Central Park, New York.


    Ito Takehiko and Tanaka Koichi, both in shorts and masks, stroll along the park trails.


    Their leisurely pace quickly transforms into a brisk walk, and before long, they are practically racing ahead, leaving Charlie and Nanako trailing behind.


    Nanako, dressed in a kimono, strolls leisurely next to Charlie, unfazed by the curious nces from passersby. With a smile, she remarks, “Charlie, it looks like Oduosang and Tanaka-san are having a littlepetition.”


    “Really?” Charlie replies, grinning as he watches the two distance themselves. “Are they trying to see who’s faster?”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    “It seems so,” Ito Nanako says, pursing her lips yfully. “Look at Oduosang; he’s practically leaping with each step!”


    As she speaks, she demonstrates by mimicking a few steps, hopping slightly after each one, creating a cheerful rhythm as she jumps along.


    Charlie chuckles at her antics, teasing, “I think we can call that a jump walk.”


    Intrigued, Ito Nanako turns to him and asks, “Is that the kind of walking where ‘it won’tst long’?”


    Charlieughs, replying, “Yes, but that’s a bit unlucky, don’t you think?”


    With a bright smile, Ito Nanako sticks out her tongue and says, “When I’m with you, Charlie, good luck always follows!”


    Then, she adds, “By the way, Charlie, every time we meet, you seem to help me or my family out in one way or another. Does that ever annoy you?”


    Charlie shakes his head with a smile. “Not at all! Why would you think that?”


    Ito Nanako looks thoughtful. “I just feel a bit embarrassed needing your help so often…”


    Charlie reassures her, “Don’t feel that way. I always seek you out when I want to help.”


    Ito Nanako pauses, then beams at him. “That’s true! The first time you came to my rescue was during that heavy snowfall in Kyoto.”


    As she reflects, she stops and gazes up at the leaves swaying in the breeze before turning to Charlie and asking, “Charlie, do you think I look good?”


    “Absolutely,” Charlie answers without hesitation.


    “Do you think I look a bit out of ce in this outfit here?” she inquires.<fn1d36> Discover more novels at find?novel</fn1d36>


    Charlie considers for a moment before responding with a smile, “It’s not so much out of ce as it is a unique mix.”


    With a nod and a smile, Ito Nanako replies, “Honestly, I don’t wear a kimono out much. There are only a few asions when I do…”


    Curious, Charlie asks, “What kind of asions?”


    With a yful wink, Ito Nanako smiles mysteriously before shifting the topic, saying, “Mr. Charlie, I’ve imagined four special moments with you, and the one I looked forward to the most was walking with you in the snow in Kyoto. Thankfully, that wish came truest year.”


    “What about the others?” Charlie prompts, eager to hear more.


    “The other three…” Ito Nanako sighs, admiring the trees in New York at night. “The second one is during cherry blossom season at Hirosaki Park, wearing a kimono and walking beneath the blooming trees with you. Unfortunately, cherry blossom season is in March or April, and that’s already passed…”