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V3 Chapter 28: I Am Not Like Them
🕑 Added 2025-05-23 07:11:50 +0000 UTCIt seemed that because of Nagasaki Soyo, the little wooden girl pulling his sleeve with her head down was in a bit of a bad mood. Only after putting some distance between them and the café did her steps gradually slow.
"..."
Perhaps due to the physical exertion earlier, fine beads of sweat still dotted Wakaba Mutsumi's face.
This slightly flustered state was clearly unbecoming of a refined young lady, but Mutsumi paid it no mind. Instead, she was quietly berating herself for not arriving sooner.
Mutsumi turned her head slightly to glance at Haru.
Her calm golden eyes held a faint, almost a subtle trace of dejection, a stark contrast to the indifferent gaze she had directed at Soyo earlier.
"Haru... I'm sorry."
"Mutsumi, you don't need to apologize to me."
Haru found it somewhat amusing. He could understand what was going through her mind.
She was likely upset because she had inadvertently revealed something about him, allowing Soyo to deduce his connection to Sakiko. On top of that, she hadn't been able to stop Soyo from pestering him, which made her feel like she had failed, hence this pitiable expression.
Putting that aside, there was no way Haru would blame her.
"Soyo didn't pressure me. She just wanted to ask about Sakiko."
"I didn't say much about Sakiko either, so you don't need to worry."
Haru raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes softening with helpless reassurance as he comforted the doll-like girl before him.
If he had revealed anything about Sakiko to Soyo. Mutsumi, already caught in the middle, would have been put in an even more difficult position. After all, both Sakiko and Soyo were her close friends.
If she ended up being disliked by both sides, who knew how wronged she would feel.
"..."
Even after Haru's attempt to comfort her, Mutsumi only gave a slight, expressionless nod.
Clearly, her mood hadn't improved.
Seeing her sink back into silence, Haru slowly pulled a clean handkerchief from his pocket and gently dabbed away the fine sweat on her face.
The intimate gesture made Mutsumi pause, then, like a kitten, she instinctively nuzzled her cheek against his hand.
The sheer cuteness of the action left him momentarily frozen.
Even in real life, Mutsumi could effortlessly stun-lock him with just a few casual moves.
Haru didn't even want to imagine what state he'd be in during a simulation.
"Mutsumi, want to grab something to eat?"
"Yes."
Being beside Haru seemed to ease her nerves.
Though Mutsumi gradually returned to her usual calm demeanor, there was a difference now, her replies grew more decisive, as if she could voice her thoughts without hesitation when it came to him.
When Haru returned from a nearby dessert stand with two ice creams, a faint glimmer flickered in Mutsumi's eyes. She reached out with both hands to take the mint-green one, then gave it a small, tentative lick.
In the sweltering, oppressive heat of summer, the smooth, creamy coldness of the ice cream, paired with its sweetness, always had a way of soothing the soul.
Haru's gaze fell on the bracelet adorning Mutsumi's left wrist. The cheap, emerald-green glass beads, set against her fair, delicate skin, gleamed with an understated elegance.
It was the first gift he'd ever given her.
He never expected her to wear it every single day without fail. The fact that she treasured it so much pierced his defenses like a master fencer's quadruple strike, slash, slash, slash, slash, leaving him utterly vulnerable.
"By the way, how did you find me, Mutsumi?"
Now that her emotions had settled, Haru finally voiced the question.
Her sudden appearance in the café had startled him so badly he nearly spilled his tea. If not for his quick reflexes, it would've ended up all over his clothes.
And given how flushed and sweaty she'd been, she must've rushed straight there.
But Soyo had sought him out in secret, she wouldn't have let Mutsumi know.
So how had she tracked him down?
Could it be that she possessed the Stand 「HERMIT PURPLE」 and used its ability to smash a camera, thereby locating Haru's position?
"...Sakiko told me."
After a brief hesitation, Mutsumi, still holding her ice cream, spoke up.
"Togawa Sakiko?"
"She called me... said she saw you with Soyo..."
Hearing this explanation, Haru finally understood the situation.
So it turned out that Sakiko had spotted him with Soyo somewhere, grown suspicious, and then contacted Mutsumi, the only person who knew both him and Soyo. That was how Mutsumi got the intel.
Poor Soyo-san, completely unaware that the very person she's been desperately searching for was watching her from behind all along.
Why does this feel like getting caught cheating by my wife?
"I never knew Mutsumi cared about me this much~ How touching."
Haru pretended to wipe away nonexistent tears, his voice laced with playful teasing, as if eager to see how the little wooden girl would react.
"Mhm. Very worried."
Mutsumi nodded her small head with complete sincerity.
Her earnest, adorable, and straightforward demeanor made it impossible for him to keep up the act.
