"Look, look, isn't that Yukinoshita-senpai, the second-year from our faculty?"
"Wow, a short-haired beauty! I always hated short hair on girls, thought only long-haired women were attractive, but with Yukinoshita-senpai, I have zero objections!"
...
Haruno's appearance did not cause chaos, but the first-year boys at Toru's table were clearly excited.
All the talk earlier about how Tokyo University girls were undesirable, calculating, and emotionless suddenly became irrelevant in front of a true beauty.
As long as a woman was pretty enough, her school did not matter. Men would still like and pursue her.
And if she was pretty enough, being a Tokyo University student became an advantage, making her seem even more refined.
Haruno was famous at Tokyo University.
Most beautiful women, though admired by men, were often excluded and envied by women.
But Haruno was different. Completely different from her sister. She could effortlessly maintain good relationships with both men and women.
Because of this, she was always surrounded by girls who admired her, laughing and chatting like a small entourage.
There were a lot of students in the cafeteria, but Haruno spotted Toru in an instant.
After thinking for a moment, she stepped forward, walked up to him, smiled brightly, and greeted him, "Fujiwara-kun, the Karate club has activities today, don't forget."
Seeing Haruno actually walk up and speak to Toru in person, the boys at the table all stared at him, their eyes full of curiosity and teasing.
Toru was calm under their gazes. He smiled and said, "Senpai, you could have just messaged me on Line. Why come tell me in person?"
Haruno smiled with a gentle older-sister aura. "I happened to see you. And since I personally recruited Fujiwara-kun into the club, I have to take good care of you."
Toru said helplessly, "Then I have to apologize. Something came up today, so I might not be able to attend the club activity."
"I'll definitely come next time."
Haruno paused for a moment, surprised that he was requesting leave so quickly. She smiled helplessly. "It isn't great to skip on your very first day."
"I can't help it. Something urgent came up."
"Then take care of your business. Club activities are optional anyway. Your own matters are more important."
Haruno was understanding and did not blame him.
"I'm really sorry. I'll definitely go next time. I'll treat you to bubble tea as an apology."
Toru smiled apologetically.
"Oh? A milk tea treat?"
Haruno tilted her head and observed him. He didn't look like he was trying to flatter her. He genuinely seemed to be apologizing. She smiled and said, "...Then I'll accept your apology, kohai."
"Oh right, I like lemon tea. Best without sugar. A bit sour is fine."
She was not shy about stating her preference, yet it did not feel rude at all. Instead, it felt like the two had grown closer.
This woman was truly skilled at social etiquette.
Toru took out his phone, wrote down her preference, and said, "Got it. I won't get the wrong one."
Seeing his serious reaction, Haruno smiled softly, waved, and said, "I'll go eat now. Let's talk when we have time."
Once Haruno left, the freshmen burst with excitement.
"Fujiwara, how did you hook up with Yukinoshita-senpai!"
"What do you mean hook up? That sounds awful. I just joined her club."
"Club? Oh right, that works too. Fujiwara, is it too late for us to join?"
"It shouldn't be, but I think Yukinoshita-senpai is hard to pursue. So many people join her club. The competition is insane. And it's Karate. Training is hard."
The boys nodded.
"Yeah, she's too difficult. And I'm not interested in other Tokyo University girls either. Instead of joining a club, I might as well go to other schools to look for girls."
Hearing them talk about women again, Toru laughed helplessly.
It wasn't that these first-year boys were all simps.
They were simply at an age where hormones were overflowing.
University was the time for youth and dating. Especially for students who made it into Tokyo University. They probably studied nonstop in high school with no chance to date.
Now that they finally had opportunities, of course they were eager.
Toru actually liked this youthful atmosphere. It felt much more comfortable than wandering in the dark world alone.
Who didn't long for sunlight? Who didn't dislike the darkness?
...
Beika Town, Tokyo. Mouri Detective Agency.
"I'm back."
Carrying his schoolbag after another painful day of elementary school life, Shinichi Kudo, or rather Conan Edogawa, forced a cheerful voice.
Since shrinking, he had lived mostly at Dr. Agasa's house, but he often came to the agency for information.
"Conan, you're here again? Did you tell Dr. Agasa?"
"I told him. I admire Uncle Mouri so much and want to learn detective skills from him."
Conan said in a childish voice that even he found painful.
Kogoro Mouri, sitting at a table full of beer bottles and reeking of alcohol, laughed proudly. "Kid, you're always welcome here! Uncle will teach you everything!"
"Hehe..."
Conan forced a smile.
If I really learned from you, I'd be doomed.
"Dad, stop drinking so much in front of Conan."
"Yeah yeah."
Kogoro ignored her.
Ran stood in front of the mirror, holding a few nice jackets and trying them on.
She wasn't vain, but she liked cute clothes. She was very restrained though, so she didn't own many casual outfits. She needed to pair them carefully.
Seeing this, Conan felt something was wrong.
In his childish voice he asked, "Ran-neechan, where are you going?"
Ran looked exactly like she was going on a date.
The thought made Conan panic.
"Mom called at noon. She asked me to have dinner with her tonight."
So it's Eri. That scared me. There's no way Ran would go on a date with someone else.
Conan sighed in relief inside.
He knew Ran's parents had been divorced for years, and she rarely got to see her mother. So Ran valued those moments a lot.
But then Ran continued.
"Mom also said she wants to introduce me to a very excellent boy, so she told me to dress nicely."
Conan instantly felt like he had fallen into an ice pit.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)