A few days had passed since the festival. The bell rang for second period. Hikaru and Mizuha crossed paths during the class change.
Mizuha felt awkward seeing Hikaru, and he felt the same way after his confession on the rooftop a few days prior. They just nodded at each other and walked past.
Shimizu and Eri exchanged confused looks at their reaction.
During lunch break, Zul told Mizuha, Shimizu, and Eri that they didn’t need to go to the rooftop as usual. He explained that he, Hikaru, and Takeru needed to discuss something privately elsewhere. So, the girls ate lunch in the classroom instead.
Eri and Shimizu gathered at Mizuha’s table. Shimizu dragged an empty desk over and pushed it against theirs, creating more space. They unpacked their bento boxes and began to eat.
As they started eating, Shimizu said, "Hey, was it just me, or have you and Hikaru been acting awkward around each other lately?"
Mizuha paused and her face turned red. "Wait, what are you talking about, Shimizu? Nothing happened between us… haha…"
"Oh, come on, don’t hide it. Your face gives it away…" Shimizu said, stealing a small sausage from Mizuha’s bento.
"Wait, that was mine, geez…" Mizuha said.
"Did something happen between you two, Mizuha-chan? Please tell us..." Eri asked.
"You too, Eri-chan…?" Mizuha sighed.
"Well… actually…" She recounted Hikaru’s confession, leaving Shimizu and Eri amazed.
"Huh? He confessed to you that night?" they exclaimed in unison, drawing looks from nearby classmates.
"Shh… keep it down! What if everyone hears?" Mizuha said, blushing.
Mizuha continued, her face bright red. "Yes, he confessed to me and asked me on a date this weekend."
"Really? That’s great, Mizuha-chan," Eri said, smiling.
Shimizu grinned. "Hoho, so he’s finally making his move. Not bad… This explains why you two ended up sleeping together on the rooftop that night."
"Wait, how do you know that?" Mizuha’s face turned red.
"Actually, Mizuha-chan, Zul and we saw you and Takamiya-kun sleeping together that night," Eri explained.
"Wait, you saw that? Ah, this is so embarrassing! Why didn’t you wake me up?" Mizuha said.
"You two looked so sweet sleeping next to your beloved prince. We didn’t want to disturb the moment, you know…" Shimizu said.
"See, here’s the proof," Shimizu said, showing Mizuha the photo she took that night on her phone.
"Wait, you even took a photo… Geez, Shimizu… please delete that…" Mizuha said, blushing, as Eri and Shimizu laughed.
At the same time, at the vending machine area at school, Hikaru, Zul, and Takeru were standing together to buy their drinks, and Hikaru suddenly sneezed.
"Achoo…!! Ah, I sneezed, this must be Shimizu talking about me…" Hikaru said.
"She might get mad at you if she heard this, you know…" Zul said.
"Black coffee…Black coffee, here they are!!!" Takeru said and pushed the button to get his drink.
"So, what did you need to talk with us about suddenly? Is this about Mizuha-chan?" Takeru said, before starting to drink his drink he got from the vending machine earlier.
"Yeah, you nailed it. Actually…." Hikaru told them about his confession to Mizuha back then.
"Really…? You did confess to her? So, what was her reply…?"
Hikaru said Mizuha accepted his confession and that he wanted to ask her on a date this weekend.
Takeru and Zul were amazed that Hikaru had finally made up his mind.
Hikaru then asked both of them for advice on the upcoming date since they had experience — Zul having dated Eri's late older sister and Takeru having recently started dating Akemi.
"You two have experience dating someone before, right? What did you guys do during those dates? Mind sharing with me…?"
Zul said it had been a long time since he dated someone. "The places I went to in the past might sound childish to you."
Takeru said, "Wait, after her sister passed away, you never actually took Eri out?"
Zul said, "Yeah. I used to invite Eri out sometimes, but she kept rejecting me. Mostly we went to each other's houses. We never really went out together except walking back from school."
Hikaru then asked Takeru how he managed it since he had only recently started dating Akemi.
"How about you? What did you do during your date with Akemi earlier…?"
Takeru grinned. "Hoho, you want to know? I am ready to tell you all about it." He then told Hikaru about that.
Hikaru said it sounded good and that it might give him some ideas.
