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V6 Chapter 24: Who Could Not Be Confused?
🕑 Added 2025-07-08 14:07:18 +0000 UTCA different time, but the same late evening.
Tokyo in autumn felt just a bit different this year. The sun sank sooner into dusk, tinting the world in a somber hue, and the bustling crowds of summer were nowhere to be seen on the streets and alleyways.
Which meant that even walking boldly down the middle of the road felt perfectly acceptable, letting the autumn wind wash over them with its crisp, refreshing chill.
Maybe it was the sudden drop in temperature, but Kazami Haru felt a firm grip on his arm. Raana clung to him tightly, as if pressing her body against his could bring her more warmth.
But for that same reason, she was now holding on to him like a sloth, seriously slowing his pace.
"Haru, aren't you going home yet?"
"Nope. Still wanna hang out."
The silver-haired stray cat girl gave a small shake of her head. Her raised brows and stubborn expression made it obvious she wasn't about to give in.
But it seemed she had underestimated the so-called "autumn night."
"So cold…"
As the chilly wind blew in their faces, the cat who hated the cold shrank her slender neck and nuzzled closer into Haru's chest. It took extra effort now just to keep dragging her along.
Watching the little stray tremble slightly from the cold made Haru frown, a strange feeling flickering across his heart.
Now that he thought about it, he still hadn't seen her guardian. In weather like this, didn't her family know to dress her more warmly?
That rainy day he found her, they hadn't even hesitated to let her stay over at his place. Seriously, he was a teenage boy in the middle of puberty. What if he lost control?
"…Fine. You're impossible."
If I were wearing black-rimmed glasses, this little kitten wouldn't have stood a chance today!
With a sigh, Haru took off his jacket and wrapped the shivering cat girl up inside it. Nestled in his warmth through the fabric, Raana-san narrowed her eyes contentedly.
Like a pampered house cat, she accepted his care without a second thought.
As they stepped into the shopping district near Yokohama, the rich aroma of fried meat pies drifted through the air from the surrounding butcher shops.
It was close to dinnertime. That kind of smell instantly triggered a craving in your belly, and for someone like Raana, with a naturally sharp nose, it made it even harder to walk past.
She twitched her little nose and tugged at Haru's sleeve with a pout.
Of course, Haru knew exactly what this white cat girl was thinking. Without changing expression, he reached out and pinched her tiny nose, a bit exasperated.
"I've got something to take care of first. If you behave, I'll buy you something tasty afterward."
Raana: !?
Seeing the stray cat girl instantly settle down and curl up beside him, Haru let the faint smile on his lips show as he turned his attention back to his phone.
Back when he and Soyo confirmed their relationship, he'd received a message from Wakaba Mutsumi asking to meet alone.
Back then, it was obvious she had something on her mind. So Haru had arranged to meet her that evening. Who could have predicted she'd show up early that day, which meant their conversation got cut short because of Soyo.
Now that the MyGO situation had mostly settled down, as her boyfriend, Haru couldn't just keep brushing her off. Of course he needed to make it up to Mutsumi.
And there was something else...
Back then, Wakaba Mutsumi had clearly wanted to say something to him. But with Soyo-san present, she hadn't been able to get the words out. That had been weighing on Haru's mind ever since.
Mutsumi was always so proper. She'd save anything important for face-to-face talks, only sending basic messages or invites through Line.
"That should be the place, right?"
His eyes landed on a stylish café in the southern part of Yokohama, a place called Ahnenerbe. The atmosphere and menu were both a bit… odd.
In fact, it was more like a jack-of-all-trades shop than a café. They had fewer kinds of coffee than actual meals, and customers could even order beer if they wanted.
Since it was close to Haru's apartment, it had also been the meeting spot he'd used when arranging to see Shiina Taki before.
Ding-a-ling~
With the soft chime of the doorbell, Haru slowly pushed open the glass door of the dimly lit café.
The moment he stepped in, his gaze went straight to a corner seat, where he locked eyes with a stone-faced girl who looked like a human cucumber. It was almost automatic by now, a habit formed from seeing Mutsumi countless times.
Mutsumi always chose the corner or a window seat. Haru had developed a sort of sixth sense for it.
"Hm?"
At that moment, Haru's brow rose slightly.
He noticed a familiar little penguin head peeking out beside the seat. Upon seeing him, the small penguin's amber eyes lit up just a little. Soft and fragile, those eyes shimmered with a quiet joy.
Maybe it was because she spotted the white cat girl beside Haru, but Takamatsu Tomori, so pure and gentle like a baby animal, blinked in visible confusion.
Raana-chan?
