[Appreciation]
I have received many reviews and impressions for the book version.
Fortunately, many of them said it was 'interesting,' for which I am very grateful.
If you haven't bought the book version yet, please do so!
Hiyori: I'll be heading that way in just a bit~.
Akito: Yeah, got it.
At the clock tower in front of the station, Riran and I were waiting for Hiyori.
Today is Saturday. It’s the day we promised to meet Hiyori and Ichijoji.
"She says she'll be here soon."
"Okay~"
The season is already autumn. A cool breeze brushed against my skin, and the heat had finally subsided.
Riran, standing next to me, was wearing a turtleneck and a long-sleeved cardigan, perhaps feeling a bit chilly. Below, she wore a long skirt and high heels.
Her appearance, no matter how you looked at it, gave off the vibe of a capable office lady.
Realizing I was staring, a blushing Riran adjusted her bangs.
"W-What is it? Why are you staring so much?"
"...No, it's nothing."
"Hmph. What is it~?"
Tsun-tsun-tsun-tsun-tsun-tsun-tsun-tsun.
Hey, you're poking me too much. Stop it.
I brushed away Riran's hand as she poked my cheek, but she seemed to be enjoying herself, continuing with an "Ei-ei."
Well, if she's having fun, I guess it's fine.
While I let Riran do as she pleased, I waited for a bit.
From the direction of the station, I saw familiar pink hair.
"Ah! Over here, Sana-tan, Rila-tan!"
Hiyori waved her hand energetically.
And the man next to her must be Ichijoji Asahiko.
He was a more refreshing and handsome young man than he appeared in the photos, and his height was about the same as mine or slightly shorter.
He had a medium build, but his pale skin made him look somewhat unhealthy.
"Hey!"
"Hebuh!?"
However, the hand Hiyori swung with all her might slammed right into his face.
""Ah.""
"Oyo? Oops, sorry-chan, Asa-tan?"
"I-I'm okay. I'm fine..."
He didn't look fine at all. His face was turning bright red.
Good grief. We'd better go over there.
As we approached the two of them, Hiyori noticed us.
"Ah, Sana-tan. Rila-tan. Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No, we just got here too."
Is Ichijoji okay? That looked like a pretty hard hit to the face.
Ichijoji's eyes were tearing up, but he quickly composed himself when he saw us.
"I am Ichijoji Asahiko. It is a pleasure to meet you... though it doesn't quite feel like the first time. I've already seen you in photos many times."
"The Wedding Experience ones?"
"Yes. You are Sanada Akito-san. And you must be Kuonji Riran-san, correct?"
"Yeah. Once again, I'm Sanada Akito."
"I am Kuonji Riran. Nice to meet you."
After exchanging brief greetings with Ichijoji, we immediately entered a cafe.
Ichijoji and I ordered coffee.
Riran ordered an ice milk tea and a mont blanc.
Hiyori ordered a straight tea and a shortcake.
However.
"Ichijoji. How much sugar are you putting in that?"
"I have quite the sweet tooth."
It's my first time seeing someone put double-digit sugar cubes in their coffee while claiming to just have a 'sweet tooth.'
This guy looks like he'll die young.
We took a breather with our coffee and tea.
Finally, Ichijoji spoke up.
"Thank you for going along with my selfishness today. How should I address you two..."
"Akito is fine."
"Then, I'll go by Riran."
If we're going to be involved for a long time, it's probably better to use first names considering the future.
"In that case, please call me Asahiko."
"Got it... By the way, Asahiko, why have you been using honorifics this whole time? We're the same age. You can just use casual speech."
"Haha. My apologies, it's just my nature."
"That's right~. Asa-tan has always used honorifics even with Hiyori~."
Huh... that sounds exhausting. I couldn't do it. Even proper polite speech is a pain for me.
Asahiko apologized to Hiyori with a "I'm sorry."
Even while apologizing, he remained a refreshing, handsome young man without any snobbishness. Can handsome guys just disappear already?
"Akito-san, Riran-san. I believe you've heard from Hiyori-san, but it's about the exclusive modeling contract."
"Yeah. We don't have a problem with it. We also got permission from the Jūmonji Group Chairman."
"Thank you very much. We will handle the formal contract at a later date, but we are looking toward Christmas and New Year's for the actual work."
That means we have a two-month grace period.
I've been lacking exercise lately and putting on some meat, so maybe I should start leaning out seriously.
While I was thinking about that, Asahiko scratched his cheek shyly.
"Actually, I invited you today because I wanted to hang out with everyone. The talk about work was just a secondary matter."
"Asa-tan was apparently sickly until he saw his red thread. Once the thread appeared, it seems he became healthy."
Ah, I see. That explains why his skin is so pale and his hair is a bit long.
So that's the story behind his mysterious handsome look.
"Sure. We know this area well, so we'll show you around. Let us know if you get tired, okay?"
"R-Really!? Ehehe... Akito-san, you really are kind."
Stop it, don't make such a friendly face with that handsome mug. My heart almost skipped a beat there.
"Oh, you've realized it? Akito is very kind."
"Yep, yep. Sana-tan is super kind~."
"Yes. I had heard from Hiyori-san, but you really are a very kind person!"
From there, for some reason, the conversation shifted into a contest of sharing episodes of my kindness.
Stop it, my life points are already at zero...!
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