Chapter 79: Kaede Gradually Unmasked
After leaving the school gate, Utaha originally suggested taking the train to the Bunko, but Kaede immediately refused, choosing a taxi instead, remembering what it was like taking the train with Eriri that day.
Just kidding, it was Eriri that day, which was fine, but if it were Utaha, and the train environment was the same as that time, Kaede really couldn't guarantee he would be able to control himself.
Some things are better avoided if possible.
Soon, a taxi arrived, and after stating their destination, the car quickly started.
Sitting in the back, Utaha looked at Kaede: "Taking the train would have been fine too, why insist on a taxi?"
"..."
After a moment of hesitation, Kaede described the scene of him and Eriri taking the train a few days ago.
Utaha couldn't help but laugh after hearing it: "So, Asakura-kun, are you worried about my safety, or do you lack confidence in yourself?"
"Both, I guess."
Kaede said frankly, "I'm not a saint. Senpai is so beautiful, I can't guarantee I'd truly remain unmoved. Of course, this is just my own unnecessary overthinking, and Senpai doesn't need to take it to heart. But honestly, if I have enough funds, I still prefer taking a taxi. At least I don't have to worry about not having a seat."
Utaha appreciated Kaede's answer, and his honesty further distinguished him from many of the boys at school.
Beautiful girls, while attracting more attention from the opposite sex, also become more wary of men, as people will inevitably look at them with lewd gazes, which is impossible not to notice.
Looking at Kaede, Utaha said with a hint of sourness in her tone, "Asakura-kun, do you know what I'm thinking right now?"
"What?"
"That clumsy Eriri, how could she be so lucky?"
"Clumsy..."
Kaede couldn't help but laugh and said, "She's not clumsy, Senpai probably feels that Eriri's thoughts are easy to guess, right? If you suddenly surprise her, her expression changes instantly."
"Exactly, that's right."
Nodding, Utaha said, "Asakura-kun, do you know? You are the boy I've spoken to the most from middle school to high school."
"Uh... So should I act happy about that?" Kaede chuckled and said understandingly, "It's not hard to guess, after all, Senpai is pretty, so it's normal for boys your age to want to get to know you. Just distinguish their intentions, and if you're not interested, don't give them hope."
"I've always done that."
With her arms crossed, Utaha recalled, "Mom always told me to be careful not to be easily deceived by boys outside. I've been quite smart since I was little, so I've always remembered her words. And honestly, most boys are quite childish; I really have no interest in communicating with them."
This was indeed true; due to developing earlier and having more delicate thoughts, most girls mature earlier than boys their age and tend to think more about various aspects.
After a pause, Utaha continued, "Boys like Asakura-kun are indeed quite rare. You are much more mature than your peers, and you handle things much more steadily. Plus, we're colleagues, so interacting with you is very easy, and I don't have to worry so much. It's just that sometimes, I wonder if my charm doesn't exist."
The slightly teasing words at the end also made Kaede, who had originally been smiling, show a hint of embarrassment.
"Uh, ahem, no need to doubt, Senpai is undoubtedly very beautiful."
"Really?"
Utaha narrowed her eyes and asked, "Then, Asakura-kun, if Eriri didn't exist, do you think you would actively pursue me, Senpai?"
"Senpai, isn't that question a bit dangerous?"
"Don't overthink it, it's just a normal conversation."
"Then I'm really going to say it, okay?" Seeing Utaha nod, Kaede then said, "How should I put it, I guess I'm more of a believer in 'feeling.' As for deciding whether or not to pursue someone based solely on looks, that doesn't apply to me. If it were just based on that, I'd know quite a few cute girls, and some of them are by no means inferior to you, Senpai, in appearance."
Kaede was naturally referring to the Fruit Emperor sisters and Umi and Kotori, whom he had known for two or three years. The Fruit Emperor sisters were more suitable as younger sisters, so he wouldn't say more about them. And both Sonoda Umi and Minami Kotori were very suitable candidates for girlfriends or even wives.
But Kaede just didn't feel anything further, otherwise he wouldn't still be single from middle school until now.
"Oh my, Asakura-kun knows other cute girls? Aren't you afraid Eriri will overthink it if she finds out?"
"Eriri has met them once, and there's nothing going on anyway, so what do I have to be afraid of?" Kaede shrugged, looking completely unfazed.
However, Eriri was indeed a bit nervous that day.
Utaha looked at Kaede in surprise. Was that really the case? Eriri really had no reaction at all? She was too calm, wasn't she?
"Wait, let's not get sidetracked. Let's not talk about Asakura-kun and other girls for now."
"Senpai, be precise with your words."
Shaking his head, Kaede continued, "Hmm... where was I? Oh right, I'm a person who believes in 'feeling.' While appearance is important, I trust feeling more. Eriri... actually, at first, I didn't intend to quickly close the distance and pursue her. It was mainly because I felt like fate was helping me."
"Oh? How so?"
"Senpai should know, right? Eriri always plays the role of a perfect young lady at school."
Utaha nodded, "That's right, she doesn't want anyone to know her other side. Are you saying she exposed herself to you early? But didn't you already know?"
"I knew, but I wouldn't casually expose a secret she wanted to hide." As he said this, the smile on Kaede's face grew even wider, "But, I couldn't stop that girl from exposing herself in front of me. That day, she went to a game store to buy games, and I just happened to go to the same store."
So that's how it was.
Utaha showed a 'I get it now' expression. Kaede smiled and said, "At that time, we were already members of the same club, so we were pretty familiar. So, with this exposure, my relationship with Eriri also grew closer."
Looking at the smile on Kaede's face, Utaha couldn't help but sigh, "Is this what they call fate?"