Fated to Meet(COTE X Tomodachi Game)

Chapter 36: Friend Double Date

(Yuuichi POV)

After the ship docked, me and Ayanokoji made our way back to the dorms together. Horikita was nowhere to be found, and Chiaki was walking back with Hiyori.

Glare after glare was all I got from the other classes. Our class seemed wary around me now, but they were happy that we won both parts of the exam, and moved up to Class B.

"Where do you think Horikita went?"

Ayanokoji was wondering the same thing.

"She probably has a lot to think about."

It was windy and warm, so my hair blew over my face.

"What do you plan for her now?"

"Nothing. Horikita can make her own decisions, whatever they may be. We have other things to worry about."

Realizing what I was talking about, Ayanokoji nodded.

"The date with Hiyori and Kotonoha tomorrow, right?"

"Don't call it a date...but yes."

This friend date will be the major key to a partnership with Class C.
(Chapter 35 has more details on this)

"Sorry, the 'friend date.' That's how Hiyori put it."

"You have weird taste in girls."

I know romance is common among high schoolers, and I hear the other boys in our class often talk about what girl they like.
Ichinose is a common name, but Hiyori...well I only learned about her existence after we met.

"I think you're misunderstanding something."

We make our way into the dorm lobby.

"I know. I'm just teasing."

"You tease?"

I press the 4th-floor button on the elevator, and it opens instantly.

"Of course I do. I just did a bunch of it on the ship after all."
-
That night, I sent my first text to Kotonoha.
I got her number from Arisu, who is the only number on my phone other than Ayanokoji's.

Are you doing anything on Saturday?

As soon as I send it, I realize my mistake.
She has no idea what this number is.
That didn't seem to matter though.

Nope, no plans Senpai.

I can only assume Arisu gave her my number as well.
Just what is she doing?
Putting that aside, I have to ask Kotonoha out without the implication of a date.
That is going to require me to mention the other parties coming.

Can you come with me to the mall? Ayanokoji and Hiyori will be there as well.

An instant reply comes.

Of course! We'll call it a date! But, isn't Hiyori the girl you yelled at on the boat? She's in my class.

I forgot who I was dealing with.
She also probably knows exactly why this "friend date" is happening in the first place.
I'm surprised that she also didn't find out I apologized to her.
Kotonoha would probably freak out at the sight of me apologizing.

I'll put that away for later.

It's a friend date. That's what she's calling it.

...Ayanokoji has weird taste in girls.

She voiced my thoughts exactly with her reply.
I would point out the coincidence, but this conversation is anything but friendly.
It's a negotiation.