A few days had passed since the date, and they had all settled back into their school routine. Hikaru and Mizuha no longer felt awkward around each other, but they still felt happy whenever they thought about what had happened.
At lunch break, they gathered on the rooftop as usual. Mizuha, Shimizu, Eri, and Zul were already there, but they hadn't started eating yet—they were waiting for Hikaru and the others to arrive.
Shimizu muttered, "They're late. What are they even doing? Geez, I'm really hungry right now."
"Please calm down for a moment, Shimizu-chan. I'm sure they have their reasons," Eri said.
"Yeah, if you're hungry, why don't you just eat first?" Zul added.
"No way. Eating alone while you guys aren't eating feels off, and it kills my appetite."
Shimizu continued, "I can understand Takeru and Akemi being late because of their student council duties, but what about Hikaru? What is he even doing?"
"That's not new. He's usually the last one to arrive here every day," Zul said.
"Oh, you really know him well, Zul," Eri said.
"Maybe he's hitting on some girl on the way here. That playboy," Shimizu added with a grin.
Then Mizuha and Eri gulped after seeing someone appear behind Shimizu.
"Huh, what’s wrong with you guys? You look like you’ve seen a ghost?" Shimizu said. "Ah, I suddenly felt a hot presence, like something was burning behind me."
"Shimizu, behind you," Mizuha said, pointing behind her.
"Huh!? Behind me?" Shimizu asked, confused. She turned around to see Hikaru standing there, having appeared from behind her, along with Akemi and Takeru.
"Who are you calling a playboy, huh?" Hikaru said with an upset smile.
He’s totally angry about that, Mizuha and the others thought in unison.
"Geh!? He’s here?!" Shimizu yelped, startled by Hikaru's presence.
"What are you saying, Hikaru? Why are you suddenly upset? Maybe you misheard," Shimizu said, pretending like she hadn't said anything.
"Don't lie. I heard everything you said earlier. Don’t try to hide or pretend like nothing happened," Hikaru said.
Here we go again… these two, Mizuha and the others thought.
"Sorry we're late. The teacher was slow to leave class, so we had to wait," Akemi explained.
"It's okay, we understand that. Since you're all here now, why don't we eat?" Mizuha said.
"That's right—I'm really hungry right now," Takeru said.
"Geez, Shimizu, why did you say I was hitting on a girl earlier?" Hikaru said, taking a seat beside Mizuha.
"Sorry. I was too hungry earlier—waiting for you felt like waiting a year, you know?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hikaru replied.
Then they began eating their bento.
Shimizu suddenly asked, "By the way, how did your date go earlier? Is it going smoothly?"
"Good question, Shimizu. I also want to know about their date," Takeru said.
"Then, Mizuha-chan, please tell us about it," Eri said.
"Eh, not you too, Eri-chan. It feels so embarrassing, you know."
Mizuha then looked at Hikaru. He sighed, nodded, and said, "It’s okay, Mizuha. They want to know so much, right? Just tell them."
"Your boyfriend is giving you the go-ahead, Mizuha-chan, so please tell us, okay?" Akemi said.
"Even you, Akemi-chan. Geez," Mizuha sighed. "Alright, I will tell you guys about it."
Mizuha then began telling them about some of the places they went—the movie, the zoo, the ramen, the ship deck—but she left out the embarrassing, awkward moments between her and Hikaru.
"Wow, sounds like you two had a great time," Eri said.
"Yeah, it sounds so sweet," Akemi said.
"But man, the moment you protected Mizuha from getting wet, that was pretty gentlemanly of you. Not bad, Hikaru-kun," Takeru said, grinning and elbowing him.
"Of course. I didn't want her to get wet, you know..." Hikaru said, blushing.
"Speaking of that," Hikaru said, smirking, "if you were in the same situation, would you do the same for Akemi?"
"Wait, why are you suddenly bringing me into this…?" Akemi said.
"Me!? Of course I'd protect her. It's my duty as her boyfriend…" Takeru said.
"Stop it, Takeru-kun, you're making me blush…" Akemi said.
"You know it," Hikaru said.
