Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 102

First Meeting

Inside the Windchaser Dojo, Shiromiya Mirai, wearing traditional hakama attire with her black hair tied in a high ponytail, exuded an elegant and graceful beauty as she practiced archery.

“Thud.”

“Concentrate, don’t get distracted.”

“Thud.”

Two consecutive arrows missed the target, embedding into the gray ash behind.

“Take a break.”

Observing this scene, Sato, the 9th dan master, furrowed his brow and called out.

Sato, now seventy-four years old, with black hair turned white, no beard, and a face marked by the passage of time, had numerous wrinkles. 

Despite that, he maintained an upright and robust posture. Wearing a black kimono, he exuded a commanding presence.

“Yes.”

Hearing this, Shiromiya nodded, slowly lowering her bow. She then strolled towards the wall and took a seat.

“Mirai, what’s going on? Continuous misses aren’t like you. Moreover, you’ve missed the target twelve times today. Is something bothering you?” Sato inquired as he walked over to her.

“Nothing is bothering me. Thank you for your concern, Sensei.”

Shiromiya shook her head slightly, unable to resist glancing once more at the entrance of the archery hall.

It was already 13:30, and several senior brothers had gradually arrived at the dojo.

These senior brothers were much older than her, with the youngest being around thirty, and the oldest even fifty-five.

She joined the tutelage of Master Sato from a young age, so her seniority was quite high.

“Who are you waiting for?” Sato noticed her gaze and immediately asked.

Archery emphasizes mental state, and maintaining a calm mind is also a form of strength.

As a senior who had been active in the archery world for many years, he was very sensitive to changes in emotions.

Unlike last week, today’s disciple seems troubled, unable to maintain the calm demeanor as before.

Realizing her thoughts being exposed, Shiromiya felt a shock in her heart and subconsciously glanced at Akai Sayaka not far away, fearing she might have overheard.

“I’m not waiting for anyone.”

Seeing that the maid’s expression remained unchanged, seemingly not having heard, Shiromiya whispered.

Was she waiting for someone? It’s certain that she was.

Arriving at the dojo at 7:30 in the morning, during breakfast, she couldn’t help but wonder when Kurosawa would come. Expectations arose, causing her to be a bit distracted.

As the personal guidance session ended, other senior brothers entered the dojo one after another. 

However, there was no sign of Kurosawa, and her anticipation began to turn into concern.

She’s definitely waiting for someone, and it’s a man. 

Sato, noticing her reaction, narrowed his eyes and secretly thought.

Sensing this, his mood instantly sank, and his gaze became sharper.

Since Shiromiya became his disciple at the age of 8, he had been watching this child grow up. He had long considered her as a sort of granddaughter.

Now, in her third year of high school, even at an age when archery practice time was reduced, who was the man that had captured young Shiromiya’s heart?

“Sensei, can archers from the All-School League enter the dojo?”

At this moment, Shiromiya couldn’t help but ask.

“No.”

“But weren’t there a few All-School League archers who came to visit before?”

“That’s because their coach is a friend of mine, and I allowed them to visit and learn a few times. I’m not someone anyone can meet.”

Sato explained this with a smiling face, but there was no real warmth in that smile.

All-School League archers, was he a university student? When did this happen? And which archer was it?

What should he do? Falling in love was a complicated matter, and given the current situation, if he couldn’t resolve these feelings of yearning, her archery training in the near future may not be effective.

“This…”

Realizing this situation, Shiromiya felt a bit relieved, but also a bit distressed.

She was relieved that Kurosawa hadn’t shown up yet, meaning he didn’t stand her up.

But she was distressed because, due to her misjudgment, Kurosawa was likely rejected at the entrance and not allowed to enter.

What to do? Should she go out to check?

However, if she did that, the maid would definitely see it.

If reported to her parents, they might think that they had secretly arranged to meet, and she didn’t know how they would react.

“Master Sato, Master Uesugi brought a student for a visit.”

At this moment, a middle-aged man in a shirt and trousers walked in from the entrance of the archery dojo, smiling.

Beside him was a handsome young man with black hair and black eyes, carrying a shoulder bag.

With their arrival, Shiromiya instinctively glanced over and then fixed her gaze on the young man, feeling somewhat incredulous and, more so, pleasantly surprised.

Is it him?

With such an obvious reaction, Sato glanced and focused on the young man.

Judging by his handsome appearance, he seemed to be around 20 years old, but he exuded an extraordinary temperament, giving off a refined and genteel vibe.

Since Uesugi was teaching at the University of Tokyo Archery Club, and this young man was his student, it meant he was a student at the prestigious University of Tokyo.

Walking with an upright and steady posture, displaying a smooth and stable stride, he seemed to have a foundation in archery.

“Uesugi, this is indeed a rare visitor. Why did you suddenly show up?”

Although he had sensed that this young man was the one his apprentice was waiting for, Sato remained composed and smiled.

“Because my student here has long heard about the prowess of the Windchaser Dojo and wanted to come and experience it.” Uesugi also chuckled.

As the two coaches met and began to converse, Kurosawa, who was standing on the side, also turned his gaze towards Shiromiya.

Their eyes met, and although neither spoke, they communicated silently through their expressions.

Kurosawa smiled, prompting Shiromiya to reveal a faint smile as well. Everything was understood without words.

Despite being late, they had successfully met. It was quite challenging to arrange a meeting outside of their tutoring sessions.

With his arrival, Akai, standing on the other side, noticed their eye contact, glanced at them a few times, then looked away without saying anything.

Both of them were closely observing her movements.

As expected… Miss Akai actually doesn’t want to be so strict, but it’s her duty to follow along. 

Kurosawa sensed her turning her head and became aware of the situation.

In fact, he had suspected this before, but lacking evidence, he couldn’t make a judgement. The current turn of her head was undoubtedly concrete evidence.

“Hello, I’m Kurosawa Hikaru.”

Recognizing Akai’s tolerance, Kurosawa also mustered his courage and walked to the side of Shiromiya, extending his hand for an introduction.

“Hello, I’m Shiromiya Mirai.”

Shiromiya, sitting in her seat, was momentarily stunned.

She glanced at the maid, realized she wasn’t looking their way, seemingly pretending not to notice, and hesitated for a few seconds before summoning the courage to stand up.

However, she extended her left hand because her right hand was still wearing a deerskin finger guard glove.

With their hands clasped together, palms touching, it was their first physical contact.

Shiromiya felt his hand was so large, as if it could completely envelop her own hand, and her heartbeat quickened slightly.

This meeting was unique, unlike their usual relationship during tutoring sessions. It felt like a first encounter outside of those contexts, devoid of the usual social hierarchy.

“It’s really difficult to meet you.”

Holding her slightly cool hand, Kurosawa lowered his head slightly and whispered.

Shiromiya also acknowledged the effort he had put in. Despite hearing this complaint, she couldn’t help but curve her lips, feeling a bit pleased.

“But you still managed to meet me.”