Casting away the other thoughts in my head, I held Shizus hand tightly as we started our journey outside the school grounds. We had no set destination but for now, just the company of each other seemed to make us tremble with excitement on how this day would end.

The night had yet to fall but given that it was already past five oclock in the afternoon, the sky was already tinted orange. The busy street outside the school also seemed like a different place than before. No uniformed students walked around or stayed at some corner to pass some time.

A few steps out and the silence engulfed us. I looked at Shizu walking quietly by my side and caught her staring at me.

With her clear, round eyes filled with her deep thoughts, a small smile bloomed from her lips.

What? Can I not stare at my man?

I havent said anything yet.

The way she said that would surely make anyones heart skip a beat and then her following giggle would spell their death sentence.

Somehow, I felt like we were back to where we started. I was carefully treading the line to understand this girl behind her mask. And likewise, her meaningful gaze seemed to see past my mask of confidence.

Thats how I interpreted it, numbskull. I trust you won't just let me trip over. And even if I do, your strong arms will prevent me from being hurt. Hence, I can whimsically decide to just admire your side frame.

Alright. You can do that but isnt that unfair to me?

Numbskull, how is it unfair when youre always staring at me when Im working? Im not busy this time so it is only right that it will be my turn.

Uh. Shes not wrong. Thats what I always do whenever were in her office.

Come on. Accept your fate. Ill keep admiring you like this. Besides, if I let my eyes only have you as my focus, no one will dare attempt to provoke you and flaunt their ugly desire to gain my attention.

I see. I guess thats fair. I might take down more idiots if that happens. Your eyes are only for me.

I found myself agreeing to her words. But then again, the way she said that was filled with confidence. Shes more than aware of her beauty. For sure, he had been hit on many times over by those ignorant during her first year in our school. Walking along these streets alone, she would be thought to be a target they could impress.

Alas, she had neither the time nor the interest to get to know them. Maybe if I didnt get involved with Nami, I also wouldnt be noticed by her.

Thats in the past now though. At this moment, this girl will never shy away from declaring her love for me.

A jealous numbskull will probably be a sight to see... However, I wont intentionally do that. Thats a vain thought.

You dont like the fun of seeing me act childish when Im jealous.

Yes.

Shizus short answer was then followed by a squeeze on my hand. Then as though she was asking for my full attention, she tugged at my sleeve.

Taking this chance to look at her again, I found her desire written on her face.

Stopping in our steps, I then moved in front of her. With my hand on her chin, I lifted her head and caught her lips with mine.

Were in the middle of the street. But who cares, right?

My Shizu felt like asking for my kiss and Ill always deliver that.

Simple-minded, numbskull.

Im always an idiot when it comes to you, no?

Indeed. You cant help but make me fall for you when all I did initially was to accuse and provoke you.

Thats already in the past. You know why I fell for you, right?

What? Because you admire my hard-working personality?

Thats a part of it. But because my Shizu is so beautiful beneath that mask. My desire for you bloomed right away, not wanting to see you get taken by someone else.

Greedy idiot.

You love this greedy idiot anyway.

Yeah. I also love how shameless you are.

Another smile bloomed from our lips and a moment later, we once again got taken in by our desire to convey our affection through action.

With this kind of conversation becoming like a sprinkle of sugar that made this moment sweeter for us, every second that passed was already something memorable.

Before long we reached the usual shopping district near the station. But instead of going to that crowded street right away, Shizu and I walked into the bookstore. The one that Aya, Rae, and I often visit.

Inside was also quiet and the smell of brand-new books permeated in the air.

We walked around and reached the Education Book aisle, browsing through them.

When I asked her why she picked this place, her reason was simple, I searched it up and found that going to the bookstore is one of the top picks when people are asked what they want to do on a date. We can talk about our interests and share them with one another.

Thats a cute reason but even more so was the fact that she looked it up on the internet. She also spared no effort to make this date meaningful for us.

Thats not wrong.

You didnt finish that sentence.

Hmm? But I did.

No, numbskull. If its you, youll mention the girls who you often went to the bookstore with. I dont mind. Were all in this together. You dont have to hold back or tread carefully. I also like hearing things about them. You see, arent I kind of an outcast?

Ah. Shes not wrong. Its already in my head. How Rae and Aya loved it whenever we were here. Although it hasn't happened a lot of times yet, those moments are really something I truly cherish. Their genuine enjoyment from discussing things with me and at the same time the glint in their eyes as they listened to me try to describe my interest in books.

Like she said, we were able to understand each other better during those times.

In any case, her last sentence made me stop.

An outcast, how so?

Come on, numbskull. Arent I hard to talk to? Im also the one who kept on declaring that in the future, theyll leave you and I will be the last one standing next to you.

Hard to talk to? Her?

Hardly.

Shes frugal with using words, true. But shes already getting along with the others. Hell, even Komoe found it fascinating to be in her presence. And then theres Marika who immediately admired her even from just that short time they sat next to each other a few days ago.

I guess thats one thing Ill disagree with, Shizu. Youre not an outcast. You never are and never will be.

Alright. Explain.

Its simple. Because youre one of my girls. Including Nami, everyone already sees you as their sister.

I picked up a book that caught my eye, its an educational one but its probably written to not be filled with boring terminology. Its an introduction to psychology. Its something I read once before. I even have a copy of it on my bookshelf. However, I have yet to continue delving deeper into that subject. I mean, I feel like I might not be able to fully understand them considering I deem myself broken.

I handed the book to Shizu. Her eyes alternated between the book and me before shaking her head and flipping the book open.

A few seconds in, Shizu still tried to respond to what I said last. Or maybe refute it. But slowly but surely, she became engrossed even with just the first page.

Before flipping it to the next one, she looked up at me, placed the book close to her chest, and tiptoed to deliver a kiss on my lips.

They see me as their sister? Okay. Ill believe you, numbskull. Lets go, its my turn to share with you my interest in books.

While still holding the book, she grabbed my hand and dragged me further into the aisle.

Were just starting our date but theres no doubt that were already enjoying it to the fullest.