Chapter 6: The First Date and…

I confided in Takayanagi-sensei that afternoon, “I’m thinking of discussing it with my parents.”

Sensei’s expression softened with a hint of relief. “Is that okay?”

I nodded firmly. Mitsui-sensei’s story had struck me deeply, piercing my heart. Hiding the truth would only be more unfilial, I realized. I wouldn’t run away anymore. I wanted to stand and fight alongside everyone.

To do that, I needed to consult with trustworthy adults and keep moving forward.

“I see. Thank you, Aono,” Sensei replied. “If it’s too hard to say, I can pass the message along. The principal also mentioned wanting to discuss next steps with your family.”

“Thank you, but I’d rather tell them myself.”

“Got it. You’ve grown so much stronger in just half a day, Aono. Your family runs a restaurant, right? They must be busy. We’ll adjust the meeting time as much as we can. If it works, we’ll come to your place, so please talk it over with them. Here’s my contact info. Once you’ve spoken with your parents, give me a call. I’ll answer right away.”

“Thank you. It might be late at night. Is that okay?”

Sensei chuckled. “I’m a night owl, so I’m honestly sharper then. Mornings are the real struggle. My lifestyle’s not exactly teacher material.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his self-deprecating humor. It felt reassuring.

“I’m counting on you, Takayanagi-sensei.”

“Lean on your homeroom teacher anytime, Aono.”

With that, I left the school. It was only the second day since Takayanagi-sensei had learned of the issue, but bit by bit, I could glimpse a faint spark of hope.

※

As I passed through the main gate, a breathtakingly beautiful girl stood waiting. Even though we’d made plans, her presence still caught me off guard.

“You’re late, Senpai!” Ichijou-san teased, her casual tone easing my tension.

“I got the full ‘away game’ treatment, so I came out a bit late,” I replied, regaining some composure. “The peak dismissal rush is over, but I was still getting plenty of cold stares.”

She laughed brightly. “Sure, there’s the rumor thing, but didn’t you also make new enemies by walking to school with me this morning?”

“Can’t deny that.”

“But that’s a good thing.”

“How so?”

“Your expression’s softer now compared to this morning—kinder, maybe. I noticed it right away. It’s a relief.”

This junior of mine really paid close attention to me.

“That’s thanks to you, Ichijou-san.”

“Huh? I haven’t done anything.”

“No way. You were the first to believe in me.”

Her refusal to be swayed by rumors, her calm rationality—it had saved me more than she could know. Apart from Satoshi, no one close to me had stood by me like that.

“Is that so? Am I special?” she asked, her teasing tone emphasizing the word.

I owed her more than words could express. “Yeah, honestly, you are. That’s why we became best friends the same day we became friends.”

“Hmm~” Her smile was joyful yet tinged with something conflicted as she murmured, “Well, even if we’re best friends, being special doesn’t feel bad.”

“For now, at least…” Her smile turned faintly lonely.

As our mismatched duo walked home together, the crowd around us began to stir. The rumors had spread even further since morning—a calculated part of Ichijou-san’s strategy, no doubt.

“You okay?” I asked, a touch of worry creeping in.

“Huh? With what? Worried about the dating rumors or something?”

Her playful response eased my nerves, but I clarified, “No, not that. I was wondering if being seen with me is hurting your reputation or if people are saying bad things about you.”

Ichijou-san was the school’s idol—a saint, an angel. The countless labels heaped upon her carried the weight of others’ expectations.

“You’re so kind, Senpai,” she said warmly. “To worry about me even when you’re going through the toughest time—not everyone could do that.”

“It’s obvious. I’d hate for my best friend to get hurt because of me.”

“Right? I knew you’d say that. But don’t worry. It’s just some whispers about dating rumors—no real harm done.”

“That sounds like harm to me. Just to be sure, is it okay with… you know, a crush or a boyfriend?”

She laughed, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Harm? More like a reward. It’s an important established fact.” Then, louder, she continued, “You’re asking that now? If I had someone, I wouldn’t have gone on a romantic runaway with you yesterday. You’d normally check that first, right?”

Her flawless logic left me speechless. So this was the infamous “logical harassment” rejection technique Ichijou was known for.

“Thanks.”

“No, thank you. But I did wake up early for this, so I’d like a little reward.”

“Huh?”

“How about we go on a date? Want to grab something sweet?”

Her bombshell declaration rang out loud enough for everyone to hear, and I could only muster a stiff smile. The silent screams of the students heading home echoed around us.

“Why?!”

“Why is Ichijou Ai asking Aono Eiji out on a date?”

“The heartbreaker who’s rejected dozens of guys…”

“Unbelievable.”

“And she’s the one asking him out?”

