I'm in Love with the Gorilla Sitting Next to Me - Volume 1 Chapter 6.2

Secrets are meant to be revealed 2

“…I can’t comprehend your way of thinking. But if it’s not a date invitation, I might consider it a little.”

“Really!? Out of the options I mentioned earlier, which one appealed to you the most?”

“…If I had to choose, it would be the fireworks. It doesn’t feel like a date.”

“Oh, really? Doesn’t it have a strong date atmosphere?”

“It’s nearby, right? Then there’s no chance of staying overnight. We’d just go around the stalls, watch the fireworks, and then disband.”

I see. That’s one way to look at it.

“True, if it’s close by, it would end up like that. My image was more like getting caught in a downpour on the way back and having to stay over, or saying something like ‘You’re more beautiful than the fireworks’ while watching them, so it felt like a full-on date event.”

“…You do realize it’s not a date, right? Also, Saiki-kun’s image is too much of a fantasy.”

“I was trying to pick an event to go to with a friend, but that one seemed the most date-like. And as for my romantic experience, aside from a crush in sixth grade, it’s mostly based on fiction, so I can’t argue if you call it a fantasy.”

“You shouldn’t say that with such a proud face…”

I didn’t mean to brag, but it’s also not something to hide, and it’s a conversation starter. No one else is around, and it might help lower Gossan’s guard, so I’ll share.

“Yeah, I’m pretty clueless about the nuances of male-female relationships. That first crush I mentioned, looking back, I realize it was a crush, but at the time, I had no clue.”

“…I’m not interested in your romantic history, Saiki-kun, but what happened with that first crush?”

“Nothing special. It was just a girl I happened to go around a festival with. I didn’t even ask her name, and that was the end of it.”

In reality, it would be correct to say that the situation that began was far from a first love and was forcibly terminated, but I can’t give such an incomprehensible explanation.

“At that time, I was just playing around with both boys and girls without any particular awareness. If it had been as simple as love at first sight, I might have made a move, but I was too much of a child to notice right away.”

“…You still seem quite childish, you know?”

“I can’t argue with that! But anyway, don’t take this too seriously as a date, just think of it as an invitation to hang out, and that would help me out.”

“I don’t understand what you mean by ‘help,’ but… well, okay.”

Phew. It’s unclear whether she’s convinced, but at least there’s room to invite her——

“So, when and where is the fireworks display?”

“…Huh?”

“It’s nearby, right? If it’s not too far, I don’t mind going. I actually like fireworks.”

“…Oh…”

An unexpected okay came out of nowhere, as if it had just popped up without any preparation.

Is this because Gossan was only worried if it was intended as a date, and if it’s not, then it’s alright? Or does she like fireworks enough to tolerate some discomfort?

Either way, I can’t let this chance slip by…!

“Just wait a sec. The fireworks are at the Nagami River riverbank, and… whoa, it’s today!”

“Today? You mean… oh, that one?”

“Wait, you know about it, Gossan?”

“It’s not exactly in my neighborhood, but it’s not too far from my house. I’ve been there a few times.”

“Oh, really? That’s reassuring.”

“There should be stalls along the riverbank and probably around the nearby shrine as well. We can get food there.”

Despite the seemingly hopeless situation, the plan is coming together smoothly. What’s this, too lucky to be true?

“Maybe I’ll get hit by a traffic accident or struck by lightning and end up seriously injured today…”

“Don’t say such ominous things. It’s also strange that you’re being oddly positive about just ending up with a serious injury instead of dying.”

“Well, I don’t think it’s something that would kill me.”

Hearing my verdict, the gorilla face clearly said, ‘What is this guy talking about?’ but explaining would only confuse her more.

“…Well, it’s fine. Saiki-kun being weird isn’t anything new. So, what time do the fireworks start?”

“Just a moment. Let’s see… looks like it starts at seven-thirty.”

“Then, let’s meet at Nagami Station at seven. It’s only about a five-minute walk to the shrine.”

“Okay, okay. I’ve never gotten off there, but I should be fine.”

“Then, that’s settled. By the way, if you bring up this topic in the classroom, I’ll hit you so hard you won’t be able to taste your food, so be prepared for that.”

With a casual yet frightening remark, Gossan headed back to the classroom.

I tried to call her back, but I only managed to half-raise my hand, unable to voice out.

My mind still hadn’t caught up. I had invited her, but I hadn’t expected her to accept, and now it was just the two of us.

Well, it’s a fireworks festival, so there will be plenty of people around, and we won’t be alone, but it’s still quite different from going with a group. I was the one who said it wasn’t a date, but still.

“…I’m already starting to feel nervous… but…”

This is no time to be trembling with excitement. This is a chance, but if I mess up, there might not be a second one.

To make sure Gossan has a good time, what I need above all is…

“…I have no money… How much is left in the bank… ugh, what am I going to do…!?”

Right after feeling an intense panic about my severe lack of funds, the bell rang.