Chapter 83

Extra Case File 83 Date

83

“Everyone, thank you for coming to listen to my performance!”

In order to soothe people who have just emerged from the shadow of losing their future, the concert scheduled for today did not get canceled but proceeded as usual, and unsurprisingly, every seat was filled. On the specially erected stage in the center of Tamayo City Square, the popular child prodigy pianist, Himizuki, was greeting the audience below.

The serious teenage girl on stage became even more excited when she saw Wanohana take her seat on time, waving energetically, though the rather unnoticed Ash next to her momentarily failed to recognize her, until he reacted a bit belatedly.

Even though this face had been exposed as a national-level “superstar,” no one seemed to recognize him, highlighting the perfection of his disguise… or perhaps, too perfect. The security guard at the entrance nearly mistook him for someone disrupting the venue with heavy metal music, barely refraining from kicking him out due to the VIP ticket.

“Isn’t that a bit over-the-top?”

“No, I think it’s just right.” Flowers probably cared about others’ opinions because of herself; Ash assumed so and adjusted his glasses with a trusting and self-assured smile. “My coolness is natural and doesn’t need extra proof!”

“No, that’s not what I meant…” Flowers said weakly, happy nonetheless about the relieving trustworthiness. “Never mind, if you’re happy, that’s fine.”

To be honest, along our way, Ash drew much more attention than me. He often turned down requests for contact information, which made him indeed deserving of pride.

Ever since Ash became a “superstar” in front of the world, Wanohana now often finds herself seeing numerous “confessions” to Ash on social media where fans comment on his performances. Some of the enthusiastic statements make Flowers feel oddly complicated, and she occasionally glances around secretly.

Her covert gaze swept over Ash, who seemed ignorant of everything, instantly dispelling the rising worry and faint self-doubt upon seeing his alluring smile. Instead, a sense of satisfaction from some kind of prideful display surged, filling her heart with positivity, making her giggle and hug his arm.

I belong to Ash, and Ash belongs to me… This was his promise to me yesterday, and now we have someone to share a future with!

“He is mine now~”

Not knowing what the woman wrapping around him might be fantasizing, Ash responded with a mischievous grin by messing up her hair.

For now, revel in depending on me.

“The piece to follow.” Sitting at the piano, Himizuki gave Ash and Flower an inconspicuous glance. “I want to dedicate it to our world’s two heroes!”

“Oooh—” Himizuki’s words received enthusiastic shouts from the audience; after all, calling out for Love to the entire world had skyrocketed their fame. A couple who had both saved the world and each other? Isn’t that romantic and dreamy?

“Look.” She smoothed out her disheveled hair and nudged her neighbor’s arm. “They’re also calling you a hero~ Haha, how do you feel? You’ve pursued being a hero, and now, becoming one yourself isn’t bad either, huh?”

“It’s us two.”

Seeing the extended finger, Flowers hurriedly covered her hair, only stopping when the thumb gently pushed aside her bangs, revealing her long-hidden right eye.

“Though it was fun playing the part of something bleak and gloomy, especially because of the voice,” as she blushed, the discomfort that used to bother Ash vanished. “But I still think, you should be more cheerful, it suits you better.”

You appear happier like this.

“Mm-hm.”

Shining sakura pink sparkled; emotion welled up inside her.

“For Elise? Hmm… It’s classic.”

As Himizuki’s fingers moved gracefully over the keys, the melodic tune transported listeners to a blissful state. Even Ash listened attentively, propping his cheek in hand; nevertheless, occasionally, he sensed slight sadness emanating from Flowers.

“What’s wrong? You don’t seem to dislike the piece, yet you look unhappy.”

“Indeed, it’s beautiful, but Himizuki seems sorrowful.”

Gazing at Himizuki’s upright posture on stage, with the keys dancing under her skilled touch, despite the audience finding themselves entranced by the surreal beauty, deeper understanding brought Flowers increasing sadness.

“In fact, even before we knew each other, she loved the guitar and rock music the most.”

“Her family in the music aristocracy didn’t support these hobbies, or rather, they outright forbade those passions.”

Wanohana spoke about her friendship and grew increasingly verbose.

“In the past, she once confided in me, crying, but all I could offer was a hug. After resisting for years, she eventually followed her family’s wishes and became a pianist, achieving significant success. Yet now I wonder, if only I had supported her back then.”

Her eyes rested on Ash’s face, searching for something.

“Just like you never wavered in achieving your current level, perhaps if I had helped, she’d be happier.”

“Wanohana, there’s something I need to tell you… No, you would have realized this truth long ago. In this world, or perhaps all worlds, few people live according to their true desires and genuine thoughts. It’s rarer still to find happiness.”

Many follow the path of ‘truth,’ only to come to a fiery end.

“Indeed.”

After all, I am too. If not for Ash, my fate might have been the same, burning to ash.

Thoughts like these led Wanohana to scratch her head and laugh goofily. “Haha, seriously, bringing these up must be troublesome for you? We’ve barely known each other—uh?”

Noticing the hand resting on her head, she asked, puzzled.

“Wanohana.”

“You’ve changed my life now.”

“Yes… So?”

“You’re never too late.” The man grinned, showing his teeth. “It’s all about willingness to change.”