Chapter 93 Qingling, just like the sound from a moment ago, tick-tock, tick-tock...

Voices echoed in her ears as Kiyosuzu Miryo, seated on the sofa, discreetly wiped the corner of her eye, her face radiating a blissful smile, warmth and a bittersweet ache swelling in her heart. Terashima Kanae stood nearby, watching it all with a hint of envy.

Every girl harbors a dream of being the protagonist, especially one as beautiful as she was. But today’s stars were undoubtedly Haruno Haruka on the stage and Kiyosuzu Miryo on the sofa. Like her and Mai, they were merely supporting roles, the verdant leaves enhancing the scene—just as before, the lovely maidservants were nothing more than accompaniments to the grand lady’s wedding, adding flavor and amusement to the leads’ lives.

Mai Hanai stood somewhat dazed at the side, feeling left out. Why did it feel like she was an outsider? Why couldn’t she understand what was being said? Going to school together? But weren’t they already studying together? Why emphasize it again? Drunk Mai’s brain storage was pitifully limited, unable to grasp the nuance—ah, all this was the fault of the alcohol, utterly unrelated to herself!

Haruno Haruka descended from the stage and approached the sofa. Looking at the beautiful girl before him, he reached out to smooth her hair. He wanted to say something but didn’t know how. Seeing the faint look of anticipation on Kiyosuzu’s face, he parted his lips but could only manage a single sentence: “Kiyosuzu, did you cry?”

That remark drew the attention of Kanae and Mai, who had been overwhelmed by the affection on display. They both turned their heads to look at their big sister. “Idiot… who cried?” Kiyosuzu, aware of their gaze and keen on maintaining her dignity, secretly wiped away her tears and punched Haruka’s chest. “Say another word like that, and I won’t let you off.” She even raised her small fist threateningly.

“Ouch! That hurts, that hurts!” Haruka immediately feigned great injury. “Kiyosuzu, do you know how much damage a punch like that causes to a student who just confessed their love?”

“Hmph!” A flicker of concern crossed Kiyosuzu’s eyes, but it quickly transformed back into her usual proud demeanor. She barely exerted any strength just now, and with her tough skin and thick flesh, how could a single punch cause such agony? If it were so, how could he endure her nightly clawing at his back without complaint, continuing to nuzzle into her, leaving him drenched in saliva?

Hmph! Such a malicious creature.

“Ninety-nine points!”

“Ninety-nine points? Really?”

Just as Haruka was about to speak, a shout came from behind—Kanae and Mai exclaiming in surprise. Turning around, they saw the enormous electronic screen pulsing with two large, bright red digits: “99.”

An almost perfect score—this was a karaoke system rating, after all. Even the original singers rarely scored above 95! It was extraordinary, but the truth was undeniable. Today, Haruka not only surpassed 95 but achieved an astonishing 99!

Their shock matched the magnitude of Kiyosuzu Miryo ranking in the top ten in her grade—utterly unbelievable.

Seeing the score and their astonished faces, Haruka’s chest pain vanished instantly. He straightened up, wearing a proud smile.

“Just average, really. I was lucky today, reaching about half my usual level. A bet’s a bet—I don’t need to drink two bottles; one each will do…”

Watching Haruka boast, the three wore varied expressions. People’s joys and sorrows differ greatly.

Mai Hanai was sobering up, still unsure what had just happened. But she pragmatically knew one thing—she had lost and would have to drink two more bottles. Whatever they did, it involved alcohol going straight into her stomach. T﹏T

Glancing at Kanae, who looked equally stunned, a pang of discomfort crossed her face. At their age, drinking was forbidden. Of course, they had all secretly drunk before, and even if caught, their family backgrounds shielded them from trouble.

Yet Mai thought Haruka hadn’t really drunk before, which is why she planned to tease him. But unexpectedly, perhaps blessed with a special constitution, Haruka drank two bottles without any trouble! Meanwhile, she herself was just sobering up and about to pass out again…

But Haruka was truly amazing; his song was beautiful.

Kanae was equally shocked, staring at the numbers on the screen before glancing toward Kiyosuzu Miryo. Bathed in the soft glow of the dim colored lights, her delicate face came into clearer view.

Kiyosuzu had already composed herself by then. When Mai and Kanae saw her, her expression was calm, as if nothing worthy of surprise had occurred. No matter the storm or waves outside, she remained untouched.

The two girls couldn’t help but admire her—she was a true leader. Why could she command while they merely followed behind?

Little did they know,

[Kiyosuzu Miryo’s current state: Feeling happy (strong) because of Haruno Haruka’s sudden confession! Feeling especially, especially proud (strong) because Haruka scored 99 in front of her close friends!!! Feeling a slight worry (weak) because she had just punched Haruka…]

Three mental states, all related to Haruka.

Though inwardly ecstatic beyond measure, her outward demeanor remained frostily elegant.

Haruka stood closest to the young lady. Though his lips twitched several times, barely able to suppress a smile, he kept his expression firm. Watching him, Kiyosuzu found him amusingly endearing.

“You two—Mai, two bottles; Kanae, one bottle. When did you start?” Haruka laughed, standing in place.

“Should we switch to truth or dare?” he added, more as a courtesy. Who would play truth or dare when they could get the girls to drink? It was pointless—no way to verify truths or lies, just a test of character, which Haruka disliked.

