Infinite Stratos - Volume 7, page 5
"Huh!? No, but, if I get closer..."
I secretly glanced at Houki.
I originally thought that she would be angry at me, but unexpectedly, she rolled her eyes up at me and gave me a gentle expression to invite me in.
(Uu!?)
Since when did the Houki I know become so cute? I knew that already, but that's not fair.
I tried my best to calm the throbbing in my heart as I sat beside Houki.
"Ah~..."
Houki's arm got touched slightly, and she let out an unbelievably cute sound.
*DOKI!* My heart started to throb again.
"Mn~, sitting together like this still doesn't look good. Orimura-kun, hold Shinonono-san around the waist.
"...Wha?"
"Hold—her—by—the—waist. Hurry!"
"O-Okay!"
Nagisako-san suddenly spoke sternly, which surprised me, and I had to answer. What should I do?
(Well, a hand around the back of the waist. This hand, that...)
Somewhat panicking, I moved towards Houki to make it easier for me to grab her by the waist.
The moment I touched her body, wow...the sweet vanilla perfume spread out.
"!!"
I can feel my heart beating wildly, and in the midst of that, I used my trembling hand to grab Houki's waist.
"Ah..."
Houki let out a little whimper. The light dash of pink gloss on her lips looked like they were about to suck me in, and the breath that came from her mouth felt so bewitching.
(Calm-Calm down, calm down...)
This sentence echoed in my mind, and I inadvertently swallowed my saliva.
"Mn, it's not bad, but I want it to have more impact."
Moving her face away from the camera, Nagisako-san folded her arms in front of her chest and looked up.
"Okay. Let's have Shinonono-san hug Ichika-kun's head with both hands. Wouldn't that carry a lot of impact? Mn, okay. That's good!"
*PACHN!* The sound echoed throughout the room.
"Alright, let's do it!"
Nagisako-san smiled.
(Wait, isn't that too...)
Thinking about this, I turned to Houki. Our eyes met in a distance less than 10cm away.
"Ahh..."
We saw each other, Houki and me.
For some reason, it felt like time stopped at that moment, and both Houki and I didn't move.
(Houki's eyes are beautiful...)
The eyes that never changed since we were young were brimming with strength, but it's different now.
I don't know how to express this in words, but Houki had a hidden side that I didn't know of.
And no matter what, it intoxicated me.
"..."
*Kashan!*
The flash of light caused Houki and I to recover.
"Mnn~, that's a nice photo. Looks like there's no need to put the hands away."
"Th-This..."
"..."
Houki and I got embarrassed at that moment and quickly separated like a spring.
"..."
"..."
I don't know whether she understood our silence there, but Nagisako-san gave us a 'Really, you guys' smile, and earnestly gave us a thumbs up to tell us, good job.
"That's all! Good work! Next, you two can change clothes. Oh yeah, we'll give you these clothes, so just take them back!"
"I-I see..."
"Okay."
Houki and I answered ambiguously as we headed off in opposite directions.
"Then, I'll send you the data of the dinner voucher through phone. Please remember to tell me your e-mail address before you leave. That's all. It's been a tough day."
It's not just Kaoruko-san herself, even Nagisako-san's footsteps were so light. She had already started to transfer the data in the camera, and was using the Mobile Client to check.
"Th-Then, Houki."
"Wha-What's the matter?"
"Le-Let's go change."
"Ah, yeah."
Houki and I continued to maintain this delicate distance between us as we had this stiff conversation. We headed off to our changing rooms.
"..."
"..."
Of course, we remained silent on the way.
Anyway, let's fan off that heat on my face.
◆
(He-He praised me...Ichika praised me...he said that I was cute...)
Taking off her clothes in the changing room, Houki stared at herself who was only wearing her underwear and holding onto her own clothes.
Clenching her fists tightly, the white blouse that was covering the huge cleavage seemed to be pondering.
(And...not only that...)
The sensation she experienced when both of them exchanged looks floated up in Houki's head, dying her face red completely.
(Looking at each other at such a close distance...)
