When I Brought The Lost Little Girl To Her House, The One Who Came Out Of The Front Door Was The Most Beautiful Girl In The Grade. - Chapter 37

“It’s been a while since I came to a movie theater.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah! I usually watch the DVD version at home.”

“Well, if it’s been a while, how about having some popcorn or something?”

“Hmm, I ate quite a bit earlier.”

“Alright, then let’s skip it.”

Saying that, as we were about to head towards the screen, my sleeve was grabbed.

“What’s wrong?”

“…I’m buying.”

“Huh? Buying what?”

“I’m getting popcorn!”

“But you ate so much earlier…”

“Popcorn is in a separate stomach!”

“Alright, alright. So, should we get in line?”

“Yes!”

With a beaming smile, Ayano lined up for popcorn.

***

Both of us ordered butter soy-flavored popcorn. We also chose oolong tea for our drinks.

“Alright. Shall we go?”

“Yeah, yeah!”

Ayano seemed delighted that we could buy the popcorn. She was humming a tune, which was really cute. I couldn’t help but let a smile slip, trying to hide it as I walked a little behind her.

“Oh, it’s starting! Let’s go!”

“R-Right.”

We took our designated seats, placed the popcorn down, and then in silence, the lights dimmed, enveloping the surroundings in darkness.

I took a bite of the popcorn. The taste of butter and soy sauce spread in my mouth.

***

“Sob… sniffle.”

“Here, tissues.”

“Th-Thanks…”

At first, it was a romantic story, but then it turned into a touching tale that really moved us. However, I couldn’t cry even though I was moved by anime or movies.

“Sorry for crying.”

Tears glistened, sparkling as they formed, and her cheeks were slightly reddened. But oddly, it was endearing. Very endearing.

“Well, should we head back soon?”

“Hmm, do we still have time?”

“Yeah, we do.”

“Okay then.”

Saying that, she led the way to a clothing store. It was a women’s clothing store. I felt a bit awkward being here.

Since a while ago, it was clear that passing women were sneaking glances over here. At least twice, they looked at Ayano and then seemed to nod with an understanding expression.

“Hey! How about this one?”

“Uh, that one’s nice, isn’t it?”

“What about this?”

“Y-Yeah.”

“Hey, are you really looking?”

For some reason, I was feeling a bit restless. Even women’s underwear was placed further inside the store. Some were also displayed up front.

I was indeed looking, but everything seemed to suit her so well that I could only give similar reactions.

What was the right way for me to react?

“Alright, this one!”

Saying that, she showed me an ensemble dominated by black—a cool-looking outfit.

I was left dumbfounded. She had been showing me cute outfits until now, so her sudden switch to something cool surprised me.

Or perhaps I was just captivated. Probably both.

“Oh, this one gets the best reaction…”

“W-Well, it’s not like my reaction changed from before.”

“But I’ll go with this. I decided because I really like this outfit too.”

“I see, well, if you like it.”

Saying that, our shopping for clothes came to an end. We went to a bookstore next, strolled around aimlessly.

Though it felt long, the shopping trip was actually quite short.

“Here, this.”

“What’s this for?”

Saying that, she handed me coffee, seemingly purchased from a vending machine.

I found myself thinking, did I give something to Ayano earlier?

“Here’s a little thank you for spending the day together!”

“Well, I’m the one who invited you, though.”

“No, no! I’m still grateful for this!”

So, if she insisted and said that she already bought it, I couldn’t really refuse. Taking her words to heart, I sipped the coffee she had gotten for me.

“Well, shall we head back now?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Alright! Let’s go!”

Saying that, we boarded the train. As we walked back from the station, I noticed a leaflet posted on a utility pole.

“Looks like some places are having a cultural festival.”

“Yeah, our school’s is coming up soon too.”

“Huh? Is that so?”

“Huh? You didn’t know? Isn’t it next week or something like that?”

“I had no idea…”

Speaking of a cultural festival, it’s one of the most important events during our school life. How could I forget about it?

“What do you want to do?”

“Well, if I could help behind the scenes, I’m good with anything.”

“I think I want to participate in a play.”

“Oh, a play sounds good too.”

“It’s exciting not knowing what it’ll be like.”

“You’d probably look good in a maid outfit, Ayano.”

She tilted her head and looked at me curiously, so I explained what a maid outfit was.

“Do… you think I’d look good?”

“You’d definitely look good! You have long black hair and a nice figure.”

I got a sharp pat on the back. It was painful enough that I could almost hear the sound effect of the impact in my head.

“Sexual harassment.”

“Y-Yeah. Sorry about that.”

“Hehe! I’m looking forward to whatever we decide.”

“Yeah, me too…”

Ayano was all smiles as she talked about the cultural festival.

“Hey, Ayano, are you participating this year?”

“Huh? In what?”

“Last year, you were in that beauty pageant-like thing.”

“Oh, that. Well…”

Our school has something like a beauty pageant. From what I heard, Ayano herself doesn’t want to participate.

It’s not about the whole school, but rather a contest to decide the most attractive person in each grade.

It’s usually a volunteer thing, but Ayano was recommended to do it last year, and she reluctantly agreed, ending up winning first place.

However, she talked about it with a slightly downcast tone, as if she had no interest at all.

“Was it a bad memory or something?”

“N-No! It’s not like that.”

“Well, maybe someone else will do it this time.”

“That would be nice.”

Ayano seemed to have figured out that she might participate again, and she chuckled awkwardly.

“It’d be nice if there was a version for boys…”

“That’s all your domain.”

“You think so? I think you’d do well too, Yuusei.”

“No way, I’m not cut out for that kind of thing.”

Saying that, I forced a smile.

As the time flowed by, I felt like the cultural festival would be starting soon.