Sure enough, Mai, provoked by Haruka’s words, walked over. Her undone shirt buttons revealed themselves, swaying as she walked—like leaves without roots, suspended in midair.

No one knew what she ate to become this way. They once believed Kiyosuzu was unbeatable among their peers, but now Mai approached with even greater audacity. Young people these days grow so fast—so tall!

Among the trio of troublemakers, Mai was the most voluptuous.

It was a pity she disliked wearing stockings; her smooth, shapely legs were always bare. A shame, for stockings could have accentuated them beautifully—though not everyone pulls off the tight, flesh-embracing look.

Mai approached, now surprisingly clever, first casting a pitiful look at Kiyosuzu.

“Little Kiyosuzu~” Her voice was still a bit sleepy.

The young lady said nothing, merely observing the slightly tipsy face, then sighed.

Before she could speak, Haruka already interjected, “You drank quite a bit during dinner earlier. Just one bottle more will do.”

He wrapped his arm around Kiyosuzu’s slender waist again and sank back into the soft sofa.

“Oh yeah!” Mai happily jumped on the spot. In an instant, Haruka’s image soared in her heart.

Single-celled creatures think like this!

Kanae said nothing, quietly sipping her bottle, her eyes occasionally drifting toward Haruka, full of curiosity.

Haruka didn’t rush them to drink. From this moment, he seemed to transform into a karaoke king, unleashing his voice with abandon.

The experience card lasted only an hour. In a past life, he envied those who could casually hum a tune with a microphone. Now blessed with a superstar’s voice, he intended to fully enjoy himself.

Mai became a little fangirl, waving various support props she had prepared. Even Kanae picked up a light stick, adding colorful beams dancing in the dim room.

Kiyosuzu Miryo sat on the sofa, legs crossed, chin resting on her palm, quietly watching the boy sing on stage.

His confident back, the handsome profile glimpsed when he turned, and that unparalleled voice—the young lady was utterly entranced. A smile finally broke through her refined features.

To her, Haruka was already a perfect love. All his flaws were understandable, even welcome.

He just liked legs and feet? So what? She had enough beauty for both of them.

Haruka stood on the small stage, clutching the microphone, singing for a full hour without pause. He had turned the gathering into his own personal concert.

“Sing one more!” Mai said, eyes wide.

The three troublemakers had just enjoyed a feast for their ears; ending so soon would be a pity.

“No more. I’ve nearly sung for an hour. My voice is hoarse. You all go sing,” Haruka said, collapsing onto the sofa. Glancing at Mai’s flushed, tipsy face and the tempting sight revealed by her bent posture, he waved a tired hand.

He had been wildly enthusiastic while singing, but the aftereffects were intense. He felt his throat was almost smoking.

“Mai, Kanae, you two go sing. Let Haruka rest a bit,” Kanae said.

“No way! We sing terribly. My ears have just been cleansed—they can’t be ruined now,” Mai decisively refused, even burping after her words.

“You drunkard!” Kanae playfully smacked Mai’s head. Her own arm wobbled, clearly she had drunk a lot too.

“Ouch! Kanae, how can you hit my head?” Mai covered her head like a little girl and ran to Kiyosuzu’s other side to complain, “Kiyosuzu, look at her!”

Among these girls, Kiyosuzu was the sobermost. Haruka had drunk, but it hadn’t affected him. Kiyosuzu herself had barely touched the alcohol.

“Alright, alright, it’s late. Let’s call it a night,” she said, checking her phone. It was nearly nine o’clock. She pulled her arm free from Mai’s hold.

“Huh? It’s still early!” Mai protested. For them, it was indeed early.

Even Kanae was reluctant to end the night. It had been truly enjoyable; with Haruka around, the atmosphere never cooled.

“It’s settled,” the young lady said decisively, ignoring their protests. “If you don’t leave, I’m going.”

Though she hadn’t drunk much, she had had enough. Now all she wanted was to return to her small rented room, take a warm shower, and then fall asleep soundly in Haruka’s arms.

Haruka did not object, and so they parted ways.

The nightlife of Shinjuku remained vibrant and bustling, shops brightly lit, neon signs glowing.

After politely refusing Kanae’s offer to send them home with a driver, Haruka and Kiyosuzu strolled through the streets.

The night wind howled past. Shivering, Haruka glanced at the trembling young lady beside him and thoughtfully offered his jacket.

“Here, wear this—I’m tougher with cold!” Haruka grinned, his eight pearly teeth conspicuous in the darkness.

Bright and healing.

Kiyosuzu stared at the black school uniform jacket, not wanting to show weakness. She accepted it and slipped it on.

The jacket was warm, still heated from Haruka’s body. She tucked her neck inside, enveloped by a distinctly masculine scent.

It reminded her of the boy who pressed against her every night—the same scent.

Her body warmed, and her delicate face flushed.

Haruka looked up at the sky, but the moon was barely visible. He sniffed the air, an uneasy feeling creeping in.

“Kiyosuzu, I have a feeling it’s going to rain.”

“Hm?” Kiyosuzu lifted her cute little head.

Even now, Haruka couldn’t resist teasing.

“Just like the sound I heard in the karaoke room—tick-tock, tick-tock…”

“You bastard!” Kiyosuzu’s cheeks instantly flushed with embarrassment. Just as she prepared to punch him again in anger,

“Tick-tock, tick-tock!”

Clouds weep, and the rain falls…

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(The End of This Chapter)