She looked up at him, a hint of slyness in her eyes: "Anyway, once I turn back, we'll already be lovers, so what we've done so far isn't strange, is it?"

Banai paused, turning to look at the girl beside him. What she said seemed to make sense—he and Suze were originally lovers with a "shared mother-son" bond, and everything now seemed like a future unfolding ahead of time. But the guilt he felt towards Aine was impossible to suppress.

After all, the original purpose of this trip was to take her relationship with Aine to the next level.

Banami said with slight doubt, "Are you really willing? You know, this trip..."

"I'm content as long as Xi-kun doesn't leave my side."

Su Shi immediately put on an innocent and harmless expression, her eyes curving into crescents. "Besides, it's not like I don't know about you and Sister Ai Yin. Strictly speaking, I'm the one who should have wronged her." She lowered her head slightly, her long eyelashes obscuring the emotions in her eyes, making her look exceptionally guilty.

Banami felt something was off. This well-behaved and sensible demeanor was completely different from the girl who had taken the initiative to kiss her and made a desperate gamble last night.

"Even a seemingly innocent girl can be scheming!" he thought to himself. But seeing Su Shi's "I'll behave" expression, he swallowed back the rebuke that was on the tip of his tongue, and even felt a strange sense of relief.

If we don't have to be honest with Aine, at least that girl's enthusiastic trip can continue.

"Or perhaps, Xi-kun would prefer me to call you..." Su-shi suddenly stood on tiptoe, her warm breath brushing against Banami's ear, her voice carrying a subtle, teasing tone.

Banami's heart pounded wildly. She instinctively held her breath, and images from last night flashed uncontrollably through her mind—the girl's youthful and soft body...

"Pfft—" Su Shi couldn't help but chuckle charmingly at his panicked appearance, and poked his cheek. "I just wanted to call you Onii-chan, what are you thinking, Xi-kun?"

Banai was starting to lose his composure. No, had he just been teased by this little girl?

He could have easily controlled Su Shi's mother, but after she shrunk, the tables turned, and he was being led by the nose by the little girl at every turn.

Waaaaah, Su Shi's mom, please come back soon! Your child has been bullied!

After dawdling along the way, the two finally arrived at the entrance of the hot spring inn. From afar, they could see Aine standing under the porch, looking energetic, even her skin seemed brighter, as if she had had a good night's sleep.

Her hair was casually pulled back, revealing her slender neck. Seeing them return, Aine immediately smiled, but her smile faltered slightly when her gaze fell on their tightly clasped hands, a look of surprise on her face: "You two..."

Before Aine could finish speaking, Suze seemed to sense something and immediately let go of Banami's hand. Like a happy little bird, she ran straight to Aine, hugged her waist tightly, and said in an incredibly affectionate voice, "Aine-neechan! We're back! The rain was too heavy last night and we were stuck outside and couldn't come back. You're not angry, are you?"

Hiss...good tea!

Her acting was so natural and flawless, her face full of genuine dependence, showing no sign of anything amiss. Even Banami wondered if everything that happened last night was a dream.

Ai Yin was startled by the hug, then chuckled and reached out to ruffle her hair: "Last night, Xi Jun called me, uh... and told me about what happened to you. How could I be angry..."

Su Shi looked up slightly in surprise, and a hint of sadness flashed in her eyes, which made Ai Yin feel very sorry for her. But Su Shi quickly smiled and said, "Ai Yin, come and take a bath with me. Let's whisper some secrets."

Banami's expression stiffened slightly. This brat, is she planning to cause trouble again? After what happened with Tomoyo, he really couldn't grasp Xiaosuyo's thoughts.

Aine glanced at Banami, who looked a little awkward beside her, and nodded: "Okay, perfect timing for us to have a private chat!"

The two walked towards the hot spring area as they talked, leaving Banami alone on the sofa in the hotel's living room. He looked out at the courtyard, where the white sand of the dry landscape garden was washed exceptionally clean by the rain, but he couldn't calm his chaotic thoughts.

Not long after, the wooden door to the hot spring area was gently pushed open, and Aine quietly walked out, carrying a faint scent of hot spring steam and flowers.

She tiptoed up behind Hanami, suddenly patted his shoulder, and teased, "Hmph, Hanami-kun, why do you look like you've done something wrong? Did something good happen between you and Motoyo last night that I don't know about?"

