Chapter 45 Date Promise

Date Promise

I couldn’t help but gasp at Ichijo-san’s invitation. I’m sure the boys at my school dream of this kind of invitation. I wonder if it’s really okay for me to accept?

I was a little nervous for a moment. But being around Ichijo-san has become normal for me now. To be honest, I’ll miss seeing her over the vacation.

Since we already went out once yesterday, this invitation for a second date makes me very excited.

“Ah, are you sure… me?”

“Yes. I want you. I asked you because it’s you.”

A holiday date is a bigger step in a relationship between a man and a woman than an after-school date. Of course, Miyuki and I have done this many times before. It’s not my first time, but it’s more exciting than I expected.

“Thanks. I’d love to.”

I responded with a barely formed smile.

She let out a sigh of relief and replied with a bit of bitterness,

“Senpai, you’re too mean. I knew you’d agree, but you were beating around the bush and making me worry.”

“Sorry, I never thought I’d get to go on a holiday date with Ichijo Ai.”

“Eh… W-what are you saying, Senpai…idiot.”

It’s fun teasing her when she’s shy and embarrassed.

“So, where are we going?”

“I wanted to go shopping at the store near the station. There’s also a movie I want to see. What do you think?”

“A movie, huh? Sounds great. I like movies too.”

When I was writing novels, I was told to study various stories, so I watched movies whenever I had time. People say my taste in movies makes me sound like an uncle. This is probably due to my brother’s influence. My favorite movies are Shōshanku no Sora (tl: The Shawshank Redemption) and 3 Baka (tl: 3 Idiots). Yeah, not exactly high schooler picks.

“Yatta! Actually, there are revivals of classic movies at the theater near the station! It’s a movie from before we were born, and I’ve always wanted to see it on the big screen. Is that okay?”

Oh, that’s surprising! I didn’t expect Ichijo-san’s taste in classic movies to be this good.

Could it be that she’s also a movie buff? What a pleasant surprise.

“Wow, you’re so excited. So, what’s the title?”

“Foresuto Ganpu! (tl: Forrest Gump!)”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her choice of movie for a high schooler. But I’m glad it matches my taste too.

“It’s great. It’s one of my favorite movies too.”

“Oh, Senpai too? Thank goodness.”

We had so much fun talking about movies.

Then we have dinner in Kitchen Aono.

Uncle Minami had finished his talk and was wrapping up his meal.

Steamed hamburger steak set meal—one of the most popular dishes since the restaurant opened. A hamburger steak slowly simmered in a special demi-glace sauce and topped with an egg. Uncle Minami happily ate his favorite dish as if he were still in elementary school.

“The first time I came here, I had this too. It’s really good. They’ve kept the taste from back then…”

My brother seemed a little happy to hear Uncle Minami’s memories.

“Here we go~”

Mom brought out the fried oyster set meal. Since the restaurant wasn’t crowded, she was able to serve Ichijo-san in the main restaurant instead of the break room.

“Wow, that looks delicious. It even comes with fried shrimp. Are you sure?”

“It’s okay. It’s just a special service! Eat a lot~”

Mom still adored Ichijo-san so much. The amount of tartar sauce was obviously more than usual, and there was even fried shrimp on the side. Blissful.

She and Uncle Minami seemed to be acting normal as usual. I could tell they were doing this to avoid worrying me. I really appreciated it.

Watching the school idol eat fried oysters with relish from a special seat in front of me, I felt truly grateful for the environment I was blessed with.

Eiji Mother’s PoV

I borrowed a little of Ai-chan’s time after she finished eating and led her to the break room.

To say something that needed to be said.

“Thank you, Ai-chan.”

She shook her head at my words.

“No, it’s the same for me. Thank you for the delicious meal. Today’s fried oysters were great too.”

She really is such a good girl. She’s too good for Eiji.

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

Actually, I’d love to make a cup of tea and have some girl talk.

But that’s something for after all the problems are solved.

“Ichijo Ai-san.”

I deliberately called her name firmly. She looked a little surprised but quickly regained her composure. It seemed she immediately understood what I wanted to say.

“Thank you. Thank you for believing in my son. For supporting Eiji. As a mother, I can’t thank you enough. I’m so glad that you’ve been by Eiji’s side. Thank you.”

I bowed deeply. According to Takayanagi-sensei, the bullying happened on the first day of school. That means the rumors were already spreading before then.

Ai-chan is one of the few allies Eiji had while surrounded by enemies. She’s a kind girl who helped my son despite the potential disadvantages to herself. And, of course, Imai-kun. I owe them both a debt of gratitude that’s hard to repay.

I wanted to thank them properly. I don’t know how much their presence might have saved Eiji’s life.

“Mom, please raise your head. I didn’t do anything so noble. I’m the one who was saved. I’m with Eiji-senpai of my own free will.”

She truly is an angelic girl. I hugged her instinctively.

She seemed happy and leaned into my embrace.

“If anything happens to you, I’ll definitely help you. You won’t be alone.”

She replied happily, “Yes.”