354: Alone When the Elevator Stops

"...We sincerely apologize. We have already dispatched a team to investigate the issue, and the elevator should resume operation shortly."

"Wait a minute, how long is 'shortly'?"

"We will try to resolve the problem within thirty minutes. Please remain calm and wait for the rescue."

"I understand."

"..."

After using the emergency contact button to communicate with the elevator management, the conversation was temporarily over.

But the situation itself had not changed—Chisato was still stuck in this cramped space with Haruno.

The staff hadn't explained the exact cause of the malfunction, nor had they given a precise rescue time.

That said, there was no need to worry about some catastrophic movie-like scenario where the elevator loses traction and plummets from a great height.

After all, in addition to the steel cables, there were buffers and safety brakes. 

Even if one part failed, the other systems would still provide protection. There was no need to be overly anxious—just wait patiently for the rescue.

Still, though…

Chisato turned to look at Haruno.

This was an awful situation. He had been moments away from reaching home, only to end up trapped with her at the last step. This joke wasn't funny at all.

"You really are a kind person, Chisato."

Haruno met his gaze and suddenly said something completely unexpected.

Chisato was caught off guard. As he showed his confusion, she raised a finger and explained,

"Because when the elevator suddenly stopped and shook just now, your first reaction was to turn around and check if I was okay. I could feel your concern."

She flashed a bright, cheerful smile, but the way she gently placed her hand on her chest made the gesture look incredibly seductive.

Chisato averted his gaze and pretended to stretch his shoulders.

"It's nothing. Anyone in that situation would have reacted the same way."

"With family, maybe. But if it were someone they weren't close to, wouldn't most people instinctively prioritize their own safety first?"

So, you do realize we're not that close…

Chisato silently complained.

"…But your reaction just now completely went against that common sense. Honestly, if I didn't have such strong self-control, I might have fallen for you at that moment. That was a close one."

Haruno's laughter grew even more delighted. Maybe the alcohol in her system was affecting her, making her more talkative and even livelier than before.

"I think I finally understand why you always have so many girls around you."

So it came back to this topic after all.

Chisato suspected that Haruno's curiosity about him stemmed largely from this very reason.

But he didn't want to discuss it, so he deliberately changed the subject.

"You don't seem scared at all."

"Hmm? Scared? Of what?"

"The elevator malfunctioning, potential danger… or being stuck in a small space with a man you barely know." 

"If he had any bad intentions, you wouldn't even have a chance to escape."

Chisato spoke seriously, but all he got in response was Haruno blinking at him in amusement before lowering her head, shoulders shaking as she let out a barely suppressed chuckle.

"Pfft… Haha! The first concern might be a slight possibility, but the second? Not at all."

"And why is that?"

"Because from the very start, you've clearly been trying to avoid interacting with me. You obviously see me as trouble, and no one would willingly involve themselves with trouble."

"..."

If you know that, then stop getting so close to me!

"Besides," she continued, "even though I look like just a delicate woman who doesn't put up much defense, I'm actually quite capable. I studied Aikido for a while."

She lightly clenched her fist and struck a stance that looked vaguely impressive, though not particularly intimidating.

Still, Chisato had a feeling she wasn't bluffing—there was no reason for her to lie about something like that.

"Oh, and my younger sister learned Aikido too. But she was so physically weak that I used to completely overwhelm her during practice. Thanks to her, I managed to relieve a lot of stress."

Yeah… He can totally picture that. Poor little sister.

"Anyway, we have no idea when the elevator will start working again. Let's not dwell on depressing topics. Come sit over here—we can chat to pass the time."

Haruno leaned back against the elevator wall and patted the spot beside her, clearly inviting him to sit next to her.

This was a high-end apartment building, so the elevators were cleaned regularly. The floor wasn't particularly dirty, so sitting down wouldn't be an issue.

But the real problem was sitting beside Haruno.

In this confined space.

With no escape.

And considering she had been drinking…

Chisato eventually sat down—but across from her, maintaining a clear distance.

Haruno pouted in dissatisfaction, looking thoroughly unimpressed. She sighed, as if she had lost interest entirely.

"You're still being so cautious around me. Honestly, Chisato, you should show more of your true nature. I wouldn't mind."

"And what exactly do you think my true nature is?"

Haruno idly played with her fingers and replied lazily,

"Well… Considering how many girls you have ambiguous relationships with, I'd say you're definitely a flirt."

She grinned mischievously before continuing,

"But at the same time, for so many girls to willingly stay by your side, even knowing you might be deceiving them a little… that means you must have a certain charm." 

"You make people let their guard down and naturally like you."

Her tone became more teasing.

"Of course, that's just my personal opinion. What's actually true? Only you would know. But don't get mad just because I spoke my mind, okay?" 

"Oh, but Chisato isn't the kind of guy to be that petty, right? I must be overthinking it."

You've already said everything—what am I supposed to say now?

Chisato shook his head slightly. Whether it was out of competitiveness or some other reason, he wasn't sure, but he still felt the need to refute a particular point she had made.

"The deceptive tactics you mentioned—I did use them before, but they no longer exist now."

Although Haruno had drunk quite a bit, her mind remained sharp. Hearing his words and combining them with what she already knew, she quickly grasped what he was referring to.

"The daughter of Miss Touma found out that you're living with other girls?"

"..."

Chisato silently nodded.

At that moment, he finally realized why he had feared Haruno so much before. 

The most important reason was that, as an outsider, she knew about his situation.

He had been afraid that her mischievous tendencies would lead her to do something that would shatter the delicate balance he had carefully maintained.

But now, whether it was Kazusa or anyone else, they all fully knew about each other's existence. 

In this situation, he no longer had any reason to fear her. After all, he had no weaknesses anymore, and there was nothing left to be afraid of.

The woman before him was no longer an unpredictable force holding his secrets over his head.

She had now been reduced to just an exceptionally attractive older woman with no real threat to him.

Realizing this, Chisato's mindset shifted slightly, and his tense demeanor slowly relaxed.

"This is truly surprising. So, that means you've already been dumped by that girl, huh? How unfortunate."

Haruno looked somewhat regretful.

Why was she so certain of that conclusion?

"Eh? Did I guess wrong?"

Meeting her surprised gaze, Chisato nodded.

Haruno covered her cheek with one hand and stared at him for a long time in astonishment.

"I really underestimated you… To think that you managed to charm Kazusa to this extent. Even after knowing about your entanglements with other girls, she still refuses to let go…" 

"But this kind of situation probably won't last much longer, right? Her mother is quite a formidable woman." 

"Sooner or later, she'll find out about your circumstances, and when that happens, you'll probably have no choice but to separate from her."

Chisato's lips curled into a slight smile. He said nothing, simply looking at her.

"No way…"

Seeing how relaxed he was, Haruno suddenly considered a certain possibility, her eyes widening.

_______

50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta

_______

If any of you noticed an error, please point it out in comments!