Chapter Four: “The Princess Wants to Be Chosen by the Prince” — Part Eleven
Glorious sunshine! This had to mean even the sun was cheering our date on!
The long-awaited Sunday. The sky was clear in every direction, nothing but blue as far as I could see.
The station plaza where we’d agreed to meet was a popular spot, busy with people gathering in groups. A little noisy, but the atmosphere was easy and pleasant.
After spending all of yesterday in bed too, I’d recovered completely. And today, I was at my absolute cutest.
The white dress Yuuri and I had chosen together, and heels to make my legs look their best.
For the aquarium setting, I’d done my hair in a jellyfish updo.
“Perfect.”
I checked in my mirror. My fringe was set firmly in place — not a strand out of order.
Still a full hour until the meeting time. Even if Senpai arrived a little early, there was no risk of keeping her waiting.
“Right, let’s do a final check on lunch…”
I took my notebook from my bag for one last review of the date plan. There was a chance we’d head straight to the aquarium after meeting, or we might eat first.
I had a list of nearby lunch spots ready either way, and I’d memorised the entire food court menu inside the aquarium. I’d even noted down where the vending machines were, in case anyone got thirsty.
It was fine. This date was absolutely going to go well!!
“I wonder what Senpai will be wearing today.”
Still in her club tracksuit from practice? Or her own clothes? Any version of Senpai would make me happy, obviously — but the thought of seeing a side of her I hadn’t seen before was making my heart race.
“…I want to see her soon.”
We probably should have arranged to meet somewhere closer to school.
That thought was still crossing my mind when I heard Himena-chan! from behind me, a touch hurried.
“Iori-sen…”
The rest of the word didn’t come, because Senpai was simply too radiant.
A simple but elegant grey blouse, and black trousers that made her legs look even longer than usual. On her feet, not her usual trainers but black platform shoes, and at her collarbone a delicate silver necklace catching the light.
And above all else, her hair.
The hair she always wore down was up in a half-updo today.
“Sorry, Himena-chan. Did you wait long?”
She tucked a strand behind her ear and smiled. Her nails, I noticed, were painted a deep, vivid blue.
Nail polish?! Senpai?! Wait, hold on — there are too many things demanding my attention here, I don’t even know where to start screaming?!
“Himena-chan? Hello?”
Senpai peered at me and waved her hand in front of my face.
“Could it be you’re speechless because I look different today?”
“Senpai! Um, I just…!”
“Yes?”
“I’m seriously in love with you.”
Oh no, that came out wrong! That was completely wrong! I should have said something more — I don’t know — more fitting for the moment!
“Hehe. I know. But thank you.”
She laughed, low and warm, and then suddenly took my hand.
With fingers interlaced. The lovers’ grip.
“U-um, Senpai…?”
“It’s a date, isn’t it?”
“Yes it is a date!!”
I blurted it out on pure reflex, and Senpai laughed with obvious enjoyment.
Does Iori-senpai actually understand what she’s doing? She’s holding hands with someone who kissed her out of nowhere, you know?!
She might be teasing me. But I had no intention of letting today end at being teased.
By the time this date was over, I was going to make Iori-senpai lose her composure entirely.
Just you wait, Iori-senpai!!