Kuzeha and Sakura were on their way home.
Her waterfall-like blue hair danced in the evening breeze, and her skirt hem was gently lifted by the wind.
Sakura wore the ordinary school uniform with a distinctive grace!
The two walked side by side.
To accommodate Sakura's pace, Kuzeha deliberately slowed down his walking frequency.
This scene had played out countless times under the setting sun.
But today was somewhat different.
Kuzeha could occasionally feel Sakura's gaze stealing glances at him through concealed looks.
In those usually gentle eyes, there was now an added sweetness that could melt one's heart!
This was exactly like Suou Yuki and Kasugano Sora!
"This little girl seems to be gradually awakening..."
After all, with such a handsome and dashing older brother by her side, it was only natural that she couldn't be interested in other men.
From birth, Sakura had only been seen as a bargaining chip for the family to exchange benefits!
Although Tohsaka Rin treated her quite well, it ultimately couldn't compare to Tokiomi's indifference.
In such an environment, Sakura's disposition naturally became more independent and strong than her peers!
Kuzeha shook his head helplessly with a smile, unsure whether to call it early maturity or late blooming.
At the street corner outside the orphanage.
Nino Nakano was once again immersed in the familiar yet strange memories of the past.
Most of the childhood scenery had become blurred, but only the fragments with Kuzeha would never fade in the girl's heart!
She gripped the jade gourd tightly in her hand!
Whenever she encountered troubling matters or felt great pressure, Nino would hold it in her palm!
This way, she felt that little boy was always with her.
"Was I too domineering last time?"
"Obviously, we haven't seen each other for ten years, yet now I'm disrupting his normal life..."
"Perhaps he's already forgotten about me?"
But the longing in her heart kept knocking on her heart's door.
"Nino, what are you doing?"
A gentle voice came from behind, identical to the one in her memories.
Only the once childlike tone had now matured and become magnetic.
Nino hurriedly turned around, immediately becoming flustered, her face painted with a layer of crimson!
"Ku-Kuze-kun? And Sakura-san?!"
"Did Ichika's makeup technique get exposed so quickly?"
Ichika, who worked as a model, was most proficient in various styles of dress-up.
With clothing and appearance, she could even make people around her unable to recognize who she was!
However, Nino obviously hadn't learned the essence of the technique yet.
She had only removed her signature butterfly hair clip and put on large sunglasses.
Moreover, hiding sneakily behind a telephone pole actually made her more conspicuous!
"Azriel, Nino isn't a dangerous person, put away your vigilance."
"Yes, Master!"
A brilliant light flashed across the high sky, like a shooting star!
That was Azriel's wings - she was currently patrolling at high altitude!
With Azriel around, the safety around the orphanage could be guaranteed.
"I'll go back and cook first, Kuze-nii..."
After seeing Nino, Sakura was first slightly stunned.
The atmosphere at the scene was very delicate, and she quickly understood that Nino had come to make a second confession!
Before Kuzeha could respond, she quickly left the scene.
But the girl's heart was filled with self-blame at this moment!
"Are you running away again?"
"Obviously, the adopted sister who spent the most school life with Kuze-nii is you!"
"Kuze-nii has always loved the dishes you make the most!"
Sakura had previously only considered this familial love.
But judging from Sora, familial love and romantic love weren't mutually exclusive!
She also understood why her heart had inexplicably tightened when she saw the intimacy between Kasugano Sora, Suou Yuki, and Kuzeha.
If she didn't act soon, he would really be taken away by others!
Nino took a deep breath.
She gazed seriously into Kuzeha's eyes, her lovely face reflecting the sunset glow.
"Last time I said I would bring all the items that hold our memories..."
"They're all here!"
Nino took off the backpack from behind her, which looked quite heavy.
Her delicate hands trembled with nervousness!
She tried to open the zipper several times before finally succeeding.
Inside were many items that were clearly old.
However, except for some photos that had yellowed slightly, everything else had definitely been carefully preserved.
There wasn't even dust or scratches!
"This is our childhood photo together. Look, your features are exactly the same as back then!"
"And this, the building block toy you gave me - I've always treasured it!"
"You haven't forgotten this jade gourd, have you?"
The originally anxious Nino fell into reminiscence.
Her cherry lips curved into a smile as her eyes became tender, and her thoughts actually calmed down.
Kuzeha also looked at her gently, listening to her share.
"Kuze-kun, I don't dare to force your response."
"After all, look, I'm quite strong-willed now - I don't know if I'm the type you like."
"However, if there's only one girl in the entire world who would follow you consistently, that would definitely be me!"
"I like you, I like you, I like you!"
"I've already said I like you before, but let me say it as many times as you want!"
"I'll never get tired of saying it in this lifetime!"