Natsukawa Kanade had no choice but to accept his fate: his solo day off was now firmly hijacked by Kasumigaoka Utaha, the cunning senpai who had latched onto him like a playful predator.
As they strolled aimlessly through the bustling streets, Kanade sighed. "Senpai, don't you have anywhere you want to go? Maybe somewhere that doesn't involve tormenting me?"
Utaha casually twirled a strand of her silky hair. "Oh, but I already told you, didn't I? I'm here to accompany you, dear kouhai-kun~"
Kanade glanced down at the bag full of books she'd made him carry. "Right, because nothing screams 'selfless companionship' like turning me into a pack mule."
Utaha chuckled softly, her scarlet eyes gleaming with amusement. "Now, now. Aren't you always saying that exercise is important? Think of this as your daily workout."
Kanade sighed again. There was no winning against her. "Fine, then let me ask this: what exactly am I allowed to do while you're 'accompanying' me? Or are you going to sabotage my plans the moment I get too far out of your sight?"
"Plans, hmm?" Utaha's lips curled into a teasing smile. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper. "Don't tell me you were heading somewhere… inappropriate all on your own? Perhaps a certain kind of shop to pick up some… inspiration?"
Kanade's face immediately flushed. "Of course not! I was just planning to browse some light novels, that's all!"
"Oh? So, no secret cravings to indulge?" Utaha's grin widened. "It's okay, kouhai-kun. I get it. You're a healthy young man with… certain needs. Totally normal."
Kanade glared at her, but before he could snap back, Utaha suddenly leaned even closer, her breath warm against his ear.
"Still," she whispered, her voice sultry and low, "if you're looking for something more… fulfilling, I could always prepare a special 'meal' just for you. Something nourishing and oh-so-delicious…"
She blew softly against his ear, her lips curved into a sly smirk.
"!!" Kanade jumped, nearly dropping the bag in his hands.
"Are you crazy?!" he yelped.
Utaha pulled back with a feigned look of innocence. "Hmm? What's wrong? I was just catching my breath. Or did you think I meant something… improper?"
Kanade's head throbbed. He couldn't keep up with her. No one could.
"Fine," he muttered, trying to steady his nerves. "You win. But you'd better not regret it."
"Oh? Regret what, exactly?" Utaha tilted her head, her teasing expression unwavering.
Kanade's eyes met hers, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "You'll see. Just follow me."
Utaha blinked. She hadn't expected him to call her bluff so decisively. "Wait, wait, hold on a second," she stammered. "Where… where are we going?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Kanade said, his lips curling into a mysterious smile as he started leading the way.
Utaha followed, a rare flicker of uncertainty flashing across her face. Surely he's not serious… right?
After a few minutes of walking, Kanade finally stopped in front of a brightly lit storefront.
"We're here," he announced.
Utaha froze. Her face turned as red as her eyes.
"N-no way," she stammered. "Kanade, you can't be serious! This is way too sudden! I—I'm not prepared! My clothes aren't even right for this kind of thing!"
Kanade raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? You don't need to prepare for something like this. Just roll up your sleeves, and you're good to go."
Utaha's heart skipped a beat. Roll up my sleeves?! Is he really this bold?!
Before she could process the situation, Kanade had grabbed her hand and was gently tugging her inside.
"C-Can we talk about this first?!" Utaha squeaked, her usual composure nowhere to be found.
"There's nothing to talk about," Kanade replied nonchalantly. "It'll be fun. Trust me."
The store clerk greeted them warmly as they stepped inside, and Kanade led Utaha toward one of the aisles.
"So," Kanade mused, scanning the options in front of him, "what do you think? Should we start with a two-hour session? Any longer might be too much for a beginner."
Utaha's face turned beet red. Her mind raced. Two hours?! For my first time?! I'll definitely break… won't I?
She opened her mouth to respond, but no sound came out. Her head was spinning, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Hello? Earth to senpai?" Kanade waved a hand in front of her face.
Utaha blinked, snapping back to reality. "W-what are you talking about?"
Kanade gestured at the wall in front of them.
"Escape rooms," he said matter-of-factly. "I've been wanting to try one out, and this place just opened up. Don't you think it sounds fun?"
"…"
Utaha stared at him, her expression a mix of relief, embarrassment, and murderous intent.
"You… you absolute idiot!" she hissed, smacking his arm.
Kanade winced. "What? What's wrong now?"
"You—! Forget it!"
Utaha turned away, hiding her burning face behind her hands.
Kanade tilted his head, utterly baffled.
What's her problem?