I Started Dating Someone By Taking Advantage Of Her Weakness, But I Was Actually Dating Her Mother - Chapter 15-16: First Date (Part 11&12)

“Tsukimizato-san, perhaps you’re not hungry yet?” 

“N-no, that’s not it. This may sound strange coming from me, but I feel bad about making you spend so much money, Kaneda-kun.” 

“I see, but please don’t worry about it. I’m having a lot of fun on this date with you, Tsukimizato-san, and it’s been a great experience for me, so please don’t worry about the money.”

(Kaneda-kun is such a good boy. I don’t understand how someone like him could have threatened my daughter.)

Yoriko had been concerned about Jin’s financial situation, but seeing that Jin showed no signs of minding, she questioned whether he was really the person who had threatened her daughter.

“Really? In that case, I’ll have this Dolphin Set, please.” 

“Got it. Then I’ll go with the Shark Set.”

Being attached to an aquarium, this restaurant featured menu items inspired by the exhibited fish and other marine life. The Dolphin Set was an arrangement based on omurice (omelet rice), while the Shark Set was based on curry rice. Both were priced at 1,800 yen, which was somewhat expensive considering their contents.

“Excuse me. One Dolphin Set and one Shark Set, please.” 

“Yes, that will be 3,600 yen.”

Jin ordered the Dolphin Set and Shark Set and paid for them.

“Thank you. Please take this number tag and find any available seats.” 

“Tsukimizato-san, shall we go?” 

“Yes.”

Jin took the number tag and, naturally holding hands with Yoriko, headed toward empty seats at the back.

“Thank you for waiting. Here are your Dolphin Set and Shark Set. Please enjoy your meal.”

After Jin and Yoriko sat down, the food they had ordered was brought to them shortly afterward. After the server arranged the dishes, she collected the number tag and went back.

“Wow, this omurice really is shaped like a dolphin. And your curry has rice shaped like a shark, with the curry representing the sea.” 

“Even just the appearance is enjoyable.” 

“Hehe, that’s true.”

Looking at the cute presentation of both dishes, Jin and Yoriko couldn’t help but smile.

“Since we’re here, let’s eat.” 

“Yes. It seems a bit of a shame to break it apart, but let’s dig in.”

Jin and Yoriko felt it was a pity to disturb the beautifully prepared dishes, but they used their spoons and gradually began to eat.

“Thank you for the meal. I’m completely full. I feel so happy.” 

“Tsukimizato-san, just like with the parfait earlier, you always look so happy when you eat.” 

“D-do I?”

Jin had been noticing the happy expression on Yoriko’s face as she ate. For Jin, who had recently only been eating meals alone, the presence of someone to share a meal with felt very comforting.

“It seems we’ve seen all the exhibits now.”

“Yes, it looks that way. The aquarium was bigger than I expected.”

After lunch, Jin and Yoriko went around to see the remaining exhibits. This aquarium was one of the larger facilities nationwide, and just viewing all the exhibits had taken a considerable amount of time.

“There’s a gift shop at the end. Shall we take a look?” 

“Oh, yes.”

Such facilities often had souvenir shops positioned near the exit after all the exhibits, and this aquarium was no exception. A relatively spacious area had been allocated, selling merchandise including items featuring fish species not exhibited in the aquarium. The gift shop was very crowded with families selecting souvenirs or mementos of their visit, as well as couples.

“Kaneda-kun, the shop seems quite crowded.” 

“Tsukimizato-san, let’s be careful not to get separated from each other.” 

“Yes, then this should be safe.” 

“Oh!”

When Jin told Yoriko to be careful not to get separated in the crowded shop, she quickly took his hand. Jin was surprised for a moment, but since they had held hands several times since coming to the aquarium, he naturally held her hand back. Thus, the two decided to look around the shop while holding hands.

“Tsukimizato-san, is there anything you like?” 

“Huh? No, I’m just enjoying looking around.”

After looking at the standard souvenir sweets, they were browsing through the accessories section when Jin, concerned about Yoriko who didn’t seem to be enjoying herself much, asked her.

“I’m treating you today, so please don’t hesitate if there’s something you want.” 

“Oh, okay.”

(There are some inexpensive small items, but I don’t want to make Kaneda-kun spend any more money and make him uncomfortable.)

Yoriko was concerned about having caused Jin to spend a lot of money. She was suppressing her desire for material things, as she usually did in her frugal lifestyle, to avoid causing him any additional expense.

“Ah!”

While Yoriko was looking around the shop with firm resolve, her eyes stopped on a particular item.

(A dolphin plush toy. It’s so big. And the texture feels amazing.)

Unconsciously, Yoriko reached out her hand and touched a large dolphin plush toy. Its texture was very pleasant and extremely comfortable.

(I wonder if Tsukimizato-san likes that dolphin plush?)

Jin didn’t miss Yoriko’s actions. Seeing her touching the dolphin plush with a gesture as if she were admiring her own child, he thought she must like it.

“Tsukimizato-san, I’ll buy it for you as a memento of our visit to the aquarium.” 

“What? But that plush toy…”

Jin picked up the plush toy Yoriko had been touching and moved to the register.

“Welcome. That will be 27,500 yen for one item.” 

“I’ll take it, please.” 

“Certainly. That’s 30,000 yen received and 2,500 yen change. Thank you very much.”

Jin ended up purchasing the large dolphin plush toy, which was about as tall as Yoriko.

“Here you go, Tsukimizato-san. I think it’s light enough, but if it’s too difficult to carry, just let me know.” 

“Y-yes. Thank you, Kaneda-kun.”

(I can’t say I don’t want it now. I’m so sorry, Kaneda-kun!)

Given the dolphin plush toy by Jin, Yoriko had no choice but to thank him and accept it.