Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 113

Falling in Love

Kurosawa didn’t expect her to be so direct. 

Although she blushed from a simple kiss on the cheek, he found himself standing still, captivated by her mesmerizing smiling eyes and admiring gaze.

What did it feel like to be confessed to?

Heart pounding, excitement, thrill, a tingling sensation throughout the body, and an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

That satisfaction arised from acknowledgment and reciprocity, like doing something and receiving feedback.

No, it wasn’t just that; it was even more impactful.

Her cheeks, her smile, her gaze, her hair, everything about her seemed like a painting, etched into Kurosawa’s eyes, breaking into his heart.

“I feel the same way.”

Kurosawa smiled, grateful that he gathered the courage to take this step.

Perhaps, this was the feeling of falling in love, not merely a superficial attraction based on appearance.

But on this day, at this moment, whatever she did was enchanting and unforgettable.

Kurosawa could conclude one thing: he had fallen for the person in front of him.

“I started liking you a bit when I saw you shoot your first arrow. When I realized there was a possibility you might marry me, my liking turned into something more. When did you start?” Shiromiya asked, the eye contact between them feeling almost electric, her gaze tender and delighted.

“I began liking you from the first time I saw you. But at this moment, it has turned into a strong liking,” Kurosawa thought carefully before answering.

In reality, the first time he saw Shiromiya, there was a fleeting moment of admiration, a love at first sight. 

Her appearance, demeanor, ethereal complexion, and her tall figure all met his standards for an ideal partner. 

However, at that time, he had neither power nor money, while she was a wealthy young lady. 

So, his momentary admiration and thoughts were quickly suppressed by reality, and he chose to be a diligent tutor, assisting her in her studies.

But things were different recently. With the awakening of the system, he gained the greatest reliance and confidence. 

That’s why he began to reevaluate this girl, daring to strike up a conversation with her.

Shiromiya’s heart raced as she heard this confession. She blushed a bit and looked at the man in front of her, feeling an urge to embrace him.

“Let’s make it clear in advance, until my grandfather approves of you, we can’t officially date, and there are many things we can’t do,” she quickly restrained that impulse and made it clear.

In fact, she was even more impulsive in this matter than Kurosawa. 

Years of strict family education had restrained her for too long, making her yearn for many forbidden things. 

However, the mindset developed through years of studying archery helped her maintain composure even in moments of excitement.

“I understand,” Kurosawa nodded, observing her delicate and fair face and slender neck, tinged with a blush.

Although this girl had reached out from the confines of her cage, her body was still bound by family restrictions and was not entirely liberated.

“Four years, that’s the maximum I can wait for you. By the time I graduate from university, my grandfather will allow me to get married,” Shiromiya reminded, emphasizing the importance of this matter.

“No need for four years; I’ll do it before then,” Kurosawa said earnestly.

“Good,” Shiromiya nodded. Women appreciated promises and determination, and she acknowledged his words.

“Let’s go; someone is coming.”

At that moment, Kurosawa noticed someone approaching from behind. It was Akai Sayaka, intentionally delaying for a while but eventually following them.

After saying that, the two didn’t linger and continued walking forward.

Back at the first archery range, some people were already practicing archery. They were disciples of the dojo who had observed the match at the second range.

“Mr. Kurosawa.”

With his arrival, everyone stopped their archery practice and turned around, bowing in greeting.

Outside the dojo, these people were well-known and respected individuals. However, within this context, they were just archers. 

Despite his youth, Kurosawa, with his extraordinary archery skills, had gained the recognition and admiration of everyone.

It was akin to a swordsman in a kendo hall facing an unparalleled swordmaster, eliciting a deep sense of respect.

“Everyone, focus on your own practice, no need to mind me.”

No formalities were necessary, but the group still paid their respects. The solemnity of the situation made Kurosawafeel a bit uneasy, and he waved his hand.

“I’m off to do some archery.”

Shiromiya, feeling a bit embarrassed under the gaze of her seniors, hastened her pace after uttering these words.

While things were fine between the two privately, the attention of so many people made her uncomfortable. 

Witnessing her almost fleeing steps, the seasoned martial artists in the dojo, who were mostly married and experienced, could easily discern the situation and responded with knowing smiles.

“Ahem, ahem.”

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, even with Kurosawa’s thick skin, he couldn’t withstand the attention. He cleared his throat lightly and walked to the corner, standing there.

After observing for a while, Kurosawa realized something: although he intended to practice archery together with Shiromiya, he had previously handed the bow and arrows to Uesugi.

“Kurosawa, want to shoot some arrows?”

At that moment, Uesugi approached, holding the bow and arrows.

“Uesugi-sensei, I was a bit rude just now. I apologize.”

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Kurosawa, recognizing the considerate gesture, calmly chose to apologize.

Uesugi was the one who had introduced Kurosawa to the dojo, and challenging the dojo’s master undoubtedly caused some trouble.

“No problem, feeling better now?”

Uesugi didn’t mind at all, smiling.

