Chapter 133: Senior and Tea

Saeko Dobujima led Tsukasa Aoki through a wooden corridor that wrapped around the courtyard behind the dojo. Tsukasa couldn’t help but admire the scene before him. “Last time I left in a hurry and didn’t get a proper look. This place is truly beautiful.”

The Dobujima family’s dojo was built in a roughly square layout, with wooden walkways encircling an open-air courtyard of about twenty square meters.

Though modest in size, the courtyard featured trees, a stone table, and a few flowers blossoming alongside a pebble path leading from the wooden corridor. It looked exactly like the elegant residences one sees only on television dramas—luxurious yet understated.

Tsukasa imagined a scene where the cherry blossoms in the courtyard were in full bloom, and Senior Dobujima gracefully wielded her sword amid the petals. He pictured himself sitting at the stone table, quietly sipping tea, watching the blossoms compete with her radiant presence, the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves—a moment of pure bliss.

Just the thought made him feel that such a life would leave little room for regret.

Oh, and of course, it would be perfect to have his sister Kuu sitting by the corridor, casually swinging her legs while playing on her phone.

“When the cherry blossoms bloom, that’s when this place is truly breathtaking,” Saeko said with a smile, teasing him gently. “Though cleaning up afterward can be quite troublesome.”

“Even so, that’s still wonderful,” Tsukasa said, snapping back from his daydream. Realizing that the heroine of his story was right here before him, a blush crept onto his cheeks.

But he wasn’t some lovestruck boy; he quickly regained his composure and laughed heartily. “If I had a house this big, I wouldn’t mind cleaning up leaves or tidying every day. It wouldn’t be tiring at all.”

“If it were you, Tsukasa-kun, wanting a house like this isn’t impossible,” Saeko said with a playful glint in her eye as she opened a door and led him inside. “But I imagine that once you live in such a big house, you wouldn’t find cleaning alone to be very enjoyable.”

Tsukasa blinked in surprise. “When the cherry blossoms bloom next year, if you find it troublesome, let me help. As long as you provide the tea, I guarantee I’ll clean better than any professional cleaner. Uh, and if the tea leaves are expensive, I’m fine with just plain water.”

Saeko giggled, covering her mouth. “Alright, I’ll be sure to have the tea ready. But then, Tsukasa-kun, don’t be scared off by the fallen cherry blossoms on the ground and run away, cutting off contact with me.”

They laughed together as they stepped into the house.

Inside, the decor was still traditional and elegant. There was no television or any modern gadgetry—only a low table, a small cabinet, and a pot of tea. Every item was spotless, radiating a faint, refreshing fragrance.

“Please, have a seat,” Saeko invited Tsukasa to sit by the table, where tea cups were already set. Her injured right hand awkwardly grasped her sleeve as her left hand reached for the teapot.

Tsukasa hurried to take it. “Senior, let me pour the tea.”

Saeko blinked but dodged his hand, pouting playfully. “Tsukasa-kun, even with one hand injured, I’m not some fragile girl.”

“Uh…” Embarrassed, Tsukasa sat back down. She smiled again and said, “As the host, I have the duty to pour the tea.”

Watching Saeko carefully roll up her sleeve and pour the tea, Tsukasa noticed how her purple hair fell softly over her shoulders, like a delicate new blossom painted onto the white kimono. The side profile visible between the strands was fair and smooth. Her nose was well-defined, lips curved faintly, and her phoenix-shaped eyes flickered gently, locking briefly with Tsukasa’s somewhat stunned gaze.

Their eyes met, and they shared a quiet smile, both touched by hidden bittersweet feelings.

When the tea was poured, Saeko returned to her seat, kneeling with impeccable posture. Tsukasa couldn’t help but admire, “I’ve always had a vague idea of what a true lady is, but only now, seeing Senior Dobujima, do I know exactly what that means.”

He lifted his cup, inhaled the tea’s fragrance, and gazed warmly at Saeko’s faint smile. “I mean every word honestly. These compliments come from the heart, not flattery. Senior, you should accept them all.”

Saeko smiled, furrowing her brow slightly as if both embarrassed and teasing, and poured herself a cup. “You’d better remember everything you say today. If you ever repeat yourself, that won’t do.”

“Ha ha ha,” Tsukasa laughed, taking a sip. The aroma wafted into his nose, the tea’s slight bitterness quickly melted into a rich fragrance that filled his throat. After swallowing, only a lingering sweetness remained.

“It leaves a lasting fragrance in the mouth, truly unforgettable. Senior, your tea is magnificent,” he praised.

Saeko raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Tsukasa-kun, you know about the way of tea?”

Tsukasa shook his head. “I’m just an ordinary guy. Even if you gave me a bottle of cola, I’d say it has a surprisingly rich aftertaste, sweet as honey.”

He chuckled and set down his cup. “I just say it tastes good, but if you asked me why, I might not be able to explain.”

“Are you disappointed?” he asked with a grin.

Saeko shook her head seriously. “No, you’re exactly how I imagined you would be. Tsukasa-kun, you really are a charming man.”

“Is that so?” Tsukasa smiled sheepishly, then noticed her hand and remembered why he had come. Hastily, he placed the plastic bag he’d been carrying on the table. “Sorry, I came in a hurry and only bought some fruit from the supermarket.”

“That’s perfect timing; I’ve been wanting some fruit these days,” Saeko said as she took the bag, inspected its contents with care, smiled, then closed the bag and placed it beside her.

To accept a gift without even looking would feel like mere politeness, but Saeko’s thoughtful handling made the giver feel truly appreciated, lifting any sense of burden.

Such subtle grace in social manners can only come from families with deep refinement.

Tsukasa was truly impressed, feeling like a rough peasant compared to her elegance.

“Senior, are you not planning to go to school lately?” Tsukasa asked, concern shining in his eyes.

Saeko tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled gently. “Not really. The classes aren’t too difficult anyway. If I can’t practice kendo at the club, it’s better to stay home and heal properly.”

“I see,” Tsukasa hesitated, then remembered all the things he had done in the kendo club. He proceeded to recount them in detail to Saeko.

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