Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 36

The Insider

“Chizuru, go buy a few rice balls. The journey is still long, and we should eat something to fill our stomachs before continuing,” said Itsuragi as the car, having left the urban area and entered a desolate stretch of road, came to a stop in front of a convenience store.

“Okay.”

Ninomiya nodded and got out of the car to make the purchase.

Originally, Kurosawa was thinking of accompanying her, but Itsuragi turned around, grabbing his arm and shaking her head, indicating for him not to go.

“Miss Runa, what’s wrong?”

Once the car door was closed, Kurosawa realized she had something to say and returned to his seat.

“If you want to pursue Chizuru, don’t be too deliberate. You know she’s a smart person, and she can easily see through any ulterior motives you may have. Unless your plan is flawless and meticulously arranged, it’s better to let things unfold naturally,” advised Itsuragi during this break.

“Indeed.” Kurozawa pondered for a moment, finding the advice reasonable.

Changing his style dramatically did make it easier to distinguish him as a student, but the purpose was too apparent. Anyone with a bit of insight could see through this careful consideration.

“Miss Runa, do you have any other suggestions?”

Reflecting on the failure of his attire, Kurosawa sought guidance.

Although it wasn’t a one-on-one date, and Ninomiya had brought a friend along—fortunately, this friend was an insider.

“Choosing Fuji-Q Highland as your destination is a wise decision, but there’s one downside.”

“Please enlighten me.”

“Anyone who has heard about it knows that the haunted houses in this amusement park have a notorious reputation. In short, Chizuru will definitely sense that you plan to visit the haunted house today. However, she’s the type who is afraid of ghosts and probably won’t be willing to go inside.”

Kurosawa thought for a moment, refraining from expressing his true thoughts, and instead, he asked for advice.

“That’s indeed part of the plan… What should I do then?”

At the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Fuji-Q Highland was renowned as one of the most frightening amusement parks.

His purpose in choosing this amusement park was crystal clear: to terrify and make Ninomiya cry.

During the haunted house experience, given the enclosed environment and the lack of worry about being seen by others, there was a possibility that Ninomiya might cling to his arm out of fear. Moreover, under the suspension bridge effect, as long as he displayed enough boyfriend vibes, it was highly likely to make Ninomiya’s heart flutter a few times.

To put it bluntly, this haunted house was his ultimate destination, the key to completing the dating challenge. He had to find a way to get inside no matter what.

“Bring your ear closer,” Itsuragi contemplated for a moment and motioned for him to approach.

Hearing this, Kurosawa obediently leaned in.

Soon after, Itsuragi shared her devised method with him.

“Miss Runa, why are you helping me like this?”

Having received her strategy and guidance, Kurosawa found the method feasible and withdrew his head, expressing curiosity.

“I think you’re handsome, and you have a good sense of style.”

“For that reason alone?” Kurosawa was somewhat surprised, not entirely understanding her thought process.

“Besides, Chizuru is not that young anymore, and she hasn’t even dated. As her best friend, I have to help her out a bit,” Itsuragi smiled.

“Ninomiya-sensei has never dated?”

Kurosawa felt like he had just heard earth-shattering news, his eyes widening in shock.

While contemplating the date, he had considered various scenarios, including the possibility that Ninomiya, given her age and worldly experience, might not be easily swayed by romantic feelings.

But what he didn’t anticipate was that Ninomiya had never dated at all.

What did that imply? A 28-year-old unmarried woman?

He thought that pure and innocent girls like Ichinose were already quite rare, but it turned out that there was someone even more extraordinary.

“Her upbringing was strict, and she had a strong drive for academics. She was immersed in studying and couldn’t extricate herself from it since she was a child. You also know that after completing her Ph.D. at the University of Tokyo, she became a teacher at the same school.”

Seeing his jaw-dropping reaction, Itsuragi couldn’t help but laugh and explained. 

“Indeed.”

Kurosawa had heard some rumors about this matter.

Before becoming a teacher at the University of Tokyo, Ninomiya was not only the campus beauty of the University of Tokyo but also a top student.

“Let me tell you, the stricter the upbringing, the more repressed the thoughts and ideas. In short, there are things she can’t do, but deep down, she definitely has the impulse. It’s like she’s afraid of ghosts, yet insists on dragging me to watch horror movies together.”

“She’s back.”

Listening to her introduction, Kurosawa became more acquainted with the details about Ninomiya and keenly noticed the convenience store door opening.

Due to his expertise in archery, his hearing wasn’t enhanced, but his vision, observation, and reaction abilities were significantly improved.

“Anyway, be honest today. Don’t deliberately do things. I’ll help you create opportunities, just act on the spur of the moment.” 

Kurosawa nodded in understanding as she cautioned him.

“I understand. Thank you.”

“And change out of this outfit when you get a chance. Although I think it’s cool and trendy, it’s not her type after all. She’s probably feeling a bit frustrated.”

“Okay.”

Kurosawa nodded. He had planned for this aspect beforehand.

“By the way, does Ninomiya-sensei like playing the piano and drawing?”

Suddenly, Kurosawa thought of the provided funds and asked.

“She really likes the piano. She had a dream of becoming a pianist since she was a child. As for drawing, I’m not sure… Can you play the piano?”

As she recalled, Itsuragi answered and became curious.

“At a beginner’s level.”

Kurosawa wasn’t very clear about his own abilities.

Unlike permanent rewards, the abilities provided by the experience card had to be naturally expressed through action.

“Then you better not play. It’s better to do nothing than to do something poorly.”

Hearing about the beginner’s level, Itsuragi immediately lowered her expectations and urged him to abandon the idea.

However, her response provided valuable information to Kurosawa.

In this case, the existence of the provided funds was most likely aimed at the preferences of the woman or providing for the dating content and venue.

“I bought a few rice balls casually. Let’s have them to fill our stomachs. We can have a proper meal for lunch.”

Returning to the car, Ninomiya held a bag and handed a freshly heated rice ball to Kurosawa. Her hands were small, fingers slender, and the fair skin made the motion of holding the rice ball look elegant.

“Thank you.” Kurosawa reached out and took it from her palm.

“No drinks?” Itsuragi also took one and asked.

“I also bought a few bottles of mineral water.” Ninomiya took out two bottles of water from the bag and handed them to both of them.

Unwrapping the packaging, everyone sat in the car and started eating.

“Did Runa say anything strange to you just now?”

During the meal, Ninomiya suddenly asked.

“Miss Runa just encouraged me, saying that my outfit is well-coordinated.”

“…”

Hearing this, Ninomiya looked somewhat displeased and gave her friend a glance, feeling like she was corrupting her student.

“I was just being honest.”

Itsuragi and her had a very good relationship. She smiled indifferently, paying no attention to the teasing.