that so? That can be a kind of life experience."

Just like that, both of them continued with their unnecessary conversation as they headed down the stairs leading to the subway.

(Okay...I'm going to say it, I'm going to say it now...!)

Patting her hand hard on her chest, Houki decided to say it out.

"I-Ichika, well, how about we have dinner...well, erm, together..."

"Hm? Okay. But the cafeteria's still open now."

"No, it's not like that! Not in the cafeteria...well...out, outside, together..."

"Ah, outside? I see."

Ichika let out a 'mn' sound and started to ponder.

Houki stared at Ichika, and felt that the waiting time was really long.

"Alright then. It's rare to go out anyway. Let's go then."

"! I-I see...o-okay."

Houki's face suddenly dazzled, and she looked happy and yet embarrassed.

"Then, where will we go eat? How about the family restaurant in front of the station?"

"No-No! I know of a good place. Let's go there then."

"Oh, I understand."

Making a "Do your best" gesture in her heart, Houki started to get excited because she believed that she had won.

But...

"Ah, we're full today."

This sort of thing does happen at dinner time on Sundays, and the restaurant that magazine advertised, 'Coniferous Forest'[7B 5], is fully packed with customers.

And this place was basically filled with couples which made Houki even more sad.

"What now? It says here that we have to wait for two hours...how about we head back to the cafeteria?"

"No-No need! We'll just eat outside! O-Outside!"

(Bu-But what do we do? Amongst the other restaurants I know of, the rest include family restaurants, the eateries on the street at the shopping mall in front of the station and the ramen houses...)

But these restaurants wouldn't fit the mood she wanted.

Anyway, feeling really determined, Houki started to look through the information on the magazine.

(The 2nd rank stop's opposite the station...the 3rd one is too far away from here...erm, the 4th...)

Houki, who was troubled, had her hand raised by Ichika.

"Ah, I know of a good shop. Let's go."

(WA-WAAA!? MY-MY-MY HAND...I-ICHIKA, HE'S HOLDING ONTO IT...!?)

*DOKI!!* Her heart pounded intensively. It felt like her heart was about to pop out.

"From now on, we have to walk quite a bit. Any problem with that?"

"Ah, ah...whatever you say..."

Anyway, as she was concentrating on Ichika's hand, Houki could only answer blankly.

"..."

Having her hand held by Ichika, Houki's heart fluttered as she followed him from half a step behind.

This continued for more than 20 minutes, and they finally reached that shop.

"It's here."

"U-Un?"

Looking forward to a romantic eatery, Houki was stunned by the one in front of her.

"Gotanda's Eatery...?"

"Yup. I mentioned it before, right? It's my friend's house."

"I-I see..."

Houki's shoulders dropped dejectedly, but thinking about it carefully, this is Ichika we are talking about. It's possible for him to fulfill her expectations.

Haa...after sighing for a while, she entered the shop with Ichika.

"Oh, Dan."

"Huh!? Isn't that Ichika!?"

Half of the seats in the shop were taken. It was likely that Dan had to help out in his own shop, as he's serving food with an apron on.

"Hn? You brought a girl with you today?...Do-Don't tell me it's your girlfriend!?"

"Why do you look so happy?"

"No-Nothing...well, that's your girlfriend, right!?"

"Nope. Didn't I tell you in middle school. She's my childhood friend, the first one. Didn't you notice her at my birthday party?"

"Idiot. Do you know how much effort I spent asking for Utsuho-san's address..."

"What about Utsuho-san?"

"Ahem. Nothing at all. Oh yeah, ah, that. Shinono-san?"

Un, un, as Dan tried his best to remember her name while putting his folded arms in front of his chest, Houki finally answered.

"Shinonono Houki."

"Fuu, yes, I'm Gotanda Dan. Nice to meet you."

"Ah, ahh."

Houki suddenly remembered about Gotanda Ran, and started to feel wary.

(That Ichika. Maybe he came here to look for that kid...)

Thinking about this, Houki was led to her seat.

