When I saw Shiina Mahiru again, she had put on a white dress and was wearing a small sun hat. Under the warm sun, she looked like a true white angel—pure and beautiful.
—Yes, it will be strange...
Her small hand, clenched into a fist and pressed against her chest, betrayed its owner's inner restlessness.
*Of course not! It's more like it looks amazing!*
Natsukawa Kanade shook his head frantically. He certainly wouldn't say the wrong thing now.
—It looks very good on you, Shiina.
I don't know how long I've been rehearsing this compliment in private, but I've never put it into practice until today. Finally, I could say it.
—Well... Thanks. Kanade too, very handsome...
A blush appeared on the angel's cute face, her heart filling with joy after being praised by the person she loved.
I recorded the beautiful and elegant image of Kanade in my mind, and along with his warm praise, my heart beat rapidly.
*A straight ball is too unfair!*
—Thanks...
Kanade looked a bit embarrassed.
While waiting for the angel to change clothes, he had also switched to casual wear and tidied himself up a bit.
Being casual and free-spirited is indeed a personality trait, but if you don't know how to look after yourself when going out with a girl, it's no longer "casual"—it's a sign that you don't care about the other person's thoughts at all, which can even be a bit rude.
—Is there anywhere Shiina wants to go?
Although Kanade was the one who took the initiative to suggest the outing, he didn't actually have any great ideas. After all, he usually stayed home alone studying or playing video games and had little real-world experience.
—I'll follow Kanade's lead; anywhere is fine.
The angel shook her head. No matter where they went, the key was being with Kanade.
—Shall we go to KITTE then?
Kanade thought for a moment and suggested.
The KITTE Shopping Center is right next to Tokyo Station and is very easy to reach by train. On the first floor is the Tokyo Station Post Office, which also sells many interesting limited-edition postcards and peripheral products.
Although it is an older mall, it is very popular. It is spacious and beautiful inside, and it even has an exhibition hall. It's ideal for hanging out with friends. If you get tired of walking, you can find a pastry shop or a restaurant in the same place to sit and rest for a while before heading back to the city.
In short, it's perfect for killing time, and it's easy to walk around until dark.
The angel naturally had no objection and nodded happily.
---
The journey was quiet.
After arriving at the mall and walking around for a bit, Shiina Mahiru was drawn to a cat cafe called "Meow Meow Meow."
—Do you want to go in and take a look?
Kanade suggested.
The angel hesitated for a moment and finally shook her head.
*Forget it. It's hard to go in dressed like this...*
Not only is her hair down, but she is also wearing a white skirt that stains easily. Cats are adorable, but if her skirt gets dirty, she might be looked down upon...
—Well... then, let's come back next time if we have the chance.
Kanade didn't force it.
*Although I like cats very much, if I go in specifically to pet one, I always feel like I'm betraying Xiaoxue—even though I haven't visited her for a long time.*
The two walked for a while, first visiting the museum and then buying some desserts to go.
—Those exhibits are very interesting, but it's a pity we can't take souvenir photos...
The angel seemed deeply regretful.
—Those are the rules of the exhibition. If you didn't like it, you can come back to see it next time.
—Will you come with me next time?
—Certainly.
—But it seems like you don't like it much...
Shiina Mahiru hesitated. She was quite interested in the presentations of cultural relics, but Kanade seemed indifferent. He was simply willing to accompany her...
—Well... mainly because I'm not very interested in them...
Kanade responded softly.
"…"
The angel didn't respond.
Although she could sense Kanade was in a subdued mood, she had no idea how to comfort him.
The two walked in silence the whole way, no longer feeling as excited as when they arrived.
Until they turned a corner, something strange happened: the two collided with a running child.
—Whoa! Yes, I'm sorry!
Realizing he was in trouble, the boy immediately stood up and apologized to the two. His mother, who was behind him, also rushed over to apologize.
—I'm sorry! This is all my son's fault. Please forgive me! I will compensate you for all your losses. I am so sorry!
Just as Kanade was about to take control of the conversation, Shiina Mahiru spoke first:
—It's okay, I have my own reasons, you don't have to worry about that.
Then the angel crouched down and touched the crying child's head.
—Don't run anymore, you'll cause trouble for others.
—Understood. Thank you, big sister.
After declining the other party's compensation, both found a nearby bench to sit and rest.
Kanade pulled out a handkerchief and wanted to clean the stains on the angel's skirt.
But what was stained wasn't easy to clean; it was the remains of an ice cream. It was summer, and the ice cream melted immediately. In no time, it had turned into a dye factory on the pure white dress, becoming so colorful that it was impossible to wipe away.
—Do you want to go back?
Kanade suggested.
Although the angel didn't say it, this dress must be a treasure to her. She had never worn it before. It would be a lie to say she didn't care. If she went home and washed it now, it might remain intact.
—It's okay, it's just a small stain, don't make such a fuss.
Shiina Mahiru shook her head.
Seeing Kanade carefully cleaning the stains on her skirt, she knew he didn't mind at all. The skirt didn't matter. The key was not to interrupt their date.
—But you can't wear it like this...
Kanade frowned.
If it were just a few spots, it would be fine, but currently, there are large stains spreading irregularly to the hem of the skirt, making it completely unbearable to look at.
For girls, neat and attractive clothing is their "second face." Shiina might be forcing herself because she's worried about his mood, but he couldn't ignore her feelings.
—I have an idea... Come with me.
Kanade reflected for a moment, and soon an idea came to him. He took Shiina Mahiru's hand and began to lead her away without saying another word.
—Whoa!
The angel was startled, but the warmth in her palm captured her thoughts instantly, so she followed Kanade obediently.
The brim of her hat lowered gradually as the embarrassment in her heart showed on her face; she didn't dare show it to the person in front of her.
*Going along with him... it's very difficult...*
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