Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 22 - The Past (Part 13) A Date

Days pass, and Megumi continues to stay at my place. I'm slowly starting to get used to having him around. Maybe this is what I'm destined for: to be Megumi's wife. But it still saddens me that I was forced into this so-called arrangement. I don't know if I'll ever accept it. I had no choice; I just gave in.

Suddenly, I'm taken back to what Togame said that day when I confronted him. His words echo in my mind, and I can feel my heart pounding as the memory floods back, making me question everything once more.

I snapped back to reality when I heard a knock on my bedroom door.

"Yes, Megumi? Do you need anything?" I asked cautiously.

"Is it okay if I come in?" His voice echoed from the other side of the door.

"Of course," I replied, waiting for him to enter.

"I hope I'm not interrupting you, love." He smiled warmly as he walked in and shut the door behind him. He approached my bed where I was lying down. I quickly adjusted myself and rested my back against the headboard. I'd gotten so used to him now that I even allowed him to see me in this state. I put my hair up in a bun and waited for him to speak.

He sat right next to me, looking at me with a smile. Feeling extremely self-conscious, I picked up my phone and pretended to go through my emails. He stretched out his hand, placed it on my phone, and pushed it down. "Are you really going to ignore me like this?" he chuckled. He leaned in closer, looking right at me. I tried to act normal, but for some reason, I was nervous.

He spoke softly, "I have plans for us tonight. We've been dating for over six months now. I don't think I've ever taken you out on an official date—shame on me." He shook his head as if disappointed in himself for not initiating it sooner. I stared at him, clueless, wondering what he had planned for us—or rather, for me. His hand reached out to my head, and he stroked it as he smiled. "Be ready at seven, love." He got up, ready to leave, but paused. "Oh! I forgot to mention, please wear something warm." He smiled as he left my room.

What could he possibly have planned for me? His words leave me puzzled as I glance at the clock, realizing it's already 5 p.m. With a tired sigh, I think, I'd better get ready. But what did he mean by "wear something warm"? Oh man, why am I so awkward about this? I talk to myself as I head to the bathroom to freshen up.

I stand in front of my wardrobe, pondering what to wear tonight, completely clueless about where he's taking me. Should I go with jeans? But what if that's too casual for the evening? Maybe I should just ask him instead of stressing over my outfit. I decide to seek Megumi's advice. As I open the door, I catch sight of him across the hall, his bedroom door wide open. He's wearing jeans, a grey t-shirt, and a dark blue jacket. I find myself staring longer than I intended. He looks amazing right now. And then the worst happens—he notices me. Crap! I slam the door shut, my face burning with embarrassment. Oh no, he's definitely going to ask me about this. Please, no! Maybe I should bring it up before he does.

Glancing at the time, I see it's almost 7 p.m. At last, I figure out what to wear. So, it's a casual date—phew. Did I just call it a date? I blush at the thought. I slip into black jeans, a red long-sleeve top, and a black jacket. I glance at myself in the mirror, satisfied with the look. I quickly add black sneakers, realizing I need to diversify my wardrobe; it's mostly black clothes. I pull my hair up into a high ponytail, apply minimal makeup with a touch of red lipstick, and head out. Megumi is waiting for me in the hall. Our eyes meet simultaneously. He flashes a broad smile.

He rises and walks over to me, taking my hand in his and holding it gently. "You look lovely tonight," he says, blushing as he speaks. I blush too—how ridiculous! I try to mask my embarrassment. "Thank you! You look great yourself, Megumi," I stammer, feeling awkward. "Well then, let's go, I hope you'll enjoy what I've planned.'' He beams as he holds my hand and leads me to the exit.

He helps me into his car, opening the door and making sure I'm comfortable, even fastening my seatbelt for me. His thoughtfulness is evident, and I can see how excited he is to spend time with me. I should honor that and make sure nothing disrupts this special moment. 

We continue driving down the deserted road, and I realize this is the same road where Togame and I first met—the memory of our first kiss comes flooding back. Megumi's voice breaks the silence. "So, why were you staring at me from across the room?" He chuckles, catching me off guard. I had almost forgotten about it. Ugh, I should have been the one to bring it up. My face goes pale, and Megumi notices, laughing heartily. "Gosh, you're adorable, Ruby," he says, giving me a fleeting smile.

I blush and quickly gather my thoughts. "Sorry about that, Megumi. I didn't mean to stare. I was just trying to figure out what to wear, but you didn't give me any details," I reply, my voice tinged with annoyance.

Megumi keeps laughing, and I've never seen him this cheerful before. His happiness is contagious, and I can't help but smile.

"Well, looks like we're here," he says. I glance around, and the surroundings are pitch black. "Megumi, this place looks dangerous," I say, my anxiety evident. There isn't a single streetlamp. Why on earth would he bring me here?

He turns off the car engine, and darkness envelops us. I can barely see anything. He reaches into the back seat for a flashlight, turns it on, and hands it to me. "Here, take this. We'll need it," he says with a reassuring smile as he gets out of the car and opens my door.