Chapter 24
A Moonlit Night Date (Part 1)
Saturday… Haah. The day has finally come.
The other day, when Tsukiyo said she wanted to hang out with me… I was pretty flustered, but I agreed. However, as the day got closer, I started feeling more and more gloomy.
I’ve spent a lot of days with Tsukiyo since summer vacation started, but we’ve never spent a full day out together. Even that time we went to the science museum together – you could call it a date, I guess – it wasn’t for that long. And at the library, it’s only for a few hours at most. Honestly, I feel like this is uncharted territory for me.
Sure, I’ve gone out with the girls from our usual group a few times. But that was always for a specific purpose, like going to buy a present or picking up something someone needed… The goal was clear. Once we achieved that goal, we’d call it a day, so I didn’t have to overthink it.
But this time, hanging out is the goal. And since she’s the one who invited me, I’m not sure how I should act. I can’t really talk to anyone about this, either.
Consult my male friends…? Do I even have any male friends with girlfriends? I feel like we’re basically all in the same boat.
I agonized over it, but figured dressing up wouldn’t change much, so I decided to just go in my usual T-shirt and jeans.
The meeting spot was the plaza in front of the station. It’s close to both my house and the Kannagi house.
I arrived at 9:30, a whole 30 minutes early. I hate how punctual I am. I dislike being late, so if I leave early, I always end up 30 minutes ahead. I’ll just… take it easy and wait. I want to calm my nerves a bit, too.
“I’m sorry, have you been waiting long?”
I heard Tsukiyo’s voice and turned my head. So much for calming down.
Then, I was left speechless.
Her chestnut-brown hair, which reaches her back, was adorned with a single pink hair accessory. She wore a black blouse, a miniskirt, and an unfamiliar shawl or stole draped over her shoulders. Instead of her usual sneakers, she wore boots. She had gone all out with her outfit.
On top of her already perfect features, she was wearing makeup, her eyelashes perfectly defined. A light lipstick made her lips look especially moist.
If I were a girl, I probably would have squealed “So cute!” at the top of my lungs right then and there.
But of course, I couldn’t say that. I just stared at Tsukiyo, unable to help myself.
“It’s embarrassing when you stare like that.”
Her cheeks tinged slightly pink as Tsukiyo averted her gaze. Ah, this is bad. Really bad… but I can’t look away. I want to take a picture of you right now with the camera in my bag.
A moment passed, and I regained my senses. I’ve thought she was cute many, many times before, but this easily surpassed all those times.
“Sorry, it’s just… I was captivated.”
“…I’m glad.”
I never expected her to prepare to this extent. I lamented my own lack of fashion sense, having come in my usual, kinda drab clothes. Maybe I should ask the girls for advice, even if it means facing some embarrassment.
Tsukiyo’s appearance was, as expected, drawing attention; everyone approaching the station was looking at her. Staying here wasn’t a good idea.
“Tsukiyo, shall we get going?”
“Yes!”
With this incredibly cute girl right in front of me, I wonder if I’ll be able to make it through the whole day.
Tsukiyo and I walked along the street.
“Taiyo-san, you’re early. I was hoping to be the one waiting for you.”
“I know I’m early, but you’re way too early too, Tsukiyo. It’s only 9:40. Why did we… both move up the meeting time?”
“…Well, I wanted you to see me like this sooner.”
Ah, damn, she’s so cute.
It’s a critical hit. I feel like I’ve just seen the cutest thing in my 16 years of life. Her slightly shy mannerisms are just perfect, too.
I kinda wish I could have seen Tsukiyo waiting for me in that outfit as well. That’s a bit of a shame in its own way.
“But… wow. I didn’t know you could do makeup and stuff like that, Tsukiyo.”
“There’s no way I could. I consulted Kudo-senpai, and she said she’d give me the best makeup job.”
Kudohara Saika. There’s practically nothing that she, one of the most refined young ladies in our group, can’t do.
I bet she had a lot of fun putting it all together. I’ll definitely get teased about this early next week.
“Taiyo-san.”
Tsukiyo stopped walking, and I was called to a halt.
“You… will support my love, right?”
“…Yeah.”
That’s what it all boiled down to during the confession incident the other day. I can’t take it back now. I have to support Tsukiyo’s love for whoever it is she likes.
It stings a little, but if he’s a man Tsukiyo acknowledges and who is worthy of her, then I want to give them my blessing.
“So… please accompany me today for some dating practice!”
