Chapter 2277: End of our date


    ?


    As I promised we returned to the arcade ying everything that caught her eye. Eventually, we arrived at the rows of crane games as she browsed what she wanted to get among the stuffed toys. Her eyes stopped on a bear that looked like a mini-me version of her.


    "Alright. Let''s get that one." I said as I pulled her over to it.


    I inspected the machine first to get an angle on how to get one before inserting the coin token into the crane machine. The same as when I got Otoha''s stuffed toys, I was pretty confident in my skill in taking a prize within only a few tries.


    I had Misaki point at the one she wanted before carefully maneuvering the crane. The nking of metal echoed through the arcade as I directed the w, making sure it didn''t miss by much. After a few tries, the bear looked like it was in a bear hug from the w.


    Misaki was overjoyed upon seeing it and she even jumped as we watched the bear drop to the prize hatch.


    She hurriedly picked it up and hugged it to her chest.


    "Thank you, Ruki! I''ll treasure this guy!" Misaki eximed with pure excitement as her eyes sparkled in joy. Her innocence was really a charm that would never cease to amaze me. She looked so adorable holding onto the bear tightly like it was her child.


    "Mhm. But don''t hug it too much. I''ll get jealous." I yfully answered as we stepped out of the arcade.


    Misaki giggled and leaned into me, "I''ll make sure to hug you more, Ruki. This little guy is just your substitute while you''re not by my side."


    "I see. That''s good then. Maybe I''ll learn some doll possession techniques and possess that bear when I am sleeping."


    "Pfft. As if that''s possible." Misakiughed before hugging my arm tightly. The bear went to her bag.


    We walked around the shopping mall for a bit more before we decided to call it a day. I had to bring her back home before her parents arrived. I shouldn''t get her in trouble, right? Besides, with our time here, Misaki had enough material to digest before her excitement would die down.


    As we approached the exit, Misaki nced behind her as though making sure to remember every detail of our date. From the phone store where I bought her phone. To the cafe where we called Akane, Maaya and Himeko. Then to the arcade where we got our private time inside the karaoke boot before we went around ying, ending it with the crane game to win her the bear stuffed toy.


    And since this should be her first time going out on a weekend like this, it became another reason for her to cherish the day.


    We rode the bus home and while we were inside it, the girl who was full of energy finally had a moment to wind down. She leaned her head on my shoulder, her breathing slow and rhythmic, as she enjoyed the quietness of our time together. Before long, she fell asleep with our hands entwined and the bear toy in herp.


    I watched over her for the rest of the trip, making sure she wasfortable while I took my time admiring her innocent beauty.


    It was a peaceful sight that filled me with a sense of contentment. No matter what, I''d always take care of her and protect her from any harm.


    As the bus pulled into the neighborhood, I gently nudged her awake. She blinked up at me with sleepy eyes with a soft smile ying on her lips. But upon realizing that she missed the opportunity to cling to me more, she pouted.


    "Come on. You needed that rest after exuding all that energy." I flicked her forehead lightly before helping her off the bus.


    Misaki rubbed the spot and looked around, realizing we were near her ce. She perked up immediately, eager to show off her prize. "Ruki, can I tell Sister Akane and the others about the bear when we get home?"


    "Of course. Feel free to brag about it to them." I mean, I''m the one who''ll be bugged by them anyway, so it''s totally fine for Misaki to show off.


    Overjoyed. She started taking more photos as we walked, not just the bear but us too.


    No matter from what angle we looked at it, we''d never be mistaken as anything other than a couple who had just returned from a wonderful date.


    After a while, she handed me the bag containing the box and the essories of the phone. Like we nned, we would keep it hidden from her parents. For now, at least. When the timees, I''d be helping her persuade them to keep that on her at all times.


    As we reached their gates, Misaki appeared reluctant to separate from me. She squeezed my hand as though silently telling me toe inside with her. However, she still let go after a while, understanding that it was time for us to part for the day.


    "I''ll see you tomorrow at school. Behave, alright? By the way, is there a name for that little guy?" I kept the excitement in my voice to dispel the gloominess that was trying to settle over our parting.


    Misaki nodded and whispered, "I''ll think of one tonight. Tomorrow, I''ll tell you."


    She giggled before leaning in for onest kiss. Naturally, I caught her lips, making thatst kiss as memorable for us as possible.


    After that, my lovely forehead girl reluctantly took a step back, slipping through the gates and gradually disappearing inside.


    But before I could turn around, I saw her peeking back as she said, "Ruki, take care. And memorize the script for our y! I want to practice with you soon!"


    I smiled and nodded, "Got it, director."


    With another giggle, Misaki sweetly murmured, "I love you... Thank you for today."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Those words resonated in my chest like a gentle melody as I watched her vanish inside before the gates closed with a clink.


    She didn''t even let me reply to it. What a cheeky girl.


    In any case, I stayed for a few seconds, just making sure that she was safe inside and the gates properly locked. Thankfully, her parents weren''t home yet. She wouldn''t be alone in that house since her family was on the wealthier side. Maids or servants were prettymon for


    her.


    On my way back to the bus stop, I sent a message to Sena, Ayu and Marika.


    It''s time for my part-time. Andter, we''ll see if the Ichihara had something prepared for me.