DN 40: A Little Trick

"Here's the autograph you wanted, Masaki-sensei," Yoko Okino said later, handing her copy to Hayato Masaki.

Surprised, Hayato raised an eyebrow. Yoko smiled lightly. "I'm not really a fan of Günter-san's. Since you're more interested, it'll mean more to you."

"I see. Thank you, Yoko-san."

Hayato accepted it.

With the show over, it was dinnertime. To show his gratitude, Hayato treated Yoko to a meal.

The restaurant, an Italian place Yoko recommended, was cozy.

They sat in the corner, and Yoko seemed especially cheerful.

"I've wanted to try this place forever. Finally got the chance today," she said.

"Being a star must be tough," Hayato replied.

"Yeah, my manager and assistants are always watching me. I know it's their job, but sometimes it feels suffocating."

"Is it okay for you to be out like this?"

"It's fine. I cleared it with them, and I deserve a little break, right?"

As she spoke, a server brought their drinks. Yoko took a sip, her face lighting up. "Mmm, so sweet and refreshing!"

"Not bad," Hayato agreed, tasting his—iced fruit tea, crisp and pleasant.

"I don't get to have sweet stuff often, so I might've overreacted," Yoko admitted, a bit sheepish. Then, leaning in playfully, she whispered, "By the way, Masaki-sensei, I'm getting ice cream later. Keep it a secret, okay?"

"If it's just one scoop."

"One's plenty!"

Yoko giggled.

Soon, their food arrived. Though they hadn't ordered much, the small table was nearly full. Hayato glanced around.

"Something wrong, Masaki-sensei?" Yoko asked.

"Nothing. Just realized Italian restaurants are perfect for dates."

"Huh?"

"Look at the tables—they're all so small," Hayato said, resting his elbows on the table, smiling at her. "Sitting across from each other, you're forced to be close."

Yoko held her breath.

Facing Hayato's refined features and warm smile, she instinctively softened her movements.

"By contrast, fancy Japanese restaurants aren't great for dates," Hayato continued.

"Why's that?"

"Those big round tables. Picture a guy struggling to spin the lazy Susan, politely asking the girl what she wants to eat—not exactly romantic."

Yoko pictured it and burst out laughing.

"But not all Japanese restaurants have big tables," she said, still chuckling. "Maybe just the upscale ones."

"True. Speaking of, I've got a trick to tell if a Japanese restaurant's authentic."

"What's that?"

"Check the name. Places like 'Hojo-tei' or 'Shichisei-ro' probably aren't as legit as something bold like 'Tenten Koun Grand Dining.'"

"Got it!" Yoko nodded, like she'd learned a secret.

As a popular idol, she was surprisingly easygoing in private…

Over dinner, Hayato observed her closely. Relaxed, genuinely happy, her reactions to tasty food were cute and unpretentious.

If it wasn't an act, she was truly a remarkable girl.

The restaurant grew busier.

Hayato found the food excellent—worth revisiting now and then.

When they'd nearly finished, Yoko ordered ice cream—despite claiming minutes earlier she was stuffed.

"Eating ice cream under scrutiny is so embarrassing…" she mumbled, then quickly changed the subject. "By the way, how old are you, Masaki-sensei?"

"Twenty-two, I think."

"Same as me! That's surprising."

"Oh?"

"I thought you'd be older…" Yoko said, choosing her words carefully. "You look young—super handsome, too—but your vibe feels so mature."

"If you're saying I look old, I'm crushed."

"No way! You're seriously handsome. Honestly, you outshine every male idol or actor I've met."

Good thing no paparazzi were around, or Yoko's words might've hit the tabloids.

But nearby tables were already glancing over, likely recognizing her but unsure.

"You're about to be spotted, Yoko-san," Hayato warned.

"Oh!" Yoko scarfed down two more bites of ice cream, then donned her mask and hat. Her attempt at stealth only confirmed her identity to onlookers, but thankfully, no one called her out before they left and got into the car.

Hayato drove her back to her apartment.

Beika's nightlife wasn't dazzling, but cruising the evening roads, with streetlights casting shadows across the windshield, felt oddly calming.

"I had such a great time today, Masaki-sensei," Yoko said.

"Me too, Yoko-san."

"Mhm."

As they neared her building, Yoko looked at him, hesitating as she studied his face.

"What's up?"

"Um… maybe just call me Yoko? 'San' feels so formal."

"Alright, Yoko."

Hayato braked, parking smoothly, and turned to her with a smile. "Then please call me by my name too, Yoko."

"Okay, Hayato-kun!"

Yoko beamed brightly.

She opened the door and stepped out, leaning back to look at him from outside.

"See you, Hayato-kun."

***

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