บท 80: I Just Want a Single Ending [80] [DDD!]
December Double Drop!
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After all, he hadn't done anything unusual—just made plans to hang out with a friend.
As for what Shiina Taki thought of all this?
It didn't really matter. Eventually, she'd understand his good intentions.
Everyone here was his friend!
"So… what's up with this photo?"
After a long pause, Taki finally looked up and asked Saku with a hint of accusation.
Tomori clearly wasn't at fault.
So, logically, the one to blame was… him.
"Oh, it's nothing. We just happened to—"
Saku didn't hesitate to explain how the photo came about, giving her the full, unfiltered truth.
After all, there was nothing he needed to hide. He had nothing to be ashamed of.
"So it was Tomori who wanted the photo, huh."
Upon hearing the explanation, Taki's attitude shifted immediately.
If only she'd known earlier, she would've asked Tomori to go to the aquarium with her.
Then, she'd be in that photo with Tomori instead of Saku.
Even though Saku looked undeniably good in the picture, Taki couldn't stand the sight of him there. The longer she looked, the more it annoyed her.
But there was nothing she could do.
"Since you're planning to share the paper bags with everyone, why don't you leave them here until tomorrow?" Saku suggested as he watched Taki sulkily selecting bags. "It'd save Tomori from carrying them home today and then bringing them back tomorrow."
Without hesitation, Taki agreed, "Sure, I'll store them in my locker. When I drop Tomori off tomorrow, I'll bring them along."
"...Thank you."
Tomori nodded, grateful as she glanced at Saku sitting across from her and Taki standing beside them.
With that settled, Taki finished picking out a few bags for herself and took the rest to her locker.
Naturally, the two framed photos stayed with Saku.
So he placed them in one of the bags for safekeeping, ready to carry them to the planetarium afterward.
Once they'd ordered their desserts and drinks, Saku and Tomori began eating, discussing their shared interest—stars.
Thanks to the books he'd read, Saku managed to keep up with Tomori's train of thought, contributing to the conversation.
He understood enough to follow along, keeping up with her every word.
Tomori seemed thrilled to have someone who could engage with her so effortlessly on this topic. Even as they wrapped up their lunch, she was reluctant to end their conversation.
Saku let out a quiet sigh, dabbing at non-existent sweat with his napkin. This was intense.
The pressure came from two directions: one, keeping up with Tomori's unique conversational flow, and two, enduring the relentless gaze of Shiina Taki.
From the moment she learned they'd come from the aquarium, she hadn't stopped glaring at him.
And during the peak of their conversation—when he and Tomori were laughing and talking most animatedly—Taki's glare had intensified by several degrees.
Saku snuck a glance at her, still working at the bar.
Taki was polishing the same glass for the eighth time, not once breaking her focus on them.
Was this the legendary craftsman's dedication?
Saku sighed and decided: the next time he hung out with Tomori, they'd go anywhere but RiNG.
Even though he had no romantic intentions—just the goal of building a friendship—Taki's intense watchfulness was a lot to bear.
"Make sure you get Tomori home safely!"
After they'd paid the bill, Taki reluctantly reminded him.
If she didn't have another shift ahead, she would've never entrusted him with the task.
"I will."
Saku didn't mention the planetarium. There were some things better left unsaid—especially if it would help preserve Taki's mood.
This was his kindness at work!
With the paper bag containing the photo frames, Saku led Tomori out and toward the planetarium.
On the way, they continued discussing the topic of stars, picking up where they'd left off at lunch. Tomori clearly wanted to keep the conversation going.
---
Arriving at the planetarium, they bought their tickets and left the bag in the storage area before heading in.
Unlike last time, they'd bought seats together on purpose this time.
Tomori's seat was on the aisle, with Saku sitting directly to her left.
"It's nice to visit the planetarium now and then, huh?"
Reclining his seat, Saku turned to Tomori.
Tomori also turned to him. "Mm-hmm."
"…"
They held each other's gaze for a few seconds before Saku, feeling the intensity, turned to look at the ceiling.
This was way too intimate.
Lying back like this, side by side, gazing at each other…
It was exactly like a date!
Last time he hadn't felt this way because he'd been too preoccupied with the surprise of running into her and the awkwardness of explaining himself.
"What's wrong?"
Noticing his slightly odd behavior, Tomori blinked, puzzled.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just looking forward to today's show," he replied casually, covering up his unease.
"Me too."
Satisfied with his answer, Tomori seemed unfazed.
As the show began and the seats gradually filled up, a girl with blonde hair wearing a white T-shirt and baseball cap took the seat to Saku's left.
He hadn't paid her much mind, glancing only briefly.
But then it hit him—she looked extremely familiar.
He'd definitely seen her somewhere before, and recently.
After a quick mental search, he remembered her name: Uika, one of the idols from the group Sumimi.
Just yesterday, he and Anon had sung one of her group's songs at karaoke.
As Saku was piecing this together, Uika seemed to be struggling with her seat, attempting to recline it multiple times without success.
First time here? Saku guessed.
"Sorry, but this seat won't go down," she said, noticing his glance and giving an apologetic bow. "I didn't mean to disturb you."
Saku pointed to a button on the armrest and explained simply, "No worries. Just press here to recline."
[New romanceable character discovered: Uika Misumi]
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T/N: Oh my goodness more girls!
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
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