Chapter_3_Abducting_Little_Hinata

Chapter 3: Abducting the Young HarukaHaruka's head was almost completely buried in the snow beneath her. Baiyun Qingye couldn't see her expression, but from the blushing tips of her ears, he could sense her discomfort. It seemed as if her head was about to start smoking from the embarrassment. Could it really be that embarrassing? Considering Haruka's personality, it seemed quite possible."Gurururu..." After a long while, Baiyun Qingye didn't see any of the Shiranui clan's guards arriving; instead, he heard the sound of Haruka's stomach buzzing. With a sigh, he said, "I'm sorry..."Haruka thought she had upset Baiyun Qingye in some way. "Do you have money?" she asked hurriedly, already starting to rummage through her small bag in search of cash."Yes, I do!" she replied, getting more and more anxious."Stop! I don't want your money," Baiyun Qingye quickly stated. Haruka must have misunderstood; although he really wanted her money, it wasn't at that moment. "How about we go eat ramen together?" Baiyun Qingye wanted to invite her home, as his place was nearby, but thinking of Haruka's appetite, he decided against it—his kitchen wouldn't have enough ingredients for her. Besides, the daughter of the Shiranui clan surely didn't lack money."Eh?" Haruka stopped searching and looked up, only to see Baiyun Qingye's back turning away. "Follow me.""Oh, okay." The unsure Haruka carefully followed Baiyun Qingye."Um... may I ask..." she began."Hm?" Baiyun Qingye thought he heard the sound of a mosquito, but looked around; the area was completely white—how could there be a mosquito? He stopped and turned back to look at Haruka, wondering, "Are you talking?" Haruka instinctively wanted to look away but struggled to stay calm and said, "My name is Haruka Shiranui..." Her voice was soft and slightly bubbly, making her sound like someone who might easily be bullied."My name is Baiyun Qingye." After saying that, he continued walking ahead."But since you're from the Shiranui clan, you must be quite strong, right? Why were you bullied by those three guys?" Haruka, unexpected to be spoken to, blurted out her thoughts."My father taught me to be kind to everyone in the village," Baiyun Qingye replied. "They weren't kind to you.""Is that because... because I'm easy to bully?" Baiyun Qingye asked directly.Haruka's face turned red again. "Your father told you to be kind, not to let people mistreat you and not to stand up for yourself. If you keep this up, even though I helped you this time, the next time you encounter them, they'll continue to bully you. Who will help you then?""Even your father would be disappointed to know you don't stand up for yourself when being mistreated," Baiyun Qingye said, hitting the mark. Haruka remembered the disappointed look Shiranui Hikaru often gave her, and her little hands clenched again.After a long pause, Haruka replied, "I won't let it happen next time.""I hope so," Baiyun Qingye replied casually. Whether she would take his advice or not depended on her.By the time they arrived at a ramen restaurant, Baiyun Qingye led her in. "Welcome!" Upon entering, they heard the clear and loud voice of Chuangpu. When they sat in a corner, Chuangpu came over. "It's you, Qingye! Oh, this time you've brought a new girlfriend with you."Chuangpu clearly recognized Baiyun Qingye, and Baiyun rolled his eyes at her teasing. "I've already said it—she's just a regular friend; we're purely friends," he said.Haruka didn't understand what "new girlfriend" meant and felt a bit awkward under Chuangpu's strange gaze, so she lowered her head. "Qingye, I'm just worried you might get hurt with a knife in the future. In novels, the bad guys always end up in terrible ways," Chuangpu warned earnestly. But Baiyun Qingye didn't want to talk about that and ordered, "I'll have the signature pork bone ramen." He then asked Haruka, "What would you like?""Oh? I'll have the same as you," she said, still a bit startled since this was her first time eating out."Okay, then let's get two bowls of signature ramen," Baiyun Qingye replied. After placing the order, Chuangpu returned to her work, as it was peak dinner time. The ramen was quickly served. Baiyun pushed Haruka's bowl toward her, and the rich aroma filled the air. Haruka thanked him and began eating with delight. The ramen was truly delicious; unlike the nutritious, bland meals she usually had at home, this was quite spicy.She quickly finished her bowl, and then stared at the now-empty bowl. She licked her freshly greased, cherry-like lips. The thought of asking for another bowl arose, but she shook her head, remembering that such behavior was impolite outside.While eating, Baiyun Qingye noticed her and asked, "Are you full?" Haruka looked up shyly and admitted she wasn't, but didn't want to seem unreasonable given Baiyun's serious expression. She wanted to be brave, but she felt both nervous and a bit happy that someone had noticed she wasn't full. "Not really...," she said softly. Baiyun smiled kindly and asked if she needed more bowls. After a pause, she agreed to four more bowls.