Chapter 531: Chapter 356: Striving for the Bridal Chamber
...
"Sakura... what’s wrong...?"
Hearing the soft inquiry beside him, Uesugi Sakura, lost in thought, shook his head and mumbled to the lean pork congee in front of him:
"Nothing, just thinking breakfast is really good."
"It’s quite ordinary." Hanamaru Hanabi looked at him with some concern.
"Ordinary," Uesugi Sakura shook his head, savoring the word in his mind, and then continued, "No, not ordinary."
He suddenly turned his head, seized the moment when sunlight scattered on his face, and smiled:
"If I could have food this good every day, I’d be content."
"Sakura is acting weird..."
"This is breakfast that brings happiness, a sign of liking you, liking you."
Uesugi Sakura smiled, emphasizing the last "liking you."
Being told someone likes you is a wonderful feeling, and Hanamaru Hanabi was the kind of girl who felt happy inside with even a little praise.
But unfortunately, she rarely showed this happiness.
"...As long as Sakura enjoys it..."
But...
Uesugi Sakura could see she was happy, as her chopsticks fumbled awkwardly in the congee.
Having breakfast in the morning is often the warmest moment, with the steam from the food mixing with the morning air, making it feel especially refreshing.
Uesugi Sakura just took a bite of pickle with the congee when he noticed an extra piece of bacon wrapped in lettuce in his bowl.
He turned his head, seeing Hanamaru Hanabi shyly eating her breakfast.
Looking back at the bowl, the tiny piece was full of the girl’s delicate patience and thoughtfulness.
She learned this from her mother.
As for the taste, it need not be mentioned.
Uesugi Sakura picked it up with chopsticks, savoring it in his mouth.
Across from him, Aei sat on the chair, her little legs swinging restlessly.
"Sister Hanabi is really good to brother."
Indeed, very good.
Uesugi Sakura ate the bacon wrap, with a sweet honey taste lingering at his lips.
He smiled again and said:
"In a few days, there’ll be a fireworks festival by the Sumida River, where Sister Hanabi will dance at the festival. Aei and Chiaei, remember to cheer her on."
"Okay~"
At the entrance,
The two walked down the street as usual.
Hanamaru Hanabi walked beside him, her round-toed little leather shoes light and lively. She glanced at his face and quickly buried her own face, took a step to the left, and reached out her index finger to hook his hand.
Uesugi Sakura also turned to look at her.
She’s pretty proactive today.
Yesterday, she said she needed to reflect on herself, shouldn’t be a naughty Hanabi, and would sleep apart for a few days.
But just one night later, back to her old self.
Uesugi Sakura also naturally held her cool little hand.
"Why is your hand so cold?"
"I don’t know... but if Sakura holds it, it’ll warm up quickly."
She’s very shy, and such words aren’t easy for her to say, but she did, just very softly.
"Then no worries."
Uesugi Sakura leaned his face closer to her, trying to speak slowly, making her feel more secure.
Apparently, it was quite effective, as her little hand didn’t resist, allowing him to hold it.
"Walking like this beside Sakura, I feel there’s nothing to be afraid of."
"And now?"
"I still like it, having Sakura is nice."
"How nice?"
"Just nice."
"Doesn’t this mean Hanabi plans to stick to me for life?"
Uesugi Sakura asked with a smile, standing with her under the train station platform.
In the past during school, they often stood like this, but back then, she held her shoulder bag with both hands, standing beside him, very well-behaved.
Now, Hanamaru Hanabi held his hand, slyly hiding at the edge of the platform, not wanting others to see.
She squeezed his hand, looked up at his profile, and asked:
"Sakura, didn’t you promise in elementary school that you’d marry Hanabi?"
"Those were just words to please a child, you believed them?"
Hanamaru Hanabi tightened her grip on his hand: "If Sakura doesn’t agree, Hanabi will cling to Sakura forever."
The train arrived, a gust of wind blowing.
Hanamaru Hanabi’s short hair lifted, swaying gently over her pretty, delicate face.
This slight expression, flushed, seemed like she had gathered the courage to say that last sentence.
So cute.
Uesugi Sakura thought to himself, turned his head to the girl half a head shorter than him, smiled, and said:
"Cling on, it’ll help me remember you forever."
"Then Sakura should marry Hanabi."
"Of course, I’ll hold you close, walking together always."
"Okay..."
Uesugi Sakura and Hanamaru Hanabi got on the train together.
They held onto the handrail, as the broadcast voice came on, and the train doors slowly closed.
As they closed, the last glimpse was of the girl’s shy hand holding the other’s.
The train began to move forward, gently swaying.
"Sakura is really nice..."
"Why say that all of a sudden?"
Even though no one else on the train could hear her, Uesugi Sakura clearly heard her soft words.
Hanamaru Hanabi didn’t answer his question, she just softly murmured to herself:
"This year’s fireworks festival, Sakura must spend it with Hanabi, it’s a promise."
"Don’t worry, I remember."
"Sakura, remember you must come..."
From her voice, Uesugi Sakura heard a "request," and instinctively nodded in agreement:
"Of course. With such an invite from Hanabi, are you preparing a gift?"
"No... does Sakura want one?"
"Of course, but I’d rather make you happy... hmm... how about this? I’ll prepare a gift for you too, and we won’t let each other know. On the day of the fireworks festival, we’ll watch the fireworks and then give it to each other, how’s that sound?"