Seeing that Aine was turning her head sharply and meeting his ambiguous smile, Ichiro decided to steel herself. "Sorry, Aine," she thought, "actually, last night..."

"Hmph, you're honest after all." Aine chuckled.

"Huh?!"

Ai Yin couldn't help but laugh when she saw him like this. She sat down next to him and her tone became exceptionally gentle: "Okay, okay, I won't tease you anymore."

She raised her hand to smooth his furrowed brow: "Su Shi told me earlier that you patiently comforted her all night and told her about our past, which made her feel a little better. You really went to a lot of trouble..."

Aine's tone at this moment didn't sound sarcastic at all, and it seemed that Xiao Sushi really hadn't told the girl about the two of them.

This relieved Banami, but also made her feel slightly guilty.

He really worked hard last night. After all, Su Shi was in a lot of pain but refused to give up, and he struggled for a long time.

“However…” Aine changed the subject, leaning forward slightly, her full breasts gently pressing against Banami’s shoulder, the soft touch carrying a hint of jealousy in her voice, “You have to keep me company today, okay? I’ve been busy taking care of Suze these past few days, it’s my turn today, the journey is already halfway through.”

Her breath brushed against Hanami's ear, carrying a sweet fragrance that made his ear feel a little itchy.

However, Aine's anxiety was genuine. Before she knew it, half of Cinderella's magic effect had already passed, and the Spirit Bomb would expire in less than a week.

Even if she borrows the power of her senior and becomes an "invincible player," she still can't defeat Yanami. After Aine reverts to her basic form, she'll be ridiculed by Motoyo to the point of hanging herself.

"I gave you a chance, but you failed miserably! I gave you a chance, but you failed miserably!"

She could already picture Su Shi, disappointed in her, slapping her forehead hard.

No, this decisive defeat is too humiliating. She must rise up!

However, just as the ambiguous atmosphere was about to heat up, a small figure stood quietly in the dark corner of the corridor.

Xiaosu leaned against a wooden pillar, the hem of her yukata hanging to the ground, a slight upturn at the corner of her mouth revealing a meaningful smile, as if to say: I won't give you a chance, Yu-kun is mine.

The game has only just begun.

Chapter Twenty-Five: Slender Branches Bear Abundant Fruit

After the two of them came out of the hot spring, they went back to their room to change into their beautiful clothes and go out to take pictures.

The green tram slowly passed by on the tracks outside the window, the word "Kamakura" printed on its body was particularly clear in the sunlight—today they were going to take photos along the Enoden line. In Kamakura at this time of year, the hydrangeas were still covered with morning dew, the pale purple and pinkish-white flowers contrasting with the bright red maple leaves in the distance. The sea breeze blew by, and even the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the salty smell. Every shot was a postcard-worthy scene.

"Su Shi, go out and wait a bit!" Aine suddenly pushed Su Shi out of the room, her tone somewhat mysterious. Today she was going to use her secret weapon to take down Banami.

Moreover, looking at Banami outside the door, he presumptuously ordered, "Yu-kun, you're not allowed to peek either."

After saying that, he slammed the door shut, leaving Su Shi and Banai staring at each other in bewilderment.

Su Shi pouted and leaned against the wooden pillar of the porch: "Idiot Anon, you just specially prepared a kimono, as if you thought you hid it well."

Banami's lips twitched slightly. She thought to herself, "Why don't you keep it a little secret? That way, I can have more of a surprise."

Sure enough, the door opened again, and Aine came out wearing an orange kimono—the kimono was a warm orange, with light gold maple leaf patterns embroidered on the cuffs and hem, and a dark blue sash around her waist, which perfectly outlined her slender waist and full breasts.

The saying "a slender branch bears a large fruit" is nothing more than this.

Her hair was styled into an elegant bun, adorned with a small pearl hairpin, adding a touch of gentleness to her originally lively temperament, yet still retaining her charm.

"How was it?" Aine twirled around, her skirt billowing in a beautiful arc, and looked at Hanami expectantly.

Banami was somewhat lost in thought. Even though Xiaosu had secretly revealed it to her, she was still amazed and blurted out subconsciously, "It's beautiful, like the warm sun in this season."

Aine is already captivating enough in her casual clothes, but when she wears a kimono, she looks like a girl who has stepped out of the old days of Kamakura, stunning and moving.

His gaze remained fixed on her, as if to thank her for her meticulously prepared attire.

