Page 411
Page 411
This attempt to cover it up is so obvious, Ms. Yukinoshita! This woman's skin is already very fair, and her eyes are already quite large...
As for how the photo booth pictures will be photoshopped, to be honest, I'm quite interested... Even someone like Yuihama, who's always glued to Yukinoshita, probably wouldn't see what Yukinoshita looks like in a photo booth picture.
"Oh no, where's the photo? Xiaoxue... Ah! Let's take another one!"
"Next...next time..." Yukinoshita looked troubled.
The two seem to be getting closer and closer. Was it after the Christmas party...?
A lot happened during Christmas; it's more like "no pain, no gain," as their relationship grew stronger through solving problems together. Even in these ordinary days, that bond hasn't faded at all.
Yukino gently pushed Yui away from her, who was clinging to her, and casually stuffed the photo into Yui's bag. Then she looked at the ticket in my hand:
"This is……"
I held the ticket face up so she could see the movie title.
"That's really surprising... I thought you would watch one of those controversial films and then take the opportunity to criticize it to satisfy your own ego."
"Hey, don't put it so harshly. What kind of person do you think I am..." I sighed. "Just killing time."
Hachiman's personal tip: If you can't decide which movie to watch in the theater, choose the one with the higher production cost. At least that way, you won't feel like you've wasted your money on the ticket.
"Anything else..." I hesitated for a moment.
Yukinoshita raised her chin, urging me to continue.
"The movie I want to criticize isn't even released until next month," I added proudly.
"I'm really fed up with you..." Yukinoshita pressed her temples with her fingers, looking like she had a headache, and then let out a short, tired sigh.
Yuihama also saw the movie title: "Hey, Yuki, let's go see this movie!"
Yukinoshita was slightly surprised, then smiled faintly at Yuihama and said, "I don't really care... but aren't we going to buy something later?"
"Ah, oh, right..." Yuihama ruffled her bun hair, looking at Yukinoshita with a troubled expression.
Yukino simply smiled:
"That's fine too. We can look around first and then go sightseeing later."
"Really?" Yui Hama chuckled, like a scolded puppy suddenly being picked up and petted.
In contrast, the voice beneath the snow is warm and comforting:
"Oh really."
Yuihama happily let go of her hand and skipped towards the movie theater ticket counter.
"Come on, let's grab a spot in the middle!" Yui turned around and waved to us.
Although the three of us did activities together, chatted together, and shared wonderful memories in the Service Department, we've never strolled through the city together like this before, choosing a movie to watch together. It's truly a rare treat.
"They're here." Yukinoshita walked quickly forward.
Such an opportunity, such memories, must be irreplaceable.
Suddenly, Xue Xia stopped and said, half-seriously:
"But your seat is already assigned, so it looks like the three of us won't be able to sit together."
"Ah? Oh right..."
Yuihama grasped Yukinoshita's hand and quickly stepped onto the escalator.
I stood there, waiting for them to buy the tickets. I walked straight to the entrance and handed over the tickets I'd been holding for so long. The theater watched us quietly as we walked to our seats. For some reason, my heart was beating faster than usual. Was it because the film we were about to see was either a masterpiece or a notorious flop? Probably.
"Bye." Yui waved to me and walked to the seat next to Yukinoshita. Yukinoshita was holding a bucket of popcorn and a Coke bottle. As expected of a young lady from a wealthy family... her life is so refined.
I chose the last seat as usual. Um... anyone else here? Never mind, probably not. I was just asking casually. The theater was about 70% full. Even though it's the end of the year, quite a few people were still working overtime, so this high occupancy rate was unusual. The last few rows were almost empty, sparsely populated, like sparks randomly scattered from a furnace.
Why am I reluctant to sit with others? Even as a child, I was always searching for empty, untouched places, like long-forgotten paths or secluded woods. Sometimes, even after buying new stationery, I'd subconsciously look for old, broken, or discarded pens. But what good would finding them do? Is it because I'm inherently searching for something, or...?
