manga artist Kirito

Asuna Yuuki, who exudes the air of a career-driven businesswoman, watches her subordinates as they are given instructions on their work.

“Leave it to us, big sister!” The blue-haired girl nodded earnestly as she sat slightly forward at the conference table.

Today is a rather special day. Although I really want to leave work now, considering what I might encounter later, I think it's better to work a little overtime and avoid seeing things altogether than to leave now and go out and get blinded.

Today, August 28th, is also known as the Qixi Festival, which originated from nature worship and women's needlework skills. Later, it was given the symbolism of love because of the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. It is a holy day for single people and a Valentine's Day for couples.

But for this group, this holiday doesn't fit into their daily routine, because apart from Asuna Yuuki, who is both the group leader and the director, there's practically no one here who isn't single...

So, I guess I'll just stay in the office and work overtime.

As for the holy war... let those who are already prepared handle it.

"Well, it's a holiday..." Asuna smiled wryly, "I was thinking of giving you all a day off, but I've been quite busy lately..."

Actually, Asuna hadn't seen Kirito for almost half a month, partly due to their respective work commitments, and partly because they lived a bit far apart...

Of course, for both Asuna and Kazuto, these kinds of holidays are usually just ordinary days, nothing special. Although she does want to see Kazuto, she has work to do and talk to later...

By the way, it's been almost three years since I married Kirito. For the first two years, we were always together, but this year, both Asuna and Kazuto have been busy with work most of the time. We only see each other a few times a month. I remember the last time we met, Kazuto said something mysterious...

Well, I'll make a phone call later.

"Then I'll leave first."

"See you tomorrow... uh, better yet, not even tomorrow."

"What are you saying, you idiot!"

With a wry smile, Asuna grabbed her things and left the company, driving to the place where she had arranged to meet her client.

Ah, speaking of which, my older brother Rito Yuuki also got married last year. His wife is a foreigner... but Asuna feels that she is more like an alien to him. In addition, she quickly had a child, who can already run around.

My words...

As her gaze swept across the neon lights of the city, Asuna's pretty face showed a hint of worry. Once her brother's situation was almost settled, she should hand over her work back to him, and then... well, maybe she should have a child. Yui seems to have been saying she wants a little sister lately.

Actually, Chiba's night markets aren't much different from those in other cities. The only slight differences are probably Chiba's many quirky customs. But today's festival is really...

Looking at the overcrowded streets, Asuna shook her head slightly and then chose to walk.

Unlike yesterday's torrential rain, today's weather is almost too good. The stars accompany the moon, reflecting the lights of the city. The liveliness and solitude are perfectly combined. Even Asuna, who never cares about these things, thinks today is a good day. If he were here, it would be even better.

"By the way, there are a lot of fireworks set up near the river."

"I heard someone's planning to confess their feelings to the girl they like today?"

"No, I think there were more proposals, because besides the fireworks, there were also a lot of roses there..."

The pedestrians wearing yukatas walking down the street were chatting openly, which made Asuna smile slightly. What a romantic scene.

"By the way, what are we two doing out here? We don't have girlfriends or boyfriends, do we?"

"Well, high school romances are said to be the purest, but high school studies are heavy, and parents and teachers put a lot of pressure on you... But that's none of my business. The main reason I called you out today is to remind you—from now on, you are my girlfriend!"

"Eh...Eh eh eh eh?"

Asuna looked at the scene that felt strangely familiar and for some reason wanted to laugh.

Asuna quickened her pace, hoping to finish work early so she could talk to Mr. Kiritani. However, she stopped after taking only a couple of steps and looked curiously at the flower stall over there.

The music playing in the surrounding shops stopped, and the melody that had started to spread gradually faded away. Asuna looked at the figure not far away and pursed her lips slightly.

At this moment, brilliant fireworks suddenly burst into the night sky of Chiba City, and the people watching the fireworks immediately started to shout loudly. The hazy moonlight of the new moon enveloped the girl, pulling her thoughts far, far away.

The moment we first met under the bare cherry blossom tree at school

The lively classroom of home economics class

The school festival stage is illuminated.

Under the cool moonlight, the girl slightly curved the corners of her lips.

I still remember the sunrise in Hokkaido, the train station where we parted ways, and that boy standing in front of me, turning his head with a light laugh.

With a slightly impatient expression, the person stood in front of the stall, holding a bright red rose in their hand. "I told you, I don't have any money on me right now. I'll have my assistant come and pay later. Can I leave my card with you for now?"

"That's not good……"

"Isn't this good enough? I just wanted to buy a rose... Never mind, give me your account number, I'll have someone transfer the money to you right now..."

The man turned around, let out a soft breath to calm his impatience, and then looked at the girl who had been standing there for a long time, a smile appearing on his lips.

"That innocent girl over there, what was it again... long time no see."

The girl didn't speak, but quietly watched the boy who had just been haggling with the stall, a warm feeling welling up in her bright eyes.

