Chapter 71: Halo Fully Stacked
The first rays of morning sunlight, as fine as golden threads, streamed across the broad white comforter. In the center of the blanket, a large lump shifted twice, accompanied by the sleepy, endearing murmurs of a young girl. Shortly after, a boy with slightly tousled hair sat up.
He drew his hand from the warm nest of the covers to shield his eyes from the dazzling light, his fingertips still retaining a faint, delicate fragrance.
Deprived of the warmth she had been holding, the golden-haired beauty smacked her lips in her sleep, her hands searching for a substitute. With a trace of helplessness, Haruhi Harano glanced at the marks of love scattered across her fair neck, then tucked the comforter into her arms.
Miyu Kiriyama, still dreaming, clung to the blanket as if it were Haruhi’s arm, murmured contentedly, and blew two tiny bubbles from her cherry lips before falling quiet once more.
Who wouldn’t want a girlfriend as enchanting as a golden-haired beauty who drools in her sleep?
Stretching languidly, Haruhi climbed out of bed and picked up the Crayon Shin-chan pajamas that had been casually tossed on the floor. The high-quality silk felt wonderful to the touch, glimmering softly in the air. Every inch of a youthful girl seemed to exude an irresistible charm.
It had been a wild night—though the final step was left uncrossed, Miyu was still delectable in her innocence. Only their lack of experience made things a bit awkward; they would need more practice.
...
Stepping out of the rented apartment, the cool breath of early morning brushed against him, carrying away the weariness of the previous night and leaving him refreshed and invigorated.
The day’s potential lies in the morning. His daily runs with Mrs. Momotani had become a quiet ritual between them.
She was already warming up in the small courtyard, her graceful figure made all the more alluring by the sunlight. Strangely, he had just been feeling utterly at peace, yet now a restlessness stirred within him.
“Haruhi, what’s that scratch on the back of your neck?”
Ever observant, Eri Momotani had noticed a fine scratch, as if made by an animal.
Touching the mark, Haruhi smiled, “On my way home last night, a kitten scratched me. It’s nothing serious.”
...
It was indeed a little stray cat—a beautiful golden tabby.
“A stray? You should be careful, Haruhi. Shall I take you to the hospital later?” Eri asked with concern.
He waved her off. “No need to trouble yourself, Eri. I’ll go after school if it bothers me.”
He changed the subject, “Shall we start our run?”
“Well, alright…” Eri wanted to say more, but Haruhi was already jogging out of the courtyard, leaving her to follow with a resigned shake of her head.
They fell into a steady rhythm, circling the community once before slowing to a walk.
“Haruhi, your stamina keeps improving!” Eri said, cheeks flushed and breathing lightly, her eyes like peach blossoms as she glanced at the tall boy beside her.
“It’s all thanks to you, Eri,” he replied with a sunny grin that was as warming as a spring breeze.
Even Eri found herself momentarily dazed by his charm. She had to admit, Haruhi’s appeal was impossible to deny.
He breathed evenly, clad in a black athletic suit; his tall, clean-cut figure exuded an air of refinement. A few beads of sweat gathered on his sharply defined features, and his neat hair gave him a fresh, invigorating look.
Inhale, exhale, each step steady and strong. Regular exercise had banished any trace of sluggishness.
In a Japanese high school filled with listless, sickly handsome boys, a refreshing type like him stood out. As for love letters, Haruhi had grown used to receiving them. Occasionally, when bored, he’d even take the time to write a sincere rejection in return.
Miss Kiriyama, too, had shed her early volatility; now, her confidence in herself was absolute—she was certain Haruhi wouldn’t stray far.
After breakfast, the two left the house one after another as usual—Miyu leading the way, Haruhi following behind.
Everything seemed unchanged, but suddenly the young lady in front stopped. Haruhi caught up, and for the rest of the walk, they strolled side by side.
...
On the street, students heading to school clustered in small groups, their various uniforms blending together, but their gazes inevitably drifted toward the pair.
A pretty girl drew the boys’ attention; a handsome boy, the girls’. Together, they were the focus of all eyes.
No one was discussing last night’s anime or games anymore. Instead, whispers spread—were they siblings, cousins, or perhaps a couple?
Walking with such a stunning girl, Haruhi felt the weight of countless envious and jealous glances. He shrugged, lowering his gaze to Miyu.
Her skin was as delicate as porcelain, her large eyes sparkling beneath long lashes. The pleated skirt of her high school uniform imparted a boundless sense of youth and possibility.
Perhaps sensing his gaze, or perhaps the whispers of nearby girls in uniform, Miyu puffed out her cheeks in mock anger, seized Haruhi’s arm, and glared fiercely at those around them—like a little puppy guarding its treat.
Feeling the soft pressure on his arm, Haruhi said nothing, only finding her possessiveness all the more adorable.
A touch of possessiveness was exactly what a high school boy secretly craved—especially when it came from an invincible beauty.
“Miyu, weren’t you in the archery club before? Why haven’t I seen you at club activities lately?” Haruhi asked, catching sight of a girl cosplaying as Kikyo at the intersection.
She struck a variety of poses for the photographers, her slender legs made all the more captivating by her shrine maiden attire.
One day, he’d have to master photography—not expertly, just enough to get by—with good equipment, of course. With the right gear and a strong, attractive body, in this city where the world of anime and cosplay thrived, he’d be at the center of it all—conventions, cosplay, the holy land of Akihabara.
In a place like this, he could truly shine.