Imaizumi Keita's praise made Yanami Anna's unhappiness vanish instantly.
Yanami Anna began to refocus her attention on the "serious business" of choosing a Yukata.
"Then... Keita, do you think this white one with Hydrangeas suits me better, or the deep blue one with the goldfish pattern?"
She finally narrowed it down to two, holding them up in front of her. Still undecided, she asked Imaizumi Keita again.
Imaizumi Keita's gaze swept back and forth between the two Yukatas.
...
The white Hydrangea Yukata had an elegant pattern and gentle colors; wearing it would likely make her look pure and quiet, like a top student from next door.
On the other hand, the deep blue goldfish Yukata had a serene base color, but the lively goldfish pattern added a touch of playfulness, better highlighting her bright and cheerful personality.
Most importantly, Imaizumi Keita felt that the deep blue matched Yanami Anna better than the Hydrangea colors.
He pointed to the goldfish Yukata and answered, "This one."
"Eh? Why?" Yanami Anna was a bit surprised. "I thought the color was a bit too dark. Won't it look a bit old-fashioned?"
"It won't," Imaizumi Keita shook his head and gave his reason.
"Your skin is fair, so dark colors will make you stand out more. And the goldfish... they're cute, just like you."
"...Eh?"
Yanami Anna was stunned for a moment before realizing that Imaizumi Keita was once again praising her in a roundabout way.
She couldn't help but huff, wriggling her body as she said stubbornly, "Whatever... that's so random. But since you said so, I'll pick this one."
As she spoke, she hugged the goldfish Yukata to her chest, her face full of excitement and joy.
Having decided on her own Yukata, she immediately urged Imaizumi Keita to buy his.
"Alright, your turn now."
She grabbed Imaizumi Keita's wrist and dragged him over to the men's Yukata section.
"Let me see... Keita, you're tall and have a great build, so I feel like anything would look good on you."
She scanned the racks and quickly locked onto a dark gray Yukata with a subtle pattern.
"Let's go with this one!" She took the Yukata down and held it up against him without a second thought. "This color suits you well; it looks steady and handsome!"
"Then this one it is."
Imaizumi Keita nodded in cooperation, seeing how enthusiastic she was.
"I feel like Keita will definitely look handsome in this..."
She not only helped Imaizumi Keita pick out a Yukata but also paired it with a matching belt and Geta.
The two took their selected clothes and walked to the checkout counter, satisfied.
The shop assistant smiled as she took the clothes and skillfully began scanning, folding, and bagging them.
Yanami Anna stood to the side, fantasizing about the night of the fireworks Festival, when a number suddenly reached her ears that made her heart tighten.
"Hello, that will be thirty-eight thousand yen in total."
"..."
The smile on Yanami Anna's face instantly froze.
Her gaze slowly drifted toward the billing data displayed on the cash register screen.
Thirty-eight thousand...
She felt the wallet inside her shoulder bag.
She had indeed prepared some pocket money for her date with Keita, thinking she'd buy some desserts and such...
Although she had thought about the Yukata, since the last time she bought one was so long ago, she had subconsciously overlooked the cost...
As a result...
Just these two items of clothing had already far exceeded her budget.
A sense of shame rushed to her brain, and her cheeks instantly turned a deep crimson.
What should I do...
I don't have enough money...
To tell him I don't have enough money at a time like this...
This is way too embarrassing!
She stole a glance at Imaizumi Keita and found him looking at her with eyes that said, "I knew this would happen."
That bastard! He definitely did this on purpose!
He had seen the price tags long ago but deliberately didn't remind her!
"Um..."
Yanami Anna took a deep breath, cautiously tugged at the corner of Imaizumi Keita's shirt, looked up, and spoke in a small voice.
"Kei... Keita..."
Imaizumi Keita raised an eyebrow, signaling her to continue.
Yanami Anna immediately pressed her hands together in a plea, her voice habitually becoming coquettish.
"Keita... I... I don't have enough money... Could you... could you pay for me first?"
She paused, and fearing he might refuse, she hurriedly added a highly enticing condition.
"I... I'll agree to anything! As long as you help me buy this Yukata, I'll do whatever you want!"
This scene and this phrasing reminded Imaizumi Keita of a month ago, in the Family Restaurant, of that same loser girl who had been at her wit's end and had taken the liberty of causing him trouble.
Only this time, her eyes were no longer filled with despair and resentment, but with reliance and trust in her lover.
He looked at her cute appearance as she cast aside her pride for the sake of something she loved; after all, Anna-chan just wanted to look a bit prettier in front of him...
