Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 123

Date Invitation

“Here it comes…”

After reading the date mission, a wave of excitement surged within Kurosawa.

The culinary skills he had been anticipating were finally part of the mission.

What astonished him even more was that the several drawings he had done happened to meet the triggering conditions for the date mission.

Evidently, Ninomiya had a favorable impression of people who could draw, just as she was more inclined towards guys who could play the piano.

Without a doubt, his display of drawing skills touched upon some thought in Ninomiya’s mind, sparking the desire for a date.

Since the previous amusement park date, a period of ten days had passed.

In comparison, the triggering frequency of date missions with Ichinose was much higher. 

This was likely related to their personalities—Ichinose was a typical romance enthusiast and a self-proclaimed hot beauty who neglected her studies, and was constantly thinking about him.

However, Ninomiya, due to her busy work schedule, didn’t have much time for idle thoughts. 

She also hesitated to initiate contact, making it challenging to trigger date missions.

“It really doesn’t need elaborate packaging. Following this storyboard, a brief self-introduction, and then recording you playing the piano will be sufficient.”

After reviewing the storyboard, Itsuragi couldn’t help but tap the paper with her fingers, increasingly approving.

She could imagine that various camera angles and transitions would indeed convey a cool feeling, enhancing the character’s charm. 

However, in the storyboard, the calm display of skills presented a more restrained charm.

Upon careful consideration, it seemed that Kurosawa’s design for Zero Hour’s appearance was precisely for this purpose.

The piano form exuded a reserved and serene mysterious gentleman, while the singing form embodied a wild and extravagant style.

“You’re really good at this.”

Having finished reading, Ninomiya looked across at Kurosawa on the sofa, offering sincere praise with her eyes gleaming.

After spending real time with him, she discovered that he possessed numerous merits.

“If there’s a chance, I’d like to draw you.”

Seeing her gaze, Kurosawa felt moved and gathered the courage to speak.

“What do you want to draw me for?”

Ninomiya didn’t expect him to suddenly bring this up, and she was a bit embarrassed, hesitating for a moment.

In fact, she had once imagined… if she were to get married in the future, and if her husband could draw, the two of them would be alone together, with her as the model and her husband as the artist.

But this sudden statement from Kurosawa caught her off guard, causing her heart to beat faster.

“Hmm! If you want to draw Chizuru, is it a serious drawing?”

Regarding this, Kurosawa wanted to say something more, but before he could speak, Itsuragi lightly coughed in front of her mouth, signaling that she was still there. She jokingly intervened.

While speaking, she also made eye contact, preventing this matter from continuing. Some things were better left to be discussed privately between two people.

She didn’t mind being a third wheel, but Ninomiya had thin skin and was reserved. If they continued like this, it might not work out.

“Of course, it’s serious.”

Kurosawa, sensing her assistance, suppressed the impulse in his heart and responded.

That was close. If it weren’t for Itsuragi, the divine wingwoman, he might have said some cheesy lines in that state of excitement.

“A serious drawing? Even if Chizuru agrees to it, I won’t.”

Successfully diverting the topic, Itsuragi stated firmly.

“Runa, what are you talking about?”

Ninomiya, upon hearing this, also reacted and punched her playfully, scolding her with a smile.

“I was just making a joke.”

Itsuragi, being punched, flashed a bright smile, not feeling any pain.

While complaining and messing around, Ninomiya also realized Kurosawa’s intentions.

If it was a serious drawing, then even if she modeled for him once, it didn’t seem to matter, after all, it was a serious drawing.

As she involuntarily cast a glance at him, although she didn’t say anything, Kurosawa also realized that there was a chance.

One had to admit, Itsuragi really assisted him flawlessly every time, with almost no issues. 

Could it be said that as best friends, she knew Ninomiya too well?

After going through the storyboards, as for the sheet music, they couldn’t quite understand it, but they could feel its value.

“I’ll call the director and apologize to him.”

After chatting for a while, Itsuragi stood up, leaving behind a sentence before walking out of the room.

As she walked away with her strides, closing the door behind her, the room suddenly became a space for a man and a woman to be alone.

Being alone together, they exchanged a glance, feeling a bit uncomfortable, and shifted their gaze away from each other.

Unlike the life guidance room at school and excluding the haunted house incident, this was one of the rare occasions they spent alone.

Ninomiya ran her fingers through her hair, sitting back on the sofa. 

Although her feet were not visible across the coffee table, her long legs were crossed elegantly, knees smooth, round, and fair.

“Miss Ninomiya, are you free next Saturday?”

Kurosawa clasped his hands together, pondered for a moment, carefully chose his words, and then spoke.

This solo time was intentionally created by Itsuragi, and they had to seize the opportunity.

“What is it?”

Ninomiya turned to look at him, her heartbeat slightly accelerating.

In reality, she also sensed that Itsuragi was trying to set them up, and she could imagine what Kurosawa wanted to say.

