Chapter 33 - 33: Pretending Not to Know

Though the girls in the photography club had their own thoughts, the atmosphere always remained harmonious as long as Haru was present. The reason was simple—Yukino and the others saw the photography club as Haru's personal endeavor, something he had poured his heart into. Because of this, he gave his all when teaching, never holding back. And when he taught, he was always so serious. Under this kind of atmosphere, no one played mind games. Though they didn't know that Haru was simply enjoying the experience points… During this time, Hiratsuka Shizuka stopped by once. Seeing that the club had gained a few more female members and that the air in the room was thick with competition, she didn't step inside to interrupt. She merely stood at the door for a while before leaving. Meanwhile, Haru continued farming experience while repeatedly testing his [Auto-Aim Lv2] ability. By the end of his tests, his initial feeling was confirmed—Kato Megumi's presence wasn't an issue for him. However, Yukino and the others were still a little unsettled by her sudden appearances. Still, everyone was busy with their own tasks, so no one brought it up. As the club activities wrapped up and people headed home, Kato Megumi quietly said to Haru before leaving, "It seems like my joining the club has made things awkward for everyone." Her face showed little emotion, but at this moment, she probably felt a little dejected. "More accurately, they're just not used to you yet," Haru replied casually. "Not used to me?" Kato's eyes locked onto him, unwavering. Haru understood what she meant and answered honestly, "Exactly. A few days ago, I felt the same way. But not anymore." "Really?" Her mood seemed to lighten. "I wouldn't lie about something like this." As he spoke, he caught a glimpse of Yukino finishing up her notes and walking over. Sensing that Kato still held some doubts, he added, "If you don't believe me, you can ask her." Just then, Yukino reached them and asked, "What are you two talking about?" "Kato-san thinks she might be causing us trouble." "Oh, that," Yukino responded nonchalantly. Kato instinctively turned to look at her, only to hear her say in a calm voice, "I wouldn't call it trouble—I actually find it quite interesting." Haru had already guessed Yukino would say something like this. And sure enough, she continued, "I still have some questions in my mind, but I think if you stay in the club long enough, I'll get used to you." "Thank you." Kato finally looked reassured and went home. As Yukino and Haru walked out together, she lowered her voice and asked, "Has Sawamura contacted you today?" "No." "Then let's change and head straight to the Spencer house." "That was my plan too." She was referring to the Spencer family's dinner party. She didn't bring up Kato again. She was curious, but only a little. Not enough to dwell on. The reason was simple—she was Yukinoshita Yukino. She had that confidence. As they were leaving school, they ran into Hiratsuka Shizuka. After greeting them, she smiled and asked, "What have you two been up to lately? Yukino's mother actually called me today." Hearing her mother's name, Yukino's expression tensed. "What did she want?" Haru, however, had already guessed the answer. "Relax," Shizuka said, "she just asked about you and Haru. I figured you two must've done something that made her feel the need to call me." Yukino immediately understood. "Oh. That." It was about the incident at the police station last week. Shizuka watched the two of them—one staying silent like some mysterious expert, the other speaking in cryptic half-sentences. She became intrigued. "Mind filling me in?" she asked. "It's a long story. Too much trouble to explain," Yukino said calmly, now back to her usual self after confirming her mother had no other concerns. Shizuka turned to Haru. "Yukino's right," he said with a grin. She rolled her eyes. "Fine, if you both don't want to talk, I won't ask." After parting ways with Shizuka, Haru and Yukino headed home separately. Haru made a quick call to have a tuxedo delivered, then had his driver park outside while he waited at home for Yukino's message. The dinner party had a dress code, but for men, formalwear wasn't complicated—nothing flashy, just a suit. [You are aiming into the distance. (Auto-Aim EXP +16)] Haru casually farmed experience for about half an hour until he received a message from Yukino. "I'm ready." Haru replied: "On my way." He got into the car, and before long, they arrived at their destination. As he stepped out, he happened to see a graceful figure descending the stairs. The girl lifted the hem of her dress slightly as she walked with elegance. The gown hugged her slender waist, perfectly accentuating her curves. Her jet-black hair cascaded down her back, her fair complexion enhanced by a touch of makeup. A soft smile graced her lips. Her exposed neck gleamed under the lights, white and delicate. From a distance, she looked like a quiet, pale daffodil, blooming in the night. "You're definitely going to be the center of attention tonight." As she approached, Haru put on a thoughtful, conflicted expression. She sighed, already sensing his antics. "Alright, what strange thoughts are you having this time?" Or, in more straightforward terms: Here comes another one of your dumb comments, huh? Haru pretended to hesitate. "If you stand out too much, I'll have to deal with all the guys hitting on you. That sounds like a hassle." Yukino gave him a look that screamed, I knew it. She didn't bother responding. "But since we've known each other for over a decade, I'll be your escort tonight—how about an 80% discount?" "Not interested." "You're really unreasonable." Hearing him mutter to himself, Yukino's lips slowly curled into a dazzling smile. She saw right through him—this guy was clearly captivated by her but didn't want to make things awkward, so he resorted to nonsense. "If you want to look, just look openly." She straightened her back, like a proud swan. That line sounds familiar… Haru said nothing more. He simply extended his hand. Yukino took it, letting him lead her to the car. Sitting side by side in the back seat, the faint fragrance of her perfume lingered around him. Haru closed his eyes, enjoying the moment. Almost absentmindedly, he murmured, "I should've had you move in next door back then—it'd make things much easier." Yukino gazed at his face and chuckled softly. "I remember you once said you're not very good at dealing with my sister. If we became neighbors, she'd come over to bother you every chance she got." "You underestimate me," Haru replied confidently. "I have my own ways of handling her." "Oh? And what ways?" "I'll offer up a Yukino. There's no way that sis-con wouldn't take the bait." "...?" Yukino suddenly turned to look out the window, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. After all, someone had been holding her hand ever since they got in the car—and he still hadn't let go. Yukino pretended not to notice. He pretended not to know. By the time they arrived at the Spencer estate, the grand hall was already filled with guests. Just as Haru had predicted, Yukino drew the attention of most of the men in the room. Even some of the older women cast glances her way, their expressions carrying a hint of envy toward the unique charm of youthful beauty. Scanning the crowd, Haru spotted several familiar faces. Sayuri Sawamura was chatting with Eriri and some friends, while Mr. Spencer stood in the middle of a group of distinguished men, clearly in a leading position. He even caught sight of Mrs. Yukinoshita. Yukino and her sister had undoubtedly inherited their mother's beauty, but in terms of figure, the woman's mature elegance was something neither daughter had yet to match. Haru's gaze swept quickly across the room before settling on a woman holding a glass of wine. She was clearly older, the fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes evident, yet she exuded a vibrant energy. "Who is she?" Yukino had been watching Haru closely. Seeing his eyes linger on the woman for nearly five seconds, she couldn't help but ask. "That's Ms. Ninagawa—a renowned photographer and director," Haru answered. Yukino thought for a moment but found the name unfamiliar. "Is she really that famous?" "She's well-known in the industry. Outside of it, though, there's another director from the '70s who's far more recognized." "Who?" "Makoto Shinkai." "Oh, I've heard of him." "Ms. Ninagawa has a distinct artistic approach to color in her cinematography. I've read her books, so she left a strong impression on me. I just didn't expect her to know Aunt Sawamura." Yukino quietly memorized the woman's face.