The party was hosted at one of the guys' homes.
A standalone house with a sprawling lawn, in a prime location.
Mouri Ran rang the doorbell.
"Coming, coming! We've been waiting forever!"
A loud voice boomed as the door swung open.
Out stepped a towering, muscular guy.
Average looks, but his chest and arms were impressively built. Grinning wide, he pushed the door open, only to freeze when he saw a guy standing behind Ran and Suzuki Sonoko.
"Who're you?"
"Nice to meet you. I'm Hayato Masaki, here with these two for the party."
"…"
Hayato's gentle smile made Wakamatsu Toshihide's expression stiffen.
He glanced at Ran—his clear favorite—then at the almost unfairly handsome Hayato behind her. His excitement dimmed instantly.
"May we come in?"
"Wakamatsu, don't block the door! Didn't you say two girls were coming—wait! You're that mystery novelist, Masaki-sensei?!"
As Wakamatsu stood frozen, a girl's voice cut through from behind his broad frame.
Shoving him aside, she locked eyes with Hayato, her face lighting up.
"That's me."
"No way! I'm a huge fan!"
"My honor. Mind if we step inside?"
"Oh, right, right—come in!"
She quickly made way.
The trio entered, murmuring polite greetings and swapping to indoor slippers.
A small crowd had already gathered in the living room.
The girl leading them bounded forward, bubbling with excitement. "Yoshimi, guess who's here?"
"Who?"
"Ta-da~!"
"Masaki-sensei?!"
A pretty girl leapt up, thrilled.
"Hey there."
Hayato greeted her, scanning the room.
Aside from the one called "Yoshimi," most wore blank "who's this guy?" looks. One guy seemed surprised but stayed quiet…
Futaba Publishing's PR had done its job—though it mostly hooked female fans.
"Let me introduce him. This is Masaki-sensei, the mystery novelist Kaori and I adore," the girl said, presenting him to the group.
"A novelist, huh?"
"Looks our age."
"Welcome."
"Let's all introduce ourselves!"
The girl who'd let them in pointed to herself first. "I'm Sekiya Kaori. We're all part of Beika Medical University's tennis club."
"I'm Minagawa Katsuhiko, club president. Glad you could make it to my place," said a good-looking young man, waving.
"I'm Watanabe Yoshimi. Nice to meet you," the pretty girl added with a nod.
Next was a guy sipping a drink quietly. Despite being at a party, he looked dour and made no move to introduce himself.
"Naomichi's always this gloomy—don't mind him," Sekiya Kaori said with a laugh, brushing it off.
Ran and Sonoko gave their names next.
When Wakamatsu, the muscular student trailing behind, heard Hayato was just Ran's cousin tagging along, his pent-up frustration vanished. He broke into a huge grin.
"Everyone done introducing? Alright, time for my grand finale!" Beaming, he flexed both arms, showing off his biceps. "I'm Wakamatsu Toshihide—gentle, strong, but a hopeless romantic who cries easy!"
"…"
Hayato glanced at him, offering a polite smile.
He leaned toward Ran. "This the guy who invited you?"
"Yeah," Ran nodded, a bit awkward.
Hayato gave an understanding nod.
The students urged them to sit. As Ran and Sonoko settled, Wakamatsu plopped right next to Ran.
His intent was obvious. Hayato tapped his shoulder, smiling. "Wakamatsu-san, mind scooting over? Ran's not used to sitting so close to unfamiliar guys."
"…Haha, I'm not that unfamiliar, right? It's cool." Wakamatsu scratched his head, chuckling, then turned to Ran. "Right, Ran?"
"Uh…"
"Sorry, but your sweat's a bit strong," Hayato said, still smiling. "Could you move?"
Wakamatsu turned to Hayato.
His irritation was plain, but under Hayato's steady gaze, he grudgingly shifted over.
At least he could take a hint.
If he hadn't, Hayato might've had to write his name in the Death Note to get him to budge.
"So tacky…" Sonoko whispered to Ran.
The other students looked awkward. After Hayato sat, they exchanged glances, and Sekiya Kaori raised her glass.
"Let's drink!"
"Try these snacks—Yoshimi and I made some. Test our skills!"
"To Valentine's Day—cheers!"
"Cheers!!"
Glasses clinked.
As everyone sipped, Ran tilted her head toward Hayato. "Thanks, Hayato-nii."
"No big deal. Enjoy the party."
Hayato smiled.
His gaze flicked to the glass door behind them, catching a bush in the yard rustle oddly.
Turning back, a young woman in a kimono emerged from the kitchen, carrying a pot, her face bright. "Sorry for the wait, everyone—main course is here!"
"Whoa! Sukiyaki? That's fancy!"
"I'll grab the sushi next."
"Thanks so much, Aunt."
Watanabe Yoshimi thanked her, while Sonoko gaped. "Aunt? Wait, is she Minagawa-san's mom? She looks so young—!"
"Hehe, you're sweet," the woman said, covering her smile.
She looked barely thirty, yet Minagawa Katsuhiko was nearly done with college.
Hayato noticed Minagawa frowning, clearly not thrilled.
***
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