A Gentleman and his Lady

Chapter Five - Will you go with me?

Three days pass and apparently it was the perfect time to ask everyone out. 

And I mean EVERYONE.

Kaito poured his heart out in a poem for Maki. Only for her to shrug and say "Yeah, sure".

Kiibo had pretty much proposed to Miu. She just howled with laughter and told him to pick her up at 5.

Ryoma had 'requested' Kirumi to escort him. But even as a maid, she could barely contain her excitement. And I don't blame her!

Himiko told Tenko through a magic trick, which Tenko had announced "NO MALE COULD EVER THINK UP ANYTHING AS CUTE AS THIS!"

It was kind of a mutual agreement with Rantaro and Angie. Although Angie still thinks it was all Atua's plan. 

Kokichi forced Tsumugi to go with him and Korekiyo... I mean he's fine with it, still observing western culture and all.

I wasn't too worried about Gonta, but it would be nice... It'd be like a first date for everyone. Our first date...

I feel a vibration from my phone. I shouldn't get my hopes up. He probably doesn't even know how to deal with the feeling. I flick on the screen to see..

Gonta wants to see at the library, if it is not too much to ask!

Annnnnnd I can't help it. I'm hopeless.

Of course Gonta! Is everything okay?

Gonta not sure. Please come! Gonta think it's very important

I practically leaped out of my room. No, keep your cool. Don't expect too much. Not like this is the first time you've fallen in love with a guy and you don't know how exactly to deal with it.

I reached the library, heart in my throat, and take the first steps inside. I was surprised to see Tenko, holding a yellow peony.

"Oh, hey Tenko. Are you waiting for someone?"

She flashes me a grin. "Actually you're just the person I wanted to see! Gonta asked me to give you this". She hands the peony and a letter.

Gonta wants Emiko to go to the cafeteria please! 

I look at Tenko with a beaming smile. 

"I wouldn't normally so this for a man, but Gonta is an exception. Barely. I should probably come with you, just so no males will harass you!" She exclaims.

After a short sprint to the cafeteria, we were greeted by Maki. She held a red carnation and another letter.

"I was meant to give you this. Gonta's request" she says with a sigh. I glaze over the letter.

Gonta think Emiko is doing well! Gonta wants you to go to the pool!

"I should probably come with". 

We look at Maki. "Unless you don't want me to?"

"Be our guest!" I smiled.

Another speed walk to the pool room and we were greeted by Kaito in the pool. It didn't take long for Maki to become as red as her uniform.

"Oh hey! I heard you were swinging by here. Hang on a sec" Kaito leaped out the pool and into the changing rooms. A moment later he came out completely dry and clothed. It was rather impressive how quickly he had done it.

"Was meant to give you this flower. Secret admirer, eh?" 

An orange peony and similar letter.

Gonta wants Emiko to know she is special. But he doesn't know how to show it. So he got some friends to help! Come to the courtyard. Gonta will wait for Emiko there.

"Dude I'm so not missing this, come on!" Kaito basically dragged all of us out the room and outside. I think he was more excited about it than I was! 

Although I think no one could hide their confusion and concern when we ran into Kokichi.

"Well helloooo lovely Miss Emiko. I believe this is yours" he hands a purple carnation to match his hair.  

One more letter. I was surprised he was so willing to give me this. Now we're just waiting for the lie.

Gonta wants to ask you something very important. Gonta hope you like the flowers!

"It's a confession... FROM ME!" Kokichi flashes his infamous smile.

"Come on Kokichi, I you can do a better lies than that" I retort back.

"But EMIKOOOOOOOOOO take MEEEEEE to the DAAAAANCE. I'LL MAKE IT WORTH YOUR WHILE".

We all sighed in unison, and continued with our little journey. With the addition of the mini supreme leader skipping happily beside us.

My breathing quickened, and the feeling of heart in my throat had returned. I just need to keep it together, I can't crumble just yet.

We arrived at the courtyard, that felt more homely and colourful. I felt a sense of belonging here. All the lessons I've taught, all we talked about. This became our little spot.

It wasn't hard to spot him, with his height and unruly hair. He looked nervous, until he saw me and my entourage in eyeshot and his handsome smile quickly appeared.

"Emiko...do you like the flowers Gonta gave y-you?" he starts off quickly.

"I loved them Gonta! You know your thoughtfulness knows no bounds" I shyly smile back at him.

"Gonta wanted to ask Emiko a question, but he worried Emiko would say no". I look at him with bright eyes. 

"Gonta.. I highly doubt I could even say no to whatever you would ask of me.. please, don't be afraid"

I'm quickly pulled in an embrace. 

"Gonta is.. relieved. But Gonta still wants to ask you!" He exclaims excitedly.

My smile grows. "Of course.. What was it you wanted to ask me?"

He lets go and kneels into a kneeling position. He hands me a pink peony.

"Gonta wants to ask if he could take Emiko to the ball and dance? He saw Kiibo, and Kaito do this for Miu and Maki, so Gonta do this for Emiko! Gonta promise he treats you like a lady. No, wait, a princess!"

I leaped into his arms. This overwhelming feeling of happiness came over me far too fast. It was euphoric..

"It would be an honour, Gonta Gokuhara".

"I GOT IT. SHE SAID YES". 

I turned to the peanut gallery that I honestly forgot was there momentarily.

Kaito held the phone in our direction, with Maki at his side rolling her eyes.

"It's not a proposal. They're not getting married". 

She received a wink from Kaito. "Not yet they aren't".