I live my life in Tokyo

After finishing the dinner prepared by Mrs. Asakura, Kaede Sakakibara followed Toru Asakura into her bedroom, where her two childhood friends were sitting at a low table, thinking hard.

Asakura Toru sat down and patted the seat next to her, while pulling a cushion for the young man, "Well, sit here."

Sakakibara Kaede put his bag on the ground. Earlier, at the dining table, he became Fukumaru Koito's advanced class tutor with the help of Asakura Toru. This kid's serious attitude towards study and idol activities is indeed worthy of others to emulate. Mrs. Asakura was naturally delighted to see this scene. As for next year, if nothing unexpected happens, Sakakibara Kaede should become Ichikawa Hina's tutor. He has taught these four childhood friends one by one.

He took the test paper handed out by Fukumaru Koito's school and understood the learning progress of the school's advanced class. By the way, last year Asakura Toru and Higuchi Madoka did not attend the advanced class in high school. Although the four childhood sweethearts were in the same high school, Asakura Toru and Higuchi Madoka were busier at work than the two younger childhood sweethearts.

Asakura Toru originally wanted to rest her chin on her hand and watch the show, but unexpectedly, Sakakibara Kaede glared at her, moved the computer in front of her, and opened the notes that the two of them had read in the library before.

"Toru-san, you review this. I'll help Fukumaru-san check the mistakes he made earlier."

"oh..."

Asakura Toru pouted a little aggrieved. She had originally wanted to watch the show from the side, and it seemed like a good decision to feed Koito potato chips while browsing her phone.

I didn't expect Sakakibara Kaede to be so cold-blooded and ruthless.

"Ahaha~ Toru-senpai has to learn too~"

Ichikawa Hina smiled.

Asakura Toru looked at the notes on the computer with a wronged look, while the young man continued to look at Fukumaru Koito's collection of wrong questions.

When Asakura Toru left and returned with drinks and snacks, Higuchi Madoka appeared with her bag on her back. She put her bag on the ground and saw the young man sitting in her seat, but she was writing and drawing in her notebook without saying anything. She took out the home clothes she left when she stayed here overnight, which could be changed at any time, from the closet, and after changing her clothes, she sat on Asakura Toru's bed.

After a short break, Sakakibara Kaede picked up the somewhat cold tea in both hands, put it to his mouth and smelled its flavor.

Then he took a sip.

"Sakakibara-senpai, you explained it so clearly, so impressive!"

Looking at Fukumaru Koito's childlike admiring eyes, Sakakibara Kaede finally understood why Asakura Toru and Higuchi Madoka thought Koito was the cutest pet among the four. Her appearance really made people want to rub her head and pinch her face.

Sakakibara Kaede just thought so, but Asakura Toru actually did it, and Fukumaru Koito leaned on Asakura Toru's chest to rest.

"Thank you for your hard work. How was your work today?"

Sakakibara Kaede half moved aside, patted the cushion beside him, and motioned Higuchi Madoka to sit down. The latter glared at him, spat, and sat down next to the young man unwillingly.

"Ahaha~ Yuanxiang-senpai has suddenly become so honest~"

"I'm just numb from sitting on the bed." Higuchi Madoka said calmly. She took a sip of the fragrant tea, and after dealing with Hina's ah ha ah ha attack, she turned to Sakakibara Kaede again.

“The shoot for the autumn clothing advertisement was not very tiring.”

"Eaten dinner yet?"

"Ah."

Under the coffee table, Sakakibara Kaede gently stroked the slightly cold hand of Higuchi Madoka. The latter blushed and glared at the young man fiercely. However, Sakakibara Kaede was very thick-skinned, and he had long been accustomed to Higuchi Madoka's eye attacks, and in his opinion they were not aggressive at all.

He had already figured out Higuchi Madoka's pace, but he couldn't let Higuchi Madoka remain passive all the time. In love, it's always a matter of mutual consent, and it's always more interesting if there is give and take.

The girl symbolically tried to pull her hand away a little, but in the end she remained calm and allowed Sakakibara Kaede to hold her hand.

Higuchi Madoka glanced at Asakura Toru who was worrying about the computer screen, and found that she had no energy to pay attention to the scene under the desk. She was in a good mood and slightly raised the corners of her mouth.

"By the way, did Ms. Sato inform you about the audition for Sword Art Online?"

"Well, I've seen the preliminary character design."

Higuchi Yuanka used her remaining hand to search in her bag and took out the manuscript. "There are too many female characters. It's hard to decide which one to try."

"Well, I will still try to play the female lead." Higuchi Madoka said calmly, "I downloaded Sword Art Online too, but I don't know how to start."

"Well, why not ask Asuna? She has taught many new people, and her apprentices all say they are good."

"You teach me, can't you?"

Higuchi Madoka glanced at Sakakibara Kaede lightly, and the young man actually saw some charm in her eyes. He took a deep breath and nodded.

Asakura Toru heard the conversation between the two and smiled playfully. The other two childhood friends were doing their homework with headphones or earplugs on and didn't notice what was happening here.

