I tried to confess my feelings to the girl I like, but I got too excited and ended up proposing. Was her response OK?! ~ - Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Uh-oh, I’ve kept Mana waiting for far too long. I need to hurry back…

I rushed back to Mana’s location, only to witness a surprising scene.

Who are those men surrounding Mana? They don’t seem like her acquaintances at all.

At that moment, I faintly heard Mana and the men’s voices.

“It’s troubling. I’m waiting for someone right now, so please stop bothering me.”

“Huh? Come on, just a little longer. You’ve been saying you’re waiting for someone, but there’s no sign of them.”

It’s a pickup attempt. When I realized that, I was already sprinting.

“Mana! Sorry for keeping you waiting. Are you okay? Did you get hurt? Did they do anything to you?”

“What the heck, you have a boyfriend? Damn, she got my hopes up for nothing.”

As I arrived, the men left, muttering those words.

“Mana? Are you really okay? You look pale… huh?”

Mana clung to me.

Her arms around my back were trembling slightly.

She must have been really scared.

“You’re late, Sora-kun. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting?”

“Yeah, sorry.”

I apologized while returning her hug.

“I was scared.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Where were you?”

“I was buying crepes. You seemed like you wanted to eat them.”

Hug.

“Then I forgive you. But let me stay like this for a little longer.”

“Of course. It’s a reward from me, after all.”

“Jeez.”

After a few minutes passed and Mana calmed down, I handed her the crepe.

“It’s called ‘Grand Chocolate Banana Whip Crepe.'”

“That’s quite a long name. It looks delicious.”

“If you’re happy, then I’m glad. I got this crepe at the risk of scaring you. What do you want to do next?”

“I’m tired, so can we go straight to the inn?”

“Of course. Let’s go after you finish this.”

Mana seemed exhausted from the earlier encounter.

Well, it’s understandable after such a frightening experience.

About ten minutes later, we finished the crepe and set off for the inn.

“Oh! Isn’t that the building we’re staying at, in the distance?”

In the distance was a Japanese-style building with a quaint atmosphere. In calligraphy on the front, it read:

Rest for travelers.

“Yeah, let’s hurry.”

Mana seemed really tired, showing little reaction.

“Yeah, let’s go. Let’s take it easy.”

Saying so, we silently made our way to the inn and finally arrived.

“Welcome! I am the proprietress here, Sasaki. Please come this way.”

As we opened the door to the inn, a woman named Sasaki stood before us.

“Is this your first time staying at our inn?”

“Yes, it is.”

“I see. Our inn prioritizes the comfort of our guests. So, if you have any requests, please feel free to ask anytime. We will respond promptly.”

“Understood. Could you please show us to our room? She’s a little tired.”

“Of course. Right this way.”

We followed her.

What a nice atmosphere this inn has.

It’s very Japanese, and despite it being my first time here, it feels nostalgic.

I wonder if Mana’s okay?

Thinking that, I glanced beside me to see Mana, her eyes sparkling as she looked around.

That’s good, it seems like she’s regained some energy.

“Here is the room where you will be staying this time. We are usually at the counter, so if you need anything, please come there. Please enjoy your stay.”

After the proprietress left, we entered the room and sat down for a moment.

“Are you okay? If you’re too tired, maybe you should rest?”

“No, I’m not that tired. Besides, if I sleep now, I’ll have less time with you, Sora-kun.”

Ah, she’s so cute.

“Right. Then for now, let’s relax. Maybe we can take a bath later?”

“Yes, that sounds nice.”

After that, we spent about two hours chatting and watching TV.

“Should we go to the bath now? It’s about time, and it might get crowded soon.”

“Yes, please! I’ve rested a bit, and I’ve been looking forward to it.”

“Then let’s go soon. Probably more people will start coming around this time.”

Saying that, we gathered our things and headed to the public bath.

“Let’s meet here in an hour, okay?”

“Got it. Enjoy your bath.”

“Yes, then.”

We parted ways at the entrance to the bath and each entered.

I undressed and entered the bath immediately.

“Ah, it feels so relaxing. And it seems like no one else is here yet, perfect solitude!”

I wonder if Mana is also able to relax.

It’s been quite a day.

Stepping on Mana’s landmine, getting scolded, getting hit on… yeah, it’s all about Mana.

But it’s because we’re together.

Even so, she’s adorable.

I’ve come to understand just how much I like Mana.

But right now, I’m alone.

At times like this, I should try not to think about Mana and take it easy.