Time flowed like a serene river, days and nights gently turning over. In the blink of an eye, the date arrived on Saturday, May 22nd.
This morning, after a shared breakfast, Kasumigaoka Utaha departed first, the manuscript for the third volume of Love Metronome securely in her possession. Not long after, Kasumigaoka Touji also stepped out the door.
Their destinations diverged. He boarded a train bound for Shimokitazawa Station in Setagaya Ward.
He had arranged to meet Kato Megumi there the previous night, the agreed-upon time set for nine o'clock. However, when Kasumigaoka Touji arrived at the meeting spot at eight-fifty, he found her already there, waiting patiently beneath the shade of a roadside tree.
He had no idea how long she'd been standing there.
Her outfit was a study in chic, deliberate composition: a crisp white beret perched atop her head, a stylish white off-the-shoulder T-shirt, a classic black pleated skirt that swayed gently with the breeze, and a pair of striking red sandals. A small, elegant red square bag was slung over her shoulder. And from the subtle glimpse of a black bra strap against her fair, slender shoulder, one could deduce the color of her undergarments.
The overall look was fashion-forward and sophisticated, something one might see on a professional model. Combined with her exquisite, doll-like features and graceful silhouette standing calmly under the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, she effortlessly drew the admiring glances of numerous passersby.
Kasumigaoka Touji's sharp eyes also caught sight of two boys loitering nearby, whispering to each other and nudging one another, seemingly gathering the courage to approach her. He quickened his pace, a sense of proprietary urgency spurring him forward to stake his claim.
"Megumi! Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Hearing his voice, Kato Megumi turned her head. A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched her typically cool, composed features. "Touji-kun. I just arrived myself."
"Tch, she already has a boyfriend…" one of the bespectacled boys muttered in clear disappointment, before both turned and shuffled away.
Kasumigaoka Touji watched them go for a second, then returned his full attention to Kato Megumi, a warm, appreciative smile in his eyes. "Megumi, you're incredibly charming. Those two definitely looked like they were planning to hit on you. But then again, you do look exceptionally beautiful today."
"Touji-kun is also very handsome," she replied smoothly, the compliment exchanged with natural ease. "And I wouldn't have paid them any attention anyway~"
"Mhm, mhm," Kasumigaoka Touji hummed in agreement, his heart feeling light. He then stepped forward, his hand finding hers with a naturalness that surprised even him. "Shall we? Let's walk around the area first."
Perhaps it was due to the warming weather, but Kasumigaoka Touji noted that Kato Megumi's hand felt slightly warmer than Kasumigaoka Utaha's or Kani Nayuta's. But the sensation was equally pleasant—soft, seemingly boneless, warm and smooth like fine jade.
Kato Megumi's gaze dropped briefly to their joined hands. A quiet, profound sense of contentment bloomed within her. She realized that simply standing here with him, even before their date had properly begun, lifted her spirits higher than any solitary stroll ever could.
They set off at a leisurely pace, meandering along the distinctive streets of Shimokitazawa. Kasumigaoka Touji took in the eclectic mix of trendy clothing boutiques, quirky second-hand shops, and charming daily goods stores lining the lanes.
"Do you come here often, Megumi?" he asked conversationally.
Today's location had been Kato Megumi's choice. When he'd asked her what she wanted to do, she had mentioned wanting to listen to some live music, which naturally led to Shimokitazawa. The area was famous for its dense concentration of live houses and performance venues, a thriving hub for underground idols and indie bands. It was, after all, the very stage where the story of Gotou Hitori and her friends in Bocchi the Rock! would unfold.
"I come occasionally," she confirmed, her voice light. "This place has a good atmosphere. There are many trendy and unique little things worth searching for."
As she spoke, she gently tugged his hand, leading him into a small, brightly lit accessories store.
Once inside, surrounded by shelves glittering with an array of shiny trinkets, she seemed to relax even further, taking the lead in their browsing. Her eyes, usually so calm, sparkled with a subdued delight as they scanned the dazzling displays.
"There's also a lot of good food and drinks here," she continued, "and many small theaters and performance spaces. It's quite nice to watch a show after a bit of shopping."
"You really know how to enjoy life," Kasumigaoka Touji remarked, genuinely impressed. The thought that she had been exploring these places on her own, curating her own enjoyment, spoke of an independent spirit he found admirable. Most people in her previous 'background character' state probably would have just stayed home.
Kato Megumi looked up at him, tilting her head in a gesture that was uncharacteristically, endearingly cute. "Is that so?"
They chatted comfortably as they browsed, occasionally pausing so Kato Megumi could try on an elegant hairpin or a delicate bracelet. Kasumigaoka Touji watched as she'd put one on, examine it in the small mirror, then carefully replace it, never committing to a purchase.
"Not satisfied with any of them?" he finally asked. "I think they all look lovely on you."
"Hmm… how to put it?" Her clear, limpid eyes met his. "I don't feel a particularly strong urge to buy any of them." In other words, nothing had truly captivated her.
Kasumigaoka Touji nodded in understanding. His gaze followed as her fingers drifted over the display until they alighted upon a simple, yet exquisitely woven red string bracelet. She picked it up and deftly tied it around her own slender wrist. She stared at it for a few long seconds, as if contemplating its meaning. Then, she picked up a second, identical string and turned to him.
"Touji-kun, you should have one too."
"Eh? Making it a couple's item?" he asked, a smile spreading across his face as he glanced at the red string now adorning her wrist. He obediently extended his hand.
"That's right."
Kato Megumi took his offered hand, her head bowing slightly as she focused on tying the red string securely around his wrist. Her voice was soft, thoughtful. "Wear it for today. You can take it off when we go back."
Kasumigaoka Touji, who had been privately wondering just moments ago about the etiquette of such a token after their date ended, felt a sudden, deep wave of emotion—touched by her consideration, and slightly ashamed of his own pragmatic thoughts. He looked down at the simple red band now circling his wrist.
"It looks nice," he said sincerely. "I'll wear it next time we go out, too."
"Mhm." She gave a small, satisfied nod. "Shall we go?"
"Aren't you going to look at anything else?"
"No, this is enough." Kato Megumi turned her head, raising her own wrist with its matching red string. "I'll give this to you," she added, her meaning clear: This is my gift to you.
"Eh? Alright." Kasumigaoka Touji looked at her with renewed surprise, then his smile widened into a warm, accepting grin as he nodded. The strings were inexpensive—300 yen each. He could easily handle paying for the rest of their day.
They made their way to the counter, completed the simple transaction, and stepped back out onto the vibrant Shimokitazawa street. The moment they were outside, Kato Megumi reached for his hand again, this time ensuring their wrists with the red strings were aligned. She intertwined their fingers, raised her smartphone with her other hand, and captured the image.
She even politely stopped a passing stranger to request a photo of their retreating figures, their hands still clasped, the twin red strings a faint but definite link between them against the backdrop of the bustling, creative district.
With this quiet, symbolic ritual complete, the two of them continued their exploration of Shimokitazawa, the day stretching before them full of promise, their connection now quietly marked and acknowledged.
****
The red string is used in Asian cultures to symbolize marriage or such a fate. Thus, you could interpret it as a proposal from Kato.