While walking slowly toward one of the cafes in the park.
Haruki's heart fluttered, feeling the softness of her small, delicate hand on his arm. Seeing her hand resting there felt both natural and exhilarating.
"What are you smiling for?" Kyouko smiled and looked at him while walking gracefully beside him, her steps measured and elegant in the heels.
"Nothing, you just look beautiful today."
Kyouko smiled and glanced forward, averting his eyes, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "T... that's how you should talk to a girl. Make them happy. Compliments like that make a girl feel special and appreciated."
"Yeah, yeah." Haruki chuckled softly, his eyes warm as he looked at her. "I'll remember that."
They arrived at the cafe, a charming little place with ivy climbing its white wooden walls and a small outdoor seating area shaded by large umbrellas. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries.
"So, do you want to sit outside where we can enjoy the garden view, or inside where it's quieter and air-conditioned?" Haruki asked, glancing at her.
"Mm... I think the outdoor one. The weather is lovely today."
"Alright." Haruki smiled and led her to a table under one of the large umbrellas. He pulled out her chair for her before taking his own seat across from her.
Kyouko opened the menu and looked at the offerings.
Everything looked delicious, but what I really wanted was quite expensive.
Since Haruki was just a college student who depended on his part-time job and monthly allowance, I didn't want to burden him.
I should just order something simple, like the coffee set or the basic cake.
"Hmm... I think I'm going for coffee and this cake, Haruki."
Haruki smiled and took out his old phone, starting to message Kyouko on LINE.
Just order anything you like. If you don't, I'll call you "Mom" right here~
Kyouko noticed a notification on her phone, took out her old phone discreetly under the table, and opened the LINE message. She read it before her eyes widened.
She replied to the message.
Oh? Do you think you could handle this "Kyouko"?~ What if I order the most expensive things on the menu? The seasonal special parfait, the premium coffee, and maybe even that limited-edition dessert platter? (≧∇≦)ﾉ
Haruki's phone vibrated with her reply. He glanced at it, then looked up at her with a challenging smile, typing his response.
Ooh~ Scary~. Go Ahead... But remember, Mom, you'll have to finish everything you order.~
Kyouko typed her reply. If you say so~
Just then, the waiter approached their table. "Good morning. Are you ready to order?"
Haruki nodded. "I'll have the house blend coffee and the chocolate croissant, please."
The waiter noted it down, then turned to Kyouko. "And for you, Miss?"
Kyouko glanced at Haruki with a playful glint in her eyes, then smiled at the waiter. "I'll have the seasonal special fruit parfait, the premium coffee, and the Garden plate, and soufflé pancakes, please~"
The waiter noted it down with a slightly amused expression. "Anything else?"
"That's all. Thank you." Kyouko smiled sweetly.
Just as the waiter was leaving, Kyouko leaned forward, lowering her voice. "You're going to regret this~"
Haruki grinned. "We'll see about that, Kyouko~"
Kyouko looked at Haruki and said in a low voice. "Why not message on our new phones?"
Haruki leaned forward and said in a low voice. "That's for 'my date' and this phone." Haruki said while showing his old phone. "Is for me to contact you directly as..." Haruki lip-synced without voice. "Mom."
Kyouko glared playfully and returned the lip sync. "If you say so... son."
Haruki chuckled and shook his head.
"So after this... where are we going, Kyouko?"
"Hmm? You don't ask that on a date." Kyouko glanced around and lowered her voice. "You should think of it before planning any date." She pointed at her old phone while lip-syncing. "Message here."
Kyouko started typing on her LINE ID.
You should plan it early when going on a date. Not asking the girl on your first date. That's a bad impression. ⊂(▀¯▀⊂ )
Haruki replied.
I never went on a date, Mom. Isn't this the reason you insist on teaching me? If it were up to me, I'd bring the girl for a walk in this park, have a chat. And if she starts feeling bored, I'd bring her to the mall and go shopping. ╮(╯ ∀ ╰)╭
Kyouko read it and chuckled.
Wow... are you a rich billionaire who brings a girl on a first date shopping? (๑•́ ₃ •̀๑)
Haruki tapped the keys and replied.
(ಥ ͜ʖಥ) No... but I do save some money.
Kyouko replied.
Still, on a first date, you should bring her to walk around. This location is already good for a first date, like walking, treating her to food. Or an aquarium, museum ( ˘･з･)
Haruki chuckled and replied.
Whoa... seriously? ( ಠ ͜ʖ ಠ) What if the girl I go on a date with hates museums and thinks aquariums are boring? What if she just wants to go shopping or see a movie, and I end up looking like a boring guy who doesn't know how to have fun? Or what if she thinks I'm too cheap because I didn't take her shopping?
Kyouko typed her response.
Then you're not compatible! (◣_◢) If she only cares about shopping and spending your money on the first date, she's not the right girl for you! A good girl will appreciate the thought and effort you put into planning something meaningful, not just how much money you spend!
Haruki read it, then looked up at Kyouko with a soft smile and typed his reply.
What if I'm really interested in this girl? Hmm?
Kyouko read the message and replied.
Still a no! Don't spend too much money on a girl you take on a first date. If she's only impressed by how much you spend, she's not interested in you as a person. She's interested in your wallet. A girl who truly likes you will be happy just spending time together, no matter what you do. (◣_◢)
Haruki replied again.
So what if I want to impress her? I'm sure "she" isn't the type who only cares about money... but I still want to show her I care. I want to make her feel special.
Kyouko read the message, her expression softening. She typed her response.
Then show her you care by paying attention to what she likes. Remember the little things she mentions. Bring her to places she'd enjoy, not just expensive places. That's how you make a girl feel truly special. (◕‿◕✿)
Haruki looked up from his phone, meeting Kyouko's eyes with a thoughtful expression.
But at least I can buy her something other than just food, right? You said first impression is a must. This means a gift on a first date would be good, right?
( End Of Chapter )