CH 5

Chapter 5 – In a Nice Restaurant…

It was a holiday, and even though it was around 1am, everyone was at peak time.

It was hard to find a place that was available.

“Miyuki-san, are you okay? We’ve been walking quite a bit…”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just haven’t been getting enough exercise. It’s perfect.”

The kind Miyuki-san said so with a smile.

“Ah, Miyuki-san, that’s…”

“Eh? Oh my… It looks like a hotel restaurant.”

We walked towards the place.

“It seems that even people who are not staying at the hotel are allowed to eat there.”

“Yes . And it doesn’t seem to be crowded with a lot of people like the other restaurants… It seems calm.”

“It looks a bit, well, expensive…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll pay for it.”

“No, that’s not the problem… Then, shall we head in?”

“Yes.”

Miyuki-san and I entered the restaurant.

“Welcome.”

I’m glad, because today is a date, I’m properly dressed up.

At any rate, the dress code doesn’t seem to be a problem.

Well, it’s not exactly the most exclusive restaurant in the world.

It’s a beautiful space with white as its base color, so I tend to shy away from it.

At the very least, it seems higher threshold than a family restaurant…

“Looks like they have a lunch menu.”

“Yes.”

“They all look so good, it’s hard to decide.”

“Speaking of which, Miyuki-san, what do you like when it comes to food?”

“Hmm… Well, I think I like Japanese food. But I also like Western food sometimes.”

“I’m more of a Japanese food person myself. The last time I ate Miyuki-san’s home-cooked food… It was really delicious.”

I gave my honest opinion, but somehow I felt embarrassed.

When I glanced at Miyuki-san, she was smiling somewhat shyly.

“T-Thank you… I’m very happy to hear that from you, Naoyuki-kun.”

“Ah, yes…”

We both blushed with embarrassment as we stared at the menu list.

“…Then I’ll have this pasta set.”

“I-I think I’ll have that too.”

After that, we called the waiter and finished our order.

When it was just the two of us again, I became afraid of silence…

“…I liked the film today.”

“Eh? Ah, yes. It was a bit mature, though.”

“Yes, you’re right. That girl Eri, she’s so stupid. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine…”

“But it’s a disaster for you too, Naoyuki-kun. You’re going on a date with me instead of Eri.”

“…As I said before, it’s not like that at all… It’s not a disaster or anything like that.”

“Naoyuki-kun…?”

“In fact, I’d rather think that I’m…l-lucky.”

Hah~, what am I saying?

Miyuki-san would be troubled if I said that.

Even Eri-chan too, I’m sorry…

“…N-Naoyuki-kun is a serious and good boy.”

“Y-Yes?”

“S-Surprisingly… You say things that make girls happy.”

“Ah, no, um…”

“Ah, I’m sorry. I’m not a girl anymore, I’m an old lady.”

“…You’re a wonderful woman, Miyuki-san.”

I said to her shyly.

“…Thank you.”

From there, we were silent with each other until the food came.

But strangely enough, there was no awkwardness.

Occasionally, the way our eyes met each other was embarrassing, but somehow comforting.

We were not that chatty with each other, so it would be awkward looking from the side…

Still, it was a warm and happy time.

◇

The restaurant had a nice atmosphere, so we found ourselves relaxing for a long time.

“It’s time to go home and see how Eri is doing.”

“Yes. Can I come and visit her too?”

“Yes, of course.”

At that moment, Miyuki-san took out her smartphone.

“Oh my, it’s from Eri… Eh?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Somehow, she’s feeling better, so she’s going out with her friends to hang out… Seriously, that girl…”

“Haha, that’s very Eri-chan.”

“Yes, but I’m worried that her cold will come back.”

“Well, I think it’s okay…”

I feel vague about it.

But Miyuki-san smiled at me.

The two of us left the restaurant and tried to leave the hotel when…

Suddenly, Miyuki-san stopped.

“Miyuki-san?”

“…Ah, well, I thought it was a nice hotel.”

“Eh? Ah, yes. And the restaurant was lovely.”

“…I haven’t stayed in a place like this for a long time.”

Miyuki-san said, staring off into the distance.

Perhaps she’s remembering her late husband…

Huh? Why is my chest tingling?

“…Naoyuki-kun.”

“Y-Yes?”

“You have a day off tomorrow, right?”

“Well, yes. Today is Saturday…”

“If you don’t mind… Would you like to stay at this hotel with me?”

“…Eh?”