Chapter 457: A Morning with Minos!
Time quietly slipped by, and in the blink of an eye, over a month had passed.
Late March—
Influenced by a strong warm air mass, Tokyo's temperature suddenly rose. The cherry blossoms lining the roads bloomed in unison, and overnight, the branches were adorned with pink and white cherry blossoms.
Ryohei was summoned here last May. At that time, the cherry blossom season had long passed, leaving only dense green leaves on the branches.
He had always looked forward to the dreamlike scene often seen in anime: a gentle breeze blows by, and pink and white cherry blossom petals detach from the branches, dancing wildly in the sky.
Now, finding himself right in the middle of it and experiencing it personally, he felt even more amazed, unable to help but space out for a moment!
"Wuaah—! So pretty!"
An exclamation of awe rang out on the sparsely populated morning street.
Wearing a white sports tank top paired with red athletic shorts and stepping in white canvas shoes, Minos slowed her pace, fell in beside Ryohei, turned her face to look at him, and said with a brilliant smile:
"Ryohei-kun, did you suddenly invite me for a morning run because the cherry blossoms have bloomed?"
"Mn, this scenery is amazing, right?" Ryohei responded with a smile.
He always paid attention to the weather forecast. Noticing that a strong warm air mass was entering Tokyo, he guessed the cherry blossoms were about to bloom (it seemed to be around this time in previous years too), so he invited Minos out for a morning run after a long while.
It just so happened that there was a road lined with cherry blossom trees near the luxurious villa area in Meguro Ward—
Going for a morning run under the cherry blossom trees at this moment, the experience was simply too good!
"Super amazing—!"
Minos's voice was crisp, not hiding her inner joy in the slightest: "This scenery is too beautiful! It makes one feel completely relaxed and happy; even my footsteps have become lighter!"
"Plus, having Ryohei-kun accompanying me, I'm very happy~."
Hearing the last sentence, Ryohei suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.
Recently, although they saw each other every day and occasionally had intimate interactions, it was only just that. Ryohei hadn't specifically spent time with Minos or gone on dates with her.
Feeling a bit ashamed, he said to Minos: "For the next few days, if it doesn't rain, let's continue our morning runs."
"Mn, okay!"
Minos agreed happily and slightly quickened her pace to continue leading the run from the front.
The morning light pierced through the gaps in the cherry blossoms, casting fragmented light spots on Minos's body.
Her white sports tank top rose and fell gently with the rhythm of her jogging, and her red athletic shorts looked exceptionally bright and beautiful in the spring morning.
Ryohei's gaze fell on Minos's perky rear—looking at those fair, well-rounded long legs, and that silver-white cow tail swinging back and forth...
He was getting a little tempted!
Ryohei had always felt that Minos in motion was very charming!
"Wuaah—! Honestly!"
Minos suddenly let out a kitten-like cry, slowed her pace again, fell in beside Ryohei, and chided playfully:
"Ryohei-kun, you've been staring at my butt, thighs, and tail this whole time, haven't you? It's making me feel super awkward; I can't even run properly!"
"Mn? Do you have evidence?"
The corners of Ryohei's lips curled up slightly. Not only did he not admit it, but he also turned the tables: "No evidence means slander, you'll have to accept a punishment."
Minos widened her ruby-like beautiful eyes in somewhat disbelief, as if laughing out of exasperation. Then, with a serious expression, she played along:
"I felt it! You know my perception has always been very sharp."
"Sorry, that cannot be used as evidence."
'Judge Ryohei' dismissed it on the spot and then asked: "Is there any other evidence?"
"...Then definitely not; I don't have a camera installed on my back either."
"Very well, the charge of slander is established!" Ryohei pondered pretentiously: "Let me think, how should I punish you?"
Before his voice even faded, he was playfully punched by a pouting Minos.
If this were in an adult anime, the bathroom or the park could very well become the battlefield next.
However, Ryohei wasn't that wild. He pulled Minos along to get a hotel room.
It just so happened to be the weekend today, so there was no need to go to work.
Yurine had also returned to her family's home...
...
Overall, the experience of getting a room wasn't as good as their own gym at home. But it won out in terms of excellent privacy; they didn't have to worry about anyone suddenly pushing the door open and walking in.
Ryohei and Minos had quite a pleasant time playing.
Afterwards, the two took a shower together. By the time they left the bathroom, it was already past nine o'clock.
Minos took her clothes from Ryohei's hands. While putting them on, she smiled and said: "Ryohei-kun, I'm hungry."
"Mn, me too a little bit."
Ryohei said casually while getting dressed: "Later, let's go to the convenience store and buy some onigiri or meat buns. I'll make you something delicious for lunch."
By the time they got home and finished cooking, it would be ten o'clock at the earliest. It was better to pad their stomachs first and have a good meal at noon.
"Sure."
Minos wasn't disappointed either. She tilted her head, thought for a moment, and said: "I want to eat the 'Charcoal-Grilled Red Salmon Hand-Rolled Onigiri' from the 7-Eleven convenience store."
This was quite a popular onigiri recently.
Elma had bought it to eat as a snack, felt it was delicious, and heavily recommended it to everyone.
After being recommended by her, Minos went to buy it, tasted it, and then fell in love with it.
"If they have it, I'll buy it for you."
Ryohei pulled up his pants and said dotingly.
After finishing getting dressed, they checked around. Confirming that nothing was left behind, Ryohei took Minos downstairs to check out of the room.
And then headed to the nearest 7-Eleven convenience store.
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