When I Helped Out At My Classy Classmate's Family Home, They Started Going All Out To Close In On Me From Every Angle. - Chapter 31: Does going out with a girl count as a date?  ―5

Does going out with a girl count as a date?  ―5

After lunch, we spent some time casually window shopping before finally stepping out of the mall.

“So, what do you want to do now? Should we just head home?”

“Actually, there’s a place I’d like to take you to,” Ayame said hesitantly.

“A place you want to take me?”

I blinked in surprise as she gave a small nod.

“Yes. I think you’ll like it. Would that be okay?”

“Sure. You came along with me all day today, so now it’s my turn to follow your lead.”

“Thank you. Then, let’s go,” Ayame replied with a bright smile, gently taking my hand and leading the way.

Her hand was soft and warm, and for a moment, I couldn’t help but notice how natural it felt.

Whatever this place was, the thought of seeing it through Ayame’s eyes filled me with curiosity and a hint of excitement.

Ayame led me to a seaside park, not far from the mall we had just left. We walked through the park, and Ayame pointed toward a structure in the distance.

“Here we are,” she said, her finger directed at something.

“That’s… a Ferris wheel?” I asked, squinting.

“Yes,” she confirmed.

I was surprised. Why the Ferris wheel, though? She had said, “I think you’ll really like it,” but why specifically this ride? I didn’t know what to make of it.

As I tilted my head in confusion, Ayame smiled at me. It was the kind of smile someone has when they’re about to reveal a hidden surprise, almost as though she had been waiting for the perfect moment to show me something special.

“Don’t you notice something about that Ferris wheel?” she asked, her eyes sparkling.

“Notice something? I’ve never been here before, so…”

I stared at the Ferris wheel again, trying to figure out what was different about it. I gazed at it intently, and then—something clicked.

“Hah! Wait! That’s the Ferris wheel from Amanyan!” I exclaimed.

Ayame’s face lit up with delight, clearly pleased that I figured it out.

“That’s right! It’s the one that Kazuki-kun and Nao-san rode on during the Tokyo trip arc! Doesn’t it look just like it?”

Ayame seemed genuinely happy that I recognized it.

“I was just browsing online when I stumbled upon it. Turns out this Ferris wheel is actually the model for the one in Amanyan!”

“Really? So this is like a pilgrimage to the sacred spot!” I said with excitement.

“Sacred pilgrimage?” she asked, her eyes wide in curiosity.

I explained to Ayame, who was tilting her head in confusion.

“It’s called a ‘pilgrimage to a sacred site.’ It’s when you visit a place that was the inspiration for something you love. I heard there are even tours now that go to these sites.”

“That sounds fun! I’d love to go with you, Tetsu-kun!” Ayame said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

“That does sound fun. I’d love to go someday,” I replied with a smile.

Ayame’s eyes narrowed into a playful squint as she said, “It’s a promise, okay?”

She seemed quite pleased with my response, humming a little tune as she pointed toward the Ferris wheel.

“Since we’re here, how about we ride it together?” she suggested with a bright smile.

“Yeah, let’s do it!” I agreed without hesitation.

With that, we both headed towards the ticket booth for the Ferris wheel, ready to experience the ride together.