Chapter 79 - 79: A Sudden Chase

"You followed me just because of that?" Haru looked at the beautiful senior walking beside him, but his attention caught on something else. Without thinking, he asked, "Megumi? Since when did you two get that close?" "We're friends. And in the photography club, she's the one I get along with the best," Utaha answered honestly. Haru found it amusing. The world really worked in mysterious ways—who would've thought these two would end up as close friends? Since they were headed in the same direction, he dropped the topic and started chatting about club activities. But to his surprise, Utaha suddenly said, "About last time, you have to let me properly thank you." "Didn't you already say thank you?" Haru raised an eyebrow. "A verbal thank you isn't nearly enough." For once, she looked serious. Shaking her head slightly, she spoke with sincerity. "I know that for you, helping out a club member with their debut novel is no big deal. But for me, this was huge." A soft, self-deprecating smile played on her lips. "The two days before the book launch, I barely got any sleep. It felt like I was back to those days when I pushed myself to be better, to prove something." Haru sighed. "Alright, how do you want to thank me?" "Just a simple meal together." She answered immediately, clearly having thought it through. "Fine." Seeing the mix of anticipation and nervousness in her eyes, he couldn't bring himself to refuse. Utaha didn't pick anything extravagant—just a small restaurant nearby. She didn't even book a private room, opting instead for a table in the lively main hall. "You order," she said, handing him the menu with a bright smile. It was obvious she was genuinely happy. Taking the menu, Haru smirked. "You're practically a rich author now, so I won't hold back." "Go ahead. It's on me." Utaha rested her chin on her hand, watching him intently. Haru could clearly see the warmth in her gaze. After ordering, he looked at her with a complicated expression. "You really don't have to do all this." "Do what?" she asked, feigning innocence. "Kasumigaoka-senpai is supposed to be proud and independent. Why put yourself in such a humble position?" "You're wrong, Amamiya-kun." Utaha chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I'm not the same as before. And I can feel it—I'm growing, becoming better." Haru had no words for that. The raw honesty in her words reached him, and he couldn't pretend he wasn't moved. "Alright, let's change the topic," she said, sensing his hesitation. "After I finish this book, I plan to fully devote myself to writing scripts." Haru was momentarily stunned. "Isn't that a huge leap?" "Not really. I've written scripts before. Sure, I'm not as good as you, but I've been building my experience. And I looked it up—plenty of novelists have successfully transitioned into screenwriting." "That's true… Well, if you've made up your mind, I won't discourage you. Good luck." "Thanks." She smiled at his words. They continued chatting, moving from one topic to another. "Have you been following the big news about the Hokkaido cruise incident?" she asked while their food was being served. Haru thought to himself, Of course I have. I was the one who did it. But all he said was, "Yeah, I've seen some of the news. People are starting to believe that superheroes might actually exist." Utaha gave a helpless chuckle. "That's not what I meant." She pulled out her phone and showed him some photos taken by reporters. "Look at these marks." She pointed to the damaged walls and doors—ones that Haru himself had effortlessly destroyed. "I've already seen these pictures," he admitted. "Then don't you think this kind of destruction isn't something a normal person could do?" "Oh, definitely. I've been thinking… maybe the cruise ship was touched by Killer Queen—that's why it ended up like this." "…What?" Utaha blinked at him, then let out a quiet laugh. "I think I'm starting to understand what Yukinoshita-san feels like having to deal with you every day." "You can imagine it?" Haru played along. "With your expert-level skill in dodging serious conversations? Yukino must be constantly frustrated with you." "You've got it all wrong. Most of the time, she's the one frustrating me." "Really? I don't believe that." Their conversation flowed naturally, filled with playful teasing. Unlike before, Utaha no longer avoided talking about Yukinoshita. In fact, she even brought her up herself. Midway through the meal, Haru's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from Hayakawa, accompanied by an image. At first, he thought it was something inappropriate and planned to check it later in private. But when he tapped it open, it was just a silly meme. Another message followed: "Isn't this hilarious? I'm thinking of redrawing it myself. If you're interested, I'll make one for you too." Haru smirked and replied: "Sure." Putting his phone down, he chuckled. "Was that from Yukinoshita?" Utaha asked, noticing his amused expression. Haru shook his head. "No, it was Hayakawa—the guy who's been playing extra in our shoots." He pulled up the chat and tapped on the image. "Have you seen Spy x Family? 1He found a meme from it and wants to redraw it as a gift for a few people." Utaha peered at the screen, but since she hadn't watched the series, she didn't quite get the joke. Meanwhile, Haru took another look and grinned. Now he was really looking forward to Hayakawa's version. The atmosphere at dinner was warm and lighthearted. Utaha acted just like a close friend, carefully avoiding any topics that could be considered ambiguous. Haru felt relieved. He thought the evening would pass without issue—until, just as they were finishing their meal, Utaha suddenly suggested, "Wouldn't a pleasant dinner like this pair well with some beer or sake?" "Underage drinking is prohibited," Haru responded formally. Utaha pouted. "I don't believe for a second that you follow that rule." "Haha, you're right—I never really planned to. But I don't like drinking, so I just never touch alcohol." Haru smiled, covering up the deeper truth. The real reason he disliked alcohol was the countless social obligations in his past life that had forced him to drink until he was sick. Ever since reincarnating, he had chosen never to touch the stuff. Alcohol only brought back memories of past struggles—struggles he had no interest in reliving. Seeing his clear reluctance, Utaha dropped the idea of asking someone else to buy them drinks. The restaurant was at its