CH 72

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Nah, I just got here.”

It was December 24th, Thursday, and the surroundings were dyed in Christmas lights. Sakuramiya-sensei and I had arranged to meet up at the amusement park to see the illumination display. The time was exactly 6 PM.

Until 5 PM, the amusement park operated as usual, and then it was transformed into an illumination facility. Couples were everywhere, and although there were some families, the majority were couples. Just in case, I looked around, but I didn’t see anyone I knew.

Well, the park is also quite far from school, and I’m wearing glasses, while Sakuramiya-sensei is wearing a black long wig. Our faces are also covered by scarfs, so the danger of being recognized is low, or at least it should be. And if by any chance we meet someone we know, we have prepared an excuse in advance.

“Sakura—…Yumi-san, did you really just arrive a little while ago?”

“Yes.”

“Your nose is red though.”

“I—…it turned red on the way here.”

“You came by car, didn’t you?”

“…Yes. I’ve been waiting for an hour for my date with Minato-kun.”

Sakuramiya-sensei confessed honestly when I pressed her a little for answers. She is cute when she acts so considerate to me.

I was also planning to come early today. But, there was a train delay, so I ended up arriving exactly at the promised time.

“Anyway, I just wanted to say… I like you.”

“Out of nowhere? Thanks… I like you too, Minato-kun.”

“But, please consider your safety a little.”

“Safety?”

“You might get hit on, right?”

“I won’t get hit on in this place today.”

Well, it’s a place where couples come to enjoy the day, so there shouldn’t be many men trying to pick up women. Even so, I can’t help but be too careful. There might be people who have given up on everything after being dumped by their girlfriends, and they might try to hit on any woman they see. There’s also the possibility of some strange people who enjoy hitting on women who already have boyfriends.

“Besides, even if something happens, you’ll protect me, won’t you, Minato-kun?”

“You’re older, so you should take care of yourself.”

“Age doesn’t matter. I always want the person I like to protect me. …Is that no good?”

“Sigh… I’ll protect you even if it kills me.”

With a sigh, Sakuramiya-sensei’s expression relaxed. She clung tightly to my arm, but I couldn’t feel much through my thick clothes. However, a sweet, gentle fragrance tickled my nostrils.

As I blushed, I averted my gaze.

“Shall we go then?”

“Sure.”

“By the way… today, you look especially cute.”

“Really? I’m happy—”

“… In your clothes.”

“You didn’t need to add that last part. I’m happy though.”

We continued with such trivial banter as we headed to the reception desk, the ticket for the illumination was in our hands.

“Wow, look at how beautiful it is!”

“Yes, it really is.”

We were currently enjoying the illuminated decorations. The brightly colored electric lights that shone like curtains. Though we hadn’t had much interaction with them before, there was something captivating about them when viewed like this.

It was no wonder that couples flocked here. As I was lost in thought, I felt a strong gaze on me from my left.

Sakuramiya-sensei was staring at me intently.

“Um, what is it?”

“I was just thinking that the words I wanted to hear from you haven’t come yet.”

I was looking for the right timing to say these words to her but as she was the one requesting it and It was Christmas Eve, after all. I decided to fulfill her request.

“…Yumi-san is looking beautiful.”

As I whispered softly into her ear, Sakuramiya-sensei’s face turned red to the point where I thought she might be coming down with a cold. She clung even closer to my arm.

“Y-You can’t just suddenly call me by my first name like that!”

“Oh, is that so…then I’ll stop calling you by your first name.”

“N-No, it’s not that… I was just surprised, but it’s not like I didn’t like it.”

“What does that mean?”

“I-I mean… like this!”

Sakuramiya-sensei tightened her grip on my shoulder.

I lost my balance as our center of gravity shifted. Soon, a soft sensation ran through my lips.

I was caught off guard by the sudden kiss, and my eyes widened in surprise. This development was not something I had anticipated.

“……T-That wasn’t an explanation.”

“Retaliation. Minato-kun always verbally attacks me.”

“I don’t think I’m verbally attacking you.”

“You are. Even when I use ambiguous words, you try to make me clarify them.”

“As a Japanese language teacher, it would be a problem if things remained ambiguous.”

“Thanks a lot! Not like I’m happy about it!”

She pouted and glared at me resentfully.

I wonder if this teacher is lying about her age. She might be younger than she’s letting on.

Well, whether Sakuramiya-sensei is older or younger doesn’t matter to me right now.

As we continued to enjoy the illuminations while staying close to each other, Sakuramiya-sensei suddenly slowed down.

“…Is something wrong?”

“N- No…It’s nothing.”

“Do you want to take a break on the bench?”

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

“I want to take a break.”

“If you insist… but we should hurry.”

We left the crowded couples and sat on a nearby bench. Luckily, it was available.

I should have remembered what I learned from Hanamura-sensei about the secrets of dating… I had completely forgotten. I wasn’t even concerned about how fast Sakura-miya sensei had to walk while wearing high heels.

“I’ll go buy some drinks.”

“I’ll do it.”

“It’s okay, just stay here on the bench.”

“…Alright. Oh, but please take the money for the drinks.”

“I won’t take it. Let me treat you for once.”

Sakuramiya-sensei was surprised but didn’t offer to hand over any money.