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V5 Chapter 19: This Shameless Pink Fox
🕑 Added 2025-06-17 10:27:48 +0000 UTC"Ahaha... what a coincidence, Soyorin~"
"Ara~ I'm not fond of that nickname, you know?"
Nagasaki Soyo narrowed her shining blue eyes the moment they ran into each other.
Despite the gentle aura she radiated, her smile 'unchanged from usual' carried a chilling undertone that made Chihaya Anon shiver instinctively. Whatever excuse she had prepared suddenly caught in her throat.
Truth was, Soyo had only just realized this pink-haired menace was with Kazami Haru. Not that she'd ever really intended to honor their little "fairness and respect" agreement anyway.
But seeing this pink fox preaching about fairness one moment, then clinging to Haru the next like a love-struck fool...
This shameless pink fox.
"—Eh?! What's wrong, Soyorin?! Even Haru-Haru doesn't hate when I call him that!"
"No, I've just given up on correcting her since it's pointless."
In this, Haru stood firmly on Soyo's side.
Anon's taste in nicknames was truly abysmal. He didn't even want to imagine what she'd name their kid if they ever got married, probably something like Kazami Spiral Shining Hyper-Rondo Style III.
"Ha? That's just mean!"
Anon's pretty gray eyes widened in disbelief as she swung her tiny fists in mock protest.
Just as she was about to complain more as her gaze shifted, landing on the girl standing beside Soyo: Wakaba Mutsumi.
The small, delicate green-haired girl was staring expressionlessly at them. Even without makeup or effort, she looked as radiant and gentle as a springtime begonia.
She's that girl Haru-Haru went on a date with… and also a former CRYCHIC member?
As thoughts swirled in Anon's head, Soyo's eyes quietly returned to Haru. The cold smile she wore for Anon instantly shifted to a soft, gentle one.
Her gleaming blue eyes now shimmered with a hint of apology. "Sorry, Haru-san… are we interrupting something?"
It was likely she only asked because she saw Haru with Anon.
"Not at all."
He didn't even hesitate. The second she asked that deadly question, he replied without pause.
Because if he said anything that implied rejection, especially with Mutsumi involved, he knew he'd end up hurting the sensitive girl's heart. He couldn't risk that.
Still… this feels like I'm walking straight into Soyo's trap.
"…"
Mutsumi turned to look at Soyo.
The moment Haru answered, Soyo's face lit up with warmth and joy. Mutsumi, who had almost never seen her like that before, stood frozen. Even her usually calm golden eyes sparkled faintly.
It was then that Mutsumi realized...
There was something… similar between the current Nagasaki Soyo and the former Togawa Sakiko. Especially in how they treated Kazami Haru.
Soyo, unaware of Mutsumi's silent revelation, smiled and clasped her hands together, her voice soft and genuinely happy.
"In that case... would you like to go watch the fireworks up the mountain together? I heard the view from there is really beautiful."
Chihaya Anon's eyes went wide in shock, Soyo had just stolen the exact line she'd been planning to say herself.
"Soyorin, that's so sneaky! I was gonna invite Haru-Haru to see the fireworks too!"
"I already told you not to call me that."
"That's not the point right now!"
The two "ex-wife" contenders were at it again, bickering as they walked.
With things momentarily calmer, Haru turned toward the quietly watching Mutsumi, taking the chance to speak with a soft smile.
"Mutsumi, how was the performance?"
"I liked it a lot."
She nodded seriously.
"Then… between my keyboard and Sakiko's, which did you like better?"
His curiosity piqued, Haru asked playfully, watching her reaction with interest.
He'd expected her to freeze or stare blankly. But the doll-like green-haired girl simply lifted her head and answered calmly:
"I like yours more."
Who could survive that?!
Haru didn't think he was that weak to cute girls, but…
With someone like Nyamu, he could easily keep his distance. But when it came to pure, sincere girls like Mutsumi, every word hit him like a critical strike.
He wanted to confess right there, start dating her, move in together, cuddle with her every night as a pillow, maybe even have some tragedy where she ends up a lonely widow hugging his pillow in tears every day—
"…"
Haru snapped out of it, barely stopping himself from patting the head of the "cucumber fairy" as usual. But with the two "exes" watching closely nearby…
He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and calmly opened his mouth once more:
"By the way, Soyo just sent me a message on Line, she said you might have something you want to tell me, Mutsumi?"
At those words, the quiet girl stiffened slightly. But after a brief pause, she lifted her calm eyes.
