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Chapter 370: Chapter 366 ~ Hanami

Yuuji, Yuna, and Nina stepped off the train together, the quiet hum of the station fading behind them as they followed the route displayed on Yuujiʼs phone.

Yuuji carried the bulk of their things—two large, stacked bento boxes wrapped neatly in flower patterned white cloth, along with both Yuna and Ninaʼs bags slung over his shoulders. With his hands full, Nina naturally took the lead, holding his phone and guiding them along the unfamiliar route.

Yuna, meanwhile, carried a smaller bento box, walking beside them with a light, energetic bounce in her steps.

They had traveled far—nearly an hour out from the city, and the difference was immediately noticeable.

The air felt cleaner. The sounds softer. Everything felt… calmer

This rural town was a stark contrast to the city they were used to. There were fewer cars, fewer people, and an overall sense of calm that settled naturally into the surroundings. Even the station they had just left behind was the only one in the entire area.

Getting to the hanami spot wasnʼt exactly easy either.

On foot, it would take them more than thirty minutes.

For a group of high school students—most of whom had never even visited this town before—it wasnʼt exactly the most convenient location.

But Raku had insisted. And judging by his confidence, it had to be worth it.

Thankfully, there was one saving grace. A monorail.

It wasnʼt frequent, but it had a stop relatively close to their destination.

After a short ten-minute walk from the station, the trio arrived at the platform. The quiet surroundings made even the faint mechanical hum of the approaching monorail feel pronounced.

Within minutes, it arrived. 

They boarded, and just like that, the long walk ahead was cut down dramatically.

The monorail glided smoothly through the area, passing over stretches of greenery and scattered buildings. Even with a few stops along the way, the journey took less than ten minutes.

Soon, they arrived.

”Wow…!”

Yunaʼs voice rang out the moment they stepped onto a nearby bridge.

”Look, Yuu-kun, Nina! You can already see them!”

Ahead, in the distance, a breathtaking sight unfolded.

Rows upon rows of cherry blossom trees stretched along the riverside, their soft pink petals swaying gently in the breeze. The ground beneath them was lightly dusted with fallen blossoms, creating a delicate carpet of pink over the green grass.

It was… Beautiful. Serene.

A quiet celebration of spring.

A symbol of new beginnings, of fleeting moments, of memories waiting to be made.

Drawn in by the view, the three quickened their pace.

The paved road gradually gave way to a more natural trail, trees lining their path as the faint sound of the flowing river grew clearer with every step.

Soon, other sounds joined in—

Soft chatter. Laughter. Childrenʼs voices.

Petals began appearing underfoot—carried by the wind from the trees ahead.

And then, they arrived.

The clearing opened up before them, revealing a vibrant yet peaceful scene.

Tall sakura trees stood proudly across a wide grassy field, their blossoms dancing gently in the wind. Families had already gathered, sitting on picnic blankets, sharing food and laughter.

Children ran freely near the riverbank, their joyful voices blending with the soothing flow of water.

It wasnʼt crowded. But it wasnʼt empty either.

And somehow, that made it better.

Yuuji couldnʼt help but feel impressed.

Raku had chosen well.

This place carried a quiet charm that couldnʼt be replicated in more popular, crowded hanami spots.

As he took in the scenery, his gaze shifted—

And landed on two familiar figures in the distance.

One was spreading out a large picnic blanket, while the other stood nearby, stretching his arms dramatically as if embracing the entire view.

”Ah, thereʼs Raku and Shuu. Letʼs go.”

Yuna and Nina followed his gaze, quickly spotting them as well.

The three made their way over.

”Yo, good morning.”

Yuuji greeted casually, his sisters echoing him.

”Ah, good morning. Youʼre early.”

Raku raised a hand in greeting, the golden locket around his neck swaying slightly as he moved.

”Good morning!” 

Shuu chimed in, throwing his arms wide open, his glasses catching the sunlight. 

”What a beautiful morning! This place is incredible, isnʼt it?!”

”It really is.” 

Yuuji nodded. Then, turning to Raku, he added with a small smile—

”Great recommendation.”

Raku scratched the back of his head, a bit sheepish but clearly pleased.

”Glad you like it.”

He gestured toward a spot beneath one of the larger cherry blossom trees.

”Ah, you can put the food there. Weʼre still waiting for the others.”

Following his direction, Yuuji saw what had already been prepared—

Two large bento boxes wrapped in black cloth, likely Rakuʼs contribution.

And several plastic bags filled with snacks and bottled drinks—undoubtedly Shuuʼs doing.

It was a perfect spot. Spacious. Slightly more secluded.

Just right for their group.