Mizuha then looked at Shimizu, who had turned quiet after listening to their story. "What’s wrong, Shimizu? You turned quiet suddenly. Weren’t you the one excited to hear about it earlier?"
Shimizu then wiped a tear from her eye.
"Wait, are you crying?" Mizuha asked.
"Of course, I am. You have really grown up, Mizuha. As your friend, I am proud of you."
"Are you my mom or something?" Mizuha said.
Everyone laughed at the two of them for a moment.
They continued eating, still laughing about what just happened. Then Shimizu suddenly turned to look at Zul and Eri.
"So, we have Takeru and Akemi, and now Mizuha and Hikaru... how about you two?" Shimizu said.
Everyone turned quiet after hearing Shimizu's statement.
A few seconds passed before Zul spoke up. "Wait, why are you bringing us into this suddenly...?"
Eri stayed quiet, her face red, wanting to say something but holding back. Mizuha lightly hit Shimizu on the head. "Enough already, leave them alone."
Mizuha turned to Eri. "Sorry, Eri-chan, this girl overdid it today. You don't need to tell her about that, okay?"
"Um, thanks, Mizuha-chan," Eri said.
Shimizu pouted. "Geez, you're in the way, Mizuha…"
"Shimizu-chan isn't wrong. That’s right, but what about me and Zul? Is our relationship just like siblings because we’ve been childhood friends?
Also, I don’t know how Zul feels about me. He loved Onee-chan, not me, even though she is no longer with us, Eri thought, looking at Zul beside her."
"What’s wrong, Eri? Is there something on my face?" Zul asked.
"Ah, nothing’s wrong. Don’t worry about it," Eri said.
"Oh, you have a grain of rice on your cheek," she said, pointing at it.
"Huh!? Really? Where?"
Aw, these two are so sweet… Mizuha thought, looking at them.
Then Mizuha suddenly announced something she had just remembered. "Ah, I just remembered something I need to tell you guys…"
"Huh, what is it, Mizuha?" Takeru asked.
"Well, actually..." Mizuha said.
Mizuha recalled her conversation with her parents during dinner yesterday.
"Eh, you want to have a BBQ party this weekend?" Mizuha asked, surprised.
"Yes, what do you think? It's been a while since we did something like this," her father said.
Her mother said, "It's a nice idea, honey, since you've been busy lately with work."
"Well, I’m fine with that too," Mizuha said.
"Ah, and don't forget to invite some of your friends, okay? It would be so boring if it was just the three of us," her father added.
"Wait, what?" Mizuha said.
"Well, I want to meet and get to know your friends from school too. Especially, hmm… what’s his name again? The one dating Mizuha," her father asked her mother.
"Ah, you mean Hikaru-kun," her mother said.
"That's right, Hikaru-kun. I really want to meet him, so please invite him too, okay," her father said."
"Wait, why is that so sudden? Geez, and why are you bringing up Hikaru specifically?" Mizuha said, blushing.
"So don't forget that, my dear. I'm counting on you," her father said.
"Yeah, yeah, I’ll invite them tomorrow," Mizuha sighed.
Both of her parents smiled at each other, watching Mizuha blush.
Back in the present, Mizuha spoke up.
"So, here’s the thing—my parents invited you guys to a BBQ party at my house this weekend, so please come, okay?" Mizuha explained, omitting the part about her parents wanting to meet Hikaru.
"Really? Are you sure about that?" they asked, surprised.
"Yeah, that's right. You're all invited," Mizuha said with a smile.
They were all glad to hear that from Mizuha and couldn't wait.
Then Akemi came closer to Mizuha and whispered. "Um, Mizuha-chan, is it okay for me to come too?"
"Yes, you're invited too, Akemi-chan, so please come, okay," Mizuha said.
"Really? Thank you, Mizuha-chan. I'll be there," Akemi said.
Hikaru looked at both of them and smiled. They’ve really become close now, he thought.
After that, the lunch break ended and they went back to their classrooms.
On his way back to class, Hikaru walked alone for a moment, his thoughts returning to the BBQ.
Mizuha’s house, huh? I wonder what her father is like. Just thinking about it makes me nervous...
His thoughts were interrupted when Takeru whispered from behind him, "Feeling nervous? Don't worry, just relax. Mizuha's father isn't fierce at all."