Women dress up for those who appreciate them, but even close friends deserve a proper response.

In terms of emotional value, Banami certainly provides a lot.

“Aine-neechan is so pretty,” Su Shi stepped forward, her tone completely different from her previous sarcastic remarks. She looked up at Su Shi and praised her sincerely, “This kimono suits Onii-chan so well. When you stand together, you look like a couple who have stepped out of a painting.”

Ai-yin beamed with joy at the praise, while Banami's gaze made her both happy and shy. She reached out and ruffled Su-se's hair, saying, "Su-se is really amazing now."

Soyorin is much cuter than those who only say things like, "You only think about yourself," "Ha, are you an idiot?" or "Is your brain even used for thinking?"

As she laughed, she paused—Su Shi, dressed in a simple white dress, stood beside her in a kimono, looking rather frail.

She suddenly remembered that in Su Shi's current memories, the Ichinose family was not well-off, and luxury items like kimonos would never appear in her wardrobe.

“Oh, right, Yu-kun!” Aine’s eyes lit up as she tugged at Hanami’s arm. “The shop owner told me yesterday that there’s a decent kimono shop nearby. How about we buy one for Motoyo too? The scenery is so beautiful today, it would be a shame not to take pictures in kimonos!”

Only then did Banai realize her oversight and quickly looked at Su Shi.

But Su Shi quickly waved her hand, a sweet smile on her face: "No need, Sister Ai Yin is the leading lady today, how can I steal your thunder? Besides, the dress looks great in photos too."

Despite saying that, her eyes subtly revealed a mixture of disappointment and anticipation, making Aine feel even more sorry for her, and causing Banami's eyes to twitch slightly.

"Hmph, little girl, you're quite confident." Aine chuckled, straightening her back and deliberately showing off the ample bosom she'd borrowed from Suze. "But even if you wear a kimono, Aine-neechan is still invincible!"

Su Shi looked at her confident appearance, pursed her lips slightly, and sneered inwardly: Solevadokana.

On the surface, however, she put on a pitiful expression, looking at Banami with big, watery eyes, looking just like an abandoned kitten.

Even though she knew the other person was faking it, what Banami couldn't stand the most was her expression. She couldn't tolerate even the slightest mistreatment of her: "What Aine-neechan has, you'll have too. Let's go take a look and choose one you like."

"Really, thank you so much, Onii-chan... and Aine-neechan too."

Seeing Su Shi raise her head, looking slightly excited, made Aine happy too.

Hey, let's talk about emotional value.

Life is like a play, and it's all about acting!

***

The three of them quickly went outside. The air after the rain was exceptionally fresh, and the hydrangeas and maple leaves intertwined to create a beautiful display of colors.

The kimono shop wasn't far from the inn. Its wooden facade was antique and elegant, and the kimono fabrics hanging at the entrance swayed gently in the wind. As soon as Aine entered, she pulled Suze towards the fabric section and skillfully picked out several kimonos: "Look at this white one, embroidered with cherry blossoms, it suits you very well, doesn't it? And this sky blue one, it matches the weather today perfectly. When we stand together later, it'll be a perfect composition."

Ai Yin chose colors that Su Shi used to like.

However, Su Shi glanced at it, and although her expression didn't show it, she seemed somewhat uninterested, clearly not fond of the color Ai Yin had chosen. A moment later, as if she had spotted something, she walked straight to a purple kimono—the kimono had a deep purple base with large hydrangea patterns printed on it, the pale purple and light blue petals layered upon each other, the embroidery thread shimmering delicately in the light. "May I try this one on?"

She pointed to the kimono, her tone firm.

"This outfit?" Ai Yin was a little surprised. "Isn't purple a bit too mature? And don't you usually prefer lighter colors?"

“I think it looks great,” Su Shi insisted, and before Aine could say anything more, she took the kimono and went into the fitting room.

When she came out, both Banami and Aine were stunned. The purple kimono suited Suze surprisingly well—the deep purple made her skin appear even whiter, and the hydrangea pattern blended with her lively temperament. The girl's youthful features, wrapped in the kimono, gained a touch of mature charm, like a plump grape, tempting one to pick it.

However, the kimono was noticeably too big, with a loose collar and sleeves that were a bit too long.

“The size isn’t quite right, shall I get you a smaller one?” Aine stepped forward and reached out to adjust the obi (sash) of her kimono.

