Himegi-san a Bride from the Future Begs Me to Confess My Love to Her Again - Volume 1 Chapter 2.12

Date 12

Perhaps due to the time of day or some other reason, unlike before, there are no customers in front of the takoyaki shop, and thankfully, it seems we won’t need to wait in line like before.

By the way, the person making the takoyaki in front of the counter is the same young female clerk who provided us with takoyaki earlier.

…It would have been better if it were a different clerk. Please, don’t notice us.

Praying silently in my mind, we stand at the counter.

“——Ah!”

In vain, the clerk notices our presence.

Cold sweat runs down my back. Why do I have to get nervous just from buying takoyaki?

“You’re here again.”

Perhaps because it’s our second visit, the female clerk speaks to us with a casual tone. I don’t mind the informality, but that word is troubling for us.

“Again?”

Himegi-san gazes at the clerk with a puzzled expression.

I think that’s a sensible reaction. I would probably react the same way if I were in Himegi-san’s position.

“That’s right. Thanks for the advice earlier. You gave me the courage I needed. I’m planning to consult the police on my way home today.”

“Advice? Consult? Police?”

A bunch of question marks appear over Himegi-san’s head.

Well, it’s only natural that she can’t grasp the situation.

“Um, excuse me, can we order takoyaki?”

If I let the clerk continue speaking, she might provide unnecessary information and make things even more chaotic.

With that thought in mind, I cut in and placed an order for takoyaki.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Please go ahead and place your order.”

“Um, a twelve-piece set, with mayonnaise as a topping… Himegi-san, what about a drink?”

“I’ll have oolong tea.”

“Two oolong teas, please.”

Since there are no other customers this time, we receive the pre-made takoyaki and drinks, and Himegi-san settles the payment.

By the way, when I tried to take out my wallet from my pocket to pay, Himegi-san stopped me with a silent stare.

It seems that this velcro wallet doesn’t sit well with her.

The clerk waved to Himegi-san with a smile.

It seems that Touka-san’s whispered advice to her was genuinely appreciated advice.

However, Himegi-san, who doesn’t know about this situation, looked a bit uncomfortable.

“…Is that clerk mistaking me for someone else?”

“Probably, I guess.”

For now, I want to take a breather.

I didn’t expect buying takoyaki would be so tiring. I sit at an empty table.

Naturally, Himegi-san also sits in the opposite seat.

…Well, what the heck.

I know it’s a little late to realize it, but it’s quite a weird situation.

Yesterday, I was rejected, but I’m on a date with her today.

My life sure is like a roller coaster.

And then, Himegi-san puts her hands together and says, ‘Itadakimasu’ picks up a piece of takoyaki with a toothpick and munching on it deliciously.

Being the same person, the way she eats is quite similar to Touka-san’s—well, almost the same.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, you’re quite photogenic, enough to be in a TV commercial.”

“Thank you. However, excessive praise can be rude depending on the person, so be careful.”

“I was just honestly expressing my opinion.”

And then, I also eat one piece of takoyaki.

Yep, the octopus inside is tender, and the outside is crispy. It’s really delicious.

“What did you think of the movie?”

“It was good, and I enjoyed it. I think that person would be satisfied too.”

“That person?”

“…It’s nothing. Anyway, I have a question for you.”

“What is it?”

“Are you knowledgeable about cards, Ouji-kun?”

“Cards?”

“Yes, like this…”

Himegi-san took out her smartphone from her pocket and showed me a certain image.

” …. “

“Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s a famous trading card game, isn’t it?”

The image that Himegi-san showed me happened to be the same card that Touka-san had just sold earlier.

“This card is really popular, isn’t it?”

“Well, it’s the most popular in the world. Do you want this card?”

“My little sister is really into it and her birthday is coming up, so I thought about giving this to her as a present.”

“I see.”

She’s a thoughtful older sister.

“But I don’t have the courage to go into that shop alone…”

“Ah, indeed, it can be a bit uncomfortable for a woman to go in there alone…”

“Yes, exactly.”

“So, you want me to accompany you there?”

“To be honest, yes.”

“It’s fine, but I think the card in this image is very expensive…”

After all, it was just sold for two hundred thousand yen a while ago.

It should now be priced even higher than that.

“For now, should we go to the card store and decide what to do?”

“Thank you, that would be great.”

“No problem, I’m glad I could help.”

If this can help clear my name even just a little, it’s a small price to pay.

While pondering on these thoughts, I picked up a toothpick and was about to spear a takoyaki when, in no time at all, the takoyaki container was empty.

…Wait, I’ve only eaten two, right?

“I’m going to the restroom. I’ll also throw away the trash.”

“Thanks. I’ll wait here.”

I stood up from my chair, took the trash to the bin, and headed to the restroom.

***

Upon returning from the restroom, I witnessed an event that I might only encounter once in a lifetime.

A guy I didn’t know was lounging in the chair I had been sitting in earlier.

Judging by his appearance, he seemed like a Yankee—flaunting his muscular build with a tank top.

Himegi-san was glaring at him fiercely without showing any fear.

She wouldn’t openly exhibit such hostility towards someone she knows.

In other words, it’s safe to say they’re complete strangers at first sight.

And considering the circumstances, he must be hitting on her.

Sighing heavily, I approached the man.