"But don't just copy what I did. You should choose the place yourself… My place might fit Akemi, but maybe it's not suitable for Mizuha."
"Yes, yes, I know about that, no need to tell me that…"
Takeru said, "Still, I can't believe you guys were sleeping together earlier during that night. I thought you guys were already back home after suddenly disappearing from the party."
"Sorry about that. I just wanted to be alone with Mizuha and give her a birthday present during that time. That's all…"
"Oh, so what did you give her? Tell me, tell me…" Takeru grinned, teasing him.
"It's a secret! It's not your business, and it's embarrassing to tell you more about that…"
"Seems you don't want to talk more about that, huh, shy boy…" Takeru said.
"Oh, come on, you're really annoying like Shimizu too, you know. Here, you guys pick one drink from the vending machine, I'll treat you guys today…"
"Really? Thank you, Hikaru-kun…" Takeru said.
"Zul, you too, okay?" Hikaru said.
"Yeah, yeah, I know… anyway, thanks for the treat…" Zul said.
Date with Mizuha huh? This really makes me nervous, Hikaru thought while they returned to the school building.
A few days passed since then and the weekend arrived. On the morning of the date, Mizuha arrived 15 minutes early at their promised place.
I arrived too early. What should I do? I'm nervous about this right now…she thought.
Her reflection showed her wearing a white shirt with a blue cardigan, a white skirt, and a white beret hat.
Hmm, does my outfit really fit me right now? I don't look bad, do I? Even though Akemi helped me and suggested I wear this hat back then, I'm still worried about this.
Mizuha recalled her conversation with Akemi a few days ago at her house.
"What!? Hikaru-kun confessed to you, Mizuha-chan…?" Akemi said.
"Yeah, he even asked me to go on a date this weekend too…"
Akemi grabbed Mizuha's hands, "That's really nice, Mizuha-chan, finally you two made progress, I'm glad to hear that…"
Mizuha chuckled. "What progress, you mean…. haha… Anyway, thanks. I'm glad about that too."
"So why are you calling me here, do you need something from me…?"
"Ah, actually, there's some advice I need to ask you, Akemi-chan."
"Advice…?"
"Actually, Akemi-chan, can you teach me how to dress up properly for this date…?"
"What do you mean dress up properly? Hmm, to me wearing what you want is the best. So just wear anything that looks good on you, Mizuha-chan… Hikaru-kun must like it anyway…"
"But this is an important day, I just want to look better than usual…so please, Akemi-chan…"
Akemi paused and thought, I see, she really wants to look good for the person she likes, huh…
Akemi then chuckled, and Mizuha looked at her confused.
"What's so funny, Akemi-chan, you suddenly laughed…?"
"Ah, it's nothing, just remembered something funny…." Akemi said, wiping her eyes, taking off her glasses for a while before putting them back on.
It can't be helped, Mizuha-chan is my friend now, I must do something for her request… She helped me once before, now it's my turn to help her, Akemi thought.
"Alright, just leave it to me, Mizuha-chan, I'll make sure I choose really nice clothes for you, Mizuha-chan, let's make Hikaru-kun so amazed by it that he can't forget, so let's begin now."
"Yes, I'm counting on you, Akemi-chan…"
Then Akemi started choosing suitable clothes for Mizuha and then taught her how to dress up properly after that.
Back to the present, Mizuha snapped out of her thoughts and looked back at her reflection. She adjusted her clothes a bit before a sudden gust of wind blew her hat away.
"Oh no, my hat…..." Mizuha said before she chased it.
Meanwhile, shortly before this, Hikaru was walking alone, looking at his phone, and thinking.
Alright, I came here early, so I can prepare myself for today… I even listed a place that I want to go to today after hearing what Takeru said.
Mizuha told me she'd leave today's plan to me this time. I need to answer it properly — I don't want to disappoint her again, like at the festival.
His thoughts were then interrupted as he saw Mizuha already standing alone at their promised place.
What, Mizuha is already here….? Why did she get here early too….? I don't have time to prepare myself…. By the way, Mizuha looks cute in that outfit, and even that hat really fits her. Calm down, Hikaru, today is a special day, just act like normal…. Go for it, me….
