During my university lecture, my mind remained in a hazy daze.
—Shinta-kun.
Her gentle voice sent sweet reverberations through my mind.
"...Shizuno-san."
I accidentally murmured her name under my breath, then jolted back to reality and glanced around.
Fortunately, no one seemed to have heard me, and I sighed in relief.
*****
After classes ended, I set off home alone as usual.
Along the way, a vibrant green caught my eye.
I strayed from the path.
Breathing in the fresh, verdant scent, I walked deeper inside.
"My, Shinta-kun."
Drawn by her soft voice, I turned toward her.
"Hello, Shizuno-san."
I grew flustered and instinctively lowered my gaze.
"You came to see me again?"
"Sorry, it's only been a day since yesterday..."
"No, I'm happy. Would you like to come in?"
"Ah, yes."
Invited by the kind Shizuno-san, I stepped into her home once more.
"I brewed some tea today."
She set down a teacup with gently rising steam.
"You didn't have to go through the trouble."
"Fufu."
Watching her smile, I couldn't help but grin as I sipped the tea.
"It's hotter today than I expected. I'm sorry—would you have preferred barley tea?"
"N-No, not at all. Please don't worry about it."
I hurriedly replied.
"You're so sweet."
"You're the sweet one, Shizuno-san."
We exchanged smiles.
"Phew, I'm a little sweaty."
Saying this, Shizuno-san smoothly slipped off her jacket.
In her lighter attire, her figure became even more pronounced.
My eyes locked onto her ample chest before I could stop myself.
"Hey, Shinta-kun."
Suddenly called by name, my heart skipped a beat.
"Do you really enjoy talking to an old woman like me?"
"Old woman...? Shizuno-san is very beautiful. I'm happy just talking like this."
"Thank you. I'm happy talking with you too, Shinta-kun."
After that, silence briefly settled between us.
The ticking of the clock felt strangely uncomfortable.
I considered finishing my tea quickly and leaving.
"What do you usually do for dinner?"
"Huh?"
Caught off guard, I hesitated.
"Instant ramen, I guess..."
"I see."
Shizuno-san lowered her eyes for a moment.
"Would you... like to have dinner with me?"
She cast a slightly bashful glance my way.
I swallowed hard.
"Or is this too sudden? Am I bothering you?"
"N-No, not at all! But... are you sure it's no trouble?"
Shizuno-san shook her head lightly.
"I'm always lonely eating alone. I'd be happy if you joined me."
"I-If you don't mind me being here..."
Stammering, I answered, and Shizuno-san smiled warmly.
Then, with graceful movements, she stood up.
"Is there anything you don't like to eat?"
"Ah, I'm not a big fan of green onions."
"What about eggplant?"
Right after asking, for some reason, Shizuno-san covered her mouth with her hand.
"Yes, I can eat eggplant."
"O-Okay. I'll get things ready, so wait here a moment."
With that, Shizuno-san hurried to the kitchen.
(Dinner at Shizuno-san's place... and homemade, too.)
My heart raced with excitement.