"Soyo wants to see you... and so do I."
The soft-spoken cucumber fairy raised her head slightly, her voice tinged with a faint, almost imperceptible loneliness.
Just earlier, when watching the live show from below the stage, Wakaba Mutsumi had simply stared blankly at the performers.
She saw Kazami Haru immersed in the performance, his face reflecting a genuine joy and fulfillment, as if only in the band's final moments could he enjoy playing so purely and freely.
Even though Mutsumi always came to see him, when she thought about it carefully... did being with her really make Haru happy?
"I'm always asking something from Haru. Wouldn't he get tired of that...?"
Mutsumi, you cutie patootie!
If Kazami Haru were to suddenly drop dead of a heart attack at this summer festival, it'd be all because Wakaba Mutsumi had no idea what effect she had on him!
Actually, it's lucky Mutsumi didn't come in a yukata like everyone else, because that combo of physical and spiritual assault might've truly made his soul leave his body.
"How could I ever get tired of you, Mutsumi?"
"Honestly, when you're nearby, I feel at peace. What you call 'asking' doesn't feel like a burden at all, if anything, I wish you'd ask more. Otherwise, it feels like I'm taking too much from you."
He meant every word.
Kazami Haru never thought being around someone as sweet and adorable as Wakaba Mutsumi was troublesome. Even just talking with her was enough to calm his heart, sometimes even heal it with her quiet charm.
Only Wakaba Mutsumi and Ijichi Nijika had ever made him feel truly at ease, never once pressuring him.
"..."
Mutsumi stared blankly at the black-haired boy in front of her, then suddenly, without warning, threw her arms around him.
She hadn't felt this kind of warmth in a long time. She nuzzled gently into him, and the usual blankness on her doll-like face slowly melted away. She clung tightly, as if this might be the last embrace, breathing in his presence. The fresh cucumber scent clinging to her was strangely soothing.
But this sudden and bold hug completely short-circuited Kazami Haru's brain.
Wait, aren't we still on a street near the festival?
He quickly pulled off the stone demon mask from the side of his face and slipped it onto Wakaba Mutsumi. With her soft cheeks and petite face, the mask looked a bit silly—but she didn't seem to mind at all.
After 'recharging' herself, she slowly released her hands from the hug.
"…"
Realizing how clingy she'd been, Mutsumi's face flushed red. Flustered, she reached up and adjusted the mask to cover every odd emotion on her face.
Luckily, with so many couples hugging and cuddling at the festival, no one seemed to notice their brief moment.
Except for two ex-girlfriends standing not far away.
"Ugh..."
Chihaya Anon let out a soft, tooth-grinding groan with her mouth slightly open.
Her pale gray eyes widened as she stared at the expressionless doll-like girl. She'd only looked away for a minute and this green cucumber spirit had already dared to hug her boyfriend?! Who knows what she'd try if they were left alone together!
Seriously, what is this girl's deal?!
Could this quiet one be a love rival too?
Even the always composed Soyo beside her looked totally dumbfounded, it was clear that even a fellow CRYCHIC member like her had no idea what was going on.
Anon, already on the verge of emotional detonation, elbowed Soyo beside her. Her gaze sharpened like a knife, clearly demanding an explanation.
[What the hell is going on?]
If Anon was merely annoyed by the presence of multiple rivals, Nagasaki Soyo beside her was utterly lost in thought.
She had invited Mutsumi today specifically because she knew how soft Kazami Haru was with her, thinking she could use that to make Haru accept her invitation.
But who knew he'd spoil her to this extent?
Neither in dreams nor in reality had Soyo ever sensed any romantic feelings from Mutsumi toward Haru. Even when she and Haru had gotten together, Mutsumi hadn't seemed particularly surprised.
"I have to go ask her directly!"
The headstrong Anon wouldn't just stand by. She turned, only to find that Soyo hadn't moved.
Surprised, the flashy pink-haired girl turned her head and asked, puzzled:
"Soyorin, what are you doing?"
Soyo nodded thoughtfully, then furrowed her brow and said, "I've known Mutsumi long enough to say this, it's probably not what we think."
Mutsumi deeply valued the friendships around her. Even if Soyo had done something terrible to her for the sake of CRYCHIC, a sincere apology would still be enough for Mutsumi to forgive her.
To Mutsumi, Haru was one of the few people she could really open up to. Maybe because of what happened before, she'd naturally grown to depend on him and with Haru being so gentle, some closeness wasn't that strange.