That point alone was enough for Imaizumi Keita to accept Yanami Anna's condition.
However, Yanami Anna had proactively offered the condition that he could make any request...
He could take this opportunity to make some excessive demands.
For example, having her wear this Yukata during and after the Fireworks Festival and accompany him to some... places only the two of them knew.
Or perhaps, having her promise to try some... bolder things next time they went to his house together.
These thoughts flashed through his mind, but in the end, he suppressed them.
He remembered the thoughtfulness Yanami Anna showed when she proactively prepared protection for him, and the tenderness when she wore his shirt while preparing breakfast for him.
This woman had already shown her softest and most defenseless side to him.
Besides, he actually seemed to still owe Yanami Anna a favor anyway...
And Yanami Anna had never proactively used that favor to ask him for anything...
If he used this semi-coercive method to demand something now, it would be... too much of a bastard move.
"Alright, I get it."
He reached out and flicked her forehead somewhat irritably, then took out the money and handed it to the clerk who had been waiting for a long time.
"Check out."
"Eh?"
Yanami Anna looked at Imaizumi Keita's natural manner, momentarily unsure of how to react.
He... he just... agreed?
Without making any demands?
"What are you dazing for?" Imaizumi Keita took the shopping bag from the clerk and naturally took her hand with his other hand. "Let's go."
"Ah... oh!"
Yanami Anna finally snapped out of it and let him lead her out of the Kimono Shop.
It wasn't until they were on the return train that she turned her head and spoke with some uncertainty.
"Um... Keita."
"Hmm?"
"Do you... really... not have any requests?"
"Yeah." Imaizumi Keita nodded and turned to look at her with a smile. "However, I've remembered what you just said."
"'I'll agree to anything', right?"
"Ugh..." Yanami Anna turned her face away in embarrassment. "...Yeah."
"Don't worry," he said, looking at the city scenery racing past the window. "Next time I need your 'help', I definitely won't be polite about it."
Hearing his words filled with suggestive meaning, Yanami Anna's heart skipped a beat uncontrollably.
She didn't say anything more, but simply gripped their joined hands a little tighter.
As they neared home, Imaizumi Keita suddenly asked, "By the way, Anna-chan, how do you plan to explain the origin of this Yukata to your parents? You can't exactly say your boyfriend bought it, right?"
"Heh heh," a smug smile appeared on Yanami Anna's face. "You don't need to worry about that."
"I have my ways! If all else fails, I'll just leave it at your place, Keita..."
Yanami Anna said nonchalantly.
...
The next day, by the Sports Field after the morning run.
Imaizumi Keita and Shioyaki Lemon sat side by side on the steps, each drinking a sports drink to rehydrate.
A summer morning always brought a unique tranquility, with the scent of grass and earth permeating the air.
"By the way, Kin-chan."
Shioyaki Lemon turned her head and spoke with her usual bright smile.
"Hmm?"
"Do you have any plans for the Literature Club's Fireworks Festival?"
"Plans?" Imaizumi Keita thought for a moment and shook his head. "No special plans, I'll just follow along with everyone. It'll be livelier with more people, which sounds pretty fun."
He thought for a moment and tentatively added, "But that girl Yanami is quite excited. She even dragged me to buy a new Yukata yesterday, saying she wants to wear it then."
After saying this, he observed Shioyaki Lemon's reaction.
However, the expected disappointment or envy did not appear on Shioyaki Lemon's face.
She just gave an "oh," showed a knowing smile, and proactively changed the subject.
She scratched her short hair somewhat embarrassedly, a slightly troubled expression appearing on her face.
"Actually... I originally wanted to go in a Yukata too, since it was mentioned in the group chat. But the one I have was bought several years ago, and it feels a bit small now. And..."
Her tone carried a hint of helplessness. "I originally wanted to ask Mitsuki to go with me to pick out a new one, but that guy probably has nothing but his girlfriend on his mind right now; he probably doesn't have time for me."
She spoke these words quite openly, without the slightest concealment.
However, her next sentence immediately let Imaizumi Keita know Shioyaki Lemon's intention.
"So..."
Shioyaki Lemon looked at Imaizumi Keita with an expectant, burning gaze, and her hand, which had been on her knee, grabbed his forearm at this moment.
"Kin-chan... are you free this afternoon? Could you... accompany me to take a look?"
"I'm not sure which kind of Yukata would suit me or look good on me if I go alone..."
Shioyaki Lemon shook Imaizumi Keita's arm, requesting in a coquettish tone.
"To thank you for helping me pick out a Yukata, Kin-chan, I'll treat you to the latest movie."
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