Episode 44: This Time, It’s My Turn

Moving a little ways away, I intentionally suggested a restroom break near the first variety store we visited.

Since it was Sunday, there was a bit of a line, but that worked in my favor.

I hurried away from the spot, entered the shop, and rushed to the apron section.

Looking through the various aprons, I found one scattered with cute, stylized animal illustrations that somehow resembled the drawings on the bento box.

Intuitively, I picked it up and finished the payment.

I had them put it in a cute little bag.

I rushed back and waited just a short while before Sara-senpai returned.

「I am very sorry, it was quite crowded…」

「No, no, I could see it was crowded from the start.」

Then, as we walked around aimlessly for a bit, we ended up back at the entrance we first came through.

「Well, it’s about that time…」

「Yes… I suppose it is.」

I felt the same way, but Senpai also seemed unable to say the words「Let’s head home.」Thinking that she might be feeling reluctant to end the day made me happy.

So I…

「Sara-senpai, thank you so much for today. This is the first time I’ve ever had such a fun holiday.」

「Takanashi-san… I can’t remember a holiday as fun as this one either. Thank you very much, truly.」

「Next time, would it be okay if I’m the one to invite you? Of course, if you want to invite Natsumi-senpai too, I’m fine with the three of us. What do you think?」

「Fufu… thank you. I’m not sure about Natsumi, but I will adjust my schedule as much as possible, so I will be looking forward to your invitation.」

「Then… shall we head back?」

「Yes…」

The walk back was somewhat quiet, but with a smiling Senpai by my side, I didn’t mind it at all.

Every now and then, Senpai would touch her hat, as if checking its position.

I was watching her because it was heartwarming, and then our eyes met.

「Ah, no, um, I don’t usually wear hats, so I was just worried if I was wearing it correctly…」

「No, I mean, I was the one who picked it out… but it really looks good on you.」

The shopping mall and the station are close together, so we arrived in no time.

It’s a shame, but this is as far as we go today.

I stopped at the place where we met this morning.

I held out the bento box.

「Senpai, here is this.」

「Yes… I’ll take it. Starting tomorrow, I’ll use this bento box to make your lunch, Takanashi-san. I’m looking forward to it.」

「It’s a lot of trouble, but thank you. And this is…」

I held out the apron.

「I’d be happy if you used this, whether you’re making the bento or just cooking normally.」

「Eh… but…」

I took Sara-senpai’s hand and made her hold it.

「This apron is like a set with the bento box. So, if you don’t accept this too, I’ll be in a bind, you know?」

「…I couldn’t possibly do something that puts you in a bind, Takanashi-san. Thank you. I will make sure to use this when I cook from now on.」

Senpai held the apron tightly to her chest.

「Well then, I’ll take my leave for today. See you tomorrow.」

「Yes, see you tomorrow.」

As I watched Senpai walk away, she turned back toward me.

When I waved, Senpai waved back…

I can’t wait for the time I get to see Senpai again tomorrow…

I arrived home, changed, and looked again at the hat sitting on my bed.

It is the hat I received from Takanashi-san.

I don’t want to get it dirty by any chance…

But, even if I’m not showing off to anyone, I want to use it regularly.

…Ugh, it’s such a dilemma…

Actually, I have the same problem with the apron.

However, since that was a promise to use it when making bento and cooking… I intend to use it properly.

Ah, that’s right, I must look up how to care for and store it…

Ping.

The RAIN notification sounded.

…It’s from Natsumi.

「Are you home yet?」

「Yes, I’m in my room already.」

Suddenly, my phone started ringing.

「Good work today.」

「Yes, good work.」

「Did you get what you were looking for?」

「Yes, I had him buy me a cute bento box. I’m going to pack his lunch in it starting tomorrow.」

「I see, I’m looking forward to seeing it. Did you just come straight home after that?」

「No, we talked about many things… and, um, I received some gifts.」

「I see, so he finally decided.」

「Eh?」

「No, never mind me. What did you get?」

「A cute hat and an apron. Takanashi-san chose them for me… he said they would definitely suit me…」

「I see, I see. Then maybe you can show them off next time we go out.」

「Ugh… I am currently agonizing over it. Whether I should use them regularly.」

「Eh? Is it a hat that’s embarrassing to wear normally…」

「There is no way I would think of a treasure I received from Takanashi-san as embarrassing!」

「Hie! Sorry, it was a joke…」

「Honestly… I’m just afraid of getting it dirty or damaging it.」

「Hmm, but I think Takanashi-kun would be happier if you used it actively.」

「…You’re right. At the very least, I’ll make sure to be careful with the care and storage.」

「Yeah, I think that’s for the best. Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed yourself today. Good work. Get some rest.」

「Yes, thank you. Well then, see you tomorrow.」

「See ya~」

Tomorrow’s menu…

For the first meal to be packed into Takanashi-san’s special bento box, it has to be hamburg steak.

I’ll do my best so that he’ll be happy.