Chapter 32: Under The Moonlight

Chapter 32 - Under The MoonlightHaruma's gaze remained locked on that girl as their gazes intertwined for a brief moment. Without a word, she suddenly stood up, grabbed her books and with hurried steps she ascended the stairs, disappearing from the view. Haruma's brow furrowed, as he watched her leaves with a look of confusion. Just then a hand rested on his shoulder, pulling him out of the thoughts. Turning his head, Haruma found Kento standing with a warm smile. "She's my elder daughter, Ayane!" Kento said, his yet light and affectionate, "She's just too focused on studying for her exam tomorrow!" "Yeah," Mio chimed in from Haruma's arm, "She's always in her books." her tone, soft and playful. Haruma's gaze then instinctively shifted towards the staircase where he caught a glimpse of Ayane disappearing into a room, the door clicking shut behind her... After lunch, everyone gathered in the living room, sitting on the couches, the sound of their laughter filling the space. As the sound of laughter softened, Kento turned his gaze at Haruma and said, "Haruma I'm so glad you decided to join the academy." a smile on his face. Haruma returned the smile, his tone earnest. "I'm grateful too, for this incredible opportunity, I promise I'll make you proud of your decision to choose me." With a proud smile, Kento said, "I'm looking forward to your bright career, and make sure to be here at sharp 7am in the morning. I'll personally drop you off at the academy." His tone carried both encouragement and authority, leaving Haruma with a smile, giving him a firm nod. Just then Ayane, the elder daughter descended the stairs with effortless grace. A lightweight shawl was draped over her shoulders and the clicking of her boots on the floor drew everyone's attention. Stopping before her father she spoke up, "Father I'm going out to buy that book I told you earlier!" her tone, calm and polite. With a warm smile, Kento turned to Haruma's mother and said, "Mrs Kusaka She's Ayane, my elder daughter." Turning to Ayane he added, "And Ayane, that's Haruma along with her mother." Ayane glanced at Haruma's mother with a warm smile before began to walk towards her. Haruma's mother stood up in response, and embraced her in a gentle affectionate hug, both sharing a brief graceful moment of greetings. Pulling back from the hug, Haruma's mother gently kept her grip on Ayane's shoulder and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, and you are as beautiful as your mother." Ayane smiled softly in response and lowered her gaze, humbled by the compliment. As Haruma's mother and Ayane's parents continued their conversation, Ayane remained standing quietly. Haruma was looking at Ayane who was smiling with her gaze lowered. Haruma's expressions were neutral, showing no emotions as he kept observing her in silence. Suddenly, Ayane's smile faded, and she sharply turned her gaze to Haruma who immediately looked away, acting if he wasn't looking at her. Meanwhile Ayane continued to stare at him with sharp eyes. After a brief moment of staring at Haruma, Ayane turned her gaze to her father Kento and said, "Father, can I go now? I can't continue studying without it!" Nodding in agreement, Kento replied, "Alright, I'll take you there!" As he began to rose from the couch, Ayane quickly intervened saying, "No, Father, I can go on my own, you should sit here with the guests" Kento slowly settled back, his expressions tinged with concern, "Alright, but be careful." he said, his voice soft and filled with silent worry. Before Ayane could respond, Haruma's mother spoke up, with her voice firm yet caring. "No, It's late and the stationary store is far from here, you shouldn't go all alone, Haruma will go with you." Haruma's eyes snapped open, while Ayane remained silent, her expressions unchanged. "Yeah, that would be great," Ayane's mother added, her voice warm. "Yes, ofcourse" Kento exclaimed with a smile, and turned to Haruma, "I hope you don't have any problem accompanying her?" Haruma hesitated for a moment, then with an unsure tone, he said, "No, I mean, I don't have any problem." He then immediately turned his gaze towards Ayane, only to find her sharp stare already locked at him, causing Haruma to swiftly look down, caught off guard by the intensity. Ayane then turned to her father and gave him a warm smile before walking away. Haruma met Kento's gaze who gave him a smile and a nod. With a reluctant nod, Haruma stood up and made his way outside. As Haruma stepped out of the house he saw Ayane standing at a distance holding a bicycle by her side, her gaze directed towards the horizon as if lost in thoughts, seemed to be waiting for him. Ayane then slowly turned her head back looking at Haruma from over her shoulder, who was looking back at her, both locked eyes. Haruma then walked forward and stood near Ayane, his gaze locked on the bicycle. Then without a word, Ayane smoothly settled on the seat, and Haruma followed suit, taking his seat behind her. Yet she remained still, not pedaling. A brief silence was stretching between them. After a brief silence Ayane, with her eyes narrowed with sharp precision, slowly turned her head at Haruma over her shoulder. "Excuse me!" Ayane said, her voice firm yet low. Haruma, appearing more confused, muttered, "Yeah?" With sharp narrowed eyes, Ayane firmly said, "Can you please sit facing the other way?" Haruma's eyes widened in realization, and without a word he quickly turned around and sat facing the opposing direction. Now both are sitting with their backs on each other. Turning her face ahead, Ayane began to pedal, the smooth motion of the bicycle carrying them forward, as they glided into the night... Inside a big living room of a furnished mansion, Toru popped the cork of the champagne bottle, causing all the gathered players of Hanaka to erupt in cheer, each one holding empty glasses. Toru with a big smile began pouring champagne into each of his friends' glasses, the sound of liquid flowing was mingling with the laughter around them, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, laughter and chatter. Rukia on the other hand was sitting on a nearby couch, holding her glass full of champagne. She took a slow sip and turned her eyes on the closed entrance. After a moment she glanced down at her glass and took a long sip, her mind suddenly got filled with Haruma's furious roar after scoring that final goal, his intensity, his face, replaying in her mind like a storm. After a long gulp Rukia placed the empty glass on the table and picked up her phone, opening the messages, her eyes scanned her message sent to Haruma, saying 'Hey Its Rukia here.' Which was not yet seen by Haruma. Appearing upset, she placed her phone down, grabbing her empty glass and she walked over to Toru, who was laughing with a few of his friends and guests. Rukia came and stood next to Toru wrapping her arm around his. She slightly leaned on his ear and whispered "Toru, why hasn't Haruma arrived yet?" Toru leaned back on her and whispered, "I don't know, I'm trying to reach him but he's not responding, I even sent my driver to his house, but he's not there, his house is locked." Rukia's face fell, her shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment clearly flickering in her eyes... Under the soft glow of moonlight, Ayane was peddling the cycle, with Haruma sitting behind her, his gaze lost in the vast sky. "Can you please move back, you're pressing into my back!" Ayane's firm voice breaks the silence. Haruma's brows furrowed, "Hey, It's not my fault, and I'm not doing it on purpose, it's just happening." "You should've refused to come with me!" She said with her voice sharp with frustration. "It was my mother and my coach's call, how could I say no to them?" Haruma responded with a steady tone. "Whatever, you just stay still!" Ayane said firmly. Haruma's eyes narrowed slightly, matching her firmness he said "And If you have this much problem then why didn't you object to them?" Suddenly, Ayane hit the brakes, jolting Haruma, who leaned backwards, his head gently resting against Ayane's back. The unexpected closeness made the air between them feel suddenly charged.