"Then, call me when you are decided on what to eat."

After that, Dan returned to the counter.

Houki read through the menu, and at the same time, initiated a conversation with Ichika.

"Do-Do you have any special recommendations?"

"Hm? Each one of them is good. If I have to choose one, it's the fish-based set meal...ah, the curry here's nice too."

"I-I see. Fuu..."

Though she said that, she couldn't help but continue to be mindful that 'Ran may come over'.

"Ah—well...ahem! I-Ichika?"

"Hm?"

Looking at the same menu, Ichika answered.

"We-Wel-Well..."

Say it! Just say it! I need to try my best!

...Well, though she tried to encourage herself in her heart, she still couldn't pull the trigger.

(Buck up, Shinonono Houki! What happened to that usual confidence?)

--O-Okay! I'm going to say it, say it! Say it out!

"SPE-SPEAKING OF WHICH, ICHIKA!"

"? What's wrong? Why so loud out of a sudden?"

"No-Nothing...sorry."

It seems that she was too forceful as the surrounding customers were all shocked.

Ichika continued to look at Houki, who was backing away in guilt, and said,

"Speaking of which, since the time you started going back to the kendo club, your figure's really good, Houki. Well, your posture's really straight, and the curve of the back is really elegant."

"Is-Is that so? Than-Thank you..."

Backing away, Houki continued to drink the water down in large gulps.

--Again, again, go me, go.

"I-Ichika."

"Hm?"

"Ah...that..."

Looking up, their faces met again, and Houki started to panic again.

--SAY IT!

"It-It's just that. Right now, I'm practicing how to cook, so if you don't mind, I'd like to let you try it the next time..."

--ARRRGGHHH!! WHAT AM I SAYING!

"Oh, is that so? Houki's cooking's great. I'll try it to my heart's content next time."

"O-Okay! O...yeah...yeah!"

Seeing Ichika smile so happily, Houki nodded her head as her ponytail swayed. She looked really happy too.

"Then, I'll order the Grilled Fish and fries set. What about you, Houki?"

Completely forgetting to order, Houki frantically turned to look at the menu.

"Mn, this Fried Wildfire Roasted Vegetable set looks good too. It's a specialty of theirs too...and the hotplate menu..."

"I see. Then, that'll be all."

Forgetting everything about Ran, Houki enjoyed the time she had alone with Ichika.

"Hey, Dan--, can you take our order now?"

"Coming."

"I want a grilled fish with fries set meal, and Houki wants the Wildfire Roasted Vegetables."

"Okay, got it. Please hold on for a moment."

After jotting down the order, Dan moved off into the kitchen.

--In the meantime, the owner of the Gotanda Eatery, Dan's grandfather, Gen saw Ichika over there.

"Hn? Ichika's over there!"

"Ah, that's right. You old devil."

"Oh. Wait, wait, is that his girlfriend? GAHAHA!"

"No, I guess that's not the case."

"HEY!! RAN!! HEEY!!!"

Gen shouted out loudly at the main house. A while later, a 'what-?' could be heard from the second level.

"COME DOWN TO THE SHOP! IT'S URGENT!"

"WHY—?"

"JUST COME DOWN!"

Ran's grandfather Gen shouted back at the roof loudly. Two minutes later, Ran moved from the main house to the entrance of the eatery.

On a side note, she was attracting a lot of attention with her looks even though she was in casual clothes.

"What's the matter, grandpa? I'm still doing my assignments—u, huuh!? Ichika-san!?"

"Yo."

"GAHAHAHA!!"

Gotanda Gen, who was laughing away heartily, suddenly stopped moving his hands that were cooking.

Ran compared her dress with Ichika and Houki, who were sitting opposite him, and rushed out of the entrance.

"WAAAAHHH!!"

"What? Hey, Dan. What's wrong with Ran!?"

"...Gramps, Ran's going to be mad at you later..."

"Ah? Why must she be angry with me?"

"Dad, it's time to continue working."

