BHSAF 157: Date with Airi 4

"Is there any attraction you want to go to, Airi?"

　After entering the park, Yuu steps aside so as not to get in the way of people passing by, and spreads out the pamphlet he received at the entrance so that Airi could easily see it.

　It lists various attractions such as a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, a haunted house, and a coffee cup.

"Oh, let's go with this."

"...Let's start from the beginning."

　Airi points to the pamphlet.

　There was an illustration of what looked like a giant swing.

　However, the seat where people normally sit is designed like a boat, which swings violently from side to side. It's a thrilling attraction.

"Yu-senpai, are you not good at this sort of thing?"

"That's not why, but it was the first time and I thought maybe it was because you were more calm."

"This is the last time I'll be able to go on a date with Yuu-senpai... so it's going to be a climax right from the start."

　Airi hums a phrase she's heard somewhere before.

"Okay then, let's go."

"Yes♪"

　He entangles Yu's arm with his own and pulls him along as if leading him.

　If he linked arms with Yui, he would be able to feel her chest against his arm, but with Airi he couldn't feel that. If Airi found out that he felt a little lonely, Yu couldn't help but think that she would be completely upset.

　Dodging the people passing by, Yu and Airi head towards their destination.

　He'd been out with Airi many times before, but the location made it feel a little strange. At the same time, he remembered that he'd never been on a date like this with Yui.

　Although they have gone on dates after school and sneaked out to the park in the middle of the night, they have never experienced the kind of date that normal couples would go on at least once.

　This is because Yui is a celebrity, and would be a perfect target for paparazzi and other people who want to get a scoop. Yu was aware of this, and had accepted it as something that couldn't be helped until now.

　However, when I come here on a normal date, even though it's not with Yui, I can't help but think that.

　I just want to go on a normal date.

　He goes out without worrying about what other people think, and goes wherever he wants with Yui in broad daylight. And wherever he goes, he has casual conversations. Is it too greedy to want that?

　However, that would be impossible now that the movie has been released and her popularity has begun to skyrocket. Not only are more people aware of Yui's face, but there are also more people hoping to get a scoop on her.

　We occasionally see reports of celebrities' love affairs in magazines and on TV, but Yui cannot be the target of such reports.

"…………"

　If the person she loved started thinking such things right next to her, there was no way Airi wouldn't notice.

　However, even so, she only changed her expression several times and didn't say anything to Yuu. Or rather, Airi didn't have the presence of mind to even say anything.

　Before I knew it, I had already finished riding the attraction that I was most looking forward to riding first.

　Ever since making a date with Yu, Airi has been longing for this day to come. Even though this will be their farewell, it means she will be able to go on a date with the person she loves.

　However, Airi finally realized something now.

　This means that no matter how much you want to make this day the best it can be, it won't come true if the other person doesn't feel the same way.

　Airi doesn't think that Yu isn't enjoying this date at all. First of all, Yu isn't good at putting on a fake smile, and there's no way that Airi, who has known him for a long time, wouldn't notice.

　However, sometimes Yuu finds himself thinking about being somewhere other than here, with someone other than himself.

"Yu-senpai, is there anywhere you want to go?

　Airi spoke to Yu, interrupting his thoughts.

"Huh? That's right... how about go-karts?"

"Go-karts... Yu-senpai, do you like cars?"

"Not really. I just happened to see this. And it's not a screaming kind of thing, so I thought I could enjoy it while having a leisurely conversation."

　There are one-person and two-person go-karts, but since they've come all this way together, Yu invites them to try the two-person one.

"I understand. So it's a drive date."

"I wonder if that's going to happen?"

"Please drive safely, senpai."

　The gloomy expression he had had just moments ago was gone.

　Even if Yu doesn't pay any attention to me, my feelings for him are genuine.

　Let's have fun.

　There is only a little time left to hold on to this feeling of love, and it is up to me to make the most of this limited time or let it go to waste.