In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 92

The poolside is covered with non-slip wooden flooring, furnished with comfortable lounge chairs and parasols, and there's even a stylish bar nearby.

Wow! What a huge pool! It's as big as the ones on TV!

Index's eyes lit up, and she immediately wanted to rush over and play in the water. She had been craving it for a long time when she watched the show.

Although she had never learned to swim, she was very curious about the sport. After all, who could resist the beauty of their graceful figure swaying in the water?

Unfortunately, Higashino didn't know what she was thinking, otherwise he would definitely have said something like, "Whether it sways or not is uncertain, but it's certain that someone who has never learned to swim will dance in the water."

However, before Index could rush over, Higashino swiftly grabbed her by the back of her collar.

"Index, finish your tour first, and you haven't changed into your swimsuit."

"Swimsuit? Ah, Yu, do you want to see me in that kind of outfit? But... well, it's not impossible!"

The nun seemed to be contemplating something unpleasant, her eyes welling up with circles. It must be said that in some aspects of her thinking, Index was unfit to be a nun.

Himegami Akisa silently walked to the edge of the pool, squatted down, and gently touched the water with her fingers, feeling the coolness. She was also interested in the swimsuit that Higashino had mentioned earlier.

She and Index both bought swimsuits when they went shopping last time, but Higashino didn't know that.

"The final, most important part!"

Photon led everyone around the pool area to an open space behind the villa.

"Ta-da! A private, multi-functional sports field!"

The field is quite spacious, with a professional-grade synthetic surface. One side features a standard tennis court, while the other side has designated areas for baseball and softball, complete with an automatic pitching machine and catching net. There's also a small climbing wall and a pergola with various fitness equipment.

"Considering that Mr. Higashino might need to stretch his muscles, and that he might need to move around when there are too many people."

Photon glanced meaningfully at the other girls and elegantly tapped the sports field with her folding fan.

"This should meet your basic needs. The tennis court is built to international standards, and the baseball area is large enough for basic training. What do you think, Mr. Higashino?"

She turned her expectant gaze to the protagonist once again, her cheeks flushed slightly with excitement and anticipation.

Higashino Yu surveyed the luxurious private estate: the tranquil garden, the shimmering swimming pool, the fully equipped sports field, and the imposing villa behind him. He walked up to Mitsuko, looking at the girl who stood tall and proud, trying hard to maintain the demeanor of a young lady, but whose eyes sparkled like those of a small animal waiting to be fed.

He reached out and, to Mitsuko's somewhat surprised gaze, gently ruffled her long, straight black hair.

This action made Guangzi's face turn bright red instantly, and she even forgot to wave her folding fan.

"Perfect, Photon."

Higashino Yu's voice carried a sincere smile and a hint of barely perceptible gentleness.

"It far exceeded my expectations. From the location and facilities to the details you considered...it's all impeccable. Thank you, I love this gift."

"Ugh..." Photon was a little dizzy from the straightforward praise and intimate gesture, as if steam was about to rise from the top of her head.

She hurriedly used her folding fan to cover her flushed face, her voice muffled from behind the fan, tinged with barely concealed excitement: "Hmph...hmph! You know how powerful I am, that's enough! This is nothing to worry about! From now on, this place is yours to use as you please! But...the swimming pool needs regular maintenance, you need to take good care of the exercise equipment, and you're not allowed to pick the flowers in the garden! And...and...occasionally...occasionally I'll come...occasionally to inspect!"

Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost a mosquito's hum.

Seeing Mitsuko's expression—clearly smug yet incredibly shy—Higashino Yu couldn't help but chuckle. He surveyed the somewhat chaotic yet vibrant "new home" landscape, composed of noise (Index), silence (Himegami), and ghosts (Miya), and a thought struck him.

"What a wonderful place."

Higashino Yu withdrew his hand from Mitsuko's hair, his gaze sweeping over the pool, garden, and sports field, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

He has a really good idea.

Summer and swimming pools are definitely the perfect backdrop for pretty girls' swimsuits.

