06 – We should go meet them ourselves

“Then, Eito-san, how about we go somewhere in three days?”

After we exchanged contact information, she suggested this plan.

“Three days from now… Alright, I’ll keep my schedule open.”

Although I said that, I didn’t really have any plans for summer vacation besides my part-time job.

And as it happened, I didn’t have work on that Monday.

“But where are we going?”

“Hmm, since it’s summer, it would be nice to go somewhere you can only visit during this season.”

Somewhere you can only go in the summer… The first things that came to mind were the beach or a pool.

But it seemed a bit too soon for us to go to such places, considering we just met.

“Maybe we should start with something more familiar, to get to know each other better.”

“Alright, how about an arcade then?”

“An arcade?”

It’s definitely a familiar place, but I was a bit surprised that she would suggest it.

“Yes, believe it or not, I actually really like games.”

“Really?!”

“But, to be honest, I’ve never had the courage to go into a game center alone…”

I guess it would be a bit intimidating for a girl to go into a game center by herself.

“Alright. I haven’t been to a game center in a while either, so it’s actually perfect timing… But, are you sure a game center is okay?”

“Yes. Or are you worried that just going to a game center won’t help you forget about your ex?”

“Well, a little, yeah.”

“You don’t need to worry. It’s not about where we go, but who you go with that’s important.”

“Who you go with…”

“I believe that the best way to overcome the inferiority complex someone else has planted in you is by relying on the strength of others.”

I see. I lost confidence after she cheated on me. And to regain it, having someone else affirm who I am might be the key.

“Also, to be honest, I just really want to go to a game center with you, Eito-san. So, what do you say? Will you come with me?”

“O-Of course.”

Being with her is fun. So no matter where it is, I’m ready to go with her.

“Thank you! Oh, by the way, next time, how about you choose where we go, Eito-san?”

“No, it’s fine. I think I’ll enjoy anywhere as long as it’s a place you choose, Sena…”

As I said that, I caught a glimpse of something familiar out of the corner of my eye—a head of golden hair.

I squinted to get a better look, and sure enough, it was that delinquent guy. His gang was with him, and they seemed to be searching for us.

This is bad. They’ve followed us all the way here…

“But then I won’t be able to return the favor… Is there anything you want me to do for you, Eito-san?”

“Sena.”

I cut her off and quickly grabbed her hand.

“Wh-what?! Is this… is this what I think it is?! I-I’m not ready for this kind of thing…!”

“They’re here.”

I pointed at the delinquents outside the window. They looked like they were about to enter the building, still searching for us.

“…Oh, those guys.”

Her voice turned cold as ice.

Uh, Sena? I know you don’t like them, but your mood just dropped off a cliff…

“They ruined everything… I won’t forgive them.”

Her words were quiet, almost too quiet to hear, and her expression was one of utter disdain, as if she were looking at garbage.

The delinquents began climbing the stairs, getting closer to where we were.

“They seem to be planning on coming up the stairs and entering this place,” Sena observed.

“What should we do? There’s no way out of this family restaurant…”

I quickly scanned the area, trying to find an escape route. From what I could see, there was only one main exit—

“Found it, there’s an emergency stairwell over there.”

“Eito-san.”

She called my name, her tone serious.

“If we take that route, they’ll catch us while we’re settling the bill. Besides, they already know your face and name. Even if we manage to escape now, it’ll be worse to face them at school later.”

“But we can’t just let them catch us here, right?”

I knew she was right; staying here would only make things worse later. But if we ran now, at least we’d have a peaceful summer.

Plus, if a fight broke out, it would only cause trouble for the restaurant staff.

After hearing my reasoning, Sena smiled—a cold, unsettling smile.

“In that case, why don’t we go and meet them ourselves?”

Her words were light, almost playful, but her eyes told a different story—they were icy and void of any warmth.