Chapter 39 A Relaxed Date Begins

A Relaxed Date Begins

After riding the train for a while—

Kanade led me to a tranquil memorial park.

Thanks to her nap, she seemed brimming with energy, tugging eagerly at my arm.

She must’ve been thrilled to arrive at our date spot.

Compared to before we got on the train, her mood had soared—she was bright and bubbly, practically glowing.

…Having her beam at me every time our eyes met was honestly a little embarrassing.

Trying to distract myself, I broke the silence.

“So, this ‘relaxed date’ is really just… laid-back, huh?”

“Fufufu~! Isn’t it super peaceful here? The flowers bloom year-round, and doesn’t it just feel like the air is packed with refreshing negative ions? Pretty great, right?”

“Haha, yeah, you’re right. I’ve never been to a place like this before.”

She grinned at me, looking completely content as she strolled by my side.

The novelty of this place had me glancing around, taking it all in.

…The air feels so crisp and clean.

Ah, lying down on the grass for a nap sounds… Yeah, that would be amazing.

A soft breeze was rustling the trees.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly felt her gaze from the side.

Startled, I turned slightly and caught her watching me with a gentle smile.

Embarrassed, I scratched my cheek and cleared my throat awkwardly.

“Hey, Ariga-cchi.”

“Hmm? What’s up?”

“Wouldn’t taking a nap on the grass here be just heavenly?”

“Can you stop reading my mind so naturally? It’s like you’re some kind of psychic or something.”

“Ahaha! It’s not like I’m reading your mind—I was just thinking the same thing! It does look super comfy, doesn’t it?”

“If you plopped down on the grass, though, people might mistake you for a passed-out party girl.”

“What’s with that awful stereotype!?”

“Haha! Well, if there aren’t too many people later… maybe I’ll give the whole napping-on-the-grass thing a shot. As long as I don’t fall into a deep sleep, that is.”

“Fufu, sounds perfect~.”

We laughed together, trading playful banter as we strolled along a flower-lined path.

This place wasn’t crowded or noisy. Just walking here felt calming, almost meditative.

Every now and then, our shoulders bumped lightly, and we couldn’t help but chuckle at how silly it was.

“I didn’t expect Kanade’s idea of a ‘relaxed date’ to be somewhere like this.”

“Ahaha! What’s that supposed to mean~? But hey, isn’t this ultra-budget-friendly date pretty nice?”

“Yeah, it is. Honestly, when you said ‘relaxed,’ I pictured something like a spa or hot springs resort. You know, something along those lines. Don’t you think so?”

When it came to relaxation, my past experiences were all tied to spending money.

My ex-wife dismissed the idea of playing games at home, and her version of “relaxing” always involved things like spa days.

Compared to that, this feels like an entirely different world.

While I was lost in thought, I noticed Kanade smirking mischievously beside me.

“Hey, Ariga-cchi? Could it be… you wanted to see me in a swimsuit~?”

“Hmm? A swimsuit, huh. Well, if it’s you, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t be glued to the sight.”

“Eh… Wait, what? That’s not the reaction I expected…”

Her face flushed red as she began fanning herself awkwardly, muttering, “It’s so hot, hahaha…”

“Since you stand out so much, having me around would at least act as a bit of bug spray. If guys see me with you, they’ll probably keep their distance.”

“Wait, that’s what you meant!?”

“Yup. You can be a bit clueless sometimes, so I can’t help worrying. Think of it as me looking out for you as your… chaperone.”

“Hold on, Ariga-cchi! That’s not flattering at all! I don’t want you as a chaperone!”

“Relax, I was joking. But seriously, Kanade, you’re charming, so be careful when you’re in places like that, okay?”

“…Okay.”

“Throwing out compliments so casually… you idiot,” she muttered, puffing out her cheeks in protest.

Then, all of a sudden, she stepped in front of me, her movements exaggerated as if trying to mask her embarrassment.

Her ears were red, but her expression was playful as she smiled at me.

“Alright, Ariga-cchi! Since we’ve got all this space, why don’t we run around and let loose like kids again~?”

“H-Hey! Wait a—”

Before I could stop her, she bolted ahead.

Surprised, I reached out instinctively, and our hands brushed.

Reflexively, I grabbed hers.

““…Ah.””

Both of us froze, a quiet gasp escaping as an awkward silence settled over us.

Despite how close we usually were, holding hands like this felt… different. A strange mix of panic and embarrassment set my face ablaze.

“Sorry…”

Flustered, I quickly let go.

My heart pounded wildly, the sudden moment leaving me shaken.

As the warmth of her hand faded, I felt a small pang of longing.

…Her skin’s so soft.

Just as that thought crossed my mind, her warmth returned.

Looking down, I saw Kanade had taken my hand again.

“Kanade…?”

“Hey, Ariga-cchi…”

“Yeah?”

Her voice was quiet, hesitant—so unlike her usual self.

Confused, I tilted my head, waiting for her to continue.

Slowly, she opened her mouth, her eyes lifting to meet mine—

“…Is it okay if we keep holding hands?”

Her tone was soft and uncertain.

Her usual boldness gave way to a timid, bashful demeanor that left me just as flustered.

How should I respond in a moment like this?

As an adult.

As someone older.

Wouldn’t it be better to act cool and composed?

But all I could manage was—

“Y-Yeah… Of course…”

My words came out bluntly, betraying my nerves.

Hand in hand, we walked quietly along the flower-lined path.

The scenery reminded me of a certain special place—but I couldn’t bring myself to say it aloud.