Why is Raana with Haru?
Before the girl could even form the thought properly, Haru had already approached.
"Sorry I'm late. Got a little held up on the way."
"It's okay, Mutsumi and I haven't been waiting long…"
Tomori quickly waved her hands when Haru apologized. Sitting beside her, Wakaba Mutsumi gently shook her head as if to say she didn't mind.
However...
The doll-like cucumber girl stared wordlessly at Haru's face. Her elegant pale gold eyes then drifted toward the stray cat at his side.
Seeing how tightly the girl clung to him, even someone as expressionless as Mutsumi couldn't quite keep her face from changing.
The quiet Mutsumi said nothing, but Tomori sitting next to her couldn't hold it in.
"Haru, is Raana-chan… like us?"
The question was simple, but its meaning couldn't be clearer. Haru twitched slightly at the corners of his mouth.
"…Of course not. Tomori, do you really think I'm the kind of guy who's just okay with anyone?"
First Ryo, now Tomori both had asked him the exact same thing in different places and times. It was starting to make Haru wonder if there was something seriously off about him.
Did he really look like the kind of guy who'd go for a middle schooler-cat hybrid? If he dared cross that line, he'd be eating more than matcha pudding right now, he'd be eating bullets, size extra small.
More importantly, it's not like his phone even had any of those teacher-abuse simulator games.
Facing the bewildered expressions of the two girls in front of him, Haru sighed and explained, "I bumped into Raana at STARRY while we were having a band meeting. I was planning to walk her home before coming here… but, well, as you can see."
Tomori blinked slowly in realization. She already knew how clingy Raana was with Haru.
Even during MyGO's regular training sessions, Raana was as restless as a real cat.
At times like this, the only person who could truly rein Raana in was Haru and even then, it usually took threats or bribes. Realistically, Haru was the only one who could get her to behave without a struggle.
"Ah... I forgot to introduce her to Mutsumi. Her name is Raana, she's a friend of mine in the band."
Wakaba Mutsumi gave a small nod. She didn't seem particularly interested in the cat-girl.
Since the beginning, Raana had been entirely absorbed by the matcha pudding on the table. Even though this was their first proper meeting, Mutsumi had already gotten a clear sense of her personality. Not caring much, she shifted her attention back to Haru.
Now that Soyo wasn't around, maybe it was okay to talk about this?
With that thought, Wakaba Mutsumi gently cupped her hands around her mango juice glass. After a brief pause, she spoke in a soft, silky voice.
"The reason I asked to see you today is because I wanted to talk about Uika…"
"Mutsumi, your next line is: 'Actually, Uika likes you.'"
Before she could finish, Haru cut in with a flat look. But his words struck directly at the heart of what she'd been about to say.
Wakaba Mutsumi's lips parted slightly in surprise, clearly not expecting him to guess it outright. Her usually unreadable golden eyes now held a flicker of uncertainty. Even Tomori, seated beside her, looked utterly astonished.
Seeing both of them wear that adorable expression of surprise, Haru gave a teasing smile.
"I guessed right, didn't I?"
No need to be surprised. It was just my Crimson King's Epitaph kicking in.
"B-but… how did you know?"
Tomori's confusion was written all over her face. Haru only smiled faintly, resting his chin on one hand as he answered without reservation.
"I already met with Uika before, actually."
"Even though she didn't say it outright, I could pretty much tell what she was trying to say."
Misumi Uika hadn't confessed directly.
Even so, Haru had clearly sensed the feelings she was hiding. Because no matter how flawlessly she played her role as an idol, no matter how perfectly she smiled without betraying her inner thoughts to anyone, she was different in front of him.
Eyes never lie.
Uika always used that perfect, elegant smile to conceal what she really felt. But when her emotions surged, she couldn't fully control what showed in her eyes.
"I see."
Wakaba Mutsumi responded with just a quiet nod, her expression unchanged.
In truth, Uika had already brought up the topic with Mutsumi in private.
She'd admitted, shyly and indirectly, to having feelings for Haru. Mutsumi had encouraged her to confess properly and even planned to give her a little push if she needed it.
But she hadn't expected Uika to act so decisively.
"How did you respond to her?"
"Of course I turned her down."
Haru gave a light shake of the head, a faint shadow crossing his brows.
What Uika had shown him that day had been sincere. And even though he'd turned her down out of a sense of responsibility, he still felt somewhat guilty.
Especially after learning that she had no intention of giving up and might keep clinging to him, he found it all the more troubling.
The quiet Mutsumi didn't press further.
