59 - It's Meltingly Sweet

RAW

After finishing their deliciously sweet pancakes, Haruto and Ayaka leisurely enjoyed their post-meal drinks.

"The pancakes were so good!" Ayaka said, cradling her tea cup in both hands with a radiant smile.

"Now I understand why this place is so popular," Haruto replied, taking a sip of his black coffee, unadorned with sugar or milk.

Even after their playful exchange of feeding each other pancakes, Haruto couldn't shake the faint warmth on his face, a lingering embarrassment. Yet the robust aroma and bitterness of the coffee managed to soothe him.

"There's something I wanted to ask, or rather, a favor I’d like to request," Haruto said cautiously.

"Hmm? What is it?" Ayaka responded, looking up from her tea.

"Well, on my next day off from housekeeping, do you think you could meet my grandmother?"

"Your next day off is the day after tomorrow, right?" she asked.

"Yeah. This morning, my grandma mentioned wanting to meet you," Haruto explained. While his grandmother hadn’t explicitly said so, he could sense her longing.

At his request, Ayaka clenched her fists in determination.

"Sure! I’m free, so I’d love to!"

Her voice brimmed with enthusiasm.

"Time to show off all the practice we’ve done as a couple!"

Seeing her so eager made Haruto feel a pang of unease.

Their practice sessions had been Ayaka’s idea to ensure they could convincingly play the part of a couple. As someone without prior romantic experience, she had worried about appearing unnatural. Their training involved confessing their love without hesitation, indulging in affectionate gestures like lap-pillows and head pats, and even attempting couples' yoga.

Reflecting on their "lessons," Haruto involuntarily took another sip of coffee.

If they showcased their practiced affection too well, his grandmother might get overly attached to Ayaka and ask her to marry into the family. The thought alone was enough to unsettle him.

"Just a heads-up—my grandma thinks we just started dating, so acting too lovey-dovey might feel unnatural," Haruto said.

"Is that so…?" Ayaka tilted her head slightly, confused.

Haruto couldn’t help but notice how her understanding of "normal" relationships seemed influenced by fiction, judging from the lineup of romance novels on her bookshelf.

Suddenly, Ayaka gazed at him intently.

"Hey, Haruto."

"Yeah?"

"What’s your ideal girlfriend like? Have I ever asked you that before?"

Her eyes betrayed a hint of insecurity.

"Have I been overdoing it? Was I annoying you?"

As her voice grew quieter, Haruto felt guilty for making her worry.

"Not at all. I didn’t mind it one bit."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really."

Still, Ayaka’s gaze wavered slightly, her doubt not entirely dispelled.

Trying to reassure her, Haruto smiled softly.

"As for my ideal girlfriend, I like someone with a cute smile. Someone who enjoys delicious food and looks happy while eating. Someone who gets excited while holding hands and skips along beside me—that’s the kind of person I’d dream of being with."

"I-I see..." Ayaka blushed, her cheeks turning crimson as she shyly lowered her head.

"That’s why I can confidently say you’re the perfect girlfriend to introduce to my grandma," Haruto added.

"…I-I see…"

Still looking down, Ayaka nodded meekly. Her reaction made Haruto realize the potential misunderstanding, and he quickly tried to clarify.

"Of course, I know you're just pretending to be my girlfriend, and I really appreciate it!"

"R-right, of course," Ayaka replied with a complicated expression, a mix of happiness and disappointment.

Gathering her resolve, she suddenly straightened up.

"I’ll try even harder!"

"Wait, Ayaka, you don’t need to overdo it. You’re already perfect as you are," Haruto tried to reassure her.

"No! I need to do this—for myself, too!"

Haruto felt the weight of her determination.

"Thanks. I’m sorry for dragging you into this lie," he said, bowing his head apologetically.

As he did, Ayaka murmured something under her breath, so quiet he couldn’t hear.

"I’ll make sure… you’ll never feel the need to say ‘sorry’ again."

"Huh? What did you say?"

"Nothing! Don’t worry about it," she replied, flashing a bright smile.

Grinning mischievously, Ayaka then gestured towards the street.

"Now, let’s go find that ice cream!"

Haruto downed the rest of his coffee, stood up, and took her outstretched hand. Together, they ventured back under the scorching summer sun in search of the elusive limited-edition ice cream.

---

By the time the sun began to set, painting the sky with fiery hues, their hunt had yielded no results.

"Looks like it’s all sold out," Haruto sighed as they strolled along the riverbank, bathed in the warm glow of twilight.

"Yeah… but today’s been so much fun!" Ayaka chirped, her bright smile unwavering as she held Haruto’s hand, now naturally intertwined with hers.

Haruto glanced at a small, old-fashioned shop nearby.

"How about we try that store? Just one last time?" he suggested.

"Sure!" Ayaka replied eagerly, her voice filled with renewed hope.

Inside the quaint shop, Haruto scanned the small freezer in the corner. He wasn’t expecting much but suddenly froze in shock.

"Ayaka, it’s here!"

"No way!" Ayaka exclaimed, rushing to his side.

Peering into the freezer, they spotted a single cup of the sought-after ice cream.

"You’re kidding! It’s here, Haruto!" Ayaka’s excitement bubbled over as she bounced on her heels.

Haruto chuckled, sharing in her joy as he quickly grabbed the prized ice cream and brought it to the counter.

After paying, they sat on a weathered bench outside the shop, the sound of a wind chime swaying in the breeze.

"Finally, we get to try it!" Ayaka said, her eyes sparkling as she opened the cup.

Taking her first bite, she beamed with pure delight.

"It’s amazing!"

Seeing her so happy, Haruto couldn’t help but smile.

"Want to try some?" she offered, holding out a spoonful to him.

"I’ve had it before, so you can have it all."

"Food like this tastes better when shared," Ayaka insisted with a cheeky grin.

Reluctantly, Haruto took a bite.

"It’s sweeter than I remember," he admitted.

And as Ayaka fed him another spoonful, Haruto realized some things never get easier—especially the sweetness she brought into his life.