Hmm.
After school, Ryuichi was alone at a certain store. He was the only one around, and even his girlfriend, Shizuna, was not there.
Sir?
Hah?
Hiih?!
Perhaps hed been pondering things too seriously, but he turned his attention to the woman working at the store with a sharp gaze.
The look on his face was ferocious and murderous Well, to say that would be an overstatement, but as a person working in this beautiful store, the woman probably had a delicate and fragile heart as well.
Man, the people who work at stores like these are all so neat and tidy.
All the other store clerks were also dressed in suits, and their hair and makeup were neatly done.
In a sense, this was a store that dealt in luxury goods, so the idea was probably to focus first and foremost on the appearance of the store to make sure that customers who came to the store actually bought their products.
Sorry, I just naturally look like this, so it causes a bunch of misunderstandings.
No, its okay.
As has been mentioned many times before, Ryuichi had no intention to scare other people. It was normal for his gaze to sharpen whenever he thought about something, making the people around him think he was in a bad mood.
Of course, this didnt apply to Shizuna and the other girls, and recently, the reactions of his classmates had changed too, but for those who did not normally interact with him, it was only natural that they would still see him this way.
Im actually a high school student, just so you know.
Huh? Youre a high school student?!
Yeah.
Her reaction suggested that she didnt think he looked like a high school student at all. The woman gazed at Ryuichi from head to toe in surprise, and then immediately apologized.
Its okay. So, do you mind if I explain things?
Sure. Go ahead.
Ryuichi began to tell her about his situation. What he had come to buy without any of the girls around was a birthday present for Shizuna.
He had thought about what would be good for her, and after much consideration, he decided on a ring, even though he could not deny that it was a little over the top.
So Iamthinking of buying her another one once were older, but I want to give her a gift to thank her for everything shes done for me until now and in the future.
So I
am
thinking of buying her another one once were older, but I want to give her a gift to thank her for everything shes done for me until now and in the future.
A ring, also called an engagement ring, was an important and significant item used to pledge a couples future with each other. When Ryuichi thought about what he should get Shizuna for her birthday, this was what he came up with.
As a high school student, he was limited in what he could afford, but he still intended to buy something reasonable since his part-time job paid quite a lot.
That sounds wonderful. Fufu, I understand now! Come, let us have a look together!
Hearing Ryuichis situation, the clerk mysteriously broke out into a grin, and she seemed very eager to help him choose a ring.
I wish Id met a man who thought of me that way during my high school days too. I think your girlfriend is really lucky.
Yes, I did. But even I didnt think Id be
this
lonely.
No matter how much she missed him, though, he felt dismayed that shed come all the way to his place alone after dark without telling him. Nevertheless, what came after his dismay was the feeling that shed been a little too reckless.
Yes, Ill take your scolding, Ryuichi-kun. Im sorry.
Well, its okay.
If nothing happened, then its okay. Alls well that ends well,Ryuichi thought. He too had become a little soft on her. And so, with Shizunas arrival, it was hurriedly decided that she would cook dinner for them.
If nothing happened, then its okay. Alls well that ends well,
Ryuichi thought. He too had become a little soft on her. And so, with Shizunas arrival, it was hurriedly decided that she would cook dinner for them.
Oh, right. Shizuna.
Yes?
I can actually make some simple stir-fried veggies now. Next time, I want to try making some fried fish.
As a matter of fact, Ryuichi was getting better at cooking little by little. Still, when compared to the average person, he was still sorely lacking When Ryuichi mentioned this progress to Shizuna, her cheeks puffed out in a somewhat displeased manner.
You didnt have to though. Ill always be here to cook for you.
Heh, thats whats gonna ruin me one of these days.
Well, it wasnt like she had meant her words seriously either, and she asked him to cook next time so she could see what his cooking tasted like. Ryuichi nodded, clenching his fist at this perfect opportunity to show off the culinary skills he had developed to her.
Aight, Imma take a bath first.
Alright. See you.
Despite the suddenness of her visit, he was glad Shizuna came to see him. Ryuichi headed for the bath with a smile on his face, then his expression turned grim when he returned.
Wha?!
Ah, Ryuichi-kun. Whats this?
She was pointing to a box on the table. It was the very same box that held the ring for Shizunas birthday. Shizunas visit had caused Ryuichi to completely forget that hed left it on the table just like that.
It seemed hed gotten lucky that she hadnt seen what was inside, but Ryuichi slowly approached her and spoke.
Shizuna, give me that.
This feels very fishy.
Ryuichis expression turned strangely grim as he asked for it back, when he should have acted like it was nothing. Shizunas suspicion was understandable, but in a good way, she was very perceptive and obediently gave it back to him.
Could it be that therere porn books or DVDs inside?
Hell no. Theres no need for me to rely on stuff like that when I have a girlfriend like you.
I see.
Shizunas cheeks flushed red at Ryuichis sincere words. Ryuichi was relieved that he had managed to retrieve the box and stored it securely, stealing a glance at Shizuna as she returned to cooking, embarrassed all the while.
But man, I cant wait.
Buying a gift like this also made him eagerly look forward to that day. Ryuichi smiled as he imagined the coming date, watching Shizunas back who was cooking while humming a nice tune.