Outside the window was a beautiful, lush view, and the exquisite Western cuisine was served by a waiter, complete with introductions and shrimp peeling services.
If one woman were removed from the table and the juice they were drinking replaced with red wine, the scene would truly feel like a meticulously arranged romantic date.
However, the reality was somewhat disappointing, yet it was still somewhat harmonious.
They were seated at a small round table, and while the three of them initially took their places at different positions, as soon as the main course arrived and the waiter left, Eriri and Utaha shamelessly slid their chairs closer to Chisato.
The two of them, despite their personality clashes, provided the same excuse: this way, they could enjoy dinner while facing the floor-to-ceiling windows and better appreciate the view outside.
I don't believe you for a second! It's quite obvious that you invited me to this hotel, far from the city and difficult to access, at this time, and that dinner is Western-style.
With appetizers, soup, salad, the main course, and dessert, this whole process would take at least an hour.
After that, they would probably drag me into conversation or some other activities, and by the time he thinks about heading home, it would definitely be very late.
He might have trouble finding a taxi then. What am I supposed to do?
It seems the only option is to stay here for the night, especially since it's a fully equipped hotel.
This tactic felt all too familiar.
Chisato recalled that he had used a similar strategy with Utaha in the simulator, making an excuse about missing the last train after a movie and confirming their relationship that night.
The situation back then was strikingly similar to now.
You dare use my own spells against me, Potter?
Ahem– Wrong franchise.
Chisato felt no turmoil within himself, and in fact, he found it amusing.
Knowing this would happen, he still chose to sit here with them. In this case, it was hard to tell who was the hunter and who was the prey.
Though it seemed he couldn't visit Hitori later, he thought he would find a chance to send her a message soon.
Such a well-behaved little kitty!
He has to stay close to her and make sure she doesn't feel neglected. After all, she tends to overthink little things.
"The moonlight is beautiful tonight; I really came at the right time."
Eriri's cheeks were flushed, and while her beautiful eyes were fixed on the night sky outside, she occasionally sneaked glances at Chisato beside her.
"Yeah, and the dinner is delicious! I haven't had such tasty food in a long time," Chisato replied, nodding.
"Actually, my dad often gets some vouchers for restaurants due to work."
"So if you don't mind, we can do this more often when we have the time," Eri suggested, observing Chisato's expression with hopeful eyes.
Chisato paused for a moment. "I don't mind, but I feel a bit bad if you keep worrying about me, Eriri."
Eriri quickly responded, "It's okay! No one in my family really uses these vouchers, so they usually just go to waste. It would be a shame not to use them."
"That's true, but I also feel embarrassed just accepting your kindness without giving anything back…"
"How about this? I've saved up some money from my part-time job lately, so the next time we meet, I'll get something for you. Consider it a thank you for treating me to dinner."
"Eh? No, no!" Eriri protested, but her face clearly showed surprise and excitement.
It was easy to understand the girl in love.
"Don't refuse; it's settled! Otherwise, I won't be able to accept your invitation with a clear conscience."
Chisato smiled and reached for a spoon, lifting a spoonful of mushroom soup to his mouth. Just then, he paused, and some soup spilled from the spoon.
Feeling pressure on his calf, he turned his head to the side. Utaha was smiling at him playfully.
Clearly feeling ignored, she was making a subtle move to get his attention.
Eriri noticed something and immediately looked down to see under the table.
Chisato's pants had been lifted without him realizing it.
Utaha had her bare foot lightly rubbing against his calf, and even though she knew he had caught her in the act, she showed no intention of pulling her foot away.
"Hey, this is a proper restaurant!" Eriri exclaimed, glaring at Utaha.
As the beloved daughter of the Sawamura family, who often accompanied her parents to various social events, Eriri understood etiquette well and, because of her personality, could control her impulses even if she had her own thoughts.
However, Utaha, coming from a more ordinary background, didn't have as many concerns, especially after experiencing the feeling of loss firsthand.
She felt that following her true desires was a better choice than adhering to useless restraint.
After all, they had done so many intimate things in dreams, even having a daughter together.
What was a simple touch compared to that?
"Really, Chisato hasn't said anything, so why are you in such a hurry?" Utaha teased.
"Who says he hasn't? Can't you see how troubled he looks?" Eriri shot back.
"What's troubling him is that you're breaking our unspoken agreement, you clueless princess," Utaha retorted.
"Ugh, it's strange how in this world, a lovesick girl can boldly justify her actions," Eriri replied, annoyed.
"Ah, the golden retriever is howling out of jealousy!" Utaha teased.
"Who are you calling a puppy?!"
"Let's see who reacts to that!"
"You…!"
"Speaking of which, in that dream we had, we often interacted like this, didn't we?"
Chisato's words managed to calm the two girls down, and the tense atmosphere eased instantly.
"If you keep arguing, the food won't taste good."
Both girls obediently fell silent, stopping their verbal sparring and returning to their meals as Chisato suggested.
Chisato understood their intentional behavior since meeting him. If their roles were reversed, he would probably respond similarly.
But for now, it was better to pretend he didn't know anything.
Ten minutes later, Eriri's phone rang. She apologized and stood up to walk away.
Not long after Eriri left, Utaha wiped her mouth and also got up to head to the restroom.
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