Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 2: Dates]

Kyō: *jerks up and turns deep red in a matter of seconds*, "E-eh, ehm, alright.", *scratches the back of his head in a sheepish manner*

I have to smile heartily. He and Tohru are now officially in a relationship, and I'm happy for him. Kyō is the kind of guy who's rather brittle, aloof and rude to most people, just like Kacchan is, but when it comes to Tohru, his soft side shows. That's great!

However, it was crystal clear that it wouldn't take much longer for them, just as Kacchan already revealed to me at an earlier stage. The fact that they had obviously been intimate with each other recently decided the matter once and for all.

In an instant, Tamamushi's face appears before my inner eye. My stomach tingles at the thought that soon he might be the one that takes my virginity. Well, I mean, it's only natural that Tamamushi and I will do it with each other, right? But as I realized last weekend, a part of me, that I don't even know how big it is, is not ready yet, and I've taken Kacchan's advice to heart. Listening to what my gut is telling me and not allowing certain things to happen too fast just because another part of me is impatient. Still, I'm already very excited and looking forward to our first times.

I almost choke on my Latte, which is still far too hot anyway, when Reki suddenly lets out a surprised sound.

Reki: "Guys, I've got THE idea!!!"

What's coming now?

Me and the rest of my squad look spellbound at Reki while he takes a tension-increasing break.

Reki: "Double date!", *waits briefly then nods, confirming his idea further*, "Look...Shin and Izzy are both at a relatively similar stage with their crushes. Both would like going on a date asap, but are u~ltra shy.", *looks first at Shin, then at me*, "On a double date, you'd be in a small group, but not completely alone with your crush. You'd be there as mental support for each other while you get closer to your crush."

Laha: "Yeah, that's a nice idea!"

Reki: "Of course it is!", *sighs*, "The solution is so obvious that it's sad that we didn't think of something so simple sooner!"

Shin: "Well, assuming she still is interested in me..."

Reki: "You will never know if you don't ask her out. So...", *shrugs his shoulders*

He is right.

Laha: *looks at me motivating*, "Sweetie?"

"Uhn. Sounds like a really good solution.", I agree.

Like this, I can prepare even more for our proper date where there will be only the two of us. On top of that, I can be there for Shin, if necessary. I also believe that it will help us with our nervousness, in general.

Reki: "Great!", *promptly opens his HeCom calendar*, "How about next weekend?"

He's really excited about it right now.

I think for a moment and then nod, "I could take the early shift. Just make sure to ask Sir Nighteye in time."

Shin: "Okay, I'll check with Tamaki and the 8th but can't promise anything. Maybe we can at least work out an on-call shift for both of us at the same time. Assuming she really wants to go out with me."

Laha: "Positive thinking, Shin."

Shin: *just hums quietly*

Reki: "It'll be fine."

"Let me know if it works, Shin.", I ask him.

Shin: "Sure."

Reki: "And you can ask Tama right now, Izzy."