Chapter 27 Date with a School Idol

Date with a School Idol

“What the hell? No!”

“Why are you asking Aono out on a date, Ichijo-san?”

“A heartbreaker who’s dumped dozens of guys in her life is…”

“That’s impossible.”

“And you asked him out on your own.”

“I liked you first….”

The voices of angry students around me filled my ears.

I was shocked, and Ichijo-san laughed at my reaction.

“What’s wrong? You froze. I was brave enough to ask you out, so please give me a response.”

“No, because… you know, the date in question, right?”

“Yes, of course. A man and a woman going out for candy alone after school is nothing more than a date, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. But you have to consider the time and place. There are people around us.”

“It’s fine. I asked Senpai out because I wanted to go out with you. If you’re worried about other people’s opinions, or if you disregard my feelings and let others interfere, I’ll be very sad. So, will you go out with me?”

Ichijo-san looked straight into my eyes, and I felt a strong determination from her.

People around us started to react to her words, “Will you go out with me?” but I ignored them for now.

I had money from my summer part-time job, so I didn’t have to worry about finances. Besides, I didn’t want to embarrass my junior, who had been acting as my wingman, any further.

“Well, since you invited me, let’s go. Is there a restaurant you want to go to or something?”

“Yes, there is. I have a specific place in mind.”

She smiled, looking like the most beautiful girl in school, and completely dominated the situation. Objectively speaking, I felt incredibly lucky to be in such a luxurious position.

I went to a café near the station with Ichijo-san. It was a pretty fancy place—not really the kind of spot where high school kids hang out.

It looked like a place where college girls and older women would go to chat the time away.

Ichijo-san was younger than me, but she was super calm and composed. She fit right in with the antique café. Even in her school uniform, she looked sophisticated and elegant. Whenever she held a teacup and gazed off into the distance with a slightly melancholy expression, she could only be described as a “young lady with deep windows.”

“I heard that one of my good classmates was coming here for a weekend date, and I longed for it a little. It felt like a dream come true.”

She whispered, smiling as though we were talking privately. Just from her tone and choice of words, any foolish guy, including me, would easily fall for her. The gap between the elegance of a young lady with deep windows and the slightly childish expression on her face was enormous.

“But this is a bit surprising.”

“What is?”

“No, I thought you might want a ‘date’ or something.”

Frankly, she had the looks and personality to have a boyfriend in a heartbeat if she wanted one.

In fact, dozens of boys had tried and failed to confess to her since she started high school.

“Well, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. I’m an adolescent girl too. But I know that the people who confess to me just see me as a status accessory. To be honest, it hurts me a lot, that kind of thing.”

A brief bit of bitterness flickered across her face before she quickly returned to her smile. It’s true—people who see us superficially, or even treat us like objects, can only be untrustworthy.

So how am I? I couldn’t bring myself to mumble such tactless words.

“Right. Sorry, that was a strange thing to say. Anyway, let’s eat. You’ve taken care of me in so many ways, so today’s on me.”

“Thank you. I hear the pancakes here are good, so I’ll have some.”

“I’ll have the same. What would you like to drink?”

“I’ll have hot apple tea, please.”

Ai’s PoV

After placing my order, I excused myself and went to the bathroom to calm down. My heart was racing, and I needed some time alone. I washed my hands with cold water to cool off my body.

“I never thought I would feel nervous about asking someone I’m interested in out on a date.”

It’s amazing how I’ve become just like any other girl.

“I hope you received my message and know that you’re special too.”

The unexpected vulnerability that surfaced within me washed away with the water.

Miyuki’s PoV

As I walked home alone, I couldn’t help but wonder why my heart felt so broken. Was it because I had left Eiji and lied to make Senpai happy?

Maybe this was my punishment for doing such a thing.

Today, Senpai was attending university team training in Tokyo, so I had to go home by myself.

As I was walking, I saw Eiji and Ichijo-san walking home together, chatting happily without noticing me behind them.

Eiji had a joyful smile on his face that I had never seen before.

What made me feel disgusted was that Ai Ichijo, walking next to him, gave Eiji the best smile she had ever shown to anyone.

I walked silently down the street toward my home, feeling immensely jealous.