The Silent Desire

Chapter XI - A Long Day

"No," she snapped, the retort swift and cold, devoid of hesitation. It felt as if something faster than light itself had momentarily flickered in the universe. Not easily swayed by emotion, the harsh denial left me feeling disheartened.

"You're always so blunt, Suzune."

"What were you expecting, Kiyotaka? That a bit of friendliness would score you a date? Maybe you thought I was an easy catch just because you're buddies with my brother? Or are you some kind of creep who corners girls in the halls and then shamelessly asks them out?"

Faced with her onslaught of words, my mouth opened and closed, unable to form a coherent response. Suzune didn't give me a moment to refute her sharp accusations. Her tone grew more cutting, sending a shiver down my spine and causing beads of cold sweat to form. Danger, my instincts screamed. It was crucial to stop her and offer an explanation. But before I could, another shocking statement cut through the earpiece of my phone.

"Fine, Kiyotaka. I'll spare you a slice of my busy schedule. But you'd better pick the place for our hangout and plan the date properly. I won't stand for embarrassment just because you struggle with basic human interactions. And dress appropriately. Meet me at the dorm entrance in two hours."

"Suzune?" I called out, still bewildered, struggling to fully grasp the sudden turn of events and the weight of her unexpected response.

But it was too late; she had already ended the call. What a mess. A teenager's first date was supposed to be a memorable, exciting experience. As a fellow teenager, I wanted to explore the nuances of dating and romantic relationships. Instead, I found myself regretting the very idea of calling Suzune.

"What have I gotten myself into?" With this thought in mind, I quickly prepared for what promised to be a date teetering on the edge of disaster. I hastily retrieved fresh clothes and began to put them on—simple jeans, a crisp white shirt, and my newly purchased black jacket from Keyaki Mall. Uncertain of the appropriate dress code for a date, I consulted the internet sensei, which advised striking a balance between formal and casual. Proper attire, it seemed, conveyed a seriousness of intent and could enhance one's appearance—an important factor in garnering the attention and favor of one's intended companion.

I finished brushing my teeth and added a light touch of cologne, a purchase that further depleted my meager stash of private points. I realized I needed to explore other avenues of income while our class remained stuck at 0 class points. Being broke was an unpleasant experience in every sense. Then again, a stable income - in this economy?!

These final preparations prepared me for my upcoming rendezvous with Suzune. However, I still had a good amount of time left before our meeting, so I began brainstorming date ideas. Options ranged from Keyaki Mall, catching a movie, a simple cafeteria, and maybe a visit to the park near the campus. Perhaps a stroll along the ocean? There were numerous possibilities, and in the end, it was better not to over-plan and remain flexible, adapting to the circumstances as they unfolded.

While having a loose plan for a date was necessary, making overly calculated and robotic decisions could turn the experience into something dull, something I wanted to avoid. Moreover, even though I held no romantic interest in Suzune, I still wanted to ensure our date would be enjoyable for both of us. After all, she has proven her value beyond a mere self-pleasuring experience.

"After completing my preparations, I found myself with a generous block of free time—around an hour and a half. To make the most of it, I swiftly completed my remaining homework tasks before immersing myself in a borrowed light novel, courtesy of Sudo. The story captivated me with its premise—a middle-aged man unexpectedly thrust into a medieval fantasy realm. Sudo fervently championed it as a literary gem of 21st-century Japan, although I approached it with a hint of skepticism.