Saying that as she walked out was Dan's mother, Ren, the self-proclaimed lady boss of the Gotanda Eatery.

"Ara ara?[7B 6]?Ichika-kun, is the girl with you your girlfriend?"

"I said she's not already."

"Is that so? That's good."

Ren showed a smile, and Ichika smiled wryly, not knowing what to do.

Ten minutes after that—

"We-Welcome, Ichika-san..."

Ran finally walked out. She was wearing something that looked like an apron.

Also, as the real poster girl appeared, all the men in the shop rioted.

"Huh? What's up, Ran. You got changed?"

"Y-Yes, well..."

"Are you going to go out now? It's quite late already."

"Wh-What's wrong with that!? Well, it's just my mood!"

Secretly glancing at Houki, Ran's confidence started to shrink further

(I still can't beat her...)

Most likely, it's because of the breasts.

(Uu...)

Ignoring Ran's delicate feelings as a girl, someone loudly called out Ran's name.

"HEY, RAN! THE FOOD'S DONE. HURRY UP AND SERVE UP."

"I-I GOT IT! DON'T BE SO LOUD, GRANDPA!"

Taking up the food at the counter, Ran turned around to look.

"Humph!"

"What...? Hey, Dan. You, what did you do to make her angry?"

"I DIDN'T?!"

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO SHOUT BACK AT ME LIKE THAT!"

"AHH! WHY MUST IT BE ME! IT'S YOUR FAULT, GRANDPA! YOUR FAULT!"

Grandfather and grandson continued to bicker, and beside them, Ren waved her hand lightly to encourage her.

"So-Sorry to keep you waiting, I-Ichika-san."

"Oh, thanks."

She put Ichika's set meal down, and returned back to the counter to get Houki's.

"So-Sorry to keep you waiting...erm, it's been a long time."

"Mn, it's been a long time. Thanks."

Just like that, Ichika and Houki put down their dishes.

...Beside them, Ran continued to look at them, not moving at all.

(Wh-Why are both of them alone together...are-are they on a da-date?...uu, what should I do...)

Seeing Ran standing there blankly, Ichika opened his mouth and said.

"Ran? What's with you?"

"Wha, ah!? I didn't do anything!?"

"No, well...we can't really eat with you staring at us like that."

"Ah, ye-yes! I see! Aha-Ahaha, pardon me for my rudeness."

Ran slipped back into the kitchen. Ichika continued to stare at Ran strangely as he and Houki split the one-use chopsticks.

"Then, itadakimasu."

"Itadakimasu."

Both of them put their palms together, and after that, reached their chopsticks out.

"It's salmon today. Yup, it's good."

On the other side, Houki let out a 'oo' sound as she continued to chew on the Wildfire Roasted Vegetables.

"This...it's really good. I can taste the soy sauce in the vegetables."

"Yeah. That's really good."

"Do-Do you want to try some?"

"Is that good? Then I'll quickly—"

Saying that, Ichika reached his chopsticks out at Houki's plate. Ahem. Houki stopped him.

"I-I'll feed you..."

"Ah? Huh?"

"I-I SAID THAT I'LL FEED YOU!"

'"O-Oh..."

Held back by the sudden raise in volume, Ichika hesitated. Anyway, he nodded his head first.

Houki used her chopsticks to pick the meat and vegetables, and then used the left hand to bring it to Ichika's mouth.

"Here, ah~..."

"Ah~..."

"AAAHHHHH!!!"

Just when Ichika was about to eat it, a voice louder than Houki's echoed throughout the Gotanda's Eatery.

...It was Ran's voice.

"I'm telling you. Ichika got that girl already, so just give—AH!"

*BAM!* Putting his hand on Ran's shoulder, Dan tried to advise her, only to be stepped on the foot by Ran fiercely, and cringing in pain.

"Ah, ah. My fault—a-an."

"UUUU!!!"

Ran suddenly cried out. At that moment, the other customers seemed to be discussing about something, and there was quite the ruckus.