She actually had a good deal of respect for Misumi Uika. In some ways, she saw parts of herself in her. Especially after learning that Uika was willing to give up her feelings for the sake of another girl's happiness, Mutsumi had started to let down her guard.
At the very least, Uika seemed a lot safer than Soyo.
…
With that thought, Mutsumi lowered her gaze and sipped from her mango juice.
And as she remembered what Nagasaki Soyo had said to her that day, her usually expressionless golden eyes took on a subtle glimmer.
Meanwhile, Raana, having thoroughly demolished the matcha pudding, licked her lips. Maybe it was because dinnertime had long since passed, but the cat-girl, who'd been quietly waiting for the conversation to end, was growing visibly restless.
She clutched her belly and rubbed her cheek against Haru's chest.
"Haru, I'm hungry."
Seeing the irritated expression on the cat-girl's face, Tomori panicked. She started fumbling through her pockets, then pulled out an oval-shaped stone and placed it on the table.
"S-sorry, Raana-chan!"
"We'll be done in just a bit… I-I have this stone that looks like a cod roll! I can give it to you! I mean, you can't eat it, but…"
Raana blinked at the 'cod roll' stone, then raised the corner of her lips in a sly smirk at the sight of the flustered penguin girl.
With a glimmer in her feline eyes, she purred playfully, "What an interesting girl… but I don't want a stone."
Tomori was left holding the rock in confusion. At that moment, Haru stepped in to save the situation. He pulled out a handful of konpeito he'd snagged after the band meeting and began expertly feeding and calming her.
"Raana, can you wait just a little longer?"
Usually obedient around Haru, this time she sprawled forward onto the table, arms stretched, cheeks puffed in bored frustration.
Even though she was quietly sulking, she didn't make a scene. Just showed she wasn't happy.
Haru seemed to have expected this. He glanced up and muttered to himself, "Looks like she really can't wait any longer…"
Cats were fickle. Once they lost interest in something, they got bored quickly.
Given her restless nature, the fact that she'd stayed this long listening was already miraculous.
Knowing this all too well, Haru was about to raise a hand and order another matcha pudding to buy time—
When Mutsumi suddenly spoke.
"Haru, I want to eat dinner too."
See? Even the lady of the house has spoken.
Tomori quickly chimed in after hearing Mutsumi. Clasping her hands in front of her chest, she nodded rapidly like a chick pecking grain.
"M-me too! I think we should go eat first. Raana-chan looks like she's about to get grumpy…"
"Food!"
The stray cat immediately perked up, and Haru let out a deep sigh of resignation.
With all three girls in agreement, he had no reason to say no. Swallowing the rest of his words, he asked instead:
"What do you want to eat? Should we go to JOJO-en for some yakiniku?"
In response, Mutsumi gave a small shake of her head.
From the start, her gaze had been fixed on the stray cat beside Haru. Especially when Raana had rubbed her cheek against him, something about that made even Mutsumi's normally placid eyes narrow ever so slightly.
Sensing Haru's puzzlement, she paused, then slowly said—
"…I want to go to your place."
"To my place?"
Haru instinctively leaned back in tactical retreat, a conflicted look flashing in his eyes.
If this were lunchtime, bringing someone over wouldn't be a big deal. But it was already evening, the sun long since set.
Tomori's family was quite relaxed about things, probably used to their daughter's quirky and spontaneous nature. As long as she messaged home, it was fine for her to be out late by herself.
But Wakaba Mutsumi was a completely different story.
As the daughter of the prestigious Wakaba family, she lived a life surrounded by maids and strict etiquette. From a young age, she'd followed her parents' rules to the letter, and even now, she maintained the refined behavior expected of a proper young lady. She had to be home before curfew—no exceptions.
And then there was the fact that Haru would also be bringing along the stray cat. Her home was far from Yokohama, and who knew what time it would be by the time he got her back?
Sure, last time her family had no problem letting her stay over, but he couldn't just casually bring a middle school girl home this late at night, could he?
…
Maybe it was the silence from Haru that made Mutsumi lower her gaze, a faint trace of disappointment flickering in her eyes.
Sensing the subtle shift in her mood, Haru drew a deep breath, steadied himself, and spoke softly.
"…Alright. Let's go to my place."
Who wouldn't cave after seeing that face?
It was hard enough for Haru to say no to Wakaba Mutsumi before. Now that they'd confirmed their relationship, officially girlfriend and boyfriend, how could he possibly resist? The stakes were ten times higher.
If she ever looked that sad because of him, he'd take on Sukuna himself if he had to make up for it.
"Thank you, Haru."
Mutsumi nodded at his reply. Her delicate face remained unchanged, still that quiet, doll-like expression.
