Chapter 31 – Lovey-Dovey Couple’s First Date

Day Three of the Hakone Trip.

Today, we decided not to move as a group of four. Instead, it was just me and Shizuku, and Kazuki with Toudou going separately.

It was Shizuku and Asuka’s suggestion—saying that since we are new couples, we ought to enjoy proper Hakone dates.

And so, Shizuku and I decided to visit the art museums we missed yesterday.

“Shizuku, do you like art museums?”

“Yes. I quite enjoy looking at artwork. My parents also have a lot of art at home, so I suppose that influenced me.”

Oh yeah, I remember seeing paintings, dishes, vases, and all sorts of things displayed at her house.

They all looked expensive too… Next time I visit, I should actually take a good look.

“I didn’t expect you to be into art, Shizuku.”

“Fufun. I’m pretty confident in my eye for quality, you know. But saying it’s unexpected is a bit rude. What did you think of me?”

“A pink-brained rich girl.”

“Now I know exactly what you think of me, Inori-kun.”

Shizuku puffed her cheeks out. That kind of clear, exaggerated sulking is helpful in a way.

I found it kind of cute, so I poked her cheek with my finger. She let out a quiet pshuu sound as the air escaped her mouth.

“Inori-kun!”

“Sorry, sorry. Oh, looks like we’ve arrived. Let’s get out.”

“Hmph. Mou…!”

As we stepped out of the shuttle car, I felt like the air suddenly became clearer.

Surrounded by trees, the museum’s entrance felt like it drew you in. This must be what people mean when they say something steals your breath away.

“This place is incredible…”

“I really like it here too. Now then, let’s go♪”

“Yeah.”

Shizuku naturally clung to my arm, intertwining her fingers with mine.

The plush sensation pressing against my arm and her body heat felt precious.

When I looked over, Shizuku was smiling contentedly and rubbing her cheek against my arm.

Being able to flirt so openly like this would be hard once we’re back home… Might as well let her enjoy it to the fullest for now.

I bought two tickets and we headed into the exhibit area.

Apparently, it showcased Western paintings and sculptures, Japanese art, ceramics, and even glassworks.

The array of captivating pieces made me instinctively let out a little “wow.”

“Seeing it like this, it’s really something…”

“……”

“…Shizuku?”

She didn’t respond when I spoke to her.

Shizuku had let go of my arm and was now carefully reading the descriptions and thoroughly examining each piece.

She really likes this kind of stuff, huh? Her eyes were sparkling.

“What do you think, Shizuku? Pretty?”

“Yes……”

“You’re prettier than any of this.”

“Yes……”

“…Ultra Soul.”

“Yes……”

Nope, she’s totally absorbed. My voice isn’t even reaching her.

I think the artwork is beautiful too, but I’m not the type to stare at one piece for long. After a few dozen seconds, I’m ready to move on.

But Shizuku is so focused, leaving her behind is out of the question.

Oh well. I guess I’ll just look at Shizuku instead.

There I was, watching Shizuku intensely examining the exhibits—a bizarre composition if there ever was one.

But while I get bored of the exhibits quickly, I never get tired of looking at Shizuku.

She, Shizuku Yukimori, is the most exquisite artwork of all.

As I continued gazing at her, she finally seemed to have finished looking through everything in that room and let out a soft breath.

“Phew… Ah. Wh-what? Why are you staring at my face like that!? D-do I have something weird on my face!?”

“Don’t worry about it. I was just admiring the greatest piece of art in the world.”

“?? …~~~~! Id—! Idiot. I love you. Hmph.”

Though she still had enough sense not to shout, she grabbed my hand and started swinging it furiously.

She looked so flustered, like she didn’t know how to deal with the joy and embarrassment all at once.

“F-fine, I don’t care about you anymore, Inori-kun! Hmph. I hope you get lost in the museum or something.”

“You say that, but you’re still clinging to my arm.”

“What are you talking about? If we got separated, I’ll cry, you know?”

You’re being completely contradictory, Shizuku. I get it—you don’t want to let go.

“L-let’s move on! We still have a lot more to see…!”

“Yeah yeah.”

Well, as long as she’s enjoying herself, I don’t mind.

◆

We managed to see about half the museum before the morning was over.

I did say it was fine as long as Shizuku was having fun, but…

“We’ll have to revise the afternoon schedule.”

While eating lunch at the museum’s restaurant, I took out the itinerary and started crossing things off.

We’d originally planned to visit another museum in the afternoon, but at this pace, it’ll be closing time by the time we finish this one.

I didn’t expect it to take this long…

“Auu… I’m sorry…”

“No, I don’t mind.”

“But you’re a little bored, aren’t you, Inori-kun?”

“…NoTaLLyNoTBoReD”

“That is definitely a lie.”

Sorry. I am kinda bored of looking at art now.

“But I’m not bored of one thing.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“You.”

“It’s an art museum, Inori-kun! Look at the artwork!”

Embarrassed, Shizuku turned her head away and bit into her sandwich.

But honestly, as long as I’m with Shizuku, I feel like I can enjoy anything. Probably.

“This is a date, so let’s enjoy it together. It’s no fun if you’re bored, right?”

“I’m having a great time, thanks to you.”

“I meant a date with me, not at me!”

…Is there really a difference? I’m on a date, enjoying Shizuku. Sounds fine to me?

“Geez. I’m done eating. Come on, Inori-kun, let’s go.”

“Can’t we rest a little more?”

“Then we’ll run out of time. Come on, up you go!”

“Alright, alright…!”

So stop pulling me! Ow, my arm! It’s gonna pop off!

“Director, should we go tell that lovey-dovey couple to quiet down?”

“They look like they’re having fun. Let’s leave them be.”