Even if Kurosawa didn’t defeat Sato, Uesugi wouldn’t be too concerned about it. He was well aware of the young man’s potential. 

Everyone had flaws, and a minor setback was inconsequential. If this incident could ignite Kurosawa’s passion for practicing archery, it would be a good thing.

“Much better.” Kurosawa nodded, knowing Uesugi was referring to his earlier desire to take a break.

“A girl who makes your heart race, huh? Ah, youth.”

Uesugi leaned against the wall, watching the shooting range, where the girl with a high ponytail, a striking figure, and a breathtaking profile was practicing.

He was seeing this girl for the first time, but her extraordinary demeanor, eloquence, and archery skills all indicated her excellence. 

Truly a match made in heaven, enviable in every aspect.

“Oh, by the way, about today’s matter, please don’t tell anyone.”

“Don’t worry, I know my limits. Even at the University of Tokyo, they don’t meddle in students’ love affairs.”

“Oh, Uesugi-sensei, when is the archery competition?”

Seeing his smile, reminiscent of an indulgent aunt, Kurosawa recalled their initial agreement and inquired.

“The competition will take place from August 10th to August 12th.”

Seeing him take the initiative to bring it up, Uesugi instantly became more animated. 

If this kid represented the University of Tokyo, with his level of skill, winning the championship was almost a certainty, undoubtedly bringing glory to the school.

“Such a short duration for the competition?” Kurosawa was somewhat surprised.

This was a national competition, only lasting for three days? 

He hadn’t participated in such events before and wasn’t familiar with them. However, based on what he had seen in anime, major competitions usually lasted much longer.

“Although it’s the National Archery Competition, compared to other martial arts, the number of participants is relatively small. Moreover, archery competitions have a short duration, unlike other sports.”

“Indeed.” Kurosawa thought about it and found it reasonable.

Archery differed from basketball, volleyball, and soccer; it was more straightforward. Hitting the target meant hitting the target, and missing meant missing.

“Make sure to clear your schedule. When we return to school tomorrow, I’ll help you register for the competition.”

“Okay.”

“And if you have time, come to the club more often. Don’t disappear like before, reporting only once and then nowhere to be found.”

With his agreement, Uesugi reminded him.

He was quite concerned about Kurosawa. After all, the University of Tokyo placed a strong emphasis on cultural activities, and having such a naturally talented genius was an exciting prospect for him. 

However, after Kurosawa’s initial reporting on Wednesday, he disappeared without a trace until today, which had been quite distressing for Uesugi.

If Kurosawa didn’t contact him by tomorrow, Uesugi planned to wait for him in the classroom.

“If I have time, I’ll show up at the club.”

Kurosawa appreciated that Uesugi made a special trip today. He nodded but didn’t specify a particular time.

After all, he had a lot on his plate lately, and he needed to navigate between three girls.

“Go ahead and shoot some arrows. Let me witness once again your extraordinary archery skills.”

As he spoke, Uesugi visibly relaxed. He didn’t insist on keeping Kurosawa and handed the bow to him.

“There’s no available spot right now. Let’s talk about it later.”

Kurosawa accepted the bow handed to him, looked at the shooting point, and didn’t immediately walk over.

The Windchaser Dojo was lively, not overly crowded, but still with more than ten disciples. Although the shooting range was spacious and vast, accommodating a large area, there were only ten targets. Only ten people could shoot arrows at the same time, and the rest had to wait in line.

Shortly after Uesugi’s words, the person shooting arrows at the point left after shooting one arrow.

“There’s an available spot!”

Even though the spot wasn’t next to Shiromiya, Kurosawa’s eyes lit up. He couldn’t resist the urge to move forward but stopped when he noticed the people in line.

However, he didn’t wait long. As the round of shooting arrows concluded, the position remained unclaimed, and the vacancies on the shooting point increased.

One, two, until finally, only Shiromiya remained at the shooting point.

The archers, generally aged thirty and above, held their bows and stood in inconspicuous places.

“Mr. Kurosawa, please.”

After a short wait, a middle-aged uncle in his fifties, with already graying temples, spoke up.

“Mr. Kurosawa, please.”

“This…”

Being treated so uniquely, Kurosawa felt a bit uncomfortable.

At that moment, he felt a push on his back. However, he didn’t stagger; instead, he took a step forward and steadied himself.

“Archery is a martial art. Although it may not prioritize strength like other martial arts, strength can still earn respect and applause. Everyone wants to see you shoot arrows, don’t be shy, go ahead.” The person who pushed him was none other than Uesugi.

“Alright.” Kurosawa glanced at him, then at the others, nodding.

Immediately, he took the bow and walked over, standing next to Shiromiya.

Different from formal competitions, there was no need for elaborate etiquette on the shooting range. 

As the news of this matter was not small, Shiromiya naturally knew about it. When he approached, she turned her head to glance at him.

Kurosawa nodded slightly after looking at her.

Without the need for many words, Shiromiya had another arrow in her hand, and the two of them began their movements, shooting arrows together as agreed upon initially.