At that time, she was so nervous her heart was about to rip open, and now it was giving off a delighted sensation.
The distance where they could feel each others' warmth and breathing like lovers looking at each other and hugging made Houki's heart race.
(I-If, we're alone...)
The image of her kissing with Ichika unfolded in her mind.
"Nn..."
She closed her eyes and let her fingertips move across her lips.
It was a feeling that took the breath away from people, but it also gave her a sense of guilt that she shouldn't have done that.
(--Okay.)
She opened her eyes that were showing determination.
(I'll treat him to dinner on our way back. Are there any good restaurants nearby...)
Thinking about it, she searched through her memory.
(Oh yeah! My roommate Shizune borrowed a book that mentioned that name. Let's go there then. I remember it should be near the subway when we're about to go back.)
Remembering that the restaurant had the huge tagline 'Top 10 amongst the most popular restaurants for couples', Houki's face started to heat up again.
(I can definitely do it today...calm down, invite him. Mn.)
Repeating these words over and over again, Houki finally recovered and continued changing.
She was smiling brightly, either because of embarrassment or happiness.
...
......
........
On the way back, Houki and Ichika were walking together side by side.
Both of them were carrying the clothes they wore for the photo shoot today in the bags.
"We-Well, that was a refreshing experience."
Perhaps somewhat aware that Houki's of the opposite gender, Ichika stuttered.
"Is-Is that so? That can be a kind of life experience."
Just like that, both of them continued with their unnecessary conversation as they headed down the stairs leading to the subway.
(Okay...I'm going to say it, I'm going to say it now...!)
Patting her hand hard on her chest, Houki decided to say it out.
"I-Ichika, well, how about we have dinner...well, erm, together..."
"Hm? Okay. But the cafeteria's still open now."
"No, it's not like that! Not in the cafeteria...well...out, outside, together..."
"Ah, outside? I see."
Ichika let out a 'mn' sound and started to ponder.
Houki stared at Ichika, and felt that the waiting time was really long.
"Alright then. It's rare to go out anyway. Let's go then."
"! I-I see...o-okay."
Houki's face suddenly dazzled, and she looked happy and yet embarrassed.
"Then, where will we go eat? How about the family restaurant in front of the station?"
"No-No! I know of a good place. Let's go there then."
"Oh, I understand."
Making a "Do your best" gesture in her heart, Houki started to get excited because she believed that she had won.
But...
"Ah, we're full today."
This sort of thing does happen at dinner time on Sundays, and the restaurant that magazine advertised, 'Coniferous Forest'[7B 5], is fully packed with customers.
And this place was basically filled with couples which made Houki even more sad.
"What now? It says here that we have to wait for two hours...how about we head back to the cafeteria?"
"No-No need! We'll just eat outside! O-Outside!"
(Bu-But what do we do? Amongst the other restaurants I know of, the rest include family restaurants, the eateries on the street at the shopping mall in front of the station and the ramen houses...)
But these restaurants wouldn't fit the mood she wanted.
Anyway, feeling really determined, Houki started to look through the information on the magazine.
(The 2nd rank stop's opposite the station...the 3rd one is too far away from here...erm, the 4th...)
Houki, who was troubled, had her hand raised by Ichika.
"Ah, I know of a good shop. Let's go."
(WA-WAAA!? MY-MY-MY HAND...I-ICHIKA, HE'S HOLDING ONTO IT...!?)
*DOKI!!* Her heart pounded intensively. It felt like her heart was about to pop out.
"From now on, we have to walk quite a bit. Any problem with that?"
"Ah, ah...whatever you say..."
Anyway, as she was concentrating on Ichika's hand, Houki could only answer blankly.
"..."
Having her hand held by Ichika, Houki's heart fluttered as she followed him from half a step behind.
This continued for more than 20 minutes, and they finally reached that shop.
"It's here."
"U-Un?"
Looking forward to a romantic eatery, Houki was stunned by the one in front of her.
"Gotanda's Eatery...?"
"Yup. I mentioned it before, right? It's my friend's house."
"I-I see..."
