125 - Becoming a Couple

RAW

Rocking gently on the train for about an hour and a half.

After a few transfers, Haruto and Ayaka finally arrived at their destination.

“We’re here!”

Looking at the arched entrance gate of the theme park, Ayaka exclaimed excitedly. Seeing her enthusiasm, Haruto gave her a warm smile.

“You look so happy, Ayaka.”

“I’ve always wanted to come here, but getting to come for the first time with you, Haruto, makes me really happy!”

“I see. Then let’s make the most of today and have as much fun as we can.”

“Yeah!!”

Ayaka’s beaming smile was contagious, and Haruto was confident that today’s date would be both enjoyable and filled with happiness.

Entering the theme park, the two of them were greeted by the lively atmosphere of the attractions. Ayaka held a pamphlet from the ticket counter, pondering over it with a thoughtful hum.

“Haruto, where should we go first?”

“Hmm, how about the deep-sea section?”

Leaning in to look at the park map together, Haruto pointed to a spot on the map and made his suggestion.

“Sounds good! The deep sea seems like something you’d like.”

“The deep sea and space—they’re a guy’s ultimate dreams.”

“Pfft, you sound like my dad.”

Ayaka giggled, covering her mouth with her hand at Haruto’s words.

“Well, guys are creatures who dream big, after all.”

“Oh? So holding hands with your girlfriend on a date is part of a guy’s dreams too?”

Tilting her head slightly, Ayaka extended her right hand toward Haruto. He gently clasped her hand with a soft smile.

“Of course. It’s one of the ultimate dreams.”

“Really? That makes me happy.”

Ayaka snuggled closer, holding onto Haruto’s arm with a contented smile. Seeing her like this, Haruto’s own smile softened.

The theme park was centered around the ocean, offering visitors the chance to observe and interact with various marine creatures. At the moment, there was a limited-time exhibit featuring rare deep-sea fish.

Ayaka stood close to a display of a preserved deep-sea fish with large eyes and sharp teeth, gazing at it intently.

“Deep-sea fish kind of look like aliens, don’t they?”

“Totally. Their shapes and vibe don’t seem like something from Earth.”

Walking through the exhibit, the two observed the strange creatures of the deep sea with fascination.

“Haruto, look! This one’s actually kind of cute!”

Pulling him toward another tank, Ayaka pointed at a small, palm-sized deep-sea creature swimming gracefully inside.

“That’s a flapjack octopus.”

“It’s an octopus? I guess it does look a bit like one.”

As Ayaka leaned closer to the tank to observe, the little octopus began to swim.

“Look, Haruto! Its ear-like fins are fluttering—it’s adorable!”

“Those ear-like things are actually fins,” Haruto explained, reading the description by the tank.

“Apparently, flapjack octopuses don’t have ink sacs, so they can’t spray ink.”

“Even though they’re octopuses?”

“Even though they’re octopuses.”

“Wow. But it’s so small and cute—it’s really soothing to watch.”

“They’re even called the ‘idols of the deep sea.’”

“Guess I should start being a fan.”

Ayaka chuckled as she watched the octopus settle at the bottom of the tank. Seeing her so captivated, Haruto teased her lightly.

“If you get too into it, I might get jealous of the octopus as your boyfriend.”

“Don’t worry,” Ayaka replied, turning to Haruto with a smile.

“To me, Haruto is way more important than any ‘idol’ or anything like that.”

She tightened her grip on his hand as she spoke, her words carrying a heartfelt weight. Haruto couldn’t help but smile, albeit a little embarrassed.

“Ayaka, I’m really happy to hear that, but… it’s a little embarrassing.”

“Huh? Oh…”

As Haruto blushed slightly, Ayaka’s expression shifted from surprise to realization, her own cheeks turning red.

Nearby, a young boy wearing a baseball cap pointed toward them and exclaimed, “Hey, Mom, is that what they call confessing?”

“Don’t point at people—it’s rude!” his mother scolded, bowing apologetically to Haruto and Ayaka before leaving with her son.

“Ugh…”

Ayaka’s face turned even redder, resembling the flapjack octopus she had been admiring earlier. Haruto chuckled softly and gently tugged on her hand.

“Let’s check out another tank.”

“Okay…”

Nodding shyly, Ayaka followed his lead.

The two continued exploring, marveling at the mysterious deep-sea creatures and glowing jellyfish. By the time they exited the exhibit, Ayaka had fully recovered from her earlier embarrassment.

“That was so interesting! Where should we go next?” Ayaka asked, her excitement renewed as she looked at the park map.

Haruto checked the time on his phone.

“If we hurry, we can catch the penguin walk. How about that?”

“Penguin walk? I want to see it!”

Ayaka’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Haruto smiled and took her hand, leading her toward the next attraction.

As they walked, Haruto glanced at Ayaka, who was practically skipping with excitement.

“What’s wrong, Haruto?”

“I was just wondering if this is a good enough reward for your hard work on the tests.”

Today’s date was enjoyable for both of them, but Haruto knew how much effort Ayaka had put into studying to achieve over 80 points in every subject. He felt she deserved something truly special.

“Don’t worry about it, Haruto,” Ayaka said softly, gazing up at him. “Spending time with you and making memories like this is the best reward I could ever ask for.”

Her radiant smile filled Haruto’s heart with warmth.

“Really? I’m glad to hear that.”

“Yeah!!”

They exchanged smiles before Haruto began to lead them toward the penguin area.

“By the way, Haruto,” Ayaka said hesitantly.

“What is it?”

“Well… now that we’re officially a couple, I was wondering… would it be okay if I started calling you just ‘Haruto’ instead of adding ‘-kun’?”

Haruto felt his heart skip a beat. Ayaka’s shy expression, her slightly trembling eyes—everything about her in that moment was utterly endearing.

“Of course. I’d like that.”

Ayaka’s face lit up with joy.

“Really?! I’m so happy!”

Her voice bubbled with excitement as she explained how she’d wanted to call him that for a while but never had the courage.

Haruto laughed. “You didn’t need to hold back. I wouldn’t have minded at all.”

“Well, it’s kind of embarrassing…”

“I get that. But we’re a couple now, so don’t worry too much about it.”

Gently pulling her closer, Haruto smiled. “I’ll always accept any request you have, Ayaka.”

Her laughter, soft and sweet, filled the air as she replied, “Then let’s go see the penguins… Haruto.”

Hearing her say his name like that for the first time made Haruto’s heart flutter. Together, they walked hand in hand toward their next adventure.