A week before Yotsuba and Fuutarou's wedding, Nino decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of preparing for the big event. She knew Yotsuba needed a lot of help, but this time she felt the need for some time for herself—or more precisely, time with Eiji.
On a bright morning, Nino and Eiji met in front of a large shopping mall in the city center. She wore a cream summer dress with lace embellishments, her hair loosely tied back. She looked charming and full of spirit, showing that she was looking forward to this date.
In contrast, Eiji wore a simple light blue shirt with dark jeans. His expression, as usual, was calm and almost emotionless. However, he still arrived on time, leaving a good impression that made Nino smile happily.
"Eiji! You usually come on time. Sometimes, you should come late so I can complain like other girlfriends." Nino said, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I know you don't like waiting, Nino." Eiji replied briefly, then added, "Besides, I worry that if I let you wait alone, some thugs might come to tease you."
"You guessed right. I've been in situations like that." Nino chuckled softly, holding his hand, smiling beautifully, "Let's go. I've made a list of things we should do!"
"Okay." Eiji nodded.
Then, Nino dragged him to a high-end clothing store on the second floor. As soon as they entered, Nino immediately got busy picking out clothes, while Eiji followed behind at a leisurely pace.
"What do you think, Eiji?" Nino lifted a red dress with an off-shoulder design.
Eiji looked at it for a moment and expressed his honest opinion, "It suits you."
"Is that all?" Nino huffed, raising an eyebrow. "You don't even look enthusiastic! You asked me to wear various kinds of cosplay, you pervert."
Faced with her sulking attitude, Eiji let out a small sigh.
"I'm not good at judging clothes, but I'm sure anything you wear will look good."
That answer left Nino momentarily speechless, her cheeks turning pink. But of course, she didn't want to lose.
"You're too serious. Just wait a moment."
She entered the fitting room, and a few minutes later, she came out wearing the red dress she had just chosen. Nino twirled in front of him.
"Well, how about now?"
Eiji looked at her a little longer than usual. To be honest, he preferred seeing her in sexy lingerie. Of course, he wouldn't be foolish enough to say what he actually thought.
"You look beautiful."
That simple sentence was enough to make Nino's heart leap. She pretended to divert her attention by looking at other dresses.
"Hmph, finally you know how to give compliments."
After that, Nino tried on many other outfits and asked for Eiji's opinion. They spent 20 minutes in the clothing store. If it weren't for them buying several sets of clothes and only trying them on without purchasing, they would have been kicked out by the staff long ago.
After they were satisfied with shopping, they went to the top floor, where there were various food stalls. The aroma of grilled meat, spices, and sweets filled the air.
"I'm hungry." Nino said while browsing the menu at one of the takoyaki stalls. "What do you want?"
"Anything." Eiji replied without much thought. He was like Itsuki, who could eat anything.
Nino sighed deeply and complained, "You're really difficult. In that case, I'll choose for you!"
After ordering two servings of takoyaki and two iced coffees, they sat at a table near a large window overlooking the city streets.
"So..." Nino began while skewering a takoyaki with her fork.
"Do you find it strange that a part-time restaurant worker is going out with the owner?"
Eiji looked at her, then swallowed the takoyaki before answering, "I didn't think about that. I'm just happy to be with you."
Those words left Nino stunned. She didn't expect Eiji, who usually rarely expressed romantic words, to say something so straightforward.
Of course, besides being handsome, she had to admit that Eiji possessed a frightening stamina that left her feeling limp in bed.
"You know how to impress me, huh?" Nino smiled slightly, trying to hide her nervousness.
"I'm just saying it as it is." Shrugging his shoulders, Eiji said lightly, then went back to eating.
After they finished eating, Nino pulled Eiji to a bookstore located at the corner of the shopping mall. Inside, the atmosphere was calm, far from the hustle and bustle of other places.
"I want to look for a new recipe book for the restaurant." Nino said while browsing through the shelves.
Eiji followed her from behind, his eyes focused on several coffee-themed books on the nearest shelf.
Even though his memory hadn't fully recovered, he realized he liked coffee and had mastered the skill of making coffee from coffee beans.
"This looks interesting." He said while picking up a small book.
Nino glanced at the book he was holding.
"Latte art?"
Eiji nodded and said, "I want to try making it. Maybe we can add a new menu item at the restaurant."
Nino smiled, impressed by Eiji's dedication to his work.
"I think your coffee-making skills are already very professional."
"There's never an end to learning." Eiji said lightly.
After a while, Nino found the recipe book she was looking for, and they continued their journey after purchasing the book.
Before heading home, they stopped by a mini cinema on the lower floor. They chose a simple romantic movie that wasn't too long.
During the film, Nino appeared enthusiastic, often laughing or making small comments about certain scenes. In contrast, Eiji remained silent while watching.
As the movie was nearing its end, Nino leaned her head on his shoulder without saying anything. Eiji didn't react, but he could feel that he didn't mind.
When the movie ended and the lights came on, Nino looked at him with a wide smile.
"Thank you for today. It was a fun day."
Looking at her for a moment, Eiji replied in a calm voice.
"I'm happy to be with you."
Nino let out a small laugh and then grabbed his hand.
"In that case, make sure you stay by my side. Never leave me, okay?"
"..."
Eiji didn't answer, but his grip on her hand felt warm and steady.
As they walked out of the shopping mall, night began to fall. The city lights lit up, creating a perfect romantic atmosphere.
Nino took a deep breath, feeling satisfied with the day. She looked at him walking beside her.
"Eiji."
"Hm?"
"I love you."
Stopping for a moment, Eiji looked at Nino with a gentle gaze that was rarely seen.
"I know."
Nino chuckled softly, then wrapped her arm around his.
"You silly. But I like your straightforwardness."
"Before we go home, I want us to go somewhere."
"Where? Could it be a love hotel? Of course, I wouldn't mind satisfying unlimited sexual desires."
"... Don't say such lewd things in public. People are looking at us."
"What, are you scared? Since when do you care about what others say?"
"Forget it, let's go."
Ignoring the jealous stares of the single men around them, Eiji held Nino's hand, walking together under the city sky, enjoying the simple yet meaningful moment.