"Wait, what, Takeru? How did you…" Hikaru asked, shocked by Takeru's sudden appearance.
"Oh, so I was right, huh? You're nervous about meeting Mizuha's father," Takeru said.
"Geez, stop popping up like that, and stop assuming what I'm thinking..." Hikaru said, pushing Takeru aside.
"Haha, sorry, sorry," Takeru chuckled."
"So, what is her father like? You know him, right?" Hikaru whispered.
"Hmm, let me see. He's not too serious, and he's really chatty once you start talking. Kind of like me, I think…" Takeru said, comparing Mizuha's father to himself.
Hikaru sighed. "You're really not helping. If you just described him, I might trust it, but comparing him to yourself makes me doubt it..."
"Ah, come on, don't say that. You're so mean, Hikaru-kun."
Time flew by, and finally, the weekend of the BBQ arrived. By the time it started, Hikaru and the others had already arrived at Mizuha's house, while Mizuha was already helping her family prepare for the party.
As they arrived, Mizuha greeted them, asking them to come inside.
"Sorry to intrude," they said in unison.
There, her parents greeted them.
"Oh, Mizuha’s friends are here. Come on in," her father said.
"Mr. Yuki, it's been a while," Takeru said.
"Oh, Tak-ku... I mean Takeru, you look well. How are you doing now?" Mizuha's father misspoke Takeru's old nickname, then corrected himself after Mizuha's mother kicked his ankle.
"As you can see, I'm doing well," Takeru said.
So, this is Mizuha’s father. He really is as chatty as Takeru mentioned. By the way, Takeru is really close with Mizuha’s parents. I’m kind of envious of him, Hikaru thought.
"So, this is your friend?" Mr. Yuki asked Takeru.
"Yes, this is Mizuha's classmate Zul, and this is my classmate, Hikaru."
"Nice to meet you," Zul said.
"Nice to meet you too," Mr. Yuki replied.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Yuki. I'm Hikaru," Hikaru said.
I see, so this is him, Hikaru-kun, Mr. Yuki thought.
"Nice to meet you. So, you're Hikaru-kun, huh? I heard about you from Mizuha and my wife before. Thanks for helping Mizuha back then." He bowed his head.
"Ah, it's nothing big. I'm glad I was able to help her earlier. She was my friend too, after all," Hikaru said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Friend, huh? I see," Mr. Yuki said.
"Hmm? Is something wrong?" Hikaru asked.
"Ah, nothing’s wrong. Don’t worry about it," Mr. Yuki said, waving it off. "Anyway, please take care of her, okay?"
"Y... Yes..." Hikaru said, confused by Mr. Yuki's request.
"Mrs. Yuki, it's been a while," Shimizu said loudly.
"Ah, Shimizu-chan and Eri-chan, you're here. It's been a while."
"Here, I got some food from my mother for us to share," Eri said.
"Oh, really? Thanks, Eri-chan. Please pass on my thanks to your mother."
Then Mizuha’s mother noticed Akemi. "Oh, I haven’t seen you before." Mrs. Yuki turned to Mizuha. "Is she a new friend?"
"Yes, this is Akemi-chan. She's in the same class as Hikaru and Takeru. She's my new friend."
Akemi introduced herself. "Nice to meet you. I'm Minato Akemi."
"Nice to meet you, Akemi-chan. Thank you for being friends with my daughter."
"Yes, I'm glad to be friends with her."
Then Shimizu spoke up. "Oh, and Mrs. Yuki, Akemi is actually Takeru’s girlfriend."
"Wait, Shimizu, what are you saying?" Akemi said, upset and blushing.
Mrs. Yuki blinked. "Huh, really? Is that true?"
Mizuha nodded. Akemi blushed and nodded too.
"Oh, I didn't know about that," Mrs. Yuki said.
"Hey, Takeru, why didn’t you tell me you had a girlfriend? You should have introduced her sooner," Mrs. Yuki called out to Takeru.
"Ah, sorry, I forgot. Haha," Takeru laughed.
"So, what do you think about my girlfriend? She's cute, right?" Takeru said.
