Chapter 33 - It Seems that JK Idol-san is Interested in Seafood (part 3)
After a slightly late lunch and exploring the vegetable market building, we returned to the fish market building located on the 4th floor and made a stop at Uogashi Yokocho street along the way.
Clams, eels, and other delicious-looking things were neatly arranged.
"Wait a moment, Himahara-kun!"
"How much sweet food are you planning to buy?"
"Huh? There's pudding, yokan, and odango."
"Oh well, why are you buying all of that?"
"I'm going to eat them later, and I also got some for Himahara-kun."
What's wrong with this girl's stomach?
"What did you buy, Himahara-kun?"
"I bought hanpen. It might be the main dish for tonight."
"Haha, you're just like my mom."
"And also seasonings."
"You really are just like my mom."
We continued our steps and found a souvenir shop. Clothes and banners displaying unique souvenir products were showcased in the display case.
"This T-shirt might suit you, Himahara-kun."
Sakurazaki took out a T-shirt while laughing.
The T-shirt had a beautiful print that said "Otoro."
"Then, this one is suitable for you."
I handed her a T-shirt with the word "Abura" printed on it.
"Mou!"
Sakurazaki puffed her cheeks in annoyance but soon burst into laughter.
"Ah, I'm satisfied with everything."
As we left the facility, the sunset was already visible.
"Did you enjoy the seafood?"
"Yes! I never thought I could taste such delicious seafood. I thought that could only be done in Hokkaido."
"Well, Hokkaido is amazing, but every region in Japan has its own unique specialties. When you go to different places for shooting, it's nice to try the local dishes."
"...Yes, but I want to be with you, Himahara-kun."
Sakurazaki gently intertwined her hand with mine.
"It's not too crowded today, so you won't get lost, right?"
"I, I always make sure that Himahara-kun doesn't get lost!"
"Alright, alright. In that case."
Well, it's fine.
"We've reached our destination. How about taking a short walk?"
"Y-Yeah."
Hand in hand with Sakurazaki, we strolled through the park located west of the Toyosu market.
The park was surrounded by vast land and green grass.
From the hilltop here, it seemed like we could see the view of Tokyo city.
"As I mentioned on the phone earlier, thank you for the encouragement you gave me through your messages on the concert day."
"Hmm? I didn't do anything significant."
"For Himahara-kun, maybe not, but for me, it gave me more courage than anything else."
When Sakurazaki stopped walking, I was pulled by her hand.
...Hm?
"Hey, why don't we sit on that bench?"
We sat on the bench, and Sakurazaki handed me some sweet food she had bought earlier. I ate the pudding that was filled with egg from its packaging.
"This pudding is delicious, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it's really good."
Sakurazaki looked happy.
Next to her, I suddenly voiced out what came to my mind.
"Sakurazaki, why do you send me messages every day?"
"Huh? Why are you asking that out of the blue?"
"I'm just curious."
"Why... I send messages every day because I'm curious about what Himahara-kun is doing..."
"Why? I don't have any interesting activities, I'm just lazing around."
"I'm interested, or something like that..."
Interested, huh?
Is an active JK idol like her really interested in someone like me who just lazes around?
"When you reply to my messages, I feel relieved... Ah, knowing that Himahara-kun is doing well."
A confirmation of life, huh?
"Well, I'm curious too. Why does Himahara-kun reply to my messages? Even though you don't like troublesome things."
The biggest reason is to prevent Sakurazaki from feeling sad if I don't reply to her messages.
But if I were to say that, it would only add more problems, for sure.
"Because I'm also interested in you... maybe."
"You're interested in me..."
After finishing the sweet food, I stood up from the bench.
"Well, it's time to go home now."
"....Yeah."
"....You seem like you don't want to go home."
"Because... because this is enjoyable... Himahara-kun, when can we meet again?"
"I'll adjust to your schedule, besides, I don't have many activities."
"...Really?"
"Yeah."
Sakurazaki also stood up slowly from the bench.
"In that case, let's go watch the fireworks!"
"Fireworks... I understand. I'll check for any fireworks shows."
Well, that's one of the summer traditions.
But I have to check if there are any fireworks shows that match Sakurazaki's day off...
Oh, right, if there aren't any, maybe I can substitute it with fireworks from a household goods store.
"Watching the fireworks, and then takoyaki and yakisoba."
"They'll still be the priorities, right."
Translator: Janaka