CH 10.2

It’s a bit embarrassing to call it a double date, but it mainly just means that the four of us, Kyoya, Hinata, Tachibana, and I, are going out to have fun.

Although Kyoya and Hinata, who were much more enthusiastic about this idea, had set up the time and place for the ‘date’, there was still a problem. 

A very important problem.

“…Ah…well…what is it, Tachibana?”

“What is it…? You’re acting very suspicious.”

“Ugh..”

She is sharper than I expected.

No, anyone would be able to see that, is it that unnatural?

Incidentally, Tachibana, who had now completely recovered from her cold, treated me to a home-cooked meal today, as a thank you for nursing her back to health.

According to my request, the menu was hamburger steak and cream stew.

But it’s hard to get used to having 2 people in school uniforms facing each other across the table.

“So, what is it?”

“Ah…nothing. The food is really good…”

“…Thank you”

Tachibana looked happy, even though she had a bit of a confused expression on his face.

I scooped some of the stew using the spoon and poured it into my mouth.

“I’m sure you’ll be happy with the food. But since this was a return gift, you could’ve asked me for something more.”

“No, that’s not why I asked for it. I just can’t think of anything better than your cooking.”

“A-ah…I see…”

I forgot my original purpose and started to talk passionately about the food.

However, the quality of Tachibana’s cooking was indeed delicious to that extent.

It’s not only the recipe but also the seasoning that I like.

“I can make other stuff for you too, even if you don’t do anything.”

“No, that’s not a good idea. It’ll take a lot of work.”

“…You don’t have to worry about that.”

Tachibana spoke with a tiny voice which I could barely make out.

Maybe she was complaining about something, I don’t know.

I felt a bit sad.

Also my purpose.

I had to ask Tachibana out (To the double date).

“It’s better for Ren to ask her out instead”, Kyoya had said.

But I couldn’t really see the reason.

I mean, what should I even say to invite her in the first place.

Let’s go with Kyoya and friends on a date!!

You would have to be an idiot to say that.

Why should I go and disturb the group?

“Aren’t you eating it? It’ll get cold otherwise.”

“Ah! Sorry.”

Haa…that was dangerous. 

I have to do something to keep her from getting suspicious of me.

Firstly, what kind of combination are we four?

Neither do we have any common interests, nor are we good friends.

Especially the relations between Hinata and I; Kyoya and Tachibana. Can we even be considered friends?

Also Susami, with the 4 of us, what will happen to her?

Kyoya also said he was not going to invite Susami this time.

This planning is really confusing but I am not going to complain because it can’t be helped.

But damn, I should’ve thought of a plan before I went for the mission

This is where lack of experience shows.

“Thank you for the food” 

“…Thank you for the food”

We put our hands together and said it at the same time.

Finally, our meal was over.

I took the dishes and put them in the sink.

Now…what in the world am I supposed to do?

“…”

“…”

An awkward silence came over us.

Tachibana was quiet and looked down while I was groaning in my heart.

“…”

“…”

No, I see…

Let’s say that Susami will also be there.

All 5 of us will go as promised, including Susami, then tell her to later cancel her plans.

That way, it wouldn’t be weird.

Hmm…okay.

“…”

“…”

What should I say now…?

I don’t know why I should even bother to do this in the first place if it actually was the 5 of us.

Normally Hinata or Satsuki would be the ones to ask her.

I don’t even know what to say, but the fact that I’m going to be a part of this in itself is strange.

No, the reasoning is a bit lacking.

But this kind of event itself is unusual.

“…”

“…”

The awkward silence continues.

And thus my plan is back to square one.

Now I really don’t know what to do.

But speaking of which, why is Tachibana still here after all this?

Shouldn’t she be going home after finishing the food…?

When I glanced at her, her face was stiff and frozen for some reason.

She hasn’t spoken anything or stood up. She just sat still.

“…what’s wrong?”

“Huh! What?”

“N-nothing. I was wondering why you weren’t going home.”

“T-that. It’s nothing. If you want me to leave, just say so!”

“No, that’s not it! I’m not busy and I’d appreciate it if you were to stay, but I’m sure you have some things to do at home.”

“No! …I don’t have anything to do at home.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“Yes!”

But there isn’t anything to do here either.

I thought so but didn’t dare to say it out loud.

And at any rate, if Tachibana left because of that, I wouldn’t be able to achieve my goals.