The boy ignored the vendor's calls from behind and slowly walked towards the girl. He then handed her the flowers in his hand, saying, "Well... these are the only flowers I could find right now. Although it's not enough for a million, the rest... I'll just use love to make do, right?"

With a warm smile, the girl accepted the roses that had a faint floral scent. "That should be... enough."

Then, amidst the boos from passersby, the boy reached out and embraced the girl tightly.

"Asuna..."

214

【NO.211 Quiet and Lovely Sadness】

"elder sister……"

To be honest, based on Yukino Yukinoshita's impression of Haruno over the past ten years, even if it has changed from time to time, it shouldn't have become like this...

A slight sense of irritation rose from the bottom of her heart, and Yukinoko's voice was low and undisguised, "Please know when to stop."

It's probably hard to understand. Yukino Yukinoshita doesn't know what would drive the goddess down the path of being a madwoman—but without a doubt, Yukino Yukinoshita is now behaving no differently than a madwoman.

"...Don't look at me like that, it hurts my heart." Removing the napkin from her mouth, Yang Nai elbowed Kiritani, but her good mood instantly soured after feeling the subtle look in her sister's eyes—what to do when your dear sister thinks you're crazy? Help! Urgent!

If Haruno could politely ask Kirito for help, perhaps he would immediately come up with a solution. After all, all brother-complex people are the same, and they are friends, so isn't it only natural for friends to help each other?

Well, while it's true that all sister-complex people are one family, that's no excuse for you to peek at other people's little sisters...

Pushing Haruno aside, Kiritani slapped her arm away, subtly touched her thigh, and then revealed a scheming smile, "A sister like you could never have a younger sister who likes you."

Then, Kiritani-kun felt pain coming from the soles of his feet.

"Ahem, well... I'm sorry, Yukino-chan, I got a little carried away, please don't mind." With a weak laugh, Haruno-san pressed her heel against Kirigaya-kun's shoe, grinding it back and forth forcefully.

Yes, although she may seem a bit naive and innocent on the surface, when it comes to revenge, Yang Nai is used to doing it on the spot—yes, doing it!

"How pitiful. Being a good older sister is quite a failure." Kirigaya shook his head in disappointment. In this area of ​​Thousand Leaf, although Kirigaya didn't know many friends, most of them who had younger sisters were super-complex sisters!

Yes, no one failed as badly as Yang Nai.

...To be honest, Haruno is more like a younger sister trying to attract Yukino's attention—wait, it seems like the roles would be much more interesting if they were reversed!

"Watch your mouth, you bastard! At least give me some face in front of Yukino-chan!" Yukino whispered in Kirigaya-kun's ear, releasing her foot from his shoe. "Besides, I'm wearing white stockings today. I've looked at you, I've touched you—you better stop now, you jerk!"

Wait! Are they wearing white stockings?

Kiritani was slightly surprised, and lowered his gaze almost imperceptibly. What came into view was the familiar white stockings—by the way, Haruno doesn't usually wear stockings. Whether she doesn't like them or finds them troublesome, it's hard to say.

However, long legs paired with white stockings are definitely the best combination!

No wonder the feel was a little different just now...

Hesitating whether to touch her again, but noticing Yang Na's expression that said, "If you dare touch me again, I'll call for help," Kiritani-kun reluctantly withdrew his gaze from the white stockings. This woman is no good; she's not as good to me as Sushi. At least Sushi would give me a lap pillow...

"I'm curious, what exactly is your relationship with this Yuuki-kun's boyfriend?" Yukino Yukinoshita asked again, this question that had already been answered, but this time, she hoped the answer would come from Haruno.

...As far as Yukino knows, her sister has many friends... In fact, as long as they meet multiple times, her sister can easily develop a friendship with the other person. But this person in front of her... how should I put it, is she really just a friend?

I'm... a little concerned about it.

"A friend, a very good friend, as I mentioned before." Calmly putting back on the shoes that had been slightly stained by Haruno's footsteps, Kiritani repeated the answer.

"Well..." Glancing at Kiritani-kun, who seemed completely oblivious to pain, Haruno slightly pursed her lips, "We're probably... at the best friend level, right?"

Perhaps we should take another step forward...?

"Yang Nai, go to hell with your bestie!"

Kiritani slammed his hand on the table, stood up and left. Yukino's expression changed drastically at the same time, with a hint of her sharp tongue about to strike.

However, this is of no use.

She turned to look at her older sister, only to find that her expression seemed somewhat distressed. "...Sister?"

"Pfft... No, I'm fine!" With a forced expression, Haruno forced a stiff smile. After Yukino tilted her head in disbelief, Haruno silently pulled down the stockings below her absolute territory—revealing a bruise on her fair skin...

Looks like I'll have to wear stockings for a while.

This guy is awful! He sprayed milk on me the time before last, threatened to steal my sister last time, and this time he not only touched me but also pinched me. He's really gone too far!

