CHAPTER 417: CHAPTER 301: NO MALE CLASSMATE CAN GIVE HER RANDOM GIFTS!

"Hanabi-chan, aren’t you tired?" While Aei and Chiaei were picking out clothes in the store, Uesugi Sakura asked Hanamaru Hanabi, standing beside him.

"Not really... I’m alright..."

Though she said she was alright, Uesugi Sakura could already see the fatigue on her face.

"Aei said you went to bed at 2 AM last night. So you were avoiding me on purpose, and slept over with Aei them?"

"I wasn’t avoiding you on purpose, Sakura-kun... It’s just..." Hanamaru Hanabi lowered her head as she spoke.

"It’s just that you didn’t want me to worry, right?" Uesugi Sakura knew what she wanted to say, "It’s okay to let me worry, honestly, I’m more concerned about your well-being. It’s fine to stay up late, just let me know at least."

"Okay."

"Hanabi-san?"

Hanamaru Hanabi, who was talking to Uesugi Sakura, turned towards the voice and saw a young man at the store’s entrance.

He noticed the two of them and walked over from the entrance.

"Who are you?"

Uesugi Sakura looked at the young man who suddenly appeared in the store with curiosity, observing him carefully. He was wearing a dark purple jacket, dark trousers, a watch on his wrist, slightly curly hair, and an unabashed smile on his face.

He was accompanied by a fashionably dressed woman, who seemed to be his girlfriend.

"Ah, hello, I’m Sekine Sagara, a classmate of Hanamaru Hanabi."

"Hello."

A classmate of Hanabi at Tokyo Art University? Uesugi Sakura saw his outstretched hand and extended his own out of courtesy.

Though it felt uncomfortable, he generally didn’t have a good impression of the male classmates of Hanabi.

If he had to give a reason, he knew there were many guys at Tokyo Art University pursuing Hanabi.

Knowing full well she is engaged.

He had inadvertently heard this from Kitagawa Sakisa, who had complained that many boys in the class would go party in Kabukicho all night, calling them unserious.

Art students indeed generally have good looks and confidence, and some use their appearance and artistic talent to project an image of an intellectual handsome guy, which is popular among girls.

Confidence is good, but some use it for picking up girls.

Picking up girls isn’t the issue, but they definitely shouldn’t pursue Hanabi. Uesugi Sakura would chase off any who tried.

Too violent and calling the police?

Sorry, that’s my father-in-law.

As a protective father, Hanamaru Hiroki probably doesn’t like such frivolous men either.

Sekine Sagara seemed polite, and he introduced the young woman beside him as his sister, although she appeared a few years his senior.

"Hanabi-san, are you here to buy clothes today?"

"Not for me..."

Sekine Sagara smiled at Uesugi Sakura, "Then, you must be buying for this gentleman? I’ll speak to the staff and offer it for free."

To say a word and get it free, it’s likely their family owns this clothing store.

Uesugi Sakura had noticed when he entered that the store was large, with all styles of clothing available: elegant, printed, fashion, evening, suits, formal wear—everything.

"Hanabi-san, don’t be confused," Sekine Sagara still wore a smile, "this clothing store is technically a branch of a family enterprise, basically ours. With your taste, it shouldn’t be hard to discern the design concept, right?"

"Traditional wooden architecture?"

"Yes, exactly, and with modern additions. But mainly, it emphasizes transparency with an orderly layout, so customers immediately find the style they want," Sekine Sagara glanced at Hanamaru Hanabi, "Hanabi-san, I think we have quite a bit in common."

Hanamaru Hanabi did not respond to him, instead avoiding his gaze and tugging a bit on Uesugi Sakura’s shirt from behind.

What an ulterior motive you have.

Uesugi Sakura slightly shielded Hanamaru Hanabi, "Sekine-san, may I ask what brought you out today?"

"Seeking fleeting inspirations in life—sounds nice, but I actually just enjoy shopping," Sekine Sagara laughed softly, shaking his head self-deprecatingly.

"Hanabi sister! Does this one look good?"

Aei suddenly ran over with a dress from inside the store but noticed two unfamiliar people, "Who are you guys?"

"I’m Sekine Sagara, little one, your Hanabi sister’s classmate. The one next to me is my sister, though she’s from another university."

"Oh~ I’m Aei."

Aei’s focus was on the pretty clothes, uninterested in his words, only pulling Hanamaru Hanabi to help her and her sister Chiaei change clothes.

Sekine Sagara watched Hanamaru Hanabi follow Aei to the other side, then turned his gaze to Uesugi Sakura, saying, "My sister and I need to find a gift for our father today, so we won’t disturb Hanabi-san further."

He smiled at Uesugi Sakura once more before turning to leave with his sister, not forgetting to remind the sales clerk of the free offer for them.

After saying these words, he disappeared from view.

How to describe this guy, he definitely has a slight charming look, and a good sense of style.

He dresses with flair, yet he’s not a trend-chaser, just a normal yet fashionable young man.

He’s the type that career women might find appealing.

"Is he really your classmate?" Uesugi Sakura walked over to where Hanamaru Hanabi was helping Aei choose clothes.

"Yes..." Hanamaru Hanabi nodded slightly.

"Is he trying to pursue you?"