"What's with this?"

"Is it because of that young man?"

"Making Ran-chan cry!? UNFORGIVABLE!"

"THAT'S RIGHT!"

The male customers started to talk loudly, and Gen silenced them with a 'BE QUIET!'. Meanwhile, Houki was troubled due to the stares everyone was giving her. Now she can't do the 'Here, ah' thing again.

(WHY-WHY MUST IT ALWAYS BE LIKE THIS EVERY SINGLE TIME! EVERY, SINGLE TIME!)

*Gugugu*...the chopsticks that were being held tight sounded like they were about to break.

"Houki."

"What!?"

"Ah~"

She ate it.

Houki ate the fried prawn Ichika picked up for her in reflex.

"Well, the fried stuff's good too. Most likely, the way to cook it is really skillful."

"I-I see...that's true..."

Eating the fried prawn in large bites, Houki quickly swallowed the food and answered.

At that moment, Ran was standing behind the counter, glaring angrily at Ichika in tears, but Ichika didn't notice this stare as it was unfortunately too far away.

(I-Ichika fed me something...Ichika fed me something...)

Her heart pounding wildly, Houki's unable to control it as her face went completely red.

"The-Then, try some of the fried meat and vegetables."

Ignoring the chopsticks that were about to break, Houki picked it up and slowly picked up a portion of the Wildfire Roasted Vegetables.

Ah~...he ate it.

"Mn. Ngh ngh..."

"..."

Houki continued to stare at Ichika who was eating the Wildfire Roasted Vegetables. It wasn't something she cooked, but it couldn't be helped that she had this reaction.

"It's good!"

"Ye-Yeah!"

Houki's face suddenly bloomed like fresh floweres.

Both of them then continued to eat their own dishes, and Ran finally decided to move to the table.

"Eeeeeeeerrrrmmmm, doooooo yoooouuu neeed water..."

"Mn, thank you."

Ran took the glass cup with her trembling hand and poured water from the pot.

But the shocking image was still etched in her mind, unable to be shaken off, and she inadvertently splattered water all over the place.

"Wa!? Wha-What's wrong, Ran!? Are you alright?"

"Eeeeeehhhhh, iiiiiiiitttt's nothing, aha-ahahahaha..."

Her hand trembled even more as she poured water out for Houki, and large teardrops appeared in her eyes.

"Hey, Ran?"

"No-Nothing...nothing at all..."

Though Ran said that as she continued to wipe her tears and force the smile, her tears just continued to well up.

"Wha-What's wrong!?"

"U...UEEEEEEEEEHHH!!!"

Ichika got completely stunned, as he watched Ran dash out of the eatery.

"Wha-What's going on. Suddenly...sorry Houki. I've got to go out for a while."

Anyway, I've got to follow her.?Ichika thought as he stood up. At that moment, several strong men stood up and blocked his exit.

"Murakami Shinzaburou, 42 years old, construction worker!"

"Yamamoto Juukura, 39 years old, civil engineer!"

"Yoshioka Shuichi, 47 years old, driver!"

"Terada Katsumi, 34 years old, Serviceman!"

"Chris Marcus, 29 years old, self-employed!"

The five men band suddenly announced their names and created a pose together. It seemed that the special effects of flames could be seen behind them.

"WE'RE THE RAN-CHAN FANCLUB ALLIANCE!"

"I-I see..."

"SO GO AND DIE!"

The five of them rushed up, but they were stopped by Gen's powerful arm.

"Huh, Gen-san..."

"Yo, Ichika...chase after her."

At that moment, Gen's veins started to pop out on his face. Since his cute granddaughter was made to cry, it couldn't be helped that he was raging.

"Ha-Haha...hahaha..."

Though the action hadn't ended, it was better to announce the weather report first.

As the grandfather's rage was completely burning, there would be a bloody maelstrom in the nearby area. People who were intending to go out, please make sure not to get involved.

◆

"Fugu...uuu..."

At a swing in a nearby park, Ran was alone, and dejected.

