Saturday, 9:45 AM
To make sure today's date would become a fond memory for both of them, Haru had dressed with particular care.
A plain white sweatshirt paired with loose brown slacks and clean black-and-white sneakers though it was a safe, unremarkable combo, worn by a handsome boy like him, the effect was surprisingly powerful.
"..."
Haru glanced at his phone. There were still fifteen minutes left before the time they had agreed to meet.
Knowing Kita, who would always draft a detailed plan ahead of time and come thoroughly prepared, she likely wouldn't arrive exactly on the dot. Someone as proactive as her would probably show up at least fifteen minutes early.
She might have even woken up at 6:30, spending all that extra time doing her makeup, styling her hair, and picking out clothes. By the time she couldn't hold back any longer, she would dash out the door ahead of schedule.
That's why Haru had arrived thirty minutes early, he had accounted for all of this.
"Should be about time."
He muttered to himself, narrowing his dark eyes slightly. Without turning around, he reached behind him and gently grabbed a soft hand. Only after hearing a confused little squeal did he slowly turn his head.
And there she was, the red-haired girl about to sneak up behind him and cover his eyes for a prank, caught mid-act.
Kita Ikuyo blinked, dumbfounded, then exclaimed, "H-how did you know I was there?!"
"You're practically radiating Kita energy. I was about to get burned."
Haru raised an eyebrow and laughed lightly as he teased her.
Ever since he'd obtained the skill "Soyo's Recon and Counter-Recon Lv.3" from Soyo's simulation, his already sharp instincts had leveled up even further.
If someone were watching him from the shadows, he could sense it almost immediately and as for Kita's gaze... Well, it practically came with a fire damage buff, it was so intense.
"I am not that hot!"
Kita's eyes flew wide as she blurted in protest, voice tinged with embarrassment.
Haru only smiled. Now he had a chance to get a proper look at her outfit.
Today, Kita wore a snow-white lace-trimmed camisole dress with a beige jacket layered on top. A dainty, ribboned bow was tied at her waist, and she had on her usual black leather shoes paired with white socks adorned with silk ribbons. The combination of youth and vitality radiated off her like a flame.
Her makeup was light but beautifully done. Maybe it was nerves, but her long, fluttering eyelashes trembled ever so slightly. Her vibrant yellow-green eyes sparkled beneath them, and when paired with her sunny, cheerful smile, it felt like she was shining from within.
"..."
Haru parted his lips in mild surprise, unable to stop a quiet thought of admiration.
This wasn't the first time he'd seen Kita dressed up. On their last date, he'd already noticed how good her fashion sense was. But today, she was going for a completely different style, refined and elegant. She brought something fresh and unexpected each time.
It felt like she was putting in that extra bit of effort to catch his eye. A subtle but deliberate move.
That fleeting look of surprise on Haru's face didn't escape Kita. She quietly clenched a fist behind her back in a small gesture of triumph, her upturned lips barely hiding her glee.
All that effort from waking up at 6:30, spending two hours on choosing and styling the outfit. Totally worth it, just to see that expression.
Kita took a deep breath and smiled. "U-uh, Haru? I know we're early, but... wanna walk around a bit first?"
Haru glanced at the time and nodded. "Actually, I know a pretty good gift shop around here in Yokohama. Let's check it out."
Kita nodded rapidly in agreement, like a bobblehead. But just as Haru began to lead the way, he felt a tug on his jacket. Kita, her face burning, had reached out to stop him.
They locked eyes for half a second before she mumbled,
"...Um, I want to hold hands."
Her voice was soft, her gaze flitting away. Even the tips of her pale ears had turned scarlet. Her fingers trembled faintly, betraying how nervous she was.
"Hold hands?"
Haru raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
Normally, when they walked together, Kita would brush his hand with hers or graze it with a fingertip. If Haru didn't react, she'd inch a little closer, eventually sliding her hand into his. If he still didn't resist, she'd boldly interlock their fingers like a couple.
It had become such a familiar routine for her, sneaky little moves that were practically second nature.
But today, out of the blue, she was actually asking?
"..."
Haru found it oddly funny and a little endearing. He raised his brow again and wordlessly held out his left hand.