"Eh...but I want to play games with Feng-san." Asakura Toru muttered softly.

Higuchi Enka asked, "What game?"

"Ah, Feng came to the Snow Country."

Sakakibara Kaede suddenly felt that the hand he was holding with Higuchi Yuanxiang tightened instantly, like an iron hoop, making Sakakibara Kaede grimace for a moment and unable to move.

"Feng-san, what do you think?"

Asakura Toru and Higuchi Madoka looked at Sakakibara Kaede at the same time, and the latter broke out in a cold sweat. He sighed in his heart, is this what is commonly known as the Shura Field in the two-dimensional world? He can become a part of it, and those male protagonists in the two-dimensional world who have harems seem to be smiling at him in another world.

He coughed twice.

"Yuuka contacted me first because the audition for Sword Art Online is very urgent and it's this Friday, so I have to let her know the terms and terms in the game as soon as possible. The weekend after the audition, Tou-san, please come to my house and we can talk about games together."

You can't be reasonable or rational when communicating with women. In this case, the order of arrival is Yuanxiang first and Toru second, so Sakakibara Kaede can only try to be fair and just. He knows that Asakura Toru will definitely not say anything on the surface, and may feel pity in his heart. In order to make up for her, Sakakibara Kaede invites her home, which is a very good opportunity for Asakura Toru.

Asakura Toru thought about it, and finally shook his head, "No need to go to your house, let's stay here."

“It’s more comfortable here.”

After hearing this, Sakakibara Kaede pondered for a moment and finally nodded.

Higuchi Enka breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed the hand that was squeezing Sakakibara Kaede.

Sakakibara Kaede groaned in pain.

After customizing a study plan for Fukumaru Koito, Sakakibara packed her bag and prepared to leave. Konno's house was not far away, and it was only a few stops away by subway. Sakakibara didn't want to stay too late and make Mrs. Konno worry.

"Toru, go see Kaede off," Mrs. Asakura advised as she made some new tea for her childhood sweetheart who was studying hard.

"Hi--"

I have to say that Mrs. Asakura and Toru Asakura are worthy of being mother and daughter. The means they use to bring them closer are truly astonishing. During just one meal, Mrs. Asakura directly called out Sakakibara Kaede's name, and she used a subtle and silent method. When Sakakibara Kaede reacted, Mrs. Asakura was already calling him "Mr. Kaede".

This mother and daughter do look like mother and daughter, so the question is, what about Higuchi?

Why is Mrs. Higuchi so considerate and gentle, while Higuchi Madoka's personality is so awkward?

Hard to say.

Toru Asakura took Kaede Sakakibara towards the entrance of the community. She walked forward, letting the evening breeze blow through her short hair. She looked up and watched the movement of the stars.

She stopped in front of a climbing frame for children, raised her hand, and said, "Want to play on the climbing frame?"

"Okay."

“This time, we’re going to climb higher.”

Asakura Toru stretched out her hand. Although she was not wearing sports shoes, it did not affect her movements. She climbed to the top of the climbing frame in no time. The goal that was difficult for her to reach when she was a child was now achieved so easily.

Sakakibara Kaede sat down beside her and looked at the night sky like her.

“I want to climb higher.”

"Toru-san can definitely do it." Sakakibara Kaede said softly. He knew that Asakura Toru was not referring to the height of the climbing frame, but that on the road of life, Asakura Toru wanted to climb higher and get something more dazzling.

Unexpectedly, Toru Asakura shook his head.

She rested her head gently on her knees and smiled sideways.

"with you."

"...good."

Asakura Toru blinked his eyes, and after a moment he pursed his lips, "That's great."

"See you on Saturday."

Sakakibara Kaede gently stroked Asakura Toru's short hair for a while, feeling the delicacy of her hair, he grinned and said.

"and many more."

Asakura Toru grabbed Sakakibara Kaede's hand.

The warm touch lingered on Sakakibara Kaede's face for a moment, and then the feeling quickly disappeared, along with the warmth.

Asakura Toru turned his face away, and from Sakakibara Kaede's angle, he could see that Asakura Toru's ears were a little red.

It seems that her heart is not as calm as her face.

"this is?"

"Return the gift." Asakura Toru turned around. She seemed to have sorted out her facial expression, but her smile still carried a hint of feminine shyness. "From Bai Baihe."

"Then I'll bring another bunch of white lilies this Saturday."

Asakura Toru burst out laughing, and she leaned into the arms of the young man beside her, looking at the sky with a smile, her eyes blinking, reflecting the stars.

"gorgeous."

"Yes."

Was he talking about the sky or the girl beside him? Sakakibara Kaede felt it was both. He felt that Asakura Toru understood what he said, so he didn't explain too much.

He glanced at the time on his watch and slowly left the climbing frame. After his shoes stepped on the soft sand, Sakakibara Kaede looked towards the top of the climbing frame and saw Toru Asakura looking at him with a faint smile.