Their relationship was more like siblings, rather than lovers.
"Soyorin, what are you even talking about?! Aren't you worried she's going to steal Haru away from you?!"
"..."
At those words, Soyo's face showed a hint of envy, maybe even jealousy.
When it came to Kazami Haru, she didn't want to lose to anyone. But she didn't believe someone like Wakaba Mutsumi, who never made the first move, could beat her either.
In the end, the one who'd win would be her.
She would win.
When that time came, she wouldn't go easy on her flirt of a husband, she'd make sure he had neither the time nor the energy to even think about other women!
"I'm done dealing with you. Anyway, I still have to—"
[The 'Summer Festival' fireworks show will begin preparations shortly. Please make your way to an appropriate viewing area in an orderly manner. Visitors, do not bring flammable or explosive materials...]
Suddenly, a broadcast voice echoed through the air.
As the nearby crowd heard it, people started moving in groups toward the riverside. Just as Chihaya Anon turned back, she froze as Kazami Haru and Wakaba Mutsumi had disappeared without a trace.
"What?"
...
There were a lot of people.
Kazami Haru had planned to follow close behind Anon and Soyo with the cucumber fairy in tow, but the sudden surge of the crowd made it impossible to push against the flow. Just standing still in the middle of the stream was dangerous enough.
After thinking carefully, he decided to step aside for now with Mutsumi.
"Damn, I lost sight of Soyo and Anon all of a sudden."
"Haru... I'm sorry..."
The expressionless face of the doll-like girl shifted slightly, showing a hint of regret. Believing this was her fault, she apologized quietly.
Haru immediately noticed the shift in her mood. He reached out and gently took her soft hand.
"This isn't your fault, Mutsumi. I've already been through this a few times tonight. We'll just send them a message later and figure out where they are."
"Mm..."
The moment he held her hand, the sadness on her face faded, returning to that blank, absent-minded look. The warmth and reassurance that flowed into her made her squeeze his hand just a little tighter.
Even her face, hidden behind the mask, seemed to soften with the tiniest of smiles.
She was like a lost child, no matter where she went, she'd feel uncertain and afraid.
But Kazami Haru would take her hand, he was the key that led her to the way out of her confusion.
Before she even realized it, her expression behind the mask had changed. She let him lead her through the crowd, down the street lit warmly by the lights.
When they finally looped around to a quieter spot, Wakaba Mutsumi still hadn't let go of his hand.
"Finally out. I'll message Anon and Soyo now."
As Haru spoke, he gently let go of her hand. In that brief moment, Mutsumi's eyes flickered with a bit of sadness. She stared blankly at her hand, the one that had just been held, her tiny body leaning forward slightly, reluctant to let go.
Bzzz...
Her phone suddenly buzzed, snapping her out of her daze.
She picked it up and saw the word "Mom" on the screen. Her good upbringing kicked in, and she answered right away. Haru noticed her change in demeanor and paused what he was doing.
Moments later—
"...Haru, I have to go home now."
Her words were tinged with a sadness she couldn't quite hide.
Haru shrugged, his brow furrowed slightly in helpless understanding.
He knew very well how strict the Wakaba family was. The fact that Mutsumi was allowed out this late was already unusually generous. There was no way she could ignore her parents now.
But Mutsumi seemed desperate to hold onto a little more time, nestling her head into his chest like a cat.
"It's okay. Next time, you can call me out anytime you want."
"Mm..."
"It's fine if we miss the fireworks this time. I'll go see them with you alone next time."
"Mm."
After some more comforting words, Mutsumi finally nodded gently. Only after holding on for a long time did she turn to leave.
As Haru watched her go, Wakaba Mutsumi turned back once more. Her light green hair shimmered gold under the orange-yellow glow of the lanterns.
A few strands of her hair danced softly in the breeze. She raised her small hand and waved—earnest in her goodbye.
Haru was taken aback for a second, but from her lips, he could roughly read what she was saying—
[Thank you]
There was sincere emotion in that simple thank-you. It might have been clumsy and awkward, but she was doing her best to express how she felt.
A small smile spread across Haru's face as he raised his hand in return, waving goodbye to the doll-like girl.
"Wait, where's my mask?"
He turned and realized he'd left it with Mutsumi and never took it back. With that, he simply sighed, figuring it was fine as a gift to her.
But then, he spotted a familiar figure.
"Tomori?"
