Chapter 139: Successfully Controlled! Annoying Kushida!

After Karuizawa left, Hirata and Kanda Shuichi headed towards the boys' rooms on the third floor.

"Thanks, Kanda."

"No problem. Since I promised you, I'll follow through," Kanda Shuichi shook his head. "How long has she been like this?"

"She told me it's been like this since elementary school," Hirata's expression darkened.

"So, it's been nine years... Karuizawa, she's really both awkward and hardworking."

"Yeah, she's really hardworking."

"That's right. She's clumsy, but she tries hard. I'm not someone who likes to work hard, but I don't hate people who do."

Kanda Shuichi finished his drink and tossed the empty can into the nearby trash bin.

It was the third day of the exams, and it was a rest day with no discussion sessions.

Since he had stayed up late the night before, Kanda Shuichi woke up around eight in the morning, but after checking the time, he went back to sleep for a bit.

When he woke up again, it was almost noon.

By the time he got up, Hirata and Miyake were already gone. Miyake had been obsessed with working out recently, and Hirata had been busy every day.

Kanda Shuichi stretched as he got out of bed, then picked up his phone to check messages. After sending one to Karuizawa, he went to the bathroom to freshen up.

When he stepped out of the room, it was already past noon. He planned to go for lunch, and naturally, he headed to the Chinese restaurant he often visited.

Once again, he couldn't help but admire the variety of facilities on this cruise ship. There were not just Japanese restaurants, but also French, Chinese, Thai, and even Turkish-themed restaurants.

However, compared to those, Kanda Shuichi preferred Chinese food. There was something special about dishes cooked in a wok over high heat!

"Kanda, over here!"

As Kanda Shuichi entered the restaurant, he heard Kushida calling out to him.

Her cheerful voice made it sound like nothing had happened the night before.

"Good afternoon, Kushida, and Wang Meiyu."

"Wang... Wang Meiyu? Who is that?" Wang Meiyu, the exchange student from class, reflexively responded, then froze. "Huh? Kanda, can you speak Chinese?"

Not just Wang Meiyu, but even Kushida, who thought she was familiar with Kanda Shuichi, was now very surprised. You can speak Chinese?

Heh, don't be surprised. Not only Chinese, but I can also speak Russian, Arabic, French, German... 

I can speak pretty much any major language on Earth. Surprised?

"Uh, I just learned a little bit, nothing special."

Kanda Shuichi smiled modestly as he sat next to Kushida and across from Wang Meiyu, continuing to speak in Chinese.

"Seriously? There's no way this is just a little bit!" Wang Meiyu looked excited. "Your Mandarin is really good! If I didn't know you were Japanese, I'd think you were from my hometown!"

Hometown...

Hearing that word, Kanda Shuichi didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Alright, alright, let's not dwell on this. Otherwise, Kushida might get upset." 

Kanda Shuichi smoothly changed the topic, and Wang Meiyu froze, then gave an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Kikyo-chan."

"It's okay. Mii-chan is probably happy to meet someone who speaks her native language while being far from home. I understand."

Kushida wore a gentle smile on her face, waving her left hand to show that she didn't mind at all.

But can you please let go of my thigh with your right hand?!

Did Kamuro possess you? Damn it!

So, Kanda Shuichi placed his left hand on her thigh and started to pinch back.

Let's see who will suffer more!

However, Kushida didn't care at all. She continued to pinch Kanda Shuichi's thigh with her usual expression while chatting with Wang Meiyu about some pointless topics.

Kanda Shuichi was just listening, occasionally saying a few words, while not letting go of his actions.

Damn it, is it because I touched your chest before that you don't care now?

And don't you feel any pain?

If that's the case, don't blame me for being more gentle!

Kanda Shuichi gradually reduced the pressure of his hand, turning his actions from pinching into gentle stroking.

At first, Kushida thought Kanda Shuichi had given up because the pressure decreased, but gradually, she began to sense something was off.

As Kanda Shuichi's hand kept moving, Kushida started to feel weaker, her body growing a little soft, and the warmth rising on her skin.

"Kikyo-chan, what's wrong? Your face is a little red," Wang Meiyu, the innocent girl across from them, seemed to have not noticed the private actions between the two. She only spoke up when she saw Kushida's face turning slightly flushed.

"I'm fine. By the way, has our food arrived yet?" 

"It should be coming soon."

At this point, Kushida had given up and had already withdrawn her right hand from Kanda Shuichi's thigh, deciding to call a truce.

But there was no way Kanda Shuichi was going to let her off that easily. You started the battle, so I decide when it ends.

Besides, Kushida's thigh felt different from Kamuro's—fleshy and soft, with less muscle compared to Kamuro's.

"By the way, I don't think I ordered yet," Kanda Shuichi suddenly realized. "Waiter, one order of pork and leek dumplings."

The dumplings were likely already made, so they were quickly brought out, accompanied by a small dish of vinegar.

Kanda Shuichi ate his dumplings while continuing his play with Kushida. Hmm, this feeling was pretty nice. Normally, Kanda Shuichi would have struggled to finish a full serving of dumplings, but after finishing an entire portion today, he still felt like he wanted more.

As for Kushida, under Kanda Shuichi's touch, she felt uneasy and couldn't even eat properly. By the time Kanda Shuichi finished his dumplings, she hadn't even eaten half of her fried rice.

"Hmm, I have something to do later, so I'll leave now."

Seeing that Kanda Shuichi had finally withdrawn his hand, Kushida Kikyo sighed with relief and picked up her spoon to eat properly.

"Yeah, see you, Kanda-kun."

Kanda Shuichi couldn't help but feel like Wang Meiyu was subtly trying to get closer to him, probably because he spoke Chinese.

"Kanda-kun is really amazing. Not only can he cook, but he also speaks Chinese, likes Chinese food, and is very kind to others."

After Kanda Shuichi left, Wang Meiyu rested her chin on her hand, talking to herself, which made Kushida feel a bit wary.

"But I still prefer Hirata-kun."

However, seeing Wang Meiyu's sudden love-struck expression, Kushida quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

After spending another ten minutes finishing her meal, Kushida decided to head back to the dorm.

There was no choice, she was getting wet, and the wind made her feel chilly.

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