Houki's shoulders dropped dejectedly, but thinking about it carefully, this is Ichika we are talking about. It's possible for him to fulfill her expectations.
Haa...after sighing for a while, she entered the shop with Ichika.
"Oh, Dan."
"Huh!? Isn't that Ichika!?"
Half of the seats in the shop were taken. It was likely that Dan had to help out in his own shop, as he's serving food with an apron on.
"Hn? You brought a girl with you today?...Do-Don't tell me it's your girlfriend!?"
"Why do you look so happy?"
"No-Nothing...well, that's your girlfriend, right!?"
"Nope. Didn't I tell you in middle school. She's my childhood friend, the first one. Didn't you notice her at my birthday party?"
"Idiot. Do you know how much effort I spent asking for Utsuho-san's address..."
"What about Utsuho-san?"
"Ahem. Nothing at all. Oh yeah, ah, that. Shinono-san?"
Un, un, as Dan tried his best to remember her name while putting his folded arms in front of his chest, Houki finally answered.
"Shinonono Houki."
"Fuu, yes, I'm Gotanda Dan. Nice to meet you."
"Ah, ahh."
Houki suddenly remembered about Gotanda Ran, and started to feel wary.
(That Ichika. Maybe he came here to look for that kid...)
Thinking about this, Houki was led to her seat.
"Then, call me when you are decided on what to eat."
After that, Dan returned to the counter.
Houki read through the menu, and at the same time, initiated a conversation with Ichika.
"Do-Do you have any special recommendations?"
"Hm? Each one of them is good. If I have to choose one, it's the fish-based set meal...ah, the curry here's nice too."
"I-I see. Fuu..."
Though she said that, she couldn't help but continue to be mindful that 'Ran may come over'.
"Ah—well...ahem! I-Ichika?"
"Hm?"
Looking at the same menu, Ichika answered.
"We-Wel-Well..."
Say it! Just say it! I need to try my best!
...Well, though she tried to encourage herself in her heart, she still couldn't pull the trigger.
(Buck up, Shinonono Houki! What happened to that usual confidence?)
--O-Okay! I'm going to say it, say it! Say it out!
"SPE-SPEAKING OF WHICH, ICHIKA!"
"? What's wrong? Why so loud out of a sudden?"
"No-Nothing...sorry."
It seems that she was too forceful as the surrounding customers were all shocked.
Ichika continued to look at Houki, who was backing away in guilt, and said,
"Speaking of which, since the time you started going back to the kendo club, your figure's really good, Houki. Well, your posture's really straight, and the curve of the back is really elegant."
"Is-Is that so? Than-Thank you..."
Backing away, Houki continued to drink the water down in large gulps.
--Again, again, go me, go.
"I-Ichika."
"Hm?"
"Ah...that..."
Looking up, their faces met again, and Houki started to panic again.
--SAY IT!
"It-It's just that. Right now, I'm practicing how to cook, so if you don't mind, I'd like to let you try it the next time..."
--ARRRGGHHH!! WHAT AM I SAYING!
"Oh, is that so? Houki's cooking's great. I'll try it to my heart's content next time."
"O-Okay! O...yeah...yeah!"
Seeing Ichika smile so happily, Houki nodded her head as her ponytail swayed. She looked really happy too.
"Then, I'll order the Grilled Fish and fries set. What about you, Houki?"
Completely forgetting to order, Houki frantically turned to look at the menu.
"Mn, this Fried Wildfire Roasted Vegetable set looks good too. It's a specialty of theirs too...and the hotplate menu..."
"I see. Then, that'll be all."
Forgetting everything about Ran, Houki enjoyed the time she had alone with Ichika.
"Hey, Dan--, can you take our order now?"
"Coming."
"I want a grilled fish with fries set meal, and Houki wants the Wildfire Roasted Vegetables."
"Okay, got it. Please hold on for a moment."
After jotting down the order, Dan moved off into the kitchen.
--In the meantime, the owner of the Gotanda Eatery, Dan's grandfather, Gen saw Ichika over there.
