Chapter 919

The boys sat on the bench on the other side of the classroom.

Some turned their faces away, some made a soft "tsk" sound, some lowered their heads pretending to organize sheet music, but their knuckles were slightly tense.

—It's him again.

The light by the window outlined a clean profile of Natsume Chikage's face.

That school uniform always looked a bit more upright on him than on others.

The baseball bet from the morning, the 158 km/h fastball, the shutout of the ace Shinohara Shingo—these rumors had already spread throughout the school during lunch break.

The girls who already liked him had even brighter lights in their eyes now.

The boys were silent, exchanging a helpless look.

After all, there were only so many girls in one club.

Too many monks, too little gruel.

The competition among the boys was already fierce.

And now that Natsume Chikage had come, all the girls' gazes were on him.

Thinking of this.

How could they possibly welcome his arrival.

But to say they should go up and interfere, that wasn't necessary either.

As everyone knew, Natsume Chikage wouldn't be looking for a girlfriend for the time being.

And more importantly, in the club, there basically wasn't a girl who could compete with Tsukishima Rin.

You had to know they couldn't successfully pursue Tsukishima Rin to begin with.

Although they felt sorry that the school's popular figure Tsukishima Rin was still pursuing Natsume-kun after being rejected.

But after knowing this, they actually had a great chance with other girls.

So stopping him wasn't necessary.

But to say they were jealous, that was definitely full-on.

Who wouldn't like being surrounded by so many girls?

Tsukishima Rin was squatting by the wall organizing music stands.

She heard the commotion and looked up.

That familiar figure was in the center of the crowd, with a hint of trouble between his brows.

Her heart accelerated uncontrollably.

She put down the music stand in her hand, stood up, walked through the crowd, her steps soft and firm.

"Natsume-kun."

She stood still in front of him, smiling, that tear mole looking especially soft in the afternoon light.

"Since you're here, just help me tidy up these things."

Natsume Chikage seemed to have found a savior and nodded immediately.

"Okay."

Kondo Miki stood beside the music stand, holding a stack of unorganized folders in her hand.

She watched Tsukishima Rin "rescue" Natsume Chikage from the crowd, and the two walked side by side toward the corner where the equipment was piled.

She pursed her lips and lowered her eyelids.

The orchestra club's advisor, Mizutani Ayako, stood by the window.

She was over thirty, her well-maintained face had exquisite makeup, and those long, narrow eyes carried the laziness and insight unique to mature women.

She watched this scene with great interest.

When Natsume Chikage walked closer, she spoke gracefully.

"By the way, Natsume-kun—"

Her tone rose slightly at the end.

"Come to think of it, this is your first time coming to our club, right?"

Natsume Chikage stopped his movements and nodded politely.

"Yes."

Mizutani Ayako gently tapped her chin with her fingertips, examining his overly handsome face without any avoidance.

After a moment, a playful arc curled on her lips.

"Is your younger sister really at Sacred Heart Middle School?"

"The deviation value over there is very high, you know."

Natsume Chikage nodded.

"It's true."

Mizutani Ayako raised her eyebrows and laughed softly.

"Interesting."

"I wonder if there's a chance to see your sister today."

She suddenly turned her gaze to Kondo Miki, who was silently organizing files.

"Miki, I heard you and Natsume-kun are childhood sweethearts?"

"Does he look like his sister?"

Tsukishima Rin heard this, stopped what she was doing, and turned her head.

Curiosity shone in those gentle eyes.

She had never seen Natsume Chikage's sister.

Not even once.

Kondo Miki was stunned.

She didn't expect the topic to suddenly fall on her.

She raised her eyes, her gaze swept across Natsume Chikage's face, then quickly lowered, falling into thought.

"... If you ask if they look alike."

"There should... be some differences."

Tsukishima Rin tilted her head slightly.

"Some differences?"

Mizutani Ayako also showed a confused expression.

"Aren't they biological siblings?"

Natsume Chikage's fingertips tightened slightly.

Kondo Miki didn't notice.

She explained thoughtfully.

"To be precise... Natsume-kun looks more like his father."

"As for Ruri, she is a complete miniature version of her mother. Cut from the same mold."

Mizutani Ayako suddenly realized and nodded gently.

"So that's how it is."

Tsukishima Rin's brows and eyes unfolded, rippling with expectant smiles.

"If you put it that way, I want to see Ruri even more."

She turned to Natsume Chikage, her tone carrying a little joy.

"Natsume-kun, do you have a photo of your sister? Can I see it?"

Natsume Chikage exhaled gently, his expression relaxing a bit.

"I do."

He took out his phone and unlocked it.

Tsukishima Rin moved a step closer to him almost subconsciously.

Between shoulder and shoulder, there was less than a fist's distance left.

She turned her face slightly, her long hair falling down, her gaze falling on that small screen.

Mizutani Ayako also leaned over, the scent of a mature woman's perfume fading in the air.

One on the left, one on the right.

Kondo Miki stood in place. ===== CHAPTER 920 =====