Ten minutes later, Shizu and I exited the bookstore. I held the paper bag containing the two books that we bought.

What did she get for me?

Uh. Lets just say its a motivational work that deals with being different from anyone. It was originally for her but she wanted me to read it first as at this point, were already peas in the same pod.

Thankfully, it wasnt as thick as an encyclopedia. I could surely finish it in my spare time.

With our bookstore date considered a success, Shizu was now excited about what else to come.

Your turn, numbskull.

Giving me full rein on our next destination, she probably wouldnt mind if I brought her home or to a hotel.

But well, thats too early for that. She told me that she already got permission to stay overnight. As for her excuse, its like I guessed. She just made up one lie and they bought it right away without questioning her too much. Her parents trusted her that much.

Really, Im a bad influence on her, no? But Shizu wont even let me dwell on that thought. Rather than worry about her one lie, shed rather enjoy this day with me.

And so, our next destination that I picked is a small theater or maybe just a movie room. Im not sure about the actual term. Unlike the old theater I went to with Himeko and Maaya before, its just like a manga caf room or a videoke room. Its a place you rent to watch movies while having a place to relax.

Naturally, privacy was their main selling point but doing indecent acts within it was always frowned upon. Not that I planned to do so... Or I do? Well, what I had in mind was to watch a movie with her. Something we could enjoy together.

Of course, it would be a short one not exceeding two hours.

By the time we finish. Itd be just in time for our dinner.

As it was located in the shopping district, Shizu once again resumed her earlier method of keeping her eyes only on me. I could feel her heated gaze upon hearing that it was a private room for only the two of us. Most likely, shes also thinking about it whether wed be doing something there or not.

I flicked her forehead to get her thoughts out of that cloud and before continuing to our destination, I stopped by the bakery to buy croquettes that we could snack on.

Shizu pouted but she didnt reject the savory smell of the bread and its content. As for our drink, I grabbed some juice from another store. One was enough since were going to share it with each other.

This is a date, after all. Besides, I am loaded today. Ichihara Jun gifted me 250 thousand. I can splurge a bit and also think about buying my girls small gifts. But then again, Ive just done that recently. They might think I was using my earnings to spoil them.

Anyway, the croquette, even if its one of the cheaper ones, was tasty. Shizu also seemed to enjoy it. Then the fruit juice fully complemented it and helped in smoothly pushing it down our stomachs.

... I never thought eating like this outside would be this enjoyable. Numbskull, will it always feel like this? Things I dont normally enjoy will be enjoyable when Im with you?

Since we had yet to finish eating our food and drink, we sat down on a bench placed on the side of the establishment where the movie room was located.

And while taking small bites and sipping on the straw without being flustered at having an indirect kiss with me, Shizu muttered that as though she had just realized it.

Her eyes had this positive glow that showed how much she was enjoying this time with me. However, shes also doubtful whether itll be the same every time.

Honestly, I have no idea. You know my past, right? I was so heartless that even if I deemed something enjoyable, I would never show it on my face. The girls who got caught by me would just take my silence as my agreement and take it positively. They needed to hold onto that or else, theyd just be depressed for being involved with me.

Somehow, even if I could answer her question using the lens of the present, my mouth spilled my repressed feelings about that past.

Yeah. I was changing a lot and I learned to enjoy my time with my girls now. However, those times wouldnt simply be erased.

Perhaps sensing my self-reproach, Shizu poked my cheek to get my attention.

There you go again, numbskull. Just say you did enjoy that time with them, you just dont know how to convey it normally. As for what I said, Im positive it will be this enjoyable as long as Im with you.

This... In the end, I was comforted by her. Really, youre an idiot, Ruki.

After sweeping away the negative thoughts in my head, I bit into her croquette, taking a mouthful of it.

Shizu gasped and then responded in kind, dragging my arm down and swallowing what was left of mine.

Not only that, she even went to grab the drink that I placed on my side and gulped it down.

With her cheeks bloated cutely, Shizu made a face at me as though saying, Serves you right, numbskull.

She laughed and then I got infected by her sweet laughter.

Thanks to that stunt, the two of us were left with nothing to wash our mouths with after we finished the remaining croquette.

And so, upon entering the movie room and picking one room from the available ones, we immediately put down an order for a bottle of water and iced tea.

The worker of the establishment smiled at how we were bantering at each other and even without tasking, she already deemed us as a couple.

Thats why before giving us the key to the room as well as the drinks we ordered, she pointed at a notice behind her.

We value your privacy. But please refrain from doing indecent things inside the room. This establishment isnt a love hotel. There is one a few blocks from here. You can go there instead. It is cheaper.

Upon reading that, Shizu paused as her face gradually reddened. She didnt need to say anything as the woman behind the counter immediately apologized for making her embarrassed.

To salvage the situation, I assured the worker by saying, Dont worry. Were here to watch Godzilla.

Oh! I see! Enjoy watching with your girlfriend! Call us if you need anything. I will also be calling you when your time is almost up.

Thanks.

She handed the key to Shizu who had already partially recovered while I picked up the tray that contained drinking glasses, a bucket of ice, and the bottles of water and iced tea.

Before walking away from there, Shizu glared at the woman before muttering quietly, Numbskull, are they always like this here?

Well, theyre probably just taking precautions, no? Couples nowadays cannot seem to contain themselves when locked in the same room.

Ah. Youre right. Just like you and us. She smirked, taking a jab at me and how often I do it with them.

I told the truth back there, you know?

Really? I doubt it. But I like it too. I heard they did it well this time.

So, youre also watching movies.

I took a shot at her there and sure enough, her amusement instantly disappeared as her glare found its new target.

Of course. What do you think of me? Lacking entertainment in my life?

No. I just thought youd like other genres.

This guy... Just you wait. Ill get you so distracted you wont be able to focus on the movie.

Heh. Then Ill position myself behind you and hold you closely. That way we both can focus.

I believe you, Mr. self-proclaimed pervert.

Shizu mischievously grinned as we arrived in front of the room. She used the keycard and opened it.

As we both entered the room, Shizu pulled the door close. Before I could drop the drinks on a table, Shizus arms slipped from my side, embracing me from behind.

We havent even gotten a proper look at the room but here she was, unable to contain herself anymore.

Well, I mightve been trying to act cool but Im just the same as her.

After turning the large screen on and selecting our movie, I turned around and carried Shizu to the comfortable cushioned armchair seats that could be reclined and converted into a small bed.

As the opening credits of the movie rolled, we started this movie date with an intimate kiss that tasted like the croquette that we had just eaten.