บท 496: I want to be your number one

　　Ichika feels like she can do anything today!

　　So she became braver, once the two left the cinema, when Shinichi wanted to let go of her hand, she held on tightly and refused to let go.

　　"Hold me again?" Ichika smiled.

　　It was clearly a question, but it seemed like there was no room for Shinichi to refuse

　　Shinichi didn't say anything, and let her lead him.

　　As long as he is not seen by his acquaintances, let her do whatever she wants.

　　Even though this wasn't a date between couples, Shinichi thought it would be best if he didn't force himself to refuse at this time.

　　And his attitude of not fighting was like a signal, making Ichika's smile bloom even more.

　　It was already past 11 noon after watching a movie. When Ichika was walking on the streets aimlessly and she felt hungry and the two of them went straight to today's lunch place.

　　Shinichi said yesterday that he would be responsible for finding restaurant reservations for lunch.

　　Shinichi found a cheap and clean Japanese restaurant, asked its opinion, and made a reservation yesterday.

　　"Two persons."

　　"Wait a minute... Asada-sama? Please follow me."

　　"Um."

　　Following the waitress into a quiet and peaceful shop, Ichika looked at him who was still holding her hand tightly.

　　"Shinichi-kun, you look very skilled... Do you often come to places like this to make reservations?"

　　 Shinichi thought for a moment. This was certainly not the first time he had booked a table. He had done this before when he went out with his parents or when he wanted to eat. In terms of experience, he had eaten at this Japanese restaurant before, but this was his first time bringing a girl.

　　It had nothing to do with wanting to survive or hiding something, he just answered honestly.

　　"I've made reservations before, but this is the first time I've brought a girl here."

　　Unexpectedly, Ichika exclaimed in disbelief.

　　"So you came here with the gloomy young man from before!?"

　　Shinichi: "😐"

　　(Why was your first reaction towards Fuutarou... No, why were you focused so strangely)

　　Shinichi wanted to raise his hand to flick Ichika's forehead, but found that his right hand was already held tightly, so he had to use his left hand to flick her forehead.

　　"I came here with my family and myself, don't get me wrong!"

　　"Sorry, Onee-san's interests are a bit mixed~" Ichika stuck out her tongue, with a happy smile on her face, not apologizing at all.

　　"But, apparently this is Shinichi-kun's first time..."

　　"Watch your words." Shinichi didn't even want to babble.

　　"This is the first time dating, and it is also the first time eating. If we continue...Um!" Ichika covered her mouth with her hands, her face tensed, and her face turned to the side.

　　Shinichi thought she was sick and wanted to vomit. He saw that her ears were very red.

　　"...Oops, I was a little too happy."

　　Shinichi felt a headache.

　　"…Make no mistake, this is not a date."

　　In order to prevent Ichika from getting a myocardial infarction because of happiness, Shinichi could only pour cold water on her.

　　Ichika turned her face back, raised her head, and spoke seriously.

　　"Whether it's true or not, being able to be your number one makes me happier than anything... Thank you for being able to accompany me on purpose, Shinichi-kun."

　　Her hands exerted strength.

　　Shinichi didn't know what to say.

　　If it were him in the past, faced with such an obvious confession, he would probably pretend not to hear it.

　　Now, it seems that he can only do this...

　　Ichika secretly peeked at his expression. After a while and still not getting a response, her eyes dimmed in disappointment.

　　"Okay, don't care too much! I won't confess to you..."

　　Halfway through, she let go of his hand reluctantly, but forced herself not to care and maintained a relaxed smile.

　　The warmth had just left her a few centimeters, but the other party suddenly took the initiative to hold it, then tightened her palm as she did before.

　　Shinichi took a deep breath. Then, he spoke in a serious tone.

　　"Don't worry, you rarely go out to play, so don't laugh listlessly!"

　　The other hand hidden by his side clenched into a fist as the determination in his heart became stronger.

　　Maybe, doing this might cause Ichika to misunderstand?

　　But Shinichi said he would change, and he made a deal with Rui, so he can't back out now.

　　Ask himself, does he hate holding hands going on "dates" with Ichika?

　　Even though he didn't say it, he still enjoyed it.

　　This is a feeling that cannot be denied.

　　In this case, there is no need to hesitate.

　　Even with this in mind, when faced with Ichika's shocked expression, Shinichi coughed lightly, and pretended to be calm.

　　"...This is our first date. I hope I can be happy until the end."

　　Feeling this behavior was truly embarrassing, Shinichi stared irritably at the back of the male waiter in front of him.

　　Lowering her head, Ichika covered her chest, feeling a heartbeat that was completely different from before.

　　Why...

　　Many questions emerged in her mind, but before that, her heart beat fast.

　　Ichika nodded and spoke softly.

　　"Um, it's definitely possible, if I tell you."

　　At this moment, she didn't even think about anything.

　　Just let them continue holding hands.