Chapter 183
Previously, Eli didn't know the first thing about Tarot cards.
However, her one and only best friend, Nozomi-chan, was a die-hard Tarot enthusiast. Under her constant influence, Eli had naturally picked up a certain level of understanding when it came to interpreting the cards.
The Lovers was, as the name suggested, the card of sweethearts.
Furthermore, the one Eli had drawn was The Lovers in the upright position!
When it came to an upright Lovers card, the interpretation was quite straightforward. Broadly speaking, it meant that under the blessing of an angel, two people promised beautiful vows of loyalty to one another, symbolizing that the couple who drew the card would share a wonderful future in love.
It seemed that because she had been "brainwashed" so often by Nozomi, Eli actually held a certain level of belief in these supernatural matters.
Still, verbally at least, she wasn't about to give in that easily.
Eli let out a soft huff. "This kind of thing... only girls like Nozomi would actually believe in it. Drawing this card was nothing more than a total coincidence."
"Is it really a coincidence?" Mineo asked with a tilt of his head. "In that case, Eri, why don't you try drawing one more?"
Glancing at Mineo, Eli placed the card back. After Mineo shuffled the deck, Eli immediately reached out and pulled another card from the pile.
The moment she saw the illustration clearly, Eli's gaze froze.
"How... how is this possible!?" she stammered. "Why is it still... still The Lovers?"
"It just goes to show that the bond between Eli and me is truly ordained by heaven," Mineo remarked smoothly. "Are you still unwilling to admit it even now?"
Eli didn't say a word. She shoved the card back into the deck, shuffled it herself, and drew again!
"The Lovers!"
"The Lovers!"
"The Lovers!"
Exactly three rounds passed. No matter how Eli shuffled the deck or which position she picked from, every single card she pulled was The Lovers in the upright position.
The spiritual phenomenon unfolding right before her eyes left Eli at a total loss for words. Was it possible that she and Mineo really were a couple completely blessed by God?
Just as Eli fell into a daze, unsure of what to say, Mineo suddenly popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth.
"Here, have something sweet. You seem like you've gotten thinner lately, Eli."
"I made this chocolate myself, specifically for you," he added. "It's not something I just picked up at a store."
Eli's teeth moved instinctively, and the chocolate crumbled softly against her palate. A pure, indescribable sweetness began to flow over the tip of her tongue.
In an instant, Eli's body gave a small shiver. Her frame tensed up slightly, as if she were trying to resist the way the delicious flavor was eroding her composure.
"How is it? Tastes pretty good, doesn't it?"
Seeing Mineo watching her with a bright smile, Eli bit her thin lip and murmured softly, "It's not that good..."
"Don't get too ahead of yourself. I... I'm only eating it to show you some appreciation."
Watching Eli persist with her stubborn front, Mineo simply smiled and didn't push the matter further. But right at that moment, Mineo's phone suddenly began to ring.
When he pulled it out to check, it turned out to be a call from Nozomi.
"Mineo-kun, how are things going?" Nozomi's voice chirped through the receiver. "Is your private date with Eli-chi going smoothly? You should have completely won her heart by now."
Hearing that familiar voice over the speaker, Eli's cute ears perked up, even though she kept her face turned away.
"I'm currently busy exchanging feelings with Eli. What's up, Nozomi-chan?"
"Oh, nothing much! I just wanted to call and remind Mineo-kun that your second date is about to start soon! Don't chat with Eli-chi for too long and keep the next person waiting. That would be very rude behavior, you know."
"Yeah, thanks for the reminder, Nozomi-chan. I understand!"
"Great! Well then, I won't disturb Mineo-kun any longer!"
After he hung up the call with Nozomi, Eli stared off into the distance and said quietly, "My time is up, isn't it?"
"It's not over. The time between Eri and me will last forever. How could it possibly end?"
Hearing Mineo's gentle voice, Eli remained silent. She stood up without a word and picked up her small shoulder bag.
"It's getting late. I shouldn't keep you from heading to your next location. Let's end this conversation here."
Seeing Eli stand up, Mineo rose from the long bench as well. He reached out and pulled Eli into a hug, and this time, Eli didn't offer any resistance.
Feeling the sensation of being held in Mineo's arms, Eli asked softly, "What does it actually feel like... to like someone?"
Mineo lowered his head slowly, pressing a brief kiss to Eli's forehead before saying with a slight smile, "It's pretty much exactly the feeling I get when I'm facing you."
Eli put a bit of strength into her arms, pulling back from Mineo's embrace. She looked up and stared deep into his eyes.
"That feeling... I'll remember it."
"As for everything else, let's put it aside for now. I want to ask for a bit more time to properly think about the relationship between you and me."
"You need a little time? I see," Mineo nodded. "Giving enough understanding to the person I love is something every man in love should do."
Eli gazed at Mineo, then slowly whispered her thanks. In the next second, she took a step forward and pushed herself up on her tiptoes.
She took the initiative to hug Mineo tightly. Her voice began to sound a little melancholic.
"If only I could be the only one for you... how wonderful would that be?"
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