"Yes, she's really cute. Not bad, huh, Takeru?" Mrs. Yuki replied.
Akemi said, "Takeru, that was embarrassing. Stop it."
After the introductions, they began preparing for the BBQ. The girls stayed inside helping Mizuha's mother prepare the ingredients, while the boys helped Mizuha's father prepare the BBQ equipment outside.
Shimizu was struggling to cut the vegetables. She sighed and said, "Huh, this is so hard. No matter how I try, it never looks good. Hey, Eri, please show me how you do it."
Eri moved beside her and gently took her hand. "Here, Shimizu-chan, try holding it like this. Make a cat paw with your fingers, see? Curl them in so the knife slides against your knuckles, not your fingertips." Eri showed Shimizu how to do it.
"Oh, like that. I never knew that technique. Let me try it myself," Shimizu said. She tried it and was amazed that it turned out well.
"See? It's not that difficult, right?" Eri said.
"Yes, this is so easy now. Thanks, Eri," Shimizu said.
"Wow, that’s amazing, Sakamoto-san. You're really great at cooking, just like they said," Akemi said.
"It's no big deal. I just learned from my mother, after all," Eri said.
"Hey, if you have time, can I learn a bit about cooking from you?" Akemi asked.
"Sure, if you’d like, I can teach you, Minato-san."
"Also, Minato-san, can I call you Akemi-chan instead, like the others do?" Eri asked.
"Of course. Then I'll call you Eri-chan from now on, okay? It feels weird using honorifics when we’ve known each other for so long, haha," Akemi said, scratching her cheek.
"Oh, right, both of you went to the same junior high back then. I totally forgot about that," Mizuha said.
"By the way, Akemi-chan, aren't you great at cooking too? Your sweets and cookies taste really good. And your everyday bento looks good too," Mizuha said.
"No, it's not like that. I can only make cookies and sweets. Besides that, I'm not that great. Most of my bento is made by my sister instead," Akemi said.
"I see. That's why you asked Eri-chan earlier," Mizuha said.
Then Mizuha's mother handed her the vegetables she had just cut and said, "Ah, Mizuha, can you bring this outside and put it on the table your father just set up?"
"Okay, Mom, I’ll take it out now," Mizuha said before carrying the vegetables outside.
Outside, Zul was helping Mizuha's father set up the table.
"Thanks for helping, Zul. Things go much faster with you here," Mr. Yuki said.
"It's not a big deal. I'm glad to be able to help," Zul replied.
Zul then looked over at Hikaru and Takeru, who were arguing about how to light the BBQ.
"You need to turn the knob before pressing it. Geez, you're doing it wrong," Takeru said.
"No, you're the one who's wrong. You press it first then turn the knob," Hikaru argued back.
"Just move aside, let me do it," Takeru said.
"No way, you'll waste the gas again like last time," Hikaru said.
Zul sighed watching them.
Mr. Yuki chuckled. "Looks like they're really close friends, huh. It must be tough for you, dealing with those two."
"Yeah, I admit it's tough, but I'm glad to be friends with them," Zul said.
Then Mizuha came outside. "Dad, here are the vegetables Mom asked me to bring."
"Ah, just put them on the table," her father said.
Mizuha looked at Hikaru and Takeru before turning to Zul. "Hey, what happened with those two? They look like they're arguing about something."
"As you can see, they’re arguing about how to light the fire," Zul said.
"Geez, they're really like kids," Mizuha said. She was about to go calm them down, but Zul stopped her.
"Leave it to me. You just go inside. Let me handle those two clowns," Zul said.
Mizuha nodded. "I'll leave them to you, Zul."
Mizuha went back inside, and Zul walked over to interrupt Hikaru and Takeru's argument.
Mr. Yuki chuckled as he watched them. Mizuha, you really have some interesting friends, he thought.
Not long after, they finished the preparations and lit the grill, and the cooking began.
The BBQ was in full swing—meat sizzling on the grill, smoke curling up, everyone gathered around with plates in hand. Mizuha's parents sat at a nearby table, chatting while watching everyone.
Takeru grilled the meat, and as his piece finished cooking, he put it on Akemi's plate. "Here, Akemi-chan, for you," he said.