The lights suddenly went out with a "bang," and the large screen began flashing its logo. The laughter of the two people sitting in front of me gradually subsided. But against the backdrop of the screen, the image of a swaying ball of hair and a long, slender strand of black hair dancing together became even more striking. Radiant and dazzling, it seemed to float back and forth unhurriedly amidst the intense background music. My heart began to race without me even realizing it, as if I were watching an opera with out-of-sync audio and visuals.
As for the movie... it seems to be...
Where exactly does the subtle lingering aroma of black tea linger?
The sudden brightness made me squint slightly, my left hand clenching tighter against my forehead. The crowd murmured towards the exit, yet remained orderly. Small groups chatted about their thoughts on the film. Laughter between friends and whispered conversations between lovers mingled together. Was the movie over already? I listlessly chewed on the tip of my straw, unsure whether to wait until the crowd thinned out or join the queue now.
Let's go. I squeezed the empty Coke can and exhaled a puff of white breath.
As I slowly walked into the lobby, I caught a glimpse of the two people standing next to the vending machine.
"Little Qi! Over here!"
Yui waved at me, standing on her tiptoes as if trying to grow taller. Ugh, so embarrassing… I lowered my eyes and quickly walked past, trying to avoid being seen. Oh no, Yui's skirt is too short; her thighs are about to be seen… I'd better look up.
As I walked over, a sudden hesitation struck me: What should I do next? I have absolutely no experience with what to do after watching a movie with a girl…
It was just a coincidence that we bumped into each other, but it doesn't feel right to just walk away. So, I'll say something... but what should I say?
Yuihama saw me approaching, nodded, smiled, and walked ahead to lead the way.
Stepping onto the street, the wind grew colder. But it was probably warm inside the movie theater. I unfolded my coat, put it on, buttoned it up, and walked towards the two people. Yuihama, gesturing wildly, said to Yukinoshita:
"That 'boom' explosion in the middle really startled me, it was amazing, right?"
...Huh? Yuihama uses all sorts of onomatopoeia when she's happy, and several times I didn't know what she was saying... Yukinoshita was different; she nodded gently.
How could you understand what she was saying?
From my angle, you two look incredibly like mother and daughter...
"Yeah, I was a little surprised myself... The special effects were really good, but I think the actors' performances also added a lot to the movie."
"Yes, yes, yes, the actor's acting was absolutely phenomenal, so cool!"
To be honest, this is the first time I've seen girls discuss a movie like this; their evaluations and feelings were all very fair. But what surprised me even more was that Yukinoshita actually seriously analyzed what was good about the film. I remember when Zaimokuza and I watched movies together, we always criticized each other for what was wrong with the film—sometimes the script, sometimes the music, sometimes the cinematography, but more often than not, we did… well, that's all. Readers should encourage creators more and try not to follow our example…
Yuihama and Yukinoshita walked ahead. I remember they were going somewhere later. Since I have something to do, I should go first.
Yuihama hopped down the stairs, then suddenly turned around and asked:
"Want to grab something to eat?"
The setting sun had only just begun to illuminate the clouds on the horizon; it was indeed a bit early for dinner. I'd only had a Coke, so I was a little hungry. The two of them had just eaten a bucket of popcorn, so they probably weren't in a hurry to eat anytime soon. Anyway, let's hear what Yukinoshita has to say first.
"Let's find a place to have a cup of tea...."
After thinking for a moment, Yukinoshita spoke.
Yui nodded, then turned to me: "Kihiro, is there anywhere you'd like to go?"
Where do I want to go...? Well, never mind. Last time Hayama took me out, I was laughed at for losing money...
"Never mind, I'll leave the choice to Yukinoshita." I looked at Yukinoshita.
The snow paused abruptly for a moment, her gaze shifting between me and Yuihama:
"No...anything is fine."
Don't do that, it's making me super embarrassed... Are you guys playing a threesome...? Never mind, I'll just tell you one randomly:
"It's quite close to Salia from here."
"Okay." Yuihama clenched her fist.
Huh? Salia can do that... What about Yukinoshita? She didn't say anything... Oh well, that's just how she is.
Ah... they laughed at me last time I lost money, let me double-check:
"Is it really possible?"
"Huh? Is that not allowed?" Yui looked at me with a blank expression.
"No...it's nothing. Salia's great, yeah. Salia's the best!"
