Actually, the Hungry Gyaru Who Eats a Lot Was Being Cheated On, so I Decided to Win Her Heart (And Stomach) From Her Jerk Boyfriend - 81

Chapter 81: More Than Fireworks, with the Hungry Gyaru

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“…You didn’t realize?”

When I asked, Shizuku nodded stiffly, then squirmed in intense embarrassment. I had already suspected it for a while, but despite her appearance, she was actually pretty innocent. Up to a certain point, she would actively try to initiate physical contact, but she would absolutely never cross a certain line.

So where exactly was that line? Probably…

“Then should we just actually do it?”

The moment I suggested it, Shizuku’s body jerked violently.

“…Um, could you please give me a little more time to mentally prepare myself?”

She lowered her gaze slightly and answered in a voice so faint it seemed ready to disappear. I placed my hand on her head and gently patted it, careful not to mess up her styled hair.

“I was joking. But I’ll wait patiently until you’re ready.”

I had no intention whatsoever of forcing her. Just because we were dating didn’t mean we needed to rush into anything. Doing so would only put unnecessary pressure on one of us. We could move forward at our own pace, step by step.

Besides, if we actually did that, I wasn’t sure my sanity would survive it. Even just now, I had said it half on impulse.

I gave a wry smile to myself. Then, suddenly, the sky above burst into vivid colors. Almost simultaneously, a thunderous explosion echoed across the area. When I looked up, countless fireworks were being launched into the sky.

…Though nearly half of them were blocked by the bridge.

“Wow, we can barely see the fireworks at all. That’s hilarious.”

Still gazing upward, Shizuku’s voice bounced with amusement. She laughed brightly and tossed the last piece of fried chicken into her mouth, her usual smile returning.

“Want to change spots?”

“Nope, this is fine. If we start looking for another place where we can sit and eat, the fireworks might be over by then.”

“…True. You’re right.”

When I glanced toward areas with a better view, they were already packed with people. Considering the hassle of carrying our things, it was smarter to stay where we were.

“Besides,” she said, leaning closer and pressing her shoulder lightly against mine, “if we stay here, I get to be alone with you, Suou-kun.”

“Shizuku… Yeah. You’re right.”

I accepted the warmth of her body against my left arm. Maybe it was okay to keep her to myself just a little longer. It was embarrassingly cheesy to put into words, but I supposed that was one of the privileges of being her boyfriend. As I was thinking that, Shizuku suddenly let out a small “Ah!”

“Hey, Suou-kun.”

“What is it?”

“We’re officially dating now, right?”

“We are.”

“Right. So, can I start calling you something different?”

“…That’s pretty sudden. I don’t mind, though.”

Now that we were dating, what she called me was entirely her choice. As long as it wasn’t something too weird, I had no intention of objecting.

“But didn’t you say before that you liked the sound of calling me by my last name?”

“That’s true. I still kinda like it, actually. But back then we weren’t dating yet, right? And maybe it’s a bit late to say this, but Mio-onee-san and everyone else calls you by your first name. It feels kinda weird that I’m the only one still using your last name.”

“…Now that you mention it….”

My sister, Ichika, even my mom. Everyone called me by my first name. It was a little strange that only Shizuku stuck with my last name.

“So what are you planning to call me?”

“Hmm… What should I call you? Got any requests, Suou-kun?”

“None in particular. As long as it’s not weird, anything’s fine. Go ahead.”

“Okay!”

She responded cheerfully and began pondering on her own.

“Gakuto… Hm… It feels kinda off. Mio-onee-san, Ichika-chan, and Rin-chan don’t add the ‘to’ part when they say it. And it just doesn’t roll off the tongue right.”

She was thinking about this more seriously than I expected. With that thought, I quietly watched her as she mulled it over. After some time, her eyes suddenly lit up and she turned to me.

“I’ve decided! From now on, instead of Suou-kun—you’re ‘Gakkun’!!”

“That’s the same as what my mom calls me.”

“But that one sounds the best! And you said anything’s fine, didn’t you, Suou-kun?”

…Well, there wasn’t exactly a rule against copying how someone else addressed me. And honestly, I didn’t really mind. My mom would probably be happy about it, anyway. It was pretty embarrassing, but I supposed I should just accept it.

“…Alright.”

I scratched the back of my head as I answered, and Shizuku broke into a delighted grin.

“Okay then! From now on, it’s Gakkun!”

“…Yeah.”

“Alright! Now then, what should we eat next? Gakkun, want me to grab something for you?”

She switched to it so naturally it almost startled me. Still..

“Whatever you’re having is fine.”

“Got it! Hehe, let’s seeee what we’ve got—”

While Shizuku happily rummaged through the plastic bag, fireworks continued exploding overhead without pause. As usual, nearly half of them were blocked from view, but neither of us paid them much attention beyond a passing glance. Because spending time like this, sitting side by side and eating together with Shizuku, meant far more to me than the fireworks ever could.

“Alright then… let’s eat the takoyaki before they get completely cold!”

Saying that, Shizuku held out two containers of takoyaki with a cheerful, “Here you go!” When I accepted mine, they were still faintly warm.

“Thanks.”

I smiled gently at her and she gave me a smile far brighter than any firework in the sky.

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