The Odd One Out

SS. 15 - A Christmas Date

Today was Christmas, December 25th. It was snowing. Temperatures were low. There was a huge Christmas tree at the entrance of the Keyaki Mall. The atmosphere was really like I had read in books.

Most importantly, I had plans for today.

A date with Arisu.

At least that's what she called it. Is there a difference between a date and a meeting? I must admit, I'm clueless when it comes to these things.

That was why Arisu decided to teach me all about these things. I recently came to the realization that there are so many things I could never learn nor experience in the White Room.

Right now, it was the afternoon, and I was sitting on one of the many benches close to the Christmas tree, wearing casual clothes and the necklace Arisu gave me, waiting for her to arrive.

Yesterday, as preparations for the date, I read online that it was recommended to arrive earlier than the meeting time, so that is what I did today.

I was admiring the different colors shining on Christmas tree.

Color.

Something so unusual for me. The outside world is really nothing like in the White Room.

As I contemplated the scenery, I heard the constant sounds of a cane tapping the ground getting louder and louder.

"Kiyotaka, how long did you wait? There's snow on your head."

It seemed like I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't moved an inch. The falling snow slowly accumulated on my head and my clothes.

"I just got here," I said. That was obviously a lie, but that was what you're supposed to say in such a situation, according to the internet.

"Fufufu... you're a horrible liar. Let's get going now, shall we?"

I stood up from the bench and shook off the snow.

"Is there anywhere you want to go?"

"You're supposed to be the one to decide, you know."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. It is an unwritten rule. Now, where are we going, Kiyotaka?"

"Who knows."

"You're seriously bad at this. Is there anywhere you want to go? Somewhere you've never been to?"

I've went to a lot of places in the Keyaki Mall. I tried out a lot of restaurants, I even went to the movies a few times, but there was one place I was yet to go to.

"Let's go to the arcade."

"Interesting choice. I'll be following you then."

The Keyaki Mall was filled with students from all three years. Most students were here to hang out with their friends, or go out on a date.

The arcade was on the fifth floor, so we had to take the elevator. Luckily, nobody was waiting for the elevator except us. We entered the empty elevator and pressed the button for the fifth floor.

The elevator door started to close when a young man put his foot inside the elevator to stop the door from closing.

"Please excuse us... Oh, it's you, Ayanokouji."

"Hello, Manabu. Hello, Tachibana."

Former president Manabu and former secretary Tachibana entered the elevator.

"Good afternoon to you, Ayanokouji, Sakayanagi," he gently said. Tachibana also greeted us.

"If it isn't the former president and the former secretary. It's a pleasure to see you two here," Arisu said.