Dual System in Daily World

Iroha wanted to use the next few hours to clarify her thoughts about Chisato and how she should explain her situation to the two seniors in the future.

As for the senior she had admired at the beginning of school, to be honest, when she saw Chisato up close, the figure and face she had imagined instantly shattered.

How should she put it? She didn't know if it was due to the impression from that dream, but Iroha seemed to have vaguely inserted herself into it.

In short, when she looked at Chisato, whether it was her overall temperament, eyes, or facial features, she undoubtedly felt disdain for her senior.

The difference between the two was akin to country idols and world-class idols; they were not on the same dimension at all.

Reason told her that there was no justification for letting this opportunity slip away.

Even though she noticed that the girl next to Chisato was somewhat hostile towards her, Iroha's thoughts remained unchanged.

It wasn't certain that they were already dating, and besides…

Moreover, when they spoke alone in the living room of the apartment opposite, she always felt something was off about the way Chisato looked at her. 

Every time their eyes met, his beautiful gaze seemed to spark, as if hinting at something. It felt as though he was quite fond of her...

Perhaps there was just one more opportunity left for the two of them.

After the short break, the three of them sat back down and began working on exercises or reading reference books.

Iroha kept reflecting on all the moments she had shared with Chisato, and the more she thought about it, the brighter her mood became.

Yui was also excited at the thought of starting a love conversation with her schoolmates and Yukino.

As for Yukino, she breathed a sigh of relief. 

Regarding the commission that Teacher Hiratsuka had entrusted to her, she had a hunch that there might be progress after their study session ended.

…

"Sister Seika, I may be a little late tomorrow."

Around six o'clock in the evening, in the Starry Show Hall, Chisato was wiping the drink cups at the bar. 

Seika lay in front of the bar, moaning meaninglessly from her throat for the past ten minutes. 

It was not an expression of seduction but rather the kind of daydreaming that conveyed her discomfort.

She had drunk too much with her friends the night before, and the pain of her hangover was still affecting her that day.

After hearing Chisato's words, she held her forehead and forced herself to raise her head.

"Well, if you have something to do, just ask for a leave. I can get those guys to help. They occupy my recording studio all day long, and I need them to contribute something in return."

Chisato smiled. 

"I'm going to have dinner with friends at four o'clock tomorrow afternoon."

"Theoretically, I shouldn't be delayed in coming over in the evening, but I'm just afraid that I might be late due to some unforeseen circumstances, so I wanted to let you know in advance."

"Eating at four in the afternoon? That's neither afternoon tea nor dinner. What are you planning to eat?"

"Who knows? It was arranged by the other party."

"Looking at you so happy, are you going to dinner with a girl?"

"I'm not that happy."

"Forget it; don't even think about lying to me. I'll tell Bochi-chan."

"Please feel free to do so."

"Confident, are we?"

After muttering softly, Seika nodded to show she understood.

After work in the evening, Chisato escorted Hitori to the tram stop.

During this time, he thought for a long while but still didn't tell her about his encounter with Iroha earlier that day.

Anyway, the two of them couldn't meet for the time being, and maybe they wouldn't have a chance to meet in the future. 

There really was no need to share this uneasy matter with her now.

After returning to her apartment that night, he stared at the sign with the surname "Yukinoshita" on the door of the apartment next to his. 

He was silent for a while before inserting the key and opening the door.

"Welcome home."

The moment he entered the entrance hall, something unexpected happened.

Utaha seemed to have been waiting there the whole time. She stood on the wooden floor with a smile and bowed slightly in the direction of the open door.

"...Utaha."

"What's wrong? You look scared."

"Didn't you go out with Eriri in the afternoon?"

"That's right. I just went back to get some things and then came back. Is there a problem?"

"The problem is... not really a problem..."

Chisato's stunned gaze softened as he took a step forward to close the door.

"But is the thing you're talking about the kimono you're wearing now?"

"Well, that's right."

Utaha maintained that beautiful smile that was so enchanting. Wearing a gorgeous kimono, she turned gracefully to show off her figure.

"My mother bought it for me last year. I haven't worn it in a long time. I tried it on today, and it still fits perfectly. How do you feel?"

"It's beautiful and suits you very well."

"Thanks for the compliment."

Such a response seemed to be what Utaha expected. 

After raising the corners of her mouth, she naturally knelt down to take off the slippers. At the same time, she reached forward and stretched her hands towards Chisato's feet.

"Wait a minute, Utaha, what are you doing?"

Chisato took a step back and pressed his back against the door.

If his mood upon entering had been surprise, he now felt frightened.

He had seen Utaha's behavior in various films and television shows, but if it were applied to her, it would indeed feel quite uncomfortable.

However, Utaha showed no sign of retreating. Without answering, her outstretched hand continued to hover in the air, representing her strong will.

Chisato felt there was clearly something different about Utaha now compared to before.

With the other party's insistence, he finally relented and took a step forward, allowing her to take off his shoes in an almost humble manner.

"Do you want to take a shower first? Or should you eat fewer midnight snacks?"

"...I'm going to take a shower first."

"I've squeezed some juice for you. Let's relax here in the living room for a while, and I'll fill the tub for you."

From beginning to end, Utaha's demeanor was quite natural.

But the more this happened, the more Chisato felt a sense of violation.

What had happened to her after they parted ways in the afternoon?

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