Without another word, Yuuji stepped forward and carefully set down the bento boxes—ready for what would surely be a lively and memorable hanami together.

As they began finishing up the picnic setup—smoothing out the blanket, arranging the food, and settling into their spot—

Another familiar voice called out.

”Good morning!”

They turned. There stood Chitoge.

She had arrived earlier than most, having been dropped off by car, and in her hands was a neatly wrapped, three-tiered bento box—clearly prepared with care.

Her usual energy was there, bright and lively as ever.

Yuna and Nina immediately perked up.

”Morning, Chitoge!”

”Good morning.”

The twins greeted her enthusiastically, their earlier drowsiness now completely gone.

Chitoge smiled and waved back—

But the moment her eyes landed on Yuuji…

”…Ah—!”

She faltered. Just slightly.

A tiny hitch in her breath. A faint stutter.

And then, a blush spread across her cheeks.

Upon seeing his face, a memory resurface in her mind. 

A conversation. One she had a few days ago.

It had been one of those rare phone calls from her mother.

They had talked like they usually did—about school, daily life, small, trivial things that bridged the distance between them.

Naturally, his name came up. 

Yuuji. 

At first, it was casual. Just a passing mention. 

But the moment his name left her lips—

Her mother, Hana, caught it instantly. A faint stutter. A heightened tone. A softer voice. 

And she could understand why. 

After all, Yuujiʼs mother was her best friend, and she was someone whoʼd take any chance to mention her beloved step-son. As a result, she knew very well how he could get her poor little, inexperienced daughterʼs attention. 

Driven by curiosity, she shifted the conversation towards him. 

Chitoge had tried to keep it light.

”Heʼs… okay.” 

She had said. But Hana wasnʼt fooled. Not even for a second.

”I can tell youʼre lying, you know.” 

Her mother had teased over the phone.

”What—?! Iʼm not—!”

”Oh? Then why are you stuttering?”

Chitoge froze.

”…Iʼm not stuttering.”

”Mmhm. Sure youʼre not.”

And then, the teasing began in earnest.

”I wouldnʼt be surprised if youʼre already starstruck.” 

Hana continued lightly. 

”His mother brags about him all the time, you know. She even sent me a picture once.”

Chitogeʼs heart skipped.

”Heʼs extremely handsome. And from what Iʼve heard? Kind, capable, dependable…”

A pause. A knowing tone.

”Iʼd be more surprised if my inexperienced daughter didnʼt fall for him.”

”M-Mother! What are you even saying?!”

”Iʼm just giving you advice.”

Her motherʼs voice softened—but the meaning behind it only grew heavier.

”If you like him… go for it.”

”…Ah— I—”

”You should know there are probably a lot of girls interested in him.”

That single sentence lingered.

”If youʼre too slow… you might be lucky just to become one of his girlfriends.”

Chitogeʼs mind had gone completely blank.

”I—!”

But before she could respond—

”Well, I still have work to do. It was nice talking to you, Chitoge. Iʼll call you again soon.”

Click.

The call ended. Just like that. Leaving her alone, staring at her phone.

Her heart was racing. Her thoughts spiraling.

And that night… she hadnʼt been able to sleep at all.

”…!”

Back in the present, the memory hit her all at once.

And her face burned.

Why am I thinking about that now?!

She quickly averted her gaze from Yuuji, unable to meet his eyes, her grip tightening slightly around the bento box she carried.

Without another word, she walked over and placed it down beside the others, carefully aligning it with the growing stack of food.

Then, almost as if seeking refuge, she simply nodded and turned away from him completely and moved toward Yuna and Nina.

”H-Hey! You two came early, huh?”

”Yeah!” 

Yuna replied cheerfully.

”We just got here too.” 

Meanwhile, Chitoge did her best to act normal, joining their conversation, laughing along—

But every now and then, her eyes would drift.

Just for a second. Toward him.

And each time they did, her cheeks would grow just a little bit warmer.

--------------------------------X--------------------------------

”Good morning! Iʼm sorry for the wait!”

”Good morning.”

Her voice arrived before she did—bright, gentle, and slightly breathless.

Turning toward it, they were greeted by the sight of Onodera Kosaki, illuminated by the soft morning sun behind her.

She wore a frilly light orange dress layered over a white shirt, her hair lightly swaying as she walked. A faint flush colored her cheeks—whether from the walk or something else, it was hard to tell—as she carried two plastic bags filled with neatly packed boxes of wagashi from her familyʼs shop.

Beside her walked Rui, dressed more simply in a comfortable shirt and pants, her movements calm and composed as she carried drinks and snacks in her own bag.

”Good morning.” 

Rui greeted quietly.

”Oh, good morning!” 

Shuu responded energetically.

