Chapter 198 In the Garden

In the Garden

I’ve been holding her hand since the movie ended.

There is no reason for us to let go of each other’s hands.

We were a little awkward at first, but before we knew it, we had come to see holding hands as normal.

We walked through the garden near the movie theater, which is a sacred place for the movie we just watched. Unlike the movie, today is a sunny day. So many people were walking.

“Nature in the city is kinda magical, isn’t it? When you live here, it’s like you’re isolated from time, even though there are buildings all around you.”

Then we sat on the bench where the movie was set and talked.

“I was so happy that Senpai shook my hand back.”

She says this and lifts her clasped hands a little. We are both happy and embarrassed. That’s why she blushed a little. Of course, I did too.

“Yes, I want to hold your hand.”

When I dared to answer honestly, she was even “more” embarrassed.

Surprisingly, Ichijo-san is weak in defense. I feel a little better now that I know her weakness.

“Let’s have a picnic next time.”

When I said so, she happily said “Yes” and ate back at me.

“But I don’t have the courage to serve bento to Senpai. Because the food at your house is prepared by professionals.”

“Really? I have an image of Ichijo-san doing everything perfectly.”

“Moo, even Senpai, please don’t say the same things as everyone else. It’s a lot of pressure, you know. I’m good at home cooking like stews, but it’s a high hurdle to serve someone who eats a professional chef’s meal every day… Even Senpai can cook, your mother said.”

“Well, that’s their job, mother and brother. But at least I can cook some simple things myself, but compared to my brother, I can only make things that look simple.”

But my brother likes to eat the simple fried rice and yakisoba that I make on a whim.

“I knew you were good at cooking, too.”

“But if it’s something Ichijo-san made for me, I’m sure I’d probably eat it with tears in my eyes.”

“What is that?”

Please don’t say random things anymore. Maybe that is what she wants to say. With that expression on her face, she smiles bitterly.

“Well, I’m going to make my bento too, so let’s exchange side dishes next time.”

“Ehh, maybe, that could be fun.”

Ichijo-san reacts like a child who hates to admit defeat.

“Well, it’s settled then.”

Saying that I made a promise.

“Um, Senpai? I’ll try my best to make a bento, so can I ask you a favor instead?”

She speaks with a faltering voice, looking like a small animal, far from her usual dignified appearance.

“What?”

I’ll listen to anything now. I stare into her eyes, convinced.

“Um, um… it’s okay until we get to the cafe for lunch.”

She is nervous, although she is usually the type to get right to the point.

“Yeah.”

“Can you hold my hand like you know…?” (Zeus: I think Ichio-san asked to hold hands like lovers with their fingers intertwined like in anime.)

The cute suggestion makes me feel happy too.

Normally I would answer and wait for Ichijo-san to prepare her mind, but…

The feeling of wanting to be a little naughty comes up. And yes, she’s the one asking me to do it.

“Okay.”

“What? Then I’ll have a little time to prepare my mind…”

“Even though Ichijo-san suggested it?”

I gently remove my hand and quickly change the way we connect.

She was a little surprised by my reaction and immediately understood the situation.

“Oh, thank you.”

She blushed even more.

“Is this okay?”

“Yes.”

Although she was embarrassed, her hand was shaking, but it was so strong that she would never let go.

“Well, let’s go.”

We walked slowly to the cafe, matching her pace.

“Thank you for everything. Senpai.”

“Yes?”

“You always match my step, don’t you?”

She says as she looks down, unable to look at me directly, perhaps embarrassed.

“Ah…”

I too am caught up in the atmosphere and begin to feel a little embarrassed.

“Did you know? A man who matches his steps with a girl on a date will be a family man in the future. My mother always told me that I shouldn’t let someone like that go.”

I suffered a counterattack. I was so embarrassed.

But Ichijo-san doesn’t notice. Maybe she’ll remember her own words when she calms down and be even more embarrassed later.

Because she subconsciously said that we would be together forever and that it was almost like a promise of marriage.