"You want another date, senpai?"
"Yes, I want another date, Toru-kun"
This morning, as soon as I woke up from my slumber, Senpai entered my room and request for another date. Well, of course I accepted it, don't I?
After that, we both having a discussion with Shiori and Hikari before our date. After get agreement, we both have a date. However, we are talking about senpai here.
One day, we both at some charity event. Yes, marathon. It should be just for Senpai, but due to me accept her request to date, I participants as well.
"Thanks, Toru-kun. Join me for this charity for our date. Although this is not like date at all..." she said and look guilty at me.
"Ah, it's alright, senpai. Everyone have preference for their date right? This is your preference your date. I just company you as a good boyfriend, that's all."
"Thanks... Toru-kun"
After that, the referee gathered all participants to the start line.
"Everyone. On your mark. Get set... GO!" the referee pulls the trigger and all participants start running.
After half an our, we both arrived at the first checkpoint. Because this is a date and no winner or loser, we both just running calmly and enjoy the environment around neighbourhood.
"Say, Toru-kun. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, senpai. What it is?"
"That... why do you keep calling me "senpai" but not the others two?"
I stunned. When I heard about her question, I felt bad suddenly. Why I never asked myself? About her nickname...
Senpai turned to me waiting for my answer while keep steady on the track. I know what she want... she want me to treat her as equal as those two back at home.
"Kaori" I muttered. "Is this what you want, Kaori?" I continue while looking at her.
Kaori eyes widen after she heard what I called her just now. She smiled and nodded excitedly. "Yes... I want that, Toru."
My heart skip a beat. I mean, I already used to Shiori and Hikari by my name but... when it come from Kaori... it's a whole different vibe.
While I flustered and look away from her. She just giggling while look forward. She then increased her pace and left me behind. Immediately, I followed her pace and chase her until we run next to each other.
"Kaori! What was that for??"
She chuckled. "Sorry! Just I feel very happy when you called me that. Hehe" I just smile as well.
A few hours later, we both finally at the second last checkpoint. In a few hours ago, many participants dropped out and was carry by truck to the finish line. Right now, the only participants left was around 10 people including us both.
The last checkpoint is around 4 kilometres and then we will finally arrived at finish line. Due to that, we both get a little break at second last checkpoint to get our stamina back before continue. Glad that we both arrive first before the others so we can take it easy.
"Say, Toru. What would happened if suddenly this charity have a reward for a couple?"
"Huh. Well, if they have that... we should win it right? But they will not add that in the last minute, Kaori"
Suddenly, the guard who stand in the shadow on the checkpoint, spoke up;
"Wow, you really have a good intuition miss. We did really have a reward for a couple. That's why when entry, we asked for two people every column."
"Oh, they did really have it, Kaori"
Suddenly, Kaori get up and approached the referee and asked about the reward.
"Hmm, not mistaken, the first couple's reward is... vacation to the hot spri-"
Without hearing fully from the referee, she take my hand and dragged me away very fast.
"Eh?! Kaori!!"
"Less talk, Toru! We need to take that reward!"
Without says anything, she sprint like a gojo scene. Sprint over and over. And of course... was left behind.
An hour later, I finally safely arrived at the finish mark. I see Kaori, jumping excitedly while shouting at me.
"Toru!! Hurry up! The reward will be valid when the partner here!"
Before I respond her back in time, I was pushed back.
"Hey! No pushing!" I shouted as I chase him back.
"Hah! You think you can't win, the reward, boy?? My girl already arrived there like your girl! So only us who will proof the winner! Haha!" The man increased his pace over and over again.
I see Kaori's worried face when I got left behind. So, I also increase my pace and chase the man from behind.
With a few meters until the finished mark, we both already run next to each other. Sometimes the man passed me, then me.
"Toru!!" Kaori shouted.
"Naru" the man's girlfriend shouted.
Naru glanced at me and smirked. "Sorry, kid but I'm the winner." He quickly knocked me down with his leg as we both ran at full speed. as soon as I tripped, I was dragged to the road.
A second later, Naru was passed the finish line while I'm groaning in pain.
"Hey, that's cheating!" Kaori mad while shouting at the girl and Naru.
"Huh? Cheating? Did you see anything? Maybe your man just tripped by himself?" The girl mocked while crossing her arms over her chest.
Kaori groan and running towards me. She picked me up and looking at my injuries. on the knees and palms, I had a drag wound. Kaori face become more furious and worried while looking at me.
The medic rushing towards me and atted my wound. I look at Kaori who bite her finger to show how much she was hold back. "Kaori, hey it's okay. It's just a minor injury, see?"
"But... they.."
"Kaori, its okay, I know how badly you want to get the reward but please calm yourself. Maybe it's not our luck, okay?"
"Fine..."
I nodded and smile at her. I get up from my seat and pat her head. While walking, Kaori support me with her shoulder due to my exhaustion from running.
Later, the announcer announce the winner. And of course the first couple. We both sighed to each other but laughed later. However, as we thought we both lost the chance...
"What?! A year-supply of rice?! We don't need this! We need the hot spring!" The girl shouted.
"Unfortunately, that reward was put down to the second place. And our second couple who arrived was... Kaori and Toru!!"
"What?!" The girl and Naru shouted at the same time.
"We...won, Kaori..." I muttered unbelievable. "Yeah... we won, Toru!" Kaori muttered as well. "We won!!" Then we shouted and hugged at the same time.
The participants around us was cheered up and clapped their hands. After that, Kaori take the reward due to me can't still walk properly. She turn to me and smile with a peace sign on her hand.
I responded her with the same gesture and proud smile.
After that, we both back home and greeted by Shiori and Hikari. Suddenly they hugged me tightly with worried. Apparently the charity was live on TV and my accident was live as well.
Then, Shiori and Hikari keep bad talking about the that couple, worrying about my Injuries and of course, proud of our win.
What a blissful day, right? Anyway this is the end of the Kaoris's Arc. So the next chapter will be the extra or filler. See you next time!