Kaede Sakakibara was still thinking about that smile on the subway on his way home. After returning home, he saw Mrs. Konno standing at the entrance to greet him, and he felt a little warmth in his heart.

The same was true in the tower in the central area. When he returned home, one of Sakurajima Mai and Yuuki Asuna would always stand at the entrance, welcoming him home with a smile.

Although until now, Sakakibara Kaede still cannot call Mrs. Konno mother, he can feel that the distance between them is gradually narrowing. When that day comes, the word "mother" will not be a big deal.

After eating a lot of snacks at the Asakura family, they can't eat anything now. The Konno sisters are studying in their elder sister Aiko's room. Sakakibara Kaede didn't go back to the room immediately. After opening the refrigerator and pouring himself a cup of barley tea, he sat in the living room and began to ask about Mrs. Konno's family life. Of course, work matters are also inevitable.

Family is like this. The pressure outside will gradually crush a person's body and mind. Only when facing family can one open his mouth to complain. Remember that home is the only castle - go home, return to the original beauty, the lyrics are as you wish, talk to mom and dad, whether it is complaining or spitting, family is always the most solid backing.

After chatting and laughing for a while, Sakakibara Kaede went upstairs. In addition to sending the notes to Asakura Toru, he also needed to send the Sword Art Online Newcomer's Guide to Higuchi Madoka.

It is inevitable that any actor or actress who wants to get a role in the Sword Art Online TV series must be familiar with the game to be eligible to audition for a role in it.

Sakakibara read the outline of the Sword Art Online TV series and to be honest, the plot can be copied and made into an anime, and adapted into a harem show, which might even attract a group of ACG fans. But Yuki Koichiro did the opposite. He sealed the relationship between the hero and heroine from the beginning. Even if there are more female characters around the hero, the hero still stands firm and is a gentleman.

But there should be people who watch this, right? It's not a harem, but it's a bit strange if you say it's not a harem.

After finishing the work, Sakakibara Kaede looked at Professor Kimura's notes for a while, and then was dragged online by Yuki to accompany them to complete the weekly equipment clearing CD. The young man's originally happy face also became a little painful. After graduation, who still wants to clear CD? Isn't this just going to jail?

A night of pain mask.

The next day after school, Sakakibara Kaede waited for Higuchi Madoka in the library. He quickly walked forward and greeted her.

As expected, today's dinner was eaten at the Higuchi family. Sakakibara Kaede didn't know whether Asakura Toru and other childhood friends would come, but the young man had fulfilled the agreement he had made with Higuchi Madoka in Kyoto to go home together.

Kaede Sakakibara was holding a bag in his hand. This was the souvenir he brought back from Osaka. He had a lot of this stuff, and it was very suitable to give it to his good friends and teachers.

Higuchi Madoka naturally also brought a gift for her mother, but she didn't spend money as lavishly as Sakakibara Kaede.

"Walking to Yuanxiang's house like this, it feels like I'm back to the time when I was tutoring Yuanxiang last year."

"Thank you so much for being so strict back then." Higuchi Madoka glanced at Sakakibara Kaede coldly, "So, are you proud?"

"Of course I'm proud that Madoka and Toru were able to get into the University of Tokyo."

Higuchi Yuanxiang snorted and changed the subject, "I read yesterday's strategy guide, and it's really too difficult without a master to guide me. I want to complete my story to level 30 today."

"Level 30? It will take at least six hours if you don't stop." Sakakibara Kaede opened his mouth.

"I have a guest room at home."

Higuchi Madoka said calmly.

Chapter 4: Red Bean Rice

"Ah, Feng-kun!"

When Mrs. Higuchi saw the tall and straight young man standing in front of the door with a faint smile on his face, her expression was surprised and happy. She took two or three steps forward and said, "Long time no see, has Feng-kun grown taller?"

"Haha, Auntie, you are right. I have indeed grown taller." Sakakibara Kaede laughed and handed over the gift in his hand. "This is a souvenir I bought in Osaka. I thought I would bring it with me when I come here as a guest."

"Feng-jun, you're really too polite."

Mrs. Higuchi took the gift box handed to her by Sakakibara Kaede with a chuckle under the silent gaze of Higuchi Madoka, but despite saying so, her expression was still angry, as she felt that Sakakibara Kaede was too polite.

In her mind, Sakakibara Kaede could come to Higuchi's house whenever she wanted, she could come for dinner every day, or even stay there.

Higuchi Madoka was the first one who couldn't stand the kind look her mother gave Sakakibara Kaede. Although she had confessed to her mother a long time ago, she still felt a little guilty. Without saying a word, she walked straight through the living room, changed her shoes, and walked up the stairs.

"Oh my, Yuanxiang is really something."

Mrs. Higuchi held her chin in her hand and smiled, "Kaede-kun, it must be very tiring to spend time with Yuanxiang on a regular basis."

"Not really." The young man said as he entered the room. "Usually, I feel relaxed and happy when I am together. If I feel tired, I will naturally rest. Emotions will not affect our relationship."