Chapter 35: The Ones Ahead Are Dating, The Ones Behind Are...
Kaede, who hadn't stayed up late on Friday night, woke up early on Saturday morning without lingering in bed at all. After showering in the bathroom, he styled his hair and changed into a new outfit he had bought yesterday after school by stopping at the mall.
Although he didn't know how Eriri would prepare, Kaede definitely wanted to be fully prepared himself.
After checking himself in the bathroom mirror, Kaede nodded and said with satisfaction, "Good, this is fine."
Leaving the bathroom and heading downstairs, he was immediately met by the meaningful gazes and smiles of his parents.
"..."
Pulling out his chair and sitting down at the dining table, Kaede asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Asakura Reiko smiled and said, "Son, it looks like you prepared very thoroughly! You look handsome!"
Asakura Kiichi also gave Kaede a thumbs up and said, "As expected of my son! Good luck today!"
Shaking his head helplessly, Kaede picked up his coffee cup, took a sip, and said, "I told you, it's just a simple outing. It's not as complicated as you're making it out to be."
What he said was exactly the same as what Eriri had said on the other side yesterday.
However, the Asakura couple absolutely didn't believe him. Their son had gone out with classmates before, but he had never bought a brand new outfit specifically for an outing like he did today.
Moreover, going out alone with a girl was a first.
Asakura Reiko had seen photos of Eriri. It looked like her son definitely liked her, otherwise, he wouldn't be putting so much effort into this.
Asakura Reiko didn't bother to expose him. She smiled and said, "Alright, alright, it's not complicated. Just have fun today, Kaede. Now, eat your breakfast first."
The Asakura family's breakfast was sometimes Japanese style, sometimes Western style. Since both parents had studied abroad, they sometimes made Chinese breakfast as well. The variety was truly rich.
Today, they were having Chinese steamed buns. Kaede took a meat-filled one, took a bite, and looked at his mother suspiciously.
Usually, she wouldn't let him off the hook so easily. Why didn't she continue the conversation today?
Glancing at his parents, who were, as usual, flaunting their affection, Kaede shook his head slightly and focused on eating his breakfast.
After finishing his meal and drinking a cup of coffee, Kaede went back to his room, organized his things, put his wallet, power bank, and NS into his shoulder bag, and prepared to leave.
"I'm heading out!"
His mom, who was in the kitchen, poked her head out and asked, "Are you coming home for dinner?"
"..." Kaede thought for a moment. He had intended to say yes, but ultimately said, "It depends. Whether I come back or not, I'll call before 5 o'clock."
Asakura Reiko immediately showed a playful smile and gave Kaede an OK sign: "Mom understands. Have fun!"
Not daring to reply, Kaede quickly changed his shoes, pushed open the front door, and left.
He looked up at the day's weather; the sun was bright, and it wasn't too hot, just perfect for an outing.
"Well then, I'll meet up with Eriri first."
Riding his bicycle, Kaede headed towards the station where he had agreed to meet Eriri.
The scenery on both sides of the road moved quickly, and Kaede couldn't help but have some thoughts.
"A bicycle is still a bit inconvenient, but if I want to buy a car, I'll have to wait two more years. Hmm... maybe I should get a motorcycle license during the summer vacation? Riding a motorcycle feels pretty cool."
The more Kaede thought about it, the stronger the impulse became, and he no longer hesitated, making a direct decision.
"In that case, I'll have even more to do during the summer vacation."
Soon, at 9:15 AM, Kaede arrived at the station fifteen minutes early. After waiting for less than five minutes, Eriri, who had also arrived early, joined him.
"Asakura, you're here so early."
"I only arrived five minutes before you, but it's good that I was earlier than you, Eriri." Kaede smiled as he looked at Eriri's outfit for the day, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
A light pink long-sleeved top, a flowing short skirt, and pure white over-the-knee socks. Her whole look still emphasized a pure style, and combined with Eriri's golden twin tails, she was arguably the most eye-catching presence on the street at that moment.
Eriri also noticed Kaede's gaze and couldn't help but feel a little shy. Her mother's words from before they left immediately came to mind, and she suppressed her shyness, saying, "Alright, let's get going."
The two didn't linger; they swiped their cards to enter the station and took the train to Akihabara.
Just after they entered the station, outside, two more groups of people arrived at almost the same time and even bumped into each other.
Sawamura Sayuri watched the woman wearing sunglasses and a sun hat, walking cautiously towards the station as if afraid of being discovered.
Having learned the information, Sawamura Sayuri immediately recognized the other party. She hadn't expected both sets of parents to have the same idea. After some thought, she decided to go over and strike up a conversation... Inside the train, there weren't many people in their carriage, so they sat comfortably.
Holding her phone, Eriri excitedly looked at information online about the Maid Cafe they were planning to visit.
"It seems like that shop is very popular, but it's a shame we can't take photos. Currently, we can only see the basic decor and some reviews."
Kaede looked at the excited Eriri and said with a smile, "Are we going straight there after we arrive in Akihabara?"
"Emmm~~~"
After spending some time together like this, because her mother had told her that if she felt shy, she should focus on having fun and not overthink things, she was no longer as shy.
After thinking for a moment, Eriri said, "Going at this time would be a bit awkward. How about we explore Akihabara first, then go after lunch?"
"I thought you wanted to have lunch at the Maid Cafe."
"Huh!"
Eriri immediately showed a look of disdain and said, "Although I really want to go, I also know the nature of Maid Cafes. Desserts and drinks are fine, but for lunch, like their signature omurice and such, let's forget about it. I don't believe those are all handmade by the maids on site; otherwise, the prices would definitely skyrocket."
Kaede also nodded in agreement: "That's true, but since you plan to go in the afternoon, then let me take you to a good place for lunch? I know a very good shop nearby."
"Really? What kind of place?"
Facing Eriri's question, Kaede showed a mysterious smile: "You'll know when we get there. Alright, we're almost at the station."
Seeing Kaede stand up, Eriri quickly followed suit, and after the train arrived at the station, they walked out together.
Today's Akihabara trip was about to officially begin.