Her face was still full of tears up till now, and her eyes were all red now.

(Uu...Ichika-san's, he's going out with Houki-san...)

*Creak*...*creak*...the swing swayed about lifelessly, just like how Ran was feeling right now.

"Haa..."

Sighing, she took out the ticket from her purse.

It was an invitational ticket for the school festival of the traditional ojou-sama school[7B 7], Saint Marianne School, where Ran studied.

(I wanted to give this to Ichika-san...)

It's now a reality that can't happen anymore.?Thinking about this, Ran wanted to use both hands to rip this ticket forcefully.

"Heey! Ran~!"

"Huh...? I-Ichika-san...?"

Seeing Ichika run over here while panting, Ran hurriedly released both hands and tried to hide the ticket she was about to rip behind her.

"Haa, haa, haa...so you were here..."

"I-Ichika-san, why..."

"Haa...haa...either way, I was worried since you ran off just like that."

Adjusting his erratic breathing, Ichika looked up.

His face looked like he got beaten badly, and it's all swollen.

"I-Ichika-san!? Your face, what happened!?"

"Ah!? It's nothing, well...I just fell. Hahaha."

Ran immediately realized that he was lying, and naturally thought that her grandfather did it.

"So-Sorry! It was all my fault..."

"Hm? Why?"

"Be...Because..."

He left Houki behind, and got beaten by grandpa. Even so, Ichika still ran out to look for Ran, and Ran was really touched by Ichika's gestures.

The sadness disappeared like it was a lie. At the same time, emotions welled up in her.

(I-Ichika-san's really kind...)

*DOKI DOKI!* The heartbeat sounded loudly in her heart. Ran could feel this agitated sensation of pain in her as she held both hands tightly together.

(May-Maybe I can say it out now...)

Deciding this, Ran forcefully sucked in her lips and lifted her head up.

"We-Well, Ichika-san!"

"Yeah."

"Th-This! If you don't mind, please read it!"

Saying that, she handed over the Saint Marianne School anniversary ticket.

"Hm? Ah, Ran's school is having its school anniversary?"

"Ye-Yes."

Ichika checked the date of the event. Huh? He thinks.

(This day. I think it's the same date as the dinner voucher I got from Mayuzumi-san...)

Ichika pondered.

(But it doesn't matter. The school festival will end before nightime.)

Thinking that, he decided to accept the invitation.

"Thank you. I'm keeping this then. I'll definitely come over."

"Ye-Yes! Aaaa, errrmm, that day, I'll, ah, lead the way! I'll guide you through. Can you give me a call once you reach the school?"

"Hm? Aren't you the Student Council President, Ran? Won't you be busy that day?"

"No no! It's alright! No problem! Everyone in the Student Council's outstanding!"

It's alright for me not to show myself! Ran said that as she stood upright.

"Really. I'll call you then."

"O-Okay!"

Seeing the radiant smile on her face, Ichika relaxed.

He didn't know the reason, but he was mindful that she was crying because of him.

On the other hand, as for Ran, her face that was full of tears was now showing delight.

(It's great, it's great, it's great! This is the school festival date I always dreamt of! It's really great!)

A ticket per person. It's every girl's wish in Saint Marianne school to invite their boyfriends, and Ran's maiden heart fluttered.

Of course, there will be a strict inspection by her female friends, but Ran was confident about it, thinking 'There won't be any problems if it's Ichika-san!'.

Besides, since he's 'The only guy in the entire world who can use IS', the Japanese government relaxed the restrictions, and he's often seen on magazines or TV adverts.

A while back, Ran was talking to her friends that she went out with Ichika. She chuckled when she remembered how everyone was so envious of her, and started laughing.

(Ehehe, I'm going to hold hands with him and walk around the school...ehe, eheh...?)

"Then, let's go back."

"O-Okay."

Bringing the smiling Ran along, Ichika headed towards the Gotanda Eatery.

That night, Ran couldn't sleep at all due to overexcitement.