Then, Yukino pursed her lips and looked at Yukino-chan. "I just wish Yukino would comfort me like other little sisters do..."

...A dividing line for living in a dream...

"Yono probably wants to play the yuri game with Yukino Yukinoshita... Hmm! That seems even more appealing, yuri plus a sisterly relationship... really..."

It's definitely not your average level of excitement.

Of course, for a brainless creature like Yang Nai, trying to win over a creature without breasts is no small feat.

If Haruno's target is the equally clueless Shizuka, then the intelligent Kirito could be of help, since she's Shizuka-sensei, making her incredibly easy to win over...

"What nonsense are you thinking now? You're practically radiating malice. Do you want to fall in love with my fists?" Hiratsuka Shizuka said, leaning against a coconut tree with an unlit cigarette dangling from her lips and her eyes slightly narrowed.

So, Ms. Xiaojing, you actually prefer fist-fucking...

It's a pity I'm not very interested in this. If you can, please go find Mikasa next to you, who looks hesitant about whether to kick the coconut tree. She would be very happy to do so.

"I was thinking, the saying 'big breasts, no brains' might be true. Haruno has big breasts, but she's intellectually inferior to Yukino Yukinoshita, who happens to be flat-chested..." Kiritani corrected himself, then nodded. He hadn't expected that the ancients, besides jotting down useless things for us to memorize, could actually make accurate assessments...

At the same time, I have some doubts about whether the wife of the person who said that is flat-chested... I mean, she must be very intelligent.

"Shut up, you brat!" Teacher Xiaojing seemed insulted, her fair fist clenching instantly. "Is this the kind of thing you can just casually bring up?"

"Pay attention to yourself, Jing'er. You're not a teacher now, and even if you were an educator, you'd only be able to discipline students within the school!"

"Call me teacher properly... call me by my name!" Thinking about it for a moment, Kiritani-kun was right. Hiratsuka Shizuka wasn't on vacation as a teacher, but as a friend.

Kiritani-kun nodded earnestly, "Okay, Shizuka-chan, I understand, Shizuka-chan!"

A blush gradually rose to her cheeks, and Jing Ke lowered her eyes, staring at the flat ground beneath her feet—at a time like this, if she couldn't make the other person blush, she would most likely be hit with a brick.

"Hmm... It seems that you can't reason with him on this matter." Kato Megumi leaned out from behind Hiratsuka Shizuka and said calmly.

"How could I possibly listen? This is my favorite thing!" Kiritani rolled his eyes. Kato really is everywhere. In fact, even if she doesn't say a word, it's really hard to find her.

"Take Teacher Xiaojing's hot temper, for example. She's always ready to hit people, which is part of her charm. If you change that too easily, the whole character will lose all its appeal!"

"Is it this strange setting again~" Kato Megumi did not refute, still maintaining her soft and cute demeanor.

"I don't want this kind of cuteness, you bastard!" Hiratsuka Shizuka felt a little sad. If this really is what you call cuteness, then why don't I have a boyfriend yet?

"Well, Jing, you really are adorable. The reason you don't have a boyfriend is probably because those guys feel they're not good enough for you. At least I think you're great..."

To be honest, it doesn't feel good to lie to yourself...

Ah, of course, it's undeniable that Jing is truly adorable.

Of all the known teaching professions, only Teacher Xiaojing is so beloved. She has to travel to countless film sets every day just for the Shuke website. Can other female teachers do that?

Kato Megumi tilted her head slightly. "Eh, I feel... is this a lack of words for you, my lord?"

"You know it's fine, why did you have to say it? Do you think it's easy for me to find a word to describe Ms. Shizuka? Oh, the words 'Yamato Nadeshiko' and 'kind older sister' are not bad..."

"Kirigaya, grit your teeth and bear it!" The woman, who had been lost in some kind of fantasy just moments before, now looked up blankly, exuding a cold aura, and looked at Kirigaya-kun as if he were a dying man.

Then, he threw a punch...

"Hey, hey, cuteness, cuteness... don't actually hit me!"

With a hair's breadth of error, Kiritani-kun narrowly dodged the incoming fist, then quickly moved behind the Iron Fist Saintess and pinned Kato Megumi in front of him. "Hey, you see, that's why it takes me so long to come up with an adjective..."

"But... it seems like neither 'Yamato Nadeshiko' nor 'Big Sister Kazuto' are useful here, right, Kazuto-kun?" Kato Megumi pouted slightly, feeling dissatisfied that Kiritani-kun was using her as a shield.

Whether it was genuine scheming or unintentional, Jingke felt that the words spoken by this seemingly insignificant girl were more hurtful than those spoken by Kirito-kun…

Honestly, why are none of my students normal...?

P.S.: It's almost the end of the month, so hurry up and send me your razor blades if you still have any!

215

【NO.212 Wilderness】