Chapter 68

Let me get straight to the point. It was my misunderstanding.

From the beginning, Sayama-san intended to hang out with me one-on-one—what you’d call a date—while I, on the other hand, thought we were going to hang out with everyone. Hmm, what a blunder.

"Yamagata-kun, that’s not right... The girl said it so clearly. It’s a normal date, you know."

"I’m sorry, I apologize... It’s not often that a girl asks me to hang out, so I didn’t understand..."

"Ha, that’s funny, but not really. Yamagata-kun, you know..."

"Yes, I’m not popular..."

Well, this is my fault. Entirely my fault, I can’t even make an excuse.

Sayama-san is already beyond angry, completely exasperated. Of course, I completely brushed off her invitation, which took a lot of courage.

Shit, I’m so sorry... Seeing me shrink, Sayama-san finally couldn’t bear it and sighed.

"It’s okay, Yamagata-kun."

"N-no, but—"

"I wasn’t clear either. Yamagata-kun, you clearly aren’t used to girls... I’m sorry. I went too far."

"No, I’m the one who’s sorry! I did a terrible thing..."

"It’s not that bad. Don’t take it so seriously, okay?"

Her heartfelt apology made her realize there was nothing she could do. She patted my head and stroked it.

Stop it, stop it, I’m going to fall for you...

What a good person. If she had gotten angry and left, I wouldn’t blame her. Is she a goddess? Is Sayama-san a goddess?

"Let’s cheer up and go. It’s a special date, and the weekend won’t wait for us."

"W-what, my arm!?"

"On a date, you hold arms, right? This is my first time too... I’m a bit embarrassed, but it’s good, right? Hehe."

She smiled shyly, her cheeks tinged with a blush, while I was flustered by the sudden arm-in-arm.

Is this... youth? Could I be experiencing youth right now? Could I be in a love comedy that’s not the wrong type? Me?

I felt moved. Reflecting on it, since becoming an explorer, I’ve done a few date-like things with the older Kanae-san, but I’ve never had such an encounter with a girl my age.

And now, I’m about to.

Go on a date.

"Happiness..."

"Sh-shut up, Yamagata-kun, it’s embarrassing! Don’t get all sentimental!"

"Ah, sorry. I’ve never experienced this before. Ah, it’s good..."

"Stop it! Come on, let’s go! Seriously, you’re so cool and amazing at work, but why are you like this in private?"

She grumbled while dragging me along by the arm. It was just the opening time for the stores in the shopping mall.

Despite the surprise of this unexpected date, we decided to enjoy it. Yamagata and I started walking through the mall.

"There’s so much to do. Do you have any place you want to go, Yamagata-kun?"

"Huh? No, well... I can only think of the movie theater, bookstore, and game center, I guess."

"Ahaha, just like my dad! Whenever I go out with my mom, it’s always the movie theater, electronics store, or bookstore, and sometimes the UFO catcher at the game center. He always complains!"

"R-really?"

I can understand how Sayama-san’s dad feels! There are so many stores, but most of them are fashion-related and clearly target women. It’s a bit of a challenge for me. There are only a few places to go.

But, I’m interested in the store that sells ethnic clothing. I like that unique style, it suits me.

"Let’s go to the movies, then! We can watch something good, and by the time it’s over, it’ll be lunchtime. We can have lunch at a nice place and share our thoughts, and then in the afternoon, we can play at the game center, okay?"

"Ah, u-um, sure. If it’s okay with you, Sayama-san."

Before I could make up my mind, Sayama-san took the lead and made the plans. She asked if it was okay, but honestly, I don’t have the ability to judge, so I had to leave it up to her. It’s embarrassing, but what can I do?

Then, as if my lack of initiative bothered her, she came around to face me and peered into my face from very close up.

She’s so cute and scary... Her eyes are sparkling so much. She’s incredibly cute.

She continued, pouting her lips at my flustered state.

"Yamagata-kun, that’s not it, right? It’s about what you want to do, okay?"

"O-Okay! I want to watch a movie with Sayama-san, have a meal, and play at the game center!"

"Great!"

Sayama-san smiled.

I can’t win against her...

I followed her with a completely relaxed smile, wherever she went.

Thank you for the rankings:

1st place in the Low Fantasy category for daily, weekly, and monthly, and 5th place for the quarterly.

8th place overall daily, 7th place weekly, and 13th place monthly.

Thank you very much.

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