Chapter 35 Preparing for the Date (Kanade's Perspective)

Preparing for the Date (Kanade’s Perspective)

An early summer morning.

I love this time of day…

Unlike the sweltering afternoons, it’s neither too hot nor too cold.

The mild temperature is so pleasant. I get to wear clothes I love, feel liberated, and completely at ease—it’s just the way I like it.

When I open the window, the slightly chilly breeze, untouched by the sun’s warmth, sweeps through my room. Feeling it brush against my skin makes me truly feel the arrival of a new day.

Glancing at the sky, the refreshing twilight of dawn softly fades the sleepy stars in the east, creating an enchanting sight… and I can’t help but wonder how he’s doing.

“I wonder if Ariga-cchi is awake yet~.”

He works late into the night, so it’s no surprise his mornings start late.

When I’m at his place, I make sure he eats, but if I’m not there, he always skips meals…

He’s so attentive to others but completely careless about himself—almost to the point of being neglectful.

“…Well, that’s exactly why I can’t leave him alone.”

Is this what people mean by “the weakness of love”?

Even his slightly messy side has become endearing to me.

My feelings have grown so intense that every little thing he does leaves a mark on my heart.

In a way, it’s almost like a sickness.

Yes, the sickness of love…

“…Ugh, this is so embarrassing! What am I even thinking? Let’s wash my face already!”

I moved to the bathroom and splashed water on my face.

The heat in my flushed cheeks started to cool down, little by little.

But when I glanced at the mirror, my reflection showed a ridiculous grin plastered on my face.

…Ugh.

Even I’m cringing at how much my face is softening.

I stretched my cheeks with both hands, pulling them outward.

Then, pressing my palms against them, I kneaded them like dough in an attempt to get a grip on myself.

“Oh no… I can’t let Ariga-cchi see me like this!”

“Araara, if you’re like this even before the date, I shudder to think how you’ll handle it~.”

Startled by the voice, I turned around to find my mother standing there in her usual elegant kimono.

Her tone was soft and relaxed, as always.

She looked every bit the gentle, warm mother—at least on the surface.

Well, that’s only “on the surface,” though. In reality, she’s not quite what she seems.

Wait a second, how does she even know about today?

I’m sure I didn’t tell her anything… right?

Glancing at her out of the corner of my eye, I saw her smiling knowingly, as if waiting for my reaction.

“Good morning, Mom.”

“Good morning, dear. You’re looking lively today~. It’s the perfect day for a date.”

“Ah, okay, okay. That’s enough teasing, Mom.”

I brushed off her comment and started applying my makeup.

…That’s right. Today is my long-awaited date with Ariga-cchi.

That’s why I’ve been smiling like an idiot since morning.

I mean, how can I not? It’s impossible!

Ever since meeting him, being drawn to him, and finally mustering up the courage to confess… that was over a year ago.

…And of course, I got rejected outright.

I knew it was hopeless.

I knew he wouldn’t look my way.

After all, he had a wife, and I knew how much he cherished her…

But—I couldn’t hold back my feelings or let them go unspoken.

Yeah, it’s a bitter memory now.

Back then, I had no place by his side, no right to be there, so it couldn’t be helped.

If, hypothetically, he had accepted my confession at that time, I might’ve looked down on him.

After all, it was his earnest and devoted nature that I fell in love with.

And today, I get to go on a dream date with that same Ariga-cchi.

Of course, my excitement is through the roof.

Honestly, I feel like dancing, and suppressing my grin takes all my effort.

…I wish Mom hadn’t seen me grinning like that, though.

“Once you’re done getting ready, you can use the kitchen. I’ve already tidied it up for you.”

“Wait, I never said I was going to use it.”

“Oh, is that so? Then maybe I should call my students over for lessons in the kitchen. It’ll be occupied for half the day, but if that’s fine with you, Kanade…”

“…Muu. You’re being mean, Mom.”

I pouted in protest, trying to show my dissatisfaction.

Seriously, she knows everything and still enjoys teasing me…

But then again, this kind of exchange would’ve been unthinkable in the past.

Thinking about that makes me feel a little sentimental.

“Fufufu. Just kidding. Do you need any help? I’ve got time, so I can lend a hand~.”

“No thanks! I’m not a kid—I can handle it myself.”

“How admirable. I’m so impressed~. You’ve grown so capable. Love really is a powerful force, isn’t it?”

“Stop teasing me already! I’m doing this because I want to, that’s all!”

A date with Ariga-cchi.

From what he’s told me, his dates with his wife sounded exhausting.

Just thinking about it makes me angry on his behalf.

That’s why I need to show him that “this is what a date can be like.”

I have to shatter his assumptions and show him what a proper date feels like.

While I was thinking about this, I noticed Mom watching me with an amused expression.

“…What?”

“Fufufu~. Kanade, you’re such a lovely maiden in love. Watching you makes my heart flutter. I’ll be cheering you on~.”

“Flutter…? You don’t need to cheer me on like that.”

“Winning his stomach is a classic strategy for winning his heart, isn’t it?”

“That’s not my intention at all!”

“Okay, okay. I understand~.”

Ugh, there she goes treating me like a child again…

Even though I know she’s teasing, I still can’t help but react.

Mom smiled warmly and gently patted my head.

“Listen, Kanade. Love is freedom. Dating is mutual understanding. Marriage is about supporting each other. Your sincerity can melt even the coldest heart… so don’t give up, okay?”

“I’ll be fine, Mom. I left those negative feelings behind a long time ago.”

“Oh my~ How reliable you’ve become.”

Hearing my response, Mom’s gaze softened, and she returned to her usual calm demeanor.

Once again, she gently stroked my hair.

“Have fun, Kanade.”

“I will!”

With a bright smile, I resumed getting ready.

Being able to talk like this with Mom is all thanks to Ariga-cchi.

Mom’s support stems from that background.

Now, what should we do for today’s date—

“I don’t mind you staying out late~, but make sure you’re well-prepared, okay~.”

With those parting words, Mom left.

She placed a box labeled “emergency supplies” and some skimpy lingerie beside me before leaving…

“…You just ruined everything, Mom.”

I sighed and muttered a complaint.