The Day Meant Only For Us (9)

The next morning,

I quickly got ready and headed out to meet Kiyomi at our planned location.

Soon, I reached the destination and looked around. It seemed as if I had arrived first. Before long, I heard a gentle voice calling for me. I turned around to see the ever-beautiful Kiyomi, dressed in soft purple clothing.

I blushed as I greeted her. She praised me, saying I looked handsome, but I mumbled that her beauty was absolutely breathtaking.

"Hm? I didn't catch that," she said playfully, leaning closer. "Say it again."

This time, I said it a little louder, and she blushed in return. People around us glanced our way, watching us like we were some romantic couple out of a storybook. I took the initiative, reaching for her hand, gently leading her away from the crowd to begin our date.

Kiyomi smiled joyfully and held my hand tightly. Her touch was so soft and warm—it felt like I was holding a cloud.

Our first date spot was an amusement park.

She looked up, eyes wide in surprise. "It's huge…"

I smiled. "This whole place is our date. There's so much we can do here—carnival games, rides, restaurants… everything."

All of this had been possible thanks to Aika's suggestion—and the tickets she helped me get.

Kiyomi looked at me curiously. "How did you get the tickets? They're usually sold out."

I rubbed the back of my head with a nervous chuckle. "I have my ways."

I couldn't tell her Aika had helped—she made me promise to keep it secret.

Kiyomi eyed me with suspicion but said nothing more. I placed my hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"Don't worry about anything today. This day… is just for us. Just think about me, and I'll only think about you."

She looked away shyly, her cheeks flushed. "Alright…"

We started with the rides first.

From roller coasters to carousel horses, we rode them all. Kiyomi laughed and smiled the entire time, and seeing her that happy made my heart feel full.

Afterwards, we grabbed some ice cream.

While she was eating, a little bit got on her cheek. She looked so adorable like that. Without thinking, I reached out and gently wiped it off. She flinched slightly, surprised, and her face turned crimson.

"It was just ice cream," I said with a smile.

She gave a soft thank you… and then offered me her ice cream.

I blinked. "Huh?"

"Try it," she said sweetly.

I blushed. "B-But wouldn't that be an indirect kiss? We haven't even kissed yet…"

Still, I couldn't resist. I took a small bite of her ice cream, then offered her mine in return. She smiled and accepted it without hesitation.

We enjoyed more rides after that.

Eventually, we got tired and sat down on a bench. She leaned against my arm, her head resting gently against me. That small gesture—her warmth—made me happier than I could ever express.

In my heart, I silently thanked Aika for helping me plan this unforgettable day.

As we sat there, I noticed something nearby—a couple's challenge event being held in the park.

It piqued my interest. "Hey, Kiyomi… want to try that?"

She glanced at the event, then looked back at me. "If it makes you happy, then sure. Let's do it."

We approached the event area, where many couples had already gathered. Kiyomi seemed a bit nervous. I held her hand and gently pulled her closer.

"Don't worry. As long as we're together, we've already won."

She smiled, her nerves easing.

I scanned the prizes and noticed a beautiful necklace. It shimmered like it had been made for Kiyomi. I wanted to win it for her—no matter what.

The event began. It was filled with mini-games, and each couple earned points based on their performance.

We did our best and, in the end, placed second.

I felt a little disheartened, but Kiyomi tried to cheer me up.

The rewards ceremony began. I noticed the first-place couple received a free holiday coupon—not the necklace I had been eyeing.

That confused me. I was sure the necklace was for first place.

Then came our turn. To my surprise, we were given a small gift box. I instantly recognized it—it had to be the necklace. I had asked about it earlier.

Kiyomi noticed my reaction. "Is that what you wanted?" she asked with a smile.

I hugged her tightly. "Yes. It's exactly what I wanted."

She hugged me back. "Then I'm happy too."

I decided to hide the box for now. I wanted the moment to be perfect when I gave it to her.

She didn't question it, and we continued enjoying the day.

As the sky turned a warm orange, I suggested we grab dinner. "We've been walking and playing for hours. You must be hungry."

She nodded. "I am, actually."

We chose one of the park's best restaurants and treated ourselves. While we ate, she fed me a few bites, and I returned the gesture, offering her food with a laugh.

It felt like we were in our own world—just the two of us, smiling, laughing, loving.

After dinner, I asked if I could take her somewhere special.

"Where?" she asked curiously.

"You'll see," I said, taking her hand.

We walked to the edge of the park where a grand Ferris wheel stood tall against the twilight sky.

Her eyes widened. "This is it?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

We got in, and as the Ferris wheel rose, the entire amusement park unfolded beneath us.

Kiyomi marveled at the view. I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was radiant—more breathtaking than any view.

As we reached the top, I softly called her name. "Kiyomi…"

She looked at me, smiling.

"I have something I want to give you," I said, pulling out the silver rose necklace.

She gasped, covering her mouth, cheeks glowing with emotion.

Before I could say anything else, she leapt forward and hugged me. "I love you more than anything," she whispered.

I smiled, my heart pounding. "I love you too."

She averted her gaze shyly. "Put it on me?"

I nodded, moving behind her to fasten the necklace. Our cheeks brushed as I secured it.

When I stepped back, she looked stunning. The necklace sparkled against her skin.

"Thank you," she said, smiling brighter than ever.

Drawn in by her radiance, I gently placed my hand on her cheek and leaned in, lips inching toward hers. Just as we were about to kiss—

A firework exploded outside, startling us. We jumped apart, laughing softly as we watched the dazzling display.

When the ride ended, we exited hand-in-hand, heading to the final event—the park's parade.

We watched the glowing lights and bursts of color together. While standing side by side, we promised each other:

No matter what, we'd always be there for one another.

After the parade ended, we began walking out of the park.

Suddenly, Kiyomi's phone rang.

She pulled it from her pouch, glancing at the screen. "It's from my neighbor, Mrs. Kamika. I asked her to look after my parents while I was out… It looks like she's been calling for a while. I didn't hear it because of the noise."

I looked at her, concerned. "If I'd known your parents were sick, I would've postponed the date."

She shook her head. "No… It's my fault for not telling you. I left them alone like an irresponsible child."

I gently reassured her. "They'll understand. They love you, Kiyomi. They'll forgive you."

She didn't say anything more and stepped aside to take the call.

Though I couldn't hear the conversation, her expression spoke volumes—something wasn't right.

When she returned, her face was pale.

"I'm sorry, Yuki. Something urgent came up. I need to go."

She thanked me softly, then turned and ran off.

I waved goodbye, but unease settled in my chest. Something was wrong. I could feel it.

And yet—I didn't know how to help. I didn't even know where she lived.

Feeling helpless, I slowly made my way home, hoping—praying—that everything on her end would be alright.