White Day—at last.
After school, Yuzuru and Arisa returned home once to get ready, then agreed to meet later.
Arriving early, Yuzuru waited at the meeting spot, nervously checking his watch again and again.
(…I’ve been building up to this. As long as I don’t mess up badly, it should be fine.)
Repeating that to himself—
His phone rang.
He checked the message.
I’m behind you.
Turning around—
“Yuzuru-san, thank you for today.”
A breathtakingly beautiful girl stood there.
Her lightly made-up skin was a soft milky white, her lips glossy and elegant.
Her amber hair was styled in a mature chignon.
Her blue dress had lace sleeves, faintly revealing her pale skin.
A pearl necklace at her chest accentuated her beauty.
Arisa lowered her emerald eyes shyly and spoke.
“U-um… Yuzuru-san?”
“…Ah, sorry. You looked so beautiful, I got lost staring.”
She truly was stunning.
He could feel the gazes of those around them drawn to her.
A sense of pride swelled in him—
That she was his.
“Thank you. I don’t usually get to wear something like this… so I’m glad.”
She smiled softly.
Then, with a faint blush, looked up at him.
“Yuzuru-san, you look very nice too… it feels fresh. The tie.”
The restaurant they were going to didn’t strictly require formal wear—
But Yuzuru had put on a tie to show his seriousness.
Since their school uniform didn’t include one, this was Arisa’s first time seeing him like this.
“You look… very grown-up. And handsome.”
“Thanks.”
He felt a little embarrassed.
But today—
Was important.
He couldn’t afford to get carried away.
“Shall we go, Arisa?”
He extended his hand.
She nodded softly and placed her hand in his.
“Yes.”
The restaurant Yuzuru had reserved was a French restaurant inside a well-known hotel.
They were guided to a private room.
“Wow… it’s beautiful.”
Arisa gazed out the window, her voice filled with wonder.
The city lights sparkled like jewels in the night.
Relieved that she liked it, Yuzuru let out a quiet breath.
“…Um, Yuzuru-san.”
“What is it?”
But her expression soon turned uneasy.
“This place… isn’t it quite expensive?”
“No, not really.”
At least, by Takasegawa standards, it was on the cheaper side.
…Though for Yuzuru’s part-time earnings, it was definitely a splurge.
“Think of it as my White Day gift. You always make me lunch and take care of me.”
“…Alright.”
Realising that worrying too much might be rude, Arisa nodded.
Just then, a waiter approached to take their drink order.
“What would you like, Arisa?”
“Um… I’m not sure…”
“I see.”
After a moment’s thought, Yuzuru spoke.
“I’ll have something that pairs well with the meal… ah, non-alcoholic, please.”
He almost ordered alcohol out of habit, then corrected himself.
“Cocktails can be non-alcoholic too?”
“Yeah. Basically, they’re just juice.”
Truthfully, Yuzuru wasn’t all that knowledgeable either.
Even if he was more used to places like this than Arisa, he was still just sixteen.
Better to leave it to the professionals.
Soon, the dishes arrived.
They began with amuse-bouche.
“Well then, Arisa.”
“…Yes.”
They raised their glasses and lightly clinked them.
Then, as they admired the view, they enjoyed the meal.
Not quite the absolute finest—
But still undeniably high-end.
“It’s… really delicious.”
Arisa smiled, her expression softening completely.
Relaxed, content—
Adorable.
“I’ve never been here before, but yeah… it’s great. Just like the reviews said. Or maybe…”
“…Maybe?”
“Maybe it just tastes better because I’m with you.”
At that, Arisa smiled happily.
“You’re quite smooth.”
Though Yuzuru hadn’t meant it as flattery.
They continued chatting as they ate.
Eventually, dessert was served—
Followed by coffee.
“But still… professionals really are amazing.”
Arisa murmured as she sipped her coffee.
Compared to casual places, her cooking might win—
But against high-end French cuisine, it was another level.
“Yeah. But… I still prefer your cooking.”
“Oh, now you’re just flattering me…”
“No, I mean it. You couldn’t eat this kind of food every day anyway—it’d be too heavy.”
Fancy food was best enjoyed occasionally.
Home cooking had its own charm.
“…That’s true.”
Arisa smiled.
“Then… I’ll keep doing my best.”
“…Yeah. I’m counting on you.”
Yuzuru took a deep breath.
Straightened his back.
And looked at her.
Sensing his sudden seriousness, Arisa tilted her head.
“Yuzuru-san?”
“…Arisa. I want to talk about something important. Is that alright?”
Her expression stiffened.
She straightened her posture nervously.
“Y-yes… what is it?”
“You and I… we’re ‘engaged,’ right? A fake one.”
“…Yes. You’ve helped me a lot.”
She nodded, tension visible in her face.
…Dragging this out would only make her more anxious.
Yuzuru made up his mind.
He stood up.
Walked over to her.
“U-um…”
“Arisa. I want to end… this false engagement we’ve had.”
Her eyes widened.
Then—
Yuzuru knelt on one knee.
And took out a small box from his pocket.
A red box.
He opened it quietly in front of her.
“And instead… I want us to be properly engaged. For real.”
Looking straight into her stunned, jewel-like eyes—
Yuzuru declared it.