Kita's eyes lit up with happiness. This time, she didn't test the waters or cautiously nudge his palm. She pressed her hand firmly into his, as if claiming something that already belonged to her.
In an instant, their fingers were laced tightly together. The warmth that spread from their joined hands seemed to carry the heat of their blood and the pounding of their hearts.
"...Mm."
Kita let out a tiny whimper, her head bowed, her whole face flushed as if about to overheat.
She had held Haru's hand many times during her attempts to "win him over." On their last date, she had even gathered the courage to hug him and gave him her first kiss.
And yet today, just from holding hands, her blood ran hot, her thoughts a mess, her brain foggy from the surge of emotion.
Of course, she knew exactly why.
Because today's date wasn't just a regular date. It was also a turning point, a ceremony where their relationship would take a decisive step forward. She knew that if things played out as expected, Haru would eventually confess to her.
But Kita wasn't planning to wait for that.
She was going to confess to him first.
Back in that dream, Haru had confessed and she had gently turned him down. Even by the end, she hadn't managed to say how she really felt.
So this time, no matter what...
She was going to be the one to confess first.
…
Yokohama Takashimaya, located on the west side of Yokohama Station.
This department store offered an impressive variety of goods—everything from cosmetics and designer items to clothing, sportswear, accessories, and gifts. There were entire floors dedicated to jewelry and luxury brands.
Tourists often bought souvenirs here when visiting Yokohama.
Girls were naturally drawn to shopping and browsing. And for someone like Kita Ikuyo, a trendy, socially savvy JK always on the cutting edge, her enthusiasm was practically a force of nature.
The moment they stepped inside, she clutched his hand and dragged him around excitedly. Her eyes sparkled especially bright when they reached the fashion and gift sections.
"Haru! What do you think of this one?"
She held up a long dress with a ribbon bow, holding it against herself and twirling. Then she picked out a more mature, off-shoulder outfit for contrast. Either choice looked adorable on her.
But then she noticed how her slender frame couldn't quite carry the mature look. Her smile stiffened, and she quietly returned the outfit to the rack.
"Doesn't really suit me…"
Ugh, if only she had Bocchi's criminally curvy figure!
Haru didn't seem to read too much into it. He just stroked his chin and said thoughtfully, "Honestly, I think both would look pretty good on you."
"No way! I don't have the figure for anything mature like that. If I really tried to wear it… I'd probably look like a little kid clomping around in her mom's heels…"
"Haha, ha ha ha. Maybe kids' clothes would suit me better! Wanna check the kids' section?"
The sunny girl, usually unshaken by setbacks, instantly lost the focus in her eyes. For someone who always stayed cheerful no matter what, this sudden gloom was uncharacteristic. Her words turned into merciless self-mockery.
It reminded Haru of a certain gloomy tsuchinoko he had seen before. The stark contrast made him laugh.
Kita pressed her palms against her chest, her tone a mix of frustration and helplessness as she whimpered, "Even you're laughing at me, Haru?! You must like girls with bodies like little Bocchi or Soyo-san, right?!"
"No, no, no, I never said that!"
Haru shook his head immediately.
"I just thought this side of you (seeing you so down) was kind of cute, and I couldn't help but laugh. Besides, you don't need to get discouraged. You're still growing, Ikuyo. I'm sure you'll fill out more in the future."
"More importantly, I really don't care about body types. If anything, someone with a light, delicate frame like yours is easier to carry…"
His sentence trailed off mid-thought.
To his surprise, Kita blushed at his words. Her eyes flickered, and she murmured under her breath, avoiding his gaze.
"I already tried things like papaya juice, you know… It didn't work at all. But besides food, there are other… 'methods' out there, too…"
"..."
Unfortunately for her, Haru had excellent hearing.
Realizing her muttered confession had been heard loud and clear, Kita's face froze and turned fiery red. Her gaze darted toward the accessories section a short distance away.
She immediately scrambled to change the subject. "Haru, look! There are a lot of really cute accessories here. Like this choker... eh?"
Choker?
Instinctively, Haru looked at the heart-shaped metal choker she had grabbed. The design wasn't exactly subtle; it had a… distinct aesthetic.
Kita, holding it in both hands, quickly looked away as her face turned bright red and her pupils trembled faintly.
