Chapter 33: Am I really dating this girl?

Inokashira park is famous for its amazing scenery especially during spring when the cherry blossoms are present. But unfortunately, we wouldn't be seeing that today. But still, this place is amazing. 

We went to the pond where we can go boating. I suggested that we rent a swan boat but Shin insisted that Yukino and I go on a paddle boat separated from the rest. Yukino seemed to be fond of the idea so the two of us rented a paddle boat while the rest went on a swan boat. 

"Would you rather that the two of us went with the others?" Asked Yukino as we were alone on the paddle boat. 

"No! This is better! I-it's more romantic this way." Said I as the two of us blushed, looking down away from each other's line of sight. 

I paddled the boat as Yukino enjoyed the spectacular view the place offered. Despite being surrounded by other boats, it felt like it was just the two of us. Like all people disappeared as my eyes only locked onto one person shining brightly in front of me. Her hair being waved back by the gentle wind was definitely something that made me think that "Am I really dating this girl?" Yukino looked at me with a smile on her face. My body moved on its own and leaned for a kiss so we did. She was quite surprised but smiled right after I went back to my original sitting position. I was too embarrassed by my actions so I just continued paddling the boat enjoying the scenery.

"You really do love me huh?" Said Yukino.

"W-what? Of course! That's a given."

"You're cute when you get embarrassed Aoi haha. I wish that this could go on forever but the two of us know very well that it won't. I'm really sorry for being this selfish Aoi." 

"As long as I can spend time with you as much as possible, I wouldn't regret any of this so please don't worry about it Yukino." 

"I love you Aoi." 

"I love you too Yukino." 

"Do you plan on telling them about your condition?" 

"I guess I will when I'm ready." 

"Just tell me whenever you're ready. I'll be there with you." 

We continued paddling the boat and took lots of pictures together until it was time to go back. The others seemed to enjoy it as they were able to take lots of pictures that seemed to make Yukino a bit jealous. 

"Don't worry Yukino, we have all day, let's take lots of pictures together." Said Shin. 

"Shall we go to the zoo then?" Said Haruto. 

"Let's go!" 

I guess this month's salary of mine will mostly be spent on my personal desires and goofing off with the group. But this isn't so bad, it's not like I'm saving for something in particular so might as well have fun. 

We arrived at the zoo and bought our tickets. The zoo was crowded, most of them children with their parents or couples. Shin and Haruto were holding hands the whole time. It seems like Yukino noticed that and started giving me a look that she wants to do that as well but I'll probably be embarrassed to take the initiative so I pay her no mind. 

There were a lot of animals that caught the group's attention but I wasn't that interested with most of them. But the squirrels looked cute if I were to be honest so I took a good amount of pictures. Haruto, Arata, and Kaito were like kids imitating the Tsushima leopard cat as the girls laughed at them. They were so fixated on imitating them that the people passing by also laughed considering that these grown men are imitating an animal like kids. I guess men will be men. 

"So? What animal do you find interesting?" Asked I.

"The Capybara." Answered Yukino.

"Capybara? That's surprising. Why is that?" 

"I like how they act as if there is no one else in this world aside from them. I like their laid back personality. Plus they're really cute, just look at them." 

Well, I guess they really are cute so I took a picture of them. 

"Do you want me to take a picture of you with those capybaras?" Yukino seemed happy so I took the camera she's holding.

"There." 

"You suck at photography but I guess this will do." 

"Oi!" 

Well, it wasn't my forte to begin with. 

"I'm amazed your arms aren't hurting, you've been recording almost everything ever since we met this morning." 

"Well, they are for the documentary. But yeah, it kinda hurts now that you mentioned it." 

I took the camera and held her hands which seemed to surprise her. I know I'm bad at it but this will be funny when the videos of the whole film Yukino will make is finished. 

"Isn't that hard? Holding a camera on your other hand while holding my hand?" Asked Yukino.

"It is, but.. I want to hold your hand." 

We strolled around the zoo and took lots of videos and photos. I bet Yukino will be really happy how we're able to gather a good amount of videos and photographs that she can put in her film. Now I'm really looking forward to how that thing will go. I'm excited to watch it. I just hope that I get to watch it with her. 

"Should we call it a day then?" Suggested Shin. 

"Yeah! It was a lot of fun but I'm getting tired now." Answered Yukino. 

The three boys were rather sad that it's time to go home. To be honest, I'm kind of sad that the day was about to end but I can't do anything about it. It's getting a bit late and Yukino's tired. She needs to rest. 

"C'mon you guys! Act like an adult at least. We'll go on other trips when we all have the time." Said Shin.

"Take care guys!" 

Yukino and I went to the parking lot with Hina. 

"Do you have a vehicle parked?" Asked I.

"Yeah." 

I was kind of curious to see what she drives. We reached the parking lot and I was indeed surprised to see what she was driving. Even Yukino was in awe.

"A BMW!" Said Yukino.

"Yeah, it used to be my mom's but I bought it from her." 

"Are you some secret rich kid or something of that sort?" Asked I.

"Who knows? Maybe I am, maybe I'm not." Said Hina from the opened car window as she waved to us and drove off.

Now that was something. I took Yukino home and gave her a kiss on the forehead that made her blush.