78 - The Distance Between Ideals and Reality

RAW

In Ayaka's room, the two sat side by side at the table, studying together.

"Haruto-kun, sorry about Ryota getting carried away earlier."

Ayaka paused her pencil, smiling wryly as she recalled her younger brother boasting about saving up for their wedding. Haruto stopped studying too, scratching his head in mild embarrassment.

"No, I don’t mind. Actually, it makes me really happy."

Both Ryota and Ikue had sincerely celebrated Haruto becoming Ayaka’s boyfriend, something that deeply moved him.

"Talking about marriage might be a bit too soon, though..."

"Y-yeah. It’s still too early for us, right?"

Ayaka nodded, glancing sideways at Haruto to gauge his reaction.

"But my dad really likes you, Haruto-kun. It might be intense when he returns from his trip."

"Yeah… I’m glad he likes me, but..."

Remembering Shuichi’s enthusiastic reactions, Haruto smiled a little nervously.

"Shuichi-san gets back this weekend, right?"

"Yes."

"So, for your last housekeeping shift, the whole Tojo family will be there."

What started as a summer housekeeping job to save for university tuition had turned into something much more—being hired regularly, entering a fake relationship with Ayaka, and ultimately becoming her real boyfriend. This intense summer was about to end.

"This summer felt so long," Haruto reflected.

Ayaka nodded in agreement. "Yeah. But it was also the happiest summer I’ve ever had."

She leaned against him, resting her head gently on his shoulder. "Being your girlfriend now makes me really happy..."

"Me too. I never imagined this when I started that job."

Haruto gently stroked her hair, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.

"I’ve always dreamed of this, you know?"

"Really? We barely even talked before summer."

"Even if we hadn’t met then, I think we were bound to meet somehow."

"Fate?"

"Hehe... maybe."

Blushing, Ayaka’s shy expression made Haruto’s heart race. He looked away, trying to change the subject.

"Um, there’s a fireworks festival tomorrow, right?"

Ayaka smiled knowingly. "Yes."

"Would you like to go together?"

"I’d love to!" Her face lit up, showing a hint of relief. "I was hoping you’d ask."

"Wait… were you waiting for me to invite you?"

"...Yeah."

"I’ve always wanted to watch fireworks with someone I love. Thank you for asking."

Overwhelmed by her smile, Haruto looked away again.

"Yesterday, you promised you wouldn’t run away anymore..." she teased.

"Guh..."

Haruto’s face flushed red as he finally met her gaze. Her eyes sparkled, and her cheeks glowed.

"Did you know that you’re called the school idol because of how cute you are?"

"What matters to me is what you think, Haruto-kun."

Her earnest words and smile made his heart pound even harder.

"You know, if you keep this up, I might want to..."

He leaned closer, whispering playfully while pulling her gently by the waist. Ayaka’s face turned beet red, and she quickly pulled back.

"I-I’m not ready yet! I don’t dislike the idea, but…!"

Haruto chuckled, feeling like he’d finally gotten his revenge for a similar moment during their first movie date. He reassured her, "I’d never rush you."

"But… if it wasn’t sudden…?" she whispered shyly.

Haruto's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly changed the subject. "We should focus on studying."

"Yeah. I need to score over 80 points to get my reward from you," Ayaka teased with a mischievous smile.

"Wait… you get to choose the reward?"

"Is that a problem?" She tilted her head cutely, making Haruto’s resolve waver.

"Just keep it reasonable..."

"Of course! By standard couple norms."

Haruto wasn’t so sure, knowing her idea of "standard" might differ. They refocused on studying, the summer drawing to a close with an unspoken promise of more to come.