"It would be a shame to enjoy this all to yourself. Guangzi, I'm planning to invite everyone over this afternoon to celebrate our housewarming. Why don't you stay and join us instead of going back later?"

Mitsuko's eyes lit up instantly, clearly very interested in the proposal. Spending time with Higashino Yu and the new home she offered was exactly what she had been looking forward to. She had even begun to imagine herself elegantly entertaining guests as a semi-"hostess" in her mind.

No matter how close he is to his other girlfriends, the one who is supporting Higashino now is his married girlfriend, Mitsuko!

So what if I'm ahead of her? The number one spot will be hers sooner or later!

However, this joy was quickly overshadowed by a fleeting thought.

The blush of excitement on her face faded, replaced by an undisguised sense of loss.

She lowered her head slightly, and her voice also softened:

"Ah... this... I'm really sorry, Higashino-kun..."

Photon raised her eyes, her beautiful eyes filled with apology and regret.

"This afternoon... I'm afraid it won't work. My father has arranged an important family meeting at home, and I have to go back to attend."

She paused, her tone filled with deep regret.

"I...I really wanted to stay and celebrate your new house with everyone, and see how happy everyone is...but of all days!!"

Her lips pouted slightly, and her haughty demeanor as a young lady was now completely transformed into dissatisfaction and grievance at missing the opportunity.

The disappointed curve of his lips added to his pitiful look.

Looking at her like this, Higashino felt a little regretful, as he wouldn't be able to see Mitsuko's cute swimsuit look today.

He understood the unavoidable circumstances of such family matters, and he knew that Mitsuko genuinely wanted to stay, but things were beyond his control. He couldn't possibly ask her to skip important business to attend the afternoon gathering for such a trivial matter.

He stepped forward, naturally took her soft hand, and gently squeezed it.

"It's alright, Photon."

His voice was soft, carrying a calming power, and clearly reached Photon's ears.

"The family meeting is important, you go and take care of it first. The villa is right here, it's not going to run away, there will be plenty of opportunities to come and visit in the future."

Feeling the warmth of his palm and the understanding in his words, Mitsuko's disappointment eased slightly, but she still couldn't help but sigh, "But... I missed today's party..."

After all, this is the first time, and even if it is held again in the future, it will not be as meaningful as this one.

"The party can be held again anytime."

Higashino interrupted her regret, leaning down slightly to meet her gaze, his expression carrying an undeniable promise.

"And, to make up for the regret that you can't stay today..."

He paused deliberately, and saw that Guangzi had curiously raised her head, a small flame of expectation rekindling in her eyes.

"next time..."

Higashino Yu gazed into her eyes and said, word by word, "Let's go on a date alone. You choose the place, you decide the time, just the two of us. I want to properly thank you for decorating my wonderful new home, and also make up for you missing out on the fun today. How about it?"

"A date?!" Mitsuko's face flushed red again, even more so than when her hair was being ruffled earlier.

These two words seemed to have magic power, instantly dispelling all her disappointment.

A date alone! Just her and Higashino-kun! Her mind was immediately filled with all sorts of romantic scenarios: a candlelight dinner at a fancy restaurant? A private box at a concert hall? Or... or that newly opened starry-sky themed café she'd always wanted to go to?

Are these just small things that happened in my recent dreams really going to happen in real life?!

"Really...really?"

Her voice trembled with excitement, tinged with disbelief and joy.

"Is Higashino-kun really willing to... go on a date with me alone?"

She had actually been looking forward to it for a long time, but since she wasn't Higashino's girlfriend, she found it difficult to bring up the idea of ​​going on a date.

She had been waiting for Higashino to invite her over ever since they first met, but he never did. It wasn't until a couple of days ago when she contacted him to help her find a new place to live that she finally had a chance to spend time alone with him. She was so excited about that.

"Of course!"

Higashino nodded affirmatively. He was well aware of Mitsuko's feelings, since this was the understanding they had set when they first met. However, their feelings seemed to be developing much faster than expected.