But if one looked closely, they'd see her gently rocking back and forth in her seat. Anyone familiar with her would instantly realize just how happy she was.
"And what about you, Raana? Want to eat at my place—"
"Going."
Before he could even finish the question, the stray cat beside him raised her hand without hesitation.
Already expecting that kind of response, Haru twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth. But he didn't move right away. First, he needed to notify her family.
Thankfully, after their last encounter, he'd gotten her guardian's number from Ririko-senpai. So, once he was ready, he slowly dialed it.
…
Even though he was prepared for it, Haru was still surprised by how easy it was.
The one who answered was probably her mother.
Maybe it was because he'd taken care of Raana before, but upon hearing she'd be eating dinner at his place again, her mom gave immediate and full approval, without the slightest hesitation.
With that settled, Raana happily skipped along the asphalt road ahead. Her soft silver hair swayed lightly with each step, and her cat tail flicked behind her in contentment.
To keep her from wandering off too far, Tomori hurried to catch up.
Watching Raana's joyful expression made Tomori feel a little anxious. She remembered how Raana kept clinging to Haru earlier, and that thought gave her the courage to edge closer and ask quietly...
"Raana-chan, do you… like Haru?"
"Like him."
Raana answered with barely a pause, her lips forming a small, satisfied smile.
Tomori frowned slightly, unsure what to make of the teasing tone. She pressed on with sincerity.
"I mean… not just as a friend. I'm asking if you like Haru as… you know, like a lover."
"Like, wanting to be with him forever…!"
A trace of seriousness flickered in the girl's eyes. She spoke as if laying her whole heart on the line.
Raana: ?
In the soft twilight, her silvery-white hair caught a gentle glow. Tilting her head, the little cat girl stared curiously at Tomori's serious face with her mismatched golden and silver eyes.
But...
"Grandma said, when you like someone, you marry them."
With her hands behind her back, Raana smiled with the smugness of a cat.
"U-uh… Raana-chan?"
Tomori's cheeks flushed a soft pink at her response. She fiddled with her skirt, unsure how to reply, but her heart had already started to stir.
Elsewhere, just a few steps behind them.
Haru walked beside Mutsumi, occasionally glancing at the stray cat and penguin girl up ahead.
…
A soft, cool touch suddenly brushed his fingers.
He instinctively looked to his side.
At some point, the petite Wakaba Mutsumi had closed the distance between them and quietly slipped her hand into his. When she noticed his gaze, a faint blush colored her usually expressionless face.
As his girlfriend, this was perfectly natural.
That rare, flustered expression from Mutsumi hit like a high-impact shell, lethal to the average person. But Haru, after all the training he'd gone through, had built up quite the resistance.
He gave her delicate hand a light squeeze and smiled gently.
Holding hands? Easy.
But even as he enjoyed the moment, he hadn't completely lost himself in her cuteness. Remembering their earlier talk, he asked casually.
"Actually… there was something else you wanted to say, wasn't there?"
It made sense when you thought about it.
Mutsumi wasn't the type to go out of her way unless it was really important. There was a chance she just wanted to spend time with him, sure, but Haru was pretty sure there was something more she hadn't said yet.
Maybe she was still worried about saying it in front of others. Maybe she just couldn't find the right moment.
Tomori pulling Raana away might have been her way of giving Mutsumi a chance to speak alone.
Mutsumi blinked, slightly dazed.
Even without a word, Haru had picked up on her hidden thoughts. She had been holding back because of Raana's presence. But now, there was no reason not to say it.
"…It's about Soyo."
Haru raised an eyebrow slightly. As expected, it was about Soyo-san.
"Soyo really likes you. But she… doesn't want to share you with anyone."
"So…"
At that, Mutsumi stopped.
She didn't need to go any further, her meaning was already clear. Haru didn't press her for more.
Instead, he simply smiled and reached out, running his fingers gently through her silken, pale green hair. As he did, she leaned slightly into his touch.
"Thanks for telling me, Mutsumi."
"But you don't need to worry too much. I've been thinking about Soyo's feelings, too… and no matter what, I'm not going to abandon any of you."
"If something happens, just leave it to me."
Soyo was a complex mix of innocence and cunning. But before anything else, she was kind.
Haru knew all too well how strong her possessiveness could be. The idea of her being okay with a "harem" setup actually didn't fit her personality at all. He could already guess what was on her mind.
As Haru gently patted her head, Mutsumi's lips curved into a soft smile.
But she didn't want to just be the flower quietly protected by his side. She wanted to support Haru however she could.
And with that, a new plan began to take root in her heart.
