Chapter 70: Spring, May We Go to School Together Tomorrow? (Extended Chapter)

The moon hung high and bright, casting its glow over Tokyo, which remained chilly even in the depths of night. The birds had long retreated to their nests among the trees, silent and still. A gentle breeze swept through, making the lush green weeds sway along the edges of the chalky path.

A beautiful blonde girl walking along the lane couldn't help but rub her arms for warmth. At times like this, how wonderful it would be to return home, take a hot shower, and lounge in bed, idly scrolling through her phone. Venturing out for a stroll to digest her meal in just a pleated skirt and white T-shirt was, in hindsight, far from wise.

The street was deserted, the oppressive shroud of night lending an air of desolation to the scene. The night wind urged the golden-haired girl to turn back, but just then, a large black sports jacket was draped over her shoulders, shielding her bare arms from the chill with a welcome warmth.

Mirei Seiryo looked up and saw a tall, handsome boy beaming at her with a sunny grin, offering the jacket to the lovely princess while he himself stood in just a white T-shirt.

She couldn't help but smile, her lips pursed in amusement; it wasn't just the jacket that warmed her, but something deeper inside. She pointed her delicate finger toward a small park nearby.

"Shall we sit for a while over there..."

This was the community park—small, yet with all the essentials: a sandbox, a slide, a little castle perfect for hide-and-seek, and of course, a pair of swings.

Creak, creak.

The girl's slender, fair legs hovered in the air as she soared on the swing, the wind threatening to tear apart her red plaid skirt with every lift, but only managing to flutter a corner.

Haruto Harano, seated on the other swing, watched and shook his head in silent amusement. Such a lovely sight before him, yet from his vantage, once seated, the view was lost.

The two swings moved in a staggered rhythm, back and forth. Haruto tried to match the girl's pace, striving with his feet, but the difference in their sizes proved too great; the swings never quite synchronized.

Catching the boy's childish efforts, Mirei suppressed a laugh, running her fingers through her golden hair. Raising her gaze to the bright moon, she too began to adjust her rhythm, for only when both sides strive can one achieve an outcome without regret.

Perhaps the usually boisterous and headstrong girl was simply tired, or perhaps the gentle atmosphere had soothed her, but tonight, she was uncommonly serene.

Creak, creak...

The swings groaned with their rusty music.

"Idiot..." Mirei murmured softly into the night.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Seiryo-san?" Haruto asked, curious—after all, "idiot" had become something of a pet name for him, courtesy of Lady Seiryo herself.

"Don't you have anything you want to ask me?" Mirei turned her head.

Moonlight sprinkled over her porcelain face, long lashes trembling, her bright eyes glimmering with a soft allure that was heartbreakingly beautiful.

Haruto found himself briefly stunned.

"Hey, I know I'm beautiful, but could you please not stare at me like that?" Mirei pouted, her eyes gleaming with a hint of pride.

"Seiryo-san, you really are beautiful," Haruto replied, ignoring her teasing, his words earnest and deliberate.

His clear gaze was deep and sincere, as if one could lose themselves in it—a man who did not know how to lie.

"Th-that goes without saying! Of course I know that!" Mirei's cheeks flushed as she turned away, unable to meet his eyes.

"Hahaha, is the lady feeling shy?" Haruto teased.

At this, Mirei balled her fist and punched him, her pout returning. "If you don't have anything smart to say, then don't say anything!"

The lovely atmosphere had been ruined by this idiot—utterly infuriating!

Haruto grinned, rubbing his shoulder playfully; he relished these moments of banter with Mirei.

"Let me give you a push," he offered, hopping off the swing, brushing off his clothes, and moving behind her to gently push.

After all, swinging in October nights in just a T-shirt was rather cold—who would have thought to play in the park at this hour?

The girl rose and fell with the swing, her cheeks puffed in irritation, while the tall boy pushed from behind, the mood settling between them.

Soft lights glimmered from apartment windows nearby, sometimes a silhouette passing behind the glass. The community was remote and quiet at this hour, a stark contrast to the bustling districts that still thronged with life.

"Is there really nothing you want to say?" Mirei, wrapped in the black jacket, no longer felt the cold.

"Say what?" Haruto faltered. Did she know about him and Yoshimi Uehara? No wonder Mirei seemed off tonight, almost as if she was about to confront him.

But when had he slipped up? Sure, he was brazen, often pulling Mrs. Uehara aside in the convenience store for a quick tryst, but Mirei shouldn't know about that. Then again, if she did, they wouldn't be talking so calmly. He forced himself to stay calm, waiting for Mirei to continue.

"You must know my younger sister, right? Obedient, excellent, sensible—nothing at all like me." Mirei gazed up at the moon, her voice barely above a whisper.

