Stuck In Your Arms (Ittorou / Itto x Gorou)

Chapter Ten - A Second Date

"Boss, I think I see Miss Hina coming." Akira spoke up as he pointed into the distance where a familiar face with two ears was coming this way.

Itto immediately turned his attention to his crush. The way Miss Hina was walking in her beautiful dress, the way the wind ran through her hair and the way she smiled at him from the distance made the oni's heart skip a beat. She seemed more gorgeous than ever.

The world around Itto completely disappeared as the only thing he could concentrate on was Miss Hina. He mumbled something to his friends then ran off to talk to her.

"M-Miss Hina! How come you are here already?" he grinned at her, not sure what to say.

The woman let out a giggle.

"I was actually looking for you. I thought we should start the date early so we'll have more time to spend together." she explained with a soft smile on her face.

The oni gasped loudly.

"You're a genius! And where would you like to go?"

"Just follow me." Miss Hina waved at him as she started walking away.

Itto hesitated for a second, but then immediately followed her behind. His mind was full of thoughts. He mainly focused on their destination but still felt an excitement inside his belly. He was sure nervous about what's to come!

The woman led him to the bridge behind the famous souvenir shop, Netsuke no Gen Crafts. The bridge ran through a smaller lake which was full of unique fish. The beautiful sakura trees gave the place a nice shade.

Miss Hina walked up the bridge and stopped on the top of it as she glanced at Itto from there. The oni stopped in his tracks as he measured her in silence. This whole sight made his cheeks burn. She was indeed out of this world.

"What's wrong, Itto?" she spoke up in a gentle tone which made Itto even more red.

"I– I'm fine!" he shook his head to bring himself back to reality, then walked up to her.

"This sight is truly magnificent, isn't it?" Miss Hina asked as she looked down from the city.

Itto kept silent. He wasn't sure what to say. He was always confident but for some reason, he couldn't get a word out of his mouth around Miss Hina. He felt terribly ashamed of himself as he just stood there in silence.

"You know, I'm very thankful for you." she turned to him suddenly, making him flinch a bit.

"You made me realize that even a person behind a paper and a pen can be loved by someone." she went on while twirling her hair a bit. "I thought no one could love someone like me..."

"What do you mean? You are AMAZING, Miss Hina! Beyond beautiful!" Itto finally found his words. "I think you are just perfect! Everyone loves you."

Miss Hina giggled shyly as she started walking off the bridge.

"Let's go somewhere to eat." she suggested as she held her hand out for Itto.

The oni slowly reached out and took her hand. He felt his cheeks heat up in that moment.

"You do have a plan..." he muttered to himself as he thought.

"Of course. I planned this date, after all." she smiled at him innocently.

They walked to the restaurant together while holding hands. Both of their faces were burning from all the embarrassment, especially Hina's. They took their seats at a table and ordered their favorite meals.

"So about your brother..." Itto suddenly spoke up which immediately caught his date's attention. "Does he lie usually?"

Gorou almost broke his character in that moment. He felt himself starting to sweat slightly as he tried to answer.