Chapter 71: I’ll Go, No, I’ll Go, Okay, I’ll Go, Please Go Ahead

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“Date? What the hell is that?”

I voiced a perfectly reasonable question. I mean, isn't a date something that people who are either already dating or intend to date do? I have no intention of dating Kurebayashi-san, nor do I plan to in the future. So the concept of going on a date with her just baffles me. But Kurebayashi-san, on the other hand, seems to have leaped over all the logical steps and run ahead.

“A d-date is… something to get closer…”

“…”

“S-so, I was thinking… maybe I'd like to go on a date with you, Yuuta-kun.”

“…”

“Is that a no? Is it really not okay…?”

Sorry, my head’s spinning with all the potential consequences.

For example, if I go on a date with Kurebayashi-san and people find out, they might think I'm interested in her. She might even get the wrong idea. She tends to jump to conclusions, and if I casually agree, her misconceptions might escalate, turning into a runaway train.

And then there’s the matter of the cost-benefit analysis. Is the sacrifice of a date worth the payoff to a future party? What if people find out? Will it ruin the chance for a peaceful gathering? It's all a bit worrying, especially considering Ange.

She already had words with Kurebayashi-san during the Onigiri incident. If she finds out, she might get sulky, and Ange sulking is worse than her anger.

Moreover, would I even enjoy a date with Kurebayashi-san? A date should be something both parties want. I don't want to call it a date if she's having fun while I'm not.

I've thought this through in 0.69 seconds.

…

Why does Kurebayashi-san look like she's about to cry? Does the idea of me rejecting her really upset her that much?

…

Ah, damn it! First I had to see Kenzaki-san looking all meek, and now this! Sure, these two might be an NTR b***h and a psycho-lesbian, and I've got plenty of things to say about that. But seeing them look like this just feels wrong.

…

Yeah, this is bad. I'm wavering as a man. My top priority is the mixer. That's non-negotiable.

“…Alright. Not a date, but how about we go out together somewhere? Does that work?”

I offered a bit of a compromise. Her face lit up immediately.

“Yes! Yes! So, where should we go? Where do you want to go?”

She’s too eager. That smile almost made me soften.

…

I didn't know she could smile like that. It's kind of cute, actually.

But let’s not dwell on why she never showed that smile back in middle school when we were together. That would just lead to a pointless argument. Let's keep things simple.

“Since this is sudden, I don't have any plans. So I'll leave it to you. Preferably somewhere that doesn't cost much.”

“Sure! Of course!”

“And don't tell anyone about this. It'll be our little secret.”

“Got it! Our secret garden… just the two of us.”

When she says it like that, it sounds like the title of a naughty song. But, whatever.

“So, when should we go? When, when, when, and when should we? I can't wait to go!”

“Please calm down. I'm not even going to respond to that.”

I still have my doubts. She's already acting like a s**t. Probably always was.

Anyway, moving on.

“So, you'll make time to meet Kenzaki-san at the Spring Festival, right?”

“Yes. You arranged for me to meet to her. It would be wrong if I didn’t show up.”

Mission accomplished. Now the mixer can go smoothly.

I'll figure out the details of getting them to meet later.

I've got more to think about.`