Chapter 84

Extra Case File 84 Date

III

“This… this…”

Feigning calm, Hana set down the front page of the newspaper, trying to appear composed. Yet her evasive gaze and stuttered speech betrayed her true feelings.

Taking a deep breath, she summoned the courage to refocus on the newspaper’s front page.

The two people in the center of the photo were herself and Ash, standing atop V-reex’s chest. Their actions were synchronized—Cure Yell stepped forward and wrapped her arm around Ash’s neck while Time Fire lowered his arm to support Wild Flower’s waist.

Her sweat-drenched pink bangs stuck to her pristine forehead, with both of them closing their eyes as they shared an intimate kiss under the rising sun. It was a beautiful moment reminiscent of the last fragments of beauty amid ruins. Although it appeared harsh and romantic, this moment represented Wild Flower’s happiest moment.

However, if this image had not been captured by a journalist and placed on the front page of the United Nations World News for billions of people to see, accompanied by a title such as “Love, Future, and Robots”… Moreover, why is the resolution so high! Besides the blush on my face, how could they capture the water droplets at the corners of my lips…

Hana stared, horrified, at Hono, who rolled on the ground uncontrollably. Yu, arriving with the band at the underground bar after their performance, propped up one leg and teased with amused sarcasm.

“Not only on the front page, but this should also be assured of winning the Pulitzer Prize this year,” Yu continued, enjoying watching steam rise from the flustered Hana’s head. “I saw countless despair-filled comments on the anonymous forum, shouting, ‘The idol has fallen!'”

“How does it feel to make billions of men fall in love with you? Love warrior~Cure Yell?” Yu taunted cheerfully.

“Really, Yu, you’re so mean!” Hana pouted, feeling uncomfortable and irritated. “Billions… There’s no way it’s that exaggerated!”

“Don’t be so sure. Mister Ash, didn’t your kiss not only win Princess Cure’s heart but also defeated billions of rivals?”

“As expected, I easily conquered the heart of the Pretty Cure, because I am a Liner.” Ash, sitting with a satisfied grin, ordered the bartender Saya.

“A vodka martini, shaken, not stirred.”

“Of course,” replied the cheerful Saya, who looked nothing like the Final Monster she once was. “But don’t forget, Time Fire is in the same boat. Many girls online are crying about losing him.”

“Well, you know…” Yu sighed dramatically, reclining back. “It turns out Time Fire even has a girlfriend, making all those girls cry over lost love.”

“What?!” Hana widened her eyes and approached, shocked and almost speechless. “Yu… Yu also likes Ash?!”

“Ah? What?” Yu was surprised by Hana’s reaction. “Yes, he helped me, becoming a crucial figure. But to say I had feelings for him…”

“I’m being straightforward enough; surely you don’t misunderstand anymore.”

“Hmmph—” Hono, with a mix of anger and embarrassment, hugged Ash’s waist from behind. “No…”

“What?”

“No!”

“Haha, you’re angry at Hono’s joke…”

“Saya, may I go back? It’s already six o’clock.”

“Hand over your phone.”

“But—”

“Just do it.”

“Okay, okay…” After taking Saya’s smartphone, Hana switched it off and placed it on the table.

“Six o’clock curfew… Who do you think I am, a neighbor kid who always loses to me in every competition?”

“Alright, no one will disturb you now,” Ash told Saya after finishing her drink. “And tell us, why did we come to this place?”

“Because it seems fun?”

“That’s part of it, but mainly it’s for you, Himizuki. You have great friends.”

“Himizuki’s earlier performance was indeed beautiful and melancholic,” Saya said, adjusting her glasses. “Yet, it was due to your inner sorrow, which your emotions reflected.”

“Haha, you jest again, Saya!” said the blond girl awkwardly. “I’ve been practicing since childhood, so how can I still feel sad?”

“The problem is, Himizuki,” Yu added. “You once told us you truly liked rock music, yet lacked the courage to change.”

“Ahhh…”

Ash, exhaling heavily, cast a glance at the worried Hono. The harsh realities eroded childhood dreams—only few remained strong enough to pursue anything.

Such is reality! Disgusted, the man’s eyes showed contempt for what lay ahead.

Even for me, everything…