“I want to go outdoors for a sketching session. I was wondering if you’d like to join.”

Kurosawa’s gaze was fixed on her.

“I’m not sure if I’ll be free that day. I’ll let you know later.”

Being stared at, Ninomiya ran her fingers through her hair and said with forced composure.

“Okay, I’ll wait for your answer.”

Kurosawa nodded, not in a hurry to rush things.

This time, unlike before, he didn’t resort to any threatening tactics like, “If you don’t agree, I’ll find someone else.”

Using such tricks once was alright, but using them repeatedly could easily lead to resentment and provoke a rebellious mindset.

“Do you really think your method will work? Since Runa resigned, she’s been working hard these days. Achieving results quickly, getting the business on a regular track, should help her settle down.”

Ninomiya changed the subject, expressing her concerns.

Even though Itsuragi had been a workaholic before, starting a business was different from being an employee, especially in the initial stages. 

It could be exceptionally demanding until the business stabilized.

“There’s a 99.87% chance it will work, not ruling out the possibility of an extremely small minority.”

Kurosawa, legs crossed, hands clasped on his knees, thought for a moment before speaking.

“You’re quite confident. Why didn’t you think about becoming an entertainer before?”

Seeing his composed and confident demeanor, Ninomiya was curious.

Before getting to know him, she never imagined that Kurosawa was such a versatile talent.

As a top student, he had already demonstrated exceptional excellence in academics. 

Now, he seemed like a treasure trove – a scholar, a pianist, physically fit, a singer, an artist, and, on top of everything, remarkably handsome, exuding an elegant and mature aura.

“Do you really want me to tell you?”

Kurosawa, when asked about it, looked at her with intense eyes.

“Yes, really.”

Sensing his demeanor, Ninomiya vaguely realized something and couldn’t help but nod, her heart rate slightly accelerating.

Kurosawa took a deep breath.

“Because I want to spend more time with you outside of school.”

“…” 

Ninomiya blushed instantly upon hearing these words, her pretty face and neck turning red. In her heart, there was shyness but also a secret delight.

He said it, he really said it.

In fact, she also had this selfish desire.

Supporting Itsuragi and starting a business together with Kurosawa gave her a legitimate reason to meet him outside of school.

Seeing her delight and shyness, a cute reaction with a stark contrast, Kurosawa smiled.

Women, regardless of age, are the same. They enjoy hearing sweet words, even if they might be insincere, and if they are genuine, it brings even more happiness.

Making others happy is, in fact, a joyful thing.

After a dozen minutes, Itsuragi returned to the room.

“All settled. It’s getting late tonight, shall we adjourn? Or, do something else?”

She walked into the room confidently, looked at Kurosawa and Ninomiya, and found them surprisingly quiet, but their expressions seemed normal. She felt relieved.

“Let’s adjourn.”

Ninomiya knew that Itsuragi had been busy and exhausted these days, so she suggested that she take a rest.

“Let’s gather here on Friday night for a rehearsal.”

Kurosawa had no objections.

“Alright, let’s go home and get some sleep.”

Itsuragi was indeed tired, even though it was just after 8 p.m. She clapped her hands.

With that, everyone stood up and headed downstairs.

On the way, lights were turned off one by one, and finally, the three of them arrived at the garage.

Unlike in the afternoon, this time Kurosawa sat in the back seat with Ninomiya again.

As they sat down, she took out sunglasses and a mask from her pocket and put them on, paying attention to detail.

“From now on, you should also have sunglasses and a mask.”

Seated in the driver’s seat and fastening her seatbelt, Itsuragi looked through the rearview mirror and said.

“Being so deliberate actually makes you more conspicuous.”

Kurosawa felt that doing so gave a feeling of “the lady doth protest too much,” making it difficult for others not to notice.

Of course, if you’re on the street, it’s easy to be overlooked, after all, there’s a constant flow of people.

“But others can’t see your face clearly. Do you want to reveal your identity?”

“Alright.”

Kurosawa nodded, thinking it made sense.

Then, with the remote control of the key, the electric rolling shutter door began to open.

After leaving the garage and waiting for the shutter door to close completely, they set off.

It was already night, and the streets outside the car window were illuminated by lights from households.

Along the way, Kurosawa glanced at the scenery outside the window and then at the person beside him.

After some hesitation, his hand, almost inadvertently, moved closer to Ninomiya’s hand, lightly touching it. 

Her skin was soft, smooth, and cool.

The palm is a sensitive area, and this small gesture naturally didn’t escape Ninomiya’s keen eyes.

Ninomiya pursed her lips under the mask and her heartbeat slightly accelerated. 

After some hesitation, she didn’t move her hand away, she just slightly turned her head to look out the window, pretending not to notice.

With this subtle test and receiving an unspoken affirmation, Kurosawa placed his hand on the back of her hand.

The rear seat was dim without any light, and combined with the late hour and fatigue, the car interior was quiet. 

However, with their hands overlapping, the hearts of both individuals were bright and resonant.