeheartedly devoted to love, her affection pure and elegant. Every memory of her is vivid, fresh, and bright. Her nonchalant yet stubborn temperament was enough to stir the heart, sending adrenaline soaring and the heart pounding as it sent signals to the brain.

Just looking at him made Tsukasa Tazaki thirsty.

He got out of bed, poured himself a glass of water, and drank it. As the cool liquid gradually calmed his heartbeat, the screams in his mind grew louder and louder.

Since things have already come to this point, what I need to do is neither be gentle nor sincerely repent.

Try harder and express what you want to say more clearly.

If we don't make things clear now, we may never have another chance like this...

Back in bed, Tsukasa Tazaki reached out and pulled Hanami Hoshino into his arms.

Hoshino Hana's face turned cold, and she raised her leg to kick him in the face.

If that kick had landed properly, his nose would probably have collapsed...

Tazaki Tsukasa bent down to dodge, and with a sudden pull of his arms around her, the two of them fell onto the bed together.

"Ugh, let me go..."

"I'll release her in a bit." Tazaki Tsukasa pulled her close to him, and the unforgettable fragrance wafted over him.

After struggling for a moment, Hoshino Hanami sniffed softly, looked at him without saying a word, and her expression seemed a little frail.

Their eyes met, and the air was still.

Tazaki Tsukasa forced a smile: "I'm not saying this to get your forgiveness right now, but just to let you know what kind of person I am, so you can consider it more carefully. As for myself, I know very well that I can't give you up. Whether it's a year, three or five years, or even decades, I will keep trying to marry you."

Hoshino Hanami's long eyelashes fluttered a few times, her cheek resting on his arm, her eyes closed, breathing quietly as if she were fast asleep. Tazaki Tsukasa held her shoulder without moving, and the two remained like this for five minutes.

The room was quiet, with only the soft whistling of the air conditioner vents.

She was probably very tired; for those five minutes, she seemed to be looking for a place to rest. Her exhaustion made Tsukasa feel a pang of pity. It was unreasonable and unfair to make such a young and beautiful woman so sad; she deserved to be struck by lightning…

Five minutes later, Hoshino Hanami opened her eyes: "Let go, I want to eat!"

Tsukasa Tazaki quickly let go and asked, "It's cold, do you want me to heat it up?"

She glanced at her watch, stood up, and said, "No need, you should go back now, get some rest tonight, and win more beautifully tomorrow!"

"Can I stay here tonight?"

Hoshino Hanami turned to look at him: "There are only two beds here, I definitely won't let you touch them. Do you want to sleep with Shikami?"

“…Okay.” Tazaki Tsukasa felt uneasy under her gaze and had no choice but to get out of bed.

I had just reached the door to change my shoes when I heard her say behind me, "Think about what to say when the reporters interview you tomorrow. Also, the scallions in your scrambled eggs with tomatoes were really delicious; make another serving next time."

Yay!

As Tazaki Tsukasa stepped out, he winked at his sullen sister-in-law and said, "See you tomorrow."

“…Like an idiot.” Hoshino Shikami rubbed her numb thigh and cursed at his back.

Once on the street, Tsukasa Tazaki bought a can of coffee from a convenience store and took a taxi back.

Throughout the journey, he was immersed in a strange sense of excitement.

Hoshino Hanami's ambiguous attitude was probably giving him a period of observation. If he could perform even better than when he was pursuing her, there was a chance he could win her back.

Keep moving forward step by step, keep going!

Back at the hot spring inn, after finishing my coffee, it was about 8 p.m.

The kendo club students were having a celebratory feast in the courtyard, and Yui Kikawa was there too. Three large tables were set up on the small ground, laden with a sumptuous spread of dishes, including grilled eel, stew, and crab. The place was crowded, noisy, and filled with various aromas, but every student's face beamed with excitement.

Tsukasa Tazaki walked straight over, poured a glass of juice, and, holding the blond-haired man's hand, stood in front of everyone: "To victory, cheers!"

"cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank the juice in them, then stared curiously at the two holding hands—were they going to respond to Kikawa's feelings here?

"Everyone..." Tsukasa Tazaki took the girl's hand and raised it up for everyone to see: "Since there are so many people here, I have something to announce."

A burst of laughter erupted from all around.

Kikawa looked at him with a hint of anticipation. The two were so close that she could even see the rise and fall of his chest as he spoke.

The boy was wearing a white T-shirt and black sweatpants; his clean-cut and handsome face was pleasing to the eye.

The girl wore a knee-length skirt with an elegant thin cardigan over it, looking beautiful and unattainable.

She felt most worthy standing next to him. Realizing this, the blonde girl's clear blue eyes shone with satisfaction and pride.

"Yui," Tsukasa Tazaki said, turning his head to look at her with a serious yet gentle gaze, "From today onwards, you are my older brother!"

Sikawa Yui: "...?"

The air suddenly became quiet, and the cawing of crows came from somewhere.

"If anyone upsets you, just tell me, and I'll stand up for you!"

"...!" Qichuan Wei was so angry that her face turned pale, her chest heaved violently, and the veins on her snow-white neck bulged, clearly because she was clenching her teeth.

Kuriyama Sakura turned her face away, her body trembling.

Tazaki Tsukasa released her hand and walked happily to Shimamoto Kana's side.

"What can I say to you?" Shimamoto Kana poked his forehead angrily with her finger. "Can't you be a little gentler with girls? It's really hurtful."

Shiori Ninomiya, with a piece of eel in her mouth, said, "Kiki, well done!"

"I truly consider her a brother." Tsukasa Tazaki smiled as he sat down at the table and picked up his chopsticks to eat.

The grilled eel is fatty but not greasy, melts in your mouth, has no fishy smell, and leaves only a mouthful of rich sauce flavor.

Yui Kikawa walked over and whispered in his ear, "When we get back to Tokyo, I'll make you pay for those words!"