Akemi blushed. "Thank you."
Meanwhile, Zul picked up a piece of corn he had just cooked and put it on Eri's plate.
"Here, this is for you, Eri."
"Ah, thanks, Zul."
Shimizu glared at both couples. Tch, they're acting all lovey-dovey here... Distracted by watching them, she didn't realize the meat she was grilling had burned.
"Huh? What’s that smell?" Shimizu asked."
"Hey, Shimizu, what are you doing? The meat you're grilling is burnt," Mizuha said, pointing at it.
"Ah, oh no, my meat!" Shimizu groaned in disappointment.
"Geez, how did you let it burn?" Mizuha sighed. "Here, take some new meat, and make sure it doesn't burn this time." She placed fresh meat on the grill for her.
"Ah, thank you, Mizuha, you're the best."
"Haha, you’re so funny as usual, Shimizu," Takeru laughed.
"Ah, shut up, Takeru. Akemi, take your boyfriend away from me; he’s distracting me from the grill."
Akemi sighed. "Yes, yes, I’ll take him away. Let’s go, Takeru-kun. Let’s eat over there and leave her to the grilling."
"Aw, it's not fair. I want to grill too, geez," Takeru muttered before following Akemi.
Hikaru sat near the sliding door, off to the side, after returning from the restroom.
Mr. Yuki noticed him and walked over.
"Hikaru-kun, why are you sitting alone here? Come on, eat. There's still more food left."
"Ah, Mr. Yuki, thanks for the offer. I'll eat after they're all finished."
"Oh, come on, don't be shy. You need to eat properly to stay strong."
Mr. Yuki asked, "Can I sit here with you?"
Hikaru nodded. "Sure, go ahead."
Mr. Yuki said, "Mizuha’s right. You really care about your friends and put them before yourself."
"Wait, Mizuha told you that?" Hikaru asked, surprised.
"Yup, she tells me everything about her friends, especially about you," Mr. Yuki said.
"So, how is Mizuha doing at school?" Mr. Yuki asked.
"She's a good student. Many students admire her, and she has lots of friends. She always looks like she's having fun."
"Is that so? That’s a relief to hear," Mr. Yuki said.
Mr. Yuki added, "Hey, Hikaru-kun, you’re dating my daughter, right?"
Hikaru blushed. "Wait, how did you know? Is she telling you that too?"
"Yup, she tells me everything about you, even about your date with her a few days ago."
"Ah, this is so embarrassing," Hikaru said, covering his face with his palm. "Yes, that's right. We’re dating. Um, are you okay with that? Are you not upset?"
"Not at all. I’m happy for her. If it makes her happy, then I’m fine with it."
"Hey, Hikaru-kun, why did you choose her? You must have plenty of other options. A good-looking guy like you surely has many girls crazy about you."
Hikaru said, "Well, at first, I thought she just reminded me of someone I knew in the past."
"Someone you knew in the past? Who could that possibly be?" Mr. Yuki asked.
"My ex. Mizuha reminded me of her. In appearance and talent, they were similar."
"So, to you, was Mizuha just a replacement for her?"
"Not at all. Even though they're similar, Mizuha is completely different. Unlike my ex, Mizuha is kind, not toxic, and doesn't exploit people. At first, we were just friends, but after spending more time together, I fell in love with her," Hikaru said, blushing.
"So, there's no one else. She's the only one for me now."
"I see. I’m glad you’re the one she fell in love with. Thanks for being honest with me. You’re really kind, just as she said," Mr. Yuki said.
"You know, she's never been one to express herself. She always wants to do everything by herself without anyone's help. I used to worry about that. But lately, I can tell she's having fun and opening up more. It must be because of all of you."
"Thank you. So, Hikaru-kun, like I said earlier, please take care of her, okay?" Mr. Yuki smiled at him.
"Sure, I promise," Hikaru replied just as Mizuha called out to them.
"Hikaru, Dad, what are you two doing over there? Come here, the food is ready!!!"
"Oh, please wait a moment, we're coming now," Hikaru replied.
"Looks like she's calling us. Let's go now," Mr. Yuki said.
"Yes, it seems so," Hikaru said before both of them approached Mizuha and the others.