Struck by the doll-like girl's blunt honesty, Haru's expression shifted slightly as he changed the subject: "Since you've already dragged me out, how about we turn this into an early date?"
Date!
The moment the word reached her ears, a faint glimmer flickered in Mutsumi's crystalline golden eyes.
Her mood brightening, she parted her lips slightly, instinctively about to agree to Haru's proposal.
Back when they were selling live tickets during their street performance, Haru had promised to take her to an amusement park someday. Mutsumi had been looking forward to it ever since, she wouldn't have minded going on that date right now.
But—
Mutsumi stared blankly ahead.
A memory surfaced, Sakiko's slightly anxious tone during their phone call. Realizing what her childhood friend was really thinking, a strange light flashed in her eyes before she slowly shook her head.
After a brief hesitation, she spoke—
"Today... can't."
"Things at home. I need to go back."
Mutsumi shook her head again lightly.
Her silky, pale-green hair swayed like gentle waves with the motion, sunlight filtering through the strands and casting a soft glow—as if nature itself were painting strokes of art onto this living doll.
Haru fully understood her reaction.
Though Mutsumi had become much more direct with her words and could boldly voice her desires in front of Haru, she was still the young lady of the Wakaba household. The constraints of her family meant she couldn't freely do as she pleased.
"Then let's go to the amusement park together next time."
"Mhm."
Expressionless, Mutsumi lifted her gaze and gave Haru a small wave.
But then, as if remembering something, she suddenly turned back just before leaving, her polished black Mary Janes(shoes) clicking lightly against the pavement, and stretched out her slender arms toward him.
The next moment, she gently embraced him.
The instant she succeeded in hugging Haru, a faint, alluring pink tinted her otherwise blank face.
Her light, soft body pressed against his chest like cotton candy, the warmth of her skin seeping through the fabric of his uniform with a comforting heat. Her artfully pale-green hair spilled over the back of his hand and between his fingers, its delicate fragrance intoxicating enough to lose oneself in.
After just a second, Mutsumi slowly let go.
"Haru. Bye-bye."
With another small wave, she turned away just as expressionlessly as before and walked off into the distance.
Leaving Haru standing there, frozen in place.
With a complicated gaze, Haru watched Mutsumi's petite figure gradually disappear into the distance. An inexplicable thought crashed into his mind like a Skull Crusher, forcibly disrupting his cognitive functions.
"Even without simulations... I'm still being captured by this kuudere..." Haru muttered to himself.
He was already trapped in an extreme dilemma.
On one hand, he wanted to marry the gentle and loving "Nijika-mama", on the other, he also wanted to marry the doll-like Mutsumi, who clung to him so endearingly. This tangled web of thoughts made him experience what true, soul-crushing indecision felt like.
"But... there's still one important issue right now."
Haru massaged his temples with a headache.
He truly hadn't expected Nagasaki Soyo to take the initiative to stake out Haneoka High for him. Standing at the school gates in her Tsukinomori uniform, she was way too conspicuous, no wonder Sakiko had spotted her.
Honestly, it was a good thing he had left quickly. If Sakiko had exited first and run into Soyo directly, the consequences would've been disastrous.
Once the "Tsukinomori Special Agent" Soyo-san finally pinpointed Sakiko's location, she would undoubtedly go to any lengths to "talk things out." And right now, Sakiko had neither the time nor the energy to transfer schools and escape again, she'd be forced to carve out time to deal with Soyo.
Even if Haru wasn't the direct cause of this mess, he couldn't escape indirect responsibility.
"Decision made, I should go explain things to Sakiko."
"If she misunderstands something, it'll only get worse."
Resolved, Haru pulled out his phone and tapped a certain number in his contacts.
---
Togawa Sakiko was in a terrible state.
She didn't know why her emotions were so volatile today. Even while working at Rabbit House, she'd been inexplicably irritable, so much so that she hadn't even noticed her brows furrowing into a sharp inverted V.
Maybe it was because she'd seen Nagasaki Soyo or maybe it was because of what Takamatsu Tomori had said...
Perhaps it was for some other reason.
In any case, Togawa Sakiko's condition today was terrible. Fatigue and irritation echoed in her ears like noise, and even making coffee had become a half-hearted task.
Before she knew it, an unsightly layer of foam had formed on the surface of the coffee.
How could she possibly serve something like this?
"Honestly… what am I even doing?"
Sakiko's brows furrowed tightly, frustration welling up at such a careless mistake.
For a 'barista,' this kind of blunder was practically professional misconduct. With a throbbing headache, she reached for the cup, intending to dispose of this 'failure'—
But before she could act, someone else picked it up first.
"Wait! That one—"
Her words caught in her throat as she realized who had taken the coffee.
Kazami Haru, appearing out of nowhere, took a sip.
