"Err... Masaki-san, Andini-chan, what's wrong with you two?"

Kurosaki Inga's question made Ishida Andini and Takigawa Masaki blink. Then, the two of them looked at each other and Masaki smiled broadly at Andini. Andini frowned and looked away. However, her heart was beating fast and this made Andini confused. She remembered Masaki's words again, saying that she was jealous and that made the man happy.

"It's okay," said Andini. "Rather than that, what do you want to talk to me about, Inga-chan? Then, why did you bring Shu-kun and Masaki-san here?"

"They are very worried about you, Andini-chan. I can't stop them when they want to make sure you're okay." Inga smiled apologetically. "Forgive me."

"And you," Andini pointed at Masaki. "Have you lost your mind, Masaki-san? Don't you know what you're doing is really bothering me?"

"What did I do?" Masaki asked in an innocent tone.

Andini groaned. "You call me and text me multiple times every day! Don't you have anything else to do? Shouldn't you be teaching Kyudo at Kazemai High School?"

"Isn't that normal because you never once responded to me and because I was very worried about you?" Masaki asked back. "I couldn't possibly come to your house, Andini-chan. Not because I'm afraid but because I don't want to make a scene. Unless you don't mind if I make a fuss and argue with your Father, then I will come to see you at your house from now on."

Nikaido Eisuke was silent and listened seriously to the conversation between Andini and Masaki. With just one look, Eisuke knew Masaki was interested in his cousin. But, what did he mean by saying that he and Ishida Takeru would argue if they met? Does his uncle not approve of the relationship between Andini and Masaki? Well, Eisuke wouldn't agree either because Andini was still in high school, still sixteen years old while Takigawa Masaki was twenty three years old. It was Kurosaki Inga who told him about the man's age.

"Now, you've seen me and made sure that I'm okay," said Andini in a lazy tone. "So, you should go home now. Or, you can meet the woman named Kanao earlier. From what I see, Kanao-san still seems to want to chat with you. She looks like she really misses you, Masaki-san."

Masaki smiled again. Then, he laughed.

"I told you, you are jealous, Andini-chan. You're interested in me, aren't you? Just like me who is attracted to you. You don't need to worry, Andini-chan. Kanao-san and I don't have any relationship."

Andini was silent and snorted. However, she could not understand the feeling of relief rising in her heart at this moment. Is she really interested in Takigawa Masaki? But, haven't they only met a few times since she set foot in Japan? There's no way she likes this man!

"Andini-chan," called Fujiwara Shu. The man stood up from the chair and approached Andini's chair. Then, he stretched out his right hand. "Can I talk to you? Just a little bit of your time is fine by me. I have something important to discuss with you."

"Hey, ask me for permission first," Eisuke grumbled. "I'm her cousin. I'm like an older brother to her. How dare you want to take my little sister away while I'm here."

Shu looked at Eisuke, ready to ask for permission. However, Andini immediately held Shu's hand. The girl looked at Eisuke and smiled.

"I'll talk to Shu-kun outside for a moment, Eisuke Oniichan."

Eisuke snorted but didn't say anything. He had never been able to refuse Ishida Andini's request for a long time. Meanwhile, Inga glanced at Masaki. The man looked annoyed because Shu took Andini away. Inga was sure, Masaki wanted to know what Andini and Shu were talking about. Then, suddenly the girl had an idea. She wanted to tease Masaki.

"Nikaido-san—"

"Just call me Eisuke," said Eisuke. "You're Andini-chan's friend, aren't you? All of Andini-chan's friends are my friends too."

Inga nodded. "Then, Eisuke-kun. Did you know that Shu-kun really liked Andini-chan since elementary school?"

"What?!" Eisuke exclaimed. Not only the man, Masaki also exclaimed in surprise. Eisuke and Inga both looked at Masaki.

"My guess was correct. Fujiwara Shu really likes Andini-chan. Do you think he will admit his feelings now?"

"Maybe?" Inga shrugged her shoulders. She grinned. "I agree if Shu-kun and Andini-chan are dating. Shu-kun has been waiting for Andini-chan all this time. He sincerely likes Andini-chan and has never liked other girls besides Andini-chan. I hope Andini-chan accepts Shu-kun's love."

"But, that—"

"Why, Masaki-san?" Inga asked. "Are you jealous?"

"Huh?" Masaki blinked.

"If you're jealous, then who is the woman named Kanao-san that Andini-chan mentioned earlier?" Inga insisted. "Masaki-san, I know you are a good man. But, if you play with my best friend's heart, I won't just keep quiet."

"I will kill you using my arrows if you dare hurt Andini-chan's heart," growled Eisuke. He glared at Masaki and Masaki cleared his throat.

"Wait a minute," said Masaki trying to calm him down. "Kanao-san and I have no relationship. Well, maybe in the past, we had a relationship. Yes, she is my ex-girlfriend. But, now we don't have any relationship anymore. I just met her again. We haven't seen each other for three years."

"Oh?"

The voice made Masaki freeze and turn his head around. He stood up from his chair when he saw Andini and Shu. The expression on Shu's face looked normal. The man even raised an eyebrow and smiled, making Masaki frown and start to panic. Did Andini accept Shu's confession? If so... now Andini and Shu are dating?!

"So, Kanao-san is your ex-girlfriend, huh?" Andini nodded. "Well, that explains why you two seem so close. I had expected it. Such a beautiful woman must be related to you."

"Andini—"

"But, none of that has any business with me." Andini looked at Eisuke. "Eisuke Oniichan, I heard from Shu that you will be taking part in the tournament?"

"Yes," nodded Eisuke.

"Can I watch you practice?"

"Yes?"

Masaki looked at Andini but the girl didn't pay attention to him.

"I... There are things I need to find out. And I will get the answer from Kyudo."