About 200 meters from Private Toyonozaki Academy was a family restaurant called Famille, a popular spot for local students.
In addition to Toyonozaki students, nearby there was a private university and a high school famous in the prefecture for its high advancement rate.
Takashi didn't know the name of the university—he never paid attention to any college outside the top three in the Empire.
But he did know the name of the high school.
It was the first school he visited after coming to Tokyo from Hokkaido—Private Sobu High School.
Funny thing is, he was this close to joining Sobu High back then.
If Sobu hadn't been so stingy with their offer, Takashi wouldn't have taken his talents to Aoba.
Since it was dinner time, when Takashi and his group of five arrived at the restaurant, it was already packed.
Men and women, young and old—most were families dining together. But the largest group was students in Toyonozaki and Sobu uniforms.
Takashi even spotted some familiar faces.
No, not Yukinoshita Yukino. Chiba's not that small—he wasn't running into the Second Daughter every day.
It was Hayama Hayato and Miura Yumiko.
The two weren't on a date—they were having dinner with a few friends.
One of the girls who was wearing a bun hairstyle, even triggered the system.
But Takashi had no intention of pursuing her.
If he chased every girl, how would he be any different from a scumbag?
Besides, were ordinary pretty girls even worthy of him?
Pretty boys were meant to be kept by rich women.
We men only have so many youthful years—having clear goals isn't a bad thing.
"So many people… Should we go somewhere else?" Eriri asked, holding Takashi's hand in one hand and the bouquet in the other.
Utaha stared at those tightly clasped hands, feeling like the scene before her was a complete eyesore.
She really wanted to chop those two hands off.
Takashi withdrew his gaze from Miura Yumiko. "I don't really mind. But it's mealtime now—no matter where we go, it'll probably be crowded."
"True."
Eriri agreed after thinking about it.
"By the way, tomorrow's the fireworks festival. Did you prepare your yukata?"
"No, I'll just wear this outfit."
"Our first fireworks festival together, and you're being this half-hearted?"
Eriri pouted, tilting her face up with dissatisfaction.
She had been looking forward to this fireworks festival for a long time.
She had imagined walking hand in hand with Watanabe Takashi, both dressed in matching yukatas, wandering between stalls, stopping to gaze at the stars when the fireworks lit up the sky.
Fireworks above, her lover's sparkling eyes beside her—just imagining it made Eriri feel romantic.
People who have never been in love—or are experiencing their first love—often hold an idealized, rose-tinted view of romance.
Especially girls like Eriri, who simply couldn't resist romantic fantasies.
"Then how about I go buy one later?"
Thinking this would be the last time he accompanied her, Takashi decided to go along with whatever she wanted.
"I'm not good at picking out yukatas, so I'll need your help."
"Hmph. Let this lady pick one for you—you better be grateful."
Eriri said with a tsundere look on her face.
Takashi was about to tease her, but before he could speak, Tomoya cut in, seemingly eager to assert his presence.
"There's an empty table over there. Let's go sit."
Watching Watanabe Takashi and Eriri acting so sweet and intimate without a care for anyone else, Tomoya felt a sharp pain in his chest—he was deeply hurt.
Eriri's first crush had been him. But wasn't she also the first girl he had ever liked?
Ten years ago, his heart had only held her.
"Aki, we'll always be together, okay?"
That little girl in a white princess dress, golden twin tails, and a smile like blooming flowers—he could still remember her words vividly.
He hadn't forgotten.
Now, seeing the only girl he had ever liked in someone else's arms, Tomoya wanted nothing more than to snatch Eriri away from Watanabe Takashi.
She took the bait.
Takashi looked at Tomoya with a meaningful glance.
The reason he had gone to the gate of Toyonozaki Private to wait for Eriri and acted all sweet with her in front of the others today was specifically to provoke Tomoya.
This guy was the key to his breakup with Eriri.
Takashi didn't know how deep the feelings between Tomoya and Eriri were, but he understood human nature—especially men.
Tomoya would definitely try to steal Eriri back.
Of that, he had no doubt.
And even if Tomoya didn't make a move, Takashi still had a backup plan.
"Let's go."
Takashi smirked at Tomoya and then walked off holding Eriri's hand toward the empty table.
Eriri sat on the inside, and just as Takashi was about to sit on the outside, Utaha suddenly spoke up. "I'll sit on the outside."
Takashi looked up and saw that Utaha was staring at him without blinking.
Don't tell me this woman still hasn't gotten over me?
Takashi hadn't expected that Utaha was still hung up on him.
With this level of obsession, he was willing to crown her the Most Devoted Woman in Chiba.
But honestly, she hadn't treated him well before.
So why was she suddenly acting so devoted?
Maybe... is it true that people always want what they can't have?
Takashi didn't understand.
"Hey, Kasu-fatty! Do you not get the hint?"
Eriri looked at Utaha with clear displeasure.
Why did she insist on sitting with them? Wouldn't the other side be just fine? There were still empty seats over there.
Why did she have to play third wheel?
"Does it have your name written here?"
Utaha's voice was a bit hoarse, but it carried a unique charm.
Even while speaking, her eyes never once strayed from Watanabe Takashi. It was as if she was afraid that if she blinked, he would vanish.
"Are you picking a fight, Kasu-fatty?"
Eriri shot to her feet, glaring at her.
"Alright, ignore her. What do you want to eat?"
Takashi quickly tried to calm Eriri down.
"Hmph."
Eriri huffed and sat down again.
She was in a good mood today and didn't want to argue.
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