Her honesty explained why she didnt even blink when she answered like that in front of the national television. It got the better of her. For all I know, this girl got a good scolding from her manager or even her parents for doing so.

Still, she unhesitatingly chose to return to her hometown when asked to lay low. She also had this bit of unruly trait. Nonetheless, its not as much as Aois unruliness though. If that girl was in Yues shoes, she wouldnt agree with laying low. That girl might even entertain more interviews to reinforce her answer.

Thinking about it, I was somehow relieved that Aoi didnt try to become an actress or she would happily announce how shes in love with someone and theres no chance for any guy to change her mind.

Uh Shes not fit in that industry. I better keep her by myself instead. That way I could put a cork on her unruliness.

Anyway, hearing that answer from Yue, I was undoubtedly stumped.

Before that interview, I was fairly convinced that the girl already moved on from her past with me. However, I was utterly wrong with that presumption. Having this encounter with her and hearing whats on her mind as well as the way she acted all this time proved all that.

Shes the same as Haruko, Yae, and the other girls that I once stole and cut off.

Perhaps if she hadnt been discovered and blown up in popularity as a singer, I mightve seen her along with Yua and the others in that Home Economics Clubroom at their school.

Around fifteen minutes later, we arrived at her condominium. Its the type whose front door would only open for the tenants. There are also little to no employees stationed in the lobby. Theres a security guard but that one was placed outside the building, guarding the premises.

And due to that, Yue so easily brought me to her unit.

My original plan to only escort her right to the front door of the condominium had been scrapped by the girl. She held onto my arm tightly and dragged me inside.

Well, theres no need to blame her. I mean, if I was really that averse to coming with her, I could pull my arm and run away from her. But no, I let myself be dragged by her into this room.

From the lobby to the elevator and even the corridor leading to her unit, we didnt run into any other tenant or staff. There were CCTV cameras that surely caught us on tape but those were probably only for recording what was happening inside. Otherwise, someone would show up in front of us and stop us because of how suspicious the girl in disguise appeared.

Time was surely also another factor. Its half-past nine in the evening. Most people have already retired to their beds at this time.

As soon as we stepped inside her unit, Yue removed her absurd disguise starting from her bonnet. But when she arrived at the thick coat that she was wearing, Yue turned around to face me, stretched her arms to her side before smilingly asking me to do it for her.

With her face fully exposed to me now, I unknowingly entered into a trance as I got lost in staring at it. Shes still as pretty as I remembered her. And even though her hair already reached below her shoulders, most of her features were the same as what I recalled.

Her glittering pink eyes that somehow matched her hair, her beautiful nose and her rosy-pink lips. Now that I was this close to her again, the idea of holding her in my arms once again suddenly sprouted in my mind Fortunately or unfortunately, I managed to restrain myself from doing so.

At every second that passed, the girl who noticed what was happening to me had her lips gradually arched into her pretty smile. It was so pretty that I wouldnt blame her fans for being taken by it. If Sumire and her friend found out that I was now alone with their Goddess Asahi, those two would surely writhe in envy. No. Only Sumire might do that. But knowing how much they admire this girl, they would definitely ask me to take a photo that they would treasure for days or years to come.

Oh. Whats this? Is this your first time meeting a celebrity?

Perhaps noticing how I got lost in staring and admiring her, Yue teasingly asked. She even used a rather tempting voice, something she often used to me whenever she would like to get my attention back then.

Upon hearing that, it successfully pulled me out of my trance, I shook my head and played along with her, It sure is. Can I get your autograph?

Sure. Where do you want it? On your body? Can I use my mouth to write it?

Thats wild even for a very amiable celebrity, dont you think so?

Do you think I will offer it to anyone else? Only you will have that privilege.

Yue pointed her index finger at me and pressed it on my chest. Following that, she ran it around as if she was writing something. Her pretty smile then turned a little seductive, her tongue even peeked out of her mouth to wet her pink lips.

Naturally, I kept a straight face on that. I had more experience with seduction. Although I would always fall for it if my girls did that, its easy to resist the temptation.

Right Come here then, let me get you out of that hellish coat.

What if I told you Im naked beneath this? Yue stepped forward and leveled up her seduction by whispering that in my ears.

But all she got was another straight face and answer. I wont believe you. I dont remember you being an exhibitionist.

Come on, play along.

No. I flatly said which made the arc of her lips turn upside down. Regardless, thats still adorable. But I wouldnt tell her that or her head might explode from her overflowing excitement.

Cheapskate.

Ignoring her complaints, I began unbuttoning her coat. Its a winter coat and she secured it properly with the buttons and the belt straps attached to it.

While I was doing that, I played like a clueless guy at how her eyes were staring daggers at me. Most likely burning my face in her memory.

A while later, Yue said something that made me pause momentarily. Hey, Ruki. Do you know? I still love you.

Taking my eyes off the belt strap I was unlocking, I met her gaze and nodded, I know. Youre being too obvious about it.

Right. Seeing you and spending time with you again only reinforced that feeling I cant remain as a girl you stole I dont want that. I want to be your girlfriend

Youre a big celebrity now while I remain as a no-name high-school student. Were worlds apart. I broke away from those sincere eyes of hers and resumed what I was doing.

I couldnt let her see that I was moved by her words. I had changed a lot than the heartless boy that cut her off upon her confession. And honestly, I was just the same as her. In this brief time that I was with her, I realized how much I wanted to keep her by my side.

But that would just destroy everything she built for herself.

I can throw it all away if that means having a chance with you.

Dont say that. You have a bright future. Youre a rising star of our generation. Throwing all that away for someone like me is just wrong.

Someone like you? Ruki, youre more important than that. Dont you underestimate my feelings for you. Yue said in an exasperated tone. Following that, one of her hands slipped to the back of my neck, pulling my head down.

And without wasting any second, the girl leaned her forward and tiptoed, pushing her face closer to mine.

Of course, I could reflexively back away and push her back but seeing her face and lips approaching me, I found myself welcoming it with a smile.

I was a fool.

You always are.

I said and she answered.

A second later, our lips met and we instantly went into our own world. At the same time as that, her thick coat that I finished unlocking dropped down to the floor.. With my hands freed, they naturally slipped to her back, holding her tightly in my embrace.