Not only Guangzi, but the other girls were experiencing the same thing, and he didn't quite understand why. However, it wasn't a bad thing for him, and he didn't plan to investigate it further; he would just let things take their course.

"This is what I promised you. Photon, your hard work deserves a special thank you."

"Great!"

Photon could no longer contain her joy, and a radiant smile bloomed on her face. Her previous disappointment vanished, leaving only anticipation and sweetness.

She even forgot her reserve and squeezed Higashino Yu's hand back tightly.

"Then it's settled! I...I will definitely choose the place and time carefully!"

"Well, I'll wait for your news."

Higashino smiled and agreed.

At this moment, the driver of the car had slowly stopped in the driveway at the entrance of the villa, silently reminding everyone of the time.

"Ah, the car is here..." Mitsuko glanced at the villa with some reluctance, then looked at Higashino, her eyes filled with longing for her new home and anticipation for their next date.

"Go."

Higashino released her hand and gently patted her shoulder.

"Don't keep your family waiting."

Mitsuko nodded, took a deep breath, and tried to regain some of her composure as a young lady, but she couldn't hide the smile in her eyes. She turned and walked briskly towards the car.

Just as she was about to open the car door, Higashino's voice rang out again: "Mitsuko."

Photon turned around at the sound, his gaze questioning.

Higashino strode up to her.

Under the slightly surprised and shy gaze of Mitsuko, Higashino didn't say much, but simply bowed slightly.

A gentle and precious kiss, like a petal falling onto the water, softly landed on Guangzi's forehead.

The touch was warm and dry, carrying the unique, reassuring, and refreshing scent characteristic of Higashino.

Photon froze instantly, his mind went blank, and it was as if even his breathing had stopped.

Have I been ambushed by Higashino-kun again?

Thinking this, her fair cheeks quickly flushed a vibrant red, which spread all the way to her delicate earlobes and slender neck.

My heart was pounding wildly in my chest, like countless fawns were running around.

Higashino stepped back, looking into Mitsuko's eyes, which were glistening with shock and embarrassment, and whispered:

"This is part of my thank-you gift. Take care on your journey, Mitsuko. See you next time."

Guangzi felt her cheeks were burning hot enough to fry an egg. Her lips moved, but she couldn't utter a single word.

"What kind of guy gives a thank-you gift like that? It's clearly taking advantage..."

Mitsuko muttered to herself, then noticed that Higashino seemed to be leaning closer again. Like a startled rabbit, she quickly lowered her head, hurriedly replied "Nothing," and frantically opened the car door and jumped in, practically "throwing" herself into the back seat.

She didn't even dare to look at Higashino anymore, and just covered her burning cheeks with her hands.

"drive!"

The car doors closed, and the engine started. The black luxury sedan smoothly drove away from the villa.

Only after the car turned the corner and disappeared from sight did Guangzi dare to secretly raise her head.

She cautiously peered out the back window, and there stood the same tall figure at the villa entrance, the sunlight outlining his clear silhouette.

Mitsuko's fingers unconsciously touched his smooth forehead, where the warmth and touch of his lips seemed to still linger.

"This time, is it the forehead...?"

And the next... date...

She lowered her face again, but couldn't help but smile, her heart overflowing with sweetness.

All the unpleasantness from the family meeting had vanished, leaving only boundless anticipation for their future date.

At the villa entrance, Higashino Yu watched the car drive away, the faint fragrance of the girl's hair still lingering on his fingertips.

He turned around, preparing to go back to clean up and contact the girls to come to the party that afternoon.

Chapter 121 Higashino Wants to Throw a Swimsuit Party

Inside the villa in the afternoon.

Index wiped the double-door refrigerator, which was taller than a person, with a towel and exclaimed "Wow!"

"What a huge refrigerator! You just bought so much delicious food, Dongye, are you planning to cook a big meal tonight?" The silver-haired nun asked, her eyes shining as she peered at the refrigerator door.

Himegami Akisa and Misaka Meiya were also cleaning.