Okay, all that's left is for Yukino to agree.
"Although your taste has always been questionable... I haven't been there myself, so I can't say anything without knowing." Yukinoshita calmly brushed a strand of hair from her shoulder.
Since there was no objection, let's assume it's agreed.
"This isn't a matter of taste. I did think about it seriously for a while, you know... You see, minors can't drink alcohol either..."
Yukinoshita placed her hand on her chin, thought for a moment, and slowly said, "If that's the case... I do have a place I'd like to go."
"Where? Where?" Yuihama suddenly brought her face close to Yukinoshita's.
Yukinoshita was startled, coughed, covered her face, and took a step back: "I just happened to see it when I was passing by... and was a little... interested."
"Then, shall we go?" Yuihama looked at me.
Why are you looking at me? You don't care what I care about.
"Okay."
Yukinoshita smiled slightly.
"Let's go."
Act Two
"Yuigahama-san, you'll lose your balance if you walk like that..."
Yukinoshita looked at Yuihama, who was holding her with one arm, with a slightly troubled expression. Well, that's how it was back in the Service Club.
But walking next to them was even more awkward! Being behind two beautiful girls glued together made me feel like some kind of weirdo… nobody around could see me, couldn’t see me, couldn’t see me, couldn’t see me…
Act III
Behind the station was a row of newly built apartments, grand and magnificent in European style. Yukinoshita also lives here. Her family said that everyone living here is a prominent person, and they're right.
The shopping street was nearby, and Xuezhi hurried towards a small corner.
"You even managed to find such a remote road..."
"It doesn't sound like a compliment, more like a compliment to Penguin."
She stared at me with a half-smile, and I thought to myself, "So you know you have no sense of direction..."
"Little Qi..." Yui Hama quietly tugged at my sleeve, as if urging me to apologize.
"No... well... um..."
I gave a slightly ingratiating smile, but Yukinoshita still looked at me with that same kind smile.
I vaguely remember this place because I ate here with my family once before. After eating there, I decided I'd come back to learn how to make delicious pasta. Unfortunately—before I could come back and formally become an apprentice, it moved to another location.
While thinking about all these random things, I followed the footsteps under the snow and walked forward.
"arrive."
"Ok?"
Looking up, one is greeted by dazzling festive lights, and decorations hanging on the walls resemble jewels under the night sky. The understated architecture resembles a tree that can be embraced, stretching across the dark earth.
The interior is decorated in vibrant colors. The round bar counter is painted with a bright sheen, and the potted plants along the floor-to-ceiling windows stand gracefully, revealing a gentle glow under the warm yellow light. Further inside are semi-circular soft sofas, adorned with various adorable cushions.
Yuihama was drawn to the window, craning her neck, her eyelashes trembling slightly:
"So beautiful..."
Yukinoshita nodded in agreement, then lightly stamped her foot. "Let's go in."
As soon as we entered, the waitresses at the door greeted us like VIPs and led us to an empty table in the middle. We left the two sofas against the wall to them; I'll just sit in the chair opposite.
The sky outside the window gradually turned a kaleidoscope of colors, and the winter sun finally shed its brilliance. Perhaps it was because the New Year was approaching, but there were quite a few families in the shop, though most were female office workers carrying briefcases, handling their business while sipping coffee. Besides them, there were also groups of female students. I usually wouldn't come to a shop like this alone… I find it hard to sit comfortably by myself in this atmosphere, and I guess Yukinoshita feels the same way.
Yukinoshita sat there, looking at the menu with Yui. They gave the impression of a mature woman sharing quirky trinket with an ordinary girl next door; both of them seemed much more relaxed than they had been at school.
"Oh, right," Yuihama said, as if she had seen something, and walked toward the bookshelf next to the exit. She returned a moment later.
"Job recruitment?" I looked at him with a hint of doubt.
"Ah."
"I understand... By the way, you used to watch this kind of stuff..."
"That's right..."
Yukino tilted her head and asked me, "What, you knew about this too?"
"Of course I know, this magazine is sold everywhere. I occasionally look at the job ads in it."
"Yes, I sometimes go and watch it too."
novel-bin