116. I Cannot Lie to Shakura.

On the way home, Sakura Sakurakoji happily nibbled on a freshly baked chocolate swirl bread.

Tsukigami Yue was not only carrying two school bags but was also tasked with holding the umbrella. The drizzling rain tapped rhythmically against the transparent canopy, creating a steady, pitter-patter sound.

"As expected, bread that doesn't cost money is the most delicious."

"Yes, yes~"

They stood together at the railroad crossing, waiting for the train to pass. Once the gate lifted, they walked to the other side.

"Hey, about that... how is it going?" Sakura suddenly asked.

"That?"

"About the drawing."

Tsukigami realized what she meant. He mused for a moment before saying, "Becoming a professional artist seems even more difficult than I had imagined."

"I see."

"Yeah."

"But if it were easy to achieve, would it even be a dream?"

"It’s not such a noble word as a dream; I’m just trying to find something to do. It’s nowhere near as sincere as your dream, Sakura."

"Things like that aren't measured by level. As long as it's something you want to do, that’s more important than anything else."

"Do you like to draw, Yue?" she asked again.

"To be honest, I can only say I don't dislike it."

Sakura didn't seem surprised at all. She chuckled softly, "That’s a response that really fits your style, Yue."

"Because that’s simply how it is. I don’t want to call what I dislike 'like,' or what I like 'dislike.'"

"I know. I’m not blaming you; on the contrary, I’m happy to see you taking steps forward. So, I also..." Sakura suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

Tsukigami looked at her with a puzzled expression.

Sakura gave a faint smile. "No, it’s nothing."

Tsukigami could probably sense it—Sakura seemed to be carrying a secret she didn't want him to know.

Yet, Tsukigami trusted her. He believed that Sakura would tell him when she was ready. If he were to press her too urgently, it might only prove counterproductive.

When facing Sakura, Tsukigami was determined not to be an impatient man. Otherwise, he feared he might repeat the mistake from three years ago and cause her irreparable harm.

"Geez, so many incredible things have happened this semester, especially to you," she suddenly remarked.

It wasn't just Sakura; Tsukigami felt the same way. He began to reflect on where exactly these changes had started.

It had to be Hoshino Hoshino.

If he hadn't started dating her, if he hadn't erased her memories, Tsukigami felt he might still be huddled in the corner of the classroom, always the first to leave after school.

Without any one of those links, perhaps Tsukigami's life wouldn't be in its current state.

"Sakura, do you think I’m doing things right?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well... the way I live my life, and things like that."

"I think you’re doing just fine, Yue. Even though there are still many people in class who don't like you, there are plenty now who are willing to talk to you, aren't there?"

That’s why Sakura was such an optimist. Even for her, there were people who didn't like her. But compared to those who "disliked her," she cared more about those who "liked her." That was the creed Sakura had lived by until now.

"I occasionally wonder if it’s really okay for someone like me to be the student council president. I worry constantly, fearing that if I don't achieve results, I’ll be mocked."

Sakura watched him quietly. She understood, yet she still asked, "Are you worried about being mocked yourself, or are you worried that Senior Hoshino, who placed her expectations in you, will be mocked?"

Tsukigami was left speechless. He didn't want to lie to Sakura, nor did he want to lie to himself. And the price of not lying was silence.

But Sakura had known the answer all along. She intentionally acted as if she didn't care at all and immediately changed the subject.

"Hey, can you go out with me on Christmas Eve?"

"Christmas Eve?"

"Yeah!"

Sakura blinked her captivating eyes, staring intently at Tsukigami, a glimmer of expectation dancing in her gaze.

"Okay," he said.

"Agreeing so readily—are you sure that’s alright?"

"Is this something that needs to be confirmed over and over?"

"Because I was worried that your Christmas Eve might have already been booked."

Tsukigami knew in his heart she was talking about Hoshino Hoshino.

"Not at all. I’m quite free."

"Oh my, that sounds as if you're telling me you’re lonely and dying for me to ask you out."

Tsukigami smiled faintly and didn't refute her.

"Lately, you’ve been getting the hang of things, Yue."

"Getting the hang of what?"

"Even in class, you can talk to me as if it’s nothing."

"So that’s what you meant."

"It would be even better if you only talked to me—especially if you stopped paying attention to Tsuchiya-san, and Hanamori-san too," Sakura said, half-jokingly.

"What kind of logic is that?"

"Those two definitely have ulterior motives toward you. There were several times I almost wanted to push Tsuchiya-san away from you."

Tsukigami couldn't help but laugh; it was likely because of the cleavage, he thought, feeling that a girl's jealousy was truly a terrifying thing.

"Tsuchiya-san is like that with any guy."

"And what about Hanamori-san?"

"That’s definitely not the case. She hasn't said more than ten sentences to me."

"That’s a crush! Definitely a secret crush!"

Seeing her so certain, Tsukigami could only play along and ask, "What’s your basis for that?"

"A woman's intuition."

Tsukigami had nothing left to say.

Hearing her state "a woman's intuition" so seriously made even him feel embarrassed for her.

Walking together through the rain in Jiyugaoka, Tsukigami walked Sakura to her front door. She waved at him with a smile, her face glowing with the same reassuring warmth as always.

"Yue, you look like someone who can walk through the fog all on your own now."

"It’s rain, not fog," Tsukigami said.

Sakura burst into laughter upon hearing that. "I suppose you're right."

As she opened her door, Sakura turned back to look at the boy outside. He was still holding the transparent umbrella, standing quietly, with a veil of rain separating them.

If she asked him to stay a little longer, to come inside and hang out, would he agree?

He probably would.

"Is something wrong?" Tsukigami asked softly.

"Mm-mm," Sakura shook her head slightly, then revealed a bright smile. "Just thinking, you’re not allowed to wander around the train station and flirt with girls recklessly."

"I won't."

"You better not. I’m heading inside now. Goodbye." The girl waved to him slowly, as if waving the wings of someone about to set off on a long journey.

"Yeah, goodbye."

Watching Sakura step inside, Tsukigami finally turned away and walked into the Tsukigami residence next door.