Episode 22 – Date invitation
Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093073037597822/episodes/16818093074581540385
“Haa, what should I do…”
I was sitting at my desk in my room, holding my head in my hands.
My father had just called me and told me to go out somewhere with him this weekend. Since my father had told me to do so, I couldn’t very well refuse…but there was one problem.
(How do I ask someone out on a date?)
Having never dated a woman before, I thought of dating as something unknown and unrelated to me.
I never thought I’d need this knowledge…I should have known more about it…
But thinking about it like this only made me lose motivation. If I’m going to do it, I should do it now.
“…Alright, let’s go.”
I made up my mind, left my room, and headed for Nanase’s room. I knocked on the door, and she said, “Come in.” so I opened the door.
“Sorry, were you about to sleep?”
“No, I was just doing some stretching. It’s rare for you to come to my room.”
“Yeah, I wanted to talk about something.”
The flow up to this point was perfect; all that was left was to successfully ask her out on a date.
I repeated the lines I had prepared in my head.
“Talk?”
“Yeah, it’s an important talk.”
Seeing my tense expression, she must have thought it was something important, because her expression also became serious.
No, that’s not it. You don’t have to take it so seriously. Please listen with a kinder expression.
I wished for that, but it didn’t reach her, and she also listened back with a slightly tense expression.
“…What is it?”
“Oh, actually———”
Oh no, I forgot all my lines…
I desperately tried to think of something to say, but nothing came to mind, so I ended up staying silent.
“…..”
“…..”
And then came the silence….
What should I do? This atmosphere is way too awkward.
As I desperately tried to think of something to say, Nanase’s expression gradually darkened.
“Perhaps…..you don’t like being with me anymore…?”
Huh? What do you mean by that?
I was confused, but she continued.
“This life is something I achieved because of my selfishness…I know you don’t like me…but please…don’t abandon me…I’ll fix my flaws…so please…!”
Tears were streaming down Nanase’s eyes.
Had I unknowingly made Nanase feel insecure?
Thinking back, I had never truly faced her. I had been running away all along—from the unrealistic reality of engagement at this age.
…I’m unworthy as Nanase’s fiancée.
But if she wants me, I must do my best to respond to her.
That’s the least I, Minato, can do.
“Nanase, look up.”
I spoke to her as gently as possible, and Nanase slowly raised her face.
I wiped away her tears with my hand and hugged her to calm her down.
“I don’t hate you. I love this life. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with Nanase. She’s my pride and joy, the kind of wife I’m not ashamed to show off anywhere.”
She often imitates me calling her “husband” but this is pretty embarrassing…
As I gently stroke her head, the light returns to her eyes.
“Really…? You’re not lying…?”
“Yes, it’s true. So—Rei, will you be my fiancée?”
“Yeah !”
And we embraced again.
It felt as happy as the first time we did it.
“So what was that important thing you wanted to talk about?”
After a while, she calmed down and asked me.
It’s hard to say this now…
“Well…how should I put it…do you want to go out this weekend?”
I said nervously, and she looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“Eh? That’s it?”
“Y-yeah…that’s it.”
Then Nanase laughed as if she found it funny.
“Fufufu, you’re really clumsy, aren’t you?”
“M-my bad ! I’m clumsy ! So, what’s your answer…”
“Of course it’s okay. If you invite me, I’ll go anywhere.”
“Oh, okay…thank you.”
I’m glad she didn’t refuse.
I felt relieved inside.
Actually, it was my first time, so I was pretty nervous.
“Fufu, I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
“Yeah, me too.”
I’m really looking forward to it.
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