All the Heroines are my Ex-girlfriends

Chapter 151: Hayasaka Ai – The Conquest Campaign Begins

"Azuma-kun, over here!"

Standing on the bustling streets of Ginza, Hayasaka Ai waved at Yukima Azuma.

Her face lit up as if she was genuinely happy to see him again.

Even her heels lifted slightly, her whole body brimming with anticipation for the upcoming date.

But it was all a lie.

Hayasaka Ai wasn't just faking it with her appearance—she meticulously controlled even the smallest gestures.

These seemingly unconscious actions—

Though hard to notice—

Could make others feel valued, naturally fostering goodwill.

Yukima Azuma quickly approached and greeted her:

"Good morning, Hasaka."

Hayasaka Ai blinked.

"Good morning~!"

Again.

Today, Yukima Azuma felt completely different from yesterday.

How strange.

But Hayasaka Ai temporarily set that thought aside.

She pulled out two tickets from her skirt pocket and handed one to Yukima Azuma.

They were tickets to a currently trending anime movie.

Choosing an anime movie was a double-edged sword.

Japan was a paradise of 2D culture, but not everyone liked anime.

Those who did would be delighted to meet a fellow enthusiast.

Those who didn't might even feel repulsed by the genre.

However, Hayasaka Ai had prepared meticulously, leaving no room for mistakes.

Of course, she was well aware that Yukima Azuma belonged to the anime-loving group.

In fact, he was an extremely famous light novel author himself.

So this choice carried only advantages, no downsides.

Moreover, choosing an anime movie made it easier to extend their conversation later.

Yukima Azuma took the movie ticket.

But his reaction wasn't what Hayasaka Ai had expected—

There was no excitement, no enthusiastic discussion about the world of 2D.

Just a calm response.

"This uniform is...?" Yukima Azuma's gaze shifted to Hayasaka Ai.

Today, she was wearing the summer uniform of a Japanese high school girl.

A cute sailor-style blouse paired with a pleated gray skirt.

The skirt's length was subtly adjusted—definitely folded up a little.

"I'm a first-year student at Filis Girls' Academy. Azuma-kun is a first-year too, right?"

"This is our uniform. What do you think? Cute, isn't it? I heard most boys have a soft spot for school uniforms."

Hayasaka Ai gently pressed down her skirt, tilting her body slightly forward.

And added a wink!

Such a move would make her youthful charm even more captivating.

Combined with her delicate facial features, it created an irresistible allure.

Normally, when faced with such a situation, a high school boy would—

Instinctively take a step back, then stammer out a response.

But Yukima Azuma—

"You look adorable. This style really suits Hasaka."

He answered seriously, then smiled.

Hayasaka Ai straightened up, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with the hem of her skirt.

"Really? As long as Azuma-kun likes it, that's good. I hesitated for a long time before coming out."

Something's off!

Why is Yukima Azuma playing it so straight from the start today!?

Could it be… he already likes her!?

But if he did, he shouldn't be this calm.

Did her words and actions just now actually increase his affection?

Today, she couldn't read him at all.

Hayasaka Ai suddenly felt less confident than before.

.....

After a brief exchange of greetings, the two walked toward the Ginza movie theater.

Yukima Azuma led the way, while Hayasaka Ai followed half a step behind, on his right.

Perhaps because it was summer vacation,

The streets outside the Ginza movie theater were quite crowded.

Middle-aged parents guided their children out of the theater, while high school couples like them laughed and chatted as they entered.

People bustled back and forth,

And Hayasaka Ai gradually inched closer to Yukima Azuma,

Planning to create some light physical contact.

But just as she was looking for the perfect moment—

Yukima Azuma's hand suddenly reached out.

A warm sensation spread from her wrist. Looking down, Hayasaka Ai realized that her wrist had been gently grasped by his hand.

His fingers were long, with clearly defined knuckles,

The kind of hands that seemed perfect for playing musical instruments.

He gave her wrist a slight tug, pulling her behind him.

"It's too crowded. Walk behind me, Hasaka. This way, you won't get bumped into."

Yukima Azuma's voice came from ahead.

Hayasaka Ai looked up, glancing at his profile.

The sense of reassurance he gave her…

Wait!

Hayasaka Ai shook her head.

Wait, what am I thinking right now?

I said I would lead him, right? I said I would conquer him, right? Why do I suddenly feel goodwill towards him?

She immediately suppressed the feeling that had just emerged.

Hayasaka Ai took a deep breath.

It's fine.

If he tends to be proactive, that would only benefit her plan.

The two of them lined up at the ticket gate.

Yukima Azuma and Hayasaka Ai both presented their tickets.

Aside from the hand they were holding, their other hands gently brushed against each other in the air as they handed over the tickets.

Despite the situation seeming tense, it was this very tension that made their hearts flutter.

The staff member glanced at them both for a moment and then smiled warmly as if they were family.

She took the tickets, tore them, and handed them back.

"Enjoy your movie. There's a special promotion right now—couples who buy popcorn will get a 50% discount on the second serving."

Hayasaka Ai gently scratched the back of Yukima Azuma's hand with her finger.

