I felt as though Takanashi-san was a bit down.
Now that he mentioned it, I realized I hadn't spoken much about myself at all until now.
There wasn't any particular reason for it; I was simply so content with the time we spent together at school that I hadn't felt the need for anything more.
The opportunity to sit down and talk about these things just hadn't come up.
Come to think of it, I hadn't asked Takanashi-san about his daily life or the things he liked, either.
That was a failure on my part.
But... for him to say that must mean he wants to know more about me, doesn't it?
It made me happy.
I wanted to know more about Takanashi-san, too. I wanted him to tell me everything.
"Takanashi-san, since we became friends, our school life has been so wonderful that I was content to let time just slip by. But after what you just said, I feel a sense of regret for not knowing more about your everyday life."
She was right. I hadn't talked to Senpai about my life outside of school, either.
I'd been so blinded by how much fun I was having in the present that I hadn't looked beyond it.
"Since we've come all this way together, let’s make some time later to sit and talk. We can share the things we want to ask and the things we want to know about each other."
Senpai suggested we get to know each other, her expression bright with a smile.
"...Yes, I’d like that."
"Fufu..."
Senpai laughed happily.
Thank goodness.
It made me happy to know that she wanted to learn about me, too.
"To be honest... this is a first for me."
"Yeah, I know. I have to see it all the time."
"They’re completely in a world of their own, aren't they? They're just staring into each other's eyes in the middle of a shop... People are starting to notice."
"Even when the three of us are together, they often leave me behind. I've gotten used to it."
It didn't matter if they were in a shop or not. It was a bit late to worry about that now.
"I have no idea what they're talking about, but they can create that kind of atmosphere and still call themselves 'just friends'?"
It helped that Yuji was coming to understand those two so well.
"It’s like we said. As long as it doesn't feel strange to them, it's perfectly normal in their eyes."
"Haa... Anyway, did they finally decide on a present?"
Hmm, if we didn't get a little closer, I wouldn't be able to hear their conversation.
Since we'd agreed to open up to each other, I could wait to pick out a present until after we'd talked. Something she said might give me an idea.
"Senpai, should we grab lunch before the rush?"
"You're right, it will probably get busy soon. If you'd like, since we have so much to talk about, there's an open terrace cafe nearby. We could have a light meal there and chat."
"Yes, let's go there."
We left the shop and headed for the cafe, passing through the boutique area on the way.
As I glanced at the shops while we walked, I spotted a store that specialized in the kind of cute clothes Senpai was wearing today. The mannequins in the window and even the staff were dressed in the same style.
Wait.
That... I'll make that my first choice for the gift.
We ordered sandwiches and drinks at the cafe and took a seat in a corner of the open terrace.
"Shall we eat, then?"
"Yes."
I opted for the roast beef sandwich, while Senpai chose the salad chicken and tomato sandwich.
Honestly, it probably wasn't going to be enough for me, but I couldn't exactly order two or three of them in front of her.
"This is the first time I've had lunch in a place this stylish. When I'm out with the guys, we usually just grab a quick bowl of ramen."
"Natsumi usually researches all sorts of places for us, so I tend to leave the decisions to her."
I hadn't planned it, but the conversation was heading in a good direction. I decided to keep it going.
"I see. Do you usually go out on your days off, Senpai?"
"Natsumi invites me out fairly often. Even if I don't buy anything, I enjoy taking my time window shopping."
"Is that so? Do you have any hobbies you enjoy at home?"
"Something I could call a hobby... I enjoy reading, but I don't know if that counts. When I don't have any plans, I spend my time doing housework or studying. Occasionally, I help out at my grandmother’s house... at the shrine."
I see.
I imagined a shrine would be quite busy with plenty of chores.
In my mind, I'd had a simple image of Senpai spending her day off reading while sipping tea, but she spent her time on housework and helping family.
Since her bento was so delicious, she must be an excellent cook. She was much more domestic than I’d realized.