Chapter 244: The Beginning of a Love Triangle?

Chapter 244: The Beginning of a Love Triangle?

"Let me guess—am I making things difficult for you?"

Seeing Hikaru's reaction, Yuki asked softly.

People often say, "Just be honest and say what's on your mind."

But when the moment actually comes—

Some words…

Are much harder to say than expected.

Flashes of memories with Yuki flickered through Hikaru's mind—

The most vivid one being…

That moment in the snowy mountains, when he had to change her clothes to save her life.

Now that he thought about it—

There had been other solutions.

For example, he could have asked Kirlia to help instead of doing it himself.

But at the time, everything had happened so fast.

He hadn't thought much about it.

Now, looking back…

Why hadn't Yuki been angry?

Why had she blushed and said "it's fine" instead?

Sometimes, a girl blushing says far more than words ever could…

After a long pause, Hikaru finally mustered a response.

"N-no… that's not it…"

Yuki pouted slightly.

"I get it. You like your childhood friend. I know. I'm not trying to interfere. I just see you as my goal."

"You were the one who said it, remember? That when chasing a goal, we should focus on our own growth along the way."

With a knowing smile, Yuki patted Hikaru's shoulder, like an older sister teasing a younger brother.

"This…"

Hikaru suddenly felt trapped.

He had said that exact phrase before.

Now, it had come back to bite him.

But before he could sort through his thoughts—

His entire body froze.

Yuki took a step closer—

A delicate fragrance surrounded Hikaru, seeping into his breath.

Then, she spoke playfully—

"Hikaru… could it be… you actually like me too? Are you thinking about having both?"

Her voice was lighthearted, almost teasing—

But for Hikaru, it felt like a gunshot.

His muscles tensed, like a startled deer hearing a hunter's rifle.

And then—

His body moved on instinct—

He stumbled back a few steps.

"No! No way! You're making things up!"

How could she joke about something like this?!

He had never considered such a possibility before!

Hearing his response, Yuki's expression turned into a dramatic sigh.

"Oh… so you don't like me after all…"

"I guess I'm just not charming enough for you, huh?"

"Fine, fine… I won't bother you anymore."

Saying this, she turned to leave.

Panic struck Hikaru instantly.

He reached out—

And grabbed her hand.

"Wait!"

But Yuki didn't resist at all.

Instead—

She let herself be pulled back—

Landing right into Hikaru's chest.

From this close—

Hikaru could see everything—

Her delicate face, her slender neck, her flushed cheeks…

A seventeen-year-old girl—

And a seventeen-year-old boy—

Standing this close.

In this moment—

A powerful biological force overtook them both.

Hormones surged.

Hikaru's arm tightened around her waist.

No school uniform to separate them—

Only the thin layer of her gym clothes—

He could feel her warmth, her softness pressing against his chest.

This was—

Dangerous.

Their eyes met.

Yuki's mind went blank.

All her calculated teasing from before—

Gone.

The moment her crush held her so close—

Her face burned.

Her heart pounded.

For the first time, she felt shy.

And Hikaru?

His thoughts were a mess.

Yuki's beautiful features, her soft, parted lips—

He found himself leaning in—

His hand reached up, gently touching her cheek—

Yuki closed her eyes.

Then—

RING RING RING!!!

A phone rang.

Like a thunderclap, the sound shattered the moment.

Hikaru's mind snapped back to reality.

His eyes widened.

His breathing hitched.

In a daze, he let go of Yuki—

And staggered backward.

"I-I… I'm sorry! Yuki, I… I'm so sorry!"

He had no idea what had just come over him.

Yuki took a deep breath, fixing her hair.

Her face was still flushed.

But her tone remained calm.

"It's fine."

How could it be fine?

They were so close—

Just a little more, and—

Yuki sighed internally.

Damn it… just a little more, and he wouldn't be able to escape.

Meanwhile, Hikaru's phone continued ringing.

With shaking hands, he answered—

"W-who is this?!"

Curious, Yuki leaned in slightly—

Just in time to hear the caller's voice.

---

Kyoto.

Inside the Sakura Family Estate.

A slender girl lay sprawled across her bed—

A phone in one hand, her face buried in a pillow.

Her curvy figure was accentuated by gravity—

But her expression was nothing short of frustrated.

She pouted, scrolling mindlessly through her phone.

Since her brother left, he had only sent one message.

And that was weeks ago.

She had waited.

Even when she replied late, he ignored her completely.

Even when she sent message after message, he never responded.

Her patience was wearing thin.

Then—

A notification popped up.

"BREAKING NEWS: A Legendary Pokémon Appears in Waterwood City!"

Her eyes flickered.

She clicked the video—

It had only been posted a few minutes ago.

And yet—

It was already trending nationwide.

"A shocking event! After the recent appearance of Articuno, another Legendary Pokémon has descended upon Waterwood City!"

"This time, it's a massive, rainbow-colored bird with dazzling feathers… and an incredibly large beak—"

Sakura blinked.

"…Wait. Large beak?

Are they talking about Fearow…?"

---

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