My unplanned trip to the zoo with Karin really passed the time. I should make good timing with meeting Shizuku at this rate.
...
AKI: "So, I heard you're going to take the lead and show me around today. Is that true?"
SHIZUKU: "Yes! You always do so much for me and...well, I never would have been able to write that letter to my favorite children's author the other day if I hadn't had your assistance.
So today is also an opportunity for me to express my gratitude!"
AKI: "Hahaha... You're putting way too much thought into this. Either way, I'm looking forward to our date today."
SHIZUKU: "D-Date...?"
AKI: "So what's first on our list this evening?"
SHIZUKU: "I've put together an itinerary using some guidebooks and Ai's insight, so you can expect a day of non-stop fun!
Our first destination is a pancake restaurant! We should share one of their seasonal pancakes!"
AKI: "Share? Sure."
SHIZUKU: "Over here! No dawdling now!"
AKI: "W-Wait, Shizuku!"
Huh, she's usually so composed. I wonder what's gotten into her today?
...
SHIZUKU: *Whimper* "What a disaster... Oh, I'm such a dummy!!"
AKI: "Sh-Shizuku... Cheer up..."
SHIZUKU: "I am so, so sorry! I know I promised to show you a good time today, but..."
AKI: "D-Don't wor-"
SHIZUKU: "That popular pancake restaurant had a line out the door! Then that famous dorayaki place we went to was sold out! And the pasta place after that was temporarily closed! Then the coffee shop only had tea because their coffee machine broke! We got to eat at that udon shop you knew, but then the trinket shop I wanted you to see afted had moved!" *Huff* *Puff*
AKI: "I'm impressed you had the lung capacity to say that all in one breath."
SHIZUKU: *Sniffle* *Sob* "...Wahhh!"
AKI: "C-Come on, don't cry it's fine, really."
People are starting to stare, like they think I caused this...
SHIZUKU: *Sniffle* "I wanted to be cool like you always are Senpai and show you around! I wanted to say things like 'This place is just as delicious as I heard', or 'Isn't it delightful here?'"
AKI: "Shh, you don't have to be upset..."
SHIZUKU: *Sob* "I am so sorry, Senpai... I put together a whole plan to show you a good time, but it completely fell apart..."
AKI: "It's not your fault, Shizuku. You couldn't have known about the huge lines or temporary closures."
SHIZUKU: "I know... I just really wanted to give you to have a good time..."
AKI: "Now hold on a second. Who said I wasn't enjoying myself?"
SHIZUKU: "Huh?"
AKI: "I've been having a great time all day... Heck, I've been happy since you invited me out!
And while I appreciate the sentiment, you really don't need to push yourself so hard."
SHIZUKU: "Y-You're just saying that..."
AKI: "I'm not just saying this to be nice, okay? This is how I really feel."
SHIZUKU: "But... I wasted your time..."
AKI: "It appears that you still don't believe me. Oh well, I guess I'll have to show you in a different way."
*HUG*
SHIZUKU: "...?!"
AKI: "Let me be clear. Just being able to see you and talk to you is enough to make me happy."
SHIZUKU: "Senpai..."
AKI: "There's no need to be so hard on yourself all the time... You're so cute, smart, beautiful, talented, the complete package. Today was wonderful, spending time with you was wonderful.
Thank you, Shizuku."
SHIZUKU: "..."