Chapter 141: Stroll and Encounter (1/2)

“You two are going out today, right?”

The four of them were seated in the morning, ready to have breakfast, when Shihoko suddenly mentioned as though she just mentioned.

It did not seem that they were joking however, “It is boring to stay at home all day after after all.” they readily noted.

“Hm, but we aren’t really going anywhere. Just a random stroll.”

“I have not gone out before. I am looking forward to it.”

Over the past three days, Mahiru spent her time at Amane’s house, except for the shopping trip with Shuuto on the first day. One reason was that Amane’s parents had been hospitable to her, and another was that it was inconvenient to have her wander at this familiar place.

Amane assumed his parents would bring her out, but they chose to laze around at home. Thus, he felt he should at least bring her out.

“We only have a park and a supermarket out here, you know? Want to go along?”

“No, a simple stroll with you will do, Amane-kun. I am happy to be with you.”

“…I see.”

Amane already knew that Mahiru was not looking forward to visiting any place, but that she was looking forward to going out, or to be precise, to spend time with Amane, and his heart heated up.

He knew from her expression that she was satisfied just being with him. He was elated and yet embarrassed, and his eyes wavered a little.

“But well, you two are already beyond lovers.”

“We used to be like that when we’re younger.”

“No, Shihoko-san, you weren’t as calm as Shiina-san, you know?”

“How strict of you.”

“Though that makes you adorable too.”

“Goodness~”

Man, these two are getting at it early in the morning, Amane thought as he saw the bashful Shihoko and Shuuto praising her naturally. He ignored them as he took a large mouthful of Shihoko’s omelette.

The omelette itself was fine, but Amane felt Mahiru’s was better. The reason however was because it would be Mahiru cooking them, rather than the standards. He had fallen completely for Mahiru’s cooking, and would detect any imperfection in Shihoko’s cooking.

He wondered if he should have Mahiru prepare breakfast next time as he looked at her, and found her looking at his parents admiringly, enviously, and somewhat bashfully.

He had a vague idea of what she was thinking, and he too became awkward.

…I can’t really go this far however.

Amane too hoped to form an intimate bond in Mahiru’s heart, despite him saying otherwise.

Once again, he looked towards his always lovey-dovey parents, and discreetly blushed once he imagined a certain day in the future.

“Let’s go then.”

A few moments after his parents went out to work, Amane said to Mahiru, who was sitting on the sofa.

It was morning, but he did not intend to go far, just a simple stroll nearby. It should be fine even though it was almost noon. They would not be out for long, for the plan was to return home at noon, and Mahiru would cook bacon omelette carbonara.

“Yes, I am ready.”

“Well, we don’t really need to bring stuff out when strolling…I intend to go to town next time.”

“…I-is that, a date?”

“Yes it’s a date. Today’s rest day.”

A girl had to prepare herself for a sudden date tomorrow, so Amane’s plan was to just go out for a stroll. By its definition, this might be considered a date, but there was much difference in how serious they would take it.

He hoped to go out with her for an entire day, and they would merely go out for a stroll on this day.

Mahiru was clearly elated about the next date, and showed a delighted, sweet smile.

“I am looking forward to the date.”

“Sure. I’ll plan it out, so jut look forward to it.”

“I am fine as long as I am with you, Amane-kun.”

“I know, but since we’re here, let’s choose some place where we can enjoy ourselves.”

Mahiru herself said that she would be satisfied just being with him, and that was obvious from her face. However, as her boyfriend, Amane hoped to make her happy.

“Well, that’ll be for next week. Let’s just go for a normal stroll today.”

“Yes.”

Amane reached his hand out, and Mahiru naturally held it.

He was a little embarrassed by this, and smiled to hide that shame as he held her hand, and led her out of the door.

It had been a year or so since he returned home, but the surrounding area did not change much. Feeling nostalgic, he walked down the familiar road.

Both of them held hands during this time. Boys and girls on vacation would glance admiringly towards Mahiru whenever they passed by, and Amane found it a little funny, laughing out loud.

It proved that Mahiru was really pretty, which was a good thing, but he was bemused by the many people who looked at her.

“What are you laughing about, Amane-kun?”