"Is this... the place?"
Tatsuya stood frozen. Before him loomed a restaurant with an exterior so gaudy it was almost blinding. The walls were painted a saccharine shade of pink, cluttered with an assortment of heart-shaped ornaments and various "couple-only" decorations that practically screamed their purpose to the world.
Receiving no response, Tatsuya turned his gaze toward Sayaka.
Just like him, she stood rooted to the spot. However, unlike Tatsuya's look of pure bewilderment, Sayaka's face had turned a shade of crimson that would put a ripe tomato to shame.
Tatsuya pieced the puzzle together instantly. Sayaka must have asked her friends for a recommendation; they, in turn, had clearly misunderstood the nature of their relationship and pointed them toward this... establishment.
"I-I'm so sorry, Tatsuya-kun! I had no idea this was a themed restaurant for couples..." Sayaka forced a sheepish smile, her voice trembling. Yet, despite her apology, her eyes betrayed her—they were filled with a faint, honest glimmer of hope, silently wishing to step inside.
Being the perceptive gentleman that he was, Tatsuya didn't miss that fleeting look.
Without a word of hesitation, Tatsuya reached out and firmly grasped Sayaka's hand. The sudden contact sent a jolt through the girl, causing her mind to go completely blank for a moment.
"Tatsuya-kun?"
A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on Tatsuya's lips.
"In that case... why don't we just be a couple for today?"
"Eh?"
Sayaka gasped, her brain temporarily short-circuiting. In that moment, her heart was flooded with a warmth as sweet as honey.
"Is that a no?" he asked playfully.
"I-I want to!" Sayaka replied with sudden resolve, her expression hardening into a look of unshakable determination.
"Then, let's go."
"Right!"
Though her nerves were frayed to the edge, Sayaka wanted to cherish every second of this moment.
"Welcome, Master, My Lady! We happen to have a special discount on our soundproof private rooms today. Would you like to try one?"
A beautiful maid greeted them with a professional, honey-sweet warmth. At the mention of 'soundproof,' Sayaka's imagination immediately spiraled into a series of highly suggestive scenarios.
She cast a shy, fleeting glance at Tatsuya, her heart thumping against her ribs.
"We'll take it," Tatsuya said calmly.
"Understood. But please," the maid added with a mischievous glint in her eyes, darting a pointed look at Sayaka, "try not to overdo it. This isn't that kind of establishment. Especially since you two are still in high school."
Sayaka's blush deepened until it felt like her face might actually steam. Her heart was racing faster than ever, even as a tiny, hidden corner of her soul wondered—and perhaps hoped—if something scandalous actually would happen.
"We're aware," Tatsuya explained smoothly. "If our intention was to focus on 'that,' we wouldn't have come here in the first place."
"Hehe, fair point. You're quite the clever one, aren't you, little brother? How about coming for a stroll with Big Sister after your date is over?"
Sayaka's gaze instantly sharpened. In a defensive reflex, she clung tightly to Tatsuya's arm.
Caught up in the heat of the moment, Sayaka didn't even realize she was pressing Tatsuya's arm firmly against the soft curve of her chest.
"Ara, ara~ how scary. Big Sister was only joking!"
Sayaka refused to lower her guard, even for a second. They were a couple for the day, and she wasn't about to let anyone—especially some flirtatious maid—interfere with their precious, limited time together.
"Sayaka?"
She blinked, looking up as she heard Tatsuya call her name. Tatsuya sighed softly and nudged his chin toward his arm.
Sayaka followed his gaze, froze, and then turned a shade of red that defied the laws of biology. She was mortified, yet her grip on his arm didn't loosen in the slightest.
"Ara~ kawaii."
"Ahem! We'll have the best course on the menu," Tatsuya interjected, cutting through the awkwardness.
"Certainly, Master. Please follow me to the counter for the payment."
Tatsuya followed the maid, dragging a dazed Sayaka along with him. She was so lost in her own head that she didn't even realize they were at the register.
Tatsuya paid the bill—a price that might seem steep to some, but to him, it was trivial. If Tatsuya's wealth was an ocean, the cost of a private room and a meal was a mere drop of water.
"Payment received. Please, enjoy your time together."
The maid winked as she handed Tatsuya the receipt. He was confused for a split second before he felt something else pressed against his palm.
Tucked behind the receipt was a small scrap of paper containing a phone number and a handwritten note:
[If you ever get bored with your little girlfriend, give this Big Sister a call. I'll show you an unforgettable experience that only a mature woman can provide.]
'How vulgar,' Tatsuya thought.
He crumpled the paper in his fist. Within the palm of his hand, he activated [Super Decomposition]. Without a sound or a trace, the paper was reduced to nothingness, vanishing before the maid—who was still smiling smugly at the register—could even notice.
"Even if it's only for today, I am Sayaka's boyfriend. Why would I ever stray with someone else?" Tatsuya murmured to himself.
Sayaka finally snapped back to reality once they reached the privacy of their room.
"Eh? Wait! I was supposed to be the one treating you!"
Tatsuya offered her a gentle smile.
"Don't worry about it. Since we're a couple tonight, it's only natural for the man to handle the bill."
Ba-dump!
Sayaka's face went up in flames again. She looked down, trying to hide her terminal bashfulness, while stealing secret, adoring glances at the boy beside her.
To be continued...
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