As they came closer, Mizuha asked them, "What were you two talking about earlier, over there? Is it something important?"
Hikaru grinned and said, "Nothing happened. Just normal talk between guys, right, Mr. Yuki?"
"Yeah, that's right. Just normal talk between me and Hikaru-kun, haha."
"Really!? You two are suspicious…" Mizuha said, narrowing her eyes at those two.
There’s no way I’m telling you about that talk, Mizuha. You’d die of embarrassment if you heard what we discussed, Hikaru thought.
"Here, the grilled meat and some vegetables. It's delicious, you know. Shimizu is the one who grilled it," Mizuha said while handing the plate to Hikaru.
"Oh, thank you." Hikaru took the plate.
"Eat up, that meat I grilled," Shimizu said.
"You better say this is delicious, and not burned like before," Hikaru said.
"I know that, you don't need to mention it, geez," Shimizu said, blushing.
"Why are you the one blushing?" Mizuha said.
Hikaru took the chopstick and started eating it. "Hmm, that's delicious."
"Right, it's delicious, isn't it?" Mizuha said.
"Of course it's delicious — I'm the one who grilled it, hehe." Shimizu said proudly.
Then Zul approached her. "Here, Shimizu, let me handle the grill. It's your turn to eat."
"Ah, thanks, Zul. I leave it to you," Shimizu said before taking the plate of food.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yuki made his way back to where his wife had been earlier.
"So, did you get to talk with him, honey?" Mrs. Yuki asked.
"Yeah, we talked. About him and our daughter. Like you said, he's a kind and honest person. He is suitable for our daughter."
"I see, so that's what you think," Mrs. Yuki said with a grin. "So, what were you talking about earlier? Mind sharing with me, honey?"
"Later, this is so embarrassing to share with you around these people."
"Oh, I can't wait to hear that."
I'd better go get my camera from my room to capture all these moments, Mr. Yuki thought. He went to his room to retrieve it.
They continued enjoying the party while Mr. Yuki took pictures of their moments.
"Oh, this will make a great memory," Mr. Yuki said.
He took a picture of Zul and Eri grilling meat together; they smiled at him as he captured the moment.
Then he took a picture of Shimizu enjoying her food, and a picture of Akemi feeding Takeru a piece of meat, before taking a picture of Mizuha and Hikaru talking together.
Then his wife came over to him. "Did you get a lot of pictures?" she asked.
"Yeah, want to look?" he said, showing them to her.
"Oh, that's a nice shot, honey," Mrs. Yuki said, smiling as she looked at one photo.
"Honey, look at this. Mizuha looks happy right now, doesn't she?"
"Yes, that's right. She really seems to be enjoying today, especially when she's with Hikaru-kun."
"Then our plan for today was a success, wasn't it?" his wife said.
"Of course, it turned out great. It worked just as we planned."
“Maybe we can do it again next year?” Mrs. Yuki asked.
"About that, I’m not sure yet, haha," Mr. Yuki replied.
“Hey, for the last picture, why don’t we gather everyone together and take a group photo?” Mrs. Yuki suggested.
“Oh, that’s a nice idea, honey. Alright, let’s have them all gather in one place.”
“Alright, everyone, gather up! We’re taking a group picture!” Mr. Yuki called out.
They all gathered together. "Okay, Hikaru-kun, you sit there with Mizuha," Takeru said, pushing Hikaru down.
“Wait, what!?” Hikaru exclaimed.
Shimizu pushed Mizuha to sit beside Hikaru on his right. “Wait, Shimizu, don’t push me!” Mizuha said.
“Come on, sit beside your beloved prince, okay?” Shimizu teased, then sat down on Hikaru’s left.
Akemi and Takeru stood beside Mr. Yuki, while Eri and Zul stood beside Mrs. Yuki.
"Is everyone ready?" Mr. Yuki asked, placing the camera on the tripod, setting the timer, and quickly jogging over to stand beside his wife.
“Alright, on three, everyone smile,” Mrs. Yuki said.
“One, two, three—”
The shutter clicked, capturing all of them together, smiling.
ns216.73.216.47da2
and then Add to home screen.