The Villain Who Got Pinned Down Until He Ran Out Of Stamina ~ This Time I Raised The Protagonist's Affection Too Much And Everyone Fell For Me~ - Chapter 81.2: The Villain Remains Oblivious As Always

I had something I wanted to say to Hibari, who tilted her head slightly.

“Let me act cool sometimes, okay? I’m a man, and men are creatures who want to look cool. More than anything, I can’t forgive anyone who speaks ill of Hibari. Well then, shall we leave the aquarium and go to the next place?”

I started walking ahead, though I kept my stride small so Hibari could keep up.

“…Really, so oblivious. That’s exactly what makes my heart flutter.”

I thought I heard Hibari mutter something… but since her expression looked slightly happy, maybe something good had happened?

◇◇

For lunch, we went to a family restaurant at my request. Sitting across from each other at a table, Hibari’s first words were:

“This is my first time coming to a family restaurant.”

“Seriously!?”

“Yes. I usually cook for myself.”

So that’s why all of Hibari’s cooking was exquisite.

“Besides, I didn’t have anyone to go with.”

“…I see.”

I wouldn’t press Hibari about such circumstances until she chose to talk about them herself.

“But today you came with me. Since I’m your companion, I’ll make sure you have fun.”

When I deliberately made a determined expression, Hibari raised the corners of her mouth slightly.

We opened the menu and looked at it together. Looking at the family restaurant menu, it felt like Saizeriya. From the standard spicy chicken to a rich variety of pasta, doria, hamburgers, desserts… Just looking at a family restaurant menu was exciting!

“The prices are surprisingly reasonable.”

“Family restaurants target families and students. I’ve decided what I’m ordering, but what about you, Hibari?”

“I’ll have anything… No, saying anything isn’t good. There are too many menu items, so I’m confused.”

“It is confusing~”

With delicious-looking dishes increasing with every page turn, Hibari, experiencing a family restaurant for the first time, would be even more confused.

After looking through the entire menu, Hibari raised her face and our eyes met.

“I’ll have whatever dish you recommend, Yuji-sama. Also, I have money, so let’s order food to your stomach’s content.”

“That sounds fun too!”

The Kasajima family was wealthy, and we could easily splurge at a family restaurant! But doing that might mess up my sense of money, and besides…

“Before, a frie— no, not that… I saw on TV once that going to a family restaurant with someone is way more fun than going alone, and they were discussing what that feeling was about. The conclusion was that besides eating together being fun, choosing what you want to eat within a limited budget is also enjoyable.”

“Is that so?”

“Right. So, why don’t we try it too?”

“You mean choosing from the menu within a limited budget? I’m indecisive, but I don’t mind that…”

“Thank you! Let’s set our budget at 2,000 yen for both of us. So we can each order up to 1,000 yen.”

I pointed at the menu.

“I’m ordering spicy chicken and cod roe pasta, so… the current total is 700 yen. Your turn, Hibari.”

I moved the menu closer to Hibari. Hibari stared intently at the menu as if concentrating… then looked up.

“Then I’ll have the small shrimp salad and doria. Together they’re 650 yen. That’s cheap.”

“Hehe. This is the power of family restaurants!”

“Why are you looking so proud, Yuji-sama?”

“Well, you know, it makes me happy even though it’s not about me!”

Besides, it seemed like Hibari was able to choose dishes that caught her interest.

A few minutes later, the food was arranged on our table. We put our hands together and started eating.

“Mm, delicious. Still good as always~”

The reliable taste. The pasta had smooth noodles that mixed well with the cod roe sauce, and the spicy chicken was pleasantly spicy and piping hot!

“Spicy chicken… was it? The color is red, but it’s not spicy?”

“Mm, it’s not as spicy as the color suggests. Want to try some, Hibari?”

I moved some spicy chicken to a separate plate and placed it in front of Hibari. I thought if Hibari didn’t eat it, I’d just finish it myself, but…

“Thank you for the meal.”

It seemed like Hibari would eat it. Watching her hold the spicy chicken with a napkin and eat it elegantly was captivating.

“It’s not very spicy and it’s delicious.”

“Th-that’s good to hear.”

“Please try my salad too.”

“Thank you.”

We ordered dessert after that and were quite satisfied within the 1,000 yen budget.

“Yuji-sama.”

“Mm?”

“This is fun.”

“Yeah, I’m glad. If there are other menu items you want to try, let’s come together again. Ah, of course, you can come with other people too!”

That was close. With that ‘my woman’ comment from earlier, I shouldn’t casually say things like ‘with me’.

“Yes. I’ll come with you again, Yuji-sama.”

“…You don’t have to force yourself, you know?”

“If I was forcing myself, I wouldn’t have gone out in the first place.”

“That’s certainly true.”

“Also, about what I said earlier being fun.”

“Mm?”

Hibari took a sip of water and placed it on the table.

“…Being with you is very enjoyable.”

Though spoken in a small voice, I could clearly hear it.

“Y-yeah. Thank you…!”

…I wonder what this was. I knew that anyone could see Hibari was beautiful and lovely.

But still…

“You said I could hold onto wherever I liked, so…”

She held my hand.

“…Being with you is very enjoyable.”

She said this again in a slightly tense voice.

“…”

Feeling restless, I found myself looking around frantically.

…Today’s Hibari kept making my heart skip a beat unexpectedly.