Moving a short distance away, I intentionally suggested a restroom break near the first general goods store we’d visited.
Since it was Sunday, there was a bit of a line, which worked perfectly for my plan.
I hurried away as soon as she left, ducking into the store and heading straight for the apron section.
Browsing through the selection, I found one adorned with cute, stylized animal illustrations that reminded me of the design on the bento box.
Following my gut, I grabbed it and headed to the register.
The clerk placed it in a rather charming gift bag for me.
I rushed back to our meeting spot, and after a brief wait, Sara-senpai returned.
"I am so sorry, it was quite crowded..."
"Don't worry about it. I could see the line from here."
As we strolled along, we eventually found ourselves back at the entrance where we had first arrived.
"Well then, I suppose it is almost time..."
"Yes... I guess so."
I felt it too, but Senpai seemed just as hesitant to say the words "let's go home." It made me happy to think she didn't want the day to end either.
That was why I decided to take the leap.
"Sara-senpai, thank you so much for today. This is the first time I've ever had such an enjoyable holiday."
"Takanashi-san... I cannot remember a time I enjoyed a day off more than this. Truly, thank you."
"Next time, may I be the one to invite you? Of course, if you want to include Natsumi-senpai, I'm perfectly fine with the three of us. What do you think?"
"Fufu... Thank you. I cannot speak for Natsumi, but I will adjust my schedule as much as possible. I shall look forward to your invitation."
"Then... shall we head back?"
"Yes..."
The walk to the station was somewhat quiet, but with a smiling Senpai by my side, the silence didn't bother me.
Occasionally, Senpai would reach up and touch her hat, checking its fit.
It was such a heartwarming sight that I found myself staring, and our eyes met.
"Ah, no, um... since I do not usually wear hats, I was simply worried I might have it on incorrectly..."
"No, it’s not that. I know I’m the one who picked it out, but... it really does suit you."
The shopping mall was close to the station, so we arrived in no time.
I was reluctant to say goodbye, but I knew this was as far as we went today.
We stopped at the place where we’d met that morning.
I held out the bento box.
"Senpai, here. Please take this."
"Yes... I shall take custody of it. Starting tomorrow, I will use this bento box to prepare your lunch. I am looking forward to it."
"I appreciate the trouble. Thank you. And also... this."
I held out the bag with the apron.
"I’d be happy if you used this, whether you’re making my bento or just cooking at home."
"Eh... Oh, my."
I took Sara-senpai's hand and pressed the bag into it.
"This apron is meant to be a set with the bento box. If you don't accept this too, I'll be in a bit of a bind, you know?"
"......I could never do anything to put you in a bind, Takanashi-san. Thank you very much. I will be sure to use this whenever I cook from now on."
Senpai clutched the apron to her chest as if giving it a hug.
"Well then, I shall take my leave for today. Until tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow."
I watched her walk away until she turned back one last time.
When I waved, she waved back.
I was already counting down the hours until I could see her again tomorrow...
Once I arrived home and changed, I spent a moment gazing at the hat sitting on my bed.
It was the hat Takanashi-san had given me.
I did not want to get it dirty, not even in the slightest...
And yet, even if I had no intention of showing it off to anyone, I truly wanted to wear it often.
...Ugh, it was such a dilemma.
Actually, I felt the same way about the apron.
However, since I had promised him I would use it while making his bento and cooking... I fully intended to use it properly.
Ah, that was right—I needed to look up the proper way to care for it and store it.
Ping.
The RAIN notification chime rang.
It was from Natsumi.
"Are you home yet?"
"Yes, I am already back in my room."
My phone immediately began to ring.
"Good work today."
"Yes, good work."
"Were you able to buy what you were looking for?"
"Yes, he bought me a lovely bento box. I will begin using it to prepare his lunch starting tomorrow."
"I see. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Did you head straight home after that?"
"No, we talked about many things and... well, I received a gift."
"I see. So he finally followed through."
"Eh?"
"Nothing, just talking to myself. What did you get?"
"A cute hat and an apron. Takanashi-san chose them for me... He said... well, that they would definitely suit me."
"I see, I see. Then I guess you'll be able to show them off the next time we all go out?"
"Ugh... I am actually worrying about that right now. Whether I should use them regularly or not."
"Eh? Is the hat so embarrassing that you can't wear it normally?"
"There is no way I would think of a treasure I received from Takanashi-san as embarrassing!"
"Hie! Sorry, it was just a joke!"
"Honestly... I am simply afraid of it becoming dirty or damaged."
"Hmm, but I think Takanashi-kun would be much happier if you actually used them."
"...You are right. I will simply have to be extra careful with how I clean and store them."
"Yeah, I think that's for the best. Anyway, I'm glad you had a good time today. Good job. Get some rest."
"Yes, thank you. I will see you tomorrow."
"See ya~"
As for tomorrow's menu...
For the first meal to be packed into the bento box dedicated to Takanashi-san, there was only one choice: hamburg steak.
I would do my absolute best to ensure he was pleased.