“I liked her first…”

The resentful murmurs swirled, but Ichijou-san pressed on, laughing. “What’s wrong? You’re all stiff. I mustered up a lot of courage to ask you out, so say something!”

“It’s just… you said ‘date’ and all.”

“Huh? Two people going out for sweets after school—what else is that if not a date?”

“Sure, but you’ve gotta consider the time and place. And all the eyes on us.”

“It’s fine. I asked because I wanted to hang out. Letting others’ opinions or interference ignore my feelings—that’s what’s wrong with the world, don’t you think? So, will you go with me?”

Her gaze locked onto mine, unwavering with resolve. The crowd’s reactions—“Ooh!” and “A public confession?!”—buzzed around us, but she didn’t flinch.

I had some money saved from my summer part-time job, so that wasn’t an issue. More importantly, I couldn’t let my junior, who’d done so much for me, lose face.

“Yeah, since you went out of your way to ask, let’s go. Got a place in mind?”

“Yay! There’s a place I really want to try.”

Monopolizing the radiant smile of one of the school’s top beauties—objectively speaking, I was one lucky guy in a truly luxurious moment.

※

She guided me to a chic café near the station, a place that felt a touch too sophisticated for high schoolers. It was the kind of spot where college girls and local women could lose hours chatting, oblivious to time.

Despite being younger, Ichijou-san blended effortlessly into the antique charm of the café, her calm demeanor radiating an undeniable elegance. Even in her school uniform, her refined upbringing shone through. If she cradled a teacup with a wistful gaze, no one could embody “refined young lady” more perfectly.

“A close classmate mentioned coming here for a weekend date, and I was a bit jealous,” she said softly, her smile carrying the intimacy of a shared secret. “It’s like a little dream come true.”

With just her tone and choice of words, she could make any foolish guy—including me—fall for her. The contrast between her poised grace and her slightly childish expressions was almost overwhelming.

“That’s a bit surprising, though.”

“What is?”

“I didn’t expect you to be into things like dates.”

With her looks and personality, she could have a boyfriend in a heartbeat if she chose. Dozens of guys had confessed to her since starting high school, only to be turned away.

“If I said I wasn’t, that’d be a lie,” she admitted. “I’m a teenage girl, too, you know. But the guys who confess to me only see me as a status accessory. Honestly, it hurts a bit.”

Her brief, bitter smile faded back into her usual warmth. It made sense—distrust toward those who saw her only superficially, treating her like an object.

So why was I different? The tactless question lingered in my mind, but I couldn’t bring myself to voice it.

“You’re right. Sorry, that was a weird thing to say,” I said instead. “Let’s eat. You’ve done a lot for me, so today’s on me.”

“Thank you! They say the pancakes here are delicious, so I’ll have those.”

“Same for me. What about drinks?”

“I’ll have a hot apple tea, please.”

──Ichijou Ai’s Perspective──

After placing our order, I excused myself to the restroom. I needed a moment to calm my racing heartbeat, worried he might hear it. Splashing cold water on my hands, I tried to cool the heat rising in my body, if only a little.

“Asking out a guy you like on a date is this nerve-wracking, huh?” I murmured, genuinely surprised at how much I’d become just an ordinary girl.

“I wonder if it got through to him. That he’s special to me.”

The hint of vulnerability that had slipped out washed away with the water.

From the restroom, I saw Senpai fidgeting at our table. He hadn’t noticed I’d reserved a couple’s seat. A pang of guilt tugged at me for keeping it a secret, but my dream of sharing tea with someone I adored in a lovely café had come true.

※

As we ate our pancakes, we opened up about ourselves. It was hard to believe we’d only known each other for a day—our bond felt so natural. Yet we barely knew each other’s pasts, making our connection feel slightly mismatched.

I could sense Ichijou-san carried some family troubles, so I steered clear of that topic, and we shared bits of ourselves slowly. We talked about our favorite things and middle school days. Ichijou-san had attended a private middle school in Tokyo, it seemed. From her reluctance to elaborate, I gathered there was a reason she hadn’t continued to the affiliated high school—likely tied to family.

I didn’t pry. Given her exceptional nature, it was unthinkable she’d struggled with grades or delinquency.

“The reason I didn’t go to the affiliated high school was due to family circumstances,” she said with a wry smile, as if reading my thoughts.

Seeing her troubled expression, I couldn’t press further.

My own stories, though, sparked some excitement. Having grown up locally and attended the nearby high school, I had plenty of quirky anecdotes—like the time I caught a thief pilfering from the shrine’s offering box and reported it, or how Satoshi and I became friends when he helped me out. But talking about the past inevitably brushed against Miyuki, a sting I couldn’t ignore. Omitting her presence from those stories, keeping her out of the conversation, left a quiet sadness.

