Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 2: Dates]

I demonstratively adjust my HeCom under the coat sleeve, "Check!", I also nod in confirmation. I need it for almost everything. So, a certain battery level is essential.

Laha: "Some cash just in case?"

I quickly check the inside pocket of my coat before continuing to button it, "Yep! Here in my inside pocket."

Laha: "Handkerchiefs?"

"Other coat pocket.", I answer his question.

Laha: "Great. Ehm, last but not least..."

Suddenly, my bestie pulls two condoms out of his trouser pocket and holds them out to me.

Laha: "Here."

I naturally turn bright red, "B-but..."

Laha: "I know, it's only your first date alone, but who knows, maybe it'll happen. Then it's good to have some with you."

When I feel Kacchan's piercing gaze from the side, it prompts me to look directly at him. His face, his aura speak volumes, and I just know immediately what he's trying to convey. Yeah, I get it. I haven't forgotten our conversation.

I grab the condoms vigorously from Laha's hand and quickly hide them into my back pocket, "Don't worry, I won't rush things."

Laha: "I know. Just to be safe, sweetie."

I nod slightly with the hope this topic is now crossed out.

Afterwards, we leave my room together and walk to the exit of the dorms. Even Kacchan walks me out.

However, now it's time to part ways.

"Any last words?", I ask in closing.

Laha: "Be yourself, try not to get too nervous.", *hugs me lovingly*, "Otherwise, I hope you have a lot of fun and lots of sparks fly between you."

We release each other from the hug after cuddling for a moment.

"Thank you, sweetie.", I say.

Kacchan: "Oi, nerd. You'd better write when you're back!"

Laha: "That too."

I smile, "Yes~"

Kacchan: "If not, you'll get your ass kicked."

Still smiling, I turn to Kacchan and spread my arms, "Say goodbye, too?"

Kacchan: "Did they shit in your brain, nerd?!"

I must laugh. Then I shrug my shoulders, "Well, was worth a try."

Laha meanwhile stifles his chuckles.

Kacchan: "Tch."

The left corner of his mouth twitches upwards only slightly but I still catch it. Ach, Kacchan.

"Well, Ittekimasu!"

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[Late evening, Tamamushi's apartment]

Tamamushi has excused himself for the bathroom. While he's gone, I sit on his couch in his eat-in kitchen and wait. However, I use this moment to reflect on the evening so far.

Our first proper date is going well. First, we went out to eat at a classy restaurant in Musutafu, which we had chosen together in advance. The meal was excellent and our conversation, during which we got to know each other further, was pleasant. I insisted that we each pay for ourselves, which Tamamushi accepted. After dinner, we went to a special presentation at the Musutafu planetarium. The presentation called 'Close to the stars' was incredibly exciting and very beautiful. I must admit that I even had teary eyes in between. It was also the first time I had been to a planetarium at all, but definitely not the last. When our stay at the planetarium was over, we went for a long evening stroll and talked about all sorts of things. At a certain point, we originally wanted to part ways, but Tamamushi instead suggested going to his place and rounding off the date that way. As I didn't want to say goodbye yet, I agreed. So now we're here in his apartment and just chilling out a bit.