Chapter 44 – Surely, this time

TL: Cheetah

ED: Ryuubi

After moving around a bit, Senpai went to the restroom near the first shopping center.

There was a slight queue since it was Sunday, but it was convenient for me.

I quickly left the place, entered the first store we went through, and hurried to the apron section.

As I browsed through the various aprons, I found the one with cute, deformed animal illustrations scattered all over it that somehow resembled the illustration on the lunch box.

I instinctively picked it up and paid for it.

I placed it in a cute little bag.

I hurried back, and after a short wait, Sara-senpai returned.

“I’m sorry, it was so crowded…”

“No, I could tell from the start that it was going to be crowded.”

Then, after a bit of wandering around, we reached the entrance where we had first come in.

“Well then, it’s time to…”

“Yes… that’s right…”

Like me, Senpai also seemed to be unable to say, “Shall we go home?”. It made me happy to think that she spared time for me today.

That’ s why I…

“Sara-senpai, for today, thank you very much. It’s the first time I’ve had such a fun-filled weekend.”

“Takanashi-san… Me too… I can’t remember a time when I had such a fun weekend. Thank you very much.”

“Can I invite you next time? Of course, if Sara-senpai wants to invite Natsumi-senpai as well, I’m fine with the three of us. What do you think?”

“Fufu… Thanks for the offer. I’m unsure about Natsumi, but for me, I’ll fit it into my schedule whenever possible, so I’m looking forward to your invitation.”

“Then… shall we head home?”

“Yes…”

Although the way home was somewhat silent, it didn’t bother me as long as Senpai had a broad smile beside me.

Sometimes Senpai touches her hat as if to check its position.

I was watching her with a smile on my face when suddenly, our eyes met.

“Ah, i-it’s not, u-umm, I don’t usually wear hats, so I was just wondering if I was wearing it properly…”

“That’s something… I picked it out myself… But really, it looks good on you.”

In the first place, the shopping mall and the station are close to each other, so we’ve already arrived.

I regret to part, but that’s all for today.

We stop at the spot where we always meet during the morning.

Then I hold out the lunch box.

“Senpai… then please take this.”

“Yes…I’ll take care of it. From tomorrow onwards, I will use this to make lunch for Takanashi-san. I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m sorry for the trouble and thank you very much as well. And this is…”

I hold out the apron.

“I’d be happy if you could use it when you make lunch or when you do your daily cooking.”

“Eh… such a thing.”

I hold Sara-senpai’s hand and let her take it.

“This apron is like a set with the lunch box. That’s why, won’t you please take this with you?”

“Takanashi-san… I understand. Thank you very much. I’ll use it when I cook from now on.”

Senpai held the apron tightly as if hugging it.

“Then, I’ll take my leave for today. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes, see you tomorrow.”

As I was watching Senpai walk away, she turned around and looked at me.

When she did, she also waved back at me…

Tomorrow, I can’t wait to see senpai again…

——————————————

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

This is the hat that Takanashi-san had given me.

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

Nor do I want to flaunt it to anyone, but I’d like to use it on a regular basis.

Ugh… what a pickle this is…

In fact, I have the same problem with the apron.

However, I promised to use it for making lunches and cooking… so I have every intention of using it properly.

Ah, yes, I need to find out how to maintain and store it properly…

*PIRORIN*

The LINE ringtone sounded.

It’s from Natsumi…

“Are you home already?”

“Yes, I’m already in my room.”

Suddenly an incoming call appeared.

“Good evening.”

“Yes, good evening.”

“Did you guys manage to buy what you were looking for?”

“Yes, he bought me a lovely lunch box. I will be using it to pack lunch tomorrow.”

“I see. I’m looking forward to seeing it. After buying, did you guys go straight home?”

“No, we talked about a lot of things… and umm, he gave me a gift.”

“I see. I’m glad it all worked out.”

“Eh?”

“Yeah, I’m talking about what we discussed. So, did you get anything else?”

“A cute hat and an apron. Takanashi-san picked them out for me because… umm… it probably looked good on me.”

“I see, I see! Then show it to me the next time we go out.”

“Uhh… I’m currently struggling to decide with that. Do you think I should use it on a regular basis?”

“Eh? It’s a bit embarrassing to use it on a daily basis you know…”

“There’s no way I’d be embarrassed about the precious gift that Takanashi-san gave me!”

“Hii~! Sorry, I’m just kidding…”

“What should I do…? I’m afraid it will get dirty or damaged.”

“Hmm, but I think Takanashi-kun will be happier if you use it proactively.”

“…You’re right. At least I’ll try to take care of it in terms of maintenance and storage.”

“Yes, I think that’s a good idea. Anyway, I’m glad you had fun today. Good job. Have a good rest.”

“Yes, thank you very much. See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow~.”

Tomorrow’s menu is…

The first dish to be packed in Takanashi-san’s special lunch box is surely none other than hamburger steak.

Let’s do our best to make him happy.