“Senpai?”

Ichijou-san took a sip of her apple tea, turning a saintly smile toward me.

“Hm?”

“It’s okay,” she said gently. “When things are tough, it’s fine to say so. I don’t know the full story, but I have a sense of what happened. For most people, it’d be too painful to even start recovering from something like this. You’re strong… but being too strong can break a person eventually. Before you break, talk to me, okay?”

Her fingers brushed the back of my left hand, a touch filled with quiet compassion.

“Why do you believe in me, Ichijou-san?”

“Yesterday, it was because I didn’t think it was right to be swayed by vague rumors. But now it’s different. Even though it’s only been a day, being with you has shown me you’re not the kind of person the rumors describe. You’re probably someone who values others more than yourself—no, someone who’d sacrifice yourself for others. That’s admirable, but I can’t forgive those who’d crush you with malice. So, if it’s painful, I’m here with you.”

I let myself lean into her kindness. “Thanks, always.”

The words slipped out thoughtlessly.

“Always? It’s only our second day, you know.”

We shared a soft laugh.

“Oh, and Senpai, I ate too many snacks today, so I’m really sorry, but let’s save the kaki fry for another day. I’ll let your mom know myself.”

“Wait, when did you exchange contact info—putting that aside, is that okay?”

“Yes! I can’t interfere with your resolve, after all.”

Her understanding left me in awe, and I gratefully accepted her thoughtfulness.

──Ichijou Ai’s Perspective──

After parting with him, I slipped into the car sent to pick me up, my heart lingering on the happy moments we’d shared.

When we met at the school gate, his expression had shifted, like he’d made up his mind. I knew instantly—he’d resolved to talk to his mom and family. Unlike my own family, I was certain Senpai’s would stand by him. A twinge of envy stirred at the strength of their trust, at how quickly he could decide to voice something so difficult.

Those words I’d spoken earlier were also meant for myself. If Senpai hadn’t been on that rooftop by chance, I would’ve been the one to break.

He said, “Thanks, always.” But I’m the one who owes the gratitude.

“Thank you so much for finding me when I was about to break, about to fall apart.”

We’re still just best friends… but someday… definitely.

※

I lingered in front of the shop’s door for several minutes, my hand hesitating on the knob. If I was going to speak, now was the moment—night prep should be winding down, minimizing disruption to their work. I needed to step inside soon, but my body felt leaden, weighed down by the words I carried.

The faces of those who believed in me flashed through my mind: Ichijou-san, Satoshi, Takayanagi-sensei, Mitsui-sensei. The last was my junior’s gentle smile, her voice echoing, “If it’s painful, I’m here with you.”

Before I realized it, my grip tightened on the doorknob, resolve surging through me.

“I’m home.”

Inside, Mom sat at the shop’s table, tallying the day’s sales.

“Where’s Nii-san?” I asked.

“Welcome back,” she said, closing the ledger with a warm smile. “He stepped out to restock some seasonings we ran low on. Want something to drink?”

Her familiar warmth steadied me. Summoning my courage, I spoke. “Mom, I’m sorry. There’s something I need you to hear.”

“What’s with the formality…?” Her brow furrowed slightly, catching the gravity in my expression.

“The thing is, I…” My breath quickened, time crawling as the words stuck in my throat. With a trembling voice, I forced them out. “Since the summer break ended…”

“Yeah?” Her worry deepened, mirroring my strained tone.

“I’m sorry. The truth is, I’ve been getting harassed at school. Probably by classmates.”

Mom froze, her face blank as if the words hadn’t registered. Her unblinking stare bore into me, and regret surged within. I shouldn’t have said it. I’d burdened her with my pain.

“Harassed?” Her voice was flat, devoid of emotion, each syllable cutting deeper.

“Yeah, I’m sorry.” Guilt overwhelmed me. She must be reeling, learning her son was suffering like this.

All I could muster was apologies, shame and sorrow threatening to spill as tears.

“Why are you apologizing? Eiji, you’re being bullied, right?” Her voice trembled now, piercing through my vague “harassed” to the raw truth.

“Yeah, I’m sorry.” The same pathetic words tumbled out, my self-loathing growing. I wanted to vanish.

As I squeezed my eyes shut in frustration, a warm embrace enveloped me.

“You don’t need to apologize,” Mom said softly. “Thank you, actually, for telling me. It must’ve been so tough, so painful. I’m sorry I didn’t notice as your mother.”

Her gentle words and tight hug unraveled me. Like a child, I clung to her, sobbing.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. You’re the one hurting the most. Don’t blame yourself anymore. Thank you for sharing something so hard to say. You’re truly my pride and joy.”

In that moment, it felt like my late dad was there, standing with us.

