Teasing is a Game

Chapter 26 (A Surprise Visit)

I wake up, still feeling drowsy.

"E-Excitement had got the better of me." I thought, tossing and turning on the bed.

I started my day with the usual, tidying up the room, freshening up, and eating breakfast.

"S-Something feels different today.." I pondered, glancing at the clock from time to time.

"I-I feel restless today.." I thought while checking my phone.

"I guess I'll prepare my kimono for today.." I said.

I prepared my kimono very carefully, checking everything that might get Takagi-san to tease me.

"Done!" I exclaimed in satisfaction.

"I guess I'll just wait for the time to pass.." I said to myself, watching Unrequited Love 100%.

Hearing a knock at a door, I get up.

"W-Who could that be..?" I said to myself.

Scoffing, I went towards the door.

I opened it and it then revealed, a smiling Takagi-san in her kimono.

"Good afternoon Nishikata!" She greeted me cheerfully.

"W-What are you doing here T-Takagi-san..?" I asked, confused and nervous.

"Well, I was excited about later." She answered.

"B-But it's still t-too early! It's s-still 4!" I replied stuttering.

"But aren't you excited too?" She grinned playfully.

"N-No.. I-I'm not.." I answered.

Then I realized, my kimono was behind me. I was then in a panic, trying to hide it with my back.

"What are you hiding?" She asked me in my panicked state.

"N-Nothing..?" I answered unconvincingly.

"Oh? Really? There must be something. Maybe behind you?"

Flinching, I thought "S-She knows?! W-What should I do..?"

"T-There's nothing.. really!" I responded.

Slowly and carefully, I grabbed the kimono and walked backwards, also inviting her in.

"C-Come in.. T-Takagi-san.." I invited her panting.

She took off her geta at the entrance. Meanwhile, I hurriedly went into the living room's closet and stuffed the kimono in it.

"J-Just sit here Takagi-san.. I'll go prepare some tea..." I said to her.

When I returned, I was caught in surprise, with my kimono in her hands.

"So this was what you were hiding." She exclaimed, giggling.

"N-No, i-it's not what you think!"

"Oh really? Hmm?" She continued giggling.

'She must think I'm that excited to go to the festival with her. She'll tease me for this!' I thought.

I was suddenly taken aback by her next words.

"Well, I am very happy Nishikata." She said.

"H-Happy..?" I asked, confused.

"Well, you even prepared your kimono for me. It makes me happy that you're thinking of me." She answered, slowly developing redness.

"O-OH! I-It's not like I prepared this for you... I-I just wanted to wear it!" I said loudly, still blushing.

"Really now? Hmm? I wonder.." She leaned.

"Y-Yes! O-Oh look at the time! Let's g-go now..!" I exclaimed, with my face resembling a tomato.

Nishikata changed into his kimono and they went together, walking to the festival and basking under the beauty of the full moon.