Saturday.
Clear skies.
Eriri woke up early to wash up—definitely not because she was too nervous about her first "date-like" outing with Nanaya to sleep properly.
Sawamura Kyouko, being a light sleeper and noticing Eriri's unusually loud movements, got up and asked,
"Where are you off to so early, little Eriri?"
Kyouko had only casually thrown on a nightgown, leaving her clothes half-open, revealing two plump, round hemispheres—one east, one west—to Eriri's wide-eyed gaze.
Even Eriri was momentarily stunned by the sight of her mother, the "Sleeping Beauty."
Then came the frustration.
Because when she looked down, she could clearly see her own pale feet.
Why was her figure still like this?!
"T-Today... our club has an activity, so I need to go out early for some fieldwork!"
Eriri didn't want her mother to know about Nanaya.
"Oh~ Is that so? I thought your club was all girls—why not invite them over? I could host them~"
How are you going to host anyone dressed like that?!
Eriri's face flushed as she stammered, "N-No need! I'll just go out!"
After quickly finishing her morning routine, she retreated to her room.
Eriri had been chatting with Nanaya more lately, partly to figure out whether he'd joined the club just to mess with Ani Tomoya. But instead of uncovering any ill intentions, Nanaya effortlessly deflected all her probing questions—and somehow made her like him even more.
Well, everything is relative.
People included.
After changing and triple-checking her outfit, Eriri sat on her bed, waiting for Nanaya to arrive.
Buzz~!
Her phone vibrated, snapping her out of her thoughts. Seeing Nanaya's message, she scrambled out the door in a fluster—making sure her mother didn't see she was meeting a boy.
"Nanaya..."
"Morning, Eriri."
Nanaya, dressed in sleek black riding gear, leaned against a dark-red steel beast of a motorcycle.
The man suited the bike; the bike suited the man.
"G-Good morning... Is this yours?"
Though they'd grown closer online, face-to-face, Eriri still felt awkward.
"Yeah. I like its performance."
Nanaya patted the seat. "Let's go."
He handed Eriri a helmet, but her fumbling made it clear she'd never worn one before.
"Here, let me."
Nanaya took the helmet from her and fastened it for her—gently, as if she were his girlfriend.
Eriri, meanwhile, stood frozen like a delicate doll, letting his fingers brush through her hair before settling the helmet onto her head.
Thankfully, she'd been facing away, and the helmet now hid her burning cheeks.
Her face felt scorching hot!
Nanaya had acted so naturally that by the time Eriri thought to protest, it was already over.
"Let's go. What're you spacing out for?"
He tapped her shoulder casually, as if nothing had happened.
"Ah—R-Right!"
Climbing onto the bike behind him, Eriri felt nervous—it was her first time riding one. At least she wasn't wearing a skirt today.
"You can hold onto my clothes if you're scared of falling."
Nanaya's voice gave her direction, and her small hands clutched the hem of his jacket tightly.
Vroom—!
The engine roared to life, and with a yelp from Eriri, they sped off toward their destination.
Eriri didn't notice the security camera blinking at the gate.
Nanaya did—but he didn't care.
——————————
"Where... is this?"
Eriri, who'd been burying her face in Nanaya's back the whole ride, finally dared to open her eyes when they stopped.
"I figured going straight to the art gallery might not inspire you, so I thought we'd take a detour for some scenery."
Nanaya gestured around them. They were standing in the middle of a lush green pasture—a private grassland he'd rented for the day.
"If you're not into it, we can head back now."
Eriri huffed and turned her head away.
"W-Well, since we're already here... I might as well gather some reference material! Otherwise, I won't be able to perform at my best later!"
"Of course. Then, Miss Eriri, please proceed with your artistic fieldwork."
Nanaya played along, and Eriri's lips curled up in satisfaction.
After the adrenaline rush of the ride, Eriri was unconsciously letting her guard down around him, revealing more of her true self.
Nanaya strolled alongside her as they enjoyed the breeze and picturesque scenery.
Only when Eriri was satisfied did they finally head to the originally planned art gallery.
"Y-You... Did you do that on purpose?!"
The moment they parked, Eriri shot him a glare.
"Hm? What do you mean?"
During the ride, Nanaya had "coincidentally" braked at every red light, making Eriri bump into his back repeatedly.
Sure, she was flat—but still soft.
"You know exactly what!"
Too embarrassed to explain, Eriri huffed and marched into the gallery ahead of him.
Nanaya shook his head.
She looked angry, but since she hadn't actually left—and her character info displayed [Affection: 68]—it was clear she was just flustered.
"Wait up, Eriri. This place is huge—you'll get lost if you wander off alone."
After parking, he caught up to her near the entrance, where she stood glancing his way every few seconds.
"Hmph! As if I'd get lost!"
"Sure, but does Miss Eriri happen to know where the studio is?"
She stomped her foot.
"Y-You know, don't you?! Then lead the way!"
"Gladly."
With that, Nanaya took her hand and pulled her forward.
"W-Wait—Let go!"
Eriri squirmed, but he hushed her.
"Shh. This is also a gallery—quiet is required. Besides, they say the previous owner passed away peacefully right here, among the paintings he loved. You wouldn't want to disturb his rest with loud noises, would you?"
"...!"
Eriri shuddered at his whisper.
"T-That's just... a kids' story! I-I'm not scared!"
But her struggling weakened.
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