120: The Show Begins

That night, after a casual dinner at a Western restaurant, Takashi and the other three parted ways and headed home separately.

This time, Takashi didn't take the train back. Instead, he got into Maki's car.

It was a Maybach 62s.

Also his favorite model.

Maybe the Maybach isn't the fastest car in the world, but it's the only one that ever made it out of Nibelungen.

Takashi believed there weren't many boys in the world who could resist the allure of a Maybach in the rain at night.

"Takashi, don't be mad anymore. I didn't have a choice, okay?"

"Both Nagisa and Tsubasa were watching—what else could I have done?"

"Please don't be mad, alright? I'm begging you."

In the car, Maki clung to Takashi's arm, shaking it like crazy, switching between whining and playing pitiful.

If Shijo Mikado saw how his big sister was acting now, he'd probably suspect someone had secretly replaced her.

Because Maki had never been this gentle with him.

Even when she needed a favor, it was: "Little brother, kneel. Your big sister wants to discuss something with you." — That kind of tone.

Of course, this side of Maki — crying, fussing — had only ever been seen by Takashi.

Not even Nagisa had seen it.

Takashi glanced sideways at Maki. Seeing her pitiful expression, he let out a sigh. "I don't really mind, actually."

Saying he was angry might've been an exaggeration.

It's not like he hadn't taken the fall for something before.

And besides, what did Watanabe Takashi's "fall guy" have to do with Kitahara Takashi?

"But what are you going to do from now on?"

You couldn't get close to Tanuma Tsubasa when you were single.

Now that you've added a "Watanabe Takashi's girlfriend" label on yourself, how are you going to get near him?

"I thought it through carefully, and in the end, I still can't bring myself to steal someone away," Maki said, slouching like a deflated balloon.

Takashi asked, "So you're giving up?"

"Yeah. I'll just go with the flow and see what happens."

Maki had too strong a moral compass. Asking her to be the third party in a relationship? She couldn't do it.

Takashi had seen that coming and wasn't surprised at all.

"But now that I have this 'identity,' I can openly invite Nagisa and Tsubasa out to hang together, and I can chat with him every day."

"I think… that's a kind of happiness too."

To Maki, just being able to talk with Tanuma Tsubasa was enough to satisfy her heart.

"...So I have to go with you every time now?"

The thought that he'd have to spend every weekend from now on accompanying Maki to see Nagisa and Tanuma Tsubasa gave Takashi a headache.

He really didn't want to see Nagisa.

Maki clasped her hands together and pleaded, "Please, Takashi."

"I have to work, you know."

"Forget working—I'll support you."

As she spoke, Maki handed over a card.

"This card gets ¥1,000,000 deposited into it every month. With this, you won't need to tire yourself of working anymore."

Takashi's heart itched at the offer, but he still declined out loud, "That's not really appropriate, is it?"

"What's inappropriate about it? Just think of it like you're working for me."

Maki directly shoved the card into Takashi's chest.

He tried to push it back a few times, but for some reason today, despite bench pressing 80kg regularly, he found himself unable to outmuscle Maki. 

In the end, the card slipped into his pocket.

"Besides, you're my boyfriend now, Takashi. How can I let my boyfriend go to work part-time? People would laugh me to death," Maki said with a mischievous grin.

Takashi, thinking of Tanuma Tsubasa's personality, mimicked him by blushing slightly. "But… it's fake, isn't it?"

Looking at his face—so eerily similar to Tanuma Tsubasa—Maki was momentarily dazed.

She slowly raised her porcelain-like hand and gently brushed across Takashi's brows, eyes, nose, and lips. 

Her voice was soft and slightly husky, "Actually... it could be real."

Takashi's heart skipped a beat.

What does that mean?

What do you mean could be real?

…

"Please come again."

Carrying a late-night snack, Nakano Miku walked out of the convenience store holding Kuro's leash.

The moon hung high and dim, casting soft silver light over the streets like a gentle wash of water. Tree branches behind the walls on both sides swayed like lake grass underwater.

It was 8:30 PM.

Normally, Miku would never be out this late.

But ever since she got Kuro, she wasn't scared anymore.

Because Kuro would protect her.

Thinking this, Miku looked down.

At her feet, a black-and-white border collie with silky smooth fur and a sleek, agile body was alertly scanning the surroundings—on guard, as if protecting her.

Seeing this, Miku's heart warmed.

But in reality, Kuro wasn't guarding her—he was looking for Takashi.

That damn poop-scooper. Didn't we agree this was the meeting spot?

Where the hell are you?

"Come on, Kuro."

Miku took a few steps forward, but seeing Kuro frozen in place, she tilted her head in confusion.

Just as Kuro was wondering if he should call off the plan, his nose twitched—and then he suddenly looked up.

From a distance, he saw Takashi sprinting toward him, bamboo sword in hand.

"Woof woof!"

Alright, all the actors were here—now it was time for General Ha to shine.

Kuro barked twice, and suddenly, seven or eight fierce-looking dogs jumped out from the shadows.

There were German Shepherds, Shar-Peis, Shiba Inus, Huskies, Poodles, Chihuahuas...

"Woof woof woof (Tell us what to do, Kuro)!" the Chihuahua yipped first.

"Woof woof woof (Watch your tone! You don't get to call him Kuro—you call him General Kuro!)"

The lead German Shepherd, furious at the disrespect, smacked the Chihuahua flying with a paw. Then, baring its teeth, it barked fiercely at Kuro and Miku.

Surrounded by all these dogs, Miku panicked and backed into a corner.

Little did she know, these were all Kuro's canine buddies.

With his wits and generous supply of canned treats, Kuro had earned the nickname "General Kuro" across Bunkyo ward.

At home, sure, call him Kuro—he wouldn't complain.

But out here? Out in the streets? You better get it right.

In Bunkyo, Tokyo, who's the real boss? Ask around.

Kuro stepped in front of Miku and barked at the dogs, "Woof woof woof (Bite gently—don't leave marks. Once we're done here, everyone gets a can of food.)…"

Knowing full well that Miku couldn't understand a word, Kuro communicated the plan openly in front of her. 

Then, with a commanding bark, the dogs rushed in.

Dog fur flew in all directions—it looked like an intense battle, but there was zero actual damage being dealt.

But in Miku's eyes, Kuro was fighting valiantly to protect her from a vicious German Shepherd.

When Takashi arrived, Kuro, sensing it was time, signaled the Shepherd to knock him back.

The Shepherd followed orders and launched into a full-speed doggy charge, flinging Kuro into a wall.

Well… "flung" might be generous. It was more like Kuro jumped into the wall himself.

With a dramatic thud, Kuro crashed against the wall, tried several times to get up, but "failed" each time.

"Kuro!"

Seeing her beloved dog "injured" while protecting her, Miku rushed over and cradled him in her arms.

"Woof~"

Kuro let out a weak whimper, sneaking a glance at Takashi.

According to the script, it was now Takashi's time to enter the scene.

The group of dogs formed a menacing circle around Miku and Kuro, baring their teeth, closing in step by step.

"No… please, no."

Terrified, Miku hugged Kuro tightly. Her beautiful face was full of panic.

Just as she was about to shut her eyes in fear, a figure stepped in front of her.

The night air swirled around the tall figure of a boy.

Instinctively, Miku looked up at him.

Under the quiet glow of the streetlight, the silver-haired boy with dark eyes stood in a black pullover hoodie, one hand casually in his pocket, and the other gripping a wooden sword.

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