Chapter 158 - 158: A Little Squeeze Is Allowed

Words : 1596 Updated : Oct 10th, 2025

Naturally, Haruno wasn't about to let Yukino come all the way on her own. As she chatted idly with Haru, she urged the driver to swing by and pick up her little sister. Ten minutes later, Yukino stepped into the car, dressed in a white, elegantly patterned long dress, and took the seat to Haru's left. Now, with the Yukinoshita sisters on either side of him, Haru found himself in a situation that most men would envy. "So, what's with the sudden dinner invitation?" Yukino asked, her beautiful eyes glancing past Haru toward her sister. "I'm just in a good mood, felt like being generous," Haruno replied casually, stretching lazily. Whether intentional or not, the movement emphasized her already impressive figure. Yukino cast a quick glance at Haru, who was innocently scrolling through his phone, then remarked flatly, "Showing off on purpose like that is pretty foolish, you know." Tilting her head with a mischievous grin, Haruno shot back, "Do I even need to show off? Yukino, are you jealous? You can squeeze them too if you want, you know~" Yukino ignored her teasing completely. "You were definitely showing off just now." Haruno pouted playfully. "Haru, do you think I was?" Haru's survival instincts kicked in immediately. "Yukino's right." Haruno chuckled. "You didn't even answer my question before jumping to conclusions. Isn't that a bit unfair?" Haru held firm. "No matter what happens, Yukino's always right." Yukino, unimpressed, replied with a serious tone, "Even I make mistakes sometimes." Haru nodded solemnly. "Exactly what she said." "You're hopeless," Haruno laughed, rolling her eyes at him. Even Yukino couldn't help but widen her eyes in disbelief. "Can you be a little more serious?" "I'm giving you my unconditional support and you're still not satisfied?" Haru replied, feigning innocence. "I'd rather you be honest and realistic. That would make me happier." "Next time, I promise." As they drove to the restaurant, Haru secretly texted Yukino:Haruno invited us out because she's feeling a little down. Yukino paused, her expression softening for a brief moment before returning to normal. She had a good idea what was bothering her sister—likely the usual family issues, especially the pressure from their mother, who viewed Haruno as her successor. It made Yukino reflect on her own life. If this guy hadn't shown up, I probably would've spent my whole life alone. Her gaze turned gentle. The boy she had feelings for was wonderful in many ways—except for that maddeningly flirtatious streak of his. First it was Kasumigaoka Utaha, then that suspicious Kato Megumi girl… The restaurant Haruno had picked was high-end, their private room lavishly decorated. Several paintings hung on the walls, though Haru couldn't recognize any of them. He and Yukino both ordered juice, while Haruno poured herself a glass of beer. Yukino raised an eyebrow. She must really be stressed if she's drinking in front of me. Still, Haruno didn't bring up whatever was bothering her during dinner. Instead, she focused on asking about Haru and Yukino's daily life. When the topic of reporters came up, Yukino calmly explained, "I've been avoiding them. Since I'm still a minor, even if the media's desperate for views, they can't go too far openly." She'd learned how to use her age to her advantage after hearing Haru and the lawyer's conversation back at the police station. After dinner, Haru suggested taking a walk around town. Surprisingly, Yukino didn't object. Haruno, noticing the unusual response, smirked knowingly—clearly aware that Haru must've tipped her off about Haruno's mood. She didn't say anything, though. The sisters bought some beautifully crafted trinkets and accessories along the way, with Haru acting as their wallet. "By the way," Haruno suddenly said, "a lot's been happening with the Hisada family lately." Haru and Yukino both looked at her, listening intently. "That unstable kid of theirs apparently caused a scene. I didn't look into the details, but word is, the Hisada heir had a falling out with his family. He even accused his mother of being in contact with 'the Hooded Hero'..." Haruno glanced at Haru with a barely suppressed grin. Yukino, too, couldn't help but smirk. After all, they both knew Haru was the so-called "Hooded Hero." The news was more amusing than shocking. Haru, of course, couldn't admit it and played innocent. "Why are you both staring at me like that?" "Oh, no reason. It's just… funny," Haruno said, laughing. Yukino added, "The fact that he thinks Haru's in contact with the Hisada family really