"Hn? Ichika's over there!"
"Ah, that's right. You old devil."
"Oh. Wait, wait, is that his girlfriend? GAHAHA!"
"No, I guess that's not the case."
"HEY!! RAN!! HEEY!!!"
Gen shouted out loudly at the main house. A while later, a 'what-?' could be heard from the second level.
"COME DOWN TO THE SHOP! IT'S URGENT!"
"WHY—?"
"JUST COME DOWN!"
Ran's grandfather Gen shouted back at the roof loudly. Two minutes later, Ran moved from the main house to the entrance of the eatery.
On a side note, she was attracting a lot of attention with her looks even though she was in casual clothes.
"What's the matter, grandpa? I'm still doing my assignments—u, huuh!? Ichika-san!?"
"Yo."
"GAHAHAHA!!"
Gotanda Gen, who was laughing away heartily, suddenly stopped moving his hands that were cooking.
Ran compared her dress with Ichika and Houki, who were sitting opposite him, and rushed out of the entrance.
"WAAAAHHH!!"
"What? Hey, Dan. What's wrong with Ran!?"
"...Gramps, Ran's going to be mad at you later..."
"Ah? Why must she be angry with me?"
"Dad, it's time to continue working."
Saying that as she walked out was Dan's mother, Ren, the self-proclaimed lady boss of the Gotanda Eatery.
"Ara ara?[7B 6] Ichika-kun, is the girl with you your girlfriend?"
"I said she's not already."
"Is that so? That's good."
Ren showed a smile, and Ichika smiled wryly, not knowing what to do.
Ten minutes after that—
"We-Welcome, Ichika-san..."
Ran finally walked out. She was wearing something that looked like an apron.
Also, as the real poster girl appeared, all the men in the shop rioted.
"Huh? What's up, Ran. You got changed?"
"Y-Yes, well..."
"Are you going to go out now? It's quite late already."
"Wh-What's wrong with that!? Well, it's just my mood!"
Secretly glancing at Houki, Ran's confidence started to shrink further
(I still can't beat her...)
Most likely, it's because of the breasts.
(Uu...)
Ignoring Ran's delicate feelings as a girl, someone loudly called out Ran's name.
"HEY, RAN! THE FOOD'S DONE. HURRY UP AND SERVE UP."
"I-I GOT IT! DON'T BE SO LOUD, GRANDPA!"
Taking up the food at the counter, Ran turned around to look.
"Humph!"
"What...? Hey, Dan. You, what did you do to make her angry?"
"I DIDN'T !"
"YOU DON'T HAVE TO SHOUT BACK AT ME LIKE THAT!"
"AHH! WHY MUST IT BE ME! IT'S YOUR FAULT, GRANDPA! YOUR FAULT!"
Grandfather and grandson continued to bicker, and beside them, Ren waved her hand lightly to encourage her.
"So-Sorry to keep you waiting, I-Ichika-san."
"Oh, thanks."
She put Ichika's set meal down, and returned back to the counter to get Houki's.
"So-Sorry to keep you waiting...erm, it's been a long time."
"Mn, it's been a long time. Thanks."
Just like that, Ichika and Houki put down their dishes.
...Beside them, Ran continued to look at them, not moving at all.
(Wh-Why are both of them alone together...are-are they on a da-date?...uu, what should I do...)
Seeing Ran standing there blankly, Ichika opened his mouth and said.
"Ran? What's with you?"
"Wha, ah!? I didn't do anything!?"
"No, well...we can't really eat with you staring at us like that."
"Ah, ye-yes! I see! Aha-Ahaha, pardon me for my rudeness."
Ran slipped back into the kitchen. Ichika continued to stare at Ran strangely as he and Houki split the one-use chopsticks.
"Then, itadakimasu."
"Itadakimasu."
Both of them put their palms together, and after that, reached their chopsticks out.
"It's salmon today. Yup, it's good."
On the other side, Houki let out a 'oo' sound as she continued to chew on the Wildfire Roasted Vegetables.
"This...it's really good. I can taste the soy sauce in the vegetables."