liveliest, filled with the sounds of customers drinking, laughing, and playing small games at their tables. Utaha paid them no mind. She rested her chin on her hand, her delicate face—lightly enhanced by makeup—turned toward the window. The soft, warm lighting above cast a glow over her features, making her appear even more stunning. Her silky hair cascaded down her back, and her well-fitted uniform accentuated her elegant figure. Her lips parted slightly, lost in thought. In her deep, wine-red eyes, flickered emotions far beyond her years. Occasionally, couples passed by outside, holding hands or whispering intimately. A subtle change flickered in Utaha's gaze—an unspoken longing—but it faded just as quickly as it appeared. She retracted her gaze, turning back to Haru, who was still finishing his meal. Then, in an unusually gentle voice, she asked, "Are you heading straight home after this?" Her tone held a rare emotion—one that wasn't usually there. Haru paused, looking up to meet her trembling eyes. The ease he had felt earlier disappeared. She wasn't desperate. She wasn't proud. She was simply sincere. Haru almost sighed. "Why?" Utaha lowered her eyes, murmuring as if speaking to both him and herself. "That night… do you remember what you told me?" Haru, always one to avoid heavy atmospheres, took the initiative. "Yeah. I told you that with your qualities, you'd definitely meet plenty of amazing suitors in the future." Just as he was about to continue, she lifted her gaze and looked straight into his eyes. "But that's the future. Right now, I have no intention of changing my feelings." "I have a girlfriend." For the first time, Haru stated it plainly in front of her. "I know," she replied with a smile. "But I like you. And that's my own business." Haru fell silent. Her feelings were bold and intense, yet she didn't back down just because he made his stance clear. A moth flying toward a flame didn't necessarily mean it had no hope. "Why?" she repeated. But this time, she already knew the answer. Liking someone didn't need a reason. When she was with him, she was happy. When she didn't see him, she missed him. That was all there was to it. She refused to look away and softly said, "Before today's shoot, we hadn't seen each other for five days." Haru was about to respond, but she continued, "This is the first time I've ever liked someone, and I got rejected. I don't want to give up so easily." Her gaze shifted back to the passing pedestrians outside as she murmured, "Liking you today is one day. Liking you tomorrow is another. Time flies fast. Maybe by the time I graduate and step into the real world, you'll realize that what you said that night doesn't really apply to me." What started as a pleasant dinner ended in silence. The sky had darkened. Under the streetlights, two figures walked side by side, speechless. The lively crowds and affectionate couples passing by only made Utaha feel a quiet sorrow. One more intersection, and they would have to part ways. "Amamiya-kun, I…" Utaha stopped in her tracks. She had been about to ask if he would come to her new book signing when a sharp voice suddenly interrupted: "It's him! That bastard from last time! He's the one who beat me up!" Utaha turned around, startled. A group of people at the entrance of a nearby convenience store was now staring in their direction. The one who had shouted the loudest was a blond-haired young man with earrings. As soon as he spoke, the group immediately started marching toward them in an intimidating wave. A quick glance revealed there were about ten of them. Haru's voice sounded beside her. "Can you run?" Utaha hesitated for only a moment before responding quickly, "I can." Without another word, Haru grabbed her hand and took off. Seeing them run, the group behind them picked up their pace as well. The blond guy yelled, "Don't run, you bastard! Weren't you so tough back at the batting cages?!" Haru had already recognized him—it was the same guy who had tried to hit on Yukino at the batting center. The area was bustling with people. Kids were playing on their phones, and plenty of young adults were chatting, taking pictures, and eating. The last thing Haru wanted was more attention. The whole "Hooded Hero" thing was already a hot topic online—he didn't need to add more fuel to the fire. Beating up a dozen people once was enough for the internet. No need for an encore. So, instead of fighting here, he pulled Utaha toward a nearby park. Lots of trees. Fewer security cameras. A great spot to grind some XP. They sprinted across two intersections. Utaha was already struggling for breath, her breathing ragged. The intense running was clearly too much for her. Gasping, she managed to say, "You can let go of me. They probably won't bother a girl like me… Besides, I can always call the police—" Before she could finish, she suddenly felt her body lift off the ground. Haru had scooped her up effortlessly. Her heart instantly went into disarray. "D-Don't say something stupid." His voice was firm. Utaha felt reassured yet oddly reluctant to leave the warmth of his arms. What she didn't realize was that, with her in his arms, Haru was actually running even faster. Meanwhile, the group chasing them was panting and struggling to keep up. By the time they finally reached the park, Haru gently set Utaha down behind a tree. The pursuers, now completely out of breath, bent over, clutching their knees as they gasped for air. "Damn it… How the hell is he so fast? Is this guy a marathon runner or something?" One of them barely managed to complain before Haru —looking completely unfazed—charged straight toward them. What the hell? One guy? Wait… He ran that fast… while carrying someone? And he's not even tired?! Before most of them could process the situation, the blond-haired guy—the loudest of the bunch—was already on the ground, taken down by a single elbow strike. He didn't even have time to scream. The entire group stood frozen in shock. Haru turned his gaze to the rest of them. "So… what's next?" They were dumbfounded. Just a moment ago, he was the one running. They had the numbers advantage. How had the situation flipped so fast? The blond guy lay on the ground, groaning, trying to say something tough—but the pain in his chest was too much. In the end, he couldn't even get a full sentence out. Haru stood in front of them, composed, exuding the aura of a lone warrior blocking an entire army. Behind him, Utaha watched with bright, shining eyes—full of trust and admiration. ...