After a full class period of focused practice, Kani Nayuta made significant progress once more. Kasumigaoka Touji felt that with just one more dedicated session, she would be able to swim proficiently. This gave him, as her instructor, a genuine sense of relief and accomplishment.
>>>
Time flew by, and two days passed in a flash.
>>>
Saturday!
The sky, after a long spell of gloom, was finally clear—as vast and blue as the ocean. Marshmallow-like white clouds drifted lazily across the expanse, and a Boeing airliner soared past, sketching two long, parallel contrails across the canvas of blue.
>>>
At the Kasumigaoka residence—
"The weather is so nice today! Onii-chan, do you want to go read together?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha, having just finished hanging the laundry in the courtyard and returning with the empty basin, let out a soft sigh before turning her gaze toward Kasumigaoka Touji, who was lounging on the living room sofa.
Kasumigaoka Touji, who had been contemplating what excuse to use for a date with Kato Megumi, felt a flicker of inspiration. He looked at his sister and asked, "To 'ANDBED'?"
"Yes, it's been a while since we last went," Kasumigaoka Utaha nodded lightly. It was a spur-of-the-moment idea.
"Hmm…" Kasumigaoka Touji put on a thoughtful expression, pretended to ponder for two seconds, and then declined. "You go ahead. I'm not really in the mood."
'ANDBED' was a 24-hour travel-themed bookstore specifically designed for reading. It was a bookstore where you could even stay overnight! The store housed over 5,000 books, but they weren't for sale—customers were only allowed to read them on the premises. The interior was meticulously designed with a book-centric theme; volumes were everywhere—on the ceiling, lining the floors, suspended in the air—creating the immersive sensation of being adrift in an ocean of literature.
Kasumigaoka Touji had visited a few times before with Kasumigaoka Utaha. He had to admit it was a great spot—the atmosphere was excellent, the book selection diverse, and they even carried the latest light novels. Normally, if he had nothing else to do, he would gladly go.
"Alright." Seeing his refusal, Kasumigaoka Utaha was a bit surprised, but she didn't press the matter.
Soon after,
she changed into suitable outdoor attire and left the Kasumigaoka household.
Kasumigaoka Touji followed suit, departing shortly after she did…
…
Tokyo, Shibuya Ward—
"Good morning~, Toujii-kun."
A voice as soft and gentle as a breeze capable of dispelling the summer heat reached his ears.
Kasumigaoka Touji looked toward the source of the voice and smiled. "Good morning, Megumi!"
Today, Kato Megumi was wearing a hazy blue short-sleeved top paired with a black asymmetrical mini-skirt, completed with a pair of pristine white sneakers. The look was fresh, stylish, and undeniably chic. Honestly, she had a real knack for fashion!
"You look amazing!" Kasumigaoka Touji complimented her sincerely.
The corners of Kato Megumi's lips immediately curved into a faint, pleased arc. She looked back at him with warm, gentle eyes and said, "Toujii-kun is also very handsome."
"Hahaha… Let's not just stand here complimenting each other. Come on, let's head to the cinema first."
"Mmm."
Kasumigaoka Touji actively reached for Kato Megumi's small hand, interlacing their fingers as he led her toward the movie theater. Their previous date had primarily followed Kato Megumi's suggestions, so it was naturally his turn to take the lead this time.
His plan was straightforward: watch a movie, grab a meal, play a round of tennis, and then use the excuse of needing to freshen up to visit a nearby love hotel. The blueprint was set!
Of course, whether they actually went to the love hotel would depend entirely on Kato Megumi's feelings. Kasumigaoka Touji was determined to respect her opinion.
"…"
After a five-minute walk along Aoyama Street and ascending a rather steep slope, a uniquely designed building gleaming in the sunlight came into view—
ImageForum!
A famous cinema in Japan! It produced its own films, screened a wide variety of new releases, and even hosted its own annual film festival, the 'ImageForum Festival.' It enjoyed a stellar reputation within Japanese cinephile circles.
Kasumigaoka Touji led Kato Megumi through the entrance on the first floor. The stairwell walls leading upward were plastered with promotional posters for various films. Since they had already decided on a movie and purchased their tickets online, they didn't linger and proceeded directly to the cinema's second floor.
After collecting their tickets from the automated kiosk, Kasumigaoka Touji glanced at Kato Megumi and gestured. "Let's go get some popcorn and drinks."
"What flavor would you like, Megumi?"
"Hmm… I'm fine with anything. For the drink, I'd like orange juice," Kato Megumi replied, her eyes scanning the menu displayed at the concession counter.
"Okay." Kasumigaoka Touji acknowledged, quickly checked the menu himself, and then addressed the staff member behind the counter. "One couple's set, please. Cream-flavored popcorn, one orange juice, and one cola."
"Certainly. One couple's set… that will be 1,300 yen. Thank you for your patronage!" The staff member input the order into the register and looked expectantly at Kasumigaoka Touji.
Kasumigaoka Touji retrieved his wallet, made the payment, accepted his change and the receipt.
Standing beside him, Kato Megumi remarked in a seemingly casual tone, "Come to think of it, Kasumigaoka-san seems to really like cola."
She had noticed him ordering it on several occasions.
"Hmm… not exactly 'really like,'" Kasumigaoka Touji put his wallet away, turned his head, and smiled. "But I have been drinking it a bit more often lately."
Once the weather turned hot, he developed a preference for ice-cold cola.
"I heard drinking too much of this can lower sperm count. I wonder if it's true," Kato Megumi stated lightly.
It was rather surprising to hear the words 'lower sperm count' come so casually from her lips. Kasumigaoka Touji was momentarily taken aback before responding, "It probably is true. But I doubt it would have much effect on me."
After all, he was a man empowered by 'Solar Energy'!
Upon hearing this, a faint look of confusion crossed Kato Megumi's face. She didn't quite understand the source of his confidence.
Just then, the staff member returned, presenting them with two drinks and a large bucket of popcorn. "Here are your popcorn and drinks!"
…
"After all, I'm a man with superpowers!"
Kasumigaoka Touji handed the orange juice and the popcorn bucket to Kato Megumi, leaning in close to her ear to whisper the declaration.
"Eh…"
Kato Megumi blinked, looking at Kasumigaoka Touji as she drew out the sound, her meaning unclear.
"Did you believe me?"
"…Should I believe you?"
Kato Megumi tilted her head in an adorable gesture.
"Uh…" Kasumigaoka Touji was momentarily stumped by her response. He took the cola for himself and began leading them away from the concession stand. "I'll show you later."
"Okay."
The young girl's crisp, agreeable reply hung in the air.
It seemed she didn't believe him.
After all, this was the world of science—!