As he wanted to approach Mizuha, her hat suddenly flew.
"Oh no, her hat. I'd better catch it before it goes further away…"
He jumped and caught it. "Got it…."
"Ah, thanks for picking it up. I'm sorry for that," Mizuha said before she noticed it was Hikaru who caught her hat.
"Wait, Hikaru…. You're already here…? There's still time before we're supposed to meet…"
"Said that to the person who also arrived early…" Hikaru said.
"By the way, here, your hat… you're looking for this, right…"
"Oh, thanks for that…."
Hikaru wanted to give it back to Mizuha, but he then paused and put it back on Mizuha's head instead.
"Here, let me put it back on your head… Alright, now you look better with it…."
Mizuha's face turned red. "Wait, you don't have to do that, it's so embarrassing…"
Hikaru froze when he looked at Mizuha. Wow, my girlfriend really looks better when I look at her this close…
Mizuha was confused. "Umm, Hikaru, what's wrong…? Is something wrong with me?"
"No, it was nothing wrong with you. You really look cute today, Mizuha, better than usual… Also, this outfit really fits you…" Hikaru's face turned red as he said it.
"Really, thanks, I'm glad you like it…" Mizuha smiled.
"So, as both of us are here already, should we go now…?" Hikaru said, holding his hand out to Mizuha.
"Yes…" Mizuha said, then held Hikaru's hand back while blushing, before they started moving together.
"So, Hikaru, lead the way okay, I will go along the place you want to go…"
"Yeah, leave it to me. I will make today unforgettable for both of us…"
They walked together, still holding hands, but kept silent because it felt awkward after that.
To break the silence, Hikaru spoke. "It’s felt a bit cold recently, right…?"
"Yes. It's autumn now, after all. Look, the tree leaves are starting to change color."
"Next comes winter, and then we’ll be in our second year soon after that," Hikaru said.
"A lot has happened since I transferred here. Time flies so fast," Mizuha said.
"Yes, a lot has happened, but I really can’t forget all those happy moments we had with our friends," Hikaru said.
Mizuha nodded. "Yes, I hope we get to do the same things again next year…"
"Yes, me too, Mizuha…"
As they reached the shopping complex, Hikaru said, "That’s it. We’re finally here…"
Both of them made their way to the cinema area.
Hikaru looked at the movie posters and pointed at one.
"Okay, first, we're going to watch a movie. What do you think, Mizuha? How about that one?"
Mizuha followed his gaze and read the poster. "A horror movie? This looks interesting — it just released yesterday."
She paused. "But are you okay with this? Don't force yourself to watch if you're scared. There's another movie we can watch." She looked at him, worried.
Hikaru said, forcing a laugh. "Don't worry, this is nothing to me. I can handle it. I guess…haha…"
"Really? Are you sure about this…? Even I think it looks scary, you know…"
"Yeah, I'm sure. So, let's buy a ticket and go inside to watch it."
"Yes," Mizuha said.
Then both of them entered the cinema and sat side by side.
I'm really excited to watch it…. Mizuha thought.
I hope I survive watching this… Hikaru thought.
After taking their seat, he looked at Mizuha and Mizuha smiled at him. "You nervous? Don't say I didn't warn you," Mizuha teased him a bit.
He smiled back with a fake smile, "Ah, it's nothing at all, haha…"
The movie started with no scary part yet, he felt calm for a bit. He looked at Mizuha again but Mizuha's eyes were focused on the screen. Then the scary part scene happened.
Hikaru thought, I can do this, this is not scary at all, and forced himself to watch.
Then Hikaru continued watching the scary scene and he turned pale.
Mizuha noticed it and chuckled. Looks like he's getting scared, she thought.
Then she suddenly held his hand and focused back on the movie.
Hikaru saw her hand holding his hand and thought, Mizuha…
Hikaru calmed down then thought, She was really worried about me, but she still wants to keep watching.
Hikaru sighed, "Alright, I will bear with this, for Mizuha's sake." Then they continued watching until the movie ended.
Then the movie ended and they left the cinema hall. Mizuha stretched her arm, "Ah, what a good story, even though it was scary, but I'm glad they got a happy ending after that."
"So, what do you think, Hikaru…?" Mizuha said before turning around to face Hikaru behind her.