She wanted to convey her subtle intentions to him.

The scene where they were mistaken for a couple.

Once accepted, many subsequent actions would naturally make sense.

"Then, please give us two servings of popcorn."

Yukima Azuma followed Hayasaka Ai's lead.

The staff quickly brought the two servings of popcorn.

They went to their seats according to the numbers on their tickets.

At this moment, their hands finally parted.

Hayasaka Ai sat down, her fingers gently brushing over the spot on her wrist where Yukima Azuma had just held it.

She lowered her head, her expression slightly bashful.

Yes, this was all acting.

At this point, acting shy would encourage the guy to make a move.

However, there was no reaction.

Yukima Azuma showed no interest in discussing the misunderstanding that they were a couple.

Still, he ate the popcorn with a very cheerful expression.

Hayasaka Ai bit her lower lip.

This guy!

He should have acted on this opportunity!

Suddenly, the surroundings darkened.

The large screen before them began to show images.

The movie started.

It was a slice-of-life anime movie.

There were no heavy plot points or major twists.

But it was made very well, enough to make the viewers smile easily.

On screen, the male and female leads were in a somewhat ambiguous phase, sitting on a couch, their fingers gradually moving closer together.

A classic scene testing the waters to hold hands.

Hayasaka Ai's slender fingers, like tender buds, slowly reached toward Yukima Azuma.

When her fingertip gently touched his finger,

Hayasaka Ai glanced sideways at Yukima Azuma's reaction.

What would he do?

Would he be shy? Or would he happily grab her hand?

"What's wrong? Want some popcorn?"

Yukima Azuma pulled his hand back and brought his popcorn box to Hayasaka Ai's face.

Hayasaka Ai forced a smile and nodded.

She picked a piece of popcorn, threw it into her mouth, and bit down hard with her white teeth.

Popcorn you mother!

Looking at me, you can only see me as popcorn!

Is it really that I don't have popcorn either!?

What is this guy even like? A stiff man made of reinforced concrete!?

And then, as Hayasaka Ai was still fuming, gritting her teeth in frustration,

Her hand, clenched tightly to vent her anger, suddenly felt a warm and strong sensation.

Hayasaka Ai looked down.

The hand of that boy had reached out, taking hers.

His beautiful fingers nimbly slipped into her palm, intertwining with her fingers.

Ten fingers woven together.

Hayasaka Ai blankly looked up at Yukima Azuma.

"Ahem... actually, you wanted to hold hands, right, Hasaka?"

Yukima Azuma lowered his head, giving a small cough as if trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Now that I think about it, Hasaka also has popcorn, I don't know what I was saying earlier."

"Sorry, I almost wasted your courage and feelings, Hasaka."

Hayasaka Ai looked away, her little head turning to another direction.

"Ah... it's fine, you don't have to apologize."

Well… it seems like it worked, right?

Though the process was a bit different from what I imagined.

But the result should be fine.

Deep inside, Hayasaka Ai felt a little unsure, so she told herself this to reassure herself.

When the movie ended,

The two of them naturally walked out of the cinema, still holding hands.

Their fingers remained tightly intertwined.

No one mentioned it.

"It's really interesting, you know, even though none of my classmates are interested in anime, I still like it."

Hayasaka Ai lowered her head, sighing.

These words were spoken to someone who understood her.

Stories that easily evoke sympathy.

She was saying them to Yukima Azuma.

"I feel the same. No matter what others say, I still like it."

Yukima Azuma responded.

Hayasaka Ai silently sighed in relief.

Now she really couldn't guess how Yukima Azuma would react.

Plans that were carefully calculated, but not many things went according to plan.

Even though the results seemed fine.

But for someone like Hayasaka Ai, who was a planner, she was truly not good at dealing with unexpected chaos.

Fortunately, Yukima Azuma's reaction at this point was still within her expectations.

"Well… how about we go to the movies again next time?"

"Do you know the 'Youth' series? The second volume of the light novel will be released around mid-month."

"I'm a huge fan of the 'Youth' series, let's go together then, okay?"

Hayasaka Ai smiled.

So?

I'm a fan of yours!

In a field you love, having your accomplishments recognized by a cute girl.

No matter how you think about it, it's just a joyful feeling.

Moreover, beyond the relationship between the author and the fan,

The level of intimacy will increase beyond the initial "friend" boundary.

It's usually difficult to cross the "close friend" line, but by using this little trick, it's easily broken.

As long as we reach the level of "best friends."

Then, the romantic relationship will smoothly follow.

"Umu, sure."

Yukima Azuma simply nodded normally.

Hayasaka Ai: ?

Wait, what's this reaction?

Where's the heart fluttering? The surprise mixed with joy? The feeling of secret happiness?

Aren't you the author of the "Youth" series?!

Stiff.

She fists are clenched!

All the intricate plans I meticulously set up,

The end result only got me an "Umu."

Taking a few deep breaths,

Hayasaka Ai finally managed to pull herself together.

"Alright, it's decided then!" She forced a smile. "It's already noon, Azuma-kun, are you hungry? How about we go get something to eat?"

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