The familiar, scalding heat paired with the mediocre taste made his eyebrow twitch slightly, he was quite picky about coffee. Then, with a faintly amused smile, he set the cup back down and looked at Sakiko.
"Togawa, your skills still need work."
"Are you an idiot?! That's still boiling hot—"
Though surprised by Haru's sudden appearance, Sakiko was more concerned about him drinking her failed, piping-hot brew.
Drinking freshly brewed coffee straight like that could easily burn his mouth and throat!
"Not a problem. I have a soft spot for scorching coffee."
Though, after past experiences, he rarely drank it this way anymore.
Originally, he hadn't planned on coming to work today, but the thought of not seeing Sakiko-chan in a while and worrying that she might misunderstand something because of Soyo, had prompted him to drop by and check on her.
But when he arrived at the café and saw Sakiko's visibly exhausted state in the back,
Haru knew, he knew, that coming here had been the right decision.
"More importantly, why are you here today?" Sakiko still frowned.
"Isn't it obvious?"
Haru responded casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
He was already dressed in his work attire, a butler's tailcoat, practically announcing that he was here to work. Sakiko, of course, understood that much.
What she didn't understand was why Haru, who hadn't shown up for work in so long, had suddenly decided to come back today.
Seemingly reading her thoughts, Haru spoke leisurely—
"I've been busy with band stuff and other things lately, but now that our setlist is finalized, I finally have some free time. Besides, if I don't earn money, I'll starve."
"I already called the manager. She just laughed and said that since I was working a temporary shift today, she would only deduct one hour's salary from me."
Seeing Haru's knowing smirk, Sakiko couldn't help but scowl in irritation.
Since Haru had practically single-handedly managed the café before, and many customers came specifically for him, the manager treated him almost like an 'acting manager.'
That's why she was so lenient with his schedule, allowing him to drop by whenever he had time.
"I've taught you before, haven't I? The proper way to brew coffee."
"It was just a slip-up. It won't happen again."
Caught red-handed, Sakiko's cheeks flushed slightly.
For some reason, the 'irritation' and 'anxiety' that had been buzzing in her ears earlier had evaporated like steam, replaced instead by an inexplicable annoyance.
Of course, Haru wouldn't understand 'Sakiko-sensei's' stubbornness. As he ground the coffee beans with practiced elegance, he asked offhandedly:
"Nagasaki Soyo came to see me today. About you."
"...Oh?"
At the mention of 'Nagasaki Soyo,' Sakiko's brow twitched almost imperceptibly.
"She asked if we were dating."
"...What did you say?"
The moment those words left Haru's mouth, Sakiko stiffened slightly, the question slipping out almost instinctively.
Perhaps because her emotions had spiked, she didn't even notice her old verbal trait resurfacing, her attention now entirely fixated elsewhere.
"Just kidding. She only asked if I knew where you were."
His teasing grin made Sakiko's blood boil, and she shot him a glare, equal parts furious and embarrassed.
But as she processed his words, her expression darkened.
"Haru… did you tell her anything?"
"I just told her I wasn't sure about your situation and didn't know where you were. I didn't reveal anything else."
Hearing Haru's answer, the heavy weight in Sakiko's chest finally eased.
Right now, she had no energy to deal with Nagasaki Soyo.
Just juggling multiple jobs every day left her exhausted, and she still had to muster the strength to handle life's endless hassles, even something as basic as dinner required careful budgeting.
On days when she couldn't grab a discounted bento, she had to make do with the simplest meals.
At the end of the month, when her finances were in the red, she'd pour soy sauce over bean sprouts and mix them with rice. Sometimes, all she could afford was a cheap bread roll, washed down with plain water.
"Haru… thank you."
Sakiko's gaze lingered on him, her voice softening with gratitude.
So he really does know about me and CRYCHIC.
"And… I'm sorry for dragging you into my mess."
The moment she learned that Haru's bandmate was Nagasaki Soyo, Sakiko had pieced together the general situation.
As the only person left in her life she could rely on as a 'comrade,' Haru had naturally deduced her current struggles and her strained relationship with Soyo.
The fact that he had shielded her from Soyo's prying left Sakiko both deeply moved and guilt-ridden.
"Haru, if she keeps bothering you after this—"
"—I'll talk to her myself."
Haru had already done more than enough for her.
Though Sakiko had tried to repay him in her own ways, now even her personal troubles were becoming his burden. Her pride wouldn't allow her to accept his help so easily.
Otherwise, the balance between them might shift into something… unequal.
And she didn't want that.
Haru knew better than to argue with her stubbornness. With a quiet sigh, he let it go.
Having ground the coffee beans to perfection, he lifted the kettle and poured the steaming water into the cup with practiced grace. A rich, aromatic fragrance slowly filled the air, intoxicating and impossible to ignore.