Haruto remained silent; he had only heard rumors of the Seiryo family's second daughter.

"My mother left when I was four. I thought my father would love me as before, but when I was six, he brought another woman before me and told me to call her mother... and that little girl, my sister, came to share his love..."

The story was simple, with no embellishment, yet those few words spoke volumes about her childhood.

Haruto said nothing, only continued to gently push the girl's slender back, hoping to bring a little happiness to her tonight.

"Actually, my father and the others are good to me, I know that, but... but I just wish they would pay more attention to me, instead of giving it all to my sister..." Her voice choked, she lowered her proud head, golden hair falling over her ears.

All those bottled emotions burst forth at once, tears rolled down her delicate cheeks, her voice trembling; the once imperious girl now looked heartbreakingly vulnerable.

"I did all of this just to make him look at me, to let him know he still has a daughter like me..."

Yes, no matter how strong she seemed, she was still just a sixteen-year-old in her first year of high school, a child yearning for care and attention.

"No matter what I do, I'm never as good as my sister. I feel like an outsider, quietly watching from the shadows..." Her voice grew softer, Mirei looked up at the sky, her eyes red, lips quivering, chest rising and falling unsteadily. For the first time, uncertainty shadowed her delicate face.

Haruto's heart ached. The proud lady had this side to her, too. He gently reached out to wipe away her tears.

"It's all right, that's all in the past. From now on, I'll take care of you..."

His voice was low, yet resolute.

"Even without the Seiryo family, we can still have a good life, just like before," Haruto said softly, feeling a sudden urge to pull her into his arms.

From the very start, he had only intended to "conquer" her as a game... Yet tonight, his own chest felt strangely heavy.

Mirei didn't reply, instead briskly wiping her tears away before leaping from the swing, taking a deep breath, and stepping forward. She turned back.

"So, Haruto, you idiot—shall we go to school together tomorrow?"

Her voice was still shaky, not quite recovered—or perhaps a little frightened? Afraid of being refused?

[Ding! Mirei Seiryo’s current affection: 90 (Till Death Do Us Part)]

[Ding! Congratulations, player, Mirei Seiryo’s exclusive route unlocked!]

[Ding! Congratulations, player, Mirei Seiryo’s affection for you has reached 90, unlocking the “Till Death Do Us Part” achievement and an achievement reward!]

[Ding! Congratulations, player, Mirei Seiryo has expressed her feelings to you!]

[Ding! Congratulations, player, you have received affection from Mirei Seiryo!]

[Ding! Congratulations, player...]

As Haruto prepared to respond, the darkness around him was abruptly filled with pink. The previously transparent system panel now seemed to have fallen in love as well, turning pink, with little hearts scattered everywhere, the system notifications themselves now a riot of pink, chaotic and overwhelming, as if infected by a virus.

Here and there, pink fireworks exploded in wild celebration.

The only thing clear in his sight was Mirei, standing at the very center, the special effects swirling carefully around her, never obscuring the lady herself, as if she were the protagonist in the midst of it all.

It was just like clearing a level in a game. Haruto was stunned, then felt an odd, almost comical urge to retreat. He wanted to say something, but when he looked up—

Moonlight bathed Mirei, making her fair skin glow with a sacred luster. Her long legs, poised under her pleated skirt, stood motionless; she clasped her hands behind her back, her slender figure highlighted, with faint tear stains still on her exquisite face. She looked so pitiful, eyes filled with uncertainty... and hope.

Hope? Yes—he was her hope now.

In that instant, memories flashed through Haruto's mind—

Their first meeting at the school’s opening, the first time he brought her home, the lunch break when he saw the little delinquent girl hungrily lying alone at her desk.

And that night, wearing an apron, her face smudged black as she played the little chef.

The words he meant to say were swallowed back. The hope in her eyes was so pure—he couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

Just as he had never disappointed her before.

"Of course. It would be my honor," Haruto replied with a soft smile. As those words left his lips, he felt a great weight lift from his shoulders, a sense of clarity and ease.

Mirei pressed her rosy lips together and smiled in return.

[Clear Condition:]

[Mirei Seiryo confesses to the player (√)]

[Mirei Seiryo’s affection: 90/100 (×)] (Affection must reach 100 to fully clear)

[Affection insufficient—game continues. Wishing you a pleasant experience.]

At this message, Haruto couldn’t help but laugh at himself. He’d forgotten—the true clear condition was maxing out her affection, not just reaching 90. All that inner struggle for nothing.

Blame that wretched system for making him think he’d finished.

He shook his head and looked at the slender figure before him. Tomorrow promised to be even more wonderful.