The Crystal's Whisper and The Wind's Embrace

Chapter 27: Meeting Hana

"Sanemi!" A petite girl shouted, waving excitedly. Her eyes, a deep shade of brown, sparkled with a hint of mischief. Her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back in waves of ebony silk, framing her face like a dark halo.

She must be Hana. Thought Tsukiyo. She's quite the beauty. Why would Sanemi want to turn down such a beautiful girl?

"Alright, Amano, here goes. Remember the plan," Sanemi muttered under his breath as they approached Hana.

Tsukiyo nodded nervously, her heart pounding in her chest. "Got it. Just act like we're head over heels for each other, right?"

"Something like that. Just follow my lead." Sanemi demanded.

As they approached Hana, her enthusiasm was palpable, her bright smile lighting up the air around her. "Sanemi! I finally got to meet you!" she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "And... who's this lovely lady here?" she added, casting an appraising glance in Tsukiyo's direction.

Sanemi wasted no time in responding, smoothly wrapping an arm around Tsukiyo's waist and drawing her close. "This is my girlfriend, Tsukiyo," he declared, his tone firm yet tinged with a hint of amusement.

Tsukiyo felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks at Sanemi's words, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected use of her name. It was the first time he had called her by her first name, and the intimacy of the moment caught her off guard. She couldn't help but wonder why his simple declaration stirred something within her, even though she knew it was all just an act.

"Your girlfriend? Sanemi, when did this happen?" Hana's surprise was evident in her voice, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Sanemi explained, his expression fond as he looked at Tsukiyo. "It was unexpected, but sometimes love has a way of finding us when we least expect it," he replied, his words carrying a hint of sincerity that caught Tsukiyo off guard.

For a moment, she found herself almost believing his words, the intensity of his gaze stirring something deep within her.

Tsukiyo tensed at Sanemi's loving gaze, her heart fluttering in her chest as she tried to maintain her composure under Hana's scrutinising gaze.

Hana's eyes narrowed as she observed Tsukiyo closely, her curiosity piqued. "Is that so? Because Tsukiyo-chan doesn't seem entirely comfortable with your... intimacy," she remarked, her tone laced with suspicion as she studied Tsukiyo's every move.

Caught off guard by Hana's keen observation, Tsukiyo felt her cheeks flush with heat as she fumbled for words, while Sanemi's expression remained stoic, his mind undoubtedly racing for a suitable explanation.

"Tsukiyo is uncomfortable because you kept staring at her. So will you quit looking at her like this?" Sanemi interjected, his voice firm as he addressed Hana's scrutiny.

"I just can't believe that you guys are a couple. This can't be happening!" Hana persisted, her doubt evident in her tone.

"Um, Hana, I'm not sure what I can say to make you believe, but I want you to know that I love Sanemi with all my heart," Tsukiyo began, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.

"Yes, he can be a bit... rough around the edges sometimes, but deep down, he's genuinely warm and kind. He may not always show it, but he truly cares about those he loves. And that's why I'm here, by his side. I promise to take care of him, no matter what happens. I'll always be there for him," she affirmed, her words filled with sincerity and determination.

Upon hearing Tsukiyo's heartfelt words and sensing the genuine love and care in her tone, Hana's initial skepticism melted away, replaced by a begrudging acceptance.

"I see," Hana murmured, her tone tinged with a hint of disdain as she cast a skeptical glance at Tsukiyo. "Well, I suppose if my Sanemi is happy, then that's all that matters. Though I really don't know what Sanemi sees in you."

Tsukiyo felt a mix of relief and offense at Hana's words. While she was glad that Hana had decided to let the matter rest, she couldn't help but feel stung by the implication of Hana's remark.

Sanemi, still reeling from Tsukiyo's unexpected confession to Hana, was slow to respond. With a nod, he spoke sincerely, "Don't worry, as long as I have Tsukiyo by my side, I'll be happy. I can't quite figure out what draws me to this idiot either. She's clumsy, naggy, a busybody, and flat out weird. But I suppose she has her moments of cuteness, in her own quirky way. She's always putting others before herself, sometimes to her own detriment. She's just... Tsukiyo."

As he spoke, he reached out and gently grasped Tsukiyo's hand, offering her a reassuring squeeze.

Caught in a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief, Sanemi found himself questioning what he had just said. Had Tsukiyo's acting been so convincing that even he was momentarily fooled into believing her affection was genuine, and influenced him to act out of his will?

Meanwhile, Tsukiyo shot Sanemi a hard glare for his unexpected remarks about her.

Observing the reactions between them, Hana watched intently and decided that it was best to offer her well-wishes to the couple.

With a small smile, she stepped forward and spoke to them, "Well, it seems you two have quite the dynamic. I'll leave you to it. Sanemi, I will always be here waiting for you, if you decide that you want to come to me!" With that, she winked at Sanemi, turned and walked away, leaving Sanemi and Tsukiyo behind.

"Phew, finally it's done!" Tsukiyo exclaimed, extending her hand for a high-five with Sanemi.

Sanemi rolled his eyes and quipped, "Someone almost screwed it up by being nervous for nothing."

"Hey! It's my first time doing this, I thought I did pretty well!" Tsukiyo retorted with a playful pout.

"Did I say it was you?" Sanemi teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

Tsukiyo folded her arms, feigning offense. She knew she wouldn't win the banter with Sanemi anyway.

"Anyway, I have to head off for a mission. Your job for today and tomorrow is to clean up my mansion and make sure it's spotless while I'm away," Sanemi ordered, his tone firm.

"Yes sir," Tsukiyo replied begrudgingly, gritting her teeth as she fought the urge to punch him in the face.