When Two Wounded Hearts Find Solace In Each Other, Snow White (The School's Beauty) And I Were Mistakenly Labeled As A Silly Couple. - Chapter 44: Snow White and Her Birthday Date At A Family Restaurant.

Snow White and Her Birthday Date At A Family Restaurant.

“Is it okay to go outside in that outfit?”

After receiving plenty of sweet nibbles, Himeno and I walked hand in hand towards the station. However, she was wearing the slightly revealing dress I had chosen for her before, and she seemed a bit embarrassed, her cheeks tinted pink.

“It’s okay. Since Taka-kun chose this outfit for me, I thought I’d wear it for my birthday.”

Perhaps she had become somewhat accustomed to it from wearing an even more revealing maid outfit before. Besides, with black tights covering her lower body, the exposure was more restrained. It seemed suitable for going out together.

Still, if she were alone, she definitely wouldn’t be wearing it. A girl with Himeno’s refined appearance, showing her collarbone, with sheer fabric over her shoulders, and a short dress would undoubtedly attract a storm of attention.

As evidence, most of the people passing by couldn’t help but glance at Himeno. Even if she were in her usual longer dress, she’d still likely be approached.

“Besides, today Taka-kun is staying close, so I feel reassured.”

As expected, she seemed to attract attention when she was normally at the station. She squeezed my hand tightly, clearly not wanting to be separated. I didn’t want my crush to be the subject of unwanted attention, so if she wanted, I’d gladly act as a deterrent.

“Of course, I won’t let go.”

More than being a deterrent, just being able to stay close to her was a joy. I squeezed her hand back firmly, making it clear that I had no intention of letting go.

“Shall we grab something to eat first?”

“Yes.”

We stepped into the family restaurant, greeted by a smiling staff member who guided us to our seats.

The place wasn’t crowded yet, but it was bound to fill up soon. Opting for a two-person booth where we could sit facing each other, Himeno seemed a bit disappointed, probably because we had to let go of each other’s hands.

“Don’t want to be apart.”

“Got it.”

She extended her right hand, and I intertwined my fingers with Himeno’s, refusing to let go. It might seem overly affectionate for a public setting, and others might think, ‘Can’t you separate just for a meal, you silly couple?’ However, since Himeno expressed her reluctance to be apart, there wasn’t much choice. Despite the embarrassment of being in public, being able to hold hands like this was delightful.

“I feel really calm when I’m with you, Taka-kun.”

“I’m glad.”

Feeling at ease together was crucial, and it was likely the main reason for our closeness. Of course, avoiding teasing and finding comfort in each other’s company were significant factors as well.

“Shall we order?”

“Yes.”

We picked up the menus standing on the side of the table and perused the options together. Since Marika had usually prepared our meals, we hadn’t frequented family restaurants for dining before. It was unexpectedly exciting to eat out like this, and the enjoyment was multiplied when doing so with a special person.

“You seem really happy today, Taka-kun.”

“Do I? Well, it’s because it’s your birthday, and I want to make it enjoyable.”

“Thank you. But if you ever feel lonely, I’ll be here to comfort you anytime.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind if the need arises.”

Although I had healed considerably from the wounds of unrequited love, I decided to ask for comfort if I ever felt lonely. Overflowing with the desire to interact with the person I cared about, I hoped we could remain happy like this forever.

While still holding hands, we chose dishes from the menu, pressed the bell, and placed our order with the waitress. During the ordering process, we received a somewhat judgmental look from the staff, conveying a message like, “Could you tone down the lovey-dovey atmosphere?”

“Shall we go get some drinks?”

“Yes.”

While holding hands, we walked over to the drink bar to get our beverages.

I chose oolong tea, and Himeno went for black tea, filling our cups before returning to our seats hand in hand.

The happiness of holding hands with someone you love was something I had never realized back when I liked Marika. Holding hands had become a part of my life from a young age. However, since I had recently started doing it with Himeno, the feeling of overwhelming happiness couldn’t be ignored.

“Here you go.”

The waitress arrived with our meals about ten minutes after placing our order.

This family restaurant mainly featured Italian cuisine, so I ordered a Teriyaki Chicken Pizza, while Himeno went for Carbonara.

“Let’s eat.”

Both of us put our hands together before starting our meal, savoring the dishes we had each ordered.

The pizza, after a long while, tasted incredibly delicious, and I felt like I could easily eat a whole one by myself.

“It’s delicious.”

Himeno also seemed satisfied as she enjoyed her Carbonara.

Since she appeared to be someone who didn’t dine out often, similar to me, she seemed content with the family restaurant experience.

“Ahh.”

“Huh?”

Watching her eat, she unexpectedly presented a forkful of pasta to me.

I hadn’t anticipated this happening in public, and my surprise was evident enough to elicit a strange noise from me.

“Well, you seemed like you wanted to try it.”

“I do, but…”

“Then, ahh…”

Seemingly determined to feed me, she insisted on the “ahh” moment.

“Ahh…”

Despite the attention from onlookers, I ate the pasta she offered, finding it delicious but struggling to express my feelings due to overwhelming embarrassment.

“Please eat a lot. Aah…”

It seemed that this was a common occurrence at family restaurants, regardless of the setting.