shows there's something wrong with his brain. Maybe those rumors were right after all." "If he were normal, he wouldn't have made such a mess in the first place," Haruno shrugged. They continued walking until they passed a music store. Haruno suddenly stopped. "Let's check this place out." Haru joked, "Thinking of buying Yukino a piano?" "If she wants one, I could consider it," Haruno replied with a grin. "I already have a piano at home. If I need a new one, I'll buy it myself," Yukino said coolly—after all, she had plenty of money too. Following the sisters inside, Haru noticed several young people testing out guitars while the store owner gave them advice. He idly scanned the shop and spotted something rare in the corner—a erhu. "Wait, so why did we come in here again?" he asked. Yukino looked around briefly before turning away from the guitars. "There's nothing interesting here." Haruno smiled mysteriously. "Oh, I know the owner." "…And?" Yukino asked, clearly expecting more. Haruno pointed at Haru. "Haru, you can play the erhu, right? Yukino and I definitely can't… actually, hardly anyone in this country can." Haru blinked in disbelief. "Wait… you dragged us in here just to watch me play erhu?" "Oh right, it's not 'play,' is it? You 'pull' or 'bow' an erhu, huh?" Haruno said, deliberately correcting herself with a grin. By now, the shop owner had noticed their group and approached with a smile. "Hey, can we borrow that erhu for a bit?" Haruno asked casually. She hadn't been lying—she really did know the owner. The moment she made the request, the man didn't hesitate. He brought over the instrument, still holding it with some care, and asked in surprise, "You can actually play this, Miss Haruno? One of my friends from China gave it to me, but all these years, I haven't met a single person who knows how to use it." "I can't, but he can," Haruno said, pointing directly at Haru. Yukino's interest sparked instantly. The last time she'd seen an erhu performance was on her birthday. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since she'd seen Haru perform at all. "Seriously? You're that young, and you know how to play this thing?" The shop owner sounded skeptical. Haru held up his hands. "It's been ages since I touched one. My fingers might be too rusty." The shop owner looked even more doubtful. That's when Haruno sighed dramatically and said, "I've been feeling really down today… and you won't even do this one little thing for me?" Oh, here we go… Haru groaned internally. She was acting, wasn't she? He really hadn't played in a long time and wasn't sure he could pull off a decent performance. Hoping for an out, he looked at Yukino, silently pleading for help. But she just smiled sweetly and said, "I want to see it too." Great. The sisters had joined forces. He was doomed. "…I'll try my best." Taking the erhu from the owner, Haru sat off to the side. The moment he assumed the standard playing posture, his entire presence shifted. The atmosphere changed. The owner murmured, clearly impressed, "Huh. Looks like he actually knows what he's doing." "Oh, he knows more than just a little," Yukino said proudly, backing up her boyfriend without hesitation. Haruno let out a quiet laugh, but for once, didn't tease her sister. Even the other customers browsing guitars had turned to look. Most of them had never even seen an erhu before, and their curiosity pulled them closer. Haru tested a few notes, his fingers stumbling through the motions as he searched his memory for long-dormant muscle memory and technique. Three minutes later, his hands finally began to warm up. When he looked up, he was met with a row of phones—everyone, including Yukino, was recording. "The piece is called Moonlit Night," he said. "It's been a while, so… no laughing, okay, Haruno-nee?" Haruno responded with a soft smile. That smile stunned a couple of the male customers standing nearby. But as Haru began to play—awkward at first, then gradually more fluid—everyone's attention shifted. The melody, delicate yet powerful, transformed the entire store. With each note, it truly felt like a quiet moonlit night full of silent storms and unspoken feelings. The customers and the owner stood frozen, mesmerized. Yukino focused intently on filming. Haruno, holding up her phone with her beautiful face half-hidden behind it, watched with eyes filled with the gentlest light. You've charmed me again… Her gaze brimmed with emotion, as if her heart had been swept into the music itself—unable to stay still, unable to look away.

Chapter 158 - 158: A Little Squeeze Is Allowed

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