Kazusa had thoroughly researched everything about Vienna as soon as she knew she would be going there. Everything she said was a strict and undeniable fact.
However, Chisato only pondered for a moment before coming up with a new solution.
"If the trip takes this long, going once a week would indeed be difficult… In that case, I'll change it to once a month.
Given my grades at school, taking one day off per month shouldn't be a problem for my homeroom teacher."
"No need."
Kazusa rejected the idea outright without even thinking.
Although she genuinely wanted to see Chisato, she didn't want him to take flights that frequently. Once or twice might be fine, but if it became a habit, it would be exhausting.
Chisato shook his head. Just at that moment, the fireworks entered their second round, interrupting whatever he was about to say.
Seeing Kazusa's attention once again drawn to the fireworks blooming in the sky, he held back his words and chose to stay silent for the time being.
As the fireworks display continued, the night sky flickered with light and darkness, and the smell of gunpowder in the air became more pronounced.
Perhaps it was the relief of finally voicing what had been on her mind, or maybe Chisato's heartfelt words earlier had genuinely pleased her, but Chisato could clearly sense that Kazusa's smile was much brighter than before.
When the largest fireworks exploded in the sky, scattering brilliant lights everywhere, she even let out a childlike gasp of amazement and instinctively clapped her hands.
Chisato took out his phone and snapped a picture of her.
Kazusa noticed his actions. Though she was a little embarrassed and showed slight discontent, she didn't seem entirely opposed to it.
Moments later, she even took the initiative to hug Chisato and asked for a photo together.
The fireworks festival lasted until 8:30 before finally coming to an end.
However, it wasn't too late yet. The stalls they had visited earlier would likely remain open until midnight.
Chisato asked Kazusa if she wanted to continue browsing, but she shook her head in response.
They had seen all the fireworks, tried all the stalls they were interested in, and Kazusa admitted she was feeling a bit tired and wanted to go straight home.
Walking around in an unfamiliar yukata and wooden sandals wasn't as comfortable as her usual casual clothes. The lack of mobility definitely made the night more exhausting than usual.
There was nothing more to say. For now, their date has come to an end.
Holding hands, they set off on their way home.
By this time, the streets were mostly filled with people heading back as well.
Taxis had already lined up along the roadside, so it didn't take long for Chisato to send Kazusa home.
The first thing Kazusa did upon arriving home was kick off her wooden sandals.
Then, without a care for appearances, she turned on the air conditioner in the living room to cool the room down.
While untying her yukata, she walked toward the bathroom.
As for Chisato, since it was still early, he didn't leave right away.
Sitting on the sofa, he turned on the TV, absentmindedly watching a random variety show while thinking about Kazusa.
After this semester, she would officially withdraw from school. That meant… the time they had left to meet like this was now less than two weeks.
Perhaps, just like the time he spent taking care of her during the competition, he should stay with her for these remaining days and accompany her properly?
If he explained the reason clearly, Utaha and Eriri probably wouldn't mind.
The only thing he had to be cautious about was Yukino.
Her situation was a bit complicated. Although there was nothing particularly special between them, he still couldn't just ignore her…
"Chisato…"
While he was deep in thought, Kazusa's voice called out from the bathroom.
Chisato got up and walked over, only to see the bathroom door slightly ajar.
Kazusa was hiding behind it, showing only half of her face. Judging by her smooth, fair shoulder, it was obvious she had already started showering.
Was she really this defenseless? Did she honestly believe her boyfriend wouldn't lose control in a situation like this?
"What is it? If you need someone to scrub your back, I'd be more than happy to help."
Chisato grinned as he rolled up his sleeves, looking eager and expectant.
It was meant to be a joke. Normally, Kazusa would roll her eyes at him with a look of disdain.
But today, for some reason, she acted differently.
Her face flushed red as she hesitated for a moment before nodding unexpectedly.
"Sure, but before that, can you grab me a clean set of clothes from my room? I forgot to bring them in."
…?
"Wait a minute, Kazusa!"
Chisato repeated, as if confirming, "Did you just say… sure?"
"Yeah. Why? If you don't want to, forget it."
Kazusa hurriedly turned her head to the side, avoiding his gaze.
"No! I'll do it! Please let me scrub your back!"
Are you kidding me? How could he let this opportunity slip away?
"…!"
Kazusa stepped away from the door, but she didn't close it.
"Go get my clothes first…"
"Got it!"
Chisato immediately turned around and rushed to Kazusa's room in just a few quick strides.
The moment he opened her wardrobe, his already restless thoughts surged even more.
He had seen both Utaha's and Eriri's undergarments before—some cute, some sexy—but this was his first time coming into direct contact with Kazusa's.
Her size… was even more impressive than Utaha's…
After picking a set of clothes that matched his own preferences, Chisato made his way back downstairs to the bathroom.
Hearing the sound of running water from inside, a sudden realization struck him.
Kazusa being this proactive… did this mean she was finally ready for their relationship to move to the next level?
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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