"No need." Su Shi gently avoided her hand, looked at Banami with a charming gaze, and smiled slightly. "This outfit will also suit me after I turn back."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it reached Banami's ears clearly.

Banami's throat tightened slightly, and he subconsciously swallowed—when Sue said these words, the emotions in her eyes were undisguised, hooking his heart like a hot hook.

Although Aine, dressed in an orange kimono, had a fuller figure at that moment, and if we were to judge her figure alone, Suze was far inferior, the girl's youthful charm was like magic, more captivating than straightforward seduction.

Just like the stark contrast between being completely naked and the subtlety of wearing sexy lingerie, the latter always evokes deeper fantasies.

Banai quickly looked away, not daring to meet Su Shi's gaze again, for fear of revealing a flaw.

He had a feeling that today wouldn't pass easily; he had a strange premonition.

Chapter Twenty-Six: Small Shoulders, Huge Slippery Shoulders (Third Update)

Stepping out of the kimono shop, the three soon arrived at a photo spot that Aine had found on Twitter: a slope in front of a small Buddhist temple called Jojuin.

Because it allows you to capture scenic elements such as hydrangeas on both sides, the distant sea, and green trams passing by simultaneously from the slope, it has become a new popular spot for photography.

Ai-yin immediately raised her camera and stared at the pedestrians on the slope: "Come on, Yu-kun, let me take a picture of you and Su-se first!" She tiptoed to adjust the focus, her orange skirt fluttering lightly, and urged Banami to stand next to Su-se with a hint of excitement.

Su Shi seized the opportunity to tighten her grip on his hand and lightly scratched his palm with her fingertips—Banai was startled and looked down to meet her smiling eyes.

With a ringing sound, the Enoden train slowly approached. "Get closer!" Aine shouted, holding up her camera. "Suze's expression is great right now, Yuuki, don't look so serious!"

The girl exclaimed excitedly in a tone like a famous photographer. Then, Su Shi gently tiptoed and leaned on Banami's shoulder. Amid the clattering of the train tracks, the camera clicked and captured the moment of their appearance.

A short while later, a photo popped out of the Polaroid camera, and Ai Yin handed it to Su Shi with a smile, saying, "Here you go."

Looking at the somewhat silly-looking Banami in the camera lens and her own happy smile, the girl felt her heart overflowing with emotion. Her watery eyes turned to Banami, and she said, "Onii-chan, you look so silly."

Ai Yin chimed in, "Yeah, I also think your photos are pretty silly."

Banami shrugged slightly. He couldn't very well say that he was nervous standing next to the little girl; that would be too embarrassing.

The next moment, Aine pulled Banami aside, handed the photo to Suze, and said, "Okay, now it's my turn to take a photo with Yuuki. Please help me, Suze."

Su Shi didn't refuse. A little while later, Ai Yin pulled the boy to stand in the same spot as before. However, compared to the proper Su Xi, Ai Yin pulled the boy in a strange pose, like a princess carry or back-to-back hand-to-hand. Su Shi rolled her eyes and thought to herself that this idiot had no sense of propriety at all.

However, she still managed to record these moments for the other person, and judging from the final product, Aine seemed to be very satisfied.

After a long while, the two girls sat on the stone bench. Aine looked at the day's haul one by one. There were couple photos of her and Banami, as well as photos of them wearing orange cosmos and purple hydrangea kimonos with their hands clasped together, seemingly exuding the fragrance of citrus. Although Suze looked somewhat reluctant in that photo.

"Hey, Suze-chan, this could be used as a travel postcard, right? Why don't we just send it back to Ms. Shoko and the others?" Aine said with a smile, as if she had just thought of something.

Su Shi thought to herself, "Please don't talk about things I don't remember." But looking at the fine sweat on Ai Yin's forehead and nose, she said softly, "Ai Yin, you're too excited, you're sweating."

Reminded by Su Shi, Aine exclaimed in surprise, saying with some annoyance, "Ah... I'm such an idiot..."

Although taking photos is important, the most important thing for today's date is to present a perfect image before meeting Banana.

Just then, Banami returned with two bottles of water, one for each of the two girls. After drinking a little water, Aine said with a slight blush, "I'm going to the restroom. It will take a while. Please wait for me."

She pointed to the convenience store not far away, grabbed her makeup bag, and hurried over.

In an instant, only Banami and Suze remained on the spot.

Su Shi said softly, "Onii-chan."

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