"Ah, it was good, so good, haha..." Hikaru said, sounding like he'd lost his spirit after sitting through the movie.
"Geez, that's what I said before, don't force yourself if you can't deal with it. Let's take a rest somewhere, okay." Mizuha said, taking Hikaru's hand.
Ah, I look lame right now. I'm also making Mizuha worried about me. This is so embarrassing, Hikaru thought.
Both of them took a rest at a bench nearby after leaving the cinema area. "Sorry Mizuha, I made you worried about this."
"Don't worry about that. I already knew you were scared, but it's fine, you don't have to push yourself for me." Mizuha said and smiled.
"Mizuha…" Hikaru said, looking at her.
"You're right though, I did make a bigger deal out of it than I should have. But I promise, next time will be better than this."
"Yeah… I'm looking forward to that," Mizuha said.
Then Mizuha noticed a crowd lining up nearby them. "Umm, so many people lining up here. What is that stall selling?"
Hikaru stood, took a step to get a better look, and nearly bumped into the person walking past him. "Ah, sorry—" He caught himself, then looked over at the stall. "Oh, I see, they're selling crepes and dessert."
"Crepes, huh. It's been a while since I had one," Mizuha said.
"Then how about we get some? What do you think?"
"That's a nice idea. Let's go line up there too," Mizuha said.
Then both of them went to line up there until they arrived at the front.
"Welcome, can I have your order?" the crepes seller said.
Hikaru looked at the menu board and said, "Hmm, that matcha crepe looks good, better I try that one…"
"How about you, Mizuha? Which one do you want…?"
"Let me see…. Okay, I think I want a cream and strawberry crepe…"
"Alright then, one matcha crepe and one cream and strawberry crepe, please…" Hikaru ordered.
"Understood, it's coming up, please wait a moment…" the seller said.
They waited a moment before their order was done. "Here, one matcha crepe and one cream and strawberry crepe, finished."
Hikaru took them from the counter and gave one to Mizuha. "Here, Mizuha, your cream and strawberry crepe…"
"Oh, thanks.... Wow, it looks delicious, can't wait to eat this...."
"Yeah, that's right. Anyway, let's find a bench nearby first to eat this," Hikaru said.
After getting their crepes, they looked for a nearby bench to sit on, found one, and sat down to eat.
"This is tasty," Hikaru said, taking another bite.
"Mine too. No wonder so many people were lining up for this," Mizuha said.
She held her crepe out toward him. "Here, want to try this? It's really good, you know."
Hikaru froze. Oh no, not this again… he thought, feeling his face heat up.
"But Mizuha, are you okay with this…? I mean…"
Mizuha tilted her head, confused for a second. "Huh, what do you mean by that…?" Then she realized what she just did. "Ah, sorry, sorry, I wasn't thinking about that…"
"It's okay," Hikaru said. "But, is it really that good? Can I try it?"
Mizuha blushed and held it out again. "Yes… go ahead…" and Hikaru took a small bite.
"You're right, it is tasty," he said. "Then, how about trying mine too?"
"Wait, is that okay…?" Mizuha asked.
"Go ahead, it's good too," Hikaru said.
Mizuha took a bite of his matcha crepe. "Yeah, this is good too," she said, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Now we're even," Hikaru said.
"Yeah, we're even…" Mizuha nodded.
Then Mizuha noticed something. "Ah, Hikaru, you've got cream on your cheek."
"Where?" Hikaru asked.
"Here," Mizuha said, and wiped it off with her napkin. She paused, hand still near his face, watching his ears go red.
Hikaru's face went red. "Ah… thanks."
"You're welcome…" Mizuha said, still watching him a second too long before pulling her hand back.
Then they continued eating their crepes, and Hikaru checked his phone at the same time. "Okay, it's decided…"
Mizuha looked confused. "Hmm, decided about what…?"
"Oh, it's about our next place… It's not far from here… I'm sure you'll like it."
They finished the rest of their crepes in comfortable silence, then tossed the wrappers and stood up from the bench.
"Okay, it's time to move. Should we go now, Mizuha?" Hikaru held his hand out to her.
Mizuha held it back. "Yeah, sure, let's go…"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo7EUHi6cO
To be Continued Part 2…
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