※

I poured out everything about the harassment. How false rumors about my fallout with Miyuki spread on SNS, isolating me at school. How those lies fueled defamatory graffiti on my desk, even threats against Kitchen Aono, driving my friends to shun me and forcing me to quit my club.

Mom’s face burned with an anger I’d never seen, her hands trembling with fury. But as I spoke of those supporting me, her expression softened faintly.

I told her how Ichijou-san became my first ally, unwavering from the start. How Satoshi apologized for not noticing my struggles or shielding me. How Takayanagi-sensei, my homeroom teacher, acted swiftly with genuine care. How the principal, vice-principal, and Iwai-sensei, the grade-level head, were ensuring I faced no unfair consequences. How Mitsui-sensei’s words gave me courage.

“That’s a relief,” Mom said, nodding with genuine ease. “You’ve got solid allies.”

When I mentioned the principal and Takayanagi-sensei’s wish to discuss next steps, her resolve was immediate. “I’d like to meet them as soon as possible.”

“Then I’ll arrange for them to come here during tomorrow’s lunch break,” I said, stepping out to contact Takayanagi-sensei.

※

After confessing to Mom and calling Sensei, exhaustion claimed me, and I fell asleep instantly. When I woke in my room, it was past nine. I must’ve been more drained than I realized.

At this hour, Mom and Nii-san were likely still cleaning up from work. Outside my door, I found an onigiri and a thermos of wakame and tofu miso soup, a note from Mom beside it: “You must be tired, so sleep well. Eat when you wake up.”

The onigiri had gone cold, but it was my favorite—tuna mayo and salmon. Paired with the hot miso soup, even cold rice tasted like a feast. As I savored it, gratitude washed over me for everyone around me: Takayanagi-sensei, Mitsui-sensei, the principal and others working behind the scenes, Ichijou-san, Satoshi, Mom, and Nii-san.

I’d thought I’d lost everything after being cheated on and harassed, but now I saw how many people truly cared. If I hadn’t met Ichijou-san on that rooftop, I might’ve left them all grieving.

I owed her so much.

That reminded me to check my phone. We’d exchanged Line contacts at the café. A message from Ichijou-san, sent thirty minutes ago, read: “Senpai, I want to walk to school together for tomorrow’s all-school mock exam, so please take care of me!!”

Walking to school together—a bold move for a guy and girl—had somehow become our norm. There was also a message from Satoshi, his casual tone laced with consideration.

I noticed the harassing SNS messages, once relentless at the start of the second term, had dwindled. Even with notifications muted, pop-ups were scarce. Maybe Ichijou-san’s strategy was working. Still, the thought of returning to that classroom filled me with dread. The novel I’d written for the literature club’s magazine was likely discarded. The data remained on my phone, but imagining my manuscript thrown away ached.

I consoled myself. I’d lost much, but I’d gained even more.

Then, something struck me. The love I’d once held for Miyuki was gone. Thinking of my childhood friend and former girlfriend stirred only disappointment and anger. In its place, a new emotion grew stronger.

“This is probably what that means, huh?” I murmured, picturing her—my greatest ally. Slowly, I closed my eyes.

──Mom’s Perspective──

Alone in the room, I spoke with quiet resolve. “I told you to keep things fair, but you crossed a line, Miyuki-chan. I won’t hold back anymore. I’ll do everything to protect Eiji. Whatever happens to you, I don’t care.”

I’d cherished her like a daughter once, but my resolve to shield Eiji was unshakable. Then, a call came from someone I trusted.

“It’s been a while, Minami-sensei.”

“I read your message. Is it true? Eiji-kun is being harassed at school?”

Minami-sensei, like a sworn brother to my late husband, had been a steadfast friend despite their age gap. His vibrant voice, untouched by his seventy-plus years, carried over the phone. After my husband’s passing, he’d become a grandfatherly guardian to my sons. I knew he’d help.

“It seems to be true. Tomorrow, the principal and Eiji’s homeroom teacher are coming during lunch break to discuss next steps.”

“What a thing to hear,” he said, voice heavy. “Harassing someone as kind as Eiji-kun. But I know the principal of his school—he’s in my volunteer group. He’s an excellent educator and will support you. How’s Eiji-kun holding up? It’s a sensitive age. He must be hurting. It’s unforgivable. If there’s anything I can do, tell me.”

“Thank you. Your words mean so much.” His warmth brought tears to my eyes.

“From my time as mayor, I’m still close with the prefecture’s school education director and education committee members. They’ll help, too. Your late husband, Mamoru-kun, was one of the city’s honored figures. I’ll protect his legacy—Eiji-kun—even if it’s the last thing I do.”

The former mayor’s unwavering resolve echoed through the phone, a promise I knew he’d keep.