Episode 43: Even If Assertive

「Thank you very much. I am sorry for asking such a difficult question.」

「No, I’m the one who should apologize for not being able to explain it well…」

We were having such a good time, but things had gotten a bit somber…

「Takanashi-san, shall we continue our shopping?」

「Right, let’s leave the talk at that for now.」

I wish… I wish there was something to lift the mood…

As I was thinking that, Senpai stepped closer to me.

As if it were the most natural thing in the world, she took my hand and started walking.

Wait, we’re walking while holding hands!?

「Fufu… we were able to talk about each other and become even closer, weren’t we? I am very happy right now. So… is it alright if we stay like this?」

Senpai looked up at me with a smile and raised our joined hands slightly.

I’m sure she was just being considerate because I seemed down.

Her kindness made me so happy.

「Yes! If it’s okay with you, Senpai, I’d like to stay like this.」

「Then, let’s get back to our shopping like this.」

「Well… those two look fine, so let’s call it a day… any more than this is tough in several ways.」

「You’re right. To be honest, I was worried because of what happened the other day, but they look more than fine… definitely.」

「Then before we head home, let’s grab some tea and take a break… I’m beat. Want to hold hands too?」

「No, no, no, please don’t joke like that.」

「It’s a joke, sure, but that’s such a boring reaction~」

Well, the two of them can take their time now~

I can’t just keep letting Senpai be the one looking out for me; I’m being pathetic…

With that thought, I decided to be a bit assertive and fulfill one of my goals.

「Senpai, there’s a shop I want to go to, so please follow me.」

「Yes, lead the way to whichever shop you like.」

I pulled her hand slightly, leading the way to the shop I’d spotted earlier.

Let’s see… it should be around here… found it.

「Um… Takanashi-san, this is a ladies’ shop.」

「Yes, I know. It’s okay, I’m not in the wrong place.」

After telling her that, I walked straight inside.

「Welcome!」

A shop clerk dressed in a style similar to Senpai’s greeted us and approached.

「Please let me know if you are looking for anything in particular.」

There were a few other female customers in the shop, but they all froze while looking at us… or more accurately, at Senpai.

Well… she suits the style so perfectly that she looks like a fashion model for the store.

I can understand how they feel.

I’d already decided on my goal, so I looked for the hat section and brought Senpai over.

「Sorry, Senpai, please stay still for just a second.」

「Y-yes…?」

It was just my own intuition, but I picked up a few berets that I thought would suit her and lightly placed them on her head one by one.

They all looked great against her beautiful long black hair, but I wanted to find the absolute best one.

And then, when I placed a cute beret decorated with a large ribbon on the side, I knew this was the one.

「Sara-senpai… I want you to wear this hat.」

Saying that, I stood Sara-senpai in front of a full-length mirror.

Her reflection showed her looking a bit bewildered and embarrassed.

「Y-yes. Well, if that’s what you want, Takanashi-san, I don’t mind.」

「Then, please let me give this to you as a present. I want you to wear it.」

「Eh!? No, you don’t have to give me a present like that.」

She probably thought the bento box was her present, so it was expected that she’d hesitate. That’s why I moved quickly.

I called out to a clerk nearby.

「Excuse me, she’s going to wear this hat out, so could you take the payment?」

「Yes, thank you very much. Oh my, it’s wonderful… “suits her” doesn’t even begin to describe it. You have great taste, Boyfriend-san.」

「Um, Takanashi-san…」

The clerk removed the tag and headed to the register, so I followed her and finished the payment.

「Thank you very much… Your girlfriend is incredible. With someone that cute, it must be tough for you, Boyfriend-san, in all sorts of ways.」

Well, I guess people would think that.

But she isn’t, and I’m not really worried about that anyway.

「We’re friends.」

「Eh!? …I see, well, good luck then~」

「Thanks.」

I finished the payment and went back to Senpai.

「Sorry to keep you waiting, Sara-senpai.」

「Um… this hat…」

「Senpai, I want you to have this apart from that bento box. I just knew it would suit you. It’s my own selfishness, but I want you to wear it…」

「Takanashi-san…… yes, I’ll accept it then. Thank you so much… I’ll treasure it.」

Seriously… Senpai’s smile, now with its destructive power doubled, was having a massive impact not just on me but on everyone in the vicinity.