There was no way that was just a 'normal' accessory.
Well, it was the kind couples sometimes wore.
Her mind spinning, Kita was practically in a daze. Haru, noticing her flustered reaction, averted his eyes without comment. Then, smoothly, he picked up a pure black silk ribbon from nearby.
He spoke casually, steering the conversation away. "This ribbon would probably look really cute tied around your neck. Want to give it a try, Ikuyo?"
"S-sure, yeah…"
Still flushed, she slowly returned the choker to the display. But before turning away, she snuck a few extra glances at it, her expression hinting at something unspoken.
Her face still bright red, Kita seemed lost in thought. Before Haru could notice her lingering interest, she quickly slipped back into her usual cheerful smile and walked away.
Next time she came here… maybe she'd secretly buy it for herself?
…
Noon, 11:00 AM
After leaving the department store, Haru now had several small paper bags in hand.
Inside were some accessories he had bought for Kita. Thoughtful and earnest as ever, she refused to let him spend money on things like clothes or handbags. To her, love was a partnership where both people contributed equally, so she didn't want Haru to spend too much on her.
"We've been walking around for a while now. It's about lunchtime. Anything you feel like eating, Ikuyo?"
"How about ramen?"
The answer came like lightning. Kita beamed, her eyes shining gold with excitement.
Haru blinked, a strange look flickering across his face.
It was then he noticed they had wandered into a familiar area. Nearby was "Shiba Seki Ramen," a place he often visited. But he hadn't expected Kita to suggest eating something as greasy as ramen on her own.
It gave him the odd feeling that, though he thought he was leading this date, in reality, it was Kita who was guiding him.
After a brief pause, Haru asked, "I'm fine with that, but… why ramen all of a sudden?"
Kita, still holding his hand, froze. Her eyes darted away, her voice trying to sound carefree. "No reason! I just kind of felt like it today…"
But Haru wasn't fooled. Narrowing his eyes, he stared at her calmly.
"Tell the truth."
Kita's soft cheeks were suddenly pinched by the black-haired boy's fingers. Eyes welling up with tears, she finally gave up and blurted:
"Because you always go there with Ryo-senpai, right?! You've never gone with me even once!"
Now it made sense. Haru's expression softened. He gently squeezed her cheeks before letting go, rolling his eyes with a sigh.
"You could've just said so from the start."
He hadn't expected her to be so petty and jealous, but it was oddly endearing. Clearly, he'd have to be more mindful of subtle things like this in the future.
With that thought, Haru gave her hand a light tug and led her toward Shiba Seki Ramen.
Now that he thought about it, it had been a while since his last visit. He'd been busy with a lot lately. And now, showing up out of the blue with a different girl in tow…
Would the owner think he was using the place as his personal matchmaking spot?
"Welcome!"
A cheerful, bubbly blonde greeted them as they entered. But the moment she saw Haru's familiar face, her smile froze.
She stood stiff as ice, as if some invisible force had grabbed her throat. Still, she forced an awkward grin and tried to compose herself.
Haru didn't pay much attention to her strange reaction. He casually said, "We'll take the usual spot. Grapefruit juice for the drink."
Just as he began to lead Kita toward their seats, the blonde girl waved her arms in a panic. "W-wait! We're still cleaning up the place!"
Cleaning?
Haru raised an eyebrow. The place looked spotless. The floors gleamed, and everything seemed perfectly in order.
Then he noticed she was trying to block his view of something behind her. With his height advantage, he leaned slightly to peek over and saw a black-and-white photo being offered incense by a bundle of chives…
Haru: ?
Why chives?
"U-uh… anyway, please just go ahead and have a seat with your girlfriend!"
The blonde girl coughed and quickly backed away to cover the photo.
The word "girlfriend" made Kita's face go pink. She lowered her head like an ostrich burying itself, and seeing how flustered she was, Haru decided to let the photo thing slide for now.
Still, something felt off.
He turned back toward the photo out of curiosity but it was gone. Completely. As if it had never existed, like a mirage.
Perplexed, Haru was about to call the waitress over again when she rushed over, placed two small plates of grilled appetizers on the table, and fled.
"These are complimentary!"
"...Wait, why is it chives and oysters again?"