Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 78

Blooming on Three Fronts

As their conversation came to an end, their chat became casual, discussing whatever came to mind.

“Miss Akai is coming soon.”

Shortly after, Shiromiya glanced at the clock on the wall and mentioned.

“Is she always so punctual with cooking?”

“Half an hour, unless it’s a full-course meal, that’s enough time for dinner for three people.”

“Actually, what I mean is… does she have OCD or something? For someone who can cook, the meals for three people could be done in less than 20 minutes.”

Kurosawa knew how to cook, and he was well aware that dinners in this household were quite simple.

For example, Shiromiya ate very little, and he himself preferred simple meals—often rice bowls topped with broth and meat juices, making them easy to finish.

“Is that so?”

“Knock, knock.”

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

“Miss, Mr. Kurosawa, dinner is ready.”

After greeting them with a knock on the door, Akai entered and spoke.

Kurosawsa glanced at the clock on the wall—it was exactly 6:30 PM, somewhat intriguing.

Could it be that Akai also wanted to give Shiromiya some time without surveillance?

With this question in mind, they left the study and headed to have dinner.

Perhaps due to a small appetite or being a quick eater, Shiromiya sat alone at the dining table and finished her dinner in just ten minutes.

Afterward, she followed the maid back to her room upstairs.

Before 7:30 PM, Kurosawa had nearly an hour of break time.

While having dinner, his phone vibrated.

“Hikaru-kun, what are you up to~”

It was a casual message from Ichinose.

“I’m tutoring. I’m just having dinner now, and I’ll continue with lessons later.”

“Okay, don’t let me disturb you. Send me a message when you get home.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

“Hehe~ (an expression of a cartoon cat laughing)”

Ichinose was delighted with Kurosawa’s playful response.

After chatting with her, Kurosawa thought for a moment and opened another chat window.

“Miss Ninomiya.”

“Call me ‘sensei.'”

“Have you had dinner?”

“I have.”

“What are you doing now?”

“Checking assignments. You should be tutoring at this hour, right? Why are you so free?”

“I’m not that free, I’m just suddenly wondering what you’re up to.”

Kurosawa felt it was necessary to contact Ninomiya, even if just for casual conversation, to make his presence known.

Unlike Ichinose’s warmth, Ninomiya was more reserved, and due to their respective positions, it wasn’t easy for her to initiate casual conversations.

“Focus on your work; being a teacher is not as easy as it seems.”

Ninomiya’s reply was calm, with a hint of serious criticism.

“Got it!”

Although he didn’t know if she sensed the hidden “I miss you” in his words, Kurosawa didn’t pay too much attention to it.

When interacting with Ninomiya, one had to be cautious and not too frivolous, paying attention to the appropriate boundaries.

As he contemplated this, he placed his phone back in his pocket and focused on eating. While eating, he thought about the new task triggered earlier, reflecting on the various dates.

The amusing experience of showcasing acting skills with Ichinose at the karaoke.

Holding hands with Ninomiya on the roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland, carrying her through the haunted house, and witnessing her adorable expression when she mistakenly thought she was disliked, a mix of fear and innocence.

In the beach changing room, the accelerated heartbeat while applying sunscreen, the sense of achievement while surfing together, and the sweet sight of Ichinose sleeping on his shoulder during the subway ride home.

Recalling these moments, Kurosawa felt in a great mood, even finding himself smiling during the reminiscence.

One could not deny that these dates were all wonderful, although the number of people involved continued to increase.

From initially being just one person to now having three people involved.

I hope I won’t get caught in a love triangle later.

Thinking about the upcoming date at the archery range and meeting a third girl, Kurosawa couldn’t shake the feeling that he might be treading on thin ice.

Although Kurosawa didn’t have any substantial relationships with Ichinose, Ninomiya, or Shiromiya, having only been on a date or two with each, it was unclear how things would develop in the future.

…..

Meanwhile, Ichinose lounged on her bed at home, and played with her phone. Her long legs dangled freely, and she hummed a tune while chatting in a group conversation about their plans for the Sunday date.

She shared experiences like helping each other apply sunscreen, swimming together, and her newfound skill in surfing. Unlike her previous fabrications, at that moment, she genuinely expressed her real experiences, creating a sense of excitement and reassurance.

“You’ve said it several times already… you’re not tired of talking about it, huh?” Akiyuki, the leader of the group, commented. Seeing Ichinose immersed in the coolness of Kurosawa’s surfing, she couldn’t help but marvel.

Akiyuki had great trust and admiration for Kurosawa. Despite coming from a wealthy family and having seen many elites, she found someone like Kurosawa, with a promising future, to be rare.

Shiina and Matsushita also held deep admiration for him and considered him a figure worthy of respect, without a hint of suspicion.

……

Ninomiya Chizuru sat at her desk, bathed in the light. Wearing her rimless glasses, she delicately held the mouse in her snow-white, slender hand. Her index finger rhythmically tapped up and down, creating a beat. However, the force was very light, not actually clicking the left mouse button, more like following a certain rhythm.

It was a cheerful and happy beat, as Kurosawa had just contacted her. Although they didn’t discuss much, it was enough for her.

“Truly boring.”

After working for a while, she glanced down at her phone and muttered. Soon after, she resumed focusing on her work.

……

In the luxurious apartment room, Shiromiya Mirai was engaged in her daily flexibility exercises. Her expression remained indifferent, showing no signs of emotion. 

Even when standing by the wall, legs against it, elevated in a standing split, there was no reaction or sense of accomplishment, as if it were a matter of course.

Her tall and slender body exhibited incredible flexibility.

A maid stood silently by, observing her without saying a word.

After 15 minutes of flexibility training, she stopped, breathing heavily and slightly panting. 

Maintaining high-difficulty poses was quite exhausting.

Offering her a glass of water, Akai then opened the wardrobe, taking out two sets of clothes.

“None of these.”

“The one on the right.”

Shortly after, Shiromiya selected a set of nightwear with straps.

“Isn’t this one too short? The shoulders are all exposed.”

“Then the one on the left.”

After a moment of consideration, Shiromiya agreed, changing her choice to a dress that only revealed a small portion of her arms.

Suddenly wearing a strap dress might look good, but having her shoulders exposed might make that guy think she was a frivolous girl.

After a short rest, when her body cooled down a bit, Shiromiya stood up and went to take a shower.

Not long after, she finished showering, put on a nightgown, had Akai help blow-dry her hair, and began applying body lotion with her hands.

With everything in order, nearing 7:30, they walked out of the room.

Following Akai, Shiromiya descended the stairs step by step. Having just finished her bath, she exuded an extraordinary aura, displaying an elegant demeanor befitting a young lady.

“Mr. Kurosawa, it’s time to continue the lesson,” Akai walked ahead and called out.

“Yes,” Kurosawa replied, lifting his head and meeting Shiromiya’s gaze. 

He noticed a newfound vitality in her eyes, no longer displaying the cold indifference. 

With a prompt acknowledgement, he stood up.