CHAPTER 458: CHAPTER 321: CAN YOU... BUY ME A CUP OF COFFEE? - PART 2

After listening to what he said, Hanamaru Hanabi instinctively gripped the diamond ring on her left hand tighter.

Sekine Sagara then smiled and said, "Hanamaru, don’t you know about this?"

"I know..."

"Haha, that’s right then. So, us having a chat as classmates is fine, after all, love shouldn’t restrict one’s freedom in life, right, Hanamaru?"

Hanamaru Hanabi didn’t want to discuss this further and just said softly, "Sekine, let’s talk about the matter at hand."

With her reminder, Sekine Sagara immediately smiled and said, "Look at me, I almost forgot. When Sasakawa came looking for you this morning, did he mention those coercive intentions again? I understand he would speak in a subtle way, saying it’s for your own good, but personally, I completely dislike that kind of forced intention to change. This engagement was entirely my mother’s own decision, I absolutely have no intention of troubling you, Hanamaru."

"So, I particularly told my mother there’s no need for a marriage alliance. Helping the Sasakawa Hotel is beneficial for us too. It’s a good place, worth investing in without loss, and cooperation follows profit, no alliance is needed to strengthen the bond between families."

"I came to let you know there’s no need to feel pressured about this. After I spoke to my mother, your uncle shouldn’t come find you frequently anymore."

Upon hearing this, Hanamaru Hanabi thought a lot.

She was happy with the relief of pressure from the Hanamaru family.

Though her uncle and aunt couldn’t completely interfere with her choices, she also didn’t want to estrange her father’s relationship with them.

After all, they’re family.

Since that arsonist at the hotel was caught, he confessed honestly. The reason was that Hanamaru Hiroki caught him once before, and after being released from prison, he felt annoyed and developed a vengeful idea.

Not sure where he got the information, he thought the hotel belonged to Hanamaru Hiroki and acted on impulse by setting the fire.

In essence, because of her father, the industry of her uncle was at risk of collapse.

Hanamaru Hanabi didn’t want to strain everyone’s relationships further, but neither did she want to agree to cancel the engagement to Uesugi Sakura.

By what Sekine Sagara said, her conflict with her uncle eased.

"Is that okay?" Hanamaru Hanabi stood on the balcony of the cafe, as the breeze blew. The sunlight of the blue sky, and the flowers and plants adorned by the shop highlighted her beauty.

Sekine Sagara paused for a moment, then smiled:

"Of course, Hanamaru, don’t worry, I’m not the kind to take advantage of others’ misfortune. I have no difficult conditions for you, you see—"

He pointed to the menu of the cafe.

"Just buy me a cup of coffee and that’ll do."

——————

Inside the cafe of the art gallery.

Kitagawa Sakisa in a black dress glanced at the balcony, then turned and asked Kyujuu Rika, "What do you think Sekine called Hanabi out for?"

"I don’t know, I’m not sure."

"Then it can’t be anything good! I know very well, that guy is just a playboy!"

Ayaka Rie: "Sakisa, you always say Sekine is a playboy, but Youna (classmate) and the others say he’s a man of good character, and I haven’t heard of him having a girlfriend at school."

"Hmph," Kitagawa Sakisa scoffed, crossing her arms, "He’s just pretending, that guy is rich."

Kyujuu Rika knocked on her head, "Having money doesn’t necessarily make someone a villain."

"Ouch! Rika, what do you mean, siding with Sekine? He used to often send gifts to pursue Hanabi, like branded items, cosmetics, famous paintings... Ugh, the more I think about it, the more annoying it is!"

Kyujuu Rika held the spoon in her coffee cup with her right hand, "I’m just stating the facts, not siding with him. Besides, don’t you have money? Are you a villain then?"

"Me? Of course not! I love Hanabi dearly, and she loves me too."

Ayaka Rie looked at her small expression, chuckled, and shook her head, then noticed Hanamaru Hanabi and Sekine Sagara coming back from the balcony.

——————

"Since its establishment, Japan Tokyo Art University has a history of more than 110 years. In the art gallery at the university, there are collections as educational materials, mainly with students’ graduation works and also including national-level artworks, totaling about 44,000 pieces...."

Uesugi Sakura, as a volunteer, recited the introduction he memorized not long ago in front of the children at the art gallery.

His image and voice were good, making all the children welcome this big brother.

Of course, except for the little boys, who resented him because of the cute confessions from the little girls earlier.

After reciting these, the teachers gradually took the children into the art gallery, and seeing them with small yellow hats and water bottles around their waists walking inside, Uesugi Sakura felt more at ease.

Those little boys, to spite him, ran all over the place along the way, just not wanting him to relax.

Once in the art gallery, he finally felt at ease.

"Uesugi, when did you memorize the introduction?" Todaka Keichiro beside him asked.

"An hour ago."

"That introduction is at least 600 words, your memory is quite good."

"Not bad, not bad," Uesugi Sakura patted his shoulder, "The kids need a tour guide later, I’ll leave that to you."

Todaka Keichiro glanced at him, "Then what are you going to do?"

Uesugi Sakura’s finger landed on the sign of "Tokyo Art University’s Art Gallery":

"Do you see those words at the front?"

Todaka Keichiro followed the direction of his finger and read, "Tokyo Art University... Ah, alright, you’re looking for your wife, right?"

In his words, there was already a hint of grievance.

Uesugi Sakura laughed and said to him, "Thanks a lot."

Todaka Keichiro spread his hands helplessly, "Oh well, who said I’m such a good person."

The Art Gallery of Tokyo Art University is located near Ueno Park, which is also known as the "treasure trove of historical sites and cultural properties." This area is full of greenery, lacking the noise and stuffiness of city streets.

Uesugi Sakura wasn’t going to look for Hanamaru Hanabi, not knowing if she’s there; the real reason he wanted to slack off was that he needed a coffee break to refresh himself. Walking all day hadn’t tired him physically, but the sun’s intense rays made him mentally weary.

Walking into the hall, the two-story height was bright and spacious.

The kids were nearby, but he was off-duty, leaving the tour guide job to Todaka.

The art here wasn’t as straightforward as illustrations, and Uesugi Sakura wasn’t in the mood to appreciate it. He found out on his phone that there was a cafe here, and wandering around the museum, he discovered the spot.

The cafe was a niche place, offering ambience and mood.

However, as soon as he walked in, he saw a familiar figure walking out.

Sekine Sagara noticed him too but just nodded with a smile and left first.

Uesugi Sakura directly ignored him and walked into the cafe.

When he reached the counter, he indeed found Hanamaru Hanabi and Kitagawa Sakisa there and went forward to greet them.

"I was just talking about that guy—eh, Uesugi?" Kitagawa Sakisa looked up and down at Uesugi Sakura’s outfit, "Were you volunteering?"

"Yeah, as you can see, mainly to experience life."

Uesugi Sakura smiled at Hanamaru Hanabi, and she, understanding, ordered him a black coffee.

After the coffee was ready, the three of them sat by the window together.

"Why did you come, Sakura?" Hanamaru Hanabi asked.

"I missed you, so I came to see you."

Hanamaru Hanabi was shy, since her friends were all there, embarrassed now and might be teased about it later.

Kitagawa Sakisa was rather affected by the mushy words, and after collecting herself, asked:

"Uesugi, do you know who was just here?"

"Yes, Sekine Sagara." Uesugi Sakura stirred his coffee, showing no expression.

"So, you knew, aren’t you worried?"

"Worried? Why worry about him? Worrying about him is meaningless, anyway, what can he do?"