Chapter 30 - 30: Kato Megumi flashes into the scene

Haru's feelings at the moment were... complicated. He could easily decipher the signals Utaha was giving off. And it was precisely because he could understand them that he found himself amazed. "We only met briefly as kids. There's no way that left such a lasting impression, right? It's not like we're characters in Naruto, bound by the power of friendship." As for delivering the umbrella, that was a trivial matter to Haru. Since Utaha had joined the photography club, willingly helped out, and was essentially a walking, high-quality experience pack, how could he refuse her a simple favor like this? Of course, even though Haru was a transmigrator, there was no way he could've predicted that today's rainstorm had been part of Utaha's plan all along. Back at the photography club, she had already made her first move, subtly teasing him. Now, taking advantage of the brief moment of shelter from the rain, she was once again flaunting her charm. "Are you really planning to shoot a short film?" Kasumigaoka Utaha broke the silence, starting a new conversation. Haru nodded. "And what about all the production costs?" "I'll take care of it. You guys just focus on practicing and improving." "How generous of you." She sounded like she was casually praising him, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she spoke. The motion, combined with her natural grace and beauty, carried a subtle sensuality. Haru glanced at her. As if anticipating his reaction, she tilted her head slightly, meeting his gaze. Haru kept his composure. "With your learning speed, I think you'll pick this up faster than Yui. You might even end up helping train the newcomers..." "You're really quick on your feet, immediately dragging Yui into the conversation just to shift the topic." Utaha cut him off mid-sentence. Haru froze for a second, caught off guard. Seeing his reaction, she couldn't help but chuckle. "If you want to look, just look openly. There's no need to hide it. Though…" She paused deliberately, her lips curving into a playful smile. "If you keep staring for too long, it might come off as rude." After she finished speaking, she straightened her posture, accentuating her already alluring figure. The curves of her body were impossible to ignore. Haru sighed, a hint of exasperation in his tone. "I wasn't trying to change the subject." I know. But I need to pretend you were. She thought to herself, smiling slyly. Just as the rain was getting lighter, she changed the subject very smoothly: "Let's go, before it gets heavier again." Haru opened his umbrella and followed her. "Could you walk a bit faster?" she said, walking ahead, quickening her pace. The two of them arrived at the convenience store, shaking the water off their umbrellas. Utaha was pleased with the current atmosphere, but as she turned, she noticed that Haru looked like he was about to say something but hesitated. "What's wrong?" she asked, suspicious. Haru's expression was a little awkward. "You didn't really have to rush over like that." "Why? What if the rain picks up again?" Haru's expression grew even more strange. "Well, I was about to call someone to bring us over, but you kept speeding up, and I didn't even have the chance to say anything." Utaha blinked. No wonder he had that odd look earlier. In his eyes, I must have done something foolish. The atmosphere became a bit awkward. But Utaha was quick to change the subject. "Is Yukinoshita-san really that talented at photography?" Here it comes, she couldn't resist asking about Yukino. Haru couldn't help but chuckle. "Yukino is a prodigy, you can't compare." "A prodigy?" Utaha asked, confused. "She learns everything incredibly fast. Ever since elementary school, she's been a multi-talented girl." "Really?" Utaha seemed skeptical. Haru didn't bother explaining further. Having grown up with Yukino, he knew the weight of the "genius girl" label on her. For others, it might just be a title. But for Yukino, it was probably more like a buff. When he taught her Chinese, her progress was astonishing. When she taught him Spanish, he struggled to keep up. No system, just raw stats. That's what a prodigy looked like. Utaha didn't press the issue further. She turned to study Haru's profile. "Earlier, you said you wanted to personally shoot a film, so you created the photography club for that?" "Not entirely." "Oh? Do tell." Seeing her interest, Haru smiled casually. "The original purpose of creating the photography club was just to give Yukino a place to improve." Utaha was taken aback. He continued, "She's always wanted to catch up with me, and I needed something to do in high school, so I created the photography club. That way, she has a place to learn from me." "That's enough for that topic." Utaha suddenly cut in. Haru turned to look at her, only to see her hand on her forehead, looking like she had a headache. "Is it really appropriate to keep bringing up another girl's name in front of a girl?" I think it's perfectly fine. Haru thought to himself. Utaha noticed his silence, about to say something when a voice suddenly interrupted from behind: "Aren't you going to notice me?" Both she and Haru jumped in surprise and turned around. Standing near the back of the convenience store, was none other than Kato Megumi. With a calm tone, she said, "I've been waiting for you two for a long time." Haru: "?" Utaha: "?" The atmosphere fell silent for a moment. Haru was once again reminded of Kato Megumi's near-invisible presence. Just like last time, he had completely failed to notice her. Yet here they were, walking toward the convenience store, completely unaware of another classmate being present behind them. The most absurd part was that she casually said, "I've been waiting for you two for a long time." It was like a sudden shift to a horror movie. "Who are you?" Utaha asked, her eyes scanning Kato Megumi and Haru back and forth. From what Kato Megumi had just said, it was clear they must have known each other. "Hello, Kasumigaoka-senpai. I'm Kato Megumi," Kato Megumi greeted honestly. Utaha immediately asked, "Do you know Amamiya-kun?" Kato Megumi seemed to remain just as honest. "We met when we were kids." Huh? Utaha froze in place. So, you have a "childhood buff" too? Haru glanced at the umbrella Kato Megumi was holding. "Are you here to avoid the rain too?" "Yeah, I saw you both enter the school, and then you walked toward me and stood in front." Kato Megumi spoke with a neutral expression, as if discussing something as mundane as eating or drinking. Now I get it. Haru thought to himself, No wonder she said that funny line about waiting for us for so long. Utaha furrowed her delicate brows, thinking, I didn't even notice someone was behind us. If it weren't for Haru knowing Kato Megumi, she'd almost wonder if she'd just encountered some urban legend. She quickly dismissed the thought as unimportant. Today was her carefully planned chance to avoid Yukino's watchful eyes and spend time alone with Haru. She certainly didn't want this moment to end so soon. Just as Utaha was about to speak, Kato Megumi suddenly said, "The rain's getting lighter. We can head back now." Utaha was cut off, trying to interject, but Kato Megumi, as if not seeing her, turned to Haru. "Amamiya-kun, you said we could call a car, right?" "Yeah, since you're here too, we can all go together." Haru nodded. "I'll cover the fare," Kato Megumi added. "I wasn't calling a taxi, so you don't need to pay for the fare. We're all classmates." "Thanks." The two exchanged words, while Utaha stood there, dumbfounded. Why is she still talking?! Does she ever stop?