123 - Shall We Go on a Date?

RAW

On their way home from the karaoke parlor, Haruto and Ayaka walked leisurely, their shadows stretching longer than they had during summer vacation.

"Karaoke was fun, wasn’t it?"

"It was. Ayaka, your singing was amazing."

Haruto nodded in agreement with Ayaka's words and complimented her, making her blush lightly and smile shyly.

There had been a minor incident earlier when Ayaka accidentally let slip that they had played the Pocky Game, leading Saki and Shizuku to tease them relentlessly. Despite that, it had been an enjoyable outing for Haruto.

"Haruto-kun, you were great too! I don’t really understand enka, but I thought you were incredible. I wanted to hear more."

Her eyes sparkled as she said this, and Haruto smiled a little awkwardly.

"Thanks. My grandpa used to listen to enka a lot," Haruto began, glancing at the crimson-hued sky as if reminiscing.

"When I sang enka, he would listen so happily. I wanted to make him even happier, so I practiced and listened to enka a lot."

"That’s really sweet of you, Haruto-kun."

"Well, that was back in elementary school."

"Still, I would’ve loved to see little Haruto-kun singing enka for his grandpa. I bet you were adorable!"

Looking up at the sunset-tinted sky like Haruto, Ayaka let out a warm laugh.

Feeling a bit embarrassed by her reaction, Haruto scratched his head and changed the subject.

"By the way, you managed to get over 80 points in all your tests, right?"

"Yep! Not just that—it was my best performance ever!" Ayaka beamed with pride.

"I can’t wait to brag to Mom about it when I get home!"

Walking with a slightly bouncy step, her joy spread to Haruto as well.

"So, since you hit your goal of scoring over 80 in all subjects, what would you like as a reward from me?"

"Well... Haruto-kun, do you have any plans for tomorrow, Saturday?"

"Tomorrow? Not really."

As Haruto’s Fridays and Saturdays were spent at the Tōjō household, he had planned to help with chores, play with Ryōta, and squeeze in some study time.

When Haruto replied, Ayaka hesitated briefly before speaking.

"Then… let’s go on a date tomorrow?"

"A date?"

"Yeah. I realized we haven’t gone on a proper date since becoming a real couple."

"True."

Haruto nodded. Over the summer, they’d gone to the movies, visited the Animal Forest Park, searched for limited-edition ice cream, and even camped. However, they hadn’t had a proper date since officially becoming a couple.

"Alright, let’s go on a date tomorrow. Is there anywhere you want to go?"

When Haruto asked, Ayaka pulled out her phone.

"It’s a bit far, but I’ve been wanting to go here. What do you think?"

She showed him the screen, which displayed the homepage of a sea-themed amusement park featuring an aquarium and attractions.

"Oh, this place? Yeah, you can definitely spend a whole day here."

"Do you like the idea, Haruto-kun?"

"Sure. So, tomorrow’s an aquarium date!"

"Yay! I’m so excited!"

Her beaming smile was infectious, and Haruto found himself smiling too.

The two continued discussing their plans for the date until they arrived at the Tōjō household.

When they walked into the living room, calling out, "We’re home," they found Kiyoko and Ryōta playing Othello.

"Welcome back, Haruto. Welcome back, Ayaka-san," Kiyoko greeted them warmly.

"Thanks, Grandma," Haruto replied.

"Thank you, Kiyoko-san," Ayaka added.

As Haruto approached Ryōta, who was staring intently at the Othello board, he asked, "Ryōta, think you can win?"

"Big brother, I want to place a white piece here, but then Grandma will take the corner. If I go here, I can only flip one black piece…"

Ryōta explained his dilemma to Haruto, who nodded with a serious expression.

"Looks like this is the decisive moment."

When Ayaka tried to offer Ryōta some advice, he raised his voice to stop her.

"Ah! No hints, big sister! This is a serious match between Grandma and me!"

"Oops, sorry!" Ayaka quickly withdrew her hand.

As the game progressed, Ryōta ultimately won by two pieces, joyfully raising his arms in victory.

Later, during dinner preparations, the family’s lively conversation revolved around Ayaka and Haruto’s date plans. Even Ryōta, who initially looked curious, gave Haruto his wholehearted encouragement.

"Good luck on your date tomorrow, big brother!"

"Thanks, Ryōta-kun. I’ll do my best," Haruto said with a determined smile.