"...I have a feeling that something's on your mind today."
Chisato had left Yukino's apartment and was on his way home.
Utaha was lying sideways on the sofa, facing the television screen that was playing a comedy variety show, her head resting on his lap.
Their usual positions had changed slightly, but this only happened during the days when she had stomach pain. Afterward, things would return to normal.
Looking down at Utaha, Chisato sighed inwardly at how sharp she still was.
Previously, just because he had stayed a little longer with Haruno in the elevator, she had noticed the unfamiliar scent on him and deduced what had happened.
With such an intelligent and logical mind, she should probably quit writing romantic light novels and become a full-time detective instead.
"Yeah, there's something on my mind, but it's nothing serious. I can handle it myself."
Chisato gently stroked Utaha's head, acknowledging her concern but not intending to elaborate.
He was aware that what happened with Yukino might have had something to do with him.
However, he couldn't quite grasp the details himself, so he had no way of explaining it to anyone else.
Utaha caught the underlying meaning in his words.
She wasn't the type of woman to hound her partner for answers when he wanted to keep something to himself. Instead, she casually teased him with a playful remark.
"I see... Alright, then. Do as you please, as long as you don't end up bringing another girl home after fooling around outside and expect me and Eriri to accept her."
"What are you even talking about...? Something like that could never happen."
"I wasn't specifically referring to you. It's just that men are fundamentally wired for reproduction at all times. It's hard to have complete peace of mind."
Utaha spoke in a calm tone, her gaze still fixed on the television screen.
She didn't even bother to glance at Chisato's expression, maintaining an air of absolute composure as if she truly believed in what she was saying.
"..."
Chisato was silent for a moment before letting out a helpless laugh. His hand, which had been stroking her head, moved to her face instead, gently squeezing her cheeks.
"What do you take me for? Constantly driven by the urge to reproduce? Do you think I'm some kind of mindless animal?
Have you been watching too many nature documentaries lately?"
"Mmm... Stop pinching my face. This is wisdom passed down through generations in various literary works and films.
I'm simply stating what history has taught us. Besides... you've been quite popular lately, haven't you?"
Utaha pried his hand away, slightly raised her head to fix her hair, and then adjusted her position on his lap to find a more comfortable spot before lying down again.
Chisato frowned in confusion.
"Popular...? What do you mean?"
Utaha glanced up at him with a teasing smirk, her voice tinged with jealousy.
"What else? That music festival. Your performance on stage gained you a lot of fans.
Even though your LINE account is temporarily unsearchable, people still find ways to express their admiration for you. The same goes for school.
And don't forget that time at the supermarket. Not to mention those crazed 'mom fans' of yours online."
"You're upset over something like that?"
Seeing Utaha's somewhat disgruntled expression, Chisato couldn't help but laugh again.
What had been happening at school lately was beyond his control.
Every time he opened his shoe locker, countless love letters would spill out like something straight out of a shoujo manga.
Since Utaha didn't attend the same school as him, she had likely heard about this from Hitori, that adorable little informant.
The two of them followed each other on social media and, while they didn't interact frequently, they still kept in touch.
As for the internet, that was even more chaotic. The online world was filled with all sorts of people, and Chisato didn't see the need to pay attention to those who merely talked big.
After a while, the hype would naturally die down.
Regarding the supermarket incident, that had happened a few evenings ago.
Since Chisato didn't have to go to the music studio for a few days, he went straight home and accompanied Utaha to the supermarket to buy vegetables and fruits.
That was when a group of female university students recognized him. They were probably among the "crazy fans" Utaha had mentioned.
The moment they saw him, they excitedly swarmed around, asking for photos and contact details.
Utaha, standing beside him at the time, had a dark expression, her gaze radiating hostility.
The intense aura she emitted must have been quite terrifying, because the university students soon noticed her presence.
Realizing the situation, they quickly took a group photo as a "consolation prize" and left in a hurry.
Chisato thought they had shown decent restraint, but he hadn't expected Utaha to still be brooding over it days later.
Somehow... the thought left him with mixed feelings. But at the same time, he felt a bit happy.
Playing with a strand of her hair, Chisato chuckled.
"Utaha, you know I have no interest in those girls. I'm not some animal in heat that goes after anything female."
"Who knows? I just hope you remember what you said today."
Utaha let out a small sigh, as if she wasn't completely convinced.
"You're really underestimating me..."
"Well, considering your impressive track record, it's hard to trust you completely."
"Don't make me sound like a criminal. Looks like I'll just have to prove myself through my actions from now on."
"Mm, good luck with that."
Utaha shifted her position, turning to face upward as she reached out to pat Chisato's head.
Chisato, in turn, accepted her gesture with a humble expression, as if he had just received valuable guidance.
"Yes, I will reflect on my actions and strive to be a better person."
"Idiot."
A small smile finally appeared on Utaha's lips.
The two of them enjoyed this peaceful and quiet moment together.
By the time it was past eleven at night, both had finished washing up.
Chisato leaned against the headboard, chatting on his phone with the members of "End Band."
Regarding the music festival, there was going to be a more formal award ceremony. Attendance wasn't mandatory, and it wouldn't affect the award or prize money.
However, the ceremony was set to be held at a high-end hotel, with a self-service buffet and plenty of journalists.
The entire event would also be live-streamed online. This was both an honor and an opportunity for exposure, which was beneficial for "End Band."
Since they were serious about pursuing music as a career, Chisato suggested that, if they had time, they should attend.
It would be a good chance to familiarize themselves with such events, as they would likely encounter many more in the future.
As for himself, he decided not to go. Being in the spotlight didn't suit him, and it had already caused him enough trouble.
Not to mention, the flood of love letters and bold confessions at school had already been giving him a headache.
Kazusa had been furious for days because of it.
On the day of the festival, stepping onto the stage had been a last-minute emergency decision.
Now that the situation wasn't as urgent, he preferred to stay behind the scenes, quietly working toward success—just as he had always intended.
On his phone screen, the band members expressed some disappointment but ultimately agreed with his reasoning and decided to follow his suggestion.
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