Chapter 463

The One Hundred Ninety-Eighth: The Final Date

Lei accepted Ash’s handkerchief to wipe away her tears, then suddenly raised a question.

“Ash, do you think what we’re doing counts as a date?”

After all, the two of them had already experienced a date before, though it was rather a “terrible” one.

“If that’s how you feel about it.”

“Puh—” Hearing Ash’s response, Lei giggled, even squeezing out more tears along with her laughter. “You’re so heartless, Manager! You’ve already been with Lily-san and—”

“So, even if I confessed to you, doing something like betraying someone like that would make me super angry! I’d definitely tell Lily-senpai!”

I, Hanazaki Lei, may be timid and lacking in confidence, but I am not the type to stop in my tracks when faced with difficulties!

Though that day I really couldn’t sleep well and felt very uncomfortable… but surrendering to Lily-senpai didn’t leave me with any complaints. Whether it’s confession or heartbreak, neither troubles me. But if Ash wants to get involved in some messed-up relationship… even if it’s with you, I absolutely can’t tolerate it!

“I reject.” Lei was shocked speechless by these straightforward words trying to make Ash reconsider.

“Luckily, you weren’t possessed by that kiss, otherwise, given your current state, agreeing would leave a lifelong psychological shadow for the little girl.” Whispered only he could hear, Kayin’s weakened voice echoed within him.

I foresaw many developments back then, but I never imagined someone would snatch away my unconfirmed first kiss or sense any romantic feelings towards me before being confessed to.

“But at that time, Lily wasn’t heartbroken; she merely told me I won’t give up and will definitely move me… ah.”

Ash finally realized belatedly that he seemed destined to disappoint someone no matter what.

“Such a thing!”

If that’s the case, then I’ll enjoy this period to the fullest!

Without asking much, her starry eyes flickered once again in Lei’s gaze.

“Lei, after that day, there’s been a question I’ve always wanted to ask you.”

Settling the bill, with the shop assistant’s “Welcome back next time!” echoing behind, Ash stepped out of the store with haste, while Lei hurriedly followed.

“Lily has always admired me, Wuki I personally guided, Erika doesn’t quite understand herself either. So Lei, why do you like me?”

“Hmm…”

Subconsciously holding hands as they walked side by side with flushed cheeks, Lei countered after a moment of silence. “Then does Ash have a special reason for adoring heroes?”

“Reason? Because their heroic stance in saving people, their efforts, and determination look very cool… did you ask for a special reason? Well, there isn’t one. To me, heroes don’t come with ranks.”

“Neither do I.”

Under the bright sun, Lei smiled.

Ah… Disgusting, when did my glasses fog up?

Thus, Ash also smiled.

The two walked through streets thoroughly familiar and about to part ways, reaching under a tree shade where Lei suddenly stopped.

“Answer.”

“Hmm?”

“I answered your question, now you must answer mine!”

Lei, shutting her eyes, turned toward Ash, her round face filled with bashfully flushing red. She stood on tiptoe and pouted her delicate cherry lips.

If I’m going to take it seriously, you better not hesitate!

It was unimaginable what immense courage it took.

“At least, give me a final response!”

Closing her eyes tightly, heart racing, Lei felt her cheeks caught by a slightly rubbing sensation and realized she was being held by him.

Lei dared not open her eyes but felt warmth transmitted through his touch, giving her a warm feeling.

Even though I thought I was mentally prepared, it remains quite embarrassing… but no running away Lei! No more hesitation in your current state!

Shivering pink lips awaited; then, the man’s finger gently pressed them, pushing backward.

“I reject.”

“If it could make the dead flowers in my heart bloom again, I might reconsider.”

“That’d indeed be awaited.”

Making the flowers in our hearts bloom is something we’re skilled at!

So, both默契地 (in默契, which means ‘in sync’) put it aside as if nothing happened. Lei continued to appear joyfully.

Though my youthful affair with this person seems endlessly postponed, Lily’s father returned, the archrival duel resolved, battles with the Desert Apostle coming to an end, and even Ash returned without causing trouble.

Everything was progressing for the better, everything would be fine, wouldn’t it?

“By the way, Christmas is coming in a few days, Mr. Ash must come!”

“Can’t really guarantee.”

Shaking his head, Ash didn’t want to reveal his current state, but Christmas… haha, it’s still friendlier in the world of the战队 (Warring States).

“Oh! Is Ash planning to play the sudden disappearance game?!”

Extremely dissatisfied, Lei puffing out her cheeks lacked any threatening power; instead, Ash found her cuter and cuter.

“If that happens, I really will get angry! Not just me, a second recurrence will make everyone intolerant!”

“Ye~, ” Ash casually rubbed her head lovingly.

Speaking of which, having another sister or brother… Well, considering Lei looks so happy, I’ll make a special preparation for her.

Pretending to search in his pocket, Ash actually directly reached into his inventory. He pulled out a long slender item called “Gaia Memory.”

“It’s still the year of Masked Rider W’s broadcast, right? I’ll give you a memory card as a gift!”

“[Weather]!” After pressing the button,果然 the memory card transmitted audio and visible energy reactions.

“If it’s a toy I can accept it, as real equipment I can only pass on behalf.”

“No choice.” Receiving back the memory card, Ash, after some digging, produced a cherry blossom magically appearing in his hand.

“It’s safe, it doesn’t eat people or spread strange pollen, it’s merely a regularly treated forever blooming ordinary cherry blossom.”

“Tha-thanks!”

Lei looked extremely surprised; observing her, Ash couldn’t help shaking his head.

“Do you think I can’t find normal gifts? I have some common sense.”

“But here’s this, for you.”

Placing an envelope in Lei’s hand, Lei, holding an envelope containing hard cards, was puzzled.

“This is a Christmas gift; don’t ask why I gave it to you early. Just promise to open it only after Christmas. It’s a surprise I prepared.”

“Mm.”

Despite all the confusion, Lei solemnly nodded.

However, Ash never directly responded to her invitation. This, made her feel concerned.