"Togawa… was quitting the band really the best choice you could've made?"
At Haru's question, Sakiko's sharp delicate brows furrowed slightly.
"I was different from them."
"CRYCHIC was like a make-believe band, there was no way I could have kept going with them."
Sakiko's calm yet detached tone made Haru gradually understand her feelings and perspective.
The cheerful, gentle, and radiant "genius" ojou-sama from the CRYCHIC days, Togawa Sakiko was indeed unforgettable, but now, this stubborn, fragile, yet fiercely resilient "Sakiko-chan" struggling to survive had her own unique charm.
"Even if you chose not to stay in the band, you could've at least remained friends, couldn't you?"
"Tomori's been worried about you. She still blames herself for what happened."
Haru stirred the coffee gently, his voice quiet and soothing.
"Making peace with your past might make things a little easier."
At the mention of Takamatsu Tomori's words, Sakiko's brow slowly furrowed. Her bright amber eyes flickered with something complicated as she stared at the coffee in Haru's hands.
"Enough. Drink this, then get back to work."
There was nothing more to say.
Pushing further wouldn't change anything.
Haru set the freshly brewed Blue Mountain coffee in front of Sakiko. Wisps of steam curled from the inky-black surface, carrying a subtle fruity sweetness that made her narrow her eyes slightly in appreciation.
She watched as Haru straightened his tailcoat and headed toward the front of the café. Then, with slender, porcelain fingers, she lifted the cup.
And took a small sip.
The smooth, velvety texture and unique aroma bloomed instantly across her palate, a perfect balance of acidity and bitterness, yet carrying an undeniable sense of indulgence and bliss. It was the kind of flavor impossible to forget after just one sip.
"...As expected, his coffee is still the best."
Sakiko gazed at the steaming cup in her hands, the corners of her lips curling into a faint, beautiful smile.
"Togawa, are you going on a date with Kazami-senpai after your shift?"
"...What?"
One of the waitresses leaned in with a teasing grin, instantly flustering Sakiko.
"Huh? Aren't you two dating?"
Faced with such a sudden question, Sakiko's face burned crimson. She pressed her lips together, momentarily at a loss, not even thinking to refute it, nor feeling the slightest urge to.
Meanwhile, Haru, who had already stepped out into the dining area, caught a glimpse of that rare, sweet smile on Sakiko's face. It sent a sudden rush of inspiration surging through him.
After a brief hesitation, he pulled out a notebook from the drawer—Death Note—and flipped it open.
A black gel pen twirled deftly between his slender fingers as he began sketching across the blank, lined pages. His strokes were fluid and precise, the pressure and angle of the pen controlled with almost muscle-memory perfection. In moments, simple lines coalesced into an elegant, breathtaking portrait.
"Done."
Though it was his first time putting his Legendary Lv.5 Art Skills to use, even this casual sketch was astonishingly refined. For a debut attempt, it was passable.
"I'll just give it to her as a gift later."
...
Perhaps because her earlier frustration and exhaustion had eased, Sakiko threw herself into her work with renewed focus, finishing her tasks with even greater efficiency than usual.
As her shift ended, she slung her bag over her shoulder and instinctively glanced toward Haru.
"Togawa, this is for you."
Now out of his work attire, Haru casually handed her the Death Note. Blinking in confusion, she carefully opened it at his prompting.
"...!"
The girl froze on the spot.
Inside was a sketch of her, gently holding a coffee cup, her expression soft and smiling. Every detail was flawlessly captured in simple pen strokes, the meticulous craftsmanship radiating the artist's sincerity.
It's way too good, like something a professional would draw!
"When did you—? Since when could you draw?!"
"I thought you looked nice earlier, so I drew it. I only just started learning."
Haru smirked at Sakiko's stunned reaction. This was exactly the expression he'd wanted to see from "Sakiko-sensei."
"...Don't just do things like this out of nowhere next time."
Her voice was stiff, but she smoothly tucked the Death Note into her bag, her usual aloof demeanor firmly in place.
That is—if one ignored the faint, alluring blush dusting the tips of her ears.
"Are we going together today?"
Walking side by side with Haru, Sakiko seemed to have completely forgotten the earlier teasing. Grabbing dinner together had already become part of their routine.
Haru, of course, had no reason to refuse, this was the perfect chance to save on meal expenses.
With her bag slung over one shoulder, Sakiko occasionally traded light banter with him as they walked. Unbeknownst to her, a small, unconscious smile had crept onto her lips.
Her attention was entirely fixed on the boy beside her.
But neither of them noticed the golden-haired girl in a cap and sunglasses who happened to pass by in the distance, nor how her gaze locked onto the two of them.
"...Sakiko?"
Misumi Uika's lips parted slightly, her eyes widening in disbelief.