”…G-Good morning!” 

Raku followed, though a beat too late.

Yuuji noticed immediately. The way Raku paused for just a moment longer than usual. The way his gaze lingered. The way his voice came out just slightly awkward.

Yuuji smirked.

Then, he nudged him.

”Hey, go help them.”

He murmured casually. 

With a subtle tilt of his chin, he gestured toward the two girls.

Raku blinked, then his cheeks flushed.

”…Right.”

Taking a breath, he quickly stepped forward.

”O-Onodera-san, Miyamoto-san… let me help you.”

”Ah—! T-Thank you, Ichijou-kun!” 

Onodera replied, her face lighting up.

”Mm. Thanks.” 

Rui added simply.

Yuuji watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction, folding his arms. Like a proud older brother watching a shy kid finally take a step forward.

Good. Progress.

The two of them stood there, awkward yet sincere, their voices occasionally stumbling over each other as they spoke.

Cute. Painfully obvious.

And on the side, Rui watched them silently.

Her usual deadpan expression intact, though there was a faint glimmer of exasperation in her eyes.

Just date already, her gaze seemed to say.

Meanwhile, Yuna and Nina exchanged subtle glances, both holding back knowing smiles.

They understood exactly what was going on.

Chitoge, however—

Was completely oblivious.

”Whoa! You brought all of this? Iʼm so excited to try them!” 

She said excitedly, already peeking into Onoderaʼs bags, her earlier embarrassment forgotten in the face of sweets.

Not long after—

Another group approached from the distance. 

Five identical figures. Each of them carried a bag containing bento boxes. To most, they would have been indistinguishable if not for their hairstyles and clothes.

But to Yuuji, even if they had the same hairstyles and wore the same clothes, they were completely different.

He could tell them by their presence. In the way they carried themselves.

It was more than enough for him to tell them apart.

The moment they spotted him, one of them lit up instantly.

”Ah! Yuuji-kun! Everyone! Good morning!”

Yotsuba waved energetically, breaking into a light jog toward him, her sisters following behind at a more measured pace.

”Morning.” 

Yuuji greeted, stepping forward.

”Here, let me help.”

”Ah, Iʼm fine—!” 

Yotsuba started to protest.

But Yuuji simply smiled.

”No, itʼs okay.”

Gently—but firmly—he took the bag from her hands.

Then, one by one, he did the same for the others, effortlessly carrying all five as if they weighed nothing.

As he walked back toward the picnic area, the quintuplets lingered for a few moments. 

Watching him, for just a moment longer than necessary.

Memories of their last tutoring session quietly resurfacing in their minds.

Especially for Ichika.

His words still echoed in her mind.

A few minutes later, two more figures arrived.

”Hi~! Guten Morgen!”

”Good morning, everyone!”

Erya waved enthusiastically, her short light brown hair bouncing with her movements.

Beside her, Viktoriya offered a more composed greeting, her smile bright yet gentle.

Each carried a glass container tucked safely in their bags.

Soon after, Haruka, Hibiki, and Nanasaki Ai arrived together, chatting lightly as they approached—likely having met along the way.

Yuuji and Shuu stepped in to help, taking their bags with ease before the group gradually settled in.

And finally—

Utaha arrived.

Dressed in a flowing white dress that gently traced her figure, paired with a sunhat that shaded her eyes just enough to add an air of quiet allure—

She walked in unhurriedly. Graceful. Composed. Unhurried, as if she wasnʼt the last one to arrive.

And the moment she reached Yuuji—

She handed him both her plastic bags… and her personal bag.

”Good morning.”

”…Good morning.” 

Yuuji replied, momentarily caught off guard—his hands already full.

He glanced down at what he was now holding. Then back at her.

”…Iʼll help, but why do I feel like youʼre treating me like your chauffeur?”

Utaha tilted her head slightly, feigning innocence.

”Oh? I just walked all the way here carrying such heavy things. Donʼt you have any pity for a delicate, frail girl like me?”

Yuuji let out a dry sigh.

”You should exercise more.”

”Iʼll keep that in mind.” 

She replied smoothly. 

”But donʼt you prefer girls who are soft and dainty?”

”…How did we even get here?”

She smirked.

A knowing, teasing expression as she crossed her arms lightly, clearly enjoying his reaction. And Yuuji could only shake his head, exhaling softly.

Now, everyone finally gathered. The preparations were complete.

The laughter, the chatter, the warmth of friendship, all of it came together beneath the blooming sakura trees.

And just like that, their hanami began.

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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!! 

Also, if youʼd like to read additional chapters ahead and get a pdf version (Light & Dark), please feel free to check out my at ~! 

Thank you~!