デカセクト

Chapter 18

"Do you two have any plans for tonight? We should go on a double-date!" Hamabe exclaimed but the only one who shared the same excitement was Dori as the other two looked liked they'd rather be home in bed.

"Well, I was going to take Shouko to a restaurant for dinner but I guess we should just go together." Dori shrugged. He didn't even think he would meet Shouko that day so of course it was a total lie and Shouko knew that.

"That's great! We should go now!" Hamabe said before hooking her arm with Nijiro's.

Shouko was uncomfortable yet she didn't want to tell Dori that she wanted to go home. The thought of the other two going on a date hurt her but she'd rather go on the 'double-date' with them than go crazy while thinking about it at home.

Both Dori and Nijiro had brought their cars which were parked a block on opposite sides so they had to separate until they get to the restaurant. In the car, Shouko played with her fingers and tried not to think about the silence. Luckily, Dori started up a conversation with her.

"I'm sorry I dragged you into this." Dori spoke and glanced at her to give her a small smile. "I wanted to ask you out to dinner earlier but they came in so I kind of forgot about it until Hamabe mentioned it."

Shouko thought for a moment, not knowing what to say to him. She actually liked his company but she didn't feel comfortable hanging out with him while Nijiro's with them. It was just too awkward for her.

"You shouldn't apologize." Shouko gave him a soft smile. "I'm actually happy that I get to spend time with my favorite artist."

"You listen to my songs?" Dori asked with a big smile. He didn't know why he was so happy to hear her say those words.

"Y-Yeah..." Shouko nodded, her blood rushing to her cheeks.

"Man, this is so embarrassing." Dori tried not to grin but he failed. He felt like a giddy kid inside.

"Why are you embarrassed?" Shouko chuckled, finding it amusing that his cheeks were also red.

"I-I don't know..." Dori bit his lip and tried not to look at her. "Okay, let's not talk about that."

Dori chuckled and moved on to another topic. Shouko felt relaxed and more comfortable with him after that. It was such a nice feeling being able to talk to him like he wasn't someone who had billboards with his face on it. He was just Dori, a guy she could consider as a friend.

By the time they arrived at the restaurant, they completely forgot about the other two. They were too busy talking about things like movies and music.

"Oh, Hamabe." Dori uttered in surprise.

"You two really get along, huh? You even forgot we were here!" Hamabe teased and the two blushed.

"I'm heading inside." Nijiro rolled his eyes and left them there. There was a line but he went all the way to the front and just got in.

"Wait, is he allowed to do that?" Shouko asked. She wasn't sure if he would get that kind of special treatment even though he was a celebrity.

"We're good friends with the owner." Dori spoke up, putting a hand on her back. "Don't worry, Shouko."

Shouko blushed once again as she felt the warmth of his hand through the shirt she was wearing. The three finally followed Nijiro inside and went over to the booth where he sat.

Dori observed the two on how they behaved. Nijiro would often glance at Shouko whilst Shouko would do